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How can we love God if we don’t have an on going relationship with Him? To most, God is like an exquisite painting of perhaps a gentle breeze blowing over a garden of ruby red roses. Until such time, we find ourselves in that very garden; with that very breeze blowing over us, as we sway in the right direction.

To experience God, is to love Him, to love Him is to experience and encounter Him in all things visible and invisible. How can we experience and love God if we have other ‘gods’ in our lives. Things or persons we have elevated on a pedestal? More important to us? When we refuse to give up all that leads us away from Him? Pride, lust, envy, greed, selfishness, rage, laziness etc.? When we refuse to set aside time for God our Father? To reverence Him? To worship him? To love and be loved by Him?

All we need to do is to cry out to Him, surrender to Him not as in give up but in accepting willingly His love for us. And Jesus will come and lead us home. As we leave all our sins behind us and journey forwards, we will grow in love and our relationship with our loving God and with one another.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

GOSPEL Mark 12:28–34

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied, “The first is this:Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.The second is this:You shall love your neighbor as yourself.There is no other commandment greater than these.” The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying,He is One and there is no other than he. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Have we already forgotten our Easter Joy? The promise of new life won for us by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ? We have such hope because we already have new life with Christ.  And as we journey through our fleeting life here, turning away from sin and living the Word we know we will rise again with Him at the end. Let us share the hope and joy we have with others….

What about our marriage views and vows? Are we living according to God’s plan? Or do we see marriage with tinted lenses of the world? Does our marriage lasts only the length of our physical beauty and strength? For only what we can get out of the marriage? In only the good times and in health? Do we not realise that we should cherish our spouses with what little time we have and lead them closer to God’s Kingdom by our example and love? We should  be faithful to our marriage vows. Our union is a sacrament, a special communion, a unique experience of being the bride of Christ.

We adore You O Lord and we bless you, because by Your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. Amen

GOSPEL Mark 12:18–27

Some Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and put this question to him, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us, ‘If someone’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no child, his brother must take the wife and raise up descendants for his brother.’ Now there were seven brothers. The first married a woman and died, leaving no descendants. So the second brother married her and died, leaving no descendants, and the third likewise. And the seven left no descendants. Last of all the woman also died. At the resurrection when they arise whose wife will she be? For all seven had been married to her.” Jesus said to them, “Are you not misled because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? When they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but they are like the angels in heaven. As for the dead being raised, have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God told him,I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not God of the dead but of the living. You are greatly misled.”

Do we think we can outsmart or hide behind our lies and deceit before God? Why do we not choose to walk with Him in the garden? Why do we choose to hide in sin?

Who or what is Caesar in our lives? Do we idolise movie stars? Sports stars? Singers etc? Do we choose to emulate them? Or is it our work at the office or money and success ? Do we spend all our time and all our energy focus on the pursuit of them? Is it pornography? Is it games or TV and computer? Forgetting everything and everyone around us? What is your Caesar?

Once again let us ask ourselves, have we reverence God our loving Father? By our dress? Our thoughts? Our actions? By the way we lead our lives? Do we spend quiet and quality time with Him in prayer? Do we listen and reflect on His Word? Daily? Do we love others as we are called to do? Do we serve Him by serving others?

All we will ever need or want, we have in You our Lord, our God. Amen

GOSPEL Mark 12:13–17

Some Pharisees and Herodians were sent to Jesus to ensnare him in his speech. They came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion. You do not regard a person’s status but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or should we not pay?” Knowing their hypocrisy he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius to look at.” They brought one to him and he said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They replied to him, “Caesar’s.” So Jesus said to them, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” They were utterly amazed at him.

Are we truly children of God? Fruitful for Him, always striving to give Him honour, glory and praise by the way we lead our lives?

Or are we like or have we become like the disobedient, evil tenant farmers? Rejecting His Word, His will for us? Living self centred lives bearing no fruits of our own? Finding fault and abusing all those who try to speak to us of repentance or about Jesus? Thinking we know all there is to know about God? Thinking that we can choose however way we want to worship God, in which ever faith we so choose? That we have a right to our inheritance and can do as we please?

There is only one way, truth and life…. Jesus! Amen

GOSPEL Mark 12:1–12

Jesus began to speak to the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders in parables. “A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenant farmers and left on a journey. At the proper time he sent a servant to the tenants to obtain from them some of the produce of the vineyard. But they seized him, beat him, and sent him away empty–handed. Again he sent them another servant. And that one they beat over the head and treated shamefully. He sent yet another whom they killed. So, too, many others; some they beat, others they killed. He had one other to send, a beloved son. He sent him to them last of all, thinking, ‘They will respect my son.’ But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they seized him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come, put the tenants to death, and give the vineyard to others. Have you not read this Scripture passage: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes?” They were seeking to arrest him, but they feared the crowd, for they realized that he had addressed the parable to them. So they left him and went away.

Do we question to seek truth? To grow and increase our faith? Or do we question for self serving needs or gains? Obstinacy and rebelliousness? Close mindedness?

The Holy Spirit leads us to wisdom and knowledge in the capacity to which we are able to receive and to the openness of our hearts. That is why we often find in our journey to a deeper faith and relationship with Jesus, that what once was difficult is now easily understood. What we were once blind to, we now see with clarity.

Lord Jesus, let me be always open to Your Word and to Your call, I pray. Amen

GOSPEL Mark 11:27–33

Jesus and his disciples returned once more to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple area, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders approached him and said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things? Or who gave you this authority to do them?” Jesus said to them, I shall ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was John’s baptism of heavenly or of human origin? Answer me.” They discussed this among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’?”– they feared the crowd, for they all thought John really was a prophet. So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.” Then Jesus said to them, “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

The mother of our Lord and saviour upon receiving such grace and news of the incarnation did not dwell on the great honour or the elated joy that was bestowed upon on her. Instead she made haste to go on an arduous journey to be of service to her dear aged cousin Elizabeth who was with child. And to share the good news of our Lord!

Our blessed mother brought grace and blessings upon Elizabeth by her visit because she brought with her Jesus! And when she was recognised for being blessed above all women she redirected all glory, all praise, all honour to God for His infinite goodness and love!

Who can be more perfect a christian then our blessed Mother? Always in the background, ever loving and compassionate is she.  Where she walks, where she speaks, where she acts,  the Holy Trinity is always before her. She brings the joy and peace of her son Jesus with her where ever she goes.

Oh dearest blessed mother my mother, ever full of grace, obtain for us the gifts of the Holy Spirit that we may be wise with your wisdom, understand with your understanding, know with your knowledge, prudent with your prudence, patient with your patience, courageous with your fortitude and desire always to love and serve your Son Jesus Christ. Amen

(FEAST)
VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

GOSPEL
Luke 1:39–56

39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” 46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden.
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, 52 he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever.” 56 And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.

Whom do we identify ourselves with more closely? The blind man? The crowd? Or are we Jesus for others?

Have we been blind to our faith all these years? By circumstance? Or by choice? Did we do anything to help ourselves? To grow? To learn? Or did we simply wallow in darkness?

With what little faith we have, do we cry out to Jesus for help? With all our heart? Regardless of what others might say? The crowd who would rather we be silent? Who tell us that it is the norm to be blind to our faith? To continue to be one with them?

Or do we strip ourselves of all insecurity, of all that holds us back and go to Jesus. To ask Him to open our eyes and our hearts to the love of God. To grow in a deeper relationship with Him, so as to honor and serve Him all our lives.

Are we Jesus for others? Do we take the time amidst our busy schedules to stop and help those whose hearts cry out for help to know Him? Who hunger and thirst for the Word? Will we spend our precious time to help them on their journey?

Lord I believe, do thou increase my faith. Amen

GOSPEL Mark 10:46–52

As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus told him, ‘Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

Aren’t most quarrels whether among family members, friends, church, office or school mates a result of one forcing their will over another?

Of wanting to be right, to be better, stronger, smarter? In essence to be one up? To be on top and to be recognised as such? So much so that often one may lose sight of what is truly important or what truly matters?

In today’s Gospel we are reminded that the way of our loving Saviour is not of this world. His way is true love, through love, in love and with love. A love in service, of service, through service which does not view sacrifice in itself.

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. Amen

GOSPEL Mark 10:32–45

The disciples were on the way, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus went ahead of them. They were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. Taking the Twelve aside again, he began to tell them what was going to happen to him. “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles who will mock him, spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death, but after three days he will rise.” Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, ‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” He replied, ‘What do you wish me to do for you?” They answered him, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” They said to him, ‘We can.” Jesus said to them, “The chalice that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. Jesus summoned them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Are we to abandon our family who need us, to follow Jesus? NO we follow Him by abandoning our worldly views and values.  Jesus is the source of all that is good and we serve Him by bringing all to faith in Him. Instead of allowing our family and friends to influence us with ways of the world, we are to become shepherds for them and lead them on the path of truth and righteousness towards holiness.

Will it be easy and smooth sailing? No, in fact is it not more difficult to lead our own family members who have lapsed in their faith? In spite of the difficulties we encounter along the way in bringing others closer to God our Father, we are assured that Jesus is with us every step of the way. Our reward will be a hundredfold, but need we worry about rewards? Is our reward not in serving our Lord and saviour in itself? When we put Jesus first in our lives, we are first in His.

Lord Jesus lead me always in Your ways so that I may bring our family home to You. Amen

GOSPEL Mark 10:28–31

Peter began to say to Jesus,‘We have given up everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

Do we praise God with our lips and hands but do not glorify Him by the way we live our lives?

Jesus loves us so much, especially when we follow His commandments for we have His peace and love with us. That it moves us to say to Him what next dear Lord? How can we spend eternity with You?

It is true love that sets us free from the bondage of this world, money, status, greed, insatiable sexual appetites! Can we leave all these behind and truly follow Him? To experience God’s greater and deeper love and share this love with others? To know as certainty and with a deep seeded faith that God will provide for what we need?

Many have tried to use the ‘prosperity bible’ to explain away the truth of our Lord. Where are they now? What lives do they lead? If they knew they could save a thousand lives by selling off their expensive real estate? Their cars and expensive lifestyles? Can they do so without batting an eyelid? If they say Yes, why have they not done so? How can they preach love your neighbour when they will not help?  Or if they do barely enough of the needy or the desolate from their own pockets?

Here are some truths to reflect on……When is enough truly enough when you have it and can use it to make more? To do more? To gain more? Can one truly feel for the hungry if one has never experienced hunger? Hunger with no hope of obtaining a morsel needed to curb it? Thirst for water where there is none? Who that have once experienced true hunger and thirst, would not gladly give what they can without a second thought, to anyone who is suffering the same fate now?

Loving Father, we know that it is not Your intent for your children to suffer in misery and hardship. Help us to grow in love and faith so that even as we suffer now, we know it is for a greater good and that Your love for us will always prevail. Teach, guide and give us the courage and strength to follow Your Son Jesus always. We ask this in your Son’s precious name. Amen

GOSPEL Mark 10:17–27

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not kill;you shall not commit adultery;you shall not steal;you shall not bear false witness;you shall not defraud;honor your father and your mother.”He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.”

Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” At that statement, his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”

To walk in the light unto the narrow path is a daily struggle. It is far easier to choose the wider path and stumble into darkness. Darkness envelopes and extinguishes hope. But if the dim candle of faith still flickers on,  I am able to grope my way out into the light. Thank you dear Jesus for the gift of reconciliation. Amen

Catholicjules

See how high spirited children are. They seem to see, touch, feel everything all at once. They speak Not only when spoken to, out of turn and often laugh untamed. Yet are they naughty? Knowingly? Decisively?

How pure is the heart of a young child compared to yours and mine? When almighty and powerful God came to us, why did He humble Himself to come as a child? A baby?

Do we turn away then, one of these? The helpless, the weak? The uninstructed?

Let us embrace children lovingly as we children of God want to be embraced by our loving Father. Let us come to Him with the heart of a child, to have His touch upon us, His grace, His blessings, His love. Amen

GOSPEL Mark 10:13–16

People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them.

In the very beginning of time, God in His infinite wisdom and love had given one woman to one man to be lifelong partners and by His sacred union with them, man and woman becomes procreators hence the joyous miracle of birth. Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ elevated this to a sacrament whereby man and woman come together freely and give of themselves freely to one another before Him and human witnesses. The couple the actual ministers thereby enter into a sacramental marriage and the fruits of the Sacrament are the graces needed to raise a family and live up to the marital vows.

What has changed? Was it God that changed and allowed for separation? Why do men and women now have a disordered view on marriage? Man with Man? Woman with Woman? How has the views of men and women changed from being subjects of God and love for one another to that of objects of lust and to be used by one another only for personal gratification? To be discarded when no longer needed or useful? Does it all not stem from our hard heartedness? Our world views? Our resolve to divorce regardless of the costs? Or to enjoin what God has not ordained or blessed?

Let my cry come before you, O Lord;
give me understanding according to your word. (PS 119:169)

GOSPEL Mark 10:1–12

Jesus came into the district of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds gathered around him and, as was his custom, he again taught them. The Pharisees approached him and asked, “Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?” They were testing him. He said to them in reply, “What did Moses command you?” They replied, “Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her.” But Jesus told them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this. He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

The passion of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ had secured for us a liberated life as children of God and the promise of eternal life with Him. Do we squabble among ourselves like children of the world, seeking positions and seats of importance? Or do we behave like true children of God?

Do we serve Him by serving one another? Do we seek out in love, the weakest, the least amongst us to serve him? or her?

Do we receive all non-believers in Jesus name? Do we nurture them in Jesus name? Do we love them in Jesus name?

Let us sing….

Children of God that is what we are
Called to love ev’ry one
With our Father’s heart

GOSPEL Mark 9:30–37

Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it. He was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him.

They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they remained silent. For they had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.”

What is our prayer life like? Do we pray with the depths of our faith? Or do we pray with shallow intentions?

When we say Amen receiving the body of Christ, are we truly in communion with one another with Christ as our head? Do we realise that prayer said in communion with one another is the most powerful prayer? Whether we are interceding for one another or praying in union for the kingdom of God? What then is the ‘Prayer of the faithful’?

How would you like to have prayer members come together to pray for serious intentions and not have true faith? Who are skeptical that healing, liberation, deliverance can take place or that any other prayer intentions for that matter will be answered? How would you like to have these members sway the rest?

Jesus is our mediator, our saviour, our healer, our all in all. But because we are one body in Him we too can participate and be witness to His glory in whatever we pray for together as one. When we remain holy, prayerful and when we empty ourselves of all desires except the desire to serve Him and our brethren. There will always be an answer to our prayer for our greater good. Amen

GOSPEL Mark 9:14–29

As Jesus came down from the mountain with Peter, James, John and approached the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and scribes arguing with them. Immediately on seeing skeptical , the whole crowd was utterly amazed. They ran up to him and greeted him. He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I have brought to you my son possessed by a mute spirit. Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable to do so.” He said to them in reply, “O faithless generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring him to me.” They brought the boy to him. And when he saw him, the spirit immediately threw the boy into convulsions. As he fell to the ground, he began to roll around and foam at the mouth. Then he questioned his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” He replied, “Since childhood. It has often thrown him into fire and into water to kill him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “‘If you can!’ Everything is possible to one who has faith.” Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!” Jesus, on seeing a crowd rapidly gathering, rebuked the unclean spirit and said to it, “Mute and deaf spirit, I command you: come out of him and never enter him again!” Shouting and throwing the boy into convulsions, it came out. He became like a corpse, which caused many to say, “He is dead!” But Jesus took him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up. When he entered the house, his disciples asked him in private, “Why could we not drive the spirit out?” He said to them, “This kind can only come out through prayer and fasting.”

Are we guilty at times of waiting or wanting others to accompany us before we walk in, with and for the Lord? Must others go through the same suffering? Same trials?

Our Lord Jesus calls all of us individually, to share our unique gifts with others how? when? where? Not up to us and certainly not in our time but in His time..

All we need to do is be ever prepared to say “Here I am Lord! I’ve come to do Your Will.” Amen

GOSPEL John 21:20–25

Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he would not die, just “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours?” It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.

Do we truly love Jesus? Have put our words to action? Have we been priest, prophet and king for others? Or have we misunderstood ‘king’ for others and Lord ourselves over them?

Have we spent time trying our very best to help the poor and needy? To tend to the old and the sick? To bring hope and comfort to the dying?

Have we shared the living Word with all whom we meet? By our thoughts, words and deeds? Have we set aside time to share our faith with the  young and those new to the faith, being ever patient to guide and teach?

Do we love His lambs, His sheep as our own and more? Do we love ours as His?

Jesus knows our hearts, by and through His love we are assured that by heeding His call, He is with us every step of the way, smooth or rough. By dying to ourselves and for Him, we will rise with Him to new life. Amen

GOSPEL John 21:15–19

After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”

Oh what love! You shower upon sweet Jesus that You continue to pray for our unity and not only ours but all who have come to know and love you by our participation in sharing Your love, Your Word.

Oh loving Father may we manifest your Glory by using the Gifts and Graces you bestow on us through Your Son Jesus who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God as it was in the beginning of time. To gather Your people together and to guide them into your heavenly Kingdom.

Thank you for allowing us to bear witness to Your Glory in the many signs, wonders and miracles that accompanies us by being on Your mission, when we answer Your call. Thank You Father for allowing us to witness the transformation and liberation of heavy hearts downtrodden by sin. For allowing us to see the fruits we bear and of others by living according to Your Word. All Glory and Praise be Yours always and forever. Amen

GOSPEL
John 17:20–26

20 “I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 The glory which thou hast given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and thou in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them even as thou hast loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom thou hast given me, may be with me where I am, to behold my glory which thou hast given me in thy love for me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, the world has not known thee, but I have known thee; and these know that thou hast sent me. 26 I made known to them thy name, and I will make it known, that the love with which thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

Let us reflect today on what separates us from one another….

Is it only our worldliness and desires? The sins and temptations we give in to? Our unspoken thoughts, words of spiritual superiority and spiritual arrogance? Where we feel we are more knowledgeable, more holy, more industrious than others in matters of faith and morals? When we refuse to participate in any Church related, Ministry related, activities or outreach programs because we see no personal benefit, recognition or compensation for our hard working efforts and sacrifice? When we put self before others? When we schedule only personal and family time and neglect community time? Who stands to gain from our separation? Our disunity? It is not the fallen one?

Jesus today and everyday wants us to be united, ONE united together in Him. He loves and wants to protect us like a loving shepherd who watches closely after his sheep. And because we who choose to live through, with and in Him and NOT in the World, we live separate from the World who hates us.  Jesus gives of Himself to us in His Word, His truth, His love, His body and blood in the Eucharist to strengthen and nourish us.  So that together with Him we can work together in unity to build the kingdom of our loving Father in heaven.  Amen

GOSPEL John 17:11b–19

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying:“Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one. When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely. I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the Evil One. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”

I don’t know why?! Even though I keep telling myself that I want to change and to follow Christ, I still find myself falling into temptation, I seem to have anger issues. Or I am constantly depressed and overwhelmed. Why is it so difficult to overcome sin? Why do I not make any headway in my prayer life? Why do I see others who seem to be constantly at peace and happy? How do they have that? Is it just a facade?

Our ever loving God tell us today through Jesus our Lord and saviour, that the key to complete peace and joy is to Remain in His love.  How? Simply to keep His commandments. What are His commandments? To love God with our all and to love one another as He has loved us. In other words to love one another with His divine love. Love which is not just an emotion, a love which is all encompassing, a love rooted in sacrifice and service, a love given freely with no expectation of return, a love which builds above and beyond, a love which comes from loving God with all our heart, all our minds and all our soul.

If we love the way we are called to do, how can we then not bear fruit? How can we not share His love for us with others? So that they too will have complete peace and joy in their lives? How can we not bear witness to so great a love? The love of our God, our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit?

What other belief system? What other faith? What other religion?  Has so loving a God? One loving, divine omniscient and all power being that promises that if we truly follow Him and remain in His love, we are no longer servants/slaves but friends of His?

With God as our friend, what have we to fear? To worry about? Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

GOSPEL John 15:9–17

Jesus said to his disciples:“As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. “I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.”

How deep are we in our faith and relationship with Jesus? Will we flee and cower in fear when trouble assails us? Are we easily discouraged?

For those of us strengthened by our faith in Christ. Who rejoice in His love and peace. Do we share our hope and faith to those who have none? Who do not yet know Him? Who are driven to despair?

Jesus assures us today that we are never alone in our journey to live our lives according to His Word. Our God is with us always. With this in mind how can we not be brave? What is there for us to fear?

Be with us Lord today and everyday of our lives till we are with you for all eternity. Amen

GOSPEL John 16:29–33

The disciples said to Jesus,“Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”

Asks the world as to what constitutes the greatest gifts or wants, you’ll likely hear Fame! Success! Fortune! Sex!

What did the Apostles ask God for? We know from scripture and sacred tradition that they were never wealthy and sought neither fame or fortune. They sought only to serve the Lord! When they prayed in Jesus name they prayed for healing for others, they freed men and women from evil spirits and demons and more. Great miracles were worked through them by the power and Graces bestowed to them by God.

All the promises of God our Father is fulfilled in Jesus.

Glory to You oh Lord, our God! Grant us all who love you dearly whatever is necessary to do Your Will. In Jesus name.. Amen

GOSPEL John 16:23b–28

Jesus said to his disciples:“Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. Until now you have not asked anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete. “I have told you this in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures but I will tell you clearly about the Father. On that day you will ask in my name, and I do not tell you that I will ask the Father for you. For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have come to believe that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world. Now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”

Ever so often many of us wait till we have dilemmas or tragedies happen before we turn to God to seek comfort, even answers. Is it not sad that we had missed an opportunity to be in a beautiful long lasting relationship where even in the face of adversity we have hope and peace.

Sometimes it is necessary for us to go through trials and suffering so that we may be purged of all that is unholy, of our spiritual arrogance and to be purified and strengthened by the graces God will bestow upon us.  We learn to see that joy, is often found to be sorrow unmasked in Christ.

Even in times when it is pitch dark and we feel so very alone and afraid, the light of our faith can still shine bright because we know in certitude that our Lord and Saviour, Jesus is with us at every moment guiding us and leading us out of the darkness.  He alone can calm the stormy seas of our lives with His Word.

We also know that when we choose to love and serve our God, anything we ask in Jesus name God will provide.

Our hearts are filled with joy as we rejoice in You our Lord and God. Amen

GOSPEL John 16:20–23

Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy. When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. On that day you will not question me about anything. Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.”

When we leave every meeting or encounter with friends, family, loved ones and even new acquaintances. Have we distanced ourselves completely? Or have we left behind a lasting impression? Have we left an impression of Christ in their midst?

Jesus did not distance Himself from us by His ascension, instead He brings closer to Him by preparing our rooms with Him and in Him.  He is with us now in a far greater way that we can ever hope to fully fathom. In the Eucharist, in our hearts, in our body, mind and spirit.  We embrace this truth when we live according to His Word. How can we not share this great love?

How can we preach in His name repentance, forgiveness and the peace and joy of encountering our Lord Jesus if we ourselves do not make the daily effort to turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospels?

We are called to share the TRUTH of the incarnation of Jesus, His life, His death and His resurrection. By our lives and by our love, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit we will lead all nations into the lasting hope, peace, love and joy we have in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen

Today’s Gospel Luke 24:44–53

44 Then he said to them, “These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city, until you are clothed with power from on high.”
50 Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51 While he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple blessing God.

Aren’t  we often impatient warning to know and understand our faith at an instant? Looking for quick solutions, even praying for the Holy Spirit to hasten our knowledge and understanding? Or wanting to reap the fruits of our labour before they are ripe? Sharing Jesus with nonbelievers or fallen away believers and disheartened that the seed had not taken root?

All in God’s time which is always a good time! St Paul reminds us in 1 Cor 13:4-7, love is patient and it rejoices in the truth.  Where does faith, knowledge and truth stem from? Is it not from the one true source of Love, our one triune and ever living God?

From the hands of Jesus His Spirit, His love is poured out on us, what measure are we ready to bear? Amen

John 16:12–15

Jesus said to his disciples:“I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.”

We are grief stricken when we live in sin or it can strike us when our faith is weak and immature.

The flesh has to die so that the spirit may truly live.  Jesus has sent the Holy Spirit to us and through Him we are transformed, we are perfected. His innumerable gifts allows for us to strengthen our brethren, to heal and bring hope where there is none. To lead His lost sheep back into the fold.

How many of us have died to ourselves to receive Him? To encounter Him? To be guided by Him?

GOSPEL John 16:5–11

Jesus said to his disciples:“Now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation: sin, because they do not believe in me; righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.”

Not all of us are called to be teachers or preachers, but all of us can give testimony as to how Jesus has changed our lives can we not? We can share how His love has filled us with peace and joy in our lives. Allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us so that we can give others hope for the love that we possess through Jesus.

The WORLD would rather we be silent, timid even afraid! Jesus tells us to be steadfast and strong for we have a powerful advocate with us who will guide us every step of the way.  Many will persecute us for our faith in the Lord, some even thinking they know God better, claiming to know what He wants and does not want. But we know our Shepherd’s voice and we follow Him. He alone will lead us home to our heavenly inheritance. Amen

GOSPEL John 15:26B16:4a

Jesus said to his disciples:“When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning. “I have told you this so that you may not fall away. They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God. They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me. I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you.”

It is a dog eat dog world! Survival of the fittest! Success is dollars and cents and how you make it. A woman’s external beauty is her fortune and so must do whatever she can to preserve it. Abortion is my choice to make not the foetus /child !  It is my life, If I choose to have a same sex partner and want to get married no one should have the right to stop me! These are just a few voices of the world demanding we follow them so that we may all live in happiness in unity with them. Woe to us if we live according to our faith in Christ.

Jesus offers us true joy, peace and love. Life to the full. But His voice, His way is not of the world. There will be persecution here on earth, but the Father, Son and Holy Spirit will be with us every step of the way.

Do we follow the world or do we follow Christ? We can choose only one…..

As for me and my house we will serve the Lord! Amen

GOSPEL John 15:18–21

Jesus said to his disciples: “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you. Remember the word I spoke to you, ‘No slave is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. And they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me.”

“Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, [your name]?”

How well do I know my Lord and saviour? What has Jesus spoken to me today? If He hasn’t, then why? Have I prepared myself to hear Him?

What great things have we done for God or for our brethren today? What is great in our eyes is often Not. What is little in our eyes could be great in God’s. Do we always try our very best to do what is pleasing to God our Father and not what is pleasing to us?

Lord Jesus, I love you and long to know You more and more each passing day. Help me in my daily struggle to resist sin so that I may always walk in Your light and do what is pleasing to you. In your most precious name who reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen

GOSPEL John 14:6–14

Jesus said to Thomas, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”

What is joy? Is it not peace and love combined? And yet the joy of Jesus which He offers us is all this and much more. True joy that yearns for nothing, wants nothing, lacks nothing.

Keeping His Word close to our hearts, keeping His commandments and living according to His Word we remain in His love.
How blessed we are to have such a loving God! Praise and Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen

GOSPEL John 15:9–11

Jesus said to his disciples:“As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. “I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”

Are we indifferent towards our faith? Are we complacent? Are we disinterested? Or are we fruitful?

Being deeply connected to Jesus our bridegroom we are bound to bear fruits, it is a surety while our abundance is measured by our faith and works combined.  The heavier the weight of the cross we shoulder to accomplish His mission for us, the more fruitful we are. In time the lighter our burden till we once again embark on another mission.

Separated from Jesus another surety is we will eventually wither and die.

Gospel John 15:1–8

1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch of mine that bears no fruit, he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already made clean by the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If a man does not abide in me, he is cast forth as a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples.

Oh what joy it is to rest in security, comfort and in the peace of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ! Why do we search in vain for this peace elsewhere?

Such is His peace rooted in love that it alone can bring us true joy in our lives. Such is His love that He empowers us to share His peace with everyone. We are able to do when we live His Word. We are one with Him for He dwells in our hearts, our minds, our very being.  We do not have to concern ourselves with the Prince of the world, or be fearful of him and his wiles for he has no hold over us. For we live as children of God.

Jesus my Lord, my saviour let me always live in your peace, in Your love. Let me never lose my way, let me never lose You my Lord, my God. Amen

GOSPEL John 14:27–31a

Jesus said to his disciples:“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe. I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me.”

How do we show Jesus we love Him? By observing His commandments, the ten and more. That is the ten embodied in the two governing ones, to worship, honour and love God with our all and to love another as He has loved us.  Do we yet embrace the latter call to love one another with a divine love? 

For He loved us without reservation, without condition, a love so pure. A sacrificial love, a love which brings mercy, forgiveness and peace. We are called to do the same. Have we? Can we? How?

Jesus loved us to the end and still some more, for He left us not on our own, to fall and hurt ourselves or to stray and be lost. Great is the love of our God that even after He ascended He is with us still. In the Eucharist and His finger, His breath the Holy Spirit teaching, guiding showing us the way and more.

Oh Lord, our God, You dwell among us, You dwell within us, who are obedient to Your Word. We adore and worship You with all our hearts, all our minds and souls. By Your grace we love one another as You love us. Amen

GOSPEL John 14:21–26

Jesus said to his disciples:“Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.” Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him, “Master, then what happened that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me. “I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.”

Are we afraid of the dark? Are we afraid of death? Are we afraid that we have lost Jesus by our sins?

Jesus assures us today that by our faith in Him, we have a place in the heavenly kingdom of God our Father. He offers us His peace and security. “Do not let your hearts be troubled, have faith”

So what do we do in the meantime? Prepare, our hearts, our minds, our very being so that He may receive us into our dwelling place with Him. Live out the remainder of our lives turning away from sin and living His Word.

We know the way to Him, because Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Even if we sometimes lose our way, and so long as we turn towards Him, our loving shepherd is there to lead us home. Amen

GOSPEL John 14:1–6

Jesus said to his disciples:“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going you know the way.” Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

What is the Gospel we are called to proclaim? Is it simply about God made man, Jesus, who came to save us by teaching us to live according to God’s Will, dying and then rising for us to liberate us from sin and death?  Or is it all that and more?

God’s abundant love for us, God’s promise of salvation for us. His promise fulfilled through Jesus Christ and His promise that we will have life and have it to the full, eternal life.

Are we then tasked to proclaim this wonderful message of God’s love by our own thoughts, words, strength and actions? Or by our faith, we know that Jesus is with us every step of the way, through His love, His strength, His words, His thoughts, His powerful advocate that works through us in union, to bring the message of love to all?

Jesus our Lord, such is Your love for us that while You are now seated at the right hand of God our Father, You are with us today as You were with us yesterday and will be with us tomorrow. Have mercy on us for our human failings and continue to empower us with your love as we share Your Gospel and love with others. In your precious name.. Amen

GOSPEL Mark 16:15–20

Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them:“Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.

Is uttering the words “I believe” enough? Or is it more important to live out our faith in our daily lives? Hence the expression of our faith,  exposes the depths of our belief in our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.

Let us turn to Him to dispel the darkness in our lives. To illumine our hearts and minds.
Christ be our light!  Amen

GOSPEL John 12:44–50

Jesus cried out and said,“Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me, and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me. I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness. And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them, I do not condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world. Whoever rejects me and does not accept my words has something to judge him: the word that I spoke, it will condemn him on the last day, because I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. So what I say, I say as the Father told me.”

 
Do we blame others for our lack of faith? Or unbelief? Do we blame Jesus? Do we blame our Church? Or our priests for not doing enough? Our parents?

Or do we instead take ownership and the steps necessary to hear the voice of Jesus? By turning away from sin, repenting, reconciling ourselves with God and being faithful to His Word.

Our one triune and loving God assures us today that we who are faithful to His Word will always hear His voice and that no evil, no one or anything can ever take us away from Him.

Let us rejoice as one and declare “We adore You O Lord our God, we will live according to Your Word.” Amen.

GOSPEL John 10:22–30

The feast of the Dedication was taking place in Jerusalem. It was winter. And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me. But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”

Are the teachings of Jesus hard to follow and understand? Or is it because we hear and see them through our worldly senses? Through our wants our desires? We refuse to listen to the Truth when it hampers our ‘needs’ our ‘happiness’.

If we were to listen to the flesh, will we able to accept that a loving God came down to lay down his life for us? To suffer at our hands? To save us? To heal us from blindness? Deafness? Brokenness? Paralysis? To wash our feet? To cook and have meals with us? To raise us up death? And now to feed us of Himself that we may have true life?

By our faith and through the Spirit of God we see that all things are possible with God.

So do we turn our backs on Him in our disbelief? Holding on only to what we can taste, see, touch and feel? Understand?

Or do we turn towards Him and declare as our beloved St Peter did “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” Amen

GOSPEL
John 6:60–69

60 Many of his disciples, when they heard it, said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” 61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at it, said to them, “Do you take offense at this? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of man ascending where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh is of no avail; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But there are some of you that do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the first who those were that did not believe, and who it was that would betray him. 65 And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”
66 After this many of his disciples drew back and no longer went about with him. 67 Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”

Jesus a great teacher and leader often taught using parables and explained His teaching for the faithful when they could not understand or misunderstood , why do you think He does not do so here? Was this teaching even a parable? A simple truth which separates men, yet completes him if he so chooses to accept.

Ours is never a blind faith, when we walk in the light and live by the Word made flesh. Jesus gives of Himself wholly to us so that we may live and live life to the fullest. Amen

Glory, honour and praise to our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ! Amen

Gospel John 6:52–59

The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his Flesh to eat?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink his Blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my Flesh is true food, and my Blood is true drink. Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.” These things he said while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.

Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. Psalm 42:7

Do you hear our heavenly Father calling unto you? My sons, my daughters in your brokenness I love you still and more. My greatest gift of love has been given to you, that you shall learn my ways and through Him you will have life eternal. Listen to Him.

When we unite our wills with that of God our Father, only then can we listen to His call.

Jesus our Lord and saviour shares this great mystery of love with us, “I am the bread of life.  I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my Flesh for the life of the world.”  Let us reflect deeply on this…..

For all those willing to go deeper in understanding a little more on the Eucharist, I invite you to read the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Benedict XVI Sacramentum Caritatis and Blessed Pope John Paul II’s Encyclical Letter Ecclesia De Eucharistia links are as follows :-http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_ben-xvi_exh_20070222_sacramentum-caritatis_en.html  And http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/special_features/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_20030417_ecclesia_eucharistia_en.html

Today’s Gospel John 6:44–51

Jesus said to the crowds: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day. It is written in the prophets: They shall all be taught by God. Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my Flesh for the life of the world.”

Today we have a love message from our all powerful and loving Father. An invitation to eternal life with Him through Jesus Christ our Lord and saviour. Whoever sees Jesus and believes in Him will have it.

No prerequisites, no checklist, no judgement, no hidden agenda, no tedious application forms. Pure and simple.

Let us spend some time today and reflect on this…

Have I seen Jesus? With the eyes of my heart? How have I seen Him? When? Where? How is He physically present today?

Do I believe in Jesus? How deep is my faith? What does it mean to say I believe? It is just a thought? An act? It is just a matter of professing our faith? Am I living my faith?

Gospel John 6:35–40

Jesus said to the crowds,“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst. But I told you that although you have seen me, you do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me. And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.”

How is it that to this very day there are many Christians still waiting for signs and miracles before they truly embrace their faith? They do not care to listen to personal testimony, unless it is their very own? Is being skeptical about our faith bad altogether? Or is being skeptical but refusing to journey to find the truth the real issue? Refusing to contemplate, to reflect, to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us as it is just too time consuming? Just too mind boggling? Miracles, signs and wonders from God still happen to this very day but are we too preoccupied with our own needs, wants and pleasures to witness them? The crowd in today’s Gospel had just witnessed a miracle the day before when Jesus fed five thousand men and yet they demanded another miracle to believe? Were they too preoccupied? Were they just indifferent?

Today we Catholics have a great miracle performed every day, and we are given it daily should we desire to receive?  Are we still clueless? are we still indifferent? Are we still too preoccupied with ourselves to know this? Jesus our risen Lord and loving saviour gives of himself, physically, spiritually in the Holy Eucharist. Do we prepare ourselves to receive the living God deep into our very beings? Do we go for the sacrament of reconciliation regularly? Do we prepare ourselves in thought, word, deed and dress for every Eucharistic Celebration? Do our hearts burn with desire to worship and receive Jesus at every Eucharistic Celebration?

A promise true for us who have faith, Jesus says “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”

Gospel John 6:30–35

The crowd said to Jesus: “What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you? What can you do? Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written: He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” So Jesus said to them, Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” So they said to Jesus, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”

Do we only look to Jesus for our physical needs? Health? Wealth? Food? Drink? Home? Work?

Have we not yet learnt that we should rather be yearning for God’s presence in our lives? For Jesus to rule in our hearts? For with God’s presence in our lives we shall not want.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Thank you Lord Jesus for the greatest gift of Yourself in the Eucharist. Heavenly manna that does not perish! Bread of life! Amen.

Let us pray…

Jesus my Lord, my God, I don’t want to live a life without You. Help me remain steadfast in Your love. In your precious name.. Amen.

Gospel John 6:22–29

[After Jesus had fed the five thousand men, his disciples saw him walking on the sea.]

The next day, the crowd that remained across the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not gone along with his disciples in the boat, but only his disciples had left. Other boats came from Tiberias near the place where they had eaten the bread when the Lord gave thanks. When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into boats and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus. And when they found him across the sea they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered them and said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.” So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.”

In the darkness of our lives when the sea of trouble and woes are overwhelming. And the cold wind of panic floods our hearts, where is Jesus? Are we too grief stricken to see Him? Are we so caught up that we do not recognise Him?

Behold our Lord and God was among us and is among us now! Our risen Lord who even before His death and resurrection could still the winds and water; walk on the latter and bring us to safe harbour in the blink of an eye. He reassures us today,”Do Not Be Afraid…..I AM with you always.” Have we yet accepted Jesus our Lord and God into our hearts? Our minds? The very depths of our souls?

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Gospel John 6:16–21

When it was evening, the disciples of Jesus went down to the sea, embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum. It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they began to be afraid. But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” They wanted to take him into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading.

O sacrament most holy, O sacrament divine,
All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine!

Sweet Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist, a tangible extension of His great love for us. A mystery and a revelation in itself. Do we take time to ponder on this great love of His? Do we spend time in adoration?

All of us Catholics around the world to this very day are given the Eucharist daily should we desire to receive. Do we take this for granted?

Do we offer all that we have to God and give Him thanks and praise? The boy in today’s Gospel offered up all he had to the hands of Jesus and our loving God blessed him and all around him abundantly! O how if all of us had such faith?

O sacrament most holy, O sacrament divine,
All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine!

Gospel John 6:1–15

Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd followed him, because they saw the signs he was performing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. The Jewish feast of Passover was near. When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” He said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people recline.” Now there was a great deal of grass in that place. So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat. When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, “This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world.” Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry him off to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain alone.

John the Baptist prepared the way for and to Jesus, by calling all to repentance. To turn away from sin. Jesus prepares us by showing us the way to God our Father. Do we accept His way or the ways of the world?

Many in search of God, have found their own pathways to God. We are fortunate that by our obedience, we are given the path that God has provided for us in His love and mercy. That is through His Son Jesus Christ. By following Jesus on this path, we are given the fullness of faith and life. Such is His love that He sends us to lead others unto the very path we have been given.

Let us reflect on this and thereafter commit by saying “Here I am Lord, I’ve come to do Your Will!” Amen

GOSPEL John 3:31–36

The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy. For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.