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Have we yet come to the realization that we too are called by Name to share the Gospel message with others? Especially our fallen brethren who have lost their way and their faith? We are all born into new life by our baptism and by that very fact we are all Kingdom builders; for indeed the Kingdom of heaven is at hand!

Let us then walk in faith and in Christ to proclaim the good news, bringing with us healing, hope, the peace and love of Jesus to all we meet. Amen

GOSPEL
Matthew 10:1–7

Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus.

Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’“

How can we praise and glorify God when our lips are sealed by our sinfulness? The devil uses all his trickery and deceit to lure and keep us away from God. “You are not good enough!” “There’s always tomorrow “”Enjoy life while you can, then when you are good and ready you can always go for confession.” “Jesus loves only good children.”Christian faith is stifling, old fashioned and brutally rigid!” his voice in the world tells us. So sisters and brothers, do we allow ourselves to continue to submit to the lordship of the devil?

So loving is our Lord Jesus that He sees the goodness in our hearts, no matter how faint or minute. He wants to heal us, to transform us.  “Come let me embrace you with my love, I know how sorry you are. Come follow me, as we journey home to our Heavenly Father.”

Jesus is calling for us all to be shepherds like Him, for others; so that they too may find their way to Him. Many are crying out to know Him, to love Him, to be loved by Him. To be healed, to live life to the fullest. Let us respond to His call and let us pray for one another that all our hearts may be opened to be filled with His grace and strength as we declare, “Yes Lord here I am ready to serve!” Amen

GOSPEL
Matthew 9:32–38

A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the prince of demons.”

Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”

If we would not be reverent before our Lord Jesus, or appeal to Him in humility, or in acknowledgement of our weaknesses and sinfulness, do we really expect our Lord to answer our prayers?

Are we lukewarm in our faith? Are we ‘faithful’ or ‘faith-filled’ only when we have a dire need? Do we have a mob mentality where we listen and act in call of the loudest voice? The voice of the world? Or are we truly disciples ever faithful, ever watchful for our Lord and swift to act in His name?

Jesus my Lord, my God, You are the author of life! In love for us, You came to offer us new life and life to the full.  Through Your grace, may we always be faithful to You and Your call. Amen.

GOSPEL
Matthew 9:18–26

While Jesus was speaking, an official came forward, knelt down before him, and said, “My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples. A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.” Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, “Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured.

When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion, he said, “Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they ridiculed him. When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose. And news of this spread throughout all that land.

Are we mournful Catholics? Do we not instead rejoice at every Sunday eucharistic celebration? Giving our God thanks and praise!? Our Lord and saviour conquered death so that we may have new life in a Him. Are we not to celebrate our salvation? Our redemption?

We need to be transformed at every celebration by the Word and the reception of Jesus into our very being. We cannot hold on to our old sinful lives or our inertia to grow in our faith. God speaks to us everyday, in every Eucharistic celebration. Are we listening? Are we growing? Are we transformed?

GOSPEL
Matthew 9:14–17

The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one patches an old cloak with a piece of unshrunken cloth, for its fullness pulls away from the cloak and the tear gets worse. People do not put new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise the skins burst, the wine spills out, and the skins are ruined. Rather, they pour new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.”

Are we still waiting for the day or the right time to change? To turn away from a sinful past? Do we feel trapped in that this current way of life is all we know? Have we given up all hope? All hope for change?

Jesus is calling us today……”Come follow me.” He does not place any conditions on us, in fact He offers us His embrace of unconditional love. All we need to do is to make up our mind and respond to His call, “Follow me..”

There is no other God but our One loving and ever living God. Who will sit and eat with us even though we are poor sinners. Merciful is He that He washes us clean with His own precious blood and nourishes us with His divine flesh. What did we do to deserve such love? Nothing…..

What can we ever do to repay You for your great kindness and enormous love for us sweet Jesus? Yet all You ask is that we love God our loving Father with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our strength and with all our mind  and that we love one another as You have loved us. To extend the mercy we receive to all that we meet. Amen

GOSPEL
Matthew 9:9–13

9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.
10 And as he sat at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Oh how sin paralyses us! Keeps us transfixed through our guilt and base desires on our rage, lust, envy, pride  unforgiveness, laziness, vengefulness and more. Prevents us from loving and caring. What a painful, pitiful, sorrowful, meaningless life; a life separated from our beloved God.

Our loving Saviour has come so that we can truly become children of God; speaks gently to our contrite hearts “Your sins are forgiven.” “Be bold in your faith and proclaim the Gospel.”

Thank You Lord Jesus for the Sacrament of reconciliation. All Glory be to the Father and the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen

GOSPEL Matthew 9:1–8

After entering a boat, Jesus made the crossing, and came into his own town. And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.” At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, :Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”– he then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” He rose and went home. When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to men.

Do we doubt only because we seek the truth in what might seem unfathomable? Do we doubt out of jealousy and refuse to open our minds and hearts because we were not present to encounter or share in what others did or had? Do we truly have faith in God? In all things? Can we lose that faith?

For those of us who deeply desire to know and encounter our Lord Jesus, all we really need do is with open hearts cry out to Him, ““I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) And Jesus our Lord, will surely come into our hearts wherever we are, in whatever situation we are in; bringing His Peace and Love.

For those of us who have lost our faith to sin, we need only cry out to our Lord Jesus with a truly contrite and repentant heart “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” (Luke 18:13) Turning away from sin and being faithful to the Gospels our faith is not only restored but ever growing in love.

How blessed indeed we are who have not seen and yet truly believe! All praise and Glory to you O Lord Jesus Christ!

Let us cherish the gifts of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of Holy Communion that our Lord gave us through the Church He established. That we may always remain in Him as He remains in us. Amen  

3 July 2013 Saint Thomas, Apostle – Feast

GOSPEL John 20:24–29

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

What is it that prevents us from following Jesus? Do we envision hardship? Strife? Poverty? Boredom? A form of slavery? Solitude away from family and friends?

Do we remain spiritually dead? Do we rather prefer chasing rainbows? Or spend our whole lives searching for meaning? Love? Peace? Happiness?

A life with our Lord is the only one which completes us. We have lasting joy, peace, love and true life. We shall not want or need. We find happiness in servitude to God and others, there is meaning to mortal suffering and to life and an abundance of love in all things. We are one with our bridegroom, our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

GOSPEL Matthew 8:18–22

When Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other shore. A scribe approached and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” But Jesus answered him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.”

Today is the Solemnity of St Peter and St Paul and we remember them for their great faith and love for our Lord Jesus Christ.

Like us they too were sinners, in his weakness St Peter denied Jesus; in his blind zeal for the law, St Paul persecuted and killed Christians. But the love of Christ embraced them and empowered them to break free from the bondage of sin and the slavery of the law. They lived their new lives in Christ In peace, love and charity for others. They used all the gifts and Graces they received from God to give glory to Him, by preaching His love, enriching the lives of all they met through the proclamation of the Word, healing of the sick and the conversion of sinners.

Through the intercession of St Peter and St Paul let us fight the good fight and run the race to end as we serve and glorify God through the Church He established and build up His Kingdom by bringing all we meet to faith. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

GOSPEL Matthew 16:13–19

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

For our salvation, our Lord came down to us. He desires to heal us spiritually from within and physically. All we need do is cry out to Him in true faith. Do we do Him homage by seeking Him out with a contrite heart and reverence?Do we worship Him as the leper did? For the leper did not come to Him seeking out a physician but for the Son of God to heal Him.

By Jesus example we give all Glory and Praise to God our Father seeking none for ourselves. And are obedient to the laws of the Church He established. Amen

GOSPEL Matthew 8:1–4

When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I will do it. Be made clean.” His leprosy was cleansed immediately. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”

Are we truly following Jesus and all His teachings? Are we truly His disciples? Or have we abandoned some of His doctrines? Have we lacked faith and conviction to seek out the truth?

Is performing miracles in Jesus name by the grace of God important or following God’s Will? To worship only Him and to love and serve our neighbour, our brethren?

The love of our Lord Jesus Christ is calling out to us today. Not to be fooled and led astray by worldly values but for us to build our foundation on Him, His love. A commitment to embrace Him wholly. He is our rock and through the foundation we build through the depth of His love from within; cannot be contained but poured out for all. We are perfected in Him; holy in communion. Amen

GOSPEL Matthew 7:21–29

Jesus said to his disciples:“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’ Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”

When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.

Who are the false prophets amongst us? Are they those who preach their own interpretations of scripture which lead others away from the Church? Away from the Church that Christ Himself established? To start their very own Church? Do they cause strife instead of unity? Are they those that lead others away from Christianity all together?

Or are the false prophets amongst us those who are give outward appearances of piety? outward show of reverence? Who fast outwardly and give alms? But lead others away from their faith by their actions and their words? By their hypocrisy? Do they gossip? Do they snap at others in irritation or anger? Are they secretly plotting against another? Are they vengeful? Spiteful? What are their fruits?

By virtue of our baptism we too are called to be prophets? Are we false prophets ourselves? By our very own behaviour? By the way we lead our lives?

Are we fruitful? Do we lead fruitful lives? Or do we give excuses for not being fruitful? Do we just say we don’t know our faith enough? Or that we are not good at talking or sharing? We are introverts by nature? We say we will act one day but that day never seems to come? What happens then to those who are in our midst and who were hungry to know God? Those who needed Jesus desperately in their lives? Those who needed hope? Those who needed help?

What would you do if you love apples and decided to plant an apple tree in your garden,  you care for it, nurture it and it grows into a crooked tree without any apples whatsoever. What would you do with the tree?

Let us pray…

God our Father, you feed Your people with the finest wheat and give us water to drink from the rock, who is Christ. Sustain all those who hunger and thirst for You. By Your grace, may all of us by our virtue of our baptism grow in our love and in our faith; that we may be fruitful in every word and deed so as to glorify You and build Your heavenly Kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen   

GOSPEL Matthew 7:15–20

Jesus said to his disciples:“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them.”

Many will never accept the truth in fact they are likely to distort and change it to suit their needs. They will even try to destroy your belief system and your faith. Then there are those who choose to trample on the truth and defile it. Do we think we can change their minds with the truth? Will the seed ever take root?   When they proclaim things like Jesus and the Church are man made ideologies to fulfill self serving interests. Or no one has the right to oppose same sex marriages as they go against the individual’s right to happiness. It’s a woman’s own body and so she has the right to choose whatever she wants to do with it and no one has even the right to voice alternatives if she so decides to go with an abortion. Gender change is every individual’s right and it goes against human dignity to force them to live out a particular gender.  Condoms save lives! especially against sexually transmitted diseases. How can you sit there like a doormat and allow them to walk all over you? You must show them what you are made of! You must sue! You must teach them a lesson they will never forget!

It is by far easier to choose the wider and broad road of the world where the invitation to join the masses are always appealing. It doesn’t even seem to matter that this very road ahead is cloaked in hazy darkness and eventually will lead us to destruction.

Jesus reminds us today that the road to peace, love, happiness and life is by way of Him; the Truth and the light. Let us choose the narrow path and lead others towards it. Amen

GOSPEL Matthew 7:6, 12–14

Jesus said to his disciples:“Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces. “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets. “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.”

How many times have God spoken to us through His priests, His angels, His prophets, by way of the Holy Spirit and still we would not listen? On the occasions when we did listen an acted according to His Word did we not witness His power and Glory? Did others too who knew not look on in awe?

Today we celebrate the birth of the great and last prophet of the old testament our beloved St John the Baptist. He who was filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb. He who encountered the fullness of Jesus by proximity and was yet unborn. He who overcame all obstacles to pave the way for our Lord. He who embraced his vocation to bring God’s people back to Him even if it meant martyrdom. To bring others to the feet of Jesus.

By way of our baptism, we too are prophets called to prepare the way, so that Jesus may enter the hearts of our fellowmen. To preach repentance and to guide them towards Jesus, those who have lapsed through the Sacrament of reconciliation. And in doing so, we must decrease while Jesus increases both in our lives and in the lives of our brethren. Amen.

24 June 2013The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist – Solemnity

GOSPEL Luke 1:57–66, 80

When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.

Do we look back on our successes and think to ourselves all our hardwork has paid off. Now let’s look forward to the next challenge. How do I make more money? What is the next latest toy to own? What is the next property to have?

While we once attributed our little successes to God and His grace, how is it with so much more we tend to forget Him? If we say we have not, how much deeper has our faith grown? How much more have we served Him today? How much more have we loved our neighbor? How much time have we spent with our community and not just with whom we know?

Our loving Father will provide all that we will ever need, can we be content to live with what Is given? Can we be content to remain faithful in His love for us? To do only what He wills for and of us?

Lord Jesus help me remain steadfast in my love and service to You and my brethren. Amen

GOSPEL Matthew 6:24–34

Jesus said to his disciples:“No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life–span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”

What is it that we cherish here on earth that we can take along with us for all eternity? Do we then say we will leave all we have to our loved ones? Can we guarantee that what we leave behind will not be plundered? squandered? lost? destroyed? Do we still stubbornly hold on to our worldly goods and desires?

Why not leave behind instead a lasting memory of how we had lived our lives according to the Word of God? How we had such faith that we did both little and great works for the glory of God our loving Father? How we shared our faith and hope with others who had none? How we gave of our hearts to the poor? How we made time to comfort and tend to the sick? How we inspired both the very young and the youths to carry on the torch of love for God and for our neighbours? How we persevered in faith and love against all adversity? How we tried our very best to emulate the Saints that had gone before us? How we brought the light in us wherever we went? And turn darkness into light? How we brought the joy and peace within us to everyone?

Let us be remembered for how we brought Jesus into peoples lives…. Amen.

GOSPEL Matthew 6:19–23

Jesus said to his disciples:“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. “The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be.”

How often do we spend time waiting patiently and listening out for our God who will speak to us? Yearning for Him to counsel us and for Him to give us His living Word for/to us? For Him to refresh and strengthen us? Our loving Father knows all our wants and desires before we ever need ask, and while we can lift all of it to Him in prayer, are we also prepared that in His infinite wisdom He alone decides what is best for us?

Jesus taught us a perfect prayer consisting of seven petitions, let us pray and reflect on each petition today, opening our hearts to our Heavenly Father.  A loving Father who loves us so much that through His loving Son, forgives us our most heinous sins just by listening to our contrite heart crying out to Him. All he ask is we do likewise for our brethren who have sinned against us. Amen

GOSPEL Matthew 6:7–15

Jesus said to his disciples:“In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “This is how you are to pray: ‘Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’ “If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”

We know that God knows our heart and our intentions yet are there times we lose sight? Lose our way and forget? Do we seek approval, recognition even praise from our fellowmen instead of God? Are instant rewards and gratification more important to us then our eternal reward?

Then also do we not see that we cannot hide what is in our hearts or our intentions from all our fellowmen? Some if not most will be able to see through our hypocrisy if we have chosen to walk the wider road. Then what happens? Do we lead them away from God by our actions? Do they turn away both from us and God?

All we will ever need in life is God! And to walk with and towards Him on the narrow path is to strip ourselves bare before Him. Otherwise heavy laden with ourselves and the cares of the world we easily fall off the narrow path to our loving God. Rooted in private, personal prayer, faith and love we will journey on in service of Our Lord, our God who awaits us at the end of the road home. Amen.

GOSPEL Matthew 6:1–6, 16–18

Jesus said to his disciples:“Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to others to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”

Is it not easier to hate? To despise? To be enraged with? To lash out!? To be bitter? Why do such feelings, emotions, actions come so readily and easily? Why do we choose these over love? If all things good come from God then where does the source of evil come? Is it not a separation from all that is Good? Is it not a separation from God? The absence of God?

God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (Jn 3:17) Hence does this not mean that His love, His righteousness and Grace needed for reconciliation is open to each and everyone of us? His outstretched arms waiting to embrace all sinners who would come back to Him, just and unjust? God’s gifts and graces may fall on us all but only those whose hearts are open to receive them can and shall receive them. Does this not mean then, that we should be praying for one another especially those of us steeped in sin? So that we may receive the graces necessary for salvation? To receive Christ into our lives?

We are called today to love with the love of Christ our saviour? To reach out to what good, no matter how little there may be left in our enemies or those who persecute; so that they too might be saved. Therefore we pray for them in love. To be perfected in such love is to love inspite of…., to love despite of…., a radical love that rejoices at the return of the prodigal son, a radical love that would leave the ninety nine behind in search of the one lost one, a radical love that forgave us all from the cross!

Therefore till evil is given free reign by those who choose evil, to consume them wholly and where prayers for them would come to naught. Until such time we should remain hopeful and love nonetheless.

May the love of Christ reign in our hearts always. Amen

GOSPEL Matthew 5:43–48

Jesus said to his disciples:“You have heard that it was said,You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

If God is dwelling in our hearts and Jesus is in our lives, our every interaction, will we ever need to swear? Or take oaths?

We are simply called to live authentic lives which reflect the Gospels.

Let us revere, honour, worship and praise our God in all we say, in all we do, in all our hearts. Amen.

GOSPEL Matthew 5:33–37

Jesus said to his disciples:“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow.But I say to you, do not swear at all; not by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Do not swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the Evil One.”

The truth is simple and clear, is it not we who often distort and complicate it? Do we not try to justify the means or our actions? Using terms like ‘but then’ ‘because’ ‘it’s understandable’ ‘we are only human”everyone is doing it’ ??

To truly be a disciple of Christ is to turn away from sin. To Not allow curiosity to lead us to sin. To Not allow the voices of the world to tell us it is okay. To remove all temptations in our lives that would lead us to sin. To say NO to a sinful past and present and move forwards to reconciliation so that we may look ahead to a sin free and holy future.

Let us pray….

O God of mercy and of love, hear us in our sin and grant us your forgiveness through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

GOSPEL Matthew 5:27–32

Jesus said to his disciples:“You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna

. “It was also said,Whoever divorces his wife must give her a bill of divorce.But I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”

Lessons in true love by our Lord Jesus often seem extremely difficult especially when we hold on to our prideful ways, woundedness, anger, our own sense of righteousness. How can we forgive those who hurt us so deeply? Who infuriates us? Who may have even caused us physical pain? Who betrayed our trust?

Have we withheld forgiveness? Have we exacted our own brand of justice on those who have hurt us? Have we lashed out at them? Have we spewed vulgarities at them in anger? Have we screamed and shouted at them? Have we allowed our hands to cause hurt? Have we killed their spirit?  Do we think or say to ourselves, ” I am justified by my actions..” “Any human being would have reacted in the same way..”

Jesus is calling us to a higher standard, He does not want us to be ordinary or normal. He is calling us to holiness, to be extraordinary, to be in essence Christ for others. He wants us to experience His love and share His love with our sisters and brothers. We can only do so when we learn to forgive, so that we can be liberated to love. He forgave us from the cross, can we do any less?

Gospel Matthew 5:20–26

20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 21 “You have heard that it was said to the men of old, ‘You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother shall be liable to the council, and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Make friends quickly with your accuser, while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison; 26 truly, I say to you, you will never get out till you have paid the last penny.

Why do we turn away from laws of God? Why are we fearful of the laws? Why are we fearful of God? Is it because His laws are just too hard to follow?  Is it because we do not like to live by rules or regulations? Is it because we do not like to hear the truth when we go wrong? Are we afraid of the wrath of God that we cower in fear and in the darkness as to hide from Him? Do we lead others away so that we have company?

Are all these not a result of our imperfect love? An imperfect understanding of the love of God? Do we still not see that the commandments were given to us in and out of love for us? Have we ever given thought to what the world would be like without God’s laws? Without His love? Have we taken the time to contemplate and reflect on how Jesus fulfills the law? How He perfects the law and the understanding of it?

Until such time we embrace Jesus and hold Him dear in our hearts and in our lives, only then will we understand. Understand that the law once written in stone is now written unto our hearts by Jesus. Through Him we are able to love with a perfect love, to understand and to live that love in our lives. We begin to see that God’s law is love too….

GOSPEL Matthew 5:17–19

Jesus said to his disciples:“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”

We are ALL called to be the salt of the earth, but what does this mean for us individually? Do we share our faith, our reason for hope, our reason for peace and joy in our lives with others? Do we do what we can to preserve souls from decay and decadence? Do we give glory and praise to God our Father by the way we live our lives? Where His goodness shines through us that all may see and believe?

What good are we, if we keep and hide all the gifts and talents entrusted to us by our loving Father? We too are sent to give the good news to the poor, to heal, to liberate and change lives, to be Jesus for others…How can we not love with the love of Jesus who poured His great abundant love upon us all?

Let us pray…..

Lord, we want to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
We want to make life more tasteful and bright for everyone. And we want our
lives to be an example for others so that they too will know the right way to live.
Help us to keep having holy and Christlike attitudes so that others will know that we are Christians and will want to know You better. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen

Gospel Reading Matthew 5:13-16

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

We often seek out the secrets for true happiness, everlasting youth, true love, peace of mind and in our search have we yet found them in the world? Are they to be found in the world we live?

Our loving saviour Jesus Christ, the author of life teaches some profound lessons that would unravel all that we seek. For all that we seek comes from God and it is through God that we will not only find them but live in and with them. Are we prepared to make that choice? The choice of living out the values taught therein? For in choosing to live the beatitudes is choosing to accept the cross of our Lord. Are we ready? To plunge into the depths of our faith and be filled with the graces contained therein?

Let us pray….

O God, the giver of all good gifts, our desire to praise You is itself a blessing you have bestowed upon us. We can offer you nothing that You do not already have except our love, which we render to you in worship and in service to all those whom you redeem in Jesus Christ. Grant us glad gratitude in Him, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen

GOSPEL Matthew 5:1–12

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.Rejoice and be glad,for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Our fallen nature often seeks recognition and affirmation from others. We either secretly or are openly delighted when we are treated with high regard or importance. Even so in the house of God? Does it not matter that this life is ending? Does it not matter that this form of happiness is short lived? Do we not know that our hearts are laid bare before God always?

Should we not rather be seeking God instead? To do what is pleasing to and for Him? To serve our brethren in need?

To give all of ourselves and all that we can; not what we can spare, is to declare our faith and our love for God.

This is what God assures us, ” 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.” Jer 29:11

GOSPEL Mark 12:38–44

In the course of his teaching Jesus said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext, recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation.” He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.”

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.

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.”