Blessed Mother, on this day I recall Your ‘Yes’ that led to the glorious birth of our Lord and start of our Salvation.  Teach me dear Mother, so that I may learn your wisdom, that I may possess your endearing faith and trust in God our Father.  That I may obedient as you were and listen to your instruction to “do whatever He tells you.”

Jesus your son said, “My kingdom is not of this world. (JN:36) Let me therefore set my sights on heaven and rise to the heights of my potential in Him that gives me the grace and strength needed to do His Will. Great are the rewards indeed for which I do not personally seek. Amen.

FIRST READING
Isaiah 7:10–14

GOSPEL
Luke 1:26–38

In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”

But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.”

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

O God You are faithful to all people who love You and follow Your decrees.  You shower them with Your love and reward them abundantly.

Let not our human limitations and perspectives mar our vision of Your limitless strength, deepest love, infinite goodness and greatness O Lord our God. For that which might be impossible for us are possible for and through You.  All we ever need do is be faithful to Your Word and Your Will for us. And we will bear witness to Your Glory. Amen

FIRST READING
Judges 13:2–7, 24–25a

GOSPEL
Luke 1:5–25

In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years.

Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him.

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.”

Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute.

Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home.

After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.”

O Lord my God, You are faithful to Your children. You keep all Your promises.

Why do we need to seek justice? Why do we seek peace and love? Why do we seek comfort? Why do we seek recognition? Why do we seek health and wealth? When all we will ever need comes from You..

Let us seek only to do Your Will, my God and to embrace Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in all things. By the loving example of Saint Joseph and Mother Mary, let us prepare room in our hearts for Jesus. Let us rejoice as we cry out with joy, “Emmanuel! who dwells in our hearts!” Amen.

FIRST READING
Jeremiah 23:5–8

GOSPEL
Matthew 1:18–25

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,

which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.

O God, today we are reminded of Your call to be priest, prophet and King for our families as well as our brethren. To lead honorable, holy lives of peace and justice. To minister to Your people by living Your Word and bringing it to them.

Throughout salvation history You called on Saints and Sinners alike to do Your Will so that we can learn by their example of how we can peservere and turn our lives around in response to Your call to holiness.

You O heavenly Father, loved us so much that You sent Your most precious gift of love to us. Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. So that we have hope of living eternal life with You. All thanks, all glory be to You God our Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

FIRST READING
Genesis 49:2, 8–10

GOSPEL
Matthew 1:1–17

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king.

David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile.

After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.

Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Christ, fourteen generations.

Without truth in our hearts we will not recognise the truth when we see it. We are blinded by our own ability, power and might that we recognise not the beauty and splendour of God, His creations and gifts all around us. We do not see God as a loving Father let alone King of our hearts, nor do we seek a loving relationship. Instead we may see a distortion in which God is Wrath and to be obeyed and avoided wherever possible.

In our service to the Church while we may not openly question the authority of the Church, it’s priests or leaders we often grow disillusioned, dissatisfied even resentful when we disagree.  We may even begin to draw lines on what we will do and not do. Love and service results in being disjointed.

Lord Jesus You are the Truth, the life, and the way; let us always stay focussed on You so that we may continue to be instruments of Your love for others. Make us know Your ways O Lord and teach us Your paths. Amen.

FIRST READING
Numbers 24:2–7, 15–17a

GOSPEL
Matthew 21:23–27

When Jesus had come into the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him as he was teaching and said, “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?” Jesus said to them in reply, “I shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me, then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things. Where was John’s baptism from? Was it of heavenly or of human origin?” They discussed this among themselves and said, “If we say ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we fear the crowd, for they all regard John as a prophet.” So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.” He himself said to them, “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Time and time again from days of old to days present, You O Lord my God sent prophets, priests, men and women to bring the message of hope and salvation to Your children. The call to turn away from sin and to be faithful to You and Your Word for us. Were we listening? Are we listening now?

Let our hearts not be hardened but filled with Your love. So that we may take up our cross to follow You, and pave the narrow path for ourselves and for all as we herald the news of Your imminent return. Let the obstacles and trials that come our way be a form of penance for us as we offer them up and embrace them for purification and growth. We rest assured that You are with us every step of the way. Amen

FIRST READING
Sirach 48:1–4, 9–11

GOSPEL
Matthew 17:9a, 10–13

As they were coming down from the mountain, the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

Fruitful and loving lives is what You desire for us O God and all that we ever need to do is to follow Your direction for us.  Why are we so weak? Why do we continue to listen to our own voice or voices of the world? Instead of embracing Your laws which are safeguards for our peace and joy, we often view them as obstacles and restrictions to our own view of ‘happiness’.

Lord Jesus You came to free us from our sinful lives, help us overcome the temptations to sin and to fall back into sin. Give us wisdom to seek out the truth which is to be found only in You. Help us to remain faithful, we ask this in Your most precious name. Amen

First Reading       Isaiah 48:17–19

 GOSPEL

Matthew 11:16–19
16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market places and calling to their playmates, 17 ‘We piped to you, and you did not dance;
we wailed, and you did not mourn.’ 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; 19 the Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”

Why do I think I can hide from anything You my Lord, my God? You who see all and know all. Like a child who has done wrong, I am ashamed and instinctively choose to deny, justify or even make light of my wrongdoings.  How can I continue to look upon You in human terms? In my human understanding of things? When things go very wrong in my life, I often say that You were absent or if only God knew the injustice that has been done.   But it was I who turned my back from You, Who were waiting patiently for me to return to You. To embrace me with Your love to renew me with Your strength.

Has sin closed my ears shut once again? Have I been made blind? Has the weight of the world fallen on my shoulders that I am paralysed? Still I hear Your sweet loving, penetrating call to me Lord Jesus, “Come to me all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” Such loving tenderness offered to me even when I am truly not worthy.

Yes Lord Jesus, I am here, I come before You sinful and sorrowful. Wash me clean that I may be renewed in Your loving care. I gladly take Your yoke upon myself to work for Your kingdom, for Your glory. For I am whole when I am with You and You with me, I am complete, I shall not want. Amen

FIRST READING
Isaiah 40:25–31

GOSPEL
Matthew 11:28–30

Jesus said to the crowds:
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

Thank You sweet Jesus for coming to our rescue. For seeking us out when we are lost. For bringing us back home where we belong with You.

Thank You heavenly Father for Your great love for us. When we turn back to You; in Your loving mercy You wipe us clean leaving no trace of our transgressions, our heinous sins.

Thank You Holy Spirit for teaching us and guiding us on the eternal Word of God. Thank You for steering us away from sin. Thank You for filling us with the grace needed to walk the narrow path in the light of our Saviour. For enabling us to share our faith with others.

All 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

FIRST READING
Isaiah 40:1–11

GOSPEL
Matthew 18:12–14

Jesus said to his disciples:
“What is your opinion?
If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety–nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety–nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”

In Your wisdom, mercy and love Lord, You gave us Your mother to love honour and cherish. Who will love us as her own, be with us in our need and lovingly intercede for us.

Yet many take this truths for granted or reject them in part or whole. Born without the stain of original sin through Your loving Grace O Lord our God, You gave Mary our mother a choice to bear Your Son our Lord and Saviour. Though she still could choose to sin, she chose instead a life of purity worthy of You. Her self giving yes was the spark which would lead to our restoration.

In the traditions and the culture she was born into, it is easy to recognise her role You had for her thereafter. She was and is to be a Queen Mother, to sit by her son in honour and to intercede on behalf of the people. Especially the needy the poor, the infirmed.

We thank you heavenly Father for Mary our mother. She is so loving, so thoughtful and so kind. She is a role model for us for all time.

Dearest mother, we love you and want to honour you by being obedient to Your Son. We ask you to continue to intercede for us 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 justice ardently for everyone with the all consuming desire of the Sacred Heart of Jesus your son. Amen

Solemnity of The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

GOSPEL
Luke 1:26 –38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

I used to take my faith for granted Lord, content just to be baptized, to be a namesake Christian, not growing in the knowledge of You nor bearing fruit worthy of You.

Then I asked myself, what if I never knew about You? What would life be without You? Then I opened my eyes and looked around in the world to see that there are many who are depressed, who are without hope, who are suffering alone in poverty, sickness and old age.

Some have hope because others though not many have responded to Your call. To love and serve their brethren in Your name. Let me do likewise Lord, lead me and show me the way. Fill me with the necessary Graces and strength to do Your Will. Amen

FIRST READING
Isaiah 30:19–21, 23–26

GOSPEL
Matthew 9:35B10:1, 5a, 6–8

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, AThe harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”

Then he summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness.

Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”

Today Lord I pray for the conversion of sinners.

Barren still are we who lead self sufficient lives for without You, our lives remain unfulfilled. Some grope in darkness in search of peace of mind, while others search relentlessly for happiness. Liberate us Lord from the snares of evil. Open our eyes Lord have pity on us. In Your mercy Lord Heal our afflictions.

We cry out in faith to You our Lord and Saviour. You are our light, our salvation. Grant our contrite hearts Your peace and love. Let us lead fruitful loving lives as we strengthen one another by our faith in You. Let us bring Glory to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen

FIRST READING
Isaiah 29:17–24

GOSPEL
Matthew 9:27–31

As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!” When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.

I am proud indeed Lord to be a child of God but let me not be prideful; especially with my fellow man. By Your example let me always choose to serve and not to be served.

Great is my daily temptation to fall into sin, let Your mighty rampart shield me. Let me build upon You my rock! Let Your daily Word be the ever growing foundation on which I build my home.

Have mercy on me when I am weak Lord and fall short. It is only through You that I draw my strength, help me overcome the odds I may face. Let me always stand ready to act according to Your Will.

Let me never lose You my Lord my God, I place all my trust in You. Be my Shepherd and my guide as I do likewise for my brethren. Amen

FIRST READING
Isaiah 26:1–6

GOSPEL
Matthew 7:21, 24–27

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.

“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.”

How great art thou! My Lord and my God, and how great indeed is Your love for us. That we who long to be You, will one day feast in Your presence.

Lord Jesus what is man or woman that You care so much for us? We are a broken people and yet You have come to mend, to make us whole. We are blind and deaf to Your Will. And yet You patiently wait to restore our sight and our hearing. We are captives of our design and device. And still You are at hand to set us free. We are a spiteful and arrogant bunch. And yet You humbled yourself upon a cross for us. And in our hunger for all that is good, You give of yourself that we may eat and live an eternal life with You.

How great art thou! My Lord and my God, and how great indeed is Your love for us. Amen

FIRST READING
Isaiah 25:6–10a

GOSPEL
Matthew 15:29–37

At that time:
Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there. Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them. The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel.

Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way.” The disciples said to him, “Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place to satisfy such a crowd?” Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” “Seven,” they replied, “and a few fish.” He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.

Dear Lord it had never occurred to me to think about just how much we lost when sin came into the world. The peace and harmony our loving God intended for us. Between God our Father and us, man and woman, us and nature.

How sin blinds the intellect to see what isn’t and to shun the truth that is. How we use arithmetic to conclude that 1+1+1 equals 3 and others use the same equation to denounce the Holy Trinity instead of allowing our Loving Father who gave us arithmetic in the first place to guide us into a deeper truth and understanding.

Thank You Abba, Father for the most precious gift of Your Son Jesus Christ who restores what was lost.

Sweet Jesus by Your love, life, death and resurrection ; You draw all us sinners to yourself that we may live. Through the Holy Spirit let us always respond to Your call. Open our hearts and minds so that we may always see and hear Your Word and Your Will for us. Amen

FIRST READING
Isaiah 11:1–10

GOSPEL
Luke 10:21–24

Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said,
“I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”

How do I heed Your gentle call to go to Your mountain O Lord my God? When I stand on my very own mountain of security built on the foundation of pride and the ways of the world.

How many disputes and wars have been fought in this world over mountains such as mine? O if we would only listen and harden not our hearts, we will surely have peace and love in this world. For in You we are made whole and shall not want.

Bless me Lord Jesus with the faith of the centurion that I may bring glory to Your name. Let my faith inspire others to grow in the knowledge of You. That You may reign in their hearts so as to be filled with Your love. And together we will strive to build Your Kingdom as we await our heavenly inheritance. Amen

FIRST READING
Isaiah 2:1–5

GOSPEL
Matthew 8:5–11

When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” He said to him, “I will come and cure him.” The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven.”

So many people in this world live lives without hope, they are depressed, stressed and even with family and friends, they are lonely. Others who have sickness befall them, are afraid of dying. Then there are others angry with everything and everyone. All these people have one thing in common, they do not know You Lord. They have not encountered the living and loving God.

Like St Andrew, I am responding to Your call to follow You. Let me bring the life giving knowledge of You to all. Let Your peace and love flow through me so that by bringing them Your Word; their lives will be filled with Your joy and peace. In Your most precious name Jesus. I pray. Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 10:9–18

GOSPEL
Matthew 4:18–22

As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.

Praise be our Lord Jesus Christ, the alpha and the omega. Who was, Who is and Who is yet to come. Let our hearts be opened and ready. Let us remain stedfast in prayer as we prepare ourselves to receive Him.

O Lord my God Your everlasting Word and Will be done. Amen

FIRST READING
Daniel 7:2–14

GOSPEL
Luke 21:29–33

Jesus told his disciples a parable. “Consider the fig tree and all the other trees. When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

Although not apparent Your Word for Your faithful today is of hope, love and salvation.

Through our steadfast prayers and communion with our heavenly Father we are assured that nothing and no one can separate us from the love of God our Father. His loving embrace shelters us from harm.

Lord Jesus, great is Your Love for us that in times of great distress trials and tribulations, You are at hand to guide Your faithful to safety. And should we have an opportunity to lay down our lives for Your glory or for our brethren; we are assured of eternal life with You. Amen

FIRST READING
Daniel 6:12–28

GOSPEL
Luke 21:20–28

Jesus said to his disciples:
“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is at hand. Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. Let those within the city escape from it, and let those in the countryside not enter the city, for these days are the time of punishment when all the Scriptures are fulfilled. Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days, for a terrible calamity will come upon the earth and a wrathful judgment upon this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken as captives to all the Gentiles; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”

To live in this world Lord, is a daily struggle for us. For Your ways are not of this world. This world teaches us that more is less and that is why we cannot get or want enough. We are never satisfied.

It teaches us that it is better to be feared then to be loved and that is why even today we have dictators instead of leaders.

It teaches us that less is more in terms of modesty and so those who have listened have made themselves objects to be gawked at.

Of the many lessons it insists on having us learn is that there is no God! If there is a God how can He/She allow evil in this world. Live according to your own conscience.

We end up having more unanswered questions…. like where does this ‘conscience’ originates from or how it ought to be formed? Why does good wine taste better in a glass than in a plastic cup? Why would it taste even better if drunk from a silver or gold goblet? Why do most steal looks when looking upon immodesty? Why the need to hide or be ashamed for looking at pornography? Why does it play on our minds when we say no to the poor or needy? What is lost or do we even lose anything when we stop asking these questions?

You came into this world to save us and show us the way…..

You O Lord my God are the Way, the Truth. You are our light, You give life, You make all things new! O wash me clean that I may be white as snow. I renounce my way of life in this world. Give me courage and strength to take up my cross and follow You always. Amen

FIRST READING
Daniel 5:1–6, 13–14, 16–17, 23–28

GOSPEL
Luke 21:12–19

Jesus said to the crowd:
“They will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”

Today Lord as I reflect upon Your Word, I marvel at the courage and zeal of Daniel in speaking Your truths and Your Word. Let me do likewise I pray…

Nothing in this world lasts forever, but we have confidence that Your Holy Church You established and built upon Your rock will. Let me always love and cherish this gift of ours and to keep in mind what it means to be Church; a part and yet whole. Let me strive to build Your Kingdom here on earth.

We need not fret or worry for even if this world passes away, You O Lord are the resurrection, our hope and our salvation. Through You we have eternal life, great indeed is Your Love for us. Let me never take Your love for granted and may I always endeavour to turn away from sin and be faithful to Your Word and Will. Amen

FIRST READING
Daniel 2:31–45

GOSPEL
Luke 21:5–11

While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, “All that you see here– the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”

Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?” He answered, “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them! When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.”

Fear often rules our hearts and so we become selfish and hoard what we can. ‘Drink and make merry for tomorrow we die’ we often chant. And die we will indeed since merrymaking is our goal. God is far from our minds in this endeavour.

But for those who choose the narrow path to be rightful children of our loving Father, God Almighty. He provides for and we shall never want. All wisdom, skills, knowledge and talents comes from Him. And when we give Him all that we are and all that we have, as dutiful servants do. His overflowing love and blessings falls upon us and we are content just to be in His presence.

Lord Jesus take away my sin that binds me to this world. Let me be free to love and serve my God in all things and in all

FIRST READING
Daniel 1:1–6, 8–20

GOSPEL
Luke 21:1–4

When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”

This morning Lord, I examine my conscience and my life. What evil have I done or spoken? How many spirits of people have I slain by my actions or words? Have I made amends? Have I been repentant? Have I come before You Lord with a contrite Spirit and heart?
Lord Jesus make me worthy to live a new life with and in You. I want to sing praises to my living God for now and for all time. Amen

FIRST READING
1 Maccabees 6:1–13

GOSPEL
Luke 20:27–40

Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, came forward and put this question to Jesus, 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 but died childless. Then the second and the third married her, and likewise all the seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be? For all seven had been married to her.” Jesus said to them, “The children of this age marry and remarry; but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise. That the dead will rise even Moses made known in the passage about the bush, when he called ‘Lord’ the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.” Some of the scribes said in reply, “Teacher, you have answered well.” And they no longer dared to ask him anything.

Some Lord Jesus, will go through great lengths to prepare themselves for Holy Eucharist. And like many others I too would question why? Why so ritualistic? Does it really matter to God? Isn’t it some form of misaligned piety?

But I was asking the wrong questions… I instead should have been asking these….

How do I act or behave in worship before our Lord and King? Does not the outward reflect what’s inward? How do I dress in honour of someone I love at a wedding banquet? What kind of spirit and heart must I have within to reflect my love for my God? Is my body a worthy vessel to receive a love so pure? Have I come longing and attentively to hear His loving Word for me or to be easily distracted because I had not come prepared? Have I come like a thief to take what is not mine or have I come worthily and prepared to receive my heavenly inheritance?

Harden not my heart, my Lord, my God! Let me always come before You with a contrite heart and spirit. Let me always praise, honour, love and glorify You in all that I say and do. Amen

Thank You dear Jesus for giving us our one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. Amen

FIRST READING
1 Maccabees 4:36–37, 52–59

GOSPEL
Luke 19:45–48

Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who were selling things, saying to them, “It is written, My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.” And every day he was teaching in the temple area. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people, meanwhile, were seeking to put him to death, but they could find no way to accomplish their purpose because all the people were hanging on his words.

Oh how I wish I had such zeal for Your Word O Lord! That I may always turn away from sin and never take shortcuts, cut corners or hide my faith from others for fear of offending them. Oh Lord have mercy on me for my weaknesses.

Lord Jesus, You alone can give us strength! Your love for us is so great that You weep for us when we stray. Help and guide us back when we lose our way. And keep us faithful with a burning desire to always follow our Father’s Will for us. Amen

FIRST READING
1 Maccabees 2:15–29

GOSPEL
Luke 19:41–44

As Jesus drew near Jerusalem, he saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If this day you only knew what makes for peace– but now it is hidden from your eyes. For the days are coming upon you when your enemies will raise a palisade against you; they will encircle you and hem you in on all sides. They will smash you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another within you because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.”

Oh what foundation have we laid in Your love Lord that we can withstand all adversity? We take the faith You have given us for granted and spend far too little time if any, nurturing it for growth.

All that grows rampant are weeds! And so when trials come our way we grasp and cling to what little faith we have and soon all is lost.

When will we learn that our qualifications, education, personal achievements, wealth, skills, talents, our very lives counts for nothing lest our foundation is laid upon You Lord?

Everything we have comes from You and when we put to use what You have given for Your glory, we are blessed to bear witness to the tenfold fruits of our labour. The more we receive, the more we are able to give and the more we receive yet again. All in peace, love, joy; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

FIRST READING
2 Maccabees 7:1, 20–31

GOSPEL
Luke 19:11–28

While people were listening to Jesus speak, he proceeded to tell a parable because he was near Jerusalem and they thought that the Kingdom of God would appear there immediately. So he said, “A nobleman went off to a distant country to obtain the kingship for himself and then to return. He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins and told them, ‘Engage in trade with these until I return.’ His fellow citizens, however, despised him and sent a delegation after him to announce, ‘We do not want this man to be our king.’ But when he returned after obtaining the kingship, he had the servants called, to whom he had given the money, to learn what they had gained by trading. The first came forward and said, ‘Sir, your gold coin has earned ten additional ones.’ He replied, ‘Well done, good servant! You have been faithful in this very small matter; take charge of ten cities.’ Then the second came and reported, ‘Your gold coin, sir, has earned five more.’ And to this servant too he said, ‘You, take charge of five cities.’ Then the other servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your gold coin; I kept it stored away in a handkerchief, for I was afraid of you, because you are a demanding man; you take up what you did not lay down and you harvest what you did not plant.’ He said to him, ‘With your own words I shall condemn you, you wicked servant. You knew I was a demanding man, taking up what I did not lay down and harvesting what I did not plant; why did you not put my money in a bank? Then on my return I would have collected it with interest.’ And to those standing by he said, ‘Take the gold coin from him and give it to the servant who has ten.’ But they said to him, ‘Sir, he has ten gold coins.’ He replied, ‘I tell you, to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. Now as for those enemies of mine who did not want me as their king, bring them here and slay them before me.’”

After he had said this, he proceeded on his journey up to Jerusalem.

While our bodies age and wither there is sometimes a disconnect; for our minds remain young, childlike at times, childish in others.

Without growing in the faith and love of knowing You Lord, we fight, bite, claw, plead, do anything to hold on to this life; the only life we know. We have no knowledge or understanding of eternal life with our Father.

What we possess is a superficial and shallow love and understanding of all that is You. We do not strive to learn or do more thereby losing our rightful claim as children of God.

Praise be our ever loving God! So long as we have a longing, a desire to seek You Lord Jesus. You will come and call on us out from among the crowd. And our Yes is the start of our transformation, a wonderful adventure in Your love begins.

We are given the opportunity to right what was wrong in our lives. To grow in holiness and love. To be beacons for our families, for our friends, for our community, for the world.

You indeed make all things new Lord Jesus, You are our salvation! Glory be to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

FIRST READING
2 Maccabees 6:18–31

GOSPEL
Luke 19:1–10

At that time Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they saw this, they began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.”

The lure of the world rages on! Bright lights, colourful advertisements, shapely barely covered bodies call out to lead glamorous carefree lives! Out with the old! In with the new! More bright blinding colourful lights! Loud music and crowds chanting drink! Drink! Drink! Drink in life!

But I O Lord want to remain steadfast in Your love! Hear me cry out to You O Lord! I will not allow the crowds to silence me, for all I’ll ever want or need is You. Keep my eyes open and affixed on Your glorious face my Lord, my God. Let me always walk in Your light and lead others unto the same path. That we may sing praise and glory to You O Lord! Forever and ever. Amen

FIRST READING
1 Maccabees 1:10–15, 41–43, 54–57, 62–63

GOSPEL
Luke 18:35–43

As Jesus approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!” Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He replied, “Lord, please let me see.” Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.” He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.

Thank You Lord Jesus for reminding us this day that our heavenly Father is with us always. And that the prayers of our hearts are always heard. The Word of God speaks to us always, if only we would open our hearts to hear Him. He is always there, even in our darkest moments, if only we have a little faith.

We give You Thanks and praise this day our loving Father and all the days of our life, now and forever Amen

FIRST READING
Wisdom 18:14–16; 19:6–9

GOSPEL
Luke 18:1–8

Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, “There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, ‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’ For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, ‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.’” The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

We live in a high paced world where technological advancements rage on to make our lives easier and more comfortable. We pride ourselves on our achievements on using the resources and our resourcefulness to create historical breakthroughs. Have we forgotten God? His loving hand in all things? The gifts and talents we received from Him?

Left to our own device how easy it is to choose wrong from right. After all we decide on our own what is good and what is evil. And unless we turn back to God our loving Father, our choice of living will be our very own destruction.

Let us strive always to turn away from sin; stay focused on Christ looking ahead, to be faithful to His Word and to do God’s Will for us. Amen.

FIRST READING
Wisdom 13:1–9

GOSPEL
Luke 17:26–37

Jesus said to his disciples:
“As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man; they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage up to the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Similarly, as it was in the days of Lot: they were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building; on the day when Lot left Sodom, fire and brimstone rained from the sky to destroy them all. So it will be on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, someone who is on the housetop and whose belongings are in the house must not go down to get them, and likewise one in the field must not return to what was left behind. Remember the wife of Lot. Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it. I tell you, on that night there will be two people in one bed; one will be taken, the other left. And there will be two women grinding meal together; one will be taken, the other left.” They said to him in reply, “Where, Lord?” He said to them, “Where the body is, there also the vultures will gather.”

Knowledge of God through the Holy Spirit is what drives us forward each grace filled day in His Kingdom here on earth.

Though sickness, trials and persecutions may befall us, we carry our cross bravely, for our hope is in Christ. His light flashes brightly and mightily across dark skies.

And when we pass from this earth we have joyous hope that we will walk with our Lord in paradise. Amen

FIRST READING
Wisdom 7:22b–8:1

GOSPEL
Luke 17:20–25

Asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus said in reply, “The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or, ‘There it is.’ For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.”

Then he said to his disciples, “The days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. There will be those who will say to you, ‘Look, there he is,’ or ‘Look, here he is.’ Do not go off, do not run in pursuit. For just as lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. But first he must suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation.”

Oh how arrogant was I Lord! There were many times I behaved badly and went overboard by putting others down for their lack of or poor service. Then there have been times I was curt and ill tempered towards the people I led. And while I sometimes acknowledged my failings and accepted them, I made no resolve to go further into correcting them or to grow in faith and love. Have mercy on me Lord.

I know now that as disciples of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, that all of us have a higher calling; to always seek to build up first and foremost. To tear down empty pride and idleness in ourselves and to lead by example. To always give thanks and praise to the one we serve from whom all grace, all gifts, all talents, all goodness comes. To give thanks to His instruments, His people, our brethren for the good they do. For it is by His loving hand that they have been given the grace and love to do so.

I give You thanks and praise my Lord, my God! For to do so is my act of love and humility; to acknowledge that You are my King and pray that You continue to reign in my heart for all eternity. I give You thanks and praise my Lord, my God! For to do so is to acknowledge Your great love for me. I give You thanks and praise my Lord, my God! For to do so is to recognize Your loving hand in all things big and small. For now and forever more, I offer ceaseless thanks and praise to You, my Lord, my God. Amen

FIRST READING
Wisdom 6:1–11

GOSPEL
Luke 17:11–19

As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” And when he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”

Heavenly Father, we often only see our parents as having given us life and forget that it by Your loving hand that we breathe and bear your likeness. Even then some do not acknowledge You as Father let alone Lord and King. Either due to invincible ignorance of not yet having the opportunity to know about You or for those that do, then Sin has blinded them to the fact.

With eyes and heart opened to do Your Will, I now see that You were never trying to be my puppetmaster. Instead You sought only to love and prosper me; more than a loving Father, more than a groom for his bride, more than anyone or anything our puny minds can wrap around.

And when I love and serve You my Lord, my God with all my heart, with all my soul, in all humility; there is nothing I shall want. There are no rewards to seek for all the treasures in the world and beyond are unlocked and yet all I’ll ever need is You. 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

FIRST READING
Wisdom 2:23–3:9

GOSPEL
Luke 17:7–10

Jesus said to the Apostles:
“Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’? Would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished’? Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’”

In a temper Lord, wisdom, love, and what is good within us departs. Those of us who struggle to walk in the light feel broken, hurt and outraged because we responded wrongly to the vicious attacks of only those close to us know how to. And still was it not our sinful pride that opened the floodgates? Why do we choose turmoil over the peace and love of You who dwell within us when we are free from the debt of sin? Lord have mercy and help us.

Lord Jesus, we know from Your Word that all that we do and say can either draw others to You and Your Kingdom or lead them far away. Let us always choose that which is right and good. Lord have mercy and help us.

O merciful Lord You taught us to be forgiving as You are forgiving towards us for our numerous sins against You. Fill us with Your love and give us Your strength to overcome the hurt and pain caused by those who seek our forgiveness, so that we may never ever hold it back and be bound by unforgiveness. Lord have mercy and help us. Amen

FIRST READING
Wisdom 1:1–7

GOSPEL
Luke 17:1–6

Jesus said to his disciples,
“Things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but woe to the one through whom they occur. It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry,’ you should forgive him.”

And the Apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”

Oh how I love to be in Church worshipping my Lord, my God!

But it was not always so…. I use to attend out of obligation and so was often distracted either in thought, word and deed.  We among friends, talked, joked and laughed before, during and after mass albeit softly thinking no one heard or cared. It was easy to look at others and judge them by their appearance or to attend mass to see and be seen.  I’d sing if I felt like it but would always be a little more reverent at the consecration though not fully understanding why.

I am indeed saddened to think that years had past by before I finally awoke to the rich and glorious splendour of the liturgy and to be worshipping as one in our One Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.  To know without reservation that I am among my brethren worshipping our ever present and living God.

To be able to rid myself of all evil and to be cleansed through the Sacrament of Reconciliation so as to receive my Lord Jesus through Holy Communion so as to be a living tabernacle within my body, the temple of the Holy Spirit. I am one with my Church as my Church is one with me. And with Jesus in me, living waters of His Love and Peace can flow; fruitful and abundant. O Lord, my God, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Amen

READING

Ezekiel 47:1–2, 8–9, 12

GOSPEL
John 2:13–22

Since the Passover of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money–changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money–changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said, “Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” His disciples recalled the words of Scripture, Zeal for your house will consume me. At this the Jews answered and said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews said, “This temple has been under construction for forty–six years, and you will raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his Body. Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the Scripture and the word Jesus had spoken.

O Lord my God, it is so easy for us to get caught up in the world. Often we lose ourselves in getting the best deals or making them. All the wheeling and dealing we do is to survive or so we think. When we thrive we pride ourselves as being astute, and if we should fail the blame often falls on the economy or bad markets. But where were You in our lives? What did we do for You or for our brethren?

Everything we have or own comes from You. Yet do we reap what we have not sown? Lord Jesus it is only through You, with You and in You that we become the stewards our heavenly Father wants us to be. In the footsteps of St Paul, let us be good stewards; Priests, prophet and King for our loved ones and our brethren. Working together to build Your Kingdom. Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 15:14–21

GOSPEL
Luke 16:1–8

Jesus said to his disciples, “A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property. He summoned him and said, ‘What is this I hear about you? Prepare a full account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be my steward.’ The steward said to himself, ‘What shall I do, now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me? I am not strong enough to dig and I am ashamed to beg. I know what I shall do so that, when I am removed from the stewardship, they may welcome me into their homes.’ He called in his master’s debtors one by one. To the first he said, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of olive oil.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note. Sit down and quickly write one for fifty.’ Then to another he said, ‘And you, how much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note; write one for eighty.’ And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently. For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than the children of light.”

Lord Jesus I strive each and every day to live for You but all too often I find myself falling into the clutches of sin. I am indeed weak Lord, guilt often reminds me that I am nothing but a worm crawling on my belly in shame. But You O Lord are my hope, for as I lay hidden in darkness You seek me out with Your light. You restore me to whom I was created to be; A child of God.

Let me never forget that there are others as I once was, who are not yet aware of Your great love and mercy. Who are still groping in the dark hoping for a way out. Let me never turn by back on them as often some ‘righteous’ people do.

In humility through and for the love of You, let me bring them Your hope, peace and love. Washed clean in Your blood we will stand together with the angels in heaven singing the praises of our one ever living triune God for ever and ever. Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 14:7–12

GOSPEL
Luke 15:1–10

The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So Jesus addressed this parable to them. “What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety–nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety–nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.

“Or what woman having ten coins and losing one would not light a lamp and sweep the house, searching carefully until she finds it? And when she does find it, she calls together her friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found the coin that I lost.’ In just the same way, I tell you, there will be

God is love and all that is love comes from God. All that God created was for love and fashioned through and in love. Because we are born in love it is only right that we love our creator and yet by love, we have the freedom to choose whether to do so or not.

To love one another, we must do so with the love of God in our hearts for only then do we truly love. Sin often blinds us to this fact and so our love has limitations, even conditions; lest we are freed from that which blinds and binds us.

When we put family and others before God, we have made a choice to live in the world, to live and love according to its values. The world we create for ourselves gets smaller while we become bigger.

To love and honour God above all things is to love and bear our cross. To spend time in Communion with our Lord and God through prayer. To partake of the bread of life. We live not in this world or of it, but thrive in Our heavenly Father’s vast Kingdom here on earth as we await our heavenly inheritance. Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 13:8–10

GOSPEL
Luke 14:25–33

Great crowds were traveling with Jesus, and he turned and addressed them, “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion? Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him and say, ‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’ Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down and decide whether with ten thousand troops he can successfully oppose another king advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops? But if not, while he is still far away, he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms. In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.”

Forgive me Lord for not pondering deeply and often enough what it means to be in Holy Communion, not just with or in You but with my brethren.

I had not shared my gifts and talents given by You with my community, my excuse was time and more pressing priorities. For this I was not truly in Communion, forgive me Lord.

Instead of acknowledging, building upon the strengths and gifts of my brethren l dwelled instead on their faults. I was unforgiving…For this I was truly not in Communion, forgive me Lord.

For all other reasons other than work, death or sickness in which I scheduled in the Sunday Eucharist or attended the Sat vigil to fit my personal plans instead of recognising that it is a special day set aside to be with You in celebration… For this I was not truly in Communion, forgive me Lord.

For not participating fully in the Eucharistic celebration, my immodest dressing, my irreverence… For this I was not truly in Communion, forgive me Lord.

For not striving to grow in faith or living my life according to Your Word that I may join my brethren in building Your Kingdom Lord… For this I was not in truly Communion, forgive me Lord.

I seek Your help Lord! Open my eyes and my heart, transform me Lord. Let me always remain in Communion with You and my brethren. May You dwell in all of us O Lord.. Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 12:5–16ab

GOSPEL
Luke 14:15–24

One of those at table with Jesus said to him, “Blessed is the one who will dine in the Kingdom of God.” He replied to him, “A man gave a great dinner to which he invited many. When the time for the dinner came, he dispatched his servant to say to those invited, ‘Come, everything is now ready.’ But one by one, they all began to excuse themselves. The first said to him, ‘I have purchased a field and must go to examine it; I ask you, consider me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have purchased five yoke of oxen and am on my way to evaluate them; I ask you, consider me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have just married a woman, and therefore I cannot come.’ The servant went and reported this to his master. Then the master of the house in a rage commanded his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in here the poor and the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ The servant reported, ‘Sir, your orders have been carried out and still there is room.’ The master then ordered the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedgerows and make people come in that my home may be filled. For, I tell you, none of those men who were invited will taste my dinner.’”

Merciful Lord though I was not worthy to be in Your presence by my frequent disobedience, nor did I merit Your kindness, You have shown me mercy and love.

Though I have been blind and deaf to Your Word, You have shown me mercy and love.

Though I have been crippled by my sins and lame in my service, You have shown me mercy and love.

Let me now be a beacon of Your mercy and love. Let me be merciful and loving to those who cannot fend for themselves, who are in need. Let me be merciful and loving to those who live in the darkness of sin, let me bring Your light. Let me be merciful and loving to all who criticise, reject and persecute me especially those who do so for the work I do in Your name. Let it all be for the Glory of Your name, who live and reign with God our Father and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 11:29–36

GOSPEL
Luke 14:12–14

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees. He said to the host who invited him, “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or sisters or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”