Mercy on me, Lord Jesus for I too have been judgemental. Instead of extending the same patience and forbearance I had received from You, I had displayed a misplaced righteous behaviour towards others.

How did I think I could buy my way into Your Kingdom by performing good deeds alone without love? By observing all our Holy Church teaches us without constant self examination, without a contrite heart, without reaching out to others in love and friendship?

As I grew in my faith, I failed to realize that the smallest sin I commit against You as compared to the large ones in others weighed far greater.

Lord Jesus guide me always in Your ways, let me love You and others always in heart, mind, soul and in my deeds. Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 2:1–11

GOSPEL
Luke 11:42–46

The Lord said:
“Woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithes of mint and of rue and of every garden herb, but you pay no attention to judgment and to love for God. These you should have done, without overlooking the others. Woe to you Pharisees! You love the seat of honor in synagogues and greetings in marketplaces. Woe to you! You are like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk.”

Then one of the scholars of the law said to him in reply, “Teacher, by saying this you are insulting us too.” And he said, “Woe also to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them.”

Like many Lord Jesus, I often put up a front. Perhaps it started out as a coping mechanism, to avoid being hurt as well as not to expose any vulnerability which someone might later use against me. Trouble is that after a while I lost myself, as I developed and put on different personas. This progressed into living a lie for which You were no longer present in my life. Other people or things became more important. I didn’t know how to love.

Bless You and praise You O Lord my God! For true love comes from. When I turned back to You, I was cleansed and filled with Your divine love. Striving to know all about You and to emulate You, I now have genuine love for my brethren. Let me never lose my focus on You as I serve and lead others to You. Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 1:16–25

GOSPEL
Luke 11:37–41

After Jesus had spoken,
a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.”

Dear Jesus, how different is one generation to the next? Are we any less wicked then in the past? Ethnic cleansing, abortions, mercy killings, torture, rape, pornography, sadism, indifference to poverty, the old and sick, orphans, the list goes on..

I could have easily gone down that wide and treacherous path, had Your love and patience not touched me. Your call to repentance was also an invitation to have a relationship with You.

Help me bring others to the knowledge of You, to guide, teach and show them Your ways. By Your Grace and through Your love, I may deepen their understanding and foster a loving relationship with You. Amen

FIRST READING
Romans 1:1–7

GOSPEL
Luke 11:29–32

While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.”

Today Lord, I reflect deeply on this main points…

There is only One Almighty and powerful God who is merciful and loving to His children. In His infinite Goodness He gives His loving children protection from all evil.

Our blessed Mother Mary leads all her children to her Son and bids us all; listen to Him. The Word made flesh by the incarnation has come to feed, nourish and save us. Amen

FIRST READING
Joel 4:12–21

GOSPEL
Luke 11:27–28

While Jesus was speaking,
a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”

How naive was I Lord that being forgiven with guilt removed I didn’t see the need to make restitution; do penance. It all seemed arbitrary!

I now see the wisdom and beauty of Your call to repentance in which penance complements and completes it. If done properly by working towards and through it in love and deep reflection, it helps eradicate the hold of sins and addictions to some. Otherwise the next time we fall, we may never get up or it may prove very much more difficult.

Let me never forget that Sin is never a private affair. It hurts and damages relationships, it breaks Communion with You and with one another. Lord Jesus in Your mercy strengthen me against all temptations to Sin. With You on my side what evil can ever hope to prevail? Let me always remain in Communion with You physically and/or spiritually. Let me always walk in Your light and on the narrow path. And let me lead others to do likewise. Amen.

FIRST READING
Joel 1:13–15; 2:1–2

GOSPEL
Luke 11:15–26

When Jesus had driven out a demon, some of the crowd said:
“By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons.” Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven. But he knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons. If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

“When an unclean spirit goes out of someone, it roams through arid regions searching for rest but, finding none, it says, ‘I shall return to my home from which I came.’ But upon returning, it finds it swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and brings back seven other spirits more wicked than itself who move in and dwell there, and the last condition of that man is worse than the first.”

Yes Lord I recall my arrogance, irreverence and selfishness. If anyone asked me to rank the importance of things or people in my life, I would always be quick to say God, family, friends, others then me. But the way I led my life was contrary to my declaration.

Forgive me my loving Father but You were often missing from my mind in anything and everything I did, lest there was a crisis. Never mind strangers, I was equally selfish if not more so to my family members. And if I did anything for a friend, it was likely that I would be hoping for a favour to be returned some day.

I was indeed lacking in love and charity. “Why can’t you get it yourself?” or “Can’t you ask someone else who has more time?” “Do you think money grows on trees?” I might say from time to time. Still I might give a little reluctantly if they nagged me enough.

With a grateful heart, I give You thanks and praise loving and ever generous Father. For You have shown me such great love and generosity that I cannot do any less for my brethren. You have taught and shown me that in giving generously, wholly of oneself, and with no expectations; there is much spiritual growth and rewards.

Oh what Blessed assurance You give me, that all my prayers will be answered according to Your Will and Your love for me! And so even if the answer to my prayer is No, I will give You thanks and praise. Amen

FIRST READING
Malachi 3:13–20b

GOSPEL
Luke 11:5–13

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him,’ and he says in reply from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.’ I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.

“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”

O Lord my God forgive me, for the many times I let pride blind me to Your mercy for others. Instead of reaching out to them in Your love, I secretly judged them as unworthy. Instead of praying for them in love, so that they may be saved; I prayed for blind justice to be served whether or not they were repentant but prideful or that they could not see a way out of their bondage from sin.

I am worthy to be Your child only because You have made me worthy. I who learned to love only because You showed me how by Your love. You who saved me from the devastation and damnation of a sinful life by Your bountiful mercy. How did I not see that You would want the same for all Your creation, my brethren?

Thank You Jesus for teaching us the most perfect and complete prayer. A prayer of perfect love which begins and comes from a relationship with our loving and heavenly Father. A prayer of unity among the children in Communion with our one triune God. On a foundation of everlasting divine love and mercy. Amen.

FIRST READING
Jonah 4:1–11

GOSPEL
Luke 11:1–4

Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say:

Father, hallowed be your name, your Kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test.”

Thank You Jesus for allowing to serve You and my brethren. For allowing me to bear witness to Your glory in so many incidents and ways. Forgive me for the many times I lost focus on You when I compared sufferings and hardships with others. When I craved recognition for the work I had done from my peers and from others. For times I allowed myself to be overwhelmed and became petty, impatient even at times resentful.

My sweet loving Jesus, please allow me to fall deep in Your love. Let me always turn to You when it starts getting a little too difficult to bear, for I am certain You will give me rest. You will refresh and strengthen me. And when I’m ready, You will send me out to participate in Your masterplan for the world. Praise be to You O Lord my God! Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 10:38–42

Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”

Lord Jesus I come before You today ashamed as I recall my past. “Love your neighbour” was just a lovely concept to me. For I didn’t know how to love. It was all always about me, “if anyone loves me then I will love them. If they are unkind to me, I’ll be equally unkind to them or more.” “I am Christian and I love my faith, and that will never change but even if I don’t go as often to Church I know in my heart God loves me and I love Him.”

You my dear Jesus, have opened my eyes to see the true light and the beauty of love in action. And this can only come with a relationship with You which grows and goes deeper over time. To know You is to spend time with You, in deep reflection of Your Word and learning to live like You. To dwell in Your heart as You dwell in mine as I take up my cross.

To love You is to love others, and to serve You is to serve others. There is no life without You and life with You is to die in Your embrace so that I may truly live!

Bearing all these in mind, let my heart and my eyes be opened always to the needs of others. Let my mouth speak to them of Your love.  Let my hands show them Your love as I gently tend to their wounds, feed, clothe and bathe them in Your love. Let me care for them as I lead them home to You. Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 10:25–37

There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” He replied to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.”

But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half–dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn, and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

How I look forward my Lord Jesus, to sharing with You many more of my adventures in Your love. For I have witnessed and experienced both Your power and Your love.

If I possess an inclination to boast, let it be only of You my loving and compassionate God.  For there is none like You!

Today our Loving Father, we celebrate and rejoice as we encounter Your great love for us; for as we have responded to Your call,You have opened our hearts and minds to depths of Your heart through Your Word.  We love and thank You Father, for Your Son and the Holy Spirit. One God forever and ever. Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 10:17–24

The seventy–two disciples returned rejoicing and said to Jesus, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold, I have given you the power ‘to tread upon serpents’o and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

At that very moment he 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.”

O Sweet and tender hearted Jesus, I cannot fathom how it is like for You when someone rejects Your love, Your infinite goodness?

I can only offer up my tears as I weep for all who obstinately reject You. For all who listen to Your call but turn their backs as they choose to live their lives according to the World. For all who are bound by their addictions and sins and now feel they are in a bottomless pit. For all who have hardened their hearts, blinded by pride their intellect is obscured by their personal achievements and vainglory. For all who have seen and encountered Your mighty deeds and works in their life and yet easily forget You when things are good and wonderful in their lives.

Lord I plead for mercy on them, soften their hearts so that they may see the error of their ways. Be patient and merciful as You have with me. Let me be an instrument of Your peace and love to bring them back to You.

And in Your mercy hear the prayers of Your children around the globe for the conversion of sinners as together we say….

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. Amen.

Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother and St Francis of Assisi, we pray today as one united family for the conversion of sinners. We ask this through Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit one God forever and ever amen.

(Memorial Of St Francis Of Assisi)

GOSPEL
Luke 10:13–16

Jesus said to them,
“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. And as for you, Capernaum, ‘Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld.’ Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.”

I had often pondered on the urgent, stern and rather frightening message at the end of this Gospel. And foolishly even childishly thought it was a scare tactic. However I realise now that Sin blinds us to the truth and the facts.

The Kingdom of God is at hand for us indeed, by the loving Grace of our heavenly Father. Only if we desire and choose to live our lives worthy of our heavenly inheritance. And even then we are made worthy by Your Son through Communion with Him.

Loving Lord, let me always walk in steadfast faith, love, with the grace of God and the companionship of the Holy Spirit. Let me share Your loving promise of salvation fulfilled, with all who will listen. Soften the hearts of those who are obstinately deaf to Your Word so that they too may have hope when their ears are finally open. Let me bring Your healing, Your Love, Your peace; Let me bring You my Jesus into the hearts of my brethren. Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 10:1–12

Jesus appointed seventy–two other disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’ Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you, go out into the streets and say, ‘The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you.’ Yet know this: the Kingdom of God is at hand. I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town.”

Lord I come before You now with a humble heart desiring truly to serve You only according to Your Will. Let me never lose sight that it is You my Jesus that I serve. For it is in my fallen nature to sometimes crave recognition or even a position of influence or power.

Thank You Lord, for the powerful reminder of what it means to be a child of God. To be free from the lustful desires of the World. To be innocent, pure and reliant on Your Good Counsel and providence. On us, You bestow Your Graces abundantly.

I am reminded also of Your great love for us, for by Your incarnation You came to us as a babe. A clear message that You did not come to judge, but to save us. And likewise I too should not condemn but to assist in Your name, in saving our Heavenly Father’s Children; my brethren. To seek always to bring those who desire to follow You, closer to the deeper relationship You desire through Your Church. Sweet Jesus be my guide always. Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 9:46–50

An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.”

Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company.” Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”

Thank You Jesus for the many blessings showered on my family and me. Thank You for allowing us to witness Your glory today and everyday.

May we stand ready when suffering befalls so that we can unite our sufferings with Yours at the cross and with all the sufferings of our brethren in the world. May our suffering never be in vain; but bring us closer to You. Amen.

GOSPEL
Luke 9:43b–45

While they were all amazed at his every deed, Jesus said to his disciples, “Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

If someone asked me a few years ago, “Who is Jesus? And who is he to you?”  I would most likely have given them a historical account of You. I may even have thrown in a few phrases learnt from Catechism, like “He is the Son of God…” “A messiah sent to save us from sins” “He died on the cross for us so that we may live.”  All said with conviction and yet hidden behind a smile would lie a little secret skepticism, not from unbelief but an untrained and unschooled mind. Deep in my heart I knew that I would never need to go elsewhere to search for the truth, no other faith could ever come close. Sadly all the treasures I would ever need in this lifetime lay before me and yet I was blind to it all. I was deaf to Your Word and a mute as one not able to sing Your praises.

Then on that most memorable day in the adoration room, when I lay prostrate at Your feet in total surrender.  You answered my prayer to truly know and to love You. You filled me with Your peace and Your love. My eyes were opened to the wonders of You and the Church You established. My ears could finally hear Your voice in the Word, and I understood like never before. My mouth uttered your praises, and I could lift my voice up in prayer and song. And if anyone today asked me the same question, “Who is Jesus? And who is he to you?” I would answer, “He is my Lord and my God!” “He is the Son of the living God, who truly loves all of us and wants us to have a deep meaningful relationship with Him.” Then I would begin if they would allow me, to share with them all the wonders of You my Jesus. Of how You are real today as You were in the beginning of time.

And I would declare with all my heart that You, Lord Jesus are my all in all! And though I will never fully know all there is to know about You for You are an infinite depth of knowledge and love. I will treasure every little bit that I do know of You….Dwell always in my heart, my Lord and my God. Amen

GOSPEL

Luke 9:18–22

Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’” Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.” He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.

He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”

When did my soul first blacken? Which grave sin placed me on the road of Shadows? Was it lust? Or was it the murder of spirits by my loose vulgar tongue combined with rage? Lord though I couldn’t remember when it happened, I never forgot that there were once at least one or two good church going persons who believed wholeheartedly what You taught. And whom were once in my life…

Every now and then I would catch a glimpse of Your good people and wonder if I could ever have what they seem to have….. Peace. So many times You called out to me but I dared not listen for I thought how could You love a sinner such as I?

Thank You Jesus for loving me the way You do. Thank You for those who had prayed for my return. Thank You for giving me the courage not just to see You, but to seek and find You. Thank You for having mercy on me and transforming me with Your love.

I pray now for all those who have strayed far from You. May they come to know You personally through me, Your many gentle Shepherds or that they respond through Your loving call. And find You as I have; waiting with merciful, gentle and loving arms ready to embrace them. Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 9:7–9

Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, “John has been raised from the dead”; others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.” But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see him.

My Lord Jesus Christ, at every Eucharistic celebration you send me out to go into the world to share the Good News, to heal and restore.  Forgive me Lord, for I was not prepared, nor was I truly listening with my heart.

I had a lukewarm faith believing that Your call was meant only for a certain few and that for the rest of us, we could somehow touch others by the way we live our lives as Christians. How wrong was I Lord? How could I expect to touch anyone with a lukewarm faith? If everyone chose to live only by example who will ever hear of Your sweet name? How do I glorify You with my lips sealed? You gave me a complete body, mind and soul should I not offer all of myself up to You?

You empower me Lord Jesus and it is You alone that I need. For when I go in Your name, I go with an assurance that You are with me every step of the way. What will I ever need that You will not provide? When I speak let my words be Your Words, when I think, let Your thoughts by my thoughts. Let me be patient with others as You were patient with me. Let me bring healing in Your name as You have healed me. Let me bring restoration in Your name as You have restored me. Let me bring Your peace, love and joy to all whom I meet; by Your Word Lord, by Your Word. And let me continue to pray for the conversion of all those who obstinately refuse to listen now. For You alone can soften their hearts…..I ask this in Your most Holy name, You who live and reign with the Father and The Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

GOSPEL
Luke 9:1–6

Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.” Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.

When someone would greet me with the term brother in church, I would cringe thinking to myself who is your brother? Fault finding was a norm, he/she doesn’t know how to dress appropriately, he/she is proud and I’m not greeting him/her anymore. The choir is too loud, the wardens are more like prison ones who never learned to smile.

I realised that all this was a result of not having a relationship with You, my Lord, my God. For being part of the body of Christ was a concept not a practice. It is only when my relationship with You grew in love, did my understanding and love for my sisters and brothers in Christ grow too. I started learning to love them; my fellow sinners we, who are all struggling to remain steadfast and faithful.

Those who are irreverent in dressing or demeanor had not yet encountered You in a personal way and it was up to us Your family to patiently and prayerfully facilitate that encounter so that they too can experience the joy of knowing You on a deeper level through Your Word.

Lord Jesus, we are one body in You and You in us. Grant us the wisdom, knowledge and courage to listen to Your Word and to act on it according to Your Will. Amen.

GOSPEL
Luke 8:19–21

The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”

It is indeed strange Lord that I kept secrets from You. You who knows my innermost heart.

Some secrets were kept in the guise of not offending or hurting family and friends. However it is the nature of sin to expose secrets at an opportune time. Even if I were dead, the surfacing of them would not embarrass or hurt any less. ‘The truth will set you free’ seemed more a cliché or tool for people to spill it out. But it is indeed a truth of truths. For the secrets we speak of today are sinful burdensome ones. They bind, they suffocate even paralyse. I deprived myself of the Graces needed for healing and liberation.

Only when I gave You the truth of my heart with a contrite Spirit, was I set free to love and be loved. You transformed me that I gave out such a glow that others too wanted to know what I did to achieve it. And all I can ever say is all glory be to the Father and son and the Holy Spirit.

Lord Jesus, let me be for now and always a beacon of Your Love. Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 8:16–18

Jesus said to the crowd:
“No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.”

How many times did You call me Lord but I obstinately refused to follow You. Thinking I was young, I wanted to see, touch, experience everything without regard for rules or regulations. I wandered far from You, and as a result made a mess of my life; one with the cold and loneliness of not experiencing true peace and love.

I didn’t know how to love and was fearful of many things. The little light in my darkness was Your Blessed mother Mary, who I’m very sure prevented me on many occasions from falling over the ‘cliff’. She showed me the path back to You, reassuring me that You were always patiently waiting for my return.

Now that I have responded to Your call to follow You, my Lord and my God; You have forgiven and restored me. In Your mercy, You have healed my wounds and given me peace and love. I have begun learning to love as You do. Let me extend that same mercy and love to all especially those who are difficult love. Let me keep company with sinners whom normally I would shy away from, so that in time I may bring them to the knowledge of You and Your great love for them.  Through the intercession of St Matthew may I remain sure-footed in walking in Your light. In Your name Lord Jesus I pray….Amen

(Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist – Feast)

GOSPEL
Matthew 9:9–13

As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

I wonder what it was like journeying with You, Lord? Would I have been less susceptible to committing sin in Your company? How did You organize the group? Did You decide who did what or how it was to be done? Or did You just delegate? What joy it must have been to witness You touch so many lives in a most profound way. Why do I even wonder? When……

Praise be to You my Lord, my God! For You have looked kindly upon Your lowly servant. You have indeed been with me on my journey to greater knowledge of You. You have allowed me to bear witness to Your glory in so many things and situations. I was led to participate with many different workgroups of Your disciples, men and women alike filled with all the gifts and talents needed, all working closely together to complete what was necessary according to Your Will.

While I strive to lead a fruitful and holy life Lord, I am still very weak and vulnerable. Grant me the strength and courage to overcome the many trials that come my way. Let me not seek the wants and desires of this world. Help me Lord Jesus, to pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. That I may share Your Word with others in a holy, humble disposition pleasing to You. In Your most precious name. Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 8:1–3
I wonder what it was like journeying with You, Lord? Would I have been less susceptible to committing sin in Your company? How did You organize the group? Did You decide who did what or how it was to be done? Or did You just delegate? What joy it must have been to witness You touch so many lives in a most profound way. Why do I even wonder? When……

Praise be to You my Lord, my God! For You have looked kindly upon Your lowly servant. You have indeed been with me on my journey to greater knowledge of You. You have allowed me to bear witness to Your glory in so many things and situations. I was led to participate with many different workgroups of Your disciples, men and women alike filled with all the gifts and talents needed, all working closely together to complete what was necessary according to Your Will.

While I strive to lead a fruitful and holy life Lord, I am still very weak and vulnerable. Grant me the strength and courage to overcome the many trials that come my way. Let me not seek the wants and desires of this world. Help me Lord Jesus, to pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. That I may share Your Word with others in a holy, humble disposition pleasing to You. In Your most precious name. Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 8:1–3

Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.
Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.

Sin had often prevented me from coming to You Lord, especially through the sacrament of reconciliation. It blinded me to Your love, instead I thought only of the discomfort of people looking on and judging me. I was fearful to give You the truth of my heart, that I may be chided, turned away or rejected. Grave indeed were my sins! Yet a little gentle voice called out to me, “Greater is my mercy and love for you…”

Deep in my heart I knew You love me and I felt myself drawing closer to You. I knelt before You, sinful and sorrowful and You lifted me up on high. In Your loving embrace I was set free! My joyful heart shouted out to the World, “Glory and praise to Almighty God!” “Great is His mercy and His Love for us!”

Forgive me now my Jesus…. For all the times I invited You to my home, cleaned and prepared it with candles, incense and whatever I deemed necessary. Forgetting to truly open my heart to welcome You with a kiss in quiet prayer. To wash Your feet with the forgiveness of my heart for all who hurt or wronged me and my loved ones. To annoint Your feet with perfumed oil of my deeds and love for my neighbour. I am not worthy to have You come under my roof, and yet by Your Word You have healed my soul. Great is Your mercy and Your love!

Teach and show me how to love as You do Lord. And let me always share in and share that love with all I meet. In Your most precious name Jesus, I pray. Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 7:36–50

A certain Pharisee invited Jesus to dine with him, and he entered the, I pray Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee. Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment, she stood behind him at his feet weeping and. began to bathe his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. “Two people were in debt to a certain creditor; one owed five hundred days’ wages and the other owed fifty. Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both. Which of them will love him more?” Simon said in reply, “The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven.” He said to him, “You have judged rightly.” Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment. So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” The others at table said to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” But he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Lord I often wake up to bickering and squabbling, I elevate myself and ensure that everything and everyone is put in their place. If I’m not heard, shouting often helps. Mocking, taunting are commonplace. Even if I on the other hand wake up in peace and serenity, I often succumb to what lies ahead. Then I start to think, “Where are You my Jesus?”

Today as You send Shepherds and prophets among us, to call for repentance, to love as we should, to be Baptised in the Holy Spirit, to live according to Your Will. Have I shut my ears to them? Do I question the source? Do I twist what was said to hearc only what I want? Do I enter into a debate to ‘win’ at all costs? From a distance, I start to think, “Where are You my Jesus?”

My Lord and my God, fill my heart I pray… as only You can; with the Graces needed to remain steadfast in Your love. Help me overcome my wilfulness, pride and all that keeps You at a distance. Grant me the wisdom and the will to ever grow in the knowledge and love of You; that I may share that knowledge and love with others. Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 7:31–35

Jesus said to the crowds:
“To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another,

‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’

For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”

Laid I in death oh Lord, cold, afraid and alone. Even as I lived Lord, I brought no real comfort to my mother, my father, my family, my friends, my community. For I chose to live in sin and debauchery. Given any choice, I would always choose self over others. Little did I know or could even care less, that self-preservation was the start of my internal decay.

Jesus, Lord of mercy and compassion; Your touch is what restored me to life. You bathed me with Your love and by Your most precious blood I am washed clean. I desire not to live, if I cannot live in You and You in me. Help me overcome the flesh and die to it, so that I may always walk in Your light. And if I should fall, come swiftly to my aid. Have mercy and restore me once again for I long to be iPhone with You always. In Your most precious name I pray. Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 7:11–17

Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.” This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region.

Lord Jesus, for all the times I thought myself worthy to receive You when I was not, have mercy on me.

Lord Jesus, for all the times I judged others unworthy, have mercy on me.

Lord Jesus, for all the times I failed to intercede for others, in deed or in prayer, have mercy on me.

Lord Jesus, for all the times I wavered in my faith instead of putting my trust and faith in You. Have mercy on me.

Lord God Almighty, Father of bountiful love and mercy humbly I implore You. Be patient with your child, teach and guide me in Your ways, that I may lead others back to You in prayer, love, word and deed. Grant me the grace to ever grow in faith and love. Through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 7:1–10

When Jesus had finished all his words to the people, he entered Capernaum. A centurion there had a slave who was ill and about to die, and he was valuable to him. When he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and save the life of his slave. They approached Jesus and strongly urged him to come, saying, “He deserves to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation and he built the synagogue for us.” And Jesus went with them, but when he was only a short distance from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof. Therefore, I did not consider myself worthy to come to you; but say the word and let my servant be healed. For I too am a person 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 at him and, turning, said to the crowd following him, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” When the messengers returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.

Growing up my Lord, I struggled to see how one man dying a morbid and cruel death on a cross would have any effect on the lives of people, let alone me.

Such is our faith my sweet Jesus that entering into a relationship with You is the key to opening the door to the depths of this great and wonderful mystery.  I am lost in the love of that adventure of discovering just how much You love us. You who left the 99 in heaven to come down in search of the one. In darkness You are the light that came searching for me.  When no sacrifice of man could atone for the grievous sin against You; You sacrificed Yourself that we may be saved. You conquered death so that we may live.

I know longer gaze upon You hung on the cross in morbid fear, but with great love and reverence. An everlasting memory of just how much You loved me first and always. Amen

(Feast of The Exaltation Of The Cross)

GOSPEL
John 3:13–17

Jesus said to Nicodemus:
“No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

Dear Lord, I have been blind to many things in my life. Have mercy and give me sight Lord.

I have been blinded by rage!
Have mercy and give me sight Lord.

I have been blind to my faith, not searching, not learning, not growing, just wallowing in darkness. Have mercy and give me sight Lord.

I have been blinded by selfishness and greed. Have mercy and give me sight Lord.

I have been blind to the plight of others in need. Have mercy and give me sight Lord.

I have been blind to the needs of my family. Have mercy and give me sight Lord.

I have been blind to the needs of my community. Have mercy and give me sight Lord.

When I did open my eyes I saw only the faults in others, I was blind to my very own. Have mercy and give me sight Lord.

Lord Jesus, today You have opened my eyes to the truth. It is You who illumine my heart and mine. Guide me in Your ways, that I may always walk in Your light. And lead others down that very path to You. You who live and reign with God our loving Father in unity with the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 6:39–42

Jesus told his disciples a parable:
“Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,’ when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.”

Oh Lord how I struggle everyday or at least every other day to love those who have hurt me deeply or have persecuted me in one way or another. Even if some had not physically abused me they have given me some form of emotional or mental anguish through their taunts or verbal abuse. It is far easier to hate, despise and wish on them some form of retribution. Lord I often feel so helpless, weak and alone.

But now sweet Jesus I know You are always there with me when I call on You. It is You who give me strength, it is You bring me comfort and love. You have forgiven me and when I partake in that forgiveness by forgiving those who hurt me I am in fact setting myself free. Free from the bonds of hate, free from anguish, free to love and serve You my Lord.

I am beginning to see that love is not an emotion but a decision. A decision to act in love, to give of myself freely, to sacrifice if need be, to carry my cross with and for You. The only return I hope and pray for is Your Peace Lord Jesus, for Your Peace is complete and pure love. Grant me and all who hurt me; Your peace Lord. Lead and guide me in Your ways, so that I may love as You love Lord. And may my service to You and to others in Your name be always pleasing to God our Father. In your most precious name….Amen.

GOSPEL Luke 6:27–38

Jesus said to his disciples: “To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. If you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, and get back the same amount. But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as also your Father is merciful. “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”

Today Lord I see the error of my ways. I’ve looked for love in all the wrong places, lusted, desired, even longed for all the wrong things.  I sought material wealth and fame.  I searched everywhere for happiness often times not thinking of the consequences.  I attended Mass out of fear of punishment instead of attending a Eucharistic celebration out of love for You. Thinking of You let alone speaking of You was the last thing on my mind, as I had not a real authentic relationship with You.  I use to cringe when I heard the term evangelization fearful in some ways that I might be laughed at or ridiculed for my faith or my lack of knowledge thereof.

With a contrite heart made soft by Your love for me, I come before You; Have mercy and bless me Lord. I stand before You poor in spirit Lord; Have mercy and bless me Lord. I hunger and thirst for all that is of You, spiritual and Holy; Have mercy and bless me Lord. I weep for the homeless, the sick, the persecuted, those living in sin and I offer prayers for those I am not able to help; Have mercy and bless me Lord. I endeavour to bring Your Word and Your peace to all whom I meet even if I am not welcomed by some; Have mercy and bless me Lord according to Your Will. Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 6:20–26

Raising his eyes toward his disciples Jesus said:

“Blessed are you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man.

Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way.

But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. But woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.”

Oh what peace, what joy, what strength, what love You bestow upon me during my quiet time with You; My Lord, my God.

And today I am reminded that our Church is not inward looking but rather outward looking in which we are sent to share the good news with others. Along the way of our pilgrim journey back home, through the power of the Holy Spirit may we bring healing, liberation, peace, the joy of Your Word and love to all we meet. In Your most Holy name Jesus, we pray. Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 6:12–19

Jesus departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

And he came down with them and stood on a stretch of level ground. A great crowd of his disciples and a large number of the people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and even those who were tormented by unclean spirits were cured. Everyone in the crowd sought to touch him because power came forth from him and healed them all.

Can and do we take rest or off days from being loving or from caring? What if God did the same?

Heal me and strengthen me Lord as I stretch out my hands to you; With these hands let me reach out to those in need. With these hands let me bring Your comfort to those who are grieving and sorrowful. With these hands, let me tend to the sick and suffering. With these hands let me rebuild what may be damaged or destroyed. With these hands let me serve You in love all the days of my life. Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 6:6–11

On a certain sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse him. But he realized their intentions and said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up and stand before us.” And he rose and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” Looking around at them all, he then said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so and his hand was restored. But they became enraged and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.

Let’s us ask ourselves today, have we truly loved? All that God has given to us and taught was in love and for love. Are we so caught up with legalities and pristine order that we are made blind to love.

It is only through Jesus that we are made holy, blameless and pure. Let us ask always choose love, to see love in all things, to give love, to act in and for love. To love and serve our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ so as to give our one triune God Glory. Amen.

GOSPEL
Luke 6:1–5

While Jesus was going through a field of grain on a sabbath, his disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them. Some Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Have you not read what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry? How he went into the house of God, took the bread of offering, which only the priests could lawfully eat, ate of it, and shared it with his companions?” Then he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.”

There is indeed a time for everything yet do we only want to feast and dance? Holding on tightly to pleasures alone, leads to sin for we lose sight of everything that draws us close to God. It is only when we empty ourselves of worldliness that we can truly encounter God and be filled with His Graces.

To be filled by Him Who truly loves us, can we remain unrepentant? Can we hold on tightly, even stubbornly to our old way of lives refusing to bear our crosses? Refusing to be born into new life with Him, to be cleansed, to be made pure? All that is required from us is a “Yes Lord, I humbly come before You. Help me.”

Lord Jesus, help me to always remain steadfast in Your love. Let me never revert to my sinful way of life otherwise I will surely burst at the seams and lose everything; my Lord, my God. Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 5:33–39

The scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus,
“The disciples of John the Baptist fast often and offer prayers, and the disciples of the Pharisees do the same; but yours eat and drink.” Jesus answered them, “Can you make the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, and when the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast in those days.” And he also told them a parable. “No one tears a piece from a new cloak to patch an old one. Otherwise, he will tear the new and the piece from it will not match the old cloak. Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled, and the skins will be ruined. Rather, new wine must be poured into fresh wineskins. And no one who has been drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good.’”

Reading is such that if we look on from too far a distance, we cannot make out the details or intricacies of the words and pictures if any. Sometimes it’s just a blur that we need to get closer to focus. It is the same when we look on too closely, we will need to move back a little to be able to focus on the words. Likewise it is with our faith, we need to adjust so as not to lose focus on whom we serve. To envision the Word as it should be applied in our daily lives.

We need to trust and put to action our Master’s will for us, despite not understanding nor finding a reason(s) ; Even when we do not see the possibilities or start questioning our abilities. Then truly we will witness His glory, for His Will be done.

Let us fall on our knees and place ourselves at the feet of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as we acknowledge our sinfulness. For only He can redeem us, only He can make us worthy, only He can give us the love, strength, knowledge, skills, whatever is needed to accomplish His Will for us. To share in His Amen

GOSPEL
Luke 5:1–11

While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that the boats were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.