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Time and time again our loving Lord Jesus calls us to repentance. To love and live out our lives in sanctity, in His Peace. Are we listening? All we that we need to do is cry out to Him with contrite hearts and He will come to set us free.

Yet many hold on to their base desires allowing the wiles of the devil to ensnare them. Thinking they always have time, never questioning “what If tomorrow never comes for me?”

Through the powerful intercession of our blessed mother Mary, with the angels and Saints may we never lose our God. Amen

GOSPEL
Matthew 13:36–43

Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He said in reply, “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom. The weeds are the children of the Evil One, and the enemy who sows them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his Kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

How many of us can relate to Saint Martha when she welcomed Jesus into her home and served Him while Mary her sister sat at His feet. Perhaps she too would rather have just sat at His feet to listen and be with Him. But someone had to care and look after the needs of their guest. After all to love Him is to serve Him.

Problem is, like Saint Martha at that time, we too often lose sight of whom we serve. We get so caught up in the work itself that we may even view others as obstacles if not hindrances. Sometimes jealousy can set it thinking we are doing so much more while others reap the benefits of our labour having done less or nothing.

Instead of it being a privilege to serve Jesus, it becomes a duty, even a chore. If only we had remained focussed on Jesus we would have found, not only was the burden light, peace and love followed us throughout what needed to be done.

In today’s Gospel we see just how much faith St Martha had in Jesus! She left her mourning behind and hurried out to meet Him. She did not presume to know or understand at that time that Jesus had divine power on His own but had full faith in Him and that God looked favourably upon Him.  Jesus so loved her that He not only revealed, but allowed her to attest in faith, His power over death. The Holy Spirit spoke through her when she spoke, “You are the Christ, the son of God who is to come into the world.”

Saint Martha, pray for us that we might serve Jesus better. Help us to overcome our distractions and worries to listen to his words and be present to him this day. Amen  

MEMORIAL

SAINT MARTHA

Gospel       John 11:19–27

And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary sat in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 And even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world.”

The seed of evil has been planted, for there are indeed false prophets among us who hold to and teach very similar doctrines although theirs hold no truth. They claim to proclaim God’s word leading the flock away with their own interpretation and understanding of scripture.

Some among us who are lacking in faith and a deeper relationship with Jesus and His Church may easily fall prey to their human sensibilities. Then there are those who have simply fallen away from faith through temptations, others unresolved hurts and pains which they blame God for and yet others who choose not to believe.

Our merciful and loving Father is waiting patiently for all of us who have gone astray to return to His fold. Through the powerful saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray for their safe return. Amen.

GOSPEL
Matthew 13:24–30

Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds. “The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field. While everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off. When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well. The slaves of the householder came to him and said, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?’ He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ His slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them. Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”

Do we prepare ourselves to receive the Word of God? Or are we just about hearing it? Or just to see if it applies to us and if it can help us in anyway? Do we yet acknowledge that it is a gift from God?

What good is it to go up and receive a gift with our hands in our pocket? Or hands behind our backs? Or hands folded across our chest? Or with soiled hands?

The loving Word of God is truly a gift! It does not discriminate nor does it ever alienate. It is however, only a gift for all who would listen. And listen we must; not just with our ears but with our heart; to be consumed into our very being. The Word is a precious gift of God, it is a living Word.  It teaches, it guides, it directs, it transforms, it moves us into action, it breathes new life. Lord Jesus let me alway be ready to receive Your Word the way You would have me receive it. Amen

GOSPEL
Matthew 13:18–23

“Hear then the parable of the sower. When any one hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in his heart; this is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the delight in riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the word and understands it; he indeed bears fruit, and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

Too often we hear ourselves say that human nature dictates that to command respect among your peers you must possess great wealth and be a leader among men. We may even go so far as to say, we must strike fear in their hearts. It is far better to be feared than to be loved.

And yet the greatest leader that ever lived was a servant king! Servitude with and in Jesus is the only way which truly liberates us. It is a choice to love, to serve Him in all whom we meet. We leave human nature behind and take on the nature of Jesus. We become shepherds of all and for all and are never seen as such or felt as such. All that we do is for the glory of God our Father. Amen.

GOSPEL
Matthew 20:20–28

The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom.” Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many

Why have we gone through life without the Word taking root? Without transforming us from within and with out?

Today I share a little short, true story that the grace of God allows me to. Brandon (not his real name) has two little Sisters. Together with two other boys of the same age, a younger boy and their parents we gather fortnightly to share the Word in fellowship. In the beginning he was boisterous and self centred. When it usually came his turn for sharing he turns meek and non-participative.

Months later as we share the great love we receive through the sacraments; reconciliation, the Eucharist, the Word of God, how we can and will be transformed through the love of Christ by our surrender to Him. By our active participation… Brandon listens and does…

Today when he sees his fellow schoolmates who attends our fellowship, he greets them with the peace of Christ. During fellowship he is eager to share his take on the Gospel reading of the day and how Jesus had touched him during the week. He is now seen by his peers a kind thoughtful and respectful boy. He is truly an example for his little Sisters. See his fruits!

Praise be our Lord Jesus Christ!

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

GOSPEL
Matthew 13:1–9

On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

Do we not often have a myopic view on who are the members in our family? We often compartmentalise them into immediate, extended, Church, friends, colleagues and others. We may even behave, act, and love differently across the groups. Sometimes we treat friends better than our family and vice versa.

Today our Lord reminds us that we have a higher calling and that is all of us who are doing the Will of our Heavenly Father are to love and serve Him by loving and serving one another. A participative Christ centred community of disciples building the Kingdom of God. Amen

GOSPEL
Matthew 12:46–50

While Jesus was speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers appeared outside, wishing to speak with him. Someone told him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with you.” But he said in reply to the one who told him, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

How many of us today are still asking for a sign or signs? “Please Lord show me a sign that you are real?” We either openly or secretly cry out.

What greater sign can there be? Then the cross in which He hung for the love of us. What greater sign can there be? Then the love of Himself in which He gives us in the Eucharist. What greater sign can there be? Then His Word which transforms us, that we experience His love, His Peace. Amen

GOSPEL
Matthew 12:38–42

Some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” He said to them in reply, “An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights. At the judgment, the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and there is something greater than Jonah here. At the judgment the queen of the south will arise with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here.”

How wicked and evil are the designs of men that for some, plot evil against another. Some simply cry for attention, for status to be recognised above all, to stand out. Others a bruised ego, hurt pride or woundedness entertain further disordered thoughts of ‘vindication’. Yet is there hope for a change of heart? For healing? For restoration?

Merciful and loving is our Lord and God that a broken spirit and contrite heart He will not spurn! O let us turn back to Him before our hearts are cast in stone!

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner. Amen

GOSPEL
Matthew 12:14–21

The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death.

When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many people followed him, and he cured them all, but he warned them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet:

Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I shall place my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not contend or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope.

Do we grow in our faith as to understand the Spirit of the laws of God and our Church thereby understanding them as written in love? Or do we hold obstinately to our own views of what should and should not be?

Do we love our brethren always first, as to be concerned for their souls, for their physical and spiritual needs or are we more concerned about the problems, the discomforts and the scandals our errant brethren may cause?

What a joyous day indeed is the Lord’s day! In worship and thanksgiving we remember as made present the one Holy Sacrifice of our Lord Jesus who established for us the one and everlasting covenant. We celebrate the resurrection of our Lord who conquered death so that we may live. Do we observe this special day in love and reverence for our loving Father or do we simply schedule it in as a ‘must do’ but according to our time and to what is most convenient for  us and for our family?

GOSPEL
Matthew 12:1–8

Jesus was going through a field of grain on the sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath.” He said to the them, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry, how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of offering, which neither he nor his companions but only the priests could lawfully eat? Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests serving in the temple violate the sabbath and are innocent? I say to you, something greater than the temple is here. If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men. For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath.”

Have we put on the yoke of Christ or the yoke of the world?

Everyone is called to labour of love and to labour for love. To not do so, is to deny our very existence for we were created in love, in the likeness and image of God our Father.

The yoke of Christ is custom-made from loving hands for us, that it is fashioned to fit us snugly and comfortably . And we can bear His burden for He gives us none too great to bear. If it gets a little heavy He is there to shoulder on with us. And if we are weary He will give us rest. Amen

Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ!

GOSPEL Matthew 11:28–30

Jesus said:“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.”

When we think we know all we have to know about our faith; When we think we know more than what was revealed to others through the Holy Spirit or when we think we know all there is to know about Jesus or our Heavenly Father; we have stopped growing, we have stopped loving.

Only when we open our hearts and minds like that of a child’s insatiable desire for knowledge and truth, can we know our Lord, our God.

To know our Lord is to love Him. To love Him is to constantly seek Him. To seek Him is to find Him through His Word. Amen

GOSPEL
Matthew 11:25–27

At that time Jesus exclaimed:
“I give praise to you, 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 the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

Are we not to turn away from our sinful pasts? Are we not to reconcile ourselves with our Father who loves us? Inspite of our wickedness or what evil we had done. Despite how we have failed to live out best possible lives, according to His Will for us. Our loving Father is calling us back to Him.

Great rejoicing there will be, for when the repentant sinner who comes home! But let us take heed! For we know not when the door to come home will be closed. That is why Jesus is upset and mourns for the sinner who refuses to turn back to God, for the harsh reality is that the door will be shut for all eternity. How painful it must be to be separated from our loving Father.

Through the intercession of our blessed mother Mary and all the Saints, may we never lose our God. Amen

GOSPEL
Matthew 11:20–24

Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented. “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 in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And as for you, Capernaum:

Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld.

For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”

How many of us have either family and friends who have lapsed in their faith or are of a different religion or belief? How many of these have either kept their distance or who are antagonistic towards us simply because of our faith in Jesus? How many have encouraged us to leave our faith or tried to use our faith against us?

What are we to do? First and foremost we need to acknowledge Jesus as our sovereign Lord. Above all and above all things. No one can ever love us more than He. We need to grow in our faith and love. We must learn that we can bear all burdens and suffering for His yoke is easy and we bear not alone. We must be forgiving, loving and seek to serve Him by serving our brethren. Only then, by the way we lead our lives, with Him, through Him and in Him can we hope to bring our family, friends and all who would listen into faith.

Lord Jesus be our light and our guide as we take up our cross and follow You. Amen

GOSPEL
Matthew 10:34C11:1

Jesus said to his Apostles:
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter–in–law against her mother–in–law; and one’s enemies will be those of his household.

“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is righteous will receive a righteous man’s reward. And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple– amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.”

When Jesus finished giving these commands to his Twelve disciples, he went away from that place to teach and to preach in their towns.

Today Jesus teaches us a little more about discipleship and of God our Father’s great love for us.

To truly love and serve our Lord, our God is to allow Him to dwell and rule in our hearts, in our minds, in our soul. It is a daily choice to remain humble and loving servants faithfully tending to His flock. To stroll bare with Him as when Adam and Eve did in Eden. For our God sees all and knows all.

God our ever loving Father is ever watchful over His children, whether we stumble on our own accord or whether we are tripped. He is aware of everything that goes on in our life. So great is His love for us, He sent His Only Son to save us from eternal death. Let us glorify Him, in all that we say and do. Amen.

GOSPEL
Matthew 10:24–33

Jesus said to his Apostles:
“No disciple is above his teacher, no slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, for the slave that he become like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household! “Therefore do not be afraid of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.”

Why go through so much grief, facing opposition, oppression and persecution? All in the name of Jesus, our faith? Isn’t the real question though, can we live a lie? Rather a life of lies? So what is the truth then?

The Truth has come to set us free. From sin, inner turmoil, anxieties, depression, fear, loneliness even death. The Truth has come to prepare us for eternal life with our ever loving Father. Jesus brings new life, new hope, Peace and Love.

The Holy Spirit teaches and guides in all truth and armed we can withstand and defend against the blows of the often cruel, sharp even loose tongues.

Do we then go seeking out all those who would challenge our faith? Seeking Martyrdom? NO… Martyrdom if it ever comes to that, should be a result of our love, of our faith in Christ; not a cause. Let us be wise as serpents, faultless and harmless as doves. Amen

GOSPEL
Matthew 10:16–23

Jesus said to his Apostles:
“Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. But beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and Spirit the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to another. Amen, I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”

Why do some of us cringe in fear when we hear the word evangelisation? Or feel that it is beyond us to share let alone preach our faith? How is it then when we receive a windfall, gift or fantastic news we cannot wait to share it with our family and friends? Sometimes the happiness is so great we might even share it with strangers? What greater gift is there than our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ? What greater love and peace can we ever hope to have than what we have in Him? How then can we not want to burst at the seams to share Him with others?

When we have a project or a mission, do we not worry if we have enough in the budget set aside to complete it? The means and the expertise to carry it out? Our Lord Jesus is sending all of us out on a mission to share the Good News with others.  What do you think the budget for this mission is? Do you think He will send us out unprepared? With zero gifts and talents? Why do we even need or ever have a need to worry? With God with us, who can be against us?

In our mission, we are to bring the peace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ with us. Do we need to be fearful of rejection? Who are they truly rejecting when they reject us?

Clothed then with faith and the performance of good works, let us set out on this way, with the Gospel for our guide, that we may deserve to see Him who has called us to His kingdom. (Rule of Saint Benedict)

GOSPEL
Matthew 10:7–15

7 And preach as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying, give without pay. 9 Take no gold, nor silver, nor copper in your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff; for the laborer deserves his food. 11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it, and stay with him until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, salute it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if any one will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. 15 Truly, I say to you, it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.

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

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

GOSPEL
Matthew 10:1–7

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

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

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

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

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

GOSPEL
Matthew 9:32–38

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

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

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

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

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

GOSPEL
Matthew 9:18–26

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

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

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

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

GOSPEL
Matthew 9:14–17

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

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

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

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

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

GOSPEL
Matthew 9:9–13

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

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

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

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

GOSPEL Matthew 9:1–8

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

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

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

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

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

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

3 July 2013 Saint Thomas, Apostle – Feast

GOSPEL John 20:24–29

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

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

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

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

GOSPEL Matthew 8:18–22

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

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

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

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

GOSPEL Matthew 16:13–19

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

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

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

GOSPEL Matthew 8:1–4

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

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

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

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

GOSPEL Matthew 7:21–29

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let us pray…

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

GOSPEL Matthew 7:15–20

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

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

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

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

GOSPEL Matthew 7:6, 12–14

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

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

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

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

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

GOSPEL Luke 1:57–66, 80

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

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

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

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

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

GOSPEL Matthew 6:24–34

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

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

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

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

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

GOSPEL Matthew 6:19–23

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

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

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

GOSPEL Matthew 6:7–15

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

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

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

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

GOSPEL Matthew 6:1–6, 16–18

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

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

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

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

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

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

GOSPEL Matthew 5:43–48

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