On Today’s Gospel

Posted: December 29, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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The key to our Heavenly Father’s heart is mercy.

Without mercy in our hearts there is no true love and as such we cannot hope to consecrate ourselves fully to the Lord our God. There can be no communion with Him!

How can we love one another as Jesus loved us if we refuse to forgive our brother, sister, mother, father, aunt, uncle, in laws, colleagues, friends, priest, community members let alone the least of our brethren. What could we ever have done to merit our salvation? When we had committed many grievous sins against His Holy and immaculate heart. But God proved His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

Let us therefore walk in His light always by forgiving everyone who have trespassed against us. And let us exercise love by mercy through Christ our Lord. Amen

First reading
1 John 2:3-11 ·
Anyone who loves his brother is living in the light


We can be sure that we know God only by keeping his commandments.
Anyone who says, ‘I know him’, and does not keep his commandments is a liar, refusing to admit the truth.
But when anyone does obey what he has said, God’s love comes to perfection in him.
We can be sure that we are in God only when the one who claims to be living in him is living the same kind of life as Christ lived.
My dear people, this is not a new commandment that I am writing to tell you,
but an old commandment that you were given from the beginning, the original commandment which was the message brought to you.
Yet in another way, what I am writing to you, and what is being carried out in your lives as it was in his, is a new commandment; because the night is over and the real light is already shining.

Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the dark.
But anyone who loves his brother is living in the light and need not be afraid of stumbling; unlike the man who hates his brother and is in the darkness, not knowing where he is going, because it is too dark to see.

Gospel
Luke 2:22-35
‘You have prepared a light to enlighten the pagans’

When the day came for them to be purified as laid down by the Law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord – observing what stands written in the Law of the Lord: Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord – and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is said in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to Israel’s comforting and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord. Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the Law required, he took him into his arms and blessed God; and he said:

‘Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace, just as you promised;because my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations  to see, a light to enlighten the pagans and the glory of your people Israel.’

As the child’s father and mother stood there wondering at the things that were being said about him, Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected – and a sword will pierce your own soul too – so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: December 28, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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How do we see innocent children who died in place of Jesus Christ our Lord whom they did not know, as martyrs for Him?

Perhaps if we dwell a little into this mystery we shall see that they died in place of the source of life itself. Who came to take away the sins of the world.  Sin of which claimed innocent lives! Jesus our Lord’s birth was the promise of new life in Him fulfilled. Therefore their shortlived lives brought them eternal rewards purchased by the blood of the lamb (of God).

If we do not acknowledge our sinful nature, renounce sin and strive always to live in the light of Christ, then we risk losing our lives permanently. We will not see that the fight against sin and evil is ours collectively as one Body In Christ. How can we recognise the other evil acts of satan? If we continue to be blind to the fact that abortion is the continued killing of Innocents!

Save us saviour of the world, for by your cross and Resurrection! You have set us free. Amen

First reading
1 John 1:5-2:2 ·
The blood of Jesus Christ purifies us all from sin


This is what we have heard from Jesus Christ, and the message that we are announcing to you:
God is light; there is no darkness in him at all.
If we say that we are in union with God
while we are living in darkness, we are lying because we are not living the truth.
But if we live our lives in the light, as he is in the light, we are in union with one another,
and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

If we say we have no sin in us, we are deceiving ourselves and refusing to admit the truth; but if we acknowledge our sins, then God who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and purify us from everything that is wrong.
To say that we have never sinned is to call God a liar and to show that his word is not in us.

I am writing this, my children, to stop you sinning; but if anyone should sin, we have our advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, who is just; he is the sacrifice that takes our sins away, and not only ours, but the whole world’s.

Gospel
Matthew 2:13-18
The massacre of the innocents

After the wise men had left, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother with you, and escape into Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, because Herod intends to search for the child and do away with him.’ So Joseph got up and, taking the child and his mother with him, left that night for Egypt, where he stayed until Herod was dead. This was to fulfil what the Lord had spoken through the prophet:

I called my son out of Egypt.

Herod was furious when he realised that he had been outwitted by the wise men, and in Bethlehem and its surrounding district he had all the male children killed who were two years old or under, reckoning by the date he had been careful to ask the wise men. It was then that the words spoken through the prophet Jeremiah were fulfilled:

A voice was heard in Ramah,
sobbing and loudly lamenting:
it was Rachel weeping for her children,
refusing to be comforted because they were no more.

Feast of the Holy Family

Posted: December 26, 2020 by CatholicJules in Sunday Reflections
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Our True Home: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Feast of the Holy Family

Readings:
Sirach 3:2–6, 12–14
Psalm 128:1–2, 3, 4–5
Colossians 3:12–21
Luke 2:22–40

Why did Jesus choose to become a baby born of a mother and father and to spend all but His last years living in an ordinary human family? In part, to reveal God’s plan to make all people live as one “holy family” in His Church (see 2 Corinthians 6:16–18).

In the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, God reveals our true home. We’re to live as His children, “chosen ones, holy and beloved,” as the First Reading puts it. The family advice we hear in today’s readings—for mothers, fathers, and children—is all solid and practical. Happy homes are the fruit of our faithfulness to the Lord, we sing in today’s Psalm. But the Liturgy is inviting us to see more, to see how, through our family obligations and relationships, our families become heralds of the family of God that He wants to create on earth.

Jesus shows us this in today’s Gospel. His obedience to His earthly parents flows directly from His obedience to the will of His heavenly Father. Joseph and Mary aren’t identified by name, but three times are called “his parents” and are referred to separately as his “mother” and “father.” The emphasis is all on their their familial ties to Jesus. But these ties are emphasized only so that Jesus, in the first words He speaks in Luke’s Gospel, can point us beyond that earthly relationship to the Fatherhood of God.

In what Jesus calls “My Father’s house,” every family finds its true meaning and purpose (see Ephesians 3:15). The Temple we read about in the Gospel today is God’s house, His dwelling (see Luke 19:46). But it’s also an image of the family of God, the Church (see Ephesians 2:19–22; Hebrews 3:3–6; 10:21).

In our families we’re to build up this household, this family, this living temple of God. Until He reveals His new dwelling among us and says of every person: “I shall be his God and he will be My son” (see Revelation 21:3, 7).

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: December 26, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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How can it be that the world has seen a great light on Christmas day and the very next day is plunged into ‘darkness’? How do we move from the birth of Jesus to the birth of the first Martyr?

If we are true witnesses of the light of Christ who has been reborn in our hearts this Christmas; then like St Stephen we know that until such time we are reunited in Heaven we will have to face the challenge, hardships of witnessing our faith amidst great opposition! For we live in a world riddled with sin! Where men and women are easily blinded by temptation. Christmas for many in this trying time of the pandemic is a welcome distraction! Hope is in the air… Time to party! We can sober up tomorrow! Prayer? What prayer? Reflect and share the word of God this Christmas? Are you joking? Family prayer time? Bah humbug! Did you expect me to respond to call for a zoom prayer meeting during this festive season? Too busy with family and social activities, I’ll start (try) again after the new year has begun!

What if St Stephen gave up? And adopted the “Can’t beat them, let’s join them?” attitude. Or make peace and live to fight another day? Well then I reckon he would not have been filled with the Holy Spirit, his eyes would have been downcast and so would not have seen the glory of God, and Jesus standing at God’s right hand.

We all may not have to face the physical death of a Martyr but we can all experience spiritual death if we refuse to stand up for the truth to be found in our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.

‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Amen

St Stephen pray for us…

First reading
Acts 6:8-10,7:54-59 ·
The martyrdom of Stephen

Stephen was filled with grace and power and began to work miracles and great signs among the people. But then certain people came forward to debate with Stephen, some from Cyrene and Alexandria who were members of the synagogue called the Synagogue of Freedmen, and others from Cilicia and Asia. They found they could not get the better of him because of his wisdom, and because it was the Spirit that prompted what he said. They were infuriated when they heard this, and ground their teeth at him.
    But Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at God’s right hand. ‘I can see heaven thrown open’ he said ‘and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’ At this all the members of the council shouted out and stopped their ears with their hands; then they all rushed at him, sent him out of the city and stoned him. The witnesses put down their clothes at the feet of a young man called Saul. As they were stoning him, Stephen said in invocation, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’

Gospel
Matthew 10:17-22


The Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Beware of men: they will hand you over to sanhedrins and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the pagans. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to speak or what to say; what you are to say will be given to you when the time comes; because it is not you who will be speaking; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you.
    ‘Brother will betray brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name; but the man who stands firm to the end will be saved.’

Christmas Message Of Love

Posted: December 25, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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On Today’s Gospel

Posted: December 24, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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This is my desire Lord Jesus, to serve You in holiness and virtue in Your presence, all my days.

You O Lord are my salvation, You have freed me from the bondage of sin to live in Your light.

This is my desire Lord Jesus, to serve You in holiness and virtue in Your presence, all my days.

Let me bring Your light which shines ever brightly this Christmas into the homes of those who live in darkness.

This is my desire Lord Jesus, to serve You in holiness and virtue in Your presence, all my days.

May Your peace reign forever in my heart and in the hearts I bring into Your Holy presence.

This is my desire Lord Jesus, to serve You in holiness and virtue in Your presence, all my days. Amen

First reading
2 Samuel 7:1-5,8-12,14,16 ·


Your House and your sovereignty will always stand secure before me

Once David had settled into his house and the Lord had given him rest from all the enemies surrounding him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, ‘Look, I am living in a house of cedar while the ark of God dwells in a tent.’ Nathan said to the king, ‘Go and do all that is in your mind, for the Lord is with you.’
    But that very night the word of the Lord came to Nathan:
    ‘Go and tell my servant David, “Thus the Lord speaks: Are you the man to build me a house to dwell in? I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be leader of my people Israel; I have been with you on all your expeditions; I have cut off all your enemies before you. I will give you fame as great as the fame of the greatest on earth. I will provide a place for my people Israel; I will plant them there and they shall dwell in that place and never be disturbed again; nor shall the wicked continue to oppress them as they did, in the days when I appointed judges over my people Israel; I will give them rest from all their enemies. The Lord will make you great; the Lord will make you a House. And when your days are ended and you are laid to rest with your ancestors, I will preserve the offspring of your body after you and make his sovereignty secure. I will be a father to him and he a son to me; if he does evil, I will punish him with the rod such as men use, with strokes such as mankind gives. Your House and your sovereignty will always stand secure before me and your throne be established for ever.”’


Gospel
Luke 1:67-79


‘You, little child, shall be the prophet of the Most High’

John’s father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy:

‘Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel
for he has visited his people, he has come to their rescue
and he has raised up for us a power for salvation
in the House of his servant David,
even as he proclaimed,
by the mouth of his holy prophets from ancient times,
that he would save us from our enemies
and from the hands of all who hate us.
Thus he shows mercy to our ancestors,
thus he remembers his holy covenant
the oath he swore
to our father Abraham
that he would grant us, free from fear,
to be delivered from the hands of our enemies,
to serve him in holiness and virtue
in his presence, all our days.
And you, little child,
you shall be called Prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord
to prepare the way for him,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins;
this by the tender mercy of our God
who from on high will bring the rising Sun to visit us,
to give light to those who live
in darkness and the shadow of death
and to guide our feet
into the way of peace.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: December 23, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Are we living up to our calling? Are we living up to our name? Many have never given a second thought on how they were named or if it matters at all that their names mean something or not. Others may only be concerned of how their names look on their office doors or on the plaques of their firms. In fact in many cultures, the family are more concerned about the last names or rather of how the family name is carried forward!

What about our baptismal name? As Christians should we not have the same high regard for our baptismal names as those newly baptised into the faith? After all is it not the name we bear for Christ? And if so when are our names are called to mind, will others remember us as followers of Christ? As His disciples? As loving and caring individuals after the heart of our Lord and Saviour?

Jesus my Lord grant me the grace to serve You and my brethren well, that through my love of You put into action they will say; indeed the hand of the Lord was with him (her). Amen

First reading – Malachi 3:1-4,23-24

Before my day comes, I will send you Elijah my prophet

The Lord God says this: Look, I am going to send my messenger to prepare a way before me. And the Lord you are seeking will suddenly enter his Temple; and the angel of the covenant whom you are longing for, yes, he is coming, says the Lord of Hosts. Who will be able to resist the day of his coming? Who will remain standing when he appears? For he is like the refiner’s fire and the fullers’ alkali. He will take his seat as refiner and purifier; he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and then they will make the offering to the Lord as it should be made. The offering of Judah and Jerusalem will then be welcomed by the Lord as in former days, as in the years of old.

    Know that I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before my day comes, that great and terrible day. He shall turn the hearts of fathers towards their children and the hearts of children towards their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a curse.

Gospel – Luke 1:57-66

‘His name is John’

The time came for Elizabeth to have her child, and she gave birth to a son; and when her neighbours and relations heard that the Lord had shown her so great a kindness, they shared her joy.

    Now on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother spoke up. ‘No,’ she said ‘he is to be called John.’ They said to her, ‘But no one in your family has that name’, and made signs to his father to find out what he wanted him called. The father asked for a writing-tablet and wrote, ‘His name is John.’ And they were all astonished. At that instant his power of speech returned and he spoke and praised God. All their neighbours were filled with awe and the whole affair was talked about throughout the hill country of Judaea. All those who heard of it treasured it in their hearts. ‘What will this child turn out to be?’ they wondered. And indeed the hand of the Lord was with him.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: December 22, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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When we look back into our very own lives to see how the Lord our God had touched it with His great mercy and love, then we can fully relate to Hannah in today’s reading. How she is able to fully entrust her 3 year old to the service of God our Heavenly Father.

Hannah had lived her life bitterly in despair and desolation unable to see any semblance of God’s grace even though His grace was clearly present. In her desperation she cried and poured everything out to Him and promised to offer her child up should her prayer be answered. And for her the ‘impossible’ happened she conceived and bore Samuel. In loving obedience (http://bit.ly/4sunad) she gave her child over to the Lord our God. No longer was there any hint of despair for she knew with all her heart and had witnessed the power, glory and love of God in her own life. She could sing His praises for her heart exults in Him! (1 Samuel 2:1)

We do not hear of any prior bitterness in Mary our Mother’s life neither do we ever hear, her despair. For the Lord was always with her. And no matter how difficult or how hard her life must have been, she glorified the Lord our God by accepting the hardships in grace. Her love for God was not only on her lips but in her heart and in everything she did.

O Blessed mother, pray for us that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen

First reading 1 Samuel 1:24-28

This is the child I prayed for: he is made over to the Lord.

When Hannah had weaned the infant Samuel, she took him up with her together with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour and a skin of wine, and she brought him to the temple of the Lord at Shiloh; and the child was with them. They slaughtered the bull and the child’s mother came to Eli. She said, ‘If you please, my lord. As you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you, praying to the Lord. This is the child I prayed for, and the Lord granted me what I asked him. Now I make him over to the Lord for the whole of his life. He is made over to the Lord.’

    There she left him, for the Lord.

Gospel Luke 1:46-56

The Almighty has done great things for me

Mary said:

‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord

and my spirit exults in God my saviour;

because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid.

Yes, from this day forward all generations will call me blessed,

for the Almighty has done great things for me.

Holy is his name,

and his mercy reaches from age to age for those who fear him.

He has shown the power of his arm,

he has routed the proud of heart.

He has pulled down princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly.

The hungry he has filled with good things, the rich sent empty away.

He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his mercy

– according to the promise he made to our ancestors –

of his mercy to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’

Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back home.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: December 21, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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(Picture – Jump For Joy by Corby Eisbacher)

I have often dwelled on the 2nd joyful mystery ‘The Visitation’ like a 3rd Party witness to it. How wonderful it is to see the exchange between our Blessed Mother and Elisabeth and to experience the joy that permeates the air. Mary our mother had brought Jesus the light of the world with her!

Can we not share a first party account of it? What do I mean? Well can we not share testimonies of bringing Jesus into the lives of others when we visited them? Can we not share the joy and healing that took place as we brought the love of Jesus with us?

When I was an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion I remember distinctly the joy on the faces of those present as I literally brought Jesus into the midst of the households I visited for homebound communion. That is why I looked forward to each and every visit even though there were trying days in which I had to battle the weather or postpone a personal engagement. On one such occasion of bringing Jesus with me for the first time to a home, the air was filled with gloom as the father lay counting down the days he would return home to our creator. However sick and worn out he felt, his face lit up as he listened to the Gospel message and later received Jesus in Holy Eucharist. Even the somewhat introverted family members, began to slowly open up on the challenges they were facing. Little did they know that our saviour was going to be very much more present this day and everyday in their lives through the community and would see them through the darkness which lay ahead. Then there was another time I responded to the desperate call by a family of church parishioners who requested for me to bring communion to their mother in the hospital, they were touched that I dropped everything to do so but most importantly their mum had an opportunity to receive Jesus physically for the last time! Jesus brought joy and forged new friendships all because we were obedient to His call. I can recall many more fond memories of such encounters during this wonderful journey in serving in this capacity.

When I left the ministry to do more and prayerfully make a difference in another, I was a little sad that I was no longer able to bring the physical presence of Jesus to those in need. It took a while before I came to the resolve that I would bring Jesus into the homes of those I visited even if it had to be in obscure and little ways. In some I would simply take the opportunity to lead in grace before meals even if it was not the norm to do so in that household, say a prayer of thanksgiving in another, an invocation for birthday blessings or prayer for healing in yet another. Otherwise I would seize every opportunity when it presented itself to speak about Jesus, the sacraments He instituted and His loving grace outpoured in my life and in the communities He has guided me to lead. Every ordinary meeting or fellowship is changed by His presence, I have witnessed hope, joy, peace, even healing take place! And now in 2020 the same has taken place even in zoom prayer meetings! Glory to You O Lord Jesus Christ!

So my dear sisters and brothers together with our Dearest Blessed Mother Mary let us bring Jesus with us everywhere we go. Amen

First reading
Song of Songs 2:8-14


See how my Beloved comes, leaping on the mountains
I hear my Beloved.


See how he comes
leaping on the mountains,
bounding over the hills.
My Beloved is like a gazelle,
like a young stag.
See where he stands
behind our wall.
He looks in at the window,
he peers through the lattice.
My Beloved lifts up his voice,
he says to me,
‘Come then, my love,
my lovely one, come.
For see, winter is past,
the rains are over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth.
The season of glad songs has come,
the cooing of the turtledove
is heard in our land.
The fig tree is forming its first figs
and the blossoming vines give out their fragrance.
Come then, my love,
my lovely one, come.
My dove, hiding in the clefts of the rock,
in the coverts of the cliff,
show me your face,
let me hear your voice;
for your voice is sweet
and your face is beautiful.’

Gospel
Luke 1:39-45


Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord?


Mary set out and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah. She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, ‘Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? For the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: December 19, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Have we dedicated ourselves to the Lord our God? Have we consecrated ourselves to the sacred heart of Jesus? I have often reminded myself that I must strive for Holiness and lead my family and others to do likewise. How have I progressed in this regard? In the office we have year end appraisals to see if we have met the goals we set out early in the year, have we had our yearly appraisal with Jesus?

What efforts have I made? How have I responded to my Lord’s call? With doubt in my heart or have I responded in faith to glorify Him by my life? Have I done more to listen to Him through His Word? Have I spent more time in His presence discerning His Will for me? Have I abstained from the distractions of the world that makes me lose focus on Him? Have I grown in fraternal love for my sisters and brothers in Christ? Have I made a difference in my home, office, ministry, community and church? How many have come to know Christ or have had a deeper experience of Him through me?

Through you O loving Lord and Saviour my barren life has been changed. You have filled me with hope, peace, love and joy. Help me dear Lord to remain steadfast in Your love. Let me share the joy of Christmas which is to be found in You alone, with all that I meet. So that they too can experience what it is to lead grace filled lives. Amen

First reading
Judges 13:2-7,24-25
‘You will conceive and bear a son’

There was a man of Zorah of the tribe of Dan, called Manoah. His wife was barren, she had borne no children. The angel of the Lord appeared to this woman and said to her, ‘You are barren and have had no child. But from now on take great care. Take no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean. For you will conceive and bear a son. No razor is to touch his head, for the boy shall be God’s nazirite from his mother’s womb. It is he who will begin to rescue Israel from the power of the Philistines.’ Then the woman went and told her husband, ‘A man of God has just come to me; his presence was like the presence of the angel of God, he was so majestic. I did not ask him where he came from, and he did not reveal his name to me. But he said to me, “You will conceive and bear a son. From now on, take no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean. For the boy shall be God’s nazirite from his mother’s womb to his dying day.”’
The woman gave birth to a son and called him Samson. The child grew, and the Lord blessed him; and the spirit of the Lord began to move him.

Gospel
Luke 1:5-25
‘Your wife Elizabeth will bear a son’

In the days of King Herod of Judaea there lived a priest called Zechariah who belonged to the Abijah section of the priesthood, and he had a wife, Elizabeth by name, who was a descendant of Aaron. Both were worthy in the sight of God, and scrupulously observed all the commandments and observances of the Lord. But they were childless: Elizabeth was barren and they were both getting on in years.
Now it was the turn of Zechariah’s section to serve, and he was exercising his priestly office before God when it fell to him by lot, as the ritual custom was, to enter the Lord’s sanctuary and burn incense there. And at the hour of incense the whole congregation was outside, praying.
Then there appeared to him the angel of the Lord, standing on the right of the altar of incense. The sight disturbed Zechariah and he was overcome with fear. But the angel said to him, ‘Zechariah, do not be afraid, your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth is to bear you a son and you must name him John. He will be your joy and delight and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord; he must drink no wine, no strong drink. Even from his mother’s womb he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, and he will bring back many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God. With the spirit and power of Elijah, he will go before him to turn the hearts of fathers towards their children and the disobedient back to the wisdom that the virtuous have, preparing for the Lord a people fit for him.’
Zechariah said to the angel, ‘How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is getting on in years.’ The angel replied, ‘I am Gabriel who stand in God’s presence, and I have been sent to speak to you and bring you this good news. Listen! Since you have not believed my words, which will come true at their appointed time, you will be silenced and have no power of speech until this has happened.’ Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were surprised that he stayed in the sanctuary so long. When he came out he could not speak to them, and they realised that he had received a vision in the sanctuary. But he could only make signs to them, and remained dumb.
When his time of service came to an end he returned home. Some time later his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept to herself. ‘The Lord has done this for me’ she said ‘now that it has pleased him to take away the humiliation I suffered among men.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: December 18, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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I chose Joseph (after St Joseph) for my confirmation name and again Joseph as middle names for both my sons. As for my daughter her middle name is Marie. (after our Blessed Mother Mary) This I had hoped would serve as reminders for us to emulate the Holy Family so as to grow in Holiness in the presence of the Lord our God.

Personally I had not dwelled enough on the life of Saint Joseph to merit the honour of following in his gentle footsteps. And so it is my desire now to dwell a little more starting today, so that my patron saint can guide me on my pilgrim journey ‘home’.

Not a single word in scripture is quoted, as having been spoken by him and yet he speaks volumes of his love for the Lord our God put into action. A righteous man after the heart of God, for he certainly would have dwelled in His presence daily in prayer and in His Word. For whether awake or asleep he remained faithful to God, that is why he could trust that his dreams would not betray him. For he knew the Lord-our-integrity his ‘Saving Justice’ on a deep personal level even before He came to be and so was made righteous through His grace. A simple carpenter by trade who cared, provided for and protected his family.  A loving, patient, devoted husband and father.

Guide me St Joseph that I may be made worthy of the promises of Emmanuel. Amen

First reading – Jeremiah 23:5-8

I will raise a virtuous Branch for David

See, the days are coming – it is the Lord who speaks –

when I will raise a virtuous Branch for David,

who will reign as true king and be wise,

practising honesty and integrity in the land.

In his days Judah will be saved

and Israel dwell in confidence.

And this is the name he will be called:

The-Lord-our-integrity.

So, then, the days are coming – it is the Lord who speaks – when people will no longer say, “As the Lord lives who brought the sons of Israel out of the land of Egypt!” but, “As the Lord lives who led back and brought home the descendants of the House of Israel out of the land of the North and from all the countries to which he had dispersed them, to live on their own soil.”

Gospel – Matthew 1:18-24

How Jesus Christ came to be born

This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph; being a man of honour and wanting to spare her publicity, decided to divorce her informally. He had made up his mind to do this when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.’ Now all this took place to fulfil the words spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son

and they will call him Emmanuel,

a name which means ‘God-is-with-us.’ When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do: he took his wife to his home.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: December 17, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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It is important to look back from time to time on our very own personal salvation history. Where did we come from? Where are we now? and Where we are heading? Where are we in our faith? In other words where was our Lord Jesus Christ in our past, where is He in our present and where will He be in our future?

Can I today 17 Dec 2020 proclaim that Jesus is my Lord and I pay Him homage by the way I live my life. I am a child of God my Heavenly Father so loved by Him. I am an obedient son (daughter) who strives each and everyday to grow in Holiness. I will fight all evil to protect and defend my lineage to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I will remain connected forever to the Vine the source and summit of my life! Amen Alleluia!

First reading

Genesis 49:2,8-10

Until he comes, the sceptre will not pass from Judah

Jacob called his sons and said:

‘Gather round, sons of Jacob, and listen;

listen to Israel your father.

Judah, your brothers shall praise you:

you grip your enemies by the neck,

your father’s sons shall do you homage,

Judah is a lion cub,

you climb back, my son, from your kill;

like a lion he crouches and lies down,

or a lioness: who dare rouse him?

The sceptre shall not pass from Judah,

nor the mace from between his feet,

until he come to whom it belongs,

to whom the peoples shall render obedience.’

Gospel

Matthew 1:1-17

The ancestry of Jesus Christ, the son of David

A genealogy of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham:

Abraham was the father of Isaac,

Isaac the father of Jacob,

Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,

Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah, Tamar being their mother,

Perez was the father of Hezron,

Hezron the father of Ram,

Ram was the father of Amminadab,

Amminadab the father of Nahshon,

Nahshon the father of Salmon,

Salmon was the father of Boaz, Rahab being his mother,

Boaz was the father of Obed, Ruth being his mother,

Obed was the father of Jesse;

and Jesse was the father of King David.

David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife,

Solomon was the father of Rehoboam,

Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa,

Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat,

Jehoshaphat the father of Joram,

Joram the father of Azariah,

Azariah was the father of Jotham,

Jotham the father of Ahaz,

Ahaz the father of Hezekiah,

Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh,

Manasseh the father of Amon,

Amon the father of Josiah;

and Josiah was the father of Jechoniah and his brothers.

Then the deportation to Babylon took place.

After the deportation to Babylon:

Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel,

Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,

Zerubbabel was the father of Abiud,

Abiud the father of Eliakim,

Eliakim the father of Azor,

Azor was the father of Zadok,

Zadok the father of Achim,

Achim the father of Eliud,

Eliud was the father of Eleazar,

Eleazar the father of Matthan,

Matthan the father of Jacob;

and Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary;

of her was born Jesus who is called Christ.

The sum of generations is therefore: fourteen from Abraham to David; fourteen from David to the Babylonian deportation; and fourteen from the Babylonian deportation to Christ.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: December 16, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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We have an all powerful ever living God who can level mountains if He so chooses and yet in His great tender love for us; He was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and dwelled as one of us. A bruised reed He did not break neither a smoldering wick He would not snuff out, instead He came to heal and restore. To give us life and life indeed to the full! When questioned if He was the one that was prophesised to come His answer was how His love for us was already set in motion!

Instead of getting down on our knees as we should to worship Him, confessing that Jesus is our Lord by putting our love for neighbour into action as He had commanded us; Are our hearts still filled with doubt? What faith will He find in us when He comes again?

You Lord Jesus are the rock of my salvation and I place all my faith and trust in You. Lead me know and forever. Amen

First reading
Isaiah 45:6-8,18,21-25
I, the Lord, shall create deliverance

Apart from me, all is nothing.
I am the Lord, unrivalled,
I form the light and create the dark.
I make good fortune and create calamity,
it is I, the Lord, who do all this.

Send victory like a dew, you heavens,
and let the clouds rain it down.
Let the earth open
for salvation to spring up.
Let deliverance, too, bud forth
which I, the Lord, shall create.

Yes, thus says the Lord,
creator of the heavens,
who is God,
who formed the earth and made it,
who set it firm,
created it no chaos,
but a place to be lived in:

‘I am the Lord, unrivalled:
there is no other god besides me.
A God of integrity and a saviour:
there is none apart from me.
Turn to me and be saved,
all the ends of the earth,
for I am God unrivalled.

‘By my own self I swear it;
what comes from my mouth is truth,
a word irrevocable:
before me every knee shall bend,
by me every tongue shall swear,
saying, “From the Lord alone
come victory and strength.”
To him shall come, ashamed,
all who raged against him.
Victorious and glorious through the Lord shall be
all the descendants of Israel.’

Gospel
Luke 7:19-23
‘Are you the one who is to come?’

John, summoning two of his disciples, sent them to the Lord to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or must we wait for someone else?’ When the men reached Jesus they said, ‘John the Baptist has sent us to you, to ask, “Are you the one who is to come or have we to wait for someone else?”’ It was just then that he cured many people of diseases and afflictions and of evil spirits, and gave the gift of sight to many who were blind. Then he gave the messengers their answer, ‘Go back and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind see again, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, the Good News is proclaimed to the poor and happy is the man who does not lose faith in me.’

xxxoooxxx

Posted: December 15, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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On Today’s Gospel

Posted: December 15, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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There was a time when I was a little envious of the newly baptised. They were so alive in their new found faith in our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. Such that they were often seen in many if not all our parish activities! Those well formed by dedicated disciples and spirtual directors in their RCIA journey would readily share their conversion stories with all they came into contact with. And if you spend time listening to their own personal conversion stories many were like the first son in today’s Gospel. Very rarely did any one of them have an instant conversion experience like St Paul. Often they rejected the idea of Jesus, some led rather sinful lives while others felt their lives were meaningless and empty. And again others tried looking for peace, love and joy in the world but never found it. In an obscure sense they were like prodigal sons and daughters. Then some thought better of it while some were touched by the lives of the faithful and decided to follow Jesus, they now lovingly work for joy in His vineyard!

What about us? Are we not the 2nd son? We say Yes Lord, Yes Lord, Yes YES LORD! But what do we have to show for ourselves? How much have we grown in our faith and love for our Lord Jesus Christ? How much have we grown in our fraternal love for one another? How many lives have we touched through our corporal and spiritual acts of mercy? How many souls have we saved? How can we be fruitful for Him when we refuse to work in His Vineyard?

Sweet saviour our Lord Jesus we thank you for the opportunity to work in your vineyard through which we remain fully connected to You. For you have told us that you are the Vine and we are Your branches. Through Your loving grace shall be fruitful for Your Kingdom. Amen

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First reading
Zephaniah 3:1-2,9-13
All peoples shall invoke the Lord’s name and serve him

Trouble is coming to the rebellious, the defiled,
the tyrannical city!
She would never listen to the call,
would never learn the lesson;
she has never trusted in the Lord,
never drawn near to her God.

Yes, I will then give the peoples lips that are clean,
so that all may invoke the name of the Lord
and serve him under the same yoke.
From beyond the banks of the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants
will bring me offerings.

When that day comes
you need feel no shame for all the misdeeds
you have committed against me,
for I will remove your proud boasters
from your midst;
and you will cease to strut
on my holy mountain.
In your midst I will leave
a humble and lowly people,
and those who are left in Israel will seek refuge in the name of the Lord.
They will do no wrong,
will tell no lies;
and the perjured tongue will no longer
be found in their mouths.
But they will be able to graze and rest
with no one to disturb them.

Gospel
Matthew 21:28-32
Tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you

Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people, ‘What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He went and said to the first, “My boy, you go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, “I will not go,” but afterwards thought better of it and went. The man then went and said the same thing to the second who answered, “Certainly, sir,” but did not go. Which of the two did the father’s will?’ ‘The first’ they said. Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you solemnly, tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you, a pattern of true righteousness, but you did not believe him, and yet the tax collectors and prostitutes did. Even after seeing that, you refused to think better of it and believe in him.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: December 14, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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If you are a child of proper upbringing could you ever fathom telling your father or mother as you were growing up, “Why should I listened to you?!” or “Mind your own business! this is my life!” Now all grown up as an adult would you be able to say utter such words? or perhaps you might tone it down as much as possible to simply say something like “Thank you for your love and concern however I will make and live by my own decision in this matter or that one.” Yes we do not in a sense owe our parents our lives but we have to love, honour and respect them nonetheless for they were instruments of God our Father’s grace that we have life. Are we then to question, the Lord our God, the author of life Himself?

If we say that He is truly the Lord of Lords, King of kings in our lives? How so? If we place ourselves above Him in all that we say and do? Family and friends are likely to take priority next then perhaps our careers and so on. When we refuse to pray, listen to His Word or Will for us? When we neglect the community and exclude ourselves from anything spiritual after all that is reserve only for an hour on Sundays. Even then we are relieved that we can just sit back, relax and watch an online mass while fiddling on our mobile phones or walking in and out of the rooms to take stuff we urgently need in that hour! How different are we from the chief priests and elders who rejected the authority of Jesus? They were so blind that they only recognised themselves as Authority figures for others.

So sisters and brothers we can choose to submit to the Authority and Will of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and be a source of Blessings for all, as the Spirit of God dwells within us to lead and guide us. Or we can choose to remain where we are stubbornly, holding on the believe that we are in control, in charge and make decisions that lead us and others further from the truth, peace and joy to be found in Jesus.

I submit my intellect and my Will to You my Lord and my God! Let me be consecrated fully unto thee. Amen

First reading Numbers 24:2-7,15-17

The oracles of Balaam

Raising his eyes Balaam saw Israel, encamped by tribes; the spirit of God came on him and he declaimed his poem. He said:
‘The oracle of Balaam son of Beor,
the oracle of the man with far-seeing eyes,
the oracle of one who hears the word of God.
He sees what Shaddai makes him see,
receives the divine answer, and his eyes are opened.
How fair are your tents, O Jacob!
How fair your dwellings, Israel!
Like valleys that stretch afar,
like gardens by the banks of a river,
like aloes planted by the Lord,
like cedars beside the waters!
A hero arises from their stock,
he reigns over countless peoples.
His king is greater than Agag,
his majesty is exalted.’
Then Balaam declaimed his poem again. He said:
‘The oracle of Balaam son of Beor,
the oracle of the man with far-seeing eyes,
the oracle of one who hears the word of God,
of one who knows the knowledge of the Most High.
He sees what Shaddai makes him see,
receives the divine answer, and his eyes are opened.
I see him – but not in the present,
I behold him – but not close at hand:
a star from Jacob takes the leadership,
a sceptre arises from Israel.’

Gospel
Matthew 21:23-27

‘I will not tell you my authority for acting like this’
Jesus had gone into the Temple and was teaching, when the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him and said, ‘What authority have you for acting like this? And who gave you this authority?’ ‘And I’ replied Jesus ‘will ask you a question, only one; if you tell me the answer to it, I will then tell you my authority for acting like this. John’s baptism: where did it come from: heaven or man?’ And they argued it out this way among themselves, ‘If we say from heaven, he will retort, “Then why did you refuse to believe him?”; but if we say from man, we have the people to fear, for they all hold that John was a prophet.’ So their reply to Jesus was, ‘We do not know.’ And he retorted, ‘Nor will I tell you my authority for acting like this.’

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Third Sunday of Advent

Posted: December 12, 2020 by CatholicJules in Sunday Reflections
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One Who is Coming: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Third Sunday of Advent

Readings:
Isaiah 61:1–2, 10–11
Luke 1:46–50, 53–54
1 Thessalonians 5:16–24
John 1:6–8, 19–28
 

The mysterious figure of John the Baptist, introduced in last week’s readings, comes into sharper focus today. Who he is, we see in today’s Gospel, is best understood by who he isn’t.

He is not Elijah returned from the heavens (see 2 Kings 2:11), although like him he dresses in the prophet’s attire (see Mark 1:6; 2 Kings 1:8) and preaches repentance and judgment (see 1 Kings
18:21; 2 Chronicles 21:12–15).

Not Elijah in the flesh, John is nonetheless sent in the spirit and power of Elijah to fulfill his mission (see Luke 1:17; Malachi 3:23–24).
Neither is John the prophet Moses foretold, although he is a kinsman and speaks God’s word (see Deuteronomy 18:15–19; John 6:14). Nor is John the Messiah, though he has been anointed by the Spirit since he was in the womb (see Luke 1:15, 44).

John prepares the way for the Lord (see Isaiah 40:3). The baptism he performs is symbolic, not sacramental. It is a sign given to stir our hearts to repentance.
John shows us the One upon whom the Spirit remains (see John 1:32), the One who fulfills the promise we hear in today’s First Reading (see Luke 4:16–21). Jesus’ bath of rebirth and the Spirit opens a fountain that purifies Israel and gives to all a new heart and a new Spirit (see Zechariah 13:1–3; Ezekiel 36:24–27; Mark 1:8; Titus 3:5).

John comes to us in the Advent readings to show us the light, that we might believe in the One who comes at Christmas. As we sing in today’s Responsorial, the Mighty One has come to lift each of us up, to fill our hunger with bread from heaven (see John 6:33, 49–51).

And as Paul exhorts in today’s Epistle, we should rejoice, give thanks, and pray without ceasing that God will make us perfectly holy in spirit, soul, and body—that we may be blameless when our Lord comes.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: December 12, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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“Let us come together for Advent Reflections so we can prepare our hearts to receive more fully his Christmas.” “Turn back to Jesus who loves you dearly and wants to set you free to live fully in His love. Make every effort to go for the Sacrament of reconciliation.” “In this trying and challenging times we must do all we can to attend the Holy Eucharist so as to receive Jesus, body, blood, soul and divinity into our very being. For after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

How many of us have failed to recognise ‘Elijah’ in the voices above? Calling us back to fidelity to God our Heavenly Father. To turn the hearts of fathers towards their children. To restore God our Father’s children to their rightful inheritance through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Lord Jesus open my ears to hear You, my eyes to see you and with open hands I lift them up to receive what I need to serve You and brethren more fully. Amen

First reading
Ecclesiasticus 48:1-4,9-12
The prophet Elijah will come again


The prophet Elijah arose like a fire, his word flaring like a torch.
It was he who brought famine on the people, and who decimated them in his zeal.
By the word of the Lord, he shut up the heavens, he also, three times, brought down fire.
How glorious you were in your miracles, Elijah! Has anyone reason to boast as you have?
Taken up in the whirlwind of fire, in a chariot with fiery horses; designated in the prophecies of doom to allay God’s wrath before the fury breaks, to turn the hearts of fathers towards their children, and to restore the tribes of Jacob, Happy shall they be who see you, and those who have fallen asleep in love.

Gospel
Matthew 17:10-13
Elijah has come already and they did not recognise him

As they came down from the mountain the disciples put this question to Jesus, ‘Why do the scribes say that Elijah has to come first?’ ‘True;’ he replied ‘Elijah is to come to see that everything is once more as it should be; however, I tell you that Elijah has come already and they did not recognise him but treated him as they pleased; and the Son of Man will suffer similarly at their hands.’ The disciples understood then that he had been speaking of John the Baptist.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: December 11, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Uniting my Will with God my Heavenly Father does not mean I give up my freedom, on the contrary I am never more free to live fully in His love, peace and joy. Is it easy to stay awake and alert to His commandments and more importantly His Will for me? Well in a sense no, it takes discipline and true love for Him. I need to seek Him daily through His Word and to be still in His presence. To dwell in the mystery and revelation of my salvation through my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ!

I will not want the luxury to say, “Lord I’m tired not today, I don’t feel up to it.” Even if it is a late day for me, I am never fully awake till I rise to hear His voice. And to hear what He desires for me to share with my sisters and brothers. I remain hopeful and elated that someone who hears His voice through me will be touched by His great mercy and love. They too will heed His call to grow in Holiness and love. And together we will praise His Holy name!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Now and forever. Amen

First reading
Isaiah 48:17-19 ·
If you had been alert to my commandments, your happiness would have been like a river

Thus says the Lord, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:

I, the Lord, your God, teach you what is good for you,
I lead you in the way that you must go.
If only you had been alert to my commandments,
your happiness would have been like a river,
your integrity like the waves of the sea.
Your children would have been numbered like the sand,
your descendants as many as its grains.
Never would your name have been cut off or blotted out before me.


Gospel
Matthew 11:16-19
They heed neither John nor the Son of Man

Jesus spoke to the crowds: ‘What description can I find for this generation? It is like children shouting to each other as they sit in the market place:

“We played the pipes for you,
and you wouldn’t dance;
we sang dirges,
and you wouldn’t be mourners.”

‘For John came, neither eating nor drinking, and they say, “He is possessed.” The Son of Man came, eating and drinking, and they say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” Yet wisdom has been proved right by her actions.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: December 10, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Whose hand are you holding?

As we draw closer to the end of this rather difficult year in which unprecedented challenges led nations out into the wilderness. How have we lived as children of God our Heavenly Father? Have we kept the faith? Hope? Have we been charitable with one another especially with those most affected? Have we held on to the hand of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ who will lead us out of the desert into the land of milk and honey?

Whose hand are you holding?

Holding up our right hand, touched by grace and clasped in love; whose hand are we holding in our left to gently lead into His Kingdom? For we are called to turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents. To lead the children of God our Heavenly Father back to Him.

Whose hand are you holding?

Take my hand Lord Jesus and lead me. Amen

Our Lady of Loreto pray for us…

First reading
Isaiah 41:13-20 ·
I, the Holy One of Israel, am your redeemer


I, the Lord, your God,
I am holding you by the right hand;
I tell you, ‘Do not be afraid,
I will help you.’

Do not be afraid, Jacob, poor worm,
Israel, puny mite.
I will help you – it is the Lord who speaks –
the Holy One of Israel is your redeemer.

See, I turn you into a threshing-sled,
new, with doubled teeth;
you shall thresh and crush the mountains,
and turn the hills to chaff.

You shall winnow them and the wind will blow them away,
the gale will scatter them.
But you yourself will rejoice in the Lord,
and glory in the Holy One of Israel.

The poor and needy ask for water, and there is none,
their tongue is parched with thirst.
I, the Lord, will answer them,
I, the God of Israel, will not abandon them.

I will make rivers well up on barren heights,
and fountains in the midst of valleys;
turn the wilderness into a lake,
and dry ground into waterspring.

In the wilderness I will put cedar trees,
acacias, myrtles, olives.
In the desert I will plant juniper,
plane tree and cypress side by side;

so that men may see and know,
may all observe and understand
that the hand of the Lord has done this,
that the Holy One of Israel has created it.


Gospel
Matthew 11:11-15
A greater than John the Baptist has never been seen

Jesus spoke to the crowds: ‘I tell you solemnly, of all the children born of women, a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is. Since John the Baptist came, up to this present time, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence and the violent are taking it by storm. Because it was towards John that all the prophecies of the prophets and of the Law were leading; and he, if you will believe me, is the Elijah who was to return. If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen!’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: December 9, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Everyday can be a struggle to wake up to face the challenges of the day. To know that the battle with evil and temptation never ends. And on top of it all we have our mission as disciples of Christ to fulfil. Yes indeed it is a heavy burden to bear alone! And so many give up or make choices to live according to their own will. Seeking happiness and love in their own way, in their own time. They are convinced that they are at peace with their decision.

However those who have decided to carry their cross daily to follow Jesus because of the ever growing love for Him, know that they never bear any burden whatsoever alone! He is always there alongside, to shoulder the weight with them. Living life in His presence fills them with peace, love and joy which the world can never give.

I come before You this day and every day my Lord, my God. To dwell in Your presence and loving embrace. Be with me now and forever. Amen

First reading
Isaiah 40:25-31 ·
The Lord strengthens the powerless


‘To whom could you liken me
and who could be my equal?’ says the Holy One.
Lift your eyes and look.
Who made these stars
if not he who drills them like an army,
calling each one by name?
So mighty is his power, so great his strength,
that not one fails to answer.

How can you say, Jacob,
how can you insist, Israel,
‘My destiny is hidden from the Lord,
my rights are ignored by my God’?
Did you not know?
Had you not heard?

The Lord is an everlasting God,
he created the boundaries of the earth.
He does not grow tired or weary,
his understanding is beyond fathoming.
He gives strength to the wearied,
he strengthens the powerless.
Young men may grow tired and weary,
youths may stumble,
but those who hope in the Lord renew their strength,
they put out wings like eagles.
They run and do not grow weary,
walk and never tire.


Gospel
Matthew 11:28-30
My yoke is easy and my burden light

Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: December 8, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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From the beginning it was God our Father’s Will that we be spotless, perfect as He is perfect, Holy as He is Holy. And so Mary our mother’s immaculate conception, Today’s solemnity has a deeper meaning for us. She like our first parents, Adam and Eve was conceived without original sin. Created pure and Holy in the likeness and image of God our Heavenly Father.

Through our baptism original sin was removed from us, though for us we still have to struggle with concupiscence. And so it must be our daily resolve to follow Mary our mother’s obedience to the will of God our Heavenly Father; her steadfast desire to always remain in His presence through prayer and a life lived in Holiness. Mary our mother’s life is a model of how the beatitudes is lived out. Through the grace of her Son our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ we too can likewise live out of lives fully in His love.

Through our Blessed Mother let us consecrate ourselves to the sacred heart of Jesus her son. Now and forever. Amen

Hail mary full of grace….

First reading
Genesis 3:9-15,20 ·
The mother of all those who live

After Adam had eaten of the tree the Lord God called to him. ‘Where are you?’ he asked. ‘I heard the sound of you in the garden;’ he replied ‘I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.’ ‘Who told you that you were naked?’ he asked ‘Have you been eating of the tree I forbade you to eat?’ The man replied, ‘It was the woman you put with me; she gave me the fruit, and I ate it.’ Then the Lord God asked the woman, ‘What is this you have done?’ The woman replied, ‘The serpent tempted me and I ate.’
    Then the Lord God said to the serpent, ‘Because you have done this,

‘Be accursed beyond all cattle,
all wild beasts.
You shall crawl on your belly and eat dust
every day of your life.
I will make you enemies of each other:
you and the woman,
your offspring and her offspring.
It will crush your head
and you will strike its heel.’

The man named his wife ‘Eve’ because she was the mother of all those who live.


Second reading
Ephesians 1:3-6,11-12 ·
Before the world was made, God chose us in Christ


Blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all the spiritual blessings of heaven in Christ.
Before the world was made, he chose us, chose us in Christ, to be holy and spotless, and to live through love in his presence,
determining that we should become his adopted sons, through Jesus Christ
for his own kind purposes, to make us praise the glory of his grace, his free gift to us in the Beloved,
And it is in him that we were claimed as God’s own, chosen from the beginning,
under the predetermined plan of the one who guides all things as he decides by his own will; chosen to be, for his greater glory,
the people who would put their hopes in Christ before he came.


Gospel
Luke 1:26-38
‘I am the handmaid of the Lord’

The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. He went in and said to her, ‘Rejoice, so highly favoured! The Lord is with you.’ She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean, but the angel said to her, ‘Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God’s favour. Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David; he will rule over the House of Jacob for ever and his reign will have no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?’ ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you’ the angel answered ‘and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God. Know this too: your kinswoman Elizabeth has, in her old age, herself conceived a son, and she whom people called barren is now in her sixth month, for nothing is impossible to God.’ ‘I am the handmaid of the Lord,’ said Mary ‘let what you have said be done to me.’ And the angel left her.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: December 7, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Like Lent before Easter, Advent is an opportunity to go out into the desert, that is to free ourselves from all that weighs us down and holds us back from being fully reconciled with God our loving Father. To make straight the path so that Jesus can come deep into our hearts. We are healed, restored, liberated such that we can leap for joy as we praise and worship the Lord our God. Through this journey we will arrive at the oasis that awaits us. An oasis only to be found in our Lord Jesus Christ!

Come Lord Jesus, come… Amen

Bishop St Ambrose pray for us…

First reading
Isaiah 35:1-10 ·
The return of the redeemed through the desert

Let the wilderness and the dry-lands exult,
let the wasteland rejoice and bloom,
let it bring forth flowers like the jonquil,
let it rejoice and sing for joy.

The glory of Lebanon is bestowed on it,
the splendour of Carmel and Sharon;
they shall see the glory of the Lord,
the splendour of our God.

Strengthen all weary hands,
steady all trembling knees
and say to all faint hearts,
‘Courage! Do not be afraid.

‘Look, your God is coming,
vengeance is coming,
the retribution of God;
he is coming to save you.’

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
the ears of the deaf unsealed,
then the lame shall leap like a deer
and the tongues of the dumb sing for joy;

for water gushes in the desert,
streams in the wasteland,
the scorched earth becomes a lake,
the parched land springs of water.

The lairs where the jackals used to live
become thickets of reed and papyrus…

And through it will run a highway undefiled
which shall be called the Sacred Way;
the unclean may not travel by it,
nor fools stray along it.

No lion will be there
nor any fierce beast roam about it,
but the redeemed will walk there,
for those the Lord has ransomed shall return.

They will come to Zion shouting for joy,
everlasting joy on their faces;
joy and gladness will go with them
and sorrow and lament be ended.


Gospel
Luke 5:17-26
‘Your sins are forgiven you: get up and walk’

Jesus was teaching one day, and among the audience there were Pharisees and doctors of the Law who had come from every village in Galilee, from Judaea and from Jerusalem. And the Power of the Lord was behind his works of healing. Then some men appeared, carrying on a bed a paralysed man whom they were trying to bring in and lay down in front of him. But as the crowd made it impossible to find a way of getting him in, they went up on to the flat roof and lowered him and his stretcher down through the tiles into the middle of the gathering, in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith he said, ‘My friend, your sins are forgiven you.’ The scribes and the Pharisees began to think this over. ‘Who is this man talking blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ But Jesus, aware of their thoughts, made them this reply, ‘What are these thoughts you have in your hearts? Which of these is easier: to say, “Your sins are forgiven you” or to say, “Get up and walk”? But to prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,’ – he said to the paralysed man – ‘I order you: get up, and pick up your stretcher and go home.’ And immediately before their very eyes he got up, picked up what he had been lying on and went home praising God.
    They were all astounded and praised God, and were filled with awe, saying, ‘We have seen strange things today.’

Second Sunday of Advent

Posted: December 5, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Straighten the Path: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Second Sunday of Advent

Readings:
Isaiah 40:1–5, 9–11
Psalm 85:9–14
2 Peter 3:8–14
Mark 1:1–8
 
Our God is coming. The time of exile— the long separation of humankind from God due to sin—is about to end. This is the good news proclaimed in today’s liturgy.

Isaiah in today’s First Reading promises Israel’s future release and return from captivity and exile. But as today’s Gospel shows, Israel’s historic deliverance was meant to herald an even greater saving act by God—the coming of Jesus to set Israel and all nations free from bondage to sin, to gather them up and carry them back to God.

God sent an angel before Israel to lead them in their exodus towards the promised land (see Exodus 23:20). And He promised to send a messenger of the covenant, Elijah, to purify the people and turn their hearts to the Father before the day of the Lord (see Malachi 3:1, 23–24).

John the Baptist quotes these, as well as Isaiah’s prophecy, to show that all of Israel’s history looks forward to the revelation of Jesus. In Jesus, God has filled in the valley that divided sinful humanity from Himself. He has reached down from heaven and made His glory to dwell on earth, as we sing in today’s Psalm.

He has done all this not for humanity in the abstract but for each of us. The long history of salvation has led us to this Eucharist, in which our God again comes and our salvation is near. And each of us must hear in today’s readings a personal call. Here is your God, Isaiah says. He has been patient with you, Peter says in today’s Epistle.

Like Jerusalem’s inhabitants in the Gospel, we have to go out to Him, repenting our sins, all the laziness and self-indulgence that make our lives a spiritual wasteland. We have to straighten out our lives so that everything we do leads us to Him.

Today, let us hear the beginning of the Gospel and again commit ourselves to lives of holiness and devotion.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: December 5, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Does God our Father mean for His children to suffer or to be in distress? If you believe this to be true then “God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whoever believes in shall have eternal life” will have little or no meaning for you. It is due to our fallen nature that sin, suffering, distress, sickness exists in the world. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. He dresses our wounds and tenderly nurses us back to fullness of life in Him. He permits some suffering in order for us to be purified, so that the proven genuineness of our faith–of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire–may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

So then sisters and brothers in Christ, having decided to take up our cross to follow Him; are we ready to go out into the world to be instruments of His grace? To cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils. For we have been endowed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and it is time to put our living faith into action! Amen

First reading
Isaiah 30:19-21,23-26 ·
The Lord God will be gracious to you and hear your cry

Thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel:
    People of Zion, you will live in Jerusalem and weep no more. He will be gracious to you when he hears your cry; when he hears he will answer. When the Lord has given you the bread of suffering and the water of distress, he who is your teacher will hide no longer, and you will see your teacher with your own eyes. Whether you turn to right or left, your ears will hear these words behind you, ‘This is the way, follow it.’ He will send rain for the seed you sow in the ground, and the bread that the ground provides will be rich and nourishing. Your cattle will graze, that day, in wide pastures. Oxen and donkeys that till the ground will eat a salted fodder, winnowed with shovel and fork. On every lofty mountain, on every high hill there will be streams and watercourses, on the day of the great slaughter when the strongholds fall. Then moonlight will be bright as sunlight and sunlight itself be seven times brighter – like the light of seven days in one – on the day the Lord dresses the wound of his people and heals the bruises his blows have left.


Gospel
Matthew 9:35-10:1,5,6-8
The harvest is rich but the labourers are few

Jesus made a tour through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom and curing all kinds of diseases and sickness.
    And when he saw the crowds he felt sorry for them because they were harassed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest.’
    He summoned his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits with power to cast them out and to cure all kinds of diseases and sickness. These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them as follows: ‘Go rather to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. And as you go, proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is close at hand. Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils. You received without charge, give without charge.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: December 4, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Today and everyday the Lord makes all things new. For those who have trust and faith in Him, they will have their vindication. They will walk blameless in His sight. He will bring about physical as well as spiritual healing. Having received His loving touch shall we not praise and glorify His name? Shall we not do the same by our actions? Shall we not likewise touch the lives of others so that they too might see Him through us?

Yet those who are in power and have misused it to oppress, who turn God our Father’s children away from Him should cower in fear. Likewise those who gossip, for these murderous lot have killed the reputation of many and have always thought themselves innocent shall be held accountable by the Lord our God! Repent! Seek His forgiveness, wisdom and His Will for you; while the Lord is still patient and merciful, for there will soon come a time that you will remain in permanent darkness.

Open my eyes to see You Lord, now and forever. Amen

First reading
Isaiah 29:17-24 ·
In a very short time, the deaf will hear and the eyes of the blind will see

The Lord says this:

In a short time, a very short time,
shall not Lebanon become fertile land
and fertile land turn into forest?
The deaf, that day, will hear the words of a book and, after shadow and darkness,
the eyes of the blind will see.

But the lowly will rejoice in the Lord even more and the poorest exult in the Holy One of Israel; for tyrants shall be no more, and scoffers vanish, and all be destroyed who are disposed to do evil: those who gossip to incriminate others, those who try at the gate to trip the arbitrator and get the upright man’s case dismissed for groundless reasons.

Therefore the Lord speaks, the God of the House of Jacob,
Abraham’s redeemer:
No longer shall Jacob be ashamed, no more shall his face grow pale, for he shall see what my hands have done in his midst, he shall hold my name holy.
They will hallow the Holy One of Jacob, stand in awe of the God of Israel.
Erring spirits will learn wisdom and murmurers accept instruction.



Gospel
Matthew 9:27-31
‘Take care that no-one learns about this’

As Jesus went on his way two blind men followed him shouting, ‘Take pity on us, Son of David.’ And when Jesus reached the house the blind men came up with him and he said to them, ‘Do you believe I can do this?’ They said, ‘Sir, we do.’ Then he touched their eyes saying, ‘Your faith deserves it, so let this be done for you.’ And their sight returned. Then Jesus sternly warned them, ‘Take care that no one learns about this.’ But when they had gone, they talked about him all over the countryside.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: December 3, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Many of us are a fickle, stubborn lot. While it is our desire to grow in holiness, in our prayer life and so on. We often say we will do it!… But maybe tomorrow, or we might start working at it then give up quite readily after a few days. Are we not the folks in Today’s Gospel going, “Lord, Lord,”? How will we ever hope to remain steadfast in our faith especially in times of great struggles and challenges? When we will not start building our relationship upon the solid foundation of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ!

It is only through our righteousness and fidelity to the Word and Will of God our Heavenly Father, that we will enter into His Kingdom. So let us dear sisters and brothers in Christ, having entered into the new liturgical year this Advent; build upon our Rock Jesus! Having tasted His living water, we will not want (for anything). Amen

First Reading
Isaiah 26:1-6 ·
Open the gates; let the upright nation come in


That day, this song will be sung in the land of Judah:
We have a strong city; to guard us he has set
wall and rampart about us.
Open the gates! Let the upright nation come in, she, the faithful one whose mind is steadfast, who keeps the peace, because she trusts in you.
Trust in the Lord for ever, for the Lord is the everlasting Rock; he has brought low those who lived high up in the steep citadel;
he brings it down, brings it down to the ground, flings it down in the dust:
the feet of the lowly, the footsteps of the poor trample on it.


Gospel
Matthew 7:21,24-27
The wise man built his house on a rock

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘It is not those who say to me, “Lord, Lord,” who will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven. Therefore, everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on rock. Rain came down, floods rose, gales blew and hurled themselves against that house, and it did not fall: it was founded on rock. But everyone who listens to these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a stupid man who built his house on sand. Rain came down, floods rose, gales blew and struck that house, and it fell; and what a fall it had!’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: December 2, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Can I a Christian claim that I do not what the good news is? Or that I do not what or how to share it with others? Listen with your heart the message of the good news revealed to us through the prophet. And again the full revelation of the good news in Mathew’s Gospel to be found in our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.

Jesus was the hope of all nations in the thousand years of ‘Advent’ leading to His birth what we now call Christmas. The light which dispels the darkness! The bondage of sin and death broken through our journey of ‘Lent’ leading to His Resurrection which we now call Easter. Our Lord God came and dwelled among us. In His mercy, grace and love; He healed, liberated us from us all sin, brought everlasting peace, love and joy into our hearts. Through the most precious gift of Himself in Holy Eucharist He eleavates us through His divinity to be One in full communion with Him.

Is this not above and beyond ‘Good News’. This is the truth we must share with one and all! Amen

First reading
Isaiah 25:6-10 ·
The Lord will prepare a banquet for every nation

On this mountain,
the Lord of hosts will prepare for all peoples
a banquet of rich food, a banquet of fine wines, of food rich and juicy, of fine strained wines.
On this mountain he will remove the mourning veil covering all peoples, and the shroud enwrapping all nations, he will destroy Death for ever.
The Lord will wipe away the tears from every cheek; he will take away his people’s shame everywhere on earth, for the Lord has said so.
That day, it will be said: See, this is our God
in whom we hoped for salvation; the Lord is the one in whom we hoped.
We exult and we rejoice that he has saved us; for the hand of the Lord rests on this mountain.


Gospel
Matthew 15:29-37
The crowds praised the God of Israel

Jesus reached the shores of the Sea of Galilee, and he went up into the hills. He sat there, and large crowds came to him bringing the lame, the crippled, the blind, the dumb and many others; these they put down at his feet, and he cured them. The crowds were astonished to see the dumb speaking, the cripples whole again, the lame walking and the blind with their sight, and they praised the God of Israel.
    But Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I feel sorry for all these people; they have been with me for three days now and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them off hungry, they might collapse on the way.’ The disciples said to him, ‘Where could we get enough bread in this deserted place to feed such a crowd?’ Jesus said to them, ‘How many loaves have you?’ ‘Seven’ they said ‘and a few small fish.’ Then he instructed the crowd to sit down on the ground, and he took the seven loaves and the fish, and he gave thanks and broke them and handed them to the disciples, who gave them to the crowds. They all ate as much as they wanted, and they collected what was left of the scraps, seven baskets full.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: December 1, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Jesus is inviting us once again to enter into that deep personal, intimate relationship He has with God our Heavenly Father. To be One with Him, to see as He sees, to hear as He hears. We had first responded to this invitation through our baptism where we had been bestowed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit as we entered into sonship and daughterhood. In this first week of Advent we are invited to enter into a deeper loving relationship. What is your response?

Thank You Lord for loving me. Guide and teach me Your ways. That I may love You and my brethren in the same way that You love me. Amen

First reading
Isaiah 11:1-10 ·
A shoot springs from the stock of Jesse


A shoot springs from the stock of Jesse,
a scion thrusts from his roots:
on him the spirit of the Lord rests,
a spirit of wisdom and insight,
a spirit of counsel and power,
a spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
(The fear of the Lord is his breath.)
He does not judge by appearances,
he gives no verdict on hearsay,
but judges the wretched with integrity,
and with equity gives a verdict for the poor of the land.
His word is a rod that strikes the ruthless,
his sentences bring death to the wicked.

Integrity is the loincloth round his waist,
faithfulness the belt about his hips.

The wolf lives with the lamb,
the panther lies down with the kid,
calf and lion feed together,
with a little boy to lead them.
The cow and the bear make friends,
their young lie down together.
The lion eats straw like the ox.
The infant plays over the cobra’s hole;
into the viper’s lair
the young child puts his hand.
They do no hurt, no harm,
on all my holy mountain,
for the country is filled with the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters swell the sea.

That day, the root of Jesse
shall stand as a signal to the peoples.
It will be sought out by the nations
and its home will be glorious.


Gospel
Luke 10:21-24
No-one knows who the Son is except the Father

Filled with joy by the Holy Spirit, Jesus said:
    ‘I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children. Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do. Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.’
    Then turning to his disciples he spoke to them in private, ‘Happy the eyes that see what you see, for I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see, and never saw it; to hear what you hear, and never heard it.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: November 30, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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You would expect that being invited to a Christian home, that would be grace before and after meals. Then during the meal or at some point of having drinks later there will surely be talk of Jesus, His Word and how He is wonderfully present in the lives of those gathered. This is often and Very often I might add not the case! Why? “Oh guests might be uncomfortable, don’t want others to think that we are ‘holier than thou’, this is a gathering to catch up with friends and family not for churchy stuff” How is this not the same as leaving Jesus outside of the door knocking? How can we be ready to greet Him when He comes? How are we ever going to share Him with others who do not yet know Him? Will we be shocked when we knock at our Lord’s door saying,  ‘Lord, lord, open the door for us!’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you. 

We need to take the love we profess for Him to the next level! We need to fall deeply in love with Him by not just wanting to but actually making time to be in His presence, listening to Him speak to us through His Word, increasing and deepening our prayer life. Because the simple truth is this, if we cannot openly speak about our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ then we do not truly love Him. If we do not truly love Him how will we ever share Him with others?

Jesus my Lord, I love You and I am here to follow You. Lead me Lord. Amen

St Andrew pray for us…

First reading
Romans 10:9-18 ·
Faith comes from what is preached, and what is preached comes from the word of Christ

If your lips confess that Jesus is Lord and if you believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, then you will be saved. By believing from the heart you are made righteous; by confessing with your lips you are saved. When scripture says: those who believe in him will have no cause for shame, it makes no distinction between Jew and Greek: all belong to the same Lord who is rich enough, however many ask his help, for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
    But they will not ask his help unless they believe in him, and they will not believe in him unless they have heard of him, and they will not hear of him unless they get a preacher, and they will never have a preacher unless one is sent, but as scripture says: The footsteps of those who bring good news are a welcome sound. Not everyone, of course, listens to the Good News. As Isaiah says: Lord, how many believed what we proclaimed? So faith comes from what is preached, and what is preached comes from the word of Christ. Let me put the question: is it possible that they did not hear? Indeed they did; in the words of the psalm, their voice has gone out through all the earth, and their message to the ends of the world.


Gospel
Matthew 4:18-22
‘I will make you fishers of men’

As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew; they were making a cast in the lake with their net, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.’ And they left their nets at once and followed him. Going on from there he saw another pair of brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John; they were in their boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. At once, leaving the boat and their father, they followed him.

First Sunday of Advent

Posted: November 28, 2020 by CatholicJules in Sunday Reflections
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Watch for Him: Scott Hahn Reflects on the First Sunday of Advent

Readings:
Isaiah 63:16–17, 19
Psalm 80:2–3, 15–16, 18–19
1 Corinthians 1:3–9
Mark 13:33–37

The new Church year begins with a plea for God’s visitation. “Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down,” the prophet Isaiah cries in today’s First Reading.

In today’s Psalm, too, we hear the anguished voice of Israel, imploring God to look down from His heavenly throne—to save and shepherd His people.

Today’s readings are relatively brief. Their language and “message” are deceptively simple. But we should take note of the serious mood and penitential aspect of the Liturgy today—as the people of Israel recognize their sinfulness, their failures to keep God’s covenant, their inability to save themselves.

And in this Advent season, we should see our own lives in the experience of Israel. As we examine our consciences, can’t we, too, find that we often harden our hearts, refuse His rule, wander from His ways, withhold our love from Him?

God is faithful, Paul reminds us in today’s Epistle. He is our Father. He has hearkened to the cry of His children, coming down from heaven for Israel’s sake and for ours to redeem us from our exile from God, to restore us to His love.

In Jesus, we have seen the Father (see John 14:8–9). The Father has let His face shine upon us. He is the good shepherd (see John 10:11–15) come to guide us to the heavenly kingdom. No matter how far we have strayed, He will give us new life if we turn to Him, if we call upon His holy name, if we pledge anew never again to withdraw from Him.

As Paul says today, He has given us every spiritual gift—especially the Eucharist and penance—to strengthen us as we await Christ’s final coming. He will keep us firm to the end—if we let Him.

So, in this season of repentance, we should heed the warning—repeated three times by our Lord in today’s Gospel—to be watchful, for we know not the hour when the Lord of the house will return.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: November 28, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Let me share a sobering truth with you, there are many in this world who are troubled by the cares and wiles of the world. And so they turn to alcohol, drugs, sex, shopping, food, gaming as their form of escapism. Many of these do not yet know Jesus, many do but have a lukewarm compartmentalised faith; while others who claim to know Him even openly ‘show’ others that they do, in reality have a shallow relationship with Him for they often take the Lord their God for granted. They will stick to their routine timing for prayers often devotionals, more as a means to strike off their todolist That is why they would rather seek the company of friends than spend time with Him alone or with Him present in a community of disciples.

For true disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ who have a deep relationship with Him know without reservation that the peace, love and joy which the world seeks is to be found in Him alone! Therefore they seek each and everyday to remain awake in His presence, and to grow in their faith and love of Him. To love and honour Him, they strive to share in His love by putting said love into action; in service of others especially those who do not yet know Him. To see His face in those they serve, the sick, the downtrodden, especially those who are very difficult to love! For God our Heavenly Father’s Kingdom is at hand and we journey as One carrying one another on our backs if we have to, so that all of us can enter through the saving grace of His Son our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

First reading
Apocalypse 22:1-7 ·
The Lord God will shine on them; it will never be night again

The angel showed me, John, the river of life, rising from the throne of God and of the Lamb and flowing crystal-clear down the middle of the city street. On either side of the river were the trees of life, which bear twelve crops of fruit in a year, one in each month, and the leaves of which are the cure for the pagans.
    The ban will be lifted. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in its place in the city; his servants will worship him, they will see him face to face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. It will never be night again and they will not need lamplight or sunlight, because the Lord God will be shining on them. They will reign for ever and ever.
    The angel said to me, ‘All that you have written is sure and will come true: the Lord God who gives the spirit to the prophets has sent his angel to reveal to his servants what is soon to take place. Very soon now, I shall be with you again.’ Happy are those who treasure the prophetic message of this book.

Gospel
Luke 21:34-36
That day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap

Jesus said to his disciples:
    ‘Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened with debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap. For it will come down on every living man on the face of the earth. Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: November 27, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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The readings of the ‘end times’ as we journey towards the start of Advent is not meant to fill our hearts with doom and gloom. It is to awaken us from our slumber and call us to action. We are afterall children of the Resurrection, the light!

Have we allowed our light to grow dim? To be snuffed out by the cares and worries of the world? Have we concerned ourselves with things that will not last? Or as children of the light, we have heard our call to holiness and are journeying in the love of God our Father; saving souls as we go along and leading them to our eternal rest with Him?

In our lifetime we were blessed to have witnessed the lives of our fellow saints living in the light of the Resurrection; Pope John Paul II, Theresa of calcutta, Carlo Acutis to name a few. These were ordinary men and women transfigured by living in the presence of our Lord according to His Word and Will for them. You and I should desire to live likewise.

Lord Jesus be with me Amen

First reading
Apocalypse 20:1-4,11-21:2
The book of life was opened, and the dead were judged

I, John, saw an angel come down from heaven with the key of the Abyss in his hand and an enormous chain. He overpowered the dragon, that primeval serpent which is the devil and Satan, and chained him up for a thousand years. He threw him into the Abyss, and shut the entrance and sealed it over him, to make sure he would not deceive the nations again until the thousand years had passed. At the end of that time he must be released, but only for a short while.
    Then I saw some thrones, and I saw those who are given the power to be judges take their seats on them. I saw the souls of all who had been beheaded for having witnessed for Jesus and for having preached God’s word, and those who refused to worship the beast or his statue and would not have the brand-mark on their foreheads or hands; they came to life, and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. Then I saw a great white throne and the One who was sitting on it. In his presence, earth and sky vanished, leaving no trace. I saw the dead, both great and small, standing in front of his throne, while the book of life was opened, and other books opened which were the record of what they had done in their lives, by which the dead were judged.
    The sea gave up all the dead who were in it; Death and Hades were emptied of the dead that were in them; and every one was judged according to the way in which he had lived. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the burning lake. This burning lake is the second death; and anybody whose name could not be found written in the book of life was thrown into the burning lake.
    Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; the first heaven and the first earth had disappeared now, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the holy city, and the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, as beautiful as a bride all dressed for her husband.


Gospel
Luke 21:29-33
My words will never pass away

Jesus told his disciples a parable: ‘Think of the fig tree and indeed every tree. As soon as you see them bud, you know that summer is now near. So with you when you see these things happening: know that the kingdom of God is near. I tell you solemnly, before this generation has passed away all will have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: November 26, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Evil has no hold over us, for victory is ours through our Lord Jesus Christ! Happy are we who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.

We have no time to mope and complain of how difficult our life is and to make excuses for our inertia. Neither have we the luxury of looking to our distractions from the burden of carrying our cross to follow our Lord. For if we continue to behave this way, then the choices we make will leave us behind in desolation!

Arise and stay awake! Prepare for His coming! Then we will take our rightful place together with the Angels and the Saints praising God our Heavenly Father.

For Evil has no hold over us, victory is ours through our Lord Jesus Christ! Happy are we who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb. Amen Alleluia!

First reading
Apocalypse 18:1-2,21-23,19:1-3,9
Babylon the Great has fallen

I, John, saw an angel come down from heaven, with great authority given to him; the earth was lit up with his glory. At the top of his voice he shouted, ‘Babylon has fallen, Babylon the Great has fallen, and has become the haunt of devils and a lodging for every foul spirit and dirty, loathsome bird.’ Then a powerful angel picked up a boulder like a great millstone, and as he hurled it into the sea, he said, ‘That is how the great city of Babylon is going to be hurled down, never to be seen again.

Never again in you, Babylon,
will be heard the song of harpists and minstrels,
the music of flute and trumpet;
never again will craftsmen of every skill be found
or the sound of the mill be heard;
never again will shine the light of the lamp,
never again will be heard
the voices of bridegroom and bride.
Your traders were the princes of the earth,
all the nations were under your spell.

After this I seemed to hear the great sound of a huge crowd in heaven, singing, ‘Alleluia! Victory and glory and power to our God! He judges fairly, he punishes justly, and he has condemned the famous prostitute who corrupted the earth with her fornication; he has avenged his servants that she killed.’ They sang again, ‘Alleluia! The smoke of her will go up for ever and ever.’ The angel said, ‘Write this: Happy are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb’, and he added, ‘All the things you have written are true messages from God.’


Gospel
Luke 21:20-28
There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars

Jesus said to his disciples, ‘When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you must realise that she will soon be laid desolate. Then those in Judaea must escape to the mountains, those inside the city must leave it, and those in country districts must not take refuge in it. For this is the time of vengeance when all that scripture says must be fulfilled. Alas for those with child, or with babies at the breast, when those days come!
    ‘For great misery will descend on the land and wrath on this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive to every pagan country; and Jerusalem will be trampled down by the pagans until the age of the pagans is completely over.
    ‘There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; on earth nations in agony, bewildered by the clamour of the ocean and its waves; men dying of fear as they await what menaces the world, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: November 25, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Is it easy to remain steadfast and to grow in holiness everyday? No It is not! Not even if you were saintly, maybe even worse for you if you were. I for one struggle each and every day because there are distractions everywhere and innate desires within that when left unchecked can grow out of control. Loved ones and often it is those closest to me are the ones who will try my patience and my faith in my Lord. So why even bother when it is so much easier to do as I please? Well simply put, it is because I have had a foretaste of the kingdom of God, of walking in His presence, living in His peace and love. And there is nothing more precious in this world!

So even when I fall and I do so many times! Wanting to kick myself for repeating the same mistakes; I pick myself up and fall on my knees before my Lord, plead for forgiveness and the grace to do better. Then I continue strive each time to improve. It is a marathon and as the Lord reminds us today, endurance will win us eternal life with Him.

Lord forgive me a sinner, help me to remain steadfast in Your love and in your presence. Teach and guide me in all that I must say and do. Amen

First reading
Apocalypse 15:1-4 ·
The victors sang the hymn of Moses and of the Lamb

What I, John, saw in heaven was a great and wonderful sign: seven angels were bringing the seven plagues that are the last of all, because they exhaust the anger of God. I seemed to see a glass lake suffused with fire, and standing by the lake of glass, those who had fought against the beast and won, and against his statue and the number which is his name. They all had harps from God, and they were singing the hymn of Moses, the servant of God, and of the Lamb:

‘How great and wonderful are all your works,
Lord God Almighty;
just and true are all your ways,
King of nations.
Who would not revere and praise your name, O Lord?
You alone are holy,
and all the pagans will come and adore you
for the many acts of justice you have shown.’


Gospel
Luke 21:12-19
Your endurance will win you your lives

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name – and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: November 24, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Imagine hearing the same message Jesus spoke to those gathered round admiring their temple of worship, that not a single stone will be left on another. But this time hear the same words spoken about your very own parish! The beautifully adorned tabernacle, the gorgeous altar with relics of the Saints, the arches, stained glass and so on. All gone!

Then remember all the times you took your Holy place of worship for granted. Thinking it’s ok to miss one Sunday, in fact I don’t have to attend every week, the Lord will understand. Or we don’t have anything to worry for surely our prayers to give us our daily bread will be answered! Then covid 19 came and left us empty for a very long time. We should be relieved in a sense that it is not something permanent. But then again have we allowed our very own temples to be destroyed? left empty? Have we decided that spiritual communion is good enough? It is now the ‘new normal’? And so we make no effort to attend the Eucharistic Celebration in Church. If spiritual communion were enough Jesus would not have instituted the Holy Eucharist. He knew we need to receive Him, body blood soul and divinity into our very being so that we can overcome sin and temptation; to live fully in His love and to be beacons of His light in the world. The real catastrophe in the world is not from natural disasters, wars and such. It is a world absent of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ!

Let me never take Your love for me for granted Lord, forgive me for the many times that I have done so. Let me live in your presence and in Your love. Now and forever. Amen

First reading
Apocalypse 14:14-19 ·
The harvest and the vintage of the earth are ripe

In my vision I, John, saw a white cloud and, sitting on it, one like a son of man with a gold crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. Then another angel came out of the sanctuary, and shouted aloud to the one sitting on the cloud, ‘Put your sickle in and reap: harvest time has come and the harvest of the earth is ripe.’ Then the one sitting on the cloud set his sickle to work on the earth, and the earth’s harvest was reaped.
    Another angel, who also carried a sharp sickle, came out of the temple in heaven, and the angel in charge of the fire left the altar and shouted aloud to the one with the sharp sickle, ‘Put your sickle in and cut all the bunches off the vine of the earth; all its grapes are ripe.’ So the angel set his sickle to work on the earth and harvested the whole vintage of the earth and put it into a huge winepress, the winepress of God’s anger.


Gospel
Luke 21:5-11
The destruction of the Temple foretold

When some were talking about the Temple, remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, Jesus said, ‘All these things you are staring at now – the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed.’ And they put to him this question: ‘Master,’ they said ‘when will this happen, then, and what sign will there be that this is about to take place?’
    ‘Take care not to be deceived,’ he said ‘because many will come using my name and saying, “I am he” and, “The time is near at hand.” Refuse to join them. And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened, for this is something that must happen but the end is not so soon.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines here and there; there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: November 23, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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We who are baptised are in a Holy war against evil. And victory is ours to have since the lamb of God, our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ is on our side. Do we still count the cost of discipleship in carrying our cross to follow Him?

How much have we offered up to the Lord our God and for our brethren? Do we trust in Jesus to give our everything?

Lord, make us ready now to share this meal
Sign of our life in you. Amen

First reading
Apocalypse 14:1-5

The redeemed have Christ and his Father’s name written on their foreheads
In my vision I, John, saw Mount Zion, and standing on it a Lamb who had with him a hundred and forty-four thousand people, all with his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. I heard a sound coming out of the sky like the sound of the ocean or the roar of thunder; it seemed to be the sound of harpists playing their harps. There in front of the throne they were singing a new hymn in the presence of the four animals and the elders, a hymn that could only be learnt by the hundred and forty-four thousand who had been redeemed from the world; they follow the Lamb wherever he goes; they have been redeemed from amongst men to be the first-fruits for God and for the Lamb. They never allowed a lie to pass their lips and no fault can be found in them.

Gospel
Luke 21:1-4
The widow’s mite

As Jesus looked up, he saw rich people putting their offerings into the treasury; then he happened to notice a poverty-stricken widow putting in two small coins, and he said, ‘I tell you truly, this poor widow has put in more than any of them; for these have all contributed money they had over, but she from the little she had has put in all she had to live on.’

Solemnity of Christ the King

Posted: November 21, 2020 by CatholicJules in Sunday Reflections
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When the End Comes: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Solemnity of Christ the King

Readings:
Ezekiel 34:11–12, 15–17
Psalm 23:1–3, 5–6
1 Corinthians 15:20–26, 28
Matthew 25:31–46

The Church year ends today with a vision of the end of time. The scene in the Gospel is stark and resounds with Old Testament echoes.

The Son of Man is enthroned over all nations and peoples of every language (see Daniel 7:13–14). The nations have been gathered to see His glory and receive His judgment (see Isaiah 66:18; Zephaniah 3:8). The King is the divine shepherd Ezekiel foresees in today’s First Reading, judging as a shepherd separates sheep from goats.
Each of us will be judged upon our performance of the simple works of mercy we hear in the Gospel today.

These works, as Jesus explains today, are reflections or measures of our love for Him, our faithfulness to His commandment that we love God with all our might and our neighbor as ourselves (see Matthew 22:36–40).

Our faith is dead, lifeless, unless it be expressed in works of love (see James 2:20; Galatians 5:6). And we cannot say we truly love God, whom we cannot see, if we don’t love our neighbor, whom we can (see 1 John 4:20).

The Lord is our shepherd, as we sing in today’s Psalm. And we are to follow His lead, to imitate His example (see 1 Corinthians 1:11; Ephesians 5:1).

He healed our sickness (see Luke 6:19), freed us from the prison of sin and death (see Romans 8:2, 21), welcomed us who were once strangers to His covenant (see Ephesians 2:12, 19). He clothed us in baptism (see Revelation 3:5; 2 Corinthians 5:3–4), and feeds us with the food and drink of His own body and blood.

At “the end,” He will come again to hand over His kingdom to His Father, as Paul says in today’s Epistle.

Let us strive to be following Him in right paths, that this kingdom might be our inheritance, that we might enter into the eternal rest promised for the people of God (see Hebrews 4:1, 9–11).

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: November 21, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Listen, believe in Jesus and be saved!

How long shall we close our ears to the call of the prophets amongst us? How long must the Lord our God wait for us to respond to His call for repentance and growth in Holiness? Why do we look for happiness among the dead in spirit? How many souls are lost by our inaction to love as we are called to love?

We are children of an almighty and ever living God our Heavenly Father! Through the blood of the lamb, His only Begotten Son, our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ we have been redeemed! We are able to live liberated lives in the light of the Resurrection and the life!

I consecrate my life to You my Lord Jesus Christ. In body, mind and soul let the work that I do, flow as ceaseless praise of You. As I endeavour each and every day to love my brethren as You love me. Amen alleluia!

First reading
Apocalypse 11:4-12 ·
The prophets will die who have been a plague to the world

I, John, heard a voice saying: ‘These, my two witnesses, are the two olive trees and the two lamps that stand before the Lord of the world. Fire can come from their mouths and consume their enemies if anyone tries to harm them; and if anybody does try to harm them he will certainly be killed in this way. They are able to lock up the sky so that it does not rain as long as they are prophesying; they are able to turn water into blood and strike the whole world with any plague as often as they like. When they have completed their witnessing, the beast that comes out of the Abyss is going to make war on them and overcome them and kill them. Their corpses will lie in the main street of the Great City known by the symbolic names Sodom and Egypt, in which their Lord was crucified. Men out of every people, race, language and nation will stare at their corpses, for three-and-a-half days, not letting them be buried, and the people of the world will be glad about it and celebrate the event by giving presents to each other, because these two prophets have been a plague to the people of the world.’
    After the three-and-a-half days, God breathed life into them and they stood up, and everybody who saw it happen was terrified; then they heard a loud voice from heaven say to them, ‘Come up here’, and while their enemies were watching, they went up to heaven in a cloud.


Gospel
Luke 20:27-40
In God all men are alive

Some Sadducees – those who say that there is no resurrection – approached Jesus and they put this question to him, ‘Master, we have it from Moses in writing, that if a man’s married brother dies childless, the man must marry the widow to raise up children for his brother. Well then, there were seven brothers. The first, having married a wife, died childless. The second and then the third married the widow. And the same with all seven, they died leaving no children. Finally the woman herself died. Now, at the resurrection, to which of them will she be wife since she had been married to all seven?’
    Jesus replied, ‘The children of this world take wives and husbands, but those who are judged worthy of a place in the other world and in the resurrection from the dead do not marry because they can no longer die, for they are the same as the angels, and being children of the resurrection they are sons of God. And Moses himself implies that the dead rise again, in the passage about the bush where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. Now he is God, not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all men are in fact alive.’
    Some scribes then spoke up. ‘Well put, Master’ they said – because they would not dare to ask him any more questions.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: November 20, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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We must desire change within us, to be purged of all impurities; so as to walk in the presence of our Lord in Holiness and in love.   It is only through active attentive listening to His Word and Will for us then we can be transfigured through His mercy and grace. Such transformation is akin to firing clay in a kiln. It undergoes several physical changes before coming out strong and durable.
By His great love for us we are able to receive the Word made flesh in Holy Communion and we become One with Him.

We are then ready to go out to prophesy and share His mercy and love with others. So that they too can be transformed to live in His peace and love. Amen

First reading
Apocalypse 10:8-11 ·
I was told to swallow the scroll, and to prophesy

I, John, heard the voice I had heard from heaven speaking to me again. ‘Go,’ it said ‘and take that open scroll out of the hand of the angel standing on sea and land.’ I went to the angel and asked him to give me the small scroll, and he said, ‘Take it and eat it; it will turn your stomach sour, but in your mouth it will taste as sweet as honey.’ So I took it out of the angel’s hand, and swallowed it; it was as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it my stomach turned sour. Then I was told, ‘You are to prophesy again, this time about many different nations and countries and languages and emperors.’

Gospel
Luke 19:45-48
You have turned God’s house into a robbers’ den

Jesus went into the Temple and began driving out those who were selling. ‘According to scripture,’ he said ‘my house will be a house of prayer. But you have turned it into a robbers’ den.’
    He taught in the Temple every day. The chief priests and the scribes, with the support of the leading citizens, tried to do away with him, but they did not see how they could carry this out because the people as a whole hung on his words.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: November 19, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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As we draw closer to the end of the liturgical year we hear more and more about the end times. Yes it is a stark reminder that have passed on. Those who have gone back home to our creator are praying and waiting for our safe return as well. It can either fill our heart with gloom and doom; or hope and light depending on our relationship with the Lord our God.

For those of us who are sleepy yet striving to stay awake for our Lord, we live in the hope of eternal life with Him. For our victorious Lord and saviour Jesus Christ had conquered death for us. And so the end times points us to new beginnings with Christ the King! Let us then stir in one another a rousing of the Holy Spirit within us to grow in Holiness as we stand ready to greet our Lord when He comes again. Amen

First reading
Apocalypse 5:1-10 ·
The blood of the Lamb bought men for God

I, John, saw that in the right hand of the One sitting on the throne there was a scroll that had writing on back and front and was sealed with seven seals. Then I saw a powerful angel who called with a loud voice, ‘Is there anyone worthy to open the scroll and break the seals of it?’ But there was no one, in heaven or on the earth or under the earth, who was able to open scroll and read it. I wept bitterly because there was nobody fit to open the scroll and read it, but one of the elders said to me, ‘There is no need to cry: the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed, and he will open the scroll and the seven seals of it.’
    Then I saw, standing between the throne with its four animals and the circle of the elders, a Lamb that seemed to have been sacrificed; it had seven horns, and it had seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits God has sent out all over the world. The Lamb came forward to take the scroll from the right hand of the One sitting on the throne, and when he took it, the four animals prostrated themselves before him and with them the twenty-four elders; each one of them was holding a harp and had a golden bowl full of incense made of the prayers of the saints. They sang a new hymn:

‘You are worthy to take the scroll
and break the seals of it,
because you were sacrificed, and with your blood you bought men for God of every race, language, people and nation and made them a line of kings and priests, to serve our God and to rule the world.’


Gospel
Luke 19:41-44
Jesus sheds tears over the coming fate of Jerusalem

As Jesus drew near Jerusalem and came in sight of the city he shed tears over it and said, ‘If you in your turn had only understood on this day the message of peace! But, alas, it is hidden from your eyes! Yes, a time is coming when your enemies will raise fortifications all round you, when they will encircle you and hem you in on every side; they will dash you and the children inside your walls to the ground; they will leave not one stone standing on another within you – and all because you did not recognise your opportunity when God offered it!’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: November 18, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Today’s readings seems to me, a wonderful combined reminder of last Sunday’s Gospel and this coming Sunday’s Gospel. For one it reminds me that zero investment means zero growth. If I do not invest by putting what the Lord my God has given me to good use for His Kingdom how then will I bring forth to Him, the fruits of my labour? What excuse will I give Him for my inertia? My lukewarm faith? What my Lord had entrusted me with, was according to my ability. Do I have trust in Him and set forth in faith? Or do I question His judgement and my own ability?

Secondly I should deeply reflect on my relationship with my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. The year is drawing to a close, how have I grown in my faith and love of Him? How much have I contributed in building His Kingdom? How many have I helped or led to greater Holiness? How many of the least of my brethren have I reached out to provide  aid?

Truly if Jesus is my Lord and King then let me not honour Him simply by my lips, but all of me put into service for His greater glory.

Jesus you are my King and I love you! Amen

First reading
Apocalypse 4:1-11
He was, he is, and he is to come

In my vision, I, John, saw a door open in heaven and heard the same voice speaking to me, the voice like a trumpet, saying, ‘Come up here: I will show you what is to come in the future.’ With that, the Spirit possessed me and I saw a throne standing in heaven, and the One who was sitting on the throne, and the Person sitting there looked like a diamond and a ruby. There was a rainbow encircling the throne, and this looked like an emerald. Round the throne in a circle were twenty-four thrones, and on them I saw twenty-four elders sitting, dressed in white robes with golden crowns on their heads. Flashes of lightning were coming from the throne, and the sound of peals of thunder, and in front of the throne there were seven flaming lamps burning, the seven Spirits of God. Between the throne and myself was a sea that seemed to be made of glass, like crystal. In the centre, grouped round the throne itself, were four animals with many eyes, in front and behind. The first animal was like a lion, the second like a bull, the third animal had a human face, and the fourth animal was like a flying eagle. Each of the four animals had six wings and had eyes all the way round as well as inside; and day and night they never stopped singing:

‘Holy, Holy, Holy
is the Lord God, the Almighty;
he was, he is and he is to come.’

Every time the animals glorified and honoured and gave thanks to the One sitting on the throne, who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders prostrated themselves before him to worship the One who lives for ever and ever, and threw down their crowns in front of the throne, saying, ‘You are our Lord and our God, you are worthy of glory and honour and power, because you made all the universe and it was only by your will that everything was made and exists.’


Gospel
Luke 19:11-28
The parable of the talents

While the people were listening, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and they imagined that the kingdom of God was going to show itself then and there. Accordingly he said, ‘A man of noble birth went to a distant country to be appointed king and afterwards return. He summoned ten of his servants and gave them ten pounds. “Do business with these” he told them “until I get back.” But his compatriots detested him and sent a delegation to follow him with this message, “We do not want this man to be our king.”
    ‘Now on his return, having received his appointment as king, he sent for those servants to whom he had given the money, to find out what profit each had made. The first came in and said, “Sir, your one pound has brought in ten.” “Well done, my good servant!” he replied “Since you have proved yourself faithful in a very small thing, you shall have the government of ten cities.” Then came the second and said, “Sir, your one pound has made five.” To this one also he said, “And you shall be in charge of five cities.” Next came the other and said, “Sir, here is your pound. I put it away safely in a piece of linen because I was afraid of you; for you are an exacting man: you pick up what you have not put down and reap what you have not sown.” “You wicked servant!” he said “Out of your own mouth I condemn you. So you knew I was an exacting man, picking up what I have not put down and reaping what I have not sown? Then why did you not put my money in the bank? On my return I could have drawn it out with interest.” And he said to those standing by, “Take the pound from him and give it to the man who has ten pounds.” And they said to him, “But, sir, he has ten pounds…”. “I tell you, to everyone who has will be given more; but from the man who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
    ‘“But as for my enemies who did not want me for their king, bring them here and execute them in my presence.”’
    When he had said this he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: November 17, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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How nicely we have adjusted and now lead somewhat comfortable lives in the ‘new normal’ heading towards what we hope will be a post pandemic era. Some have become ‘rich’ and spoilt for choice in attending online masses when it suits them best and in the comfort of their homes. All we need now is spiritual communion? How connected are we really with our Lord? Have we lost the desire to receive Jesus fully in Holy Communion? Is it now too much of a hassle? How long are we going to enjoy rich food and company now that many more places are opened? Have we forgotten about our brethren who have lost their jobs? Those who are poor and have become poorer? The elderly who can hardly move now due to a ‘forced’ sedentary life? How have we helped them so that they can lead somewhat normal lives with dignity?

Even if you have soiled yourselves with sin, in what you have done and in what you have **failed to do** our merciful Lord stands at your door knocking. You can choose to continue ignoring Him till it is too late or you can invite Him into your Home to stay.

Jesus my Lord, my God come dine with me, come dwell in my home and in my heart. Amen

First reading
Apocalypse 3:1-6,14-22 ·
If one of you hears me calling, I will come in to share his meal

I, John, heard the Lord saying to me: ‘Write to the angel of the church in Sardis and say, “Here is the message of the one who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: I know all about you: how you are reputed to be alive and yet are dead. Wake up; revive what little you have left: it is dying fast. So far I have failed to notice anything in the way you live that my God could possibly call perfect, and yet do you remember how eager you were when you first heard the message? Hold on to that. Repent. If you do not wake up, I shall come to you like a thief, without telling you at what hour to expect me. There are a few in Sardis, it is true, who have kept their robes from being dirtied, and they are fit to come with me, dressed in white. Those who prove victorious will be dressed, like these, in white robes; I shall not blot their names out of the book of life, but acknowledge their names in the presence of my Father and his angels. If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.”
    ‘Write to the angel of the church in Laodicea and say, “Here is the message of the Amen, the faithful, the true witness, the ultimate source of God’s creation: I know all about you: how you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were one or the other, but since you are neither, but only lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth. You say to yourself, ‘I am rich, I have made a fortune, and have everything I want’, never realising that you are wretchedly and pitiably poor, and blind and naked too. I warn you, buy from me the gold that has been tested in the fire to make you really rich, and white robes to clothe you and cover your shameful nakedness, and eye ointment to put on your eyes so that you are able to see. I am the one who reproves and disciplines all those he loves: so repent in real earnest. Look, I am standing at the door, knocking. If one of you hears me calling and opens the door, I will come in to share his meal, side by side with him. Those who prove victorious I will allow to share my throne, just as I was victorious myself and took my place with my Father on his throne. If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.”’


Gospel
Luke 19:1-10
Salvation comes to the house of Zacchaeus

Jesus entered Jericho and was going through the town when a man whose name was Zacchaeus made his appearance: he was one of the senior tax collectors and a wealthy man. He was anxious to see what kind of man Jesus was, but he was too short and could not see him for the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus who was to pass that way. When Jesus reached the spot he looked up and spoke to him: ‘Zacchaeus, come down. Hurry, because I must stay at your house today.’ And he hurried down and welcomed him joyfully. They all complained when they saw what was happening. ‘He has gone to stay at a sinner’s house’ they said. But Zacchaeus stood his ground and said to the Lord, ‘Look, sir, I am going to give half my property to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody I will pay him back four times the amount.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek out and save what was lost.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: November 16, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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All too often we are plunged into darkness when we sin and yet we cannot seem to figure out why emptiness grows within us. Evil seeds are planted in our heads and we start forming conspiracy theories, “everyone is against me,” “seems like others are more privileged than me and my family.” The voices that tells us not to cry out to Jesus become louder than our own conscience and so we remain quiet and fade away into further darkness. We forget how to love as we should and the distance between us and our Lord only widens!


Take courage and cry out to Jesus as we should and He will invite us to come back to Him. He will set us free to live fully in His love. His light will once again shine upon us and then we will be able to carry His light within us to others. Heart, mind and soul are opened to glorify Him by our love put into action for others.


Therefore sister and brothers, as we draw closer to the start of Advent. Let our hearts yearn to be fully reconciled with Jesus the light of all nations. Strive to do what we must by seeking the gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation often, so that filled with His grace we become beacons of light for others. Amen

First reading Apocalypse 1:1-4,2:1-5

Think what you were before you fell, and repent
This is the revelation given by God to Jesus Christ so that he could tell his servants about the things which are now to take place very soon; he sent his angel to make it known to his servant John, and John has written down everything he saw and swears it is the word of God guaranteed by Jesus Christ. Happy the man who reads this prophecy, and happy those who listen to him, if they treasure all that it says, because the Time is close. From John, to the seven churches of Asia: grace and peace to you from him who is, who was, and who is to come, from the seven spirits in his presence before his throne. I heard the Lord saying to me: ‘Write to the angel of the church in Ephesus and say, “Here is the message of the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and who lives surrounded by the seven golden lamp-stands: I know all about you: how hard you work and how much you put up with. I know you cannot stand wicked men, and how you tested the impostors who called themselves apostles and proved they were liars. Know, too, that you have patience, and have suffered for my name without growing tired. Nevertheless, I have this complaint to make; you have less love now than you used to. Think where you were before you fell; repent, and do as you used to at first.”’

Gospel Luke 18:35-43

‘Son of David, have pity on me’
As Jesus drew near to Jericho there was a blind man sitting at the side of the road begging. When he heard the crowd going past he asked what it was all about, and they told him that Jesus the Nazarene was passing by. So he called out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.’ The people in front scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he shouted all the louder, ‘Son of David, have pity on me.’ Jesus stopped and ordered them to bring the man to him, and when he came up, asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Sir,’ he replied ‘let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight. Your faith has saved you.’ And instantly his sight returned and he followed him praising God, and all the people who saw it gave praise to God for what had happened.

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted: November 14, 2020 by CatholicJules in Sunday Reflections
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Settling Accounts: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings:
Proverbs 31:10–13, 19–20, 30–31
Psalm 128:1–5
1 Thessalonians 5:1–6
Matthew 25:14–30
 
The day of the Lord is coming, Paul warns in today’s Epistle. What matters isn’t the time or the season, but what the Lord finds us doing with the new life, the graces He has given to us.

This is at the heart of Jesus’ parable in today’s Gospel. Jesus is the Master. Having died, risen, and ascended into heaven, He appears to have gone away for a long time.
By our Baptism, He has entrusted to each of us a portion of His “possessions,” a share in His divine life (see 2 Peter 1:4). He has given us talents and responsibilities, according to the measure of our faith (see Romans 12:3, 8).

We are to be like the worthy wife in today’s First Reading and the faithful man we sing of in today’s Psalm. Like them, we should walk in the “fear of the Lord”—in reverence, awe, and thanksgiving for His marvelous gifts. This is the beginning of wisdom (see Acts 9:31; Proverbs 1:7).

This is not the “fear” of the useless servant in today’s parable. His is the fear of a slave cowering before a cruel master, the fear of one who refuses the relationship that God calls us to.

God has called us to be trusted servants, fellow workers (see 1 Corinthians 3:9), using our talents to serve one another and His kingdom as good stewards of His grace (see 1 Peter 4:10).
In this, we each have a different part to play.

Though the good servants in today’s parable were given different numbers of talents, each “doubled” what he was given. And each earned the same reward for his faithfulness—greater responsibilities and a share of the master’s joy.

So let us resolve again in this Eucharist to make much of what we’ve been given, to do all for the glory of God (see 1 Corinthians 10:31). That we, too, may approach our Master with confidence and love when He comes to settle accounts.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: November 14, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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We are one Body In Christ, therefore we are all responsible for how well and how far the message of His love is spread across all nations. We must all contribute to the share of the work for the truth which is found in our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.

Some of us are called to mission for Him, others to offer support of that mission through various forms of love offerings. This includes our perseverance in prayer, for united as one in our endeavour we are united with Him. It is with this faith that draws our Lord to us in a loving embrace. He is our shepherd we shall not want!

Never forget that you are child, so loved by  God Your Heavenly Father. So loved that He gave us His only Begotten Son. That whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Amen Alleluia!

First reading
3 John 5-8 ·
It is our duty to welcome missionaries and contribute our share to their work

My friend, you have done faithful work in looking after these brothers, even though they were complete strangers to you. They are a proof to the whole Church of your charity and it would be a very good thing if you could help them on their journey in a way that God would approve. It was entirely for the sake of the name that they set out, without depending on the pagans for anything; it is our duty to welcome men of this sort and contribute our share to their work for the truth.


Gospel
Luke 18:1-8
The parable of the unjust judge

Jesus told his disciples a parable about the need to pray continually and never lose heart. ‘There was a judge in a certain town’ he said ‘who had neither fear of God nor respect for man. In the same town there was a widow who kept on coming to him and saying, “I want justice from you against my enemy!” For a long time he refused, but at last he said to himself, “Maybe I have neither fear of God nor respect for man, but since she keeps pestering me I must give this widow her just rights, or she will persist in coming and worry me to death.”’
    And the Lord said ‘You notice what the unjust judge has to say? Now will not God see justice done to his chosen who cry to him day and night even when he delays to help them? I promise you, he will see justice done to them, and done speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find any faith on earth?’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: November 13, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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As we draw closer to Advent we are reminded to stay awake as disciples of our Lord, to remain steadfast in our faith and to love one another in His love.

There is a danger of seeking spiritual highs and looking for new varied forms of attaining them rather than to remain in the peace which is found in Christ Jesus alone. Going beyond what was taught by the word of God made flesh only leads to emptiness and void.

Let us choose to be fully alive and awake in the presence of our Lord and saviour Jesus, seeking to love in His love from the moment we wake, to the time we fall asleep. So then come what may, we stand ready to meet Him when He comes again. Amen

First reading
2 John 4-9 ·
The commandment which you have heard since the beginning is to live a life of love

It has given me great joy to find that your children have been living the life of truth as we were commanded by the Father. I am writing now, dear lady, not to give you any new commandment, but the one which we were given at the beginning, and to plead: let us love one another.
    To love is to live according to his commandments: this is the commandment which you have heard since the beginning, to live a life of love.
    There are many deceivers about in the world, refusing to admit that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. They are the Deceiver; they are the Antichrist. Watch yourselves, or all our work will be lost and not get the reward it deserves. If anybody does not keep within the teaching of Christ but goes beyond it, he cannot have God with him: only those who keep to what he taught can have the Father and the Son with them.

Gospel
Luke 17:26-37
When the day comes for the Son of Man to be revealed

Jesus said to the disciples:
    ‘As it was in Noah’s day, so will it also be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating and drinking, marrying wives and husbands, right up to the day Noah went into the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. It will be the same as it was in Lot’s day: people were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, but the day Lot left Sodom, God rained fire and brimstone from heaven and it destroyed them all. It will be the same when the day comes for the Son of Man to be revealed.
    ‘When that day comes, anyone on the housetop, with his possessions in the house, must not come down to collect them, nor must anyone in the fields turn back either. Remember Lot’s wife. Anyone who tries to preserve his life will lose it; and anyone who loses it will keep it safe. I tell you, on that night two will be in one bed: one will be taken, the other left; two women will be grinding corn together: one will be taken, the other left.’ The disciples interrupted. ‘Where, Lord?’ they asked. He said, ‘Where the body is, there too will the vultures gather.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: November 12, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Year after year many of us are still striving to become better disciples of our Lord Jesus and seeking His kingdom. In doing so we have failed our mission, our call as true disciples of ours Lord. For our Lord never commanded us to be better disciples although that is a given, He commanded us to…. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”

So today how many have you helped groom into becoming disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ? How many have been freed to live in His peace, mercy and love? To become a dear sister and brother in Christ Jesus our Lord? To the awareness that the Kingdom of the Lord our God is among us! To likewise be sent to welcome others into His kingdom as children of God our loving Father.

Grant me Lord a disciple’s heart, mind, tongue, courage and humility to make better disciples than myself; more importantly disciples worthy of your Kingdom. For Your Kingdom come, Your Will be done. Now and forever. Amen

First reading
Philemon 7-20 ·
He is a slave no longer, but a dear brother in the Lord

I am so delighted, and comforted, to know of your love; they tell me, brother, how you have put new heart into the saints.
    Now, although in Christ I can have no diffidence about telling you to do whatever is your duty, I am appealing to your love instead, reminding you that this is Paul writing, an old man now and, what is more, still a prisoner of Christ Jesus. I am appealing to you for a child of mine, whose father I became while wearing these chains: I mean Onesimus. He was of no use to you before, but he will be useful to you now, as he has been to me. I am sending him back to you, and with him – I could say – a part of my own self. I should have liked to keep him with me; he could have been a substitute for you, to help me while I am in the chains that the Good News has brought me. However, I did not want to do anything without your consent; it would have been forcing your act of kindness, which should be spontaneous. I know you have been deprived of Onesimus for a time, but it was only so that you could have him back for ever, not as a slave any more, but something much better than a slave, a dear brother; especially dear to me, but how much more to you, as a blood-brother as well as a brother in the Lord. So if all that we have in common means anything to you, welcome him as you would me; but if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, then let me pay for it. I am writing this in my own handwriting: I, Paul, shall pay it back – I will not add any mention of your own debt to me, which is yourself. Well then, brother, I am counting on you, in the Lord; put new heart into me, in Christ.


Gospel
Luke 17:20-25

Asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was to come, Jesus gave them this answer, ‘The coming of the kingdom of God does not admit of observation and there will be no one to say, “Look here! Look there!” For, you must know, the kingdom of God is among you.’
    He said to the disciples, ‘A time will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man and will not see it. They will say to you, “Look there!” or, “Look here!” Make no move; do not set off in pursuit; for as the lightning flashing from one part of heaven lights up the other, so will be the Son of Man when his day comes. But first he must suffer grievously and be rejected by this generation.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: November 11, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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One of the most difficult things for many to control is their mouths. They are quick to find fault, criticise, put down, even slander. Too juicy to resist and so much time and effort goes into gossiping! Selection of targets are wide and varied but often those in leadership, foreigners, aliens or simply anyone in the outer circle. Were their accusers ever blameless themselves? How does Jesus our Lord fit into their lives? How does the words that come out of our mouths give Him praise and glory? If our words kill the spirit of another, are we not murderers? Do we continue to say we have not broken our Lord’s commandment, “Thou shall not kill!”

Jesus came to save us all! Yes everyone of all nations, race and culture. Today’s Gospel is another example of this. All ten were cleansed but ironically only the foreigner from ‘far away’ was closest to the heart of God. For he got down to worship the Lord God and his heart cried out in thanksgiving and praise of Him.  Through His faith in Jesus he was not only granted healing but eternal salvation.

Jesus my Lord, let the words that come out of my mouth words be Yours so that it may be life giving to all. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. Now and forever. Amen

First reading
Titus 3:1-7
It was purely by his own compassion that God saved us

Remind your people that it is their duty to be obedient to the officials and representatives of the government; to be ready to do good at every opportunity; not to go slandering other people or picking quarrels, but to be courteous and always polite to all kinds of people. Remember, there was a time when we too were ignorant, disobedient and misled and enslaved by different passions and luxuries; we lived then in wickedness and ill-will, hating each other and hateful ourselves.
    But when the kindness and love of God our saviour for mankind were revealed, it was not because he was concerned with any righteous actions we might have done ourselves; it was for no reason except his own compassion that he saved us, by means of the cleansing water of rebirth and by renewing us with the Holy Spirit which he has so generously poured over us through Jesus Christ our saviour. He did this so that we should be justified by his grace, to become heirs looking forward to inheriting eternal life.


Gospel
Luke 17:11-19
No-one has come back to praise God, only this foreigner

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus travelled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered one of the villages, ten lepers came to meet him. They stood some way off and called to him, ‘Jesus! Master! Take pity on us.’ When he saw them he said, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ Now as they were going away they were cleansed. Finding himself cured, one of them turned back praising God at the top of his voice and threw himself at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. The man was a Samaritan. This made Jesus say, ‘Were not all ten made clean? The other nine, where are they? It seems that no one has come back to give praise to God, except this foreigner.’ And he said to the man, ‘Stand up and go on your way. Your faith has saved you.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: November 10, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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We all have different roles or rather we wear different hats as we go about each day. Yet in each of them we must clothe ourselves in Christ. For each and everyone of us have a higher calling to live Holy lives as children of God our Heavenly Father. We therefore embrace first the Holy will of God for us. We do so by carrying our cross and following after our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.

How are we obedient to the will of God for us if we refuse to be in humble service to our brethren? We hide behind terms like equal rights, human dignity and so on when it is simply our empty pride that prevents us from getting our hands and feet dirty to wash, clean, feed and serve the least of our brethren. We even fail to see the that the ‘least of our brethren’ can be our very own spouse, child or aged parent. Let us open our minds hearts to learn how to love as Jesus did….

For He laid down His life for us not that we took it from Him. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. But emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant. At supper one evening He took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He then said to His disciples, “Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.

Grant me a servant’s heart Lord that I may serve You and my brethren faithfully. Amen

First reading
Titus 2:1-8,11-14 ·
You must preach the behaviour which goes with healthy doctrine

It is for you to preach the behaviour which goes with healthy doctrine. The older men should be reserved, dignified, moderate, sound in faith and love and constancy. Similarly, the older women should behave as though they were religious, with no scandal-mongering and no habitual wine-drinking – they are to be the teachers of the right behaviour and show the younger women how they should love their husbands and love their children, how they are to be sensible and chaste, and how to work in their homes, and be gentle, and do as their husbands tell them, so that the message of God is never disgraced. In the same way, you have got to persuade the younger men to be moderate and in everything you do make yourself an example to them of working for good: when you are teaching, be an example to them in your sincerity and earnestness and in keeping all that you say so wholesome that nobody can make objections to it; and then any opponent will be at a loss, with no accusation to make against us. You see, God’s grace has been revealed, and it has made salvation possible for the whole human race and taught us that what we have to do is to give up everything that does not lead to God, and all our worldly ambitions; we must be self-restrained and live good and religious lives here in this present world, while we are waiting in hope for the blessing which will come with the Appearing of the glory of our great God and saviour Christ Jesus. He sacrificed himself for us in order to set us free from all wickedness and to purify a people so that it could be his very own and would have no ambition except to do good.

Gospel
Luke 17:7-10
You are merely servants

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Which of you, with a servant ploughing or minding sheep, would say to him when he returned from the fields, “Come and have your meal immediately”? Would he not be more likely to say, “Get my supper laid; make yourself tidy and wait on me while I eat and drink. You can eat and drink yourself afterwards”? Must he be grateful to the servant for doing what he was told? So with you: when you have done all you have been told to do, say, “We are merely servants: we have done no more than our duty.”’

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