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We draw all wisdom, strength and courage from our heavenly Father and are able to do many great things. Yet do we offer praise and thanks? Or do we lord it over others thinking we did it all on our own?

It is when we are humble and possess the heart of child who reaches out to hold the hand of our Father in heaven, that we are led to the depths of a wonderful relationship with Him. Jesus makes this possible for through Him we are washed clean, through Him we know much of our heavenly Father, for to know Him is to know the Father.

Let us never take this great and wonderful relationship for granted and strive to always grow in it. For we know that no matter what comes our way, our Lord and God will never abandon us. Glory be to God on High!

FIRST READING
Isaiah 10:5–7, 13b–16

GOSPEL
Matthew 11:25–27

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

We need to grow in our faith to such a degree that we stand firm. Otherwise we will easily be blown away by lustful desires, temptations and sin. Or else we will lose it in a crisis.

Our loving Saviour laments over the hard heartedness of those who refuse to listen to His call for repentance. For He sees the terrible end results for them. He therefore wants to draw everyone to Him, to save us all. He wants all of us to embrace love instead of wickedness so that He can give us His Grace and peace. Amen

FIRST READING
Isaiah 7:1–9

GOSPEL
Matthew 11:20–24

Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not heard “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For it and I f the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And as for you, Capernaum:

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

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

No amount of love offerings, money or food can ever buy us our way into heaven. Nor can it be an atonement for our sins. We need first to love God enough to be truly sorry for our sins. For what we have done and what we failed to do. For having offended Him by our evil choices over all that is good.

To love our Heavenly Father is to love His Son our Lord and redeemer Jesus Christ. Who came to liberate us from our sins and to guide us Home to Him. To love Jesus is to to love the Word and the truth which unites all the faithful and separates us from non believers even family. And the love we have for our one triune God is the love we will have for our brethren wherever they may be.

Let us reject evil and remain faithful disciples of our Lord and God. Amen

FIRST READING
Isaiah 1:10–17

GOSPEL
Matthew 10:34–11:1

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

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

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

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

Is my faith a private one between me and God my Father alone? Am I to be silent when I witness and injustice? Do I not speak out against wrong doings and practices especially within my own home? Am I holy myself? Have I gone often for the sacrament of reconciliation? So that I can stand ready to do God’s Will? Ready to spread His message of love and mercy?

Here I am Lord!

Why should I be afraid to proclaim the Gospel? Why should I speak softly afraid others might hear? Is it not the truth I speak? The only one I should be wary of is the Evil One who will try try to take me away from my Lord. But even he has no hold over me because I have chosen to walk with the Lord and He walks with me. I am under God’s protection, so that even if I lay down my life in service of my Lord; into His hands I commend my spirit. Amen

Here I am Lord, I’ve come to do Your Will!

FIRST READING
Isaiah 6:1–8

GOSPEL
Matthew 10:24–33

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

How often must we fall before we learn to walk upright? Do we not feel ashamed and want to do better? Do we not want to be stronger? More courageous? Loving and kind? O heavenly Father wash our sins away that we may be white as snow! Teach and help us to walk on Your straight paths that we may fall no more.

When we walk in faith, the peace and love of Christ in our hearts; stirs in us a desire to share our faith with others. The more outspoken we are about Kingdom of God, the Love, the truth and the light through which Jesus brings forth, the greater the need, want and resolve for the World to silence us. We need not be discouraged, fearful nor worry about what to say even especially in front of the learned or those in positions. For we have the Holy Spirit with us and nothing is impossible. Let us walk in the steadfast love of our Lord always bringing His truth and light to all, in love and charity. Knowing that He will guide us through it all and give us the wisdom prevail. Amen

FIRST READING
Hosea 14:2–10

GOSPEL
Matthew 10:16–23

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

We seem confident in calling out, “Abba Father” in our prayer and reflection. But how many truly see Him as a loving and merciful Father? How many are respectful and reverent before Him? Especially in His house of worship, be it in word, deed or dress? How many praise and thank Him daily for all that He has blessed us with? Food, clothing, shelter, wisdom, knowledge and so many other abundant gifts. How many listen to His call for repentance for the errors of our ways? How many have turned away from His loving embrace?

Knowing and loving our heavenly Father is to place all our trust and faith in Him. For He will surely provide for all that we need. Our Lord Jesus today commands us to put our faith and love into action. To go and proclaim the Gospel, to reach out in love and kindness to those afflicted in body, mind and soul. To build relationships through Him so that His peace and love may be manifested to all. Judgement will be upon those who reject the Word. Amen

FIRST READING
Hosea 11:1–4, 8e–9

Gospel
Mt 10:7-15

Jesus said to his Apostles: “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you. Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words — go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.”

Where is our heart in our worship of God our Father? Do we attend the Eucharistic celebration out of obligation? When we have the time? When it does not interfere with our personal plans or travel? Do we pray or come to the Lord only in times of crisis? Do we bargain with Him by saying Lord if you let me win in the lottery I promise to give half to Your Church? Do we still think today as some of God’s children did in the past, that the Kingdom of God is far away and that there is lots of time?

The joyful message is the same today as it was of old, and that is the Kingdom of heaven is at hand. And just like the Apostles who were common folk, we too have been chosen to proclaim the Gospel. To use the many gifts and talents that we have been given to liberate others from the hold of evil, to lead them to repentance. To heal them of their afflictions and to lead His flock into the light of His glory all through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

FIRST READING
Hosea 10:1–3, 7–8, 12

GOSPEL
Matthew 10:1–7

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

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

No matter how obstinate and sinful we are, our loving Father still reaches out His hand to us. Beckoning for us to come back to Him. Warning us of the impending doom that awaits us if we refuse to turn away from evil and sin. Our own destruction is in our hands and yet our Father would readily take it away from us if we were willing to give it to Him.

O how evil and sin silences us, that we are unable to give glory, praise and thanks to our Heavenly Father. So too are we unable to cry to our Lord for help. And yet so merciful and kind is our loving Lord that He liberates us from the Evil that holds us. So that we have a chance of new life in Him. Do we then sing His praises for the new life we lead or do we fall back into our old ways of cursing and swearing?

While we continue to pray for vocations into the ministerial priesthood and religious life. Let us remember that we are called to be priest, prophet and king for one another. To do the Lord’s work and share the good news of God’s love for us; and to lead one another home to our heavenly Father. Amen

FIRST READING
Hosea 8:4–7, 11–13

GOSPEL
Matthew 9:32–38

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

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

A call to holiness is one which allows us to be in perfect union with our heavenly Father. Love, fidelity, trust and growth are hallmarks of that covenantal relationship. Out of which divine peace and joy flows.

What hope is there for us who think ourselves unclean or unworthy? Drained by the burdens of living in the world? Lifeless and listless? Jesus! He is our hope our redeemer. He invites us to come to Him in faith and He will heal and restore us. He will give us life!

There will always be those who mock us for having such faith in our Lord and our God, for they have yet to encounter Him as we have. Let us continue to pray for them whose hearts are not yet cast in stone. And let us remain faithful beacons of love for all. Amen

FIRST READING
Hosea 2:16, 17c–18, 21–22

GOSPEL
Matthew 9:18–26

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

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

Our heavenly Father seeks not to destroy but to build. To restore what was lost and to give us back our share of the heavenly inheritance;for which we squander away when we live in the world.

There are times for devotions, observances even formation. But there also times to put our faith into action. To love and live out the Gospels in our daily lives. And for that we need to embrace the fact that we don’t know it all, and that if we want to we can go deeper and deeper into our faith. We are limited only by the capacity we set for ourselves, instead of allowing our Lord to set it and fill us with the Graces we need to grow.

May we always remain steadfast in our faith and love for our Lord. Always eager to learn, live and serve our Lord and our brethren. Amen

FIRST READING
Amos 9:11–15

GOSPEL
Matthew 9:14–17

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

How are we holy people of God? When we conform our hearts desires to that of our heavenly Father. When our thoughts, words and deeds are Christ centred and bring glory to our Lord and God. When we are merciful towards others, especially those who have hurt us deeply.

If God is in our hearts, will we not be careful with what we say? Will we allows gossips to start with our seemingly innocent questions about another or their actions? Will we be quick to judge others?

Jesus, my Lord, let my love for You be reflected in all I say and do. Let me always be merciful and faithful as I listen to Your Word. Amen

FIRST READING
Amos 8:4–6, 9–12

GOSPEL
Matthew 9:9–13

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

Have we yet embraced the many different sisters and brothers we have under our heavenly Father? Or do we still cling to what or whom we are familiar with? Preferring always to having fellowship only with whom we know or in some cases our own race? If so then perhaps we have not fallen deeply in love with Jesus our Lord and have not progressed witth our relationship with Him. Our very own capacity to love is limited but when we love with the love of Christ in us, our heart swells and soon we find we can love one another unconditionally.

Our beloved St Thomas truly loved Jesus very much and he was traumatised by the death of his master. How many of us too have been traumatised in our lives and had at one point lost our faith? Perhaps the foundation of our faith was not really strong to begin with or we allowed the distractions of the world to take our focus off our Lord. But then when we pray for our faith to increase and for Jesus to come, He does! And like St Thomas we too exclaim with all our hearts, “My Lord, my God!” How much more did St Thomas love our Lord with the love of Jesus in him? Well he travelled all the way in love to India a foreign land where he did not speak a word of the native language. To share the love and message of His Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Then thereafter planting the seeds of love, he laid down his life for Jesus by embracing martyrdom.

St Thomas pray for us, that like you we may be courageous and steadfast in our love for our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

(Saint Thomas, Apostle – Feast; St. Thomas, Apostle)

FIRST READING
Ephesians 2:19–22

GOSPEL
John 20:24–29

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

Every Eucharistic Celebration is an opportunity to go before the altar and give thanks to our Heavenly Father and to receive Jesus and the many graces He bestows upon us. How many actually offer up sacrifices of themselves? The works of mercy they had performed in Jesus’ name the week before? Sharing the joy of the Gospel or the call to repentance? Attending and participating in the Eucharistic Celebration not out of obligation but of a desire to love and be loved by our heavenly Father?

In Holy Communion we receive Jesus, but how many know that Jesus is receiving us too? How many go up and ‘take’ but are not ready to be received by Him? Where is the exchange? The authentic communion? How are we then in communion with one another? How are we then one body in Christ?

If we are truly in Christ evil has NO power to prevail over us! For in His name we have the power to rebuke and cast out evil. We have no desire to return to our old sinful lives but to live a transformed and fruitful life in our Lord. Our only desire is to honour,love and serve Him all the days of lives. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen

FIRST READING
Amos 5:14–15, 21–24

GOSPEL
Matthew 8:28–34

When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road. They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?” Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding. The demons pleaded with him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.” And he said to them, “Go then!” They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.

You are indeed merciful O mighty Father. For as often as we have turned our backs on You, still You call out to us. You give us ample warning and time to come back to You. Forgive us Father for being slow to change. And if we refuse by our own accord not to ever heed Your call then we truly deserve what You allow to happen to us.

Jesus my Lord, if we choose to walk the narrow road according to our Father’s Will; You are with us. By Your grace may we have complete trust in You as You have in the Father. So that we too can sleep in His loving embrace amidst all storms in our life. Amen

FIRST READING
Amos 3:1–8; 4:11–12

GOSPEL
Matthew 8:23–27

As Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm. The men were amazed and said, “What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?”

Our hearts turn to stone when refuse to allow God into our lives. When we ignore His call for repentance and turn our backs on His statutes and commandments. We give evil free reign for we have cut ourselves off from the source of all that is good, all that is love. A spark will set off raging fires; untempered passions, wanton desires, fiery tempers even idolatry. We have died and yet we don’t even know it.

Our hearts are restless till we rest in Him, for His yoke is easy and His burden light. Following Jesus is a joyous affair, filled with peace and love however it is not without hardship or toil. We are often called to put aside and sometimes give up material comforts in loving surrender. To roll up our sleeves and throw ourselves into the grunt and grind of servitude. To leave behind dead weights and dead spirits. So that we might constantly renew ourselves in Him. And bear fruit worthy of our heavenly Father.

Jesus lead us home. Amen

FIRST READING
Amos 2:6–10, 13–16

GOSPEL
Matthew 8:18–22

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

Just knowing that we are unworthy to come before the Lord our is not enough. We must come before Him with a contrite heart wanting to change. And know without reservation that in His great mercy and love, He will forgive and heal us.

He loves us as we are and beckons us to come before Him as we are. He will heal our brokenness, it is He who will liberate us from our sins. He will transform us and fill us with His grace and love.

It is in the faith of knowing our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. It is by and through Him that we are made worthy of being in the presence of our heavenly Father. Amen

FIRST READING
Lamentations 2:2, 10–14, 18–19

GOSPEL
Matthew 8:5–17

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

Jesus entered the house of Peter, and saw his mother–in–law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand, the fever left her, and she rose and waited on him.

When it was evening, they brought him many who were possessed by demons, and he drove out the spirits by a word and cured all the sick, to fulfill what had been said by Isaiah the prophet:

He took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.

Our hearts are frail and our love is limited in capacity. And still our God Whom is love, loves us more than we can ever grasp. So when we open our hearts to Him with sorrow in our hearts for our sins, He embraces us and fills us with His ever flowing abundant love.

We can truly love, because we have the love of Christ in us. The love of the divine sacred heart of Jesus flows through us; for we are consecrated in Him. Let us take on His yoke in humble servitude. Amen

Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

FIRST READING
Deuteronomy 7:6–11

SECOND READING
1 John 4:7–16

GOSPEL
Matthew 11:25–30

At that time Jesus exclaimed:
“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.

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

Why have so many turned their backs on God? Do those who lead comfortable lives without Him think that it will last forever? Do they only seek Him when tragedies have befallen them? Do they expect to be listened to without a repentant heart?

For those of us who think ourselves disciples of Christ ; to what extent have we built our foundation on Him? Have we built it upon His Word? Feeding upon it and nourishing our lives? Have we built it on a prayer life? Where we offer our bodies and souls in prayer? Praising and thanking Him in all that we do? Have we built it on His love? Hence do we emulate our Servant King in our lives by serving our brethren in loving humility and great charity? Have we built it upon His truth? Always speaking up for it? Quashing indifference and lies? Have we built it upon a sacramental life drawing on the Lord’s strength?

Let us pray that we will always declare, “O Lord, my God I’ve come to do Your Will.” Amen

FIRST READING
2 Kings 24:8–17

GOSPEL
Matthew 7:21–29

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

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

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

How sensitive are we to God’s prompting to turn away from Sin? To be reconciled with Him? If only we respond to the Word of God, to tear ourselves from the old ways in which we lead miserable lives in Sin. O how joyful we will be! To have our Lord walk with us once again.

How then can we discern good from bad? We can only do so when we walk with the Lord, when we make up our minds to remain faithful to the Word of God; and to turn our backs to Sin. The fruits we bear come from within and it comes forth with joy, peace and love. The same fruits we easily recognise in our brethren.

Let us be fruits of the vine of our Heavenly Father Amen

FIRST READING
2 Kings 22:8–13; 23:1–3

GOSPEL
Matthew 7:15–20

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

When we approach the Holy Word of God in the Bible with reverence, prayer and a contrite spirit. We find that change in us is inevitable. We desire the mercy of God for our transgressions. We are moved towards Holiness and with it comes peace, love and joy.

Some in need of guidance and instruction may turn to the first person they deem holy in demeanor or appearance. However it is better to discern a choice through prayer, promptings of the Holy Spirit and a keen observation. They need to ask themselves, do the words that comes forth encourage or move you closer to God? Do you feel a sense of peace? Does even the firm tone and choice of words stir in you a change for the better? Or do you more frequently end up feeling uneasy, distraught and queasy Or maybe just emptiness seem to envelop you.

Today we call to mind the birth of the prophet of God most high. Let the spirit of God in him be born in us, so that we too may Herald the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ into the lives of others as we prepare them to receive Him. To help them embrace the Lord in reconciliation and to lead them into a life of holiness. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

(The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist – Solemnity)

( FIRST READING Isaiah 49:1–6,  SECOND READING
Acts 13:22–26,  GOSPEL Luke 1:57–66, 80)

First Reading
2 Kgs 22:8-13; 23:1-3

Gospel
Mt 7:15-20

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

God is patient, God is kind, but how can our loving Father reach us if we will not listen? If we will not follow His commandments? We may not utter it out loud but our life choices, our actions, our attitudes towards others all scream out to Him, “I don’t want You in my life!” Are we then surprised when He is truly absent in our lives?

Have you observed children playing and after a while some may end up quarreling? One may shout at the top of his lungs, “You’re a cheat! you crossed the line!” And the other might respond, “Why should I listen to you when you kept doing it yourself? You’re the cheater!”

Yes we are called to lead one another to holiness and there will be times when we will need to admonish one in love and truth. But we can only do so in with Jesus and in Jesus, hence we need to constantly examine our own conscience and be reconciled with our heavenly Father.

Let us all be Holy as our heavenly Father is Holy. Amen

FIRST READING
2 Kings 17:5–8, 13–15a, 18

GOSPEL
Matthew 7:1–5

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.”

Greed for power and wealth, lust in all it’s forms drives us far from God. Vanity takes over and nothing is ever good enough for there is always something or someone better. And whether we intended it or not, idolatry sets in. If we worship not ourselves then we will worship whatever passion fills our hearts and minds, taking up all of our time. We get what we want by all means even if force is necessary. And so in the absence of good what else can grow but hate, loathing, depression and more sin! So blind indeed are we in the absence of the one true light!

All we have and will ever need comes from God, why then do we worry and fret? If we must worry then we should worry when we find ourselves idle. For if we work for the glory of God and live out holy lives, we will always be busy finding and doing things to build His Kingdom. And we will be doing so with joy never finding ourselves in want.

Let us continue to be one body in Christ loving and serving one another, as we do so serving our Lord and God. Amen

FIRST READING
2 Chronicles 24:17–25

GOSPEL
Matthew 6:24–34

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

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

God’s love is what prevents us from falling into our own destruction. He is merciful and patient, longing always to restore our broken relationships with Him. Turning back the hearts of fathers towards sons.

His Word and His Spirit is upon us and we can do mighty things in His name. But those who refuse His love and turns their back on Him, they will eventually perish. For how can a vine cut off survive?

Let us continue to strive for holiness always being loving and merciful to others. Afterall Jesus in His great love forgave us from the cross, can we do any less for one another?

Glory be to God! Amen

FIRST READING
Sirach 48:1–14

GOSPEL
Matthew 6:7–15

Jesus said to his disciples:
“In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

“This is how you are to pray:

‘Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’ “If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, n

The only glory we should be seeking in life is to Glorify our Lord and our God. And His Glory will be upon us. What good is personal glory? Or the glory of men? That which does not last nor does it bring lasting rewards or everlasting life?

Great is the man who magnifies the Lord but stands in the shadow of His wings. He that builds the Lord’s Kingdom using his body, hands and feet. He who asks not for riches but for the Holy Spirit to carry out the Will of His heavenly Father. He truly is a child of God!

Let us all be Holy as our heavenly Father is Holy. Amen

FIRST READING
2 Kings 2:1, 6–14

GOSPEL
Matthew 6:1–6, 16–18

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to others to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”

We who call ourselves Christians are called to a higher standard often exceeding social norms. Simply because we are children of God and are called to holiness. And we can succeed because we have been inserted into the life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ of Whom we draw our strength, our nourishment, our life.

When evil once ruled in our lives and our hearts, whom did we see as the enemy? It was often the people sent by God to help us. Not that we didn’t view almost everyone as our enemy but these seem a little more bothersome. It was harder to figure them out, what drove them? Why were they even nice to us? Praise the Lord for those who didn’t give up on us and kept us in their prayers.

Let us always strive to love everyone with the love of Christ and may His redemptive mercy and love us be with us all the days of our lives. Amen

FIRST READING
1 Kings 21:17–29

GOSPEL
Matthew 5:43–48

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

Worldly desires often beckons us to heed it’s call, sometimes with soft whispers other times with loud piercing cries and thumping echoes. Giving in can sometimes lead us to do whatever it takes to obtain what we desire. The hefty price of blood spilled, broken relationships, families, even the damaging of property is of little consequence for those consumed with jealousy, envy and want. Let our ears only hear God’s Word. Let us not be of the World, but God’s holy children.

Victims of injustice are called not to allow the poison of revenge or unjust retribution, infect their minds and their hearts. It does mean they are to remain silent and withhold their cry for justice. It is to turn the other cheek in their hearts to allow God’s mercy to fill them so that in turn they too are merciful.

Our heavenly Father provides for all that we have. If something is unlawfully taken away from us, will He not provide for us again? For as freely as we receive, as freely we should give. For we walk with our Lord and He walks with us. Amen

FIRST READING
1 Kings 21:1–16

GOSPEL
Matthew 5:38–42

Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.”

We should never make promises we cannot keep let alone making promises in God’s name. For when we fail to live up to them or keep the promises we make it not only reflects badly on us but in some cases leads people away from God. Who then will want to listen to our testimony to the great and loving God whom we love and serve? Who then will trust and believe in the Word we share?

When a woman and man of God strives for holiness and endeavour to lead righteous lives. It shows in all that they say and do, and so when they preach or share people listen. People too will leave everything behind and follow if they are called by them through the grace of God. Therefore it is very important that at all times we give glory to God by saying yes when we mean yes and no when we mean no without ever needing to use the name of God to make our promises. Let us be wary that evil can use vanity or whatever else and means to convince us that using the name of God will lend credibility to what we say.

Let us give glory to God by the way we lead our lives. Amen

FIRST READING
1 Kings 19:19–21

GOSPEL
Matthew 5:33–37

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

Our heavenly Father can speak to us in many ways but He often chooses to speak to us in a soft gentle breeze frequently in the quiet. Can we not hear Him? Have we allowed the noise in our lives to drown Him out?

Let us not allow lustful thoughts and desires into our hearts, for it tears us away from our relationship with our Lord. When we give in to our passions and lusts, we will find that it is a fire which swiftly burns out constantly needing us to feed the flames otherwise it will burn out completely, Soon enough our eyes will be opened to the wake of its destruction. Broken lives and relationships.

How many have overlook the fact that on their wedding day there was a union of three. Man and woman in union with God? A promise of fidelity to spouse and to God.

Let the Holy fire of Christ burn brightly in our lives, purifying our hearts and minds. Let us be Holy beacons of His love leading as many as we can home to our heavenly Father. Amen

First Reading
1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-16

GOSPEL
Matthew 5:27–32

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

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

How hard we pray for mercy when we sin terribly often wondering if God our Father will forgive us. Then we remember God’s mercy throughout the ages for the contrite of heart and spirit. And the great love for us as shown through His Son our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. What joy, what peace we receive through the mercy of our Lord.

How then can we perch ourselves on the loft and deny our sister, brother, friend, family member even a stranger that same joy and peace we received through forgiveness. We need to always remember it is the sin that we detest not the sinner. And that we ourselves are sinners. Whether or not those who have hurt us or sinned against us are truly sorry, is irrelevant. We should continue to pray and offer them to our Lord, only He can soften their hearts according to His Will.

The path of the righteous man or woman is never easy nor smooth; but with the grace of God, will triumph in any race against earthly Kings. For they run the course with strength and joy. Amen (Ps 19:5)

FIRST READING
1 Kings 18:41–46

GOSPEL
Matthew 5:20–26

Jesus said to his disciples:

“I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

How easy it is to go with the crowd, with what is popular. To think that some laws are meant to be broken, or some rules don’t apply or are old fashioned. To do as we please when we please. If we have these thoughts how can we keep our Heavenly Father’s commandments? Given to us in love, so that we may live in His love and love one another without discrimination or reservation.

Many perhaps out of desperation seek foreign gods to help with a situation or sick loved one. Convincing themselves that it is okay or that it may still be only one god just many different ways of worship and so is just another way to reach God and seek His mercy and saving Grace.

My brothers and sisters in Christ, there is only one God. Who loves us so much He sent us His only begotten Son to love and save us. The Holy Spirit who proceeds from the Father and the Son; speaks to us as He has spoken through the prophets. He shows us the way to holiness and life with and in Him. He is the Lord the giver of life.

Let us remain in His love by turning away from Sin and being faithful to the Gospels. Amen

St Barnabas pray for us.

First Reading
1 Kgs 18:20-39

Gospel
Mt 5:17-19

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

There will be periods in our lives where we will find ourselves facing certain challenges. In which all may look bleak and empty. Yet when we continue to walk with the Lord in faith and obedience, we will find ourselves not wanting or needing anything. Our Lord’s face shines on us.

Many having grown in faith however still hold to a ‘private’ worship. A self contained love for the Lord which hardly ever grows or blossoms. Some even hold to “It is between God and I alone.” While others over time allowing worldly values to mingle with our Kingdom values begin to lose the taste of Heaven.

Our love and worship of our Heavenly Father, our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit should shine brightly within us that it cannot be contained! It should penetrate our hearts, illumine our minds and shine forth from our very being; such that the light of Christ embraces all whom we meet. Darkness is compelled to retreat.

Glory and praise be to God our Father! Amen

FIRST READING
1 Kings 17:7–16

GOSPEL
Matthew 5:13–16

Jesus said to his disciples:
“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

Give us this day our daily bread we pray; and yet how many seek His Word daily? How many seek out daily, the nourishment our Eucharistic Lord provides for us?

Our loving Lord Jesus gave a program, a list of virtues in which we can grow. Kingdom values to live by and build our Father’s Kingdom. He gave us in love the Beatitudes. The key to understanding and living them is to put God first in our lives and brethren before self.

O Holy Spirit help us grow in faith and love for God and for one another. Amen

FIRST READING
1 Kings 17:1–6

GOSPEL
Matthew 5:1–12

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

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

Lord why me? Why not her? What about him Lord? Will he follow as well? What will happen to me?

We need to place all our trust in the Holy Spirit, when we do we are filled with peace,confidence, love and joy. No matter how many trials or how much suffering we may face, He will continue to give us His peace, confidence, love and joy.

Then He will lead us home to our heavenly Father; Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 28:16–20, 30–31

GOSPEL
John 21:20–25

Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he would not die, just “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours?”

It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.

How many times have we denied Jesus in our lives and yet each time He declared His undying love for us. Each time calling us back into His fold with open arms awaiting our reconciliation. Feeding and nourishing us with His Word and of Himself.

Are we ready now this day to heed His call for us to follow Him? To declare our undying love for Him? To bring and guide His people into the knowledge of and faith in Him? And with the help of the Holy Spirit, love, instruct and guide our brethren into holiness?

Here I am Lord! I’ve come to do Your Will. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 25:13b–21

GOSPEL
John 21:15–19

After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”

What does it mean to be a Christian? Is one not just a follower but a disciple? Is it not to bear witness to the one we love and worship?

What message are we sending to the world, if we will not stand united with our Christian sisters and brothers around the world? To bear witness to the truth? To stand united against abortion and same sex marriages? Against secularism and materialism? Against poverty? Against the many moral ills of the world?

Let us stand United dear sisters and brothers as we bear witness and give glory to our one triune God. In everything we say, in everything we do; all in the love of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 22:30; 23:6–11

GOSPEL
John 17:20–26

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying:
“I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me. Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.”

It is by far easier to remain silent then to speak up for the truth. Truth that often the world and those who live in it distort for their own means or pleasure.

What is the truth? Is it that it is ok for an unmarried teenage son to share the same bed with his girlfriend? Is it ok to steal from your company in one way or another because they pay lowly or froze paying out bonuses? Is it ok that younger children attending Sunday school skip mass till they are older? There is no end to the lists in which the truth can be perverted or distorted.

There is only one truth and that is to live in the light of our Lord Jesus Christ! He is truth personified! Let us remain in Him consecrated in truth. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 20:28–38

GOSPEL
John 17:11b–19

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying:
“Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one. When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely. I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the Evil One. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”

How can I share or even preach the Good news? I’ve got many reasons why I cannot…

Then again the real question should be, how can I not? How can I not glorify my Lord, my God by my words and deeds? How can I not share? The great love of my Saviour who died for me so that I may live? How my Lord conquered death so that I may live with Him? How my Lord would never leave me an orphan, for I have the Holy spirit to lead and guide me the rest of my life? How I belong to His Holy Church He established? How He provided the Sacraments for which we live life to the full?

For those living in sin and darkness, how can I not share the light of Christ? If a runaway bus was about to hit a group of people and I was the only one who saw it, can I remain silent? So it is with people living in sin, it is my duty to warn them of the danger and do everything in my power to keep them safe. Even if it means laying down my life for them.

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

FIRST READING
Acts 20:17–27

GOSPEL
John 17:1–11a

Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you, just as you gave him authority over all people, so that your son may give eternal life to all you gave him. Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ. I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do. Now glorify me, Father, with you, with the glory that I had with you before the world began.

“I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you gave me is from you, because the words you gave to me I have given to them, and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me, because they are yours, and everything of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine, and I have been glorified in them. And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you.”

Does our faith lasts only until the next crisis comes along? Will it be shattered to the point of unbelief? Do we then question and find no answers?

We need to embrace and constantly ponder over the wonderful gift of our baptism. In which we become the children of God. This powerful sacrament of grace in which we are inserted into the life, death and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit comes upon us freeing and protecting us from sin. Guiding, counseling and leading us to holiness.

We are never alone, for just as Jesus is in and with the Father; so too He is with us for all eternity. His peace is upon us and we have nothing to fear. Our Lord has conquered the world! Amen.

FIRST READING
Acts 19:1–8

GOSPEL
John 16:29–33

The disciples said to Jesus,
“Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”

Praying is always good but prayer must also be put into action. Otherwise if everyone just prayed whom then shall do our Lord’s Will?

Today dearest mother I remember,

How you glorified God with your very being, thought word and deed.

How you rejoiced in doing so.

How You carried Jesus with you and how everyone was blessed by His presence.

How You first proclaimed the Word to all.

How you served the Lord by putting the needs of your brethren ahead of your own.

Blessed Mother be our guide and continue to intercede for us.

Praise be to Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Romans 12:9–16

GOSPEL
Luke 1:39–56

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

And Mary said:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.”

Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

Jesus never promised that we will not have suffering in our lives. But that He will be with us throughout and see us through it.

How many of us can say we suffered for His name? Have been ridiculed and laughed at? Have been scoffed at and taunted? Perhaps even mistreated, beaten and abused? Or simply went through hardship in labouring in Love in His name?

At the end of it, all His faithful will tell you that they had peace. Great joy filled their hearts as they were embraced by our Lord. Some, if not most even got to witness the fruits of their labour while they lived.

Praise be to God! Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 18:9–18

GOSPEL
John 16:20–23

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy. When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. On that day you will not question me about anything. Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.”