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By His whole life from birth to death, death to new life our loving Lord has shown us the way. How to live in the light and the truth. How to love one another and has shown us how much God loves us. 

And before returning to His throne where He reigns with our heavenly Father. Jesus established His Church, He gave us the Sacraments and sent us the Holy Spirit; that we may know with our very being that He is with us through the end of time.

Now as children of God living in the light, we have been sent to unite all of His children scattered around the world. So that they too may know and experience His love in the knowledge and through the power of His Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

Ascension of the Lord

FIRST READING
Acts 1:1–11

SECOND READING
Ephesians 1:17–23

GOSPEL
Mathew 28:16–20

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

Everyone created in the image of God has an innate desire to know Him. It is in our spiritual DNA so to speak. It drives us to seek Him out for we know His great love is calling out to us. Some have searched and got the frequency a little off, while others way off. Then there are those who tire easily and give up, they would rather take the easy path of fashioning their own Gods to give meaning to the desire in their hearts.

Are we who are either born into or have found our one true, living God bold enough having been filled with His love and Grace to lead them all home? To share the peace and love of Christ who died so that we may live free from sin? To share the great joy and hope we have in Christ who rose from the dead that we may one day be with Him in heaven? To proclaim the Church which Christ established to lead and guide us through the Holy Spirit; To enrich, nourish, heal, and facilitate the numerous gifts and graces we receive through the Sacraments?

The Advocate knows our weaknesses and limitations. So He patiently, gently, guides and leads us into a deeper faith. He prepares us so that in union with Him we can perform our rightful duty as coheirs to the eternal Kingdom; to lead all God’s children to Him so that they too may share in our heavenly inheritance. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 17:15, 22B18:1

GOSPEL
John 16:12–15

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.”

Praise and give thanks to God always. For in all our trials, adversity, sorrow and pain. He is always with us. Through His Word we have comfort and joy. Our lives and that of our families are enriched.

Our God knows everything and all will be laid bare. We the faithful need not fear for through His Word and the Holy Spirit whom has guided us all our lives; will lead us once again home to our heavenly Father. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 16:22–34

GOSPEL
John 16:5–11

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation: sin, because they do not believe in me; righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.”

Many have been sent and through the Holy Spirit they share the joyful Word of God. And those with a desire to listen, have had their hearts opened and the Grace of God poured in. Their lives and those of their families are transformed, they rejoice and are glad.

Then there are others who listen but are not ready or willing to listen to the whole message. They listen in part and so receive in part. And if they are not careful will lose it all.

Then there are others who reject the messengers of God and the important life giving message they bring. Their lofty thoughts have convinced them that they themselves are the ‘chosen’ messengers. Or that they know better, what fruit do they bear?

Holy Spirit dwell in me, be my guide always. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 16:11–15

GOSPEL
John 15:26B16:4a

Jesus said to his disciples:
“When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.

“I have told you this so that you may not fall away. They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God. They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me. I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you.”

Today as I was sharing today’s Gospel during our Easter fellowship session; I mentioned how we should all grow in faith and love to reflect on what it means to be the Body of Christ. How when we think of family or family time we do not look or think past our immediate family members.  See how verse two of today’s offertory hymn sheds new light for us when we do especially when we gather as a community….

“When we gather in our homes, through our prayers and our meals, we are fed and nourished together, our families, broken and blessed.”

“Behold the Body of Christ, Jesus our Saviour and Life! Rejoice O people of God! We are the Body of Christ!”

Would you go through pain and sacrifice to spread the Word of God? To this day men and women are still doing it but why? Why go through the hassle? Why do some even put their lives in danger?

We will only understand when we fall in love with Jesus and the truth. When we hear the voice of God in our daily lives. When we move where the Holy Spirit directs us. And we witness the transformation in the lives of others who have come into faith. When we witness the glory of God.

And even though I walk through the darkest Valley, no evil will I fear for the Lord is my Shepherd. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 16:1–10

GOSPEL
John 15:18–21

Jesus said to his disciples:
“If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you. Remember the word I spoke to you, ‘No slave is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. And they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me.”

What was it like to walk with You in the garden O Lord? I imagine it must have been wonderful and breathtaking! Basking in Your love, peace and joy in awe of the surrounding beauty. Looking forward each day to the heartfelt, deep, and inspiring conversations; both spoken and unspoken. Then in choosing abominable disobedience all was lost!

But so great is Your love for us O Lord, my God. That You laid down Your life for us to save us from impending death. So that we may once again walk with You in love.

How can I not share this great wonderful news with everyone? How can I not share Your love and joy?

Lord Jesus in Your mercy and love, You chose me and call me friend; let me love, honour and serve You, and my brethren always. Let me lay my life down for You and for them. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 15:22–31

GOSPEL
John 15:12–17

Jesus said to his disciples:
“This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.”

When we trust and move in God’s love, by the working of the Holy Spirit; we can testify to the Glory of God. For we witness His hand in the transformation and drawing of His people towards Him.

His Word is our food and drink, His commandments our armour. We are then ready to dive into the ocean deep love of our God with perfect joy.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 15:7–21

GOSPEL
John 15:9–11

Jesus said to his disciples:
“As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.

“I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”

We may love and have the best of intentions to bring non-believers, lapse Catholics or even those struggling with the faith back into the Church by imparting our knowledge and understanding of Truth. And we may even want to impart our disciplines on what and how we behave as Christians. But are we first truly connected to the source of life and joy, our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ? Do we engage Him in prayer seeking His counsel in all we say and do? When it doubt do we seek the counsel too of His Holy Church, His body? Are we faithful to the Gospels?

Greeting one another in the peace of Christ, welcoming a fellow parishioner or a stranger in Church is good and all but it’s just not me! I’m a private person! My family and my career is my only calling, they are my ministry! Speaking up for the truth, giving testimony and sharing my faith is only for those who have been given the gifts to do so! Do we then ask ourselves who are we truly connected to?

Lord Jesus You are my strength, love and joy. Connected to You, I’m am able to bear abundant fruit; You fill me with Your love, peace and joy. Separated from You I will wither and die. Lord Jesus help me in my daily struggle to remain faithful. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 15:1–6

GOSPEL
John 15:1–8

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples”

Why would anyone who gets beaten, rebuked and perhaps even cursed; get up and do the very thing he or she got beaten up for? For the same people and many others? Can we do likewise?

Is it not truly for the love of Christ? That many people like them have suffered and died so that others may truly live? For these martyrs the risen Lord is real and living in their lives. They have experienced Him and are embraced in His love. They have the peace of Christ in them and they have nothing to fear. For He promised He would return to them and lead them home with Him and God always keep His promises. Amen

Lord into Your hands I commend, my spirit.

FIRST READING
Acts 14:19–28

GOSPEL
John 14:27–31a

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe. I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me.”

How lucky I was the other day when I got a cheque through the mail from the government. Now I have money for my mum’s medical bill. Or I almost drowned when my canoe capsized, lucky I had enough strength to swim to my canoe which was floating away. I manage to hang on till help arrived.

How sad when we do not recognise God’s hand in our lives. Instead of giving Him thanks and praise, we attribute it to good fortune, luck! How many hold on to trinkets, lucky charms and bracelets? How many still thank their lucky stars or knock on wood?

How great and wonderful is our God that when we are faithful to His Word, He dwells in our hearts. In communion with Him He dispels all darkness, anger, disappointment, hurts and pains. We live in a His love, peace and joy and surrounds us.

Glory be to the Father and the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 14:5–18

GOSPEL
John 14:21–26

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.” Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him, “Master, then what happened that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.

“I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.”

The nature of sin is such that it blinds us to the truth. We resist the truth for it becomes too heavy to bear and hard to hear especially when God uses people we are familiar with to communicate His truth.

Those who hear the truth and embrace it find the truth liberating and are able to walk in the light of Christ glorifying God by their words and deeds. And great indeed are the deeds they can perform for they have the divine Grace of God upon them to lovingly do His Will.

Have mercy on me O Lord for my many sins, help me to always embrace Your truth and walk in Your light. So that I may glorify Your name. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 13:44–52

GOSPEL
John 14:7–14

Jesus said to his disciples:
“If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to Jesus, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”

Let not the joy of Easter be diminished, for through Jesus we have a home in our heavenly Father’s House.

Death has no power over us for through Christ we are saved. Glory be to the Father and the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 13:26–33

GOSPEL
John 14:1–6

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going you know the way.” Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Today O God we raise our hearts and voices to You in Praise and thanksgiving! From Salvation history to this very day Your love for us is everlasting. Most of all we thank You for the most precious gift of Your Son Jesus Christ from whom we have eternal life.

Lord Jesus grant us Your Grace, wisdom and courage. So that we may die to ourselves each day; to rise in You to love and serve our heavenly Father doing His Will for us.

Let me humbly follow Your example by being a loving servant-leader to and for my brethren. And let me sing of Your love forever. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 13:13–25

GOSPEL
John 13:16–20

When Jesus had washed the disciples’ feet, he said to them: “Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it. I am not speaking of all of you. I know those whom I have chosen. But so that the Scripture might be fulfilled, The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me. From now on I am telling you before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe that I AM. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”

At the end of every Eucharistic celebration, we the people of God are blessed and sent to proclaim the Gospel. To bring the light of Christ to those living in darkness. Have we gone in peace to love and serve the Lord as we said we would?

Many who live in darkness, have not experienced the love of God. Many feel they do not deserve forgiveness nor could they be forgiven for their heinous sins. The message of love from God has not reached them, that Jesus had not come to condemn but to save. So they need not remain in darkness any longer, but come out into the light of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To experience the love of God; have life and have it more abundantly. Amen

St Matthias pray for us. Amen

(Saint Matthias, Apostles – Feast; St. Matthias)
First Reading
Acts 12:24-13:5a

Gospel
Jn 12:44-50
Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me, and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me. I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness. And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them, I do not condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world. Whoever rejects me and does not accept my words has something to judge him: the word that I spoke, it will condemn him on the last day, because I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. So what I say, I say as the Father told me.”

It is fear of rejection that most of us choose to remain silent about our faith in Christ. So then, what happens to those whose hearts cry out to us, “if only you would speak, I would gladly listen…?” How can we deny even one in His flock the message of His love?

We have nothing and no one to fear O Lord, for we belong to You. And we will not perish, for even if we suffer and die for Your sake, we will rise again in Your glory. For it is eternal life You grant us Your flock. We hear Your voice and follow You, and You know us all by name.

Grant us all that we need here on earth to help lead all into recognising Your voice, so that they too may be saved. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 11:19–26

GOSPEL
John 10:22–30

The feast of the Dedication was taking place in Jerusalem. It was winter. And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me. But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”

Our merciful and loving Father grants to all who are contrite and repentant, life! Our Loving Saviour draws everyone to Himself, believers and non-believers alike. For those whose hearts are transformed and acknowledges Him as Lord and Saviour they too will be granted the very same heavenly inheritance that we receive.

As a disciple of Christ, we are called to tend to His sheep as our very own. Not only when it convenient or safe but in all circumstances and situations. Even if we have to lay down our lives for them. Or it can be simply by putting our brethren’s needs ahead of ours.

Because we all belong to the same body, not that there is any difference between bloodlines for we all have the blood of Christ in us. We are all ONE united with our one Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

First Reading
Acts 11:1-18

GOSPEL
John 10:11-18

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 18 No one takes[a] it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”

A sharing…. On Easter Sunday 2014

Ever since the 11.15am EC on Easter Sunday, I’ve been recalling how looking through the eyes of the stranger seated in front of me: made the colour of the Easter celebration even more vibrant and alive. 

At first what actually caught my eye about him was that he was dressed in a polo shirt and wore a pair of Bermuda shorts.  Then I thought to myself how sad it is that he probably did not have a deep enough relationship with God, to dress a little bit more reverently especially since it was Easter. Then he started texting on his phone just as the celebration had begun.  I began to suspect that he was not even a believer as I further noticed the extra long finger nail on one of his pinkies. And as I continued to observe him a little, I noticed that he did not follow the normal gestures during the EC except to stand and sit when appropriate.  He continued to text in between the celebration, but at least he did so unobtrusively.  But surprisingly during the consecration of the Eucharist he kept his phone and remained seated quietly.  He stayed all the way to the end of the celebration.

I couldn’t help but wonder what drew him to attend the Easter celebration? Was it our Lord? How strange and yet wonderful it must have been for a stranger to witness the whole celebration? The priest and the altar servers together with some smartly dressed people in procession, the incense, the decorations and the flowers, the joyous singing, the bells, the reverance, the prayers and then the homily. Quite a lot to take in for at least one and a half hours.

Then it dawned on me what if like St Philip I asked him, “do you understand what you saw?” And he were to answer me, “how can I, when I have no one to instruct me?”  what would I have done?

On hindsight, I am quite certain now that I would have at least introduced myself after the Eucharistic celebration and see how it progressed from there. I didn’t get the chance that day as he left swiftly just moments after the procession out.

Since Monday of this week we see how all our Lord taught and promised in the Gospels were fulfilled in His resurrection and of the Eucharist. And we see it in the light of post-resurrection even though the Scripture texts were before it.

We can therefore rejoice in the Truth that Jesus our Lord and Saviour, the Son of God has come to offer us eternal life. By following our Shepherd faithfully as true disciples, we witness God’s glory by the deeds performed in His name. We see it in the wonderful changes in the lives of our brethren.

Or we can choose to turn away from Him and return to our former way of ‘life’.

Lord Jesus, I hear Your voice, You know me and I follow You. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 9:31–42

GOSPEL
John 6:60–69

Many of the disciples of Jesus who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, “Does this shock you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the Spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father.”

As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer walked with him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”

Are we blind to God’s people? Have we allowed our prejudices to obscure our sight? Have we allowed self righteousness and uncharitable zeal to limit our experience of God’s love and wisdom? Are we fearful of bringing the Lord’s message and truth to others in order to set them free?

Unless we strive daily to seek God’s Will for us; to seek His knowledge, wisdom, peace, grace and love. Through prayer, reflection and of His Word; how can we grow, in faith, love and understanding? How can we share the ever renewing, ever growing, every living, ever faithful love of God if we do not experience it for ourselves?

How then can we fully embrace and cherish the Supreme love of God in the Eucharist? Life not taken but given freely without end.

Lord Jesus I seek to live a resurrected life in You. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 9:1–20

GOSPEL
John 6:52–59

The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his Flesh to eat?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink his Blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my Flesh is true food, and my Blood is true drink. Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.” These things he said while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.

Do you yet recognise the prompting of the Holy Spirit? The call to service? The sudden strong desire to share something with someone you may or may not know? To go somewhere and do something at the drawing pull of an unseen hand? A rush of ‘adrenaline’ to push you forward in excitement not of fear.

How sad when we do not respond to the call, do not recognise it, or shrug it off because we are simply too preoccupied with our worldly affairs. We would miss a wonderful opportunity to be a part of and to witness the Glory of God.

Unless we open our hearts to God we will not feel His embrace, His gentle hand drawing us close to Him, prompting us where we need to be or to go. We will not treasure the supreme gift of Jesus the resurrection, gateway to heaven. To cherish and partake of God Himself in the Eucharist.

Lord Jesus my life is not complete without You. Help me to overcome all that prevents me from remaining faithful to You. And let me guide others as You have guided me through Your faithful. In Your most precious name I pray. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 8:26–40

GOSPEL
John 6:44–51

Jesus said to the crowds: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day. It is written in the prophets:

They shall all be taught by God.

Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my Flesh for the life of the world.”

In times of turmoil or trauma the instinct for most of us is to flee. To look quickly for our safe havens, some even turning to vice or a quick fix. How many would instead turn to the Lord? How many can stand rooted in faith, peace and joy and still be a comfort to others even when they themselves face hardship and difficulty?

Having faith in our Lord Jesus Christ enables all ordinary people to perform extraordinary works! For His love and life giving grace is upon them.

Our loving Father wants each and everyone of us to spend an eternity with Him, our heavenly inheritance. And He has provided everything and all that we need to do so; the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end, the most precious gift we can ever hope to receive, our loving Saviour Jesus. Glory be to the Father and the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 8:1b–8

GOSPEL
John 6:35–40

Jesus said to the crowds,
“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst. But I told you that although you have seen me, you do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me. And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.”

It is far better to be silent then to speak out the truth. Afterall speaking out is extremely tiresome, sometimes painful and it certainly opens ourselves to trouble even persecution. But how then can we say we love the life, the Truth and the way?

Carrying our cross while making reparation for sins is indeed a Holy honour. For we do so for the love of, our Lord and God, Jesus Christ. And we do so not alone; for we are united with Him through Holy Communion. The Bread of life which nourishes us and gives us life.
And at life’s end we will unite ourself once again with Him as we cry out, Lord into Your hands I commend my spirit. Amen.

FIRST READING
Acts 7:51B8:1a

GOSPEL
John 6:30–35

The crowd said to Jesus: “What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you? What can you do? Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written: He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” So Jesus said to them, Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” So they said to Jesus, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”

What does it mean to believe in Jesus? Is it simply enough to utter our belief with our mouths? The prayers of many are still prayers of well being for themselves and their loved ones, which in itself is not wrong. But how many pray to know and do our Father’s Will? How many search for the counsel of Jesus to say the right thing and perform the right action so as to draw others to the Kingdom of God?

To believe in Jesus is to love and serve and God our Father and to do His Will. To carry our cross daily, constantly struggling to avoid temptation and sin. To be faithful to the Holy Word of God.

And when we remain faithful, we know that the grace, love and peace of God is upon us. No one can say anything or have the upper hand against us in matters of faith and morals. We work for the love of God and our brethren. Our joy, our reward is in doing our Father’s Will for which it is all that we need; all that nourishes, all that sustains, and is all encompassing. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 6:8–15

GOSPEL
John 6:22–29

[After Jesus had fed the five thousand men, his disciples saw him walking on the sea.] The next day, the crowd that remained across the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not gone along with his disciples in the boat, but only his disciples had left. Other boats came from Tiberias near the place where they had eaten the bread when the Lord gave thanks. When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into boats and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus. And when they found him across the sea they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered them and said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.” So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.”

The higher up you go in growth and knowledge of your faith, there is a risk of pride, impatience, detachment; a disconnect with your brothers and sisters in Christ as they are left behind. The higher up you go the lower your head must be.

As a disciple of Christ, I am full time Catholic holding a part time job in my place of employment.  In any given situation I am a full time disciple loving and serving my Lord and brethren.

Have we let the light go off? Or have we allowed sin to blow it off? Has doubt in the resurrection set in? Or are we Easter people living in the joy of our resurrected Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ?!

Dying to sin and living in the light is an on-going process, a daily struggle if you will. A struggle we do not need to face alone. For we have the living word and the Holy Spirit to help and guide us. And a faith that can go deeper and stronger, if we spend quality time in prayer and reflection with our Lord.

We depend not on our eyes to see but our hearts centred on Jesus.

Glory to You O Lord! Alleluia

FIRST READING
1 Corinthians 15:1–8

GOSPEL
John 14:6–14

Jesus said to Thomas, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”

Quite often enough we dismiss ‘God’s’ people openly or not, whose good intentions are not quite clear to us. Shouldn’t we instead discern through prayer? Thereafter if and when we see the fruits of the Holy Spirit, should we not give our support and affirm their efforts? This is what we need to do, if we are to be one in the body of Christ.

Discipleship is never going to be easy, we will meet with hardship, lack of resources, resistance, trials and sufferings. However like the Apostles when we truest in God’s providence and are willing to suffer shame for the name of Jesus we will always do so with peace and joy.

For our pilgrim journey our loving Lord feeds us of Himself, nourishes us so that we can stand strong and upright as we make our way. Great is His love for us that He gives us our daily bread in the Eucharist! Glory be to God! Amen.

FIRST READING
Acts 5:34–42

GOSPEL
John 6:1–15

Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd followed him, because they saw the signs he was performing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. The Jewish feast of Passover was near. When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” He said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people recline.” Now there was a great deal of grass in that place. So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat. When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, “This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world.” Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry him off to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain alone.

We need the Word in our lives, to nourish and give us life. It is our everlasting connection with our loving God. When we remain steadfast in our love for God and stay focused on our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we are able preach and give testimony and bring others to the same faith. We are emboldened and fearless for Jesus is with us.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen

First Reading
Acts 5:27-33

Gospel
Jn 3:31-36

The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy. For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.

In times of crisis, when everything seems cold and bleak, we have nothing to fear. For when we have faith in Jesus, He will carry us through it all.

However there are many out there who have yet to share in the certainty that we have. Our loving Saviour that gives us love, peace and joy. We have the living Word to nourish, sustain and provide for all that we need. Such is the love contained therein, that it is outward looking waiting to be shared in abundance with all.

Jesus guide me, that I may to share Your Word with all whom I meet. Amen

First Reading
Acts 6:1-7

Gospel
Jn 6:16-21

When it wlas evening, the disciples of Jesus went down to the sea, embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum. It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they began to be afraid. But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” They wanted to take him into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading.

How easy it is for darkness to creep up and overshadow us. When we allow jealousy to rule out hearts. When we allow pride to take over especially when we see ourselves wiser, more knowledgeable than others. When we abandon our faith because we feel that it is just too difficult, too time consuming, stifling or because we didn’t get what we expected out of having it. When we allow sinful desires to take control and convince us that it is alright.

Walking in the light is not always easy but we walk as free men and women in peace and love. Such is God our Father’s love for us that even if we have fallen into darkness; so long as we have a contrite heart His beacon will shine for us to lead us home to Him.

O sweet Jesus, by Your life, death and resurrection You have set us free from eternal darkness. An epitome of human suffering, You bore it all, taking the world’s sin upon Yourself. Give us Your strength and Grace that we may continue to remain faithful and walk in Your light. To be a light for others, Amen.

FIRST READING
Acts 5:17–26

GOSPEL
John 3:16–21

God so loved the world that he gave his only–begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only–begotten Son of God. And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.

Be merciful, compassionate, humble and meek. Love your neighbour and be of service to all your brethren. If these are lessons too hard for us, or if we refuse to accept and strive to learn them; how can we hope to embrace the spiritual ones?

How can we see or rather comprehend the powerful redemptive love of Jesus on the cross? To believe in Him, our God who so loves us that He wants to share eternity with us? How can we be happy that even if we not see, we yet believe? How do we trust in God’s providence by letting go of our possessions? How can we be assured that He is with us always, to guide and show us the way?

Lord I believe; help my unbelief! Do thou increase my faith. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 4:32–37

GOSPEL
John 3:7b–15

Jesus said to Nicodemus:
“‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus answered and said to him, ‘How can this happen?” Jesus answered and said to him, “You are the teacher of Israel and you do not understand this? Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony. If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”

I came to You only in the shadows of the night fearing that those who do not believe, might see in the day, but I heard Your voice in the gentle wind “Do not be afraid but go forth in boldness proclaiming the Word of God!”

I grew weary for they would not listen, in anger they tried to shut me up and cast me out, but I heard Your voice in the gentle wind “Do not be afraid but go forth in boldness proclaiming the Word of God!”

I was fearful, afraid to say the wrong thing. Ashamed of my lack of knowledge of Scripture, but I heard Your voice in the gentle wind “Do not be afraid but go forth in boldness proclaiming the Word of God!”

I was a terrible sinner Lord, but You gave me new life. Still I had felt so ashamed of my past, afraid that those who knew me might mock and ridicule me, but I heard Your voice in the gentle wind “Do not be afraid but go forth in boldness proclaiming the Word of God!”

Holy Spirit be my guide always, in Jesus name I pray. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 4:23–31

GOSPEL
John 3:1–8

There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot reenter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?” Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I told you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

We have been told many times to go and share the good news with others for it is a fruit that multiplies as it is preached. Have we listened or instead questioned? Is it I Lord to do this? To whom shall I go? Have we buried the treasure? Starved the root so it bears no fruit?

Can we preach or share the good news if we will not listen ourselves? Many too have been sent to us to help us grow in our faith, in the knowledge of Christ. Have we thought ourselves better than them who were sent? Did we not believe they were sent by our Lord? Did we not recognise our Shepherd’s voice through them or through His message?

Lord Jesus help me to recognize You in all persons whom You send either to help me or to be helped by me. Let me never lose sight of You through the hardness of my heart. In Your most precious name I pray. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 4:13–21

GOSPEL
Mark 16:9–15

When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.

After this he appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country. They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either.

But later, as the Eleven were at table, Jesus appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised. He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”

All the joy and peace which Easter brings can easily be lost or taken away, for we all have a powerful enemy to face each and every day! Sin! and the tempter lies awaiting.

St Peter urges to be humble before God, sober and watchful. To stand firm in faith for the Grace and strength of God is upon us to resist all evil.

Let us work with our Lord Jesus Christ, to proclaim the Gospel. For through Him we will build up His kingdom, through the salvation of our brothers and sisters who have yet to hear the Good news. Let us strive not to let the light within us be easily extinguished as we remain steadfast; to share the light of Christ to all.  Amen

FIRST READING
1 Peter 5:5b–14

GOSPEL
Mark 16:15–20

Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them:
“Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.

We need to spend time in reflection of our day with our Lord, only then can we begin to see how He is always in our midst. Especially when are striving to live our call to discipleship.

It is only when our eyes are focused on ourselves or what we want to see that fear of the unknown my creep in. For when we focus on our Lord Jesus, His peace is always upon us. We do not see with our eyes but with our hearts and we believe.

Slowly He leads us to a deeper faith and understanding. With it comes the power and the glory of the risen Lord and through Him we can prophesy, Heal and much more.

Praise be to Our Lord Jesus Christ! Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 3:11–26

GOSPEL
Luke 24:35–48

The disciples of Jesus recounted what had taken place along the way, and how they had come to recognize him in the breaking of bread.

While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them.

He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”

Give me the bullet form, the summary or the outline! This is generally how we want our information, who has time to sieve through blocks of texts? Isn’t this the same approach we use for faith? When we approach Scripture? It is no wonder we don’t go very far in our faithlife, how can we when we have missed the point? When we pass over the treasures that lay deep beneath, and the deeper we might have delved the richer we would have been.

When two or three are gathered in His name whether it be to grapple with Scripture texts or matters of faith in today’s cultural backdrop. Are we still not assured of our Lord Jesus presence? He is always there! To guide us and lead us to a deeper understanding.

As we continue to grow deeper in our faith we will see that we have new abilities to do great things in a His name.

And If we listen with our hearts and open our eyes to see, we would recognise Him in the Eucharist! Yet another wonderful revelation in this sacred texts of today. Jesus had already prepared us for His departure and yet He assured us that He would always be with us. One of the sure ways He would do this is when He instituted the Eucharist. In this great mystery, He reveals Himself in the Eucharist while His human form vanishes. “And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight.”

Let our hearts burn within us Lord as we strive to grow and go deeper into our relationship with You. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 3:1–10

GOSPEL
Luke 24:13–35

That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?” And he replied to them, “What sort of things?” They said to him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his Body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the Eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

While it is Easter for us and we are rejoicing in the light of Christ, many are still in darkness and in despair. They have not yet heard of the Good news, because we have not yet shared it with them. The Good News that they too can share through repentance and baptism.

Then too, darkness can creep up on us when we lose sight of Jesus. Some through tragedy, loss of a loved one, persecution and many other ways some of which the dark forces take delight. Our eyes, ears, hearts are shut off to the light. And all we ever need do is with a prayerful heart open them and we will find that Jesus never left our side.

Lord Jesus let me bring Your light to all! Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 2:36–41

GOSPEL
John 20:11–18

Mary Magdalene stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the body of Jesus had been. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he had told her.