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How many times have I pleaded for mercy from You O Lord my God? Each time promising to do better, praying for Your strength to overcome my weaknesses. Then having fallen yet again broken and sorrowful, I thought to myself surely my Lord’s patience had run out for me. Having no where else to go and terribly missing our relationship, I pleaded once again and still You forgave me. Cloaked with the warm of Your loving embrace I found myself weeping. How great it our merciful and loving God!

You forgave me from the Cross, Lord Jesus; How can I do any less for my brethren? I have done many wicked things against the Will of my heavenly Father and yet when I turned to Him with a contrite heart, His bountiful mercy was upon me. How can I not extend that same mercy to those who have wronged me? Help me Lord Jesus overcome my wilful nature, fill me with Your love that I may learn Your ways, Your statues, so that Your Will be done. Now and forevermore. Amen

How great it our merciful and loving God!

First Reading
Daniel 3:25, 34-43

Gospel
Matthew 18:21-35

Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’ Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ But he refused. Instead, he had him put in prison until he paid back the debt. Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair. His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’ Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart.”

We are at times so proud and arrogant Lord, have mercy on us. We often let our assumptions and presumptions blind us to Your love, grace, Word even Your gentle promptings. Indeed You can give us great miracles, wonders and signs! However most of Your greatest extraordinary gifts to us have come in humble ordinary ways and ‘packages’: Jesus our Lord, the most Holy Eucharist in bread and wine, our baptism through water, through the words spoken through babes, our loved ones even acquaintances. In the quiet through a gentle breeze.

Lord Jesus help us to remain humble and open to Your gentle promptings through whomever and whatever means You choose. And give us Your strength and perseverance to always remain faithful. In Your most precious name. Amen

FIRST READING
2 Kings 5:1–15ab

GOSPEL
Luke 4:24–30

Jesus said to the people in the synagogue at Nazareth: “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away.

Why are we so competitive? Especially with our brothers and sisters? Why do we jealously crave the undivided love and attention of Father, Mother, priests and grandparents?

And why do we so often squander the precious gifts and talents from our heavenly Father for personal glory, entertainment and enjoyment? Then hide ourselves in the darkness in the fifth of sin, fearful and ashamed?

Merciful and loving Father I have sinned against You. With confidence I come before You; for by Your great love for me through Your Son Jesus Christ I know that a contrite heart You will not spurn. I am indeed sorrowful for my sins and by Your loving embrace I know I am liberated to love and be loved. Let me always honour, love and serve You all the days of my life. Amen

FIRST READING
Micah 7:14–15, 18–20

GOSPEL
Luke 15:1–3, 11–32

Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So to them Jesus addressed this parable. “A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’ So the father divided the property between them. After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine. And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’ So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ But his father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly, bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’ Then the celebration began. Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean. The servant said to him, ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. He said to his father in reply, ‘Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’ He said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’“

Some of our greatest downfalls are self centredness and jealousy. Which often leads to anger and aggression. Don’t let your emotions get the better of you, don’t be blinded by Sin, our Lord reminds us. Stay focused on me and you will bear much fruit!

Lord Jesus You have come to save us as You promised. And nothing is more wonderful in our eyes than to behold You in our lives. Lift the scales of sin from our eyes, that we may see You always. Amen

FIRST READING
Genesis 37:3–4, 12–13a, 17b–28a

Gospel
Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: “Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey. When vintage time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce. But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned. Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones, but they treated them in the same way. Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.’ They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?” They answered him, “He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper times.” Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures:
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes?
Therefore, I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they knew that he was speaking about them. And although they were attempting to arrest him, they feared the crowds, for they regarded him as a prophet.

Can you imagine telling your boss that you were too busy to speak to him about your work? Or that you could not complete a task or mission because you just didn’t have the time? Or you could not help your colleague in need? Not keen to attend company events or meetings? Cannot imagine that can you? How then is it okay to tell Your creator that? Who can be more important than God our loving Father Who gives us hope?

Lord Jesus forgive me for I have been selfish with my time, gifts and talents given freely and abundantly by my Lord and God. I have not given enough thought, consideration or acts of goodwill for my brothers and sisters ; Children of God my father. Let me not wait another day but act now to do my Lord’s bidding for them. Amen

FIRST READING
Jeremiah 17:5–10

GOSPEL
Luke 16:19–31

Jesus said to the Pharisees:
“There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.’ Abraham replied, ‘My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.’ He said, ‘Then I beg you, father, send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.’ But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’ He said, ‘Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.’“

In serving the Lord we can expect that the road ahead isn’t always going to be smooth. Chances of being persecuted for our faith will always run high. And should we die as a result, isn’t it a far better death? So that we may rise and live with Him, our Lord and God!

But how can we if we lead selfish lives? Only wanting what is good for us and our families? Where is the spirit of communion? Are we then truly the body of Christ?

O sweet Saviour come to my aid, dwell within me that I may experience Your great love; for Your love is such that cannot be contained but to be shared with all. With Your love I seek not to be served but to serve. Amen

First Reading
Jeremiah 18:18-20

Gospel
Matthew 20:17-28

As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the Twelve disciples aside by themselves, and said to them on the way, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”
Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.” Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Do I lead others closer to God by my words, by my actions? Do I criticize, judge and condemn those who find it difficult to shun sin or vices as I readily do? Have I forgotten how difficult it was for me to change and turn away from sin myself? Have I forgotten how merciful my Lord and God was with me? Have I been just as merciful to others? Have I forgotten how my heavenly Father never gave up on me?  Have I given up on my brethren? Do I place upon them standards so high that they are discouraged? Do I place a heavier cross on them, to bear when it is not my place to do so?

Lord Jesus Christ, my Lord and my God! Let me serve You in the way I You would have me do.  Let me serve my brethren as I willingly serve You; with all my heart, all my strength and all my love! Let my service be selfless and for Your Glory alone. Amen.

FIRST READING
Isaiah 1:10, 16–20

GOSPEL
Matthew 23:1–12

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

Most if not all of us have had a ‘living hell’ experience in that almost everything we did was wrong or not quite right. There was constant tension, anger and frustration. We were both anxious and fearful of everything and everyone. We tried to overcome this with an abusive temper, judgement and condemnation. And if we ever reflected and traced back the root cause we will find that it was sin and the growth of it. We had separated ourselves from God.

Jesus urges us today to live our lives worthy of God. If we choose to be judgemental, often condemning the actions of others then we box ourselves into that world. Be merciful as our heavenly Father is merciful sounds unattainable, unless we remember that we are not alone in the endeavour. Jesus is with us every step of the way. We start out with the necessary Graces from God, and are in union with Him.

Thank you Lord for loving us and guiding us to lead full loving lives in You. Amen

FIRST READING
Daniel 9:4b–10

GOSPEL
Luke 6:36–38

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

“Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”

Our heavenly Father loves us and wants us to have and experience all He has to offer us.  To do so we must be obedient to His commandments  and His Will for us which keeps us from evil and Sin.

Jesus in today’s Gospel teaches us to love,  a much deeper profound love. To love our enemies, our neighbours even strangers. In a sense we are called to love with a divine love, the love our Father has for us.  And we are able to do so through Him, so long as we strive to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect.  He knows our limitations and hardships, but the call to perfection is in the trying, to grow and not to remain still, to reach the maturity where we will bear much fruit.

Lord Jesus have mercy on us for the many times we fall into Sin, help us to overcome all our addictions and temptations and strengthen us against evil.  As we strive daily to heed Your call to holiness.  Amen

FIRST READING

Deuteronomy 26:16–19

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 and sisters only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

How often have you heard someone say I will forgive but I won’t forget! Or practised this yourself? God’s mercy and love is such that He forgives us totally with no record for recollection. Our transgressions are wiped totally clean for we have come before Him with a contrite heart and spirit. How can we do any less for our brother or sister who are contrite for the hurts and pains they have caused us? How can we withhold forgiveness or hold to the memory of the sin against us? For us to be forgiven by our merciful God we too must be merciful to our brethren without reservation.

Uncontrolled anger and Unforgiveness is not the way of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and leads to our downfall and into deeper sin. Instead we should bring it all to the Lord who will give us the wisdom, courage and love to release it all. To experience His love and peace and be transformed as to share His peace and love with everyone.

Teach us O Lord to forgive as You forgive, help us remember that the one who sin against us is still our brother or sister who belongs to the same family of God. And continue to lead us and protect us from evil as we strive to turn away from sin and remain faithful to the Gospels.  Amen

FIRST READING
Ezekiel 18:21–28

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. 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.”

There is a country western song whose lyrics goes like this “Looking for love in all the wrong places….,” This unfortunately is quite true for most of us, we seek love, happiness and follow our passions and desires more often down the wrong paths. Some may even pine and pray for it. We end up in places or situations we didn’t really want to be in. Simply because the promises they offered did not last.

Like many I too was tired of asking the wrong questions, for the wrong things and searching in the wrong places. Burdened by having to make the many decisions in life often the wrong ones. Going around in circles some vicious ones. Then like Esther in the first reading I too prostrated myself before the Lord and sought His love and Will for me. His promises are true and I was transformed. In union with Him and His Will for me, I ask and I receive, I seek and I find, I knock and it will be opened for me.

Lord Jesus have mercy on us, help us always to seek holiness as our heavenly Father is holy. Above all guide us as we seek first and always the Kingdom of God our Father. Amen

FIRST READING
Esther C:12, 14–16, 23–25

GOSPEL
Matthew 7:7–12

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asked for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asked for a fish? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him.

“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.”

Our merciful and loving God calls us all on numerous occasions to come back to Him by turning our backs on sin. For His great love for us does not want to see us perish. And perish we will if our obstinate hearts will not heed His call for repentance.

Jesus the truth, the light and the way is the greatest sign of God’s love for us. Bring your chains of sin, your addictions, your temptations, bringing all that separates you from God before Him. And He will set you free! Free to love and be loved by God. In the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

FIRST READING
JONAH 3:1-10

GOSPEL
Luke 11:29–32

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

The Word of God is Love, it enriches our body, mind and souls. It refreshes heals and gives life. Why then do we shun it? Or do not make time to listen? How are we blind to its worth which is invaluable? Do we instead go for imitations? Or engage ourselves with meaningless distractions?

The living Word has come to save us so that we may have new life in Him. Christ Jesus had shown us on numerous occasions when He walked with us, on how we were to pray to our heavenly Father. He always made it a point to stay away from the crowds to spend some quiet, quality time with His Father in prayer. Likewise we are invited to the same and just as He forgives us our sins ; we too are to forgive the sins of those who have wronged us.

In one voice let us say the perfect prayer our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ taught us ;

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 today our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who have trespass against us,
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen

FIRST READING
Isaiah 55:10–11

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 men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”

People often are mistaken that the washing of feet is for the benefit of the one whose feet are being washed. It is the other way round and the key to this knowledge where it’s depth runs deep is humility. Without which the act amounts to nought.

Have you ever been in a desperate situation where you needed help and either you could not find anyone willing to help or no one seemed to care! If you have not experienced such a situation, well be prepared because it can happen to anybody and for some it is only a matter of time, for now use your imagination….

A financial crisis has hit hard and you find yourself in debt, sick and alone you have run out of food. Who can you turn to for help? Your friends? Your family? You find that most if not all have abandoned you, and soon you fall into despair. Just as you are about to give up totally, someone you recognise from church whom you know lives a mediocre lifestyle; who has just enough for himself and his family takes you in, clothes and feed you with what little he has got. He even buys you medicine and nurses you back to health. Why? you ask yourself? Why would he help me? Who am I to him? I never took the time to know him personally? Why????

Because He is a man of God, He is man of faith! He seeks to God’s Will. He seeks NOT the rewards of the world but seeks out the Lord’s face. Whom He recognises in the face of His brethren especially in the least of his brethren. He knows that all the wealth in the world cannot ever measure up to the love of God which He bestows on His children. And all of us by our very baptism are His children and have been given the graces needed to help and love one another.

Let us be the men and women our Heavenly Father wants us to be, let us always seek out our Lord’s face as we go about doing His Will for us and in the service of our brethren. Amen

FIRST READING
Leviticus 19:1–2, 11–18

GOSPEL
Matthew 25:31–46

Jesus said to his disciples:
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.’ Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’ He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’ And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

All too often hurts, pains, arguments, anger even rage are a result of a ill disciplined and malicious tongue. Teach me to speak Lord with a gentle one, allow me to bring Your truth and Your love to all. That I may feed the hungry with spiritual food as well as physical nourishment. Lord guide me in my endeavours.

People close to me, family and friends are always welcome in my home. Let me now invite those who have angered or hurt me, who have sinned against me ; first into the home of my heart. Dine with us Lord, as we bask in Your love, mercy and healing. Then when the time is right, give me the courage and strength to invite them into my home. Lord guide me in my endeavours. Amen

FIRST READING
Isaiah 58:9b–14

GOSPEL
Luke 5:27–32

Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him. Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at table with them. The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”

When we have too many worldly desires, too many cares and concerns; where will we have room in our hearts for God? So when we decide to observe a fast let it truly be about emptying ourselves so that God can fill our hearts. Let it be about drawing closer to Him. Let it be about contrition for our sins.

Jesus my Lord, I adore thee with all my heart. Whatever sacrifices I do to day, I offer it up for the reparation of my sins and that of my family. And if you deem them worthy enough let it for the sins of the world. In Your most precious name. Amen

First Reading
Isaiah 58:1-9a

Gospel
Matthew 9:14-15

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.”

Just like flowers and plants need water and sunlight to grow and thrive otherwise they will soon wither and die; So it is with us needing God in our lives. His commandments and His Will for us is like the water and sunlight in which we grow and thrive. Yet He loves us so much that He allows us to choose to accept them or not to accept.

By turning our backs on His commandments and His Will for us, we choose to separate ourselves from Him and so will face the natural consequences of our actions which ultimately leads to our permanent death.

Christ Jesus our Lord offers us redemption, for by His death and resurrection He has conquered death for us. He comes to seek out the sheep that had fallen astray and lead them home. To liberate us from the chains of sin and until such time our death becomes permanent we still have hope; because He gives us that hope that we may have a change of heart. That we will choose to reject sin and turn back to Him. So let us take up our cross daily and follow Him by being faithful to the Gospels. Amen

FIRST READING
Deuteronomy 30:15–20

GOSPEL
Luke 9:22–25

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

Then he said to all,
“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?”

Sin and the ways of the world separate us from God. All that is said and done ‘for God’ or ‘in God’s’ name while holding on to worldly attachments and sin is worth nothing, meaningless and useless.

Our merciful and loving Father is calling out to us, “Come return to me with all your heart and all will be forgiven.” “Do not cower, do not hide anything, just come as you are into my loving embrace.””Live your lives fully in peace, joy and love as intended for you from the very beginning.”

Let us respond to Him with all our heart and declare,” Yes Father, I’ve come to do Your Will.” “I strive to turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospels.” Through Christ our Lord. Amen

FIRST READING
Joel 2:12–18

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 be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”

Praise and glory be to God for His Wisdom and great love for us!

Thanks and praise be to God for His Saints now in heaven who without yet encountering Christ, suffered with most laying down their lives to Herald His coming and to proclaim God’s Word.

Thanks and praise be to God for His Saints, who having encountered Jesus sought to model their lives after Him. They made Him known to all who would listen and see either by word or deed. They suffered and died for the Glory of His name. They are truly an inspiration for us to do likewise.

And like St Peter we hope to say to You our dear Saviour “We have given up everything and followed you.” Grant us the courage, strength and the Graces we need to do so. We humbly implore in Your most precious name. Amen

FIRST READING
1 Peter 1:10–16

Gospel Mark 10:28-31

Peter began to say to Jesus,
“We have given up everything and followed you.”
Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you,
there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters
or mother or father or children or lands
for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel
who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age:
houses and brothers and sisters
and mothers and children and lands,
with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.
But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

As we draw closer to Lent, St Peter reminds us of the great love of our heavenly Father who gave us His only Son to redeem us from our sins. Jesus gives us the strength and grace to remain faithful, and bearing with the trials and suffering that comes our way; we glorify our Lord and God!

Jesus wants us to share in the fullness of life with Him and so teaches us that just following the commandments is not good enough. We need to let go of the attachments of this World and all it has to offer. We have the promise that God our Father knows what we need and will provide for us; we need only strive for the kingdom of God and His righteousness. (Matt 6:33).

Let us put all our faith and trust in God who loves us and lead our lives worthy of His Kingdom. Amen

Reading 1 Peter 1:3-9

Gospel Mark 10:17-27

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up,
knelt down before him, and asked him,
“Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good?
No one is good but God alone.
You know the commandments: You shall not kill;
you shall not commit adultery;
you shall not steal;
you shall not bear false witness;
you shall not defraud;
honor your father and your mother.”
He replied and said to him,
“Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.”
Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him,
“You are lacking in one thing.
Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor
and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”
At that statement, his face fell,
and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples,
“How hard it is for those who have wealth
to enter the Kingdom of God!”
The disciples were amazed at his words.
So Jesus again said to them in reply,
“Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God!
It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle
than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.”
They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves,
“Then who can be saved?”
Jesus looked at them and said,
“For men it is impossible, but not for God.
All things are possible for God.”

O how powerful is the prayer, that of a righteous person. That sings praise to God, that brings about healing, comfort, and the eventual liberation from sin through the Church.

But who or what is a righteous person? Is it not one who loves God above all? Who loves neighbour as they would themselves regardless of race, language or religion? Who would persevere to bring back those who have gone astray? Who brings the light and the Word to everyone? Who lovingly welcomes the children of God? Let us be that person for all, through Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray… Amen

FIRST READING
James 5:13-20

GOSPEL
MARK 10:13-16

People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them.

When we think ourselves wiser, more industrious, even holier our downfall begins. By comparing and judging we render ourselves unworthy to serve our Lord and we fall from His Graces and peace. Let us instead serve Him and our brethren with integrity and loving humility. One body in Christ…

Marriage is sacred because it is a love union of one man and one woman blessed and sanctified by God. According to His Will, together in perfect union (two become one body) with Him become procreators to bring forth life. In love they lead one another together with their children closer to God and His kingdom. How can we not cherish this sacrament of love?

Let us lead faithful lives in perfect communion with our one triune God. Amen

First Reading
James  5:9-12

Gospel
Mk 10:1-12

Jesus came into the district of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds gathered around him and, as was his custom, he again taught them. The Pharisees approached him and asked, “Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?” They were testing him. He said to them in reply, “What did Moses command you?” They replied, “Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her.” But Jesus told them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this. He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

It is a truth and a fact that we are all going to die. A certainty beyond our control. Some sooner then later yet with most not knowing the circumstance. However what we do or how we live our lives will determine our choice of eternal life or death. A life with God or a permanent separation from Him.

Most if not all adults upon deep introspection and reflection have lived both self giving, loving as well as selfish, self centred lives at one time or another. But do we recollect the fond memories of the peace, love and joy the former brought us even though it was harder? Can we even recall if the latter brought us any happiness and if it did was it not fleeting?

Let us lead our lives worthy of being called the children of God, created in His image and likeness. To lead one another closer to Him by our love and care. To guard ourselves against sin and to be faithful to God’s Word. Amen

FIRST READING
James 5:1–6

GOSPEL
Mark 9:41–50

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.

“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut if off. It is better for you to enter into life crippled than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. Better for you to enter into the Kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.

“Everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if salt becomes insipid, with what will you restore its flavor? Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another.”

“All in due time…” , “when the time is right..” “When I retire.. “” After I’ve made my first million..” Only then will we have time to do the Will of God? What if tonight we draw our last breath?

Rather let us live in God’s time, His Will be done. What then could be of worry to us? Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.

So wonderful and powerful is the name of our Lord that whosoever believes in Him with all their heart and does His Will can do mighty deeds in His name.

Let all who love and serve our Lord Jesus Christ, who love and serve our brethren; stand united as we wear the name engraved in our hearts, Christian! A disciple of Jesus. Amen

FIRST READING
James 4:13–17

GOSPEL
Mark 9:38–40

John said to Jesus,
“Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us.”

Living in the world it is easy to see how much self centredness, selfishness exist. People want what they want and are often not patient about it. If things don’t go as planned or if they don’t get what they want, they are sometimes even willing to kill for it. They want not to lead but rather to dominate. They have a primal need to display their prowess and it is important that others bow down before them. They live for themselves yet do they still question, “Where is God?”

Why will we ever have a need to attend leadership courses? When we can learn from the best that ever lived, that ever is and will ever be; our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. If only we would open our hearts to listen!

Are we truly children of God? Do we spend time gazing into our heavenly Father’s eyes in prayer and contemplation? Do we seek His Counsel in all aspects of our life? Are our hearts filled with joy in unity with all of His children?

Let us with one voice declare, “I am a child of God together with my brethren. I seek to lead all His children home to Him.” Amen

FIRST READING
James 4:1–10

GOSPEL
Mark 9:30–37

Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it. He was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him.

They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they remained silent. For they had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.”

Pride, self importance, self ambitions and the wisdom of the world are some of the tools of the evil one. We are robbed of our peace when we succumb to them. Even amidst an injustice done against us we should seek the Lord’s wisdom so as not to allow evil to prevail over us. The Lord’s peace is upon us regardless the outcome.

Let us never put our Lord to the test but in proper reverance and love for Him seek to grow in faith. Such faith that can move mountains for all things are possible with our Lord. And as we grow in faith let us constantly empty ourselves of all that is worldly and in prayer come before Jesus, so that He can fill us with His grace. He hears, heals and answers our prayers. Amen

FIRST READING
James 3:13–18

GOSPEL
Mark 9:14–29

As Jesus came down from the mountain with Peter, James, John and approached the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and scribes arguing with them. Immediately on seeing him, the whole crowd was utterly amazed. They ran up to him and greeted him. He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I have brought to you my son possessed by a mute spirit. Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable to do so.” He said to them in reply, “O faithless generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring him to me.” They brought the boy to him. And when he saw him, the spirit immediately threw the boy into convulsions. As he fell to the ground, he began to roll around and foam at the mouth. Then he questioned his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” He replied, “Since childhood. It has often thrown him into fire and into water to kill him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “‘If you can!’ Everything is possible to one who has faith.” Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!” Jesus, on seeing a crowd rapidly gathering, rebuked the unclean spirit and said to it, “Mute and deaf spirit, I command you: come out of him and never enter him again!” Shouting and throwing the boy into convulsions, it came out. He became like a corpse, which caused many to say, “He is dead!” But Jesus took him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up. When he entered the house, his disciples asked him in private, “Why could we not drive the spirit out?” He said to them, “This kind can only come out through prayer.”

Oh how much hurt and pain we cause by our words! Oh how sharp our tongues that we have caused the death of the spirit in some! We can choose instead to remain with and in our Lord Jesus Christ by being slow to speak, to reflect on Him and His Word and to speak lovingly through His grace.

Let us go often before our Lord Jesus to be transformed by Him to be made pure; so that we can go down the mountain to be His light for all. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen

Let us also keep our Holy Father Pope Francis in our prayers…..

(Feast Of The Chair Of St Peter)

FIRST READING
James 3:1–10

GOSPEL
Mark 9:2–13

Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; then from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Suddenly, looking around, the disciples no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them.

As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant. Then they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He told them, “Elijah will indeed come first and restore all things, yet how is it written regarding the Son of Man that he must suffer greatly and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him.”

Are we armchair Christians? Do we pray and love from afar? Do we avoid all forms of conflict or resistance, even if practices are against our faith so as to keep the ‘peace’? Do we offer a few dollars for the poor, aged and sick but spend no time with them?

The World wants us to avoid the ‘heavy’ burden of the Cross so that we can run free and be free to do as we please. To experience all the World has to offer, lots of money, luxury, unbridled sex and other such ‘nectars’ of life! Soon the noose tightens and it’s too late…

The reality is that the weight of the World weighs us down while it is the Cross of Christ that liberates us. The burdens we carry and Yes there will be burdens will be easy for it is the yoke of Jesus upon us. Our loving Lord gives the strength, courage and means to carry on living a full and fruitful life. When we are weary He will give us rest. Let us then take up our cross with joy as we walk onwards to our heavenly inheritance. Amen

FIRST READING
James 2:14–24, 26

GOSPEL
Mark 8:34––9:1

Jesus summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the Gospel will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? What could one give in exchange for his life? Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this faithless and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

He also said to them,
“Amen, I say to you,
there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the Kingdom of God has come in power.”

What good is my name if I do not the Will of my heavenly Father? What good is my name if I am not  known to be loving and kind? What good is my name if I am not patient or merciful? What good is my name of I do not bring hope or joy? What good is my name if I do not bring peace? What good is my name if not a single soul can see Christ in me?

Let me always walk with and in Christ as He walks in me. Amen

FIRST READING
James 2:1–9

GOSPEL
Mark 8:27–33

Jesus and his disciples set out for the villages of Caesarea Philippi. Along the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets.” And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said to him in reply, “You are the Christ.” Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him.

He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke this openly. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. At this he turned around and, looking at his disciples, rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”

Persevere dear sisters and brothers, persevere in holiness amidst trials,suffering and temptations. Draw your strength and wisdom NOT from men but from our Lord.

Our sweet and loving Lord knows our limitations and our weaknesses. He desires that we grow in strength, faith and love. So He patiently and gently urges on, picks us up and dust us off when we fall. He opens our hearts and minds slowly so that we can not only see and feel but understand and embrace all that is from Him.

Let us strive to climb up the Holy mountain of our Lord and help one another along the way. Amen

FIRST READING
James 1:19–27

GOSPEL
Mark 8:22–26

When Jesus and his disciples arrived at Bethsaida, people brought to him a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. Putting spittle on his eyes he laid his hands on the man and asked,
“Do you see anything?”
Looking up the man replied, “I see people looking like trees and walking.” Then he laid hands on the man’s eyes a second time and he saw clearly; his sight was restored and he could see everything distinctly. Then he sent him home and said, “Do not even go into the village.”

Let us stand guard against temptations for the source of all of it comes from evil, the devil striving to separate us from all that is good, all that is love, God our loving Father.

Giving in to just a small temptation gives rise to bigger ones and soon our sins grow heavy and chokes the life out of us.

Let us instead choose Christ our Lord and remain steadfast in His love. All we will ever want or need comes from Him. He is the Living Water which flows abundantly for us. That we may bear first fruits pleasing to our heavenly Father as we are nourishment for our brethren. Praise be our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

FIRST READING
James 1:12–18

GOSPEL
Mark 8:14–21

The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. Jesus enjoined them, “Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” They concluded among themselves that it was because they had no bread. When he became aware of this he said to them, “Why do you conclude that it is because you have no bread? Do you not yet understand or comprehend? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear? And do you not remember, when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many wicker baskets full of fragments you picked up?” They answered him, “Twelve.” “When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many full baskets of fragments did you pick up?” They answered him, “Seven.” He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”

For those of whom we love and respect, would we demand proof of their love for us? Would we ever think of doing so? Surely we will see it in their actions and words. Unless we make blind or are blinded by our egos and narcissism. Why then should we signs from our God?

I have witnessed the wonders and glory of God in my life. I have seen, though not as much with my eyes but with my heart; my faith! His Grace is upon those who seek Him with their hearts. His love is as perennial as the grass. O Holy Spirit guide me, teach me so that I may faithfully love and serve my Lord, my God. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

FIRST READING
James 1:1–11

GOSPEL
Mark 8:11–13

The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” Then he left them, got into the boat again, and went off to the other shore

Do we even recognise let alone allow the ‘golden calves’ in our lives to take us away from God our loving Father? Some of which are addictions, such as to television, computer games, sports, alcohol, drugs, pornography and masterbation. Others such as work, unforgiveness, pride, laziness and greed for money just to name a few.

Should we not instead hunger and thirst for the Word of God? The living Word which truly nourishes and saves. Given freely and in abundance to all who seek, all who asks. Always available even for those who come late. Such is the love of our God! Glory be to the Father and the Son and to the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen

FIRST READING
1 Kings 12:26–32; 13:33–34

GOSPEL
Mark 8:1–10

In those days when there again was a great crowd without anything to eat, Jesus summoned the disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will collapse on the way, and some of them have come a great distance.” His disciples answered him, “Where can anyone get enough bread to satisfy them here in this deserted place?” Still he asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They replied, “Seven.” He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then, taking the seven loaves he gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to distribute, and they distributed them to the crowd. They also had a few fish. He said the blessing over them and ordered them distributed also. They ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets. There were about four thousand people.

He dismissed the crowd and got into the boat with his disciples and came to the region of Dalmanutha.

Our loving Father wants what is best for us, He loves and provides for us. What are we saying to Him when we worship ‘false Gods’? Things or persons other than the one true God? When we turn our backs on Him? Closed are our ears, eyes and hearts! See then how it is, a life separate from our Father.

Lord Jesus I come before You a sinner, cleanse and heal me. I desire only to love and serve my God. Let my eyes, ears and heart always be opened to Your Word and Your Will. Together with my brethren let me always proclaim, “You are the Lord my God, and I hear Your voice.” In Your most precious name Jesus. Amen

FIRST READING
1 Kings 11:29–32; 12:19

GOSPEL
Mark 7:31–37

Jesus left the district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis. And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him off by himself away from the crowd. He put his finger into the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!” (that is, “Be opened!”) And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly. He ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more he ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it. They were exceedingly astonished and they said, “He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

Does giving in to sin because of peer pressure or because of our deep love for someone make it OK? Does keeping silent while someone close to us leads a sinful life ok? Sin in all it’s forms ensures a separation from God! No matter how holy or obedient we once were to the Will of God, it blinds us to His wonders and His love. To the point we can vaguely even recall how good it was when God was once by our side.

Why do some think that sins of the fathers or mothers for that matter will not affect the next generation? Fathers and Mothers have the greatest influence in their children lives and so if they justify their sinful actions convincingly enough will it not rub off on some if not all of their children? Especially if they were at an impressionable age.

The loving, living word of God cannot penetrate hearts which are hard, cold and wild with sin. These belong to obstinate ears who will not listen, will not change for they have wilfully chosen sin over God. But for those who yearn to be healed, to be transformed, who greatly desires to do God’s Will and who humble themselves before Him; their prayers are answered.

Lord Jesus I so desire to have unwavering faith in You! To love and serve You all of my life. Help me to grow in love and faith and grant me the Grace and strength to persevere amidst adversity or persecution. Be my shepherd now and forevermore. Amen

1st Reading
1 Kings 11:4-13

GOSPEL
Mark 7:24–30

Jesus went to the district of Tyre. He entered a house and wanted no one to know about it, but he could not escape notice. Soon a woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him. She came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, “Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” She replied and said to him, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.” Then he said to her, “For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter.” When the woman went home, she found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.

“The devil made me do it!” “I was overcome by evil spirits.” “I am only human, what do you expect?” Have we not used these lines or at least had thoughts which were similar?

There is No bad pill we swallow that makes us bad! If we chance upon an erotic picture say on the internet and instead of closing it and moving on, we choose to stare, let our imagination run amok and then look for more erotica…can we then remain blameless? Or when something doesn’t go as we planned do we accept the challenges, react calmly and look into correcting or even improving on it or do we throw tantrums, get emotionally charged and start looking to blame someone? How then are we going to live out our Christian values? How do we remain focussed on God and His Will for us?

O Lord my God You give us Your Living Word and of Yourself in the Eucharist, so that by choosing to consume Your Word into our very being; You give us the nourishment and strength to withstand the forces of evil. Let our minds, bodies and soul dwell on and in You as You dwell in our hearts. Let us be beacons for others which draws all to come to You. So together with them we will proclaim, “Blessed be the Lord our God! Now and for ever.” Amen

FIRST READING
1 Kings 10:1–10

GOSPEL
Mark 7:14–23

Jesus summoned the crowd again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.”

When he got home away from the crowd his disciples questioned him about the parable. He said to them, “Are even you likewise without understanding? Do you not realize that everything that goes into a person from outside cannot defile, since it enters not the heart but the stomach and passes out into the latrine?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) “But what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him. From within the man, from his heart, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.”

Solomon Dedicates The Temple at Jerusalem
( Painting By James Jacques Joseph Tissot)

Do we pray only for those who we deem worthy or do we pray for all, especially those who have hurt or wounded us? When we say we love and serve God with all our heart, do we then love and care for our neighbour? Do we love and care for the grumpy old man or woman suffering with pain and sickness? Do we love and care for the poor, the homeless, the weak? Do we love and care for our aged parents? Do we judge others by their appearance or behaviour and turn away from them, or do we welcome them regardless with the love of Christ? Are we rigid and calculative? Or are we open, kind, inviting and loving? We want forgiveness from God, but are we readily forgiving? Let us honour and serve our Lord with His laws written in our hearts filled with His love. Let us serve our God, with Body, Mind and soul through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever  and ever. Amen

FIRST READING 1 Kings 8:22–23, 27–30

GOSPEL Mark 7:1–13

When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem
gathered around Jesus,
they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals
with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands.
(For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews,
do not eat without carefully washing their hands,
keeping the tradition of the elders.
And on coming from the marketplace
they do not eat without purifying themselves.
And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed,
the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds.)
So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him,
“Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders
but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?”
He responded,
“Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites,
as it is written:

This people honors me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me;
In vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines human precepts.

You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.”
He went on to say,
“How well you have set aside the commandment of God
in order to uphold your tradition!
For Moses said,
Honor your father and your mother,
and Whoever curses father or mother shall die.
Yet you say,
‘If someone says to father or mother,
“Any support you might have had from me is qorban”’
(meaning, dedicated to God),
you allow him to do nothing more for his father or mother.
You nullify the word of God
in favor of your tradition that you have handed on.
And you do many such things.”

Experiencing God in a personal relationship through faith, prayer and holiness is what all of us should strive for. It is a wonderful and great start however it is in essence only the beginning. For our loving Father does not want to dwell within individual hearts alone but in the heart of His Church. God dwells among His people.

A measure of the faith and love one has for Jesus is the faith and love we have for others. Do we seek out hurriedly here and everywhere all who are in need of hope, healing, love, true life? Do we help in any and every way to bring others to the love and knowledge of our Saviour Jesus Christ? Do we accept the trials and sufferings that come as a result it?

The healing love and peace of our Lord Jesus be upon us all. Amen

FIRST READING
1 Kings 8:1–7, 9–13

GOSPEL
Mark 6:53–56

After making the crossing to the other side of the sea, Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there. As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him. They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.

When we desire to know, understand and carry out Your Will for us. We can be sure that You will provide all we need and more. It is a wonder why? That from time to time, we fall back into anxiety and fear when new unexpected challenges arise. All we ever need to do, is come into Your presence through prayer and quiet; Your peace will be upon us as You lead the way.

When we are exhausted and in need of nourishment, let us hear You call out to us “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened; I will give you rest.” Coming into Your presence through prayer and quiet
; Your peace will be upon us as You nourish us with Your living Word. Great is Your Love that no matter how persistent we are in our prayers, for our wants and needs. You patiently and lovingly answer them all. Even at times when the answer is No! Thank You Jesus for all that You are and all that You do. Glory and praise be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen

FIRST READING
1 Kings 3:4–13

GOSPEL
Mark 6:30–34

The Apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them.

When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and I he began to teach them many things

Just as we are drawn to know and love God, so it is with truth. For to love God is to embrace His truth. When we choose to live a lie, we ultimately choose to live a life without God. Life without God is to whither and die. Blessed be God our salvation!

When we love God with our very being, even if we should fall; He is there to pick us up and dust us off. Great is His mercy and His love. Our loving Father encourages and inspires us to be the best version of ourselves. Blessed be God our salvation!

Jesus our Lord and our God, show us the way. Be our light and guide forevermore. Blessed be God our salvation! Amen

FIRST READING
Sirach 47:2–11

GOSPEL
Mark 6:14–29

King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; That is why mighty powers are at work in him.” Others were saying, “He is Elijah”; still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets.” But when Herod learned of it, he said, “It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.” Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. Herodias had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. His own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.” He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” Her mother replied, “The head of John the Baptist.” The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.