Posts Tagged ‘Catholicjules.net’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: August 27, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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With so many things going on in our lives, can we stay awake to keep watch over and safeguard our souls? Those of our families, as well as our fellow sisters and brothers in Christ entrusted to us? Is it even possible to this alone with the many distractions, temptations and with evil lurking at every corner? That is why apart from needing Jesus in the forefront of our lives we need one another. That is, we need to belong to a community centred on Him. To affirm as well as help one another in the many challenges we face in remaining faithful and steadfast. When we live not for ourselves but for one another we begin to understand more deeply our Lord’s call to communion. With Him and one another.

Let us then devote our lives to living His Word through steadfastness in prayer, in working hand in hand to build His Kingdom and in glorifying our Lord; By our lives lived in His love for Him and for one another. Amen

St Monica pray for us….

First reading

1 Corinthians 1:1-9 ·You have been enriched in many ways in ChristI, Paul, appointed by God to be an apostle, together with brother Sosthenes, send greetings to the church of God in Corinth, to the holy people of Jesus Christ, who called to take their place among all the saints everywhere who pray to our Lord Jesus Christ; for he is their Lord no less than ours. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ send you grace and peace. I never stop thanking God for all the graces you have received through Jesus Christ. I thank him that you have been enriched in so many ways, especially in your teachers and preachers; the witness to Christ has indeed been strong among you so that you will not be without any of the gifts of the Spirit while you are waiting for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed; and he will keep you steady and without blame until the last day, the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, because God by calling you has joined you to his Son, Jesus Christ; and God is faithful.

Gospel

Matthew 24:42-51He is coming at an hour you do not expectJesus said to his disciples: ‘Stay awake, because you do not know the day when your master is coming. You may be quite sure of this, that if the householder had known at what time of the night the burglar would come, he would have stayed awake and would not have allowed anyone to break through the wall of his house. Therefore, you too must stand ready because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. ‘What sort of servant, then, is faithful and wise enough for the master to place him over his household to give them their food at the proper time? Happy that servant if his master’s arrival finds him at this employment. I tell you solemnly, he will place him over everything he owns. But as for the dishonest servant who says to himself, “My master is taking his time,” and sets about beating his fellow servants and eating and drinking with drunkards, his master will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not know. The master will cut him off and send him to the same fate as the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: August 26, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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If we claim to be disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ then are we not to emulate our Master? Who worked tirelessly for the building of the Kingdom of God our Heavenly Father through the salvation of souls; sacrificing limb and life! Did His Apostles and disciples not do likewise? Are we then expecting to receive everything without work? Where is the thanksgiving? Where is the communion? Where is the adoration of our Lord? Where is the love for one another? Have we taken our faith for granted?

What are we offering up to the Lord our God today? Are we offering ourselves as living sacrifices acceptable to Him? How so?

What are we doing when we rush to register for formation talks or lessons on scripture but either do not commit to attending or if we do attend we keep whatever we learnt to ourselves? Why register to attend a Eucharistic Celebration with limited slots due to the pandemic but choose instead to go for a family gathering held at the same time or because we just felt too lazy to go? Why rally others to pray for the poor, the sick and suffering when we will not lift a finger to help the very folks we pray for? Are we criticising our parish for lacking in many ways but are doing nothing ourselves to help effect change by getting involved? Have we taken up leadership positions but are far from leading by example and further away from the leadership of Christ whom we say we serve? Are we more concerned about politicking and gossip? Have we not ‘killed’ the prophets amongst us by our own gossip and prejudices? Do we continue to make excuses for our sins, for all that we have done and all that we have failed to do?

Turn my heart to You O Lord, let me be as You have me be. Amen

First reading

2 Thessalonians 3:6-10,16-18 ·We worked night and day not to be a burden on youIn the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we urge you, brothers, to keep away from any of the brothers who refuses to work or to live according to the tradition we passed on to you. You know how you are supposed to imitate us: now we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we ever have our meals at anyone’s table without paying for them; no, we worked night and day, slaving and straining, so as not to be a burden on any of you. This was not because we had no right to be, but in order to make ourselves an example for you to follow. We gave you a rule when we were with you: do not let anyone have any food if he refuses to do any work. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace all the time and in every way. The Lord be with you all. From me, PAUL, these greetings in my own handwriting, which is the mark of genuineness in every letter; this is my own writing. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Gospel

Matthew 23:27-32You are the sons of those who murdered the prophetsJesus said: ‘Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who are like whitewashed tombs that look handsome on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of corruption. In the same way you appear to people from the outside like good honest men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. ‘Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who build the sepulchres of the prophets and decorate the tombs of holy men, saying, “We would never have joined in shedding the blood of the prophets, had we lived in our fathers’ day.” So! Your own evidence tells against you! You are the sons of those who murdered the prophets! Very well then, finish off the work that your fathers began.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: August 25, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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The Lord our God loves us with an inexhaustible love and we know this to be true, by the countless times He has outpoured His mercy and grace upon us and filled us with His peace. Should we then love Him any less?Are we making every effort to attend Holy Eucharist given the current constraints to worship, adore and receive Him sacramentally? Are we giving what we can to help with the care of His Holy Church or are we withholding it as our ‘right’ to do so.

Do we take shortcuts in our service of His church by citing practical reasons for these times? Are we actively reaching out to those suffering from the effects of the pandemic especially the poor and the aged? Or are we safeguarding our own interests? Are we who call ourselves Christian, the new ‘scribes’ and ‘Pharisees’ in today’s Gospel?

Lord Jesus, let me love others the way You love me. Let my eyes and ears be opened to those in need. Grant me the courage and grace to place them above self. Amen

First reading

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3,14-17 ·
Stand firm and keep the traditions we have taught youTo turn, brothers, to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we shall all be gathered round him: please do not get excited too soon or alarmed by any prediction or rumour or any letter claiming to come from us, implying that the Day of the Lord has already arrived. Never let anyone deceive you in this way.
Through the Good News that we brought God called you to this so that you should share the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Stand firm, then, brothers, and keep the traditions that we taught you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father who has given us his love and, through his grace, such inexhaustible comfort and such sure hope, comfort you and strengthen you in everything good that you do or say.

Gospel

Matthew 23:23-26
Clean the inside of the cup first, so that the outside may become cleanJesus said: ‘Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who pay your tithe of mint and dill and cumin and have neglected the weightier matters of the Law – justice, mercy, good faith! These you should have practised, without neglecting the others. You blind guides! Straining out gnats and swallowing camels!
‘Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who clean the outside of cup and dish and leave the inside full of extortion and intemperance. Blind Pharisee! Clean the inside of cup and dish first so that the outside may become clean as well.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: August 24, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Through our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ the gates of heaven has been opened to us. And if we set our sights on heaven and embrace all that is Holy then our eyes will be opened to this reality. Have we not had a foretaste of this? A glimpse? At our baptism? Confirmation? At every Eucharistic Celebration? Have we not felt His liberating grace upon us after every sacrament of reconciliation as He lifted us up high once again?Our souls are laid bare before our Lord and God, there is nothing about us He does know or lays hidden from Him. By uniting ourselves more fully to Him through discerning His Word and Will for us; the mysteries and wonders of the Heavenly Kingdom that awaits us is unraveled a little more, till the day we are fully united with Him in His resurrection. AmenSt Bartholomew pray for us….

First reading

Apocalypse 21:9-14 ·
He showed me Jerusalem, the holy city, coming down from God out of heavenThe angel came to speak to me, and said, ‘Come here and I will show you the bride that the Lamb has married.’ In the spirit, he took me to the top of an enormous high mountain and showed me Jerusalem, the holy city, coming down from God out of heaven. It had all the radiant glory of God and glittered like some precious jewel of crystal-clear diamond. The walls of it were of a great height, and had twelve gates; at each of the twelve gates there was an angel, and over the gates were written the names of twelve tribes of Israel; on the east there were three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. The city walls stood on twelve foundation stones, each one of which bore the name of one of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

Gospel

John 1:45-51
You will see heaven laid open, and the Son of ManPhilip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, the one about whom the prophets wrote: he is Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.’ ‘From Nazareth?’ said Nathanael ‘Can anything good come from that place?’ ‘Come and see’ replied Philip. When Jesus saw Nathanael coming he said of him, ‘There is an Israelite who deserves the name, incapable of deceit.’ ‘How do you know me?’ said Nathanael. ‘Before Philip came to call you,’ said Jesus ‘I saw you under the fig tree.’ Nathanael answered, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel.’ Jesus replied, ‘You believe that just because I said: I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.’ And then he added ‘I tell you most solemnly, you will see heaven laid open and, above the Son of Man, the angels of God ascending and descending.’

Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted: August 22, 2020 by CatholicJules in Sunday Reflections
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‘Oh, the Depths!’: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings:

Isaiah 22:15, 19–23
Psalm 138:1–3, 6, 8
Romans 11:33–36
Matthew 16:13–20

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!” Paul exclaims in today’s Epistle. Today’s Psalm, too, takes up the triumphant note of joy and thanksgiving. Why? Because in the Gospel, the heavenly Father reveals the mystery of His kingdom to Peter.

With Peter, we rejoice that Jesus is the anointed Son promised to David, the one prophesied to build God’s temple and reign over an everlasting kingdom (see 2 Samuel 7).

What Jesus calls “my Church” is the kingdom promised to David’s son (see Isaiah 9:1–7). As we hear in today’s First Reading, Isaiah foretold that the keys to David’s kingdom would be given to a new master, who would rule as father to God’s people.

Jesus, the root and offspring of David, alone holds the kingdom’s keys (see Revelation 1:18; 3:7; 22:16). In giving those keys to Peter, Jesus fulfills that prophecy, establishing Peter—and all who succeed him—as holy father of His Church.

His Church, too, is the new house of God—the spiritual temple founded on the “rock” of Peter, and built up out of the living stones of individual believers (see 1 Peter 2:5).
Abraham was called “the rock” from which the children of Israel were hewn (see Isaiah 51:1–2). And Peter becomes the rock from which God raises up new children of God (see Matthew 3:9).

The word Jesus uses—“church” (ekklesia in Greek)—was used in the Greek translation of the Old Testament for the “assembly” of God’s children after the Exodus (see Deuteronomy 18:16; 31:30).

His Church is the “assembly of the firstborn” (see Hebrews 12:23; Exodus 4:23–24), established by Jesus’ exodus (see Luke 9:31). Like the Israelites, we are baptized in water, led by the Rock, and fed with spiritual food (see 1 Corinthians 10:1–5).

Gathered at His altar, in the presence of angels, we sing His praise and give thanks to His holy name.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: August 22, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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People are always watching perhaps from a distance. Observing and listening to what we say and how we say it. Children pick things up both little and big from everyone around them. This is not some conspiracy theory or spy novel but a plain and simple reality. So the question today is what are we showing others about our faith in Jesus? By the way we live our lives, can they see the goodness of the Lord our God through us?That is why it is very important to have; as well as to be role models after His own heart. We are indeed Blessed to have many humble, yet great and wonderful Saints who lead Holy lives by example. Who showed us how their bodies became the Holy temple of the Lord who dwelled within them. Looking upon them many could see the face of God. Our Blessed mother is clearly the most wonderful example for us. AmenO Holy mother, Queen of Heaven pray for us…

First reading

Ezekiel 43:1-7 ·The vision of the coming of the glory of the Lord to the TempleThe angel took me to the gate, the one facing east. I saw the glory of the God of Israel approaching from the east. A sound came with it, like the sound of the ocean, and the earth shone with his glory. This vision was like the one I had seen when I had come for the destruction of the city, and like the one I had seen on the bank of the river Chebar. Then I prostrated myself. The glory of the Lord arrived at the Temple by the east gate. The spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; I saw the glory of the Lord fill the Temple. And I heard someone speaking to me from the Temple while the man stood beside me. The voice said, ‘Son of man, this is the dais of my throne, the step on which I rest my feet. I shall live here among the sons of Israel for ever.’

Gospel

Matthew 23:1-12They do not practise what they preachAddressing the people and his disciples Jesus said, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees occupy the chair of Moses. You must therefore do what they tell you and listen to what they say; but do not be guided by what they do: since they do not practise what they preach. They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but will they lift a finger to move them? Not they! Everything they do is done to attract attention, like wearing broader phylacteries and longer tassels, like wanting to take the place of honour at banquets and the front seats in the synagogues, being greeted obsequiously in the market squares and having people call them Rabbi. ‘You, however, must not allow yourselves to be called Rabbi, since you have only one master, and you are all brothers. You must call no one on earth your father, since you have only one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor must you allow yourselves to be called teachers, for you have only one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Anyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and anyone who humbles himself will be exalted.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: August 21, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Without loving God who is pure and unadulterated love, peace and joy how can we truly hope to love ourselves or others the way we are meant to love them. If you have not truly loved the Lord Your God then you might not fully understand what I’m talking about. Perhaps this might shed a little light….

Even though I am a cradle Catholic I did not really have a relationship with the Lord. Nor could I truly say I loved Him neither would I ever declare that He loved me. So when I would attend Mass on Sunday and folks from time to time would greet me saying, “Peace be with you brother.” I would smile nod my head but say silently under my breath, “What a bunch of fanatics! I have only one sister and so who are you calling brother?” You could say I led a rather self centred life perhaps with care only for my family. And at the time would never admit that I was quite dead inside. Always searching for love and meaning in life.

That all changed having encountered the Lord in a deep personal way! My heart bigger and fonder through Him, as He breathed new life into me. I began to see the parishioners in my Church as fellow sisters and brothers in Christ. And began to form lasting familial relationships with many of them. Such that attending the Eucharistic Celebration was truly a celebration of life together as one big joyous family.

So sisters and brothers come as you are to the Lord today and everyday. Love Him and allow Him to fill you with His love and with His grace. Then together we sing His praises with joyful hearts. Amen

First reading

Ezekiel 37:1-14
A vision of Israel’s death and resurrectionThe hand of the Lord was laid on me, and he carried me away by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley, a valley full of bones. He made me walk up and down among them. There were vast quantities of these bones on the ground the whole length of the valley; and they were quite dried up. He said to me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?’ I said, ‘You know, Lord.’ He said, ‘Prophesy over these bones. Say, “Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. The Lord says this to these bones: I am now going to make the breath enter you, and you will live. I shall put sinews on you, I shall make flesh grow on you, I shall cover you with skin and give you breath, and you will live; and you will learn that I am the Lord.”’ I prophesied as I had been ordered. While I was prophesying, there was a noise, a sound of clattering; and the bones joined together. I looked, and saw that they were covered with sinews; flesh was growing on them and skin was covering them, but there was no breath in them. He said to me, ‘Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man. Say to the breath, “The Lord says this: Come from the four winds, breath; breathe on these dead; let them live!”’ I prophesied as he had ordered me, and the breath entered them; they came to life again and stood up on their feet, a great, an immense army.
Then he said, ‘Son of man, these bones are the whole House of Israel. They keep saying, “Our bones are dried up, our hope has gone; we are as good as dead.” So prophesy. Say to them, “The Lord says this: I am now going to open your graves; I mean to raise you from your graves, my people, and lead you back to the soil of Israel. And you will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and raise you from your graves, my people. And I shall put my spirit in you, and you will live, and I shall resettle you on your own soil; and you will know that I, the Lord, have said and done this – it is the Lord who speaks.”’

Gospel

Matthew 22:34-40
The commandments of loveWhen the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees they got together and, to disconcert him, one of them put a question, ‘Master, which is the greatest commandment of the Law?’ Jesus said, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second resembles it: You must love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments hang the whole Law, and the Prophets also.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: August 20, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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You know we often tell our children, “How you behave out there reflects upon us, your parents!” “What will people say about us as a family.” Well of course we can say who cares about what people think or say if we have done nothing wrong. So then, can we be sure that we have done nothing wrong? Is it true that we really don’t care about what others think or say? Well then let’s consider adding another dimension to this thought, how we speak, what we do and how we behave reflects on our relationship with God our Heavenly Father. Whilst He will always remain truly good, others who do not yet know Him, will only see how good He is through us. So how are we sharing His goodness with others by our lives?

It does not matter which state of mind you’re in or how formed you are in your faith. Perhaps you read scripture now but have no understanding. Or you listen to the word proclaimed followed by the homilies but are easily distracted with other thoughts. Or that you have to drag yourself to attend the Eucharistic Celebration. What is important is that you come! You come because you were invited by Him who loves you most dearly. Because in choosing so, you had put on the ‘wedding garment’ and by doing, so you have been given the wonderful opportunity to attend the wedding banquet. To join in the joyful celebration of eternal bliss with the Lord our God. How much you choose to put into participating is how much grace you will receive.

Here I am! Bless and thank You Lord. I am eternally grateful. Amen

First reading

Ezekiel 36:23-28 I will remove the heart of stone from your bodies and give you a heart of fleshThe word of the Lord was addressed to me as follows: ‘I mean to display the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned among them. And the nations will learn that I am the Lord – it is the Lord who speaks – when I display my holiness for your sake before their eyes. Then I am going to take you from among the nations and gather you together from all the foreign countries, and bring you home to your own land. I shall pour clean water over you and you will be cleansed; I shall cleanse you of all your defilement and all your idols. I shall give you a new heart, and put a new spirit in you; I shall remove the heart of stone from your bodies and give you a heart of flesh instead. I shall put my spirit in you, and make you keep my laws and sincerely respect my observances. You will live in the land which I gave your ancestors. You shall be my people and I will be your God.’

Gospel

Matthew 22:1-14Invite everyone you can to the weddingJesus began to speak to the chief priests and elders of the people in parables: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a feast for his son’s wedding. He sent his servants to call those who had been invited, but they would not come. Next he sent some more servants. “Tell those who have been invited” he said “that I have my banquet all prepared, my oxen and fattened cattle have been slaughtered, everything is ready. Come to the wedding.” But they were not interested: one went off to his farm, another to his business, and the rest seized his servants, maltreated them and killed them. The king was furious. He despatched his troops, destroyed those murderers and burnt their town. Then he said to his servants, “The wedding is ready; but as those who were invited proved to be unworthy, go to the crossroads in the town and invite everyone you can find to the wedding.” So these servants went out on to the roads and collected together everyone they could find, bad and good alike; and the wedding hall was filled with guests. When the king came in to look at the guests he noticed one man who was not wearing a wedding garment, and said to him, “How did you get in here, my friend, without a wedding garment?” And the man was silent. Then the king said to the attendants, “Bind him hand and foot and throw him out into the dark, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.” For many are called, but few are chosen.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: August 19, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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We are all searching for meaning in and for our lives. The journey often begins with one of self preservation and survival. Then many responding to the call, enter into marriage and have family. Then it becomes all about their own family. Others have other callings and they respond accordingly, often with their very own priorities in mind. Prayerfully through God’s grace and our responsiveness to His gentle promptings we begin to unravel the wonderful mystery of being His children. How we have a higher calling to live not for ourselves, but for one another in full communion with Him.

Undertaking this labour of love to be in communion and to build His Kingdom is what gives us true meaning to our lives. We live therefore for Him and for one another. So whether you discover this truth now, later or in the future, the grace and love of God our Father awaits you. We all have an equal share to our Heavenly inheritance provided we want it, work at it and respond to His loving call before our time here on earth runs out. The swifter we respond to the call, the more time we live in His presence and in the joy and peace of His love.

Jesus I Labour for You and for my brethren. Amen

First reading

Ezekiel 34:1-11
An oracle against bad and selfish shepherdsThe word of the Lord was addressed to me as follows: ‘Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them:
‘“Shepherds, the Lord says this: Trouble for the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Shepherds ought to feed their flock, yet you have fed on milk, you have dressed yourselves in wool, you have sacrificed the fattest sheep, but failed to feed the flock. You have failed to make weak sheep strong, or to care for the sick ones, or bandage the wounded ones. You have failed to bring back strays or look for the lost. On the contrary, you have ruled them cruelly and violently. For lack of a shepherd they have scattered, to become the prey of any wild animal; they have scattered far. My flock is straying this way and that, on mountains and on high hills; my flock has been scattered all over the country; no one bothers about them and no one looks for them.
‘“Well then, shepherds, hear the word of the Lord. As I live, I swear it – it is the Lord who speaks – since my flock has been looted and for lack of a shepherd is now the prey of any wild animal, since my shepherds have stopped bothering about my flock, since my shepherds feed themselves rather than my flock, in view of all this, shepherds, hear the word of the Lord. The Lord says this: I am going to call the shepherds to account. I am going to take my flock back from them and I shall not allow them to feed my flock. In this way the shepherds will stop feeding themselves. I shall rescue my sheep from their mouths; they will not prey on them any more.”
‘For the Lord says this: “I am going to look after my flock myself and keep all of it in view.”’

Gospel

Matthew 20:1-16
Why be envious because I am generous?Jesus said to his disciples: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner going out at daybreak to hire workers for his vineyard. He made an agreement with the workers for one denarius a day, and sent them to his vineyard. Going out at about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the market place and said to them, “You go to my vineyard too and I will give you a fair wage.” So they went. At about the sixth hour and again at about the ninth hour, he went out and did the same. Then at about the eleventh hour he went out and found more men standing round, and he said to them, “Why have you been standing here idle all day?” “Because no one has hired us” they answered. He said to them, “You go into my vineyard too.” In the evening, the owner of the vineyard said to his bailiff, “Call the workers and pay them their wages, starting with the last arrivals and ending with the first.” So those who were hired at about the eleventh hour came forward and received one denarius each. When the first came, they expected to get more, but they too received one denarius each. They took it, but grumbled at the landowner. “The men who came last” they said “have done only one hour, and you have treated them the same as us, though we have done a heavy day’s work in all the heat.” He answered one of them and said, “My friend, I am not being unjust to you; did we not agree on one denarius? Take your earnings and go. I choose to pay the last comer as much as I pay you. Have I no right to do what I like with my own? Why be envious because I am generous?” Thus the last will be first, and the first, last.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: August 18, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Many of us want to be Kings and Queens of our own lives. Nothing bad about it really afterall we want to be in control of it. We want to be free to steer our way through, even in unchartered waters. But as it happens and more often than not; we lose control by giving in to our pride, greed, lust, our need for power and honour. Then we want to control the lives of others too! With all the baggage we carry how are we going through the narrow gate to Heaven?

We need to lay them all down and leave everything behind. For to go through the narrow gate we will only be admitted individually one at a time and only in God’s time. We are only able to do so through the mercy, grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the key to heaven! Therefore it has been said that nothing is impossible for God. Laying our lives down for one another through personal sacrifice and struggles are how we quickly lay down our own baggage and strip off from ourselves all that holds us back.

Lord Jesus let me be priest, prophet and king after Your own heart. As I carry my cross and follow You. Amen

First reading

Ezekiel 28:1-10 ·Against the arrogance of the king of TyreThe word of the Lord was addressed to me as follows, ‘Son of man, tell the ruler of Tyre, “The Lord says this:Being swollen with pride, you have said: I am a god;
I am sitting on the throne of God, surrounded by the seas.Though you are a man and not a god, you consider yourself the equal of God.You are wiser now than Danel;there is no sage as wise as you.By your wisdom and your intelligence you have amassed great wealth; you have piles of gold and silver inside your treasure-houses.Such is your skill in trading, your wealth has continued to increase, and with this your heart has grown more arrogant.And so, the Lord says this: Since you consider yourself the equal of God, very well, I am going to bring foreigners against you, the most barbarous of the nations.They will draw sword against your fine wisdom, they will defile your glory; they will throw you down into the pit and you will die a violent death surrounded by the seas.Are you still going to say: I am a god, when your murderers confront you?No, you are a man and not a god in the clutches of your murderers! You will die like the uncircumcised at the hand of foreigners.For I have spoken – it is the Lord who speaks.”’

Gospel

Matthew 19:23-30It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heavenJesus said to his disciples, ‘I tell you solemnly, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Yes, I tell you again, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.’ When the disciples heard this they were astonished. ‘Who can be saved, then?’ they said. Jesus gazed at them. ‘For men’ he told them ‘this is impossible; for God everything is possible.’Then Peter spoke. ‘What about us?’ he said to him ‘We have left everything and followed you. What are we to have, then?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I tell you solemnly, when all is made new and the Son of Man sits on his throne of glory, you will yourselves sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children or land for the sake of my name will be repaid a hundred times over, and also inherit eternal life.‘Many who are first will be last, and the last, first.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: August 17, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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What haughty lives we lead indeed! When we talk down to others thinking that it is fitting they are put in their place. When we are harsh in our words even in our actions with our children, our aging parents. When we think it is our right to lose our temper against the service provider who annoyed us in some way. When we think it is alright to indulge in our many pleasures alone for having earned the right to do so; while abandoning all thought or deed for others in our community, church, workplace especially those who are poor and helpless. For thinking we only need the Lord our God when we are in dire need.How happy will we be? When we are stripped of all our accumulated wealth? Our health, physical, mental or born? Our notion of being invincible? Or if all those we mistreated are taken home leaving us no chance to make amends?For those of us who have discovered the truth, let us always strive to always remember that we are never poor or ever in want when we are rich in the Lord our God. When our lives are enriched by His word and will for us. When all joy and peace is to be found in serving Him and our brethren who has been entrusted to us. Our decision to sell all that we own to follow Him has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life with Him. Now and forever, Amen

First reading

Ezekiel 24:15-24 ·
The Lord will profane his sanctuaryThe word of the Lord was addressed to me as follows, ‘Son of man, I am about to deprive you suddenly of the delight of your eyes. But you are not to lament, not to weep, not to let your tears run down. Groan in silence, do not go into mourning for the dead, knot your turban round your head, put your sandals on your feet, do not cover your beard, do not eat common bread.’ I told this to the people in the morning, and my wife died in the evening, and the next morning I did as I had been ordered.
The people then said to me, ‘Are you not going to explain what meaning these actions have for us?’
I replied, ‘The word of the Lord has been addressed to me as follows, “Say to the House of Israel: The Lord says this. I am about to profane my sanctuary, the pride of your strength, the delight of your eyes, the passion of your souls. Those of your sons and daughters whom you have left behind will fall by the sword. And you are to do as I have done; you must not cover your beards or eat common bread; you must keep your turbans on your heads and your sandals on your feet; you must not lament or weep. You shall waste away owing to your sins and groan among yourselves. Ezekiel is to be a sign for you. You are to do just as he has done. And when this happens, you will learn that I am the Lord.”’

Gospel

Matthew 19:16-22
If you wish to be perfect, go and sell what you ownThere was a man who came to Jesus and asked, ‘Master, what good deed must I do to possess eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you ask me about what is good? There is one alone who is good. But if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.’ He said, ‘Which?’ ‘These:’ Jesus replied ‘You must not kill. You must not commit adultery. You must not bring false witness. Honour your father and mother, and: you must love your neighbour as yourself.’ The young man said to him, ‘I have kept all these. What more do I need to do?’ Jesus said, ‘If you wish to be perfect, go and sell what you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ But when the young man heard these words he went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth.

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted: August 15, 2020 by CatholicJules in Sunday Reflections
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A Foreigner’s Faith: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings:

Isaiah 56:1, 6–7
Psalm 67:2–3, 5, 6, 8
Romans 11:13–15, 29–32
Matthew 15:21–28

Most of us are the foreigners, the non-Israelites, about whom today’s First Reading prophesies.

Coming to worship the God of Israel, we stand in the line of faith epitomized by the Canaanite woman in today’s Gospel. Calling to Jesus as Lord and Son of David, this foreigner shows her great faith in God’s covenant with Israel.
Jesus tests her faith three times. He refuses to answer her cry. Then, He tells her His mission is only to Israelites. Finally, He uses “dog,” an epithet used to disparage non-Israelites (see Matthew 7:6). Yet she persists, believing that He alone offers salvation.

In this family drama, we see fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy and the promise we sing of in today’s Psalm. In Jesus, God makes known among all the nations His way and His salvation (see John 14:6).

At the start of salvation history, God called Abraham (see Genesis 12:2). He chose his offspring, Israel, from all the nations on the face of the earth to build His covenant kingdom (see Deuteronomy 7:6–8; Isaiah 41:8).

In God’s plan, Abraham was to be the father of many nations (see Romans 4:16–17). Israel was to be the firstborn of a worldwide family of God, made up of all who believe what the Canaanite professes—that Jesus is Lord (see Exodus 4:22–23; Romans 5:13–24).

Jesus came first to restore the kingdom to Israel (see Acts 1:6; 13:46). But His ultimate mission was the reconciliation of the world, as Paul declares in today’s Epistle.

In the Mass we join all peoples in doing Him homage. As Isaiah foretold, we come to His holy mountain, the heavenly Jerusalem, to offer sacrifice at His altar (see Hebrews 12:22–24, 28). With the Canaanite, we take our place at the Master’s table to be fed as His children

On Today’s Gospel – Assumption of Our Blessed Mother

Posted: August 15, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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God so loved the world that He gave us His only Begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. There is no need to put chapter or verse for the above because if you don’t know this by hard, then you are unlikely to be living out Your Christian calling let alone Christian life. Indeed our Lord Jesus Christ was God our Father’s only Begotten Son not made, consubstantial with Him. And by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man for our salvation.

Our Blessed mother was chosen to be the new ark of the eternal covenant between God and man. And at the end of her beloved Son’s life she was given to us as a precious gift to be Mother for and of us all! All the days of her live we see the fullness of God’s grace in action, by her obedience, humility, words and actions she magnified and glorified the Lord our God. Is it not fitting then that by God’s grace she was assumed into heaven to be Queen mother; who even today continues to intercede for us.

Mother dear O Pray for us, that we may one day rejoice reunited with you in Heaven. Amen

First reading

Apocalypse 11:19,12:1-6,10 ·A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman adorned with the sunThe sanctuary of God in heaven opened and the ark of the covenant could be seen inside it. Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman, adorned with the sun, standing on the moon, and with the twelve stars on her head for a crown. She was pregnant, and in labour, crying aloud in the pangs of childbirth. Then a second sign appeared in the sky, a huge red dragon which had seven heads and ten horns, and each of the seven heads crowned with a coronet. Its tail dragged a third of the stars from the sky and dropped them to the earth, and the dragon stopped in front of the woman as she was having the child, so that he could eat it as soon as it was born from its mother. The woman brought a male child into the world, the son who was to rule all the nations with an iron sceptre, and the child was taken straight up to God and to his throne, while the woman escaped into the desert, where God had made a place of safety ready. Then I heard a voice shout from heaven, ‘Victory and power and empire for ever have been won by our God, and all authority for his Christ.’

Second reading

1 Corinthians 15:20-26 ·Christ will be brought to life as the first-fruits and then those who belong to himChrist has been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of all who have fallen asleep. Death came through one man and in the same way the resurrection of the dead has come through one man. Just as all men die in Adam, so all men will be brought to life in Christ; but all of them in their proper order: Christ as the first-fruits and then, after the coming of Christ, those who belong to him. After that will come the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, having done away with every sovereignty, authority and power. For he must be king until he has put all his enemies under his feet and the last of the enemies to be destroyed is death, for everything is to be put under his feet.

Gospel

Luke 1:39-56The Almighty has done great things for meMary set out and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah. She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, ‘Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? For the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.’ And Mary said:‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lordand my spirit exults in God my saviour;because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid.Yes, from this day forward all generations will call me blessed,for the Almighty has done great things for me.Holy is his name,and his mercy reaches from age to age for those who fear him.He has shown the power of his arm,he has routed the proud of heart.He has pulled down princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly.The hungry he has filled with good things, the rich sent empty away.He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his mercy– according to the promise he made to our ancestors –of his mercy to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back home.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: August 14, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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How faithful are we to the Lord our God? How faithful are we in our marriages where we were united as One through Him?
Have we become the unfaithful spouse in both instances?Have we been faithful to God by….?
Not neglecting to pray and making time to be in His presence daily.
By dwelling on His Word listening to His Will for us.
By following His commands to love one another as we should.
By performing corporal and spiritual acts of mercy.
By sharing His love with all who do not yet know Him.
By placing Him above all else?Have we been faithful to our spouse by…?
Leading them to greater Holiness by our faithfulness to God.
By praying together as One.
By our small daily acts of love for them.
By not entertaining any indecent thoughts of others.
By not ever speaking ill of them to others especially to our children.
By being loving and merciful first before all else.O loving, faithful, merciful Saviour, teach me Your ways that I too might be loving, faithful and merciful. Amen

First reading

Ezekiel 16:1-15,60,63
I clothed you with my own splendour but you made yourself a prostituteThe word of the Lord was addressed to me as follows, ‘Son of man, confront Jerusalem with her filthy crimes. Say, “The Lord says this: By origin and birth you belong to the land of Canaan. Your father was an Amorite and your mother a Hittite. At birth, the very day you were born, there was no one to cut your navel-string, or wash you in cleansing water, or rub you with salt, or wrap you in napkins. No one leaned kindly over you to do anything like that for you. You were exposed in the open fields; you were as unloved as that on the day you were born.
‘“I saw you struggling in your blood as I was passing, and I said to you as you lay in your blood: Live, and grow like the grass of the fields. You developed, you grew, you reached marriageable age. Your breasts and your hair both grew, but you were quite naked. Then I saw you as I was passing. Your time had come, the time for love. I spread part of my cloak over you and covered your nakedness; I bound myself by oath, I made a covenant with you – it is the Lord who speaks – and you became mine. I bathed you in water, I washed the blood off you, I anointed you with oil. I gave you embroidered dresses, fine leather shoes, a linen headband and a cloak of silk. I loaded you with jewels, gave you bracelets for your wrists and a necklace for your throat. I gave you nose-ring and earrings; I put a beautiful diadem on your head. You were loaded with gold and silver, and dressed in fine linen and embroidered silks. Your food was the finest flour, honey and oil. You grew more and more beautiful; and you rose to be queen. The fame of your beauty spread through the nations, since it was perfect, because I had clothed you with my own splendour – it is the Lord who speaks.
‘“You have become infatuated with your own beauty; you have used your fame to make yourself a prostitute; you have offered your services to all comers. But I will remember the covenant that I made with you when you were a girl, and I will conclude a covenant with you that shall last for ever. And so remember and be covered with shame, and in your confusion be reduced to silence, when I have pardoned you for all that you have done – it is the Lord who speaks.”’

Gospel

Matthew 19:3-12
Husband and wife are no longer two, but one bodySome Pharisees approached Jesus, and to test him they said, ‘Is it against the Law for a man to divorce his wife on any pretext whatever?’ He answered, ‘Have you not read that the creator from the beginning made them male and female and that he said: This is why a man must leave father and mother, and cling to his wife, and the two become one body? They are no longer two, therefore, but one body. So then, what God has united, man must not divide.’
They said to him, ‘Then why did Moses command that a writ of dismissal should be given in cases of divorce?’ ‘It was because you were so unteachable’ he said ‘that Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but it was not like this from the beginning. Now I say this to you: the man who divorces his wife – I am not speaking of fornication – and marries another, is guilty of adultery.’
The disciples said to him, ‘If that is how things are between husband and wife, it is not advisable to marry.’ But he replied, ‘It is not everyone who can accept what I have said, but only those to whom it is granted. There are eunuchs born that way from their mother’s womb, there are eunuchs made so by men and there are eunuchs who have made themselves that way for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: August 13, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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You cannot be a follower of Christ if you have unforgiveness in your heart. In other words you are not Christian if you cannot forgive. For our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ suffered atrocities for us and yet forgave us our sins, from the cross in which He hung; how can we not forgive others for any less? For the Lord our God is mercy and love. Jesus tells us, “Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matt 9:13 And in teaching us to pray He began with Our Father….all prayer therefore acknowledges our need for forgiveness as well as our need to forgive. If we refuse to forgive then in essence, we exile ourselves from fullness of life to be found in Him alone.

Two very important things for us to note is, one there is no hurt or sin too great against us that we cannot forgive through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. And so we should turn to Him for inner healing. By and through His love, mercy and grace, we will be able to forgive anyone anything. Second that we are not called to doormats, that is we do not allow ourselves to be continually abused verbally or physically. We may forgive the wrong doing against us but are free to move away to live our call to Holiness. We are free to move far away from those who hinder us from doing so.

Jesus make me as forgiving as You are. Amen

First reading

Ezekiel 12:1-12 ·
The oracle of exile against the whole House of IsraelThe word of the Lord was addressed to me as follows, ‘Son of man, you are living with that set of rebels who have eyes and never see, ears and never hear, for they are a set of rebels. You, son of man, pack an exile’s bundle and emigrate by daylight when they can see you, emigrate from where you are to somewhere else while they watch. Perhaps they will admit then that they are a set of rebels. You will pack your baggage like an exile’s bundle, by daylight, for them to see, and leave like an exile in the evening, making sure that they are looking. As they watch, make a hole in the wall, and go out through it. As they watch, you will shoulder your pack and go out into the dark; you will cover your face so that you cannot see the country, since I have made you a symbol for the House of Israel.’
I did as I had been told. I packed my baggage like an exile’s bundle, by daylight; and in the evening I made a hole through the wall with my hand. I went out into the dark and shouldered my pack as they watched.
The next morning the word of the Lord was addressed to me as follows, ‘Son of man, did not the House of Israel, did not that set of rebels, ask you what you were doing? Say, “The Lord says this: This oracle is directed against Jerusalem and the whole House of Israel wherever they are living.” Say, “I am a symbol for you; the thing I have done will be done to them; they will go into exile, into banishment.” Their ruler will shoulder his pack in the dark and go out through the wall; a hole will be made to let him out; he will cover his face rather than see the country.’

Gospel

Matthew 18:21-19:1
‘How often must I forgive my brother?’Peter went up to Jesus and said, ‘Lord, how often must I forgive my brother if he wrongs me? As often as seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘Not seven, I tell you, but seventy-seven times.
‘And so the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who decided to settle his accounts with his servants. When the reckoning began, they brought him a man who owed ten thousand talents; but he had no means of paying, so his master gave orders that he should be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, to meet the debt. At this, the servant threw himself down at his master’s feet. “Give me time” he said “and I will pay the whole sum.” And the servant’s master felt so sorry for him that he let him go and cancelled the debt. Now as this servant went out, he happened to meet a fellow servant who owed him one hundred denarii; and he seized him by the throat and began to throttle him. “Pay what you owe me” he said. His fellow servant fell at his feet and implored him, saying, “Give me time and I will pay you.” But the other would not agree; on the contrary, he had him thrown into prison till he should pay the debt. His fellow servants were deeply distressed when they saw what had happened, and they went to their master and reported the whole affair to him. Then the master sent for him. “You wicked servant,” he said “I cancelled all that debt of yours when you appealed to me. Were you not bound, then, to have pity on your fellow servant just as I had pity on you?” And in his anger the master handed him over to the torturers till he should pay all his debt. And that is how my heavenly Father will deal with you unless you each forgive your brother from your heart.’
Jesus had now finished what he wanted to say, and he left Galilee and came into the part of Judaea which is on the far side of the Jordan.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: August 12, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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How great is the love of God our Father for us that by our baptism we have upon us an indelible mark of sonship and daughterhood. That is why St Paul with great conviction proclaimed that nothing can separate us from that love of God. Only we can choose to be separated from Him, by our free Will and in the choices we make.

If we choose to live as His child, then we must also recognise that of one another too. Would our Heavenly Father want us then to be bickering, quarreling and being resentful of one another. Or would He want us to be fully reconciled and in full communion with Him. To be One as the Holy Trinity is One?

Let us strive for unity as we pray as One for unity and peace….
Our Father..
Hail Mary..
Glory Be..
Amen

First reading

Ezekiel 9:1-7,10:18-22The cross marks the foreheads of all who are pureAs I, Ezekiel, listened, God shouted, ‘Come here, you scourges of the city, and bring your weapons of destruction.’ Immediately six men advanced from the upper north gate, each holding a deadly weapon. In the middle of them was a man in white, with a scribe’s ink horn in his belt. They came in and halted in front of the bronze altar. The glory of the God of Israel rose off the cherubs where it had been and went up to the threshold of the Temple. He called the man in white with a scribe’s ink horn in his belt and said, ‘Go all through the city, all through Jerusalem, and mark a cross on the foreheads of all who deplore and disapprove of all the filth practised in it.’ I heard him say to the others, ‘Follow him through the city, and strike. Show neither pity nor mercy; old men, young men, virgins, children, women, kill and exterminate them all. But do not touch anyone with a cross on his forehead. Begin at my sanctuary.’ So they began with the old men in front of the Temple. He said to them, ‘Defile the Temple; fill the courts with corpses, and go.’ They went out and hacked their way through the city. The glory of the Lord came out from the Temple threshold and paused over the cherubs. The cherubs spread their wings and rose from the ground to leave, and as I watched the wheels rose with them. They paused at the entrance to the east gate of the Temple of the Lord, and the glory of the God of Israel hovered over them. This was the creature that I had seen supporting the God of Israel beside the river Chebar, and I was now certain that these were cherubs. Each had four faces and four wings and what seemed to be human hands under their wings. Their faces were just as I had seen them beside the river Chebar. Each moved straight forward.

Gospel

Matthew 18:15-20If your brother listens to you, you have won back your brotherJesus said to his disciples: ‘If your brother does something wrong, go and have it out with him alone, between your two selves. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you: the evidence of two or three witnesses is required to sustain any charge. But if he refuses to listen to these, report it to the community; and if he refuses to listen to the community, treat him like a pagan or a tax collector. ‘I tell you solemnly, whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven. ‘I tell you solemnly once again, if two of you on earth agree to ask anything at all, it will be granted to you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three meet in my name, I shall be there with them.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: August 11, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Are we behaving as we should as children of God our Heavenly Father? Do we then look upon one another as fellow sisters and brothers in Christ with one goal of leading one another closer to His kingdom? Are we obedient to God our Father’s Will and Word for us? Does the Word of God roll off us like water on a duck’s back? Or do we receive it voraciously like hungry lions deep within us knowing that nothing else will satisfy?The Word made flesh, our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ came so that through Him we might be saved. Through Him we have full communion with Him and one another. We become One body in Him. This reality is made present each time we receive Holy Eucharist. Are our hearts and minds open and therefore embracing this reality? If so then will we place ourselves above one another or will we get down on our knees to be of service to one another through Him who loves us dearly, now and forever. AmenSt Clare pray for us….

First reading

Ezekiel 2:8-3:4 ·
He gave me the scroll to eat and it was as sweet as honeyI, Ezekiel, heard a voice speaking. It said, ‘You, son of man, listen to the words I say; do not be a rebel like that rebellious set. Open your mouth and eat what I am about to give you.’ I looked. A hand was there, stretching out to me and holding a scroll. He unrolled it in front of me; it was written on back and front; on it was written ‘lamentations, wailings, moanings.’ He said, ‘Son of man, eat what is given to you; eat this scroll, then go and speak to the House of Israel.’ I opened my mouth; he gave me the scroll to eat and said, ‘Son of man, feed and be satisfied by the scroll I am giving you.’ I ate it, and it tasted sweet as honey.
Then he said, ‘Son of man, go to the House of Israel and tell them what I have said.’

Gospel

Matthew 18:1-5,10,12-14
Anyone who welcomes a little child in my name welcomes meThe disciples came to Jesus and said, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ So he called a little child to him and set the child in front of them. Then he said, ‘I tell you solemnly, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. And so, the one who makes himself as little as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
‘Anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.
‘See that you never despise any of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven are continually in the presence of my Father in heaven.
‘Tell me. Suppose a man has a hundred sheep and one of them strays; will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go in search of the stray? I tell you solemnly, if he finds it, it gives him more joy than do the ninety-nine that did not stray at all. Similarly, it is never the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: August 10, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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What makes a cheerful giver? How did the Saints serve with joy in their hearts, some to the very end by laying down their lives for their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ?

This is only possible when we come to the awareness of just how truly loved with are by God our Heavenly Father. And through His Son our Saviour, our hearts become bigger; as we are filled more and more with His love, with His grace. This happens through our ever deepening relationship with Him, we are transformed becoming more and more like Him. We begin to understand how by dying to ourselves and living for others we unite ourselves more fully to His Cross. We can unite our sufferings with His and through Him we will be raised to new life. Such then our joy! Amen

St Lawrence pray for us….

First reading

2 Corinthians 9:6-10 ·God loves a cheerful giverDo not forget: thin sowing means thin reaping; the more you sow, the more you reap. Each one should give what he has decided in his own mind, not grudgingly or because he is made to, for God loves a cheerful giver. And there is no limit to the blessings which God can send you – he will make sure that you will always have all you need for yourselves in every possible circumstance, and still have something to spare for all sorts of good works. As scripture says: He was free in almsgiving, and gave to the poor: his good deeds will never be forgotten. The one who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide you with all the seed you want and make the harvest of your good deeds a larger one.

Gospel

John 12:24-26If a grain of wheat falls on the ground and dies, it yields a rich harvestJesus said to his disciples:‘I tell you, most solemnly,unless a wheat grain falls on the ground and dies, it remains only a single grain; but if it dies, it yields a rich harvest.Anyone who loves his life loses it; anyone who hates his life in this world will keep it for the eternal life.If a man serves me, he must follow me, wherever I am, my servant will be there too.If anyone serves me, my Father will honour him.’

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted: August 8, 2020 by CatholicJules in Sunday Reflections
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Sinking Fear: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings:

1 Kings 19:9, 11–13
Psalm 85:9–14
Romans 9:1–5
Matthew 14:22–33

How do we find God in the storms and struggles of our lives, in the trials we encounter in trying to do His will?

God commands Elijah in today’s First Reading to stand on the mountain and await His passing by. And in the Gospel, Jesus makes the disciples set out across the waters to meet Him.

In each case, the Lord makes himself present amid frightening tumult—heavy winds and high waves, fire and earthquakes.

Elijah hides his face. Perhaps he remembers Moses, who met God on the same mountain, also amid fire, thunder, and smoke (see Deuteronomy 4:10–15; Exodus 19:17–19). God told Moses no one could see His face and live, and He sheltered Moses in the hollow of a rock, as He shelters Elijah in a cave (see Exodus 33:18–23).

The disciples, likewise, are too terrified to look on the face of God. Today’s Gospel is a revelation of Jesus’ divine identity. Only God treads across the crest of the sea (see Job 9:8) and rules the raging waters (see Psalm 89:9–10). And the words of assurance that Jesus speaks—“It is I”—are those God used to identify himself to Moses (see Exodus 3:14; Isaiah 43:10).
Even Peter is too overcome by fear to imitate his Lord. His fears, Jesus tells him, are a sign of his lack of faith. And so it often is with us. Our fears make us doubt, make it hard to see His glory dwelling in our midst.

Yet, we should know, as we sing in today’s Psalm, that His salvation is near to those who hope in Him. By faith we should know, as Paul asserts in today’s Epistle, that we are heirs to the promises made to His children, Israel.

We must trust that He whispers to us in the trials of our lives—that He who has called us to walk along the way of His steps. He will save us whenever we begin to sink.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: August 8, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Every and anybody can claim they have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, but how many truly knows what it means to have faith in Him? A Faith that stems from a loving intimate relationship with Him built on a foundation of love and trust. So why then did our Lord say that that if your faith were the size of a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it would move; nothing would be impossible for you.’?

Well as I reflected on this today my heart was moved to ask this simple question? What is the purpose of a seed? Is it not to grow outside of itself? Is it not to propagate, to enrich? How then can a seed grow if it hides itself in a drawer? Or any other place other than in the rich soil it is meant to flourish in? And does it not flourish only when it dies unto itself? Then I heard the Lord call me His precious seed! Only then I awoke to realise that come what may, whether it be trials or tribulations, I shall always trust in my faithful Lord, for even when I die and I hope to die with in Him; I shall rise to new life with Him. For He has promised that an upright man will live by his faithfulness.’

St Dominic pray for us. Amen

First reading

Habakkuk 1:12-2:4 ·If the vision comes slowly, wait: it will come without failAre not you, from ancient times the Lord,my God, my Holy One, who never dies? O Lord, you have made this people an instrument of justice, set it firm as a rock in order to punish.Your eyes are too pure to rest on wickedness, you cannot look on at tyranny. Why do you look on while men are treacherous, and stay silent while the evil man swallows a better man than he?You treat mankind like fishes in the sea, like creeping, masterless things.A people, these, who catch all on their hook,who draw them with their net, in their dragnet gather them, and so, triumphantly, rejoice.At this, they offer a sacrifice to their net,and burn incense to their dragnet, for providing them with luxury and lavish food.Are they then to empty their net unceasingly, slaughtering nations without pity?I will stand on my watchtower, and take up my post on my battlements, watching to see what he will say to me, what answer he will make to my complaints.Then the Lord answered and said, ‘Write the vision down, inscribe it on tablets to be easily read, since this vision is for its own time only: eager for its own fulfilment, it does not deceive; if it comes slowly, wait, for come it will, without fail.‘See how he flags, he whose soul is not at rights, but the upright man will live by his faithfulness.’

Gospel

Matthew 17:14-20If your faith were the size of a mustard seed, the mountain would moveA man came up to Jesus and went down on his knees before him. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘take pity on my son: he is a lunatic and in a wretched state; he is always falling into the fire or into the water. I took him to your disciples and they were unable to cure him.’ ‘Faithless and perverse generation!’ Jesus said in reply ‘How much longer must I be with you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him here to me.’ And when Jesus rebuked it the devil came out of the boy who was cured from that moment. Then the disciples came privately to Jesus. ‘Why were we unable to cast it out?’ they asked. He answered, ‘Because you have little faith. I tell you solemnly, if your faith were the size of a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it would move; nothing would be impossible for you.’GospelMatthew 17:14-20If your faith were the size of a mustard seed, the mountain would moveA man came up to Jesus and went down on his knees before him. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘take pity on my son: he is a lunatic and in a wretched state; he is always falling into the fire or into the water. I took him to your disciples and they were unable to cure him.’ ‘Faithless and perverse generation!’ Jesus said in reply ‘How much longer must I be with you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him here to me.’ And when Jesus rebuked it the devil came out of the boy who was cured from that moment. Then the disciples came privately to Jesus. ‘Why were we unable to cast it out?’ they asked. He answered, ‘Because you have little faith. I tell you solemnly, if your faith were the size of a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it would move; nothing would be impossible for you.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: August 7, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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How have I taken up my Cross to follow Jesus? What have I given up for His namesake? How am I living His Kingdom values? How am I living out my call to discipleship? How many people have I shown love and mercy to today? This week? This month? Without taking the time to dwell on this questions we will remain when we are, not drawing any closer to Him who loves us dearly.

I choose to follow You Jesus….Lead me. Amen

First reading

Nahum 2:1,3,3:1-3,6-7Israel restored; Nineveh ruinedSee, over the mountains the messenger hurries!‘Peace!’ he proclaims. Judah, celebrate your feasts, carry out your vows, for Belial will never pass through you again; he is utterly annihilated.Yes, the Lord is restoring the vineyard of Jacob and the vineyard of Israel.For the plunderers had plundered them, they had broken off their branches.Woe to the city soaked in blood, full of lies,stuffed with booty, whose plunderings know no end!The crack of the whip! The rumble of wheels! Galloping horse, jolting chariot, charging cavalry, flash of swords, gleam of spears… a mass of wounded, hosts of dead, countless corpses; they stumble over the dead.I am going to pelt, you with filth, shame you, make you a public show.And all who look on you will turn their backs on you and say, ‘Nineveh is a ruin.’ Could anyone pity her? Where can I find anyone to comfort her?

Gospel

Matthew 16:24-28Anyone who loses his life for my sake will find itJesus said to his disciples: ‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it. What, then, will a man gain if he wins the whole world and ruins his life? Or what has a man to offer in exchange for his life? ‘For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and, when he does, he will reward each one according to his behaviour. I tell you solemnly, there are some of these standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming with his kingdom.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: August 6, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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What joy it is today on the feast day of the transfiguration to be reminded that we are an alleluia people living in the light of our Resurrected Lord and saviour Jesus Christ! For without His resurrection we have no faith! Christianity would not exist!

Have we then be transfigured ourselves by living in His presence through prayer and dwelling On his Word? Does His light shine upon our faces having dwelled in His love, and have we then gone forth to minister to others? Sharing His peace, love with joy in our hearts?

After our Lord’s transfiguration, He would soon face trials and tribulations which would ultimately end with His death on the cross. On the Third day He rose from the dead and through the power of His Resurrection we have hope of eternal life with Him. So while we have a foretaste of heaven by living in the light of His Resurrection now, we too can expect to face our very own trials and tribulations. Yet we carry with us, the joyful hope of rising to new life with Him when we die. Amen

First reading

Daniel 7:9-10,13-14 ·
His robe was white as snowAs I watched:Thrones were set in place and one of great age took his seat.
His robe was white as snow, the hair of his head as pure as wool.
His throne was a blaze of flames, its wheels were a burning fire.
A stream of fire poured out, issuing from his presence.
A thousand thousand waited on him, ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.
A court was held and the books were opened.I gazed into the visions of the night.And I saw, coming on the clouds of heaven,
one like a son of man.
He came to the one of great age and was led into his presence.
On him was conferred sovereignty,
glory and kingship, and men of all peoples, nations and languages became his servants.
His sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty
which shall never pass away, nor will his empire ever be destroyed.

Gospel

Matthew 17:1-9
His face shone like the sunJesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone. There in their presence he was transfigured: his face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them; they were talking with him. Then Peter spoke to Jesus. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘it is wonderful for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ He was still speaking when suddenly a bright cloud covered them with shadow, and from the cloud there came a voice which said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.’ When they heard this the disciples fell on their faces overcome with fear. But Jesus came up and touched them. ‘Stand up,’ he said ‘do not be afraid.’ And when they raised their eyes they saw no one but only Jesus.
As they came down from the mountain Jesus gave them this order, ‘Tell no one about the vision until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: August 5, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Is my faith one in which I feel I am entitled? That is to say the Lord my God must answer my prayers and preferably the manner in which I prayed for it to happen. Or is my faith one of humble reverence for love of my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. And is one that knows His will for me is always best. Hence I must persevere and wait patiently on Him, for in His time He will surely give answer even if the answer is no. Even trials and challenges that come my way can be Blessings in disguise for me.

God our Father loves us all His children dearly, it does not matter which flock one belongs to inside or out. For that is why He sent His only Begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ, so that all might be gathered unto Him. Amen

Jesus I trust in You!

First reading

Jeremiah 31:1-7 ·

You shall be rebuilt, virgin of IsraelI will be the God of all the clans of Israel – it is the Lord who speaks – they shall be my people.The Lord says this:They have found pardon in the wilderness,
those who have survived the sword.
Israel is marching to his rest.The Lord has appeared to him from afar:I have loved you with an everlasting love,
so I am constant in my affection for you.
I build you once more; you shall be rebuilt,
virgin of Israel.Adorned once more, and with your tambourines, you will go out dancing gaily.You will plant vineyards once moreon the mountains of Samaria the planters have done their planting: they will gather the fruit.Yes, a day will come when the watchmen shout on the mountains of Ephraim,‘Up! Let us go up to Zion, to the Lord our God!’
For the Lord says this:
Shout with joy for Jacob!
Hail the chief of nations!
Proclaim! Praise! Shout:
‘The Lord has saved his people,
the remnant of Israel!’

Gospel

Matthew 15:21-28

The Canaanite woman debates with Jesus and saves her daughterJesus left Gennesaret and withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. Then out came a Canaanite woman from that district and started shouting, ‘Sir, Son of David, take pity on me. My daughter is tormented by a devil.’ But he answered her not a word. And his disciples went and pleaded with him. ‘Give her what she wants,’ they said ‘because she is shouting after us.’ He said in reply, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the House of Israel.’ But the woman had come up and was kneeling at his feet. ‘Lord,’ she said ‘help me.’ He replied, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the house-dogs.’ She retorted, ‘Ah yes, sir; but even house-dogs can eat the scraps that fall from their master’s table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, you have great faith. Let your wish be granted.’ And from that moment her daughter was well again.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: August 4, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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We have disciplines and rules that we must follow for without them we find ourselves facing unrest even chaos. Why then do many of us react badly when they are enforced? Egs. Implementation of Co-vid 19 safety measures or that registration process and procedures are required to attend Mass or to receive the sacraments. Why do we feel and react as though our ‘rights’ or our freedom has been infringed upon? Do we have our Lord in mind before we speak and act? Do we behave as children of God our Father consistently whether it is at our workplace, school or in church?

If we are the ones helping to implement or even enforce them, do we also have the Lord in mind before we act and speak? Do we have the mercy and love of our Lord in mind above all? Can exceptions and allowances be for special cases?

The real question therefore is, are we true followers and disciples of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ? Is the love of God our Father planted in our hearts?

Jesus my Lord, my God, lead me now and forever. Amen

St John Vianney pray for us…

First reading

Jeremiah 30:1-2,12-15,18-22Your wound is incurable but I will heal youThe word addressed to Jeremiah by the Lord: the Lord, the God of Israel says this: Write all the words I have spoken to you in a book.Yes, the Lord says this:Your wound is incurable, your injury past healing.There is no one to care for your sore, no medicine to make you well again.All your lovers have forgotten you, they look for you no more.Yes, I have struck you as an enemy strikes,with harsh punishment so great is your guilt, so many your sins.Why bother to complain about your wound? Your pain is incurable.So great is your guilt, so many your sins, that I have done all this to you.The Lord says this:Now I will restore the tents of Jacob, and take pity on his dwellings: the city shall be rebuilt on its ruins, the citadel restored on its site.From them will come thanksgivingand shouts of joy.I will make them increase, and not diminish them, make them honoured, and not disdained.Their sons shall be as once they were, their community fixed firm in my presence, and I will punish all their oppressors.Their prince will be one of their own, their ruler come from their own people.I will let him come freely into my presenceand he can come close to me; who else, indeed, would risk his life by coming close to me? – it is the Lord who speaks.And you shall be my people and I will be your God.

Gospel

Matthew 15:1-2,10-14Any plant my Father has not planted will be pulled up by the rootsPharisees and scribes from Jerusalem came to Jesus and said, ‘Why do your disciples break away from the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands when they eat food.’ He called the people to him and said, ‘Listen, and understand. What goes into the mouth does not make a man unclean; it is what comes out of the mouth that makes him unclean.’ Then the disciples came to him and said, ‘Do you know that the Pharisees were shocked when they heard what you said?’ He replied, ‘Any plant my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. Leave them alone. They are blind men leading blind men; and if one blind man leads another, both will fall into a pit.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: August 3, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Am I not a false prophet? When I preach mercy and love of God, but am far from merciful and loving in my dealings with others? When I assure others that the Lord God will understand if there are good and valid reasons to go for an abortion, in vitro fertilisation, for unmarried couples to engage in premarital sex, for our young teens to cohabit and experiment. Assisted suicide is OK for terminally ill patients. Single sex marriages is allowed under special circumstances. or when I quote scripture and use my influence over others for a personal agenda or for personal glory.Yes indeed it can be quite challenging and trying at times, when we are caught in having to choose between the ways of the world and the ways of the Lord our God. However we must remain steadfast in our faith and trust in our Lord Jesus Christ especially in stormy, turbulent times. He will find a way for us! Even if it is not the way we expect or want, but a way which is best for us. He will even make what is impossible for us, possible! For He is truly the Lord of Lords, King of Kings, He is our Lord and God.Jesus I trust in You. Amen

First reading

Jeremiah 28:1-17Jeremiah and the lying prophet HananiahAt the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah in the fifth month of the fourth year, the prophet Hananiah son of Azzur, a Gibeonite, spoke as follows to Jeremiah in the Temple of the Lord in the presence of the priests and of all the people. ‘The Lord, the God of Israel, says this, “I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon. In two years’ time I will bring back all the vessels of the Temple of the Lord which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon carried off from this place and took to Babylon. And I will also bring back Jeconiah son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and all the exiles of Judah who have gone to Babylon – it is the Lord who speaks. Yes, I am going to break the yoke of the king of Babylon.”’ The prophet Jeremiah then replied to the prophet Hananiah in front of the priests and all the people there in the Temple of the Lord. ‘I hope so’ the prophet Jeremiah said. ‘May the Lord do so. May he fulfil the words that you have prophesied and bring the vessels of the Temple of the Lord and all the exiles back to this place from Babylon. Listen carefully, however, to this word that I am now going to say for you and all the people to hear: From remote times, the prophets who preceded you and me prophesied war, famine and plague for many countries and for great kingdoms; but the prophet who prophesies peace can only be recognised as one truly sent by the Lord when his word comes true.’ The prophet Hananiah then took the yoke off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah and broke it. In front of all the people Hananiah then said, ‘The Lord says this, “This is how, two years hence, I will break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and take it off the necks of all the nations.”’ At this, the prophet Jeremiah went away. After the prophet Hananiah had broken the yoke which he had taken off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah the word of the Lord was addressed to Jeremiah, ‘Go to Hananiah and tell him this, “The Lord says this: You can break wooden yokes? Right, I will make them iron yokes instead! For the Lord Sabaoth, the God of Israel, says this: An iron yoke is what I now lay on the necks of all these nations to subject them to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. They will be subject to him; I have even given him the wild animals.”’ The prophet Jeremiah said to the prophet Hananiah, ‘Listen carefully, Hananiah: the Lord has not sent you; and thanks to you this people are now relying on what is false. Hence – the Lord says this, “I am going to throw you off the face of the earth: you are going to die this year since you have preached apostasy from the Lord.”’ The prophet Hananiah died the same year, in the seventh month.

Gospel

Matthew 14:22-36Jesus walks on the waterJesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he would send the crowds away. After sending the crowds away he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, while the boat, by now far out on the lake, was battling with a heavy sea, for there was a head-wind. In the fourth watch of the night he went towards them, walking on the lake, and when the disciples saw him walking on the lake they were terrified. ‘It is a ghost’ they said, and cried out in fear. But at once Jesus called out to them, saying, ‘Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.’ It was Peter who answered. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘if it is you, tell me to come to you across the water.’ ‘Come’ said Jesus. Then Peter got out of the boat and started walking towards Jesus across the water, but as soon as he felt the force of the wind, he took fright and began to sink. ‘Lord! Save me!’ he cried. Jesus put out his hand at once and held him. ‘Man of little faith,’ he said ‘why did you doubt?’ And as they got into the boat the wind dropped. The men in the boat bowed down before him and said, ‘Truly, you are the Son of God.’ Having made the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the local people recognised him they spread the news through the whole neighbourhood and took all that were sick to him, begging him just to let them touch the fringe of his cloak. And all those who touched it were completely cured.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: August 1, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Are we not guilty of innocent blood? When we relay unsubstantiated ‘truths’ about others through gossip or even in passing. When we are unfaithful to family, friends even acquaintances by speaking against them when they are absent. When we pass judgement on others without proper discernment, prayer and seeking the will of God in that given situation.

We can only be free of innocent blood when we walk in the light of the Lord. When in all that we say and do, we strive to glorify Him. Let us then be Holy as He is Holy, let us be docile to the promptings of the Holy Spirit who has been sent to guide us. Let us speak the truth of the Lord always. Amen

First reading

Jeremiah 26:11-16,24‘This man has spoken to us in the name of the Lord’The priests and prophets addressed the officials and all the people, ‘This man deserves to die, since he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears.’ Jeremiah, however, replied to the as follows: ‘The Lord himself sent me to say all the things you have heard against this Temple and this city. So now amend your behaviour and actions, listen to the voice of the Lord your God: if you do, he will relent and not bring down on you the disaster he has pronounced against you. For myself, I am as you see in your hands. Do whatever you please or think right with me. But be sure of this, that if you put me to death, you will be bringing innocent blood on yourselves, on this city and on its citizens, since the Lord has truly sent me to you to say all these words in your hearing.’ The officials and all the people then said to the priests and prophets, ‘This man does not deserve to die: he has spoken to us in the name of the Lord our God.’ Jeremiah had a protector in Ahikam son of Shaphan, so he was not handed over to the people to be put to death.

Gospel

Matthew 14:1-12The beheading of John the BaptistHerod the tetrarch heard about the reputation of Jesus, and said to his court, ‘This is John the Baptist himself; he has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.’ Now it was Herod who had arrested John, chained him up and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. For John had told him, ‘It is against the Law for you to have her.’ He had wanted to kill him but was afraid of the people, who regarded John as a prophet. Then, during the celebrations for Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and so delighted Herod that he promised on oath to give her anything she asked. Prompted by her mother she said, ‘Give me John the Baptist’s head, here, on a dish.’ The king was distressed but, thinking of the oaths he had sworn and of his guests, he ordered it to be given her, and sent and had John beheaded in the prison. The head was brought in on a dish and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. John’s disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went off to tell Jesus.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: July 31, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Today as I ponder His Word the message is not about the difficulty or challenge of being a prophet. Neither is it about Evangelisation or even the stubbornness, hard heartedness; nor about our refusal to listen to the call for repentance.

It is about our lack of faith or rather that we have made little or no progress in growing in our faith and love of our Lord Jesus Christ. On His part our loving and merciful Lord desires to do wonders in our lives. He wants to pour out His grace upon us such that we live the fullest of our lives in Him. But how can He do so? When He knocks on our door we do not open our hearts fully to receive Him? When we refuse to increase our prayer life or to dwell longer in His Word and in His presence. When we do not strive for Holiness but give in to our impatience and haughtiness in thinking we know better?

Jesus I open my heart and mind to You. Come dwell in me. Amen

St Ignatius of Loyola pray for us…

First reading

Jeremiah 26:1-9 ·Jeremiah preaches in the Temple of the Lord and is threatened with deathAt the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word was addressed to Jeremiah by the Lord, ‘The Lord says this: Stand in the court of the Temple of the Lord. To all the people of the towns of Judah who come to worship in the Temple of the Lord you must speak all the words I have commanded you to tell them; do not omit one syllable. Perhaps they will listen and each turn from his evil way: if so, I shall relent and not bring the disaster on them which I intended for their misdeeds. Say to them, “The Lord says this: If you will not listen to me by following my Law which I put before you, by paying attention to the words of my servants the prophets whom I send so persistently to you, without your ever listening to them, I will treat this Temple as I treated Shiloh, and make this city a curse for all the nations of the earth.”’ The priests and prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah say these words in the Temple of the Lord. When Jeremiah had finished saying everything that the Lord had ordered him to say to all the people, the priests and prophets seized hold of him and said, ‘You shall die! Why have you made this prophecy in the name of the Lord, “This Temple will be like Shiloh, and this city will be desolate, and uninhabited”?’ And the people were all crowding round Jeremiah in the Temple of the Lord.

Gospel

Matthew 13:54-58A prophet is only despised in his own countryComing to his home town, Jesus taught the people in their synagogue in such a way that they were astonished and said, ‘Where did the man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? This is the carpenter’s son, surely? Is not his mother the woman called Mary, and his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Jude? His sisters, too, are they not all here with us? So where did the man get it all?’ And they would not accept him. But Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is only despised in his own country and in his own house’, and he did not work many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: July 30, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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The Old Testament reveals the new and the New testament unveils the Old. Both are the living Word of God for us. A love letter from the Lord our God that is ever green as it is perennial!

A disciple holds both close to His heart just as He remembers and contemplates the love of God in his/her past present and future.We are uniquely and individually loved just as we were uniquely and individually molded, sculptured. The lessons, trials and challenges we face in His name is the burning furnace of His love which purifies, strengthens; and that which gives us our stature.

Thank you Lord for loving me. Mould me according to Your Will that I might have eternal life with You. Amen

First reading

Jeremiah 18:1-6When the clay goes wrong, the potter starts afreshThe word that was addressed to Jeremiah by the Lord, ‘Get up and make your way down to the potter’s house; there I shall let you hear what I have to say.’ So I went down to the potter’s house; and there he was, working at the wheel. And whenever the vessel he was making came out wrong, as happens with the clay handled by potters, he would start afresh and work it into another vessel, as potters do. Then this word of the Lord was addressed to me, ‘House of Israel, can not I do to you what this potter does? – it is the Lord who speaks. Yes, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so you are in mine, House of Israel.’

Gospel

Matthew 13:47-53The fishermen collect the good fish and throw away those that are no useJesus said to the crowds: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea that brings in a haul of all kinds. When it is full, the fishermen haul it ashore; then, sitting down, they collect the good ones in a basket and throw away those that are no use. This is how it will be at the end of time: the angels will appear and separate the wicked from the just to throw them into the blazing furnace where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth. ‘Have you understood all this?’ They said, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Well then, every scribe who becomes a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out from his storeroom things both new and old.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: July 29, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Living a Christian life and being true to our faith is a constant struggle. We can frown upon how much easier it is for us if we were not Catholic let alone Christian! No need to stress over being called to a higher standard or in another word higher calling. No need for uncomfortable conversations with non believers about our faith. We only need to abide but the laws of the land and be ‘free’ to live according to our whims and fancies.

If we possess such thoughts then it only means one thing. We have not encountered our Risen Lord! We do not have a deep personal relationship with Him such that our hearts pines for His presence. In trusting and knowing with certainty that He stands with us in every struggle and difficulty we may face. Our heart aches if we do not speak about Him with family, friends even strangers for love of Him; far more than any rejection we might receive from doing so. We strive for Holiness because we have received the grace of His peace, love and joy in our hearts and we want to be more like Him in every way. Let us acclaim with wholehearted conviction as Martha did, ‘I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who was to come into this world.’ Amen, alleluia!

St Martha pray for us…

First reading

Jeremiah 15:10,16-21 ·
They will not overcome you, because I am with you‘Woe is me, my mother, for you have borne me to be a man of strife and of dissension for all the land. I neither lend nor borrow,
yet all of them curse me.‘When your words came, I devoured them:
your word was my delight and the joy of my heart; for I was called by your name,
Lord, God of Hosts.
I never took pleasure in sitting in scoffers’ company; with your hand on me I held myself aloof, since you had filled me with indignation.
Why is my suffering continual, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Do you mean to be for me a deceptive stream
with inconstant waters?’To which the Lord replied, ‘If you come back, I will take you back into my service;
and if you utter noble, not despicable, thoughts, you shall be as my own mouth.
They will come back to you, but you must not go back to them. I will make you a bronze wall fortified against this people.
They will fight against you but they will not overcome you, because I am with you
to save you and to deliver you – it is the Lord who speaks.
I mean to deliver you from the hands of the wicked and redeem you from the clutches of the violent.’

Gospel

John 11:19-27
I am the resurrection and the lifeMany Jews had come to Martha and Mary to sympathise with them over their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus had come she went to meet him. Mary remained sitting in the house. Martha said to Jesus, ‘If you had been here, my brother would not have died, but I know that, even now, whatever you ask of God, he will grant you.’ ‘Your brother’ said Jesus to her ‘will rise again.’ Martha said, ‘I know he will rise again at the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said:‘I am the resurrection and the life.
If anyone believes in me, even though he dies he will live, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’‘Yes, Lord,’ she said ‘I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who was to come into this world.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: July 28, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Yes indeed the Lord our God is merciful, loving, patient and kind. He is the purest form of love. In His great love for us, He has given us His children free will to choose whether or not to love Him and live in His love. When we choose to stray from Him, He gently urges us to come back to Him, for left to our devices the consequences of our actions will only lead us to certain death. There is however a time limit!

Think of it this way…….. When there is a lightning storm outside, the Lord urges to stay inside with Him where it is safe and warm. When it is bright and sunny, we can go outside and bask in His love for in our faithfulness and obedience He walks with us. However if we choose to play outside in the lightning storm and refuse to heed His warnings to turn back to Him, then we will have to face the consequences of our choice which could ultimately lead to an untimely demise. Our decision and consequence thereafter will be final.

Jesus I choose life with You, now and forever. Amen

First reading

Jeremiah 14:17-22
We confess our wickedness; you, God, are our hopeThe Lord said to me:Say this word to the people:
‘Tears flood my eyes night and day, unceasingly, since a crushing blow falls on the daughter of my people, a most grievous injury.
If I go into the countryside, there lie men killed by the sword; if I go into the city,
I see people sick with hunger; even prophets and priests plough the land: they are at wit’s end.’‘Have you rejected Judah altogether?
Does your very soul revolt at Zion?
Why have you struck us down without hope of cure?
We were hoping for peace – no good came of it!
For the moment of cure – nothing but terror!
Lord, we do confess our wickedness and our fathers’ guilt: we have indeed sinned against you.
For your name’s sake do not reject us, do not dishonour the throne of your glory.
Remember us; do not break your covenant with us. Can any of the pagan Nothings make it rain?
Can the heavens produce showers? No, it is you, Lord. O our God, you are our hope,
since it is you who do all this.’

Gospel

Matthew 13:36-43
As the darnel is gathered up and burnt, so it will be at the end of timeLeaving the crowds, Jesus went to the house; and his disciples came to him and said, ‘Explain the parable about the darnel in the field to us.’ He said in reply, ‘The sower of the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world; the good seed is the subjects of the kingdom; the darnel, the subjects of the evil one; the enemy who sowed them, the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; the reapers are the angels. Well then, just as the darnel is gathered up and burnt in the fire, so it will be at the end of time. The Son of Man will send his angels and they will gather out of his kingdom all things that provoke offences and all who do evil, and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth. Then the virtuous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Listen, anyone who has ears!’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: July 27, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Are we growing in our faith? Have we fallen deeper in love with Lord our God? From the very beginning God our Father has desired an intimate relationship with us His children. Such that He made it possible through our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ for us to share in an intimate union with Him. How have we repaid His loving kindness, mercy and love? By ingratitude? By continuing to put our ‘idols’ and cares of the world above Him? We will indeed reap what we sow!

There is nothing hidden from us His faithful for we live to love and glorify Him with all our hearts. We live in the mystery revealed to us and that which will be revealed in its fullness in His time. Indeed our tiny hearts have grown for His kingdom reigns in it. We live and love in His presence, our families, our communities, our church and our brethren His children. And it is our ongoing mission to grow in His love and to be fruitful, for His Kingdom come, His Will be done. Amen

First reading

Jeremiah 13:1-11
Let this evil people become good for nothingThe Lord said this to me, ‘Go and buy a linen loincloth and put it round your waist. But do not dip it in water.’ And so, as the Lord had ordered, I bought a loincloth and put it round my waist. A second time the word of the Lord was spoken to me, ‘Take the loincloth that you have bought and are wearing round your waist; up! Go to the Euphrates and hide it in a hole in the rock.’ So I went and hid it near the Euphrates as the Lord had ordered me. Many days afterwards the Lord said to me, ‘Get up and go to the Euphrates and fetch the loincloth I ordered you to hide there.’ So I went to the Euphrates, and I searched, and I took the loincloth from the place where I had hidden it. The loincloth was spoilt, good for nothing. Then the word of the Lord was addressed to me, ‘Thus says the Lord: In the same way I will spoil the arrogance of Judah and Jerusalem. This evil people who refuse to listen to my words, who follow the dictates of their own hard hearts, who have followed alien gods, and served them and worshipped them, let them become like this loincloth, good for nothing. For just as a loincloth clings to a man’s waist, so I had intended the whole House of Judah to cling to me – it is the Lord who speaks – to be my people, my glory, my honour and my boast. But they have not listened.’

Gospel

Matthew 13:31-35
The smallest of all seeds grows into the biggest shrub of allJesus put a parable before the crowds: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the biggest shrub of all and becomes a tree so that the birds of the air come and shelter in its branches.’
He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like the yeast a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour till it was leavened all through.’
In all this Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables; indeed, he would never speak to them except in parables. This was to fulfil the prophecy:I will speak to you in parables
and expound things hidden since the foundation of the world.

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted: July 25, 2020 by CatholicJules in Sunday Reflections
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Treasures of the Kingdom: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings:

1 Kings 3:5, 7–12
Psalm 119:57, 72, 76–77, 127–130
Romans 8:28–30
Matthew 13:44–52

What is your new life in Christ worth to you?
Do you love His words more than gold and silver, as we sing in today’s Psalm? Would you, like the characters in the Gospel today, sell all that you have in order to possess the kingdom He promises to us? If God were to grant any wish, would you follow Solomon’s example in today’s First Reading—asking not for a long life or riches, but for wisdom to know God’s ways and to desire His will?

The background for today’s Gospel, as it has been for the past several weeks, is the rejection of Jesus’ preaching by Israel. The kingdom of heaven has come into their midst, yet many cannot see that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises, a gift of divine compassion given that they—and we—might live.
We too must ever discover the kingdom anew, to find it as a treasure—a pearl of great price. By comparison with the kingdom, we must count all else as rubbish (see Philippians 3:8). And we must be willing to give up all that we have—all our priorities and plans—in order to gain it.

Jesus’ Gospel discloses what Paul, in today’s Epistle, calls the purpose of God’s plan (see Ephesians 1:4). That purpose is that Jesus would be the firstborn of many brothers.
His words give understanding to the simple, the childlike. As Solomon does today, we must humble ourselves before God, giving ourselves to His service. Let our prayer be for an understanding heart, one that desires only to do His will.

We are called to love God, to delight in His law, and to forsake every false way. And we are to conform ourselves daily ever more closely to the image of His Son.

If we do this, we can approach His altar as a pleasing sacrifice, confident that all things work for the good—that we whom He has justified will also one day be glorified.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: July 25, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Want of the best testimonies of living in the faith and hope of our Lord Jesus Christ can be found in today’s first reading as we celebrate the feast day of St James the Apostle. And a nicely worded reminder of the humility we must embrace as true disciples of Christ. We are mere earthenware jars that can fully hold the treasure to be found in our relationship with Him. Not leaky cisterns that hold no water! But filled with the presence of the Lord our God.

And like our master who came not to be served but who served with love, mercy and compassion for the greater glory of God His Father; we too must follow in His footsteps. Then we can be assured that we will rest with Him in Paradise for ever. Amen

First reading

2 Corinthians 4:7-15 ·
Such an overwhelming power comes from God and not from us

We are only the earthenware jars that hold this treasure, to make it clear that such an overwhelming power comes from God and not from us. We are in difficulties on all sides, but never cornered; we see no answer to our problems, but never despair; we have been persecuted, but never deserted; knocked down, but never killed; always, wherever we may be, we carry with us in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus, too, may always be seen in our body. Indeed, while we are still alive, we are consigned to our death every day, for the sake of Jesus, so that in our mortal flesh the life of Jesus, too, may be openly shown. So death is at work in us, but life in you.
But as we have the same spirit of faith that is mentioned in scripture – I believed, and therefore I spoke – we too believe and therefore we too speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus to life will raise us with Jesus in our turn, and put us by his side and you with us. You see, all this is for your benefit, so that the more grace is multiplied among people, the more thanksgiving there will be, to the glory of God.

Gospel

Matthew 20:20-28
‘Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?’

The mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons to make a request of him, and bowed low; and he said to her, ‘What is it you want?’ She said to him, ‘Promise that these two sons of mine may sit one at your right hand and the other at your left in your kingdom.’ ‘You do not know what you are asking’ Jesus answered. ‘Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?’ They replied, ‘We can.’ ‘Very well,’ he said ‘you shall drink my cup, but as for seats at my right hand and my left, these are not mine to grant; they belong to those to whom they have been allotted by my Father.’
When the other ten heard this they were indignant with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that among the pagans the rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt. This is not to happen among you. No; anyone who wants to be great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be your slave, just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: July 24, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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O loving Father in Heaven how often must You plead with me to come back fully to You? Why are You so patient with me? You have chosen not to disown me even though I had let You down time and time again! You have given me the greatest gift of Your Only Begotten Son, my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ, so that through Him I might be saved.

Jesus my Lord I come before You with a contrite spirit, plant in me Your living Word. Till the soil of my heart and nourish it so that Your Word will take deep root and be fruitful for Your greater glory. Now and forever, Amen

First reading

Jeremiah 3:14-17Come back, my disloyal childrenCome back, disloyal children – it is the Lord who speaks – for I alone am your Master. I will take one from a town, two from a clan, and bring you to Zion. I will give you shepherds after my own heart, and these shall feed you on knowledge and discretion. And when you have increased and become many in the land, then – it is the Lord who speaks – no one will ever say again: Where is the ark of the covenant of the Lord? There will be no thought of it, no memory of it, no regret for it, no making of another. When that time comes, Jerusalem shall be called: The Throne of the Lord; all the nations will gather there in the name of the Lord and will no longer follow the dictates of their own stubborn hearts.

Gospel

Matthew 13:18-23The man who hears the word and understands it yields a rich harvestJesus said to his disciples: ‘You are to hear the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom without understanding, the evil one comes and carries off what was sown in his heart: this is the man who received the seed on the edge of the path. The one who received it on patches of rock is the man who hears the word and welcomes it at once with joy. But he has no root in him, he does not last; let some trial come, or some persecution on account of the word, and he falls away at once. The one who received the seed in thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this world and the lure of riches choke the word and so he produces nothing. And the one who received the seed in rich soil is the man who hears the word and understands it; he is the one who yields a harvest and produces now a hundredfold, now sixty, now thirty.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: July 23, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Two Sundays ago we identified ourselves as seed having fallen perhaps not so much on rocks, since we have encountered the Lord and He has a special place in our heart; but more so like seed having fallen on some soil, thorns and so on such that time and time again we are robbed of His Word and Will for us. Are we not as correctly pointed out in today’s first reading ‘leaky cisterns that hold no water.’ Are we not tired of thinking and behaving as ‘darnel weed’ when we should be majestic ‘Wheat’? Has our Lord not been patient enough waiting for us to grow up as mature children of God our Father?

We need to wake up from our slumber and make a decision to plug the gaps in our lives. We need to fill them up with the wisdom and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ through His Word, prayer and desiring to live in His presence. Then we will be healed! Such that we can boldly declare that we are happy that our eyes see, our ears hear! For many prophets and holy men longed to see what we see, and never saw it; to hear what we hear, and never heard it. Amen

First reading

Jeremiah 2:1-3,7-8,12-13 ·I brought you to a fertile country and you defiled itThe word of the Lord was addressed to me, saying, ‘Go and shout this in the hearing of Jerusalem:‘“The Lord says this:I remember the affection of your youth,the love of your bridal days:you followed me through the wilderness,through a land unsown.Israel was sacred to the Lord,the first-fruits of his harvest;anyone who ate of this had to pay for it,misfortune came to them –it is the Lord who speaks.”‘I brought you to a fertile country to enjoy its produce and good things; but no sooner had you entered than you defiled my land, and made my heritage detestable.The priests have never asked, “Where is the Lord?”Those who administer the Law have no knowledge of me.The shepherds have rebelled against me;the prophets have prophesied in the name of Baal, following things with no power in them.‘You heavens, stand aghast at this,stand stupefied, stand utterly appalled– it is the Lord who speaks.Since my people have committed a double crime: they have abandoned me,the fountain of living water, only to dig cisterns for themselves, leaky cisterns that hold no water.’

Gospel

Matthew 13:10-17Prophets and holy men longed to hear what you hearThe disciples went up to Jesus and asked, ‘Why do you talk to them in parables?’ ‘Because’ he replied, ‘the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven are revealed to you, but they are not revealed to them. For anyone who has will be given more, and he will have more than enough; but from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. The reason I talk to them in parables is that they look without seeing and listen without hearing or understanding. So in their case this prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled:You will listen and listen again, but not understand, see and see again, but not perceive. For the heart of this nation has grown coarse, their ears are dull of hearing, and they have shut their eyes, for fear they should see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and be converted and be healed by me.‘But happy are your eyes because they see, your ears because they hear! I tell you solemnly, many prophets and holy men longed to see what you see, and never saw it; to hear what you hear, and never heard it.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: July 22, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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He who is forgiven more loves more! Such was the love of Mary Magdalene for her saviour her Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. She was completely liberated from all purest forms of evil through His mercy and love. And she lived and loved in His presence throughout. She was there at His crucifixion and again at His resurrection. It is therefore not surprising that she was the first to witness her resurrected saviour and blessed with the opportunity to be the first to bear witness to her brethren.

We too who have been greatly forgiven, must likewise bear witness to the love and mercy of our Risen Lord! For the overwhelming joy that wells up from within us should not be contained; it should move us to clap and dance, raise our hands in praise and worship. To boldly proclaim the reign and kingdom of the Lord our God. Amen

St Mary Magdalene pray for us….

First reading

Song of Songs 3:1-4 ·I found him whom my heart lovesThe bride says this:On my bed, at night, I sought himwhom my heart loves.
I sought but did not find him.
So I will rise and go through the City;
in the streets and in the squares
I will seek him whom my heart loves.
I sought but did not find him.
The watchmen came upon me
on their rounds in the City:
‘Have you seen him whom my heart loves?’
Scarcely had I passed them
when I found him whom my heart loves.

Gospel

John 20:1-2,11-18‘Mary, go and find the brothers and tell them’It was very early on the first day of the week and still dark, when Mary of Magdala came to the tomb. She saw that the stone had been moved away from the tomb and came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved. ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb’ she said ‘and we don’t know where they have put him.’ Meanwhile Mary stayed outside near the tomb, weeping. Then, still weeping, she stooped to look inside, and saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had been, one at the head, the other at the feet. They said, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ ‘They have taken my Lord away’ she replied ‘and I don’t know where they have put him.’ As she said this she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not recognise him. Jesus said, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and remove him.’ Jesus said, ‘Mary!’ She knew him then and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbuni!’ – which means Master. Jesus said to her, ‘Do not cling to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go and find the brothers, and tell them: I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ So Mary of Magdala went and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord and that he had said these things to her.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: July 21, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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How strong are your familial ties at home? Is there love and mutual respect? Are you a family that eats and prays together? Do you honour your Father and Mother?Jesus is inviting us today to think about our very own relationship with God our Heavenly Father. For if we truly love Him then as His loving children we will honour Him by being obedient to His Will for us. It is through our familial ties with Him that our whole family is Blessed.Ever loving and faithful Father in Heaven, through Your Son my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ, I will faithfully do Your Will for me. Amen

First reading

Micah 7:14-15,18-20 ·Have pity on us one more timeWith shepherd’s crook, O Lord, lead your people to pasture, the flock that is your heritage, living confined in a forestwith meadow land all around.Let them pasture in Bashan and Gileadas in the days of old. As in the days when you came out of Egypt grant us to see wonders.What god can compare with you: taking fault away, pardoning crime, not cherishing anger for ever but delighting in showing mercy?Once more have pity on us, tread down our faults, to the bottom of the sea throw all our sins.Grant Jacob your faithfulness, and Abraham your mercy, as you swore to our fathersfrom the days of long ago.

Gospel

Matthew 12:46-50My mother and my brothers are anyone who does the will of my Father in heavenJesus was speaking to the crowds when his mother and his brothers appeared; they were standing outside and were anxious to have a word with him. But to the man who told him this Jesus replied, ‘Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?’ And stretching out his hand towards his disciples he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven, he is my brother and sister and mother.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: July 20, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Like many, I am quite certain, I am able to act justly. But to love tenderly and to walk humbly is a challenge. Yet all three is what the Lord our God asks of us. It is certainly not impossible otherwise He would not have commanded it of us. We on our part must desire to do His Will for us and through Jesus our Lord; we will most certainly be able to overcome all the obstacles either we have placed before us ourselves or placed by others.

I know deep within that I can certainly love more tenderly and walk more humbly if I put in more more effort on my part to grow more deeply in my relationship with my Lord through His Word and walking more often in His presence through prayer. I must simply overcome the inertia and pure laziness on my part and stop looking to the distractions of the world!

Lord Jesus Christ You alone are the sign of God our Father’s love for me and You are all I will ever need. Draw me closer to You this day and everyday. Amen

First reading

Micah 6:1-4,6-8 ·

The Lord asks only this: to act justly, to love tenderly, to walk humbly

Listen to what the Lord is saying:

Stand up and let the case begin in the hearing of the mountains and let the hills hear what you say.

Listen, you mountains, to the Lord’s accusation, give ear, you foundations of the earth, for the Lord is accusing his people, pleading against Israel:

My people, what have I done to you, how have I been a burden to you? Answer me.

I brought you out of the land of Egypt, I rescued you from the house of slavery; I sent Moses to lead you, with Aaron and Miriam.

– ‘With what gift shall I come into the Lord’s presence and bow down before God on high?

Shall I come with holocausts, with calves one year old?

Will he be pleased with rams by the thousand, with libations of oil in torrents?

Must I give my first-born for what I have done wrong, the fruit of my body for my own sin?’

– What is good has been explained to you, man; this is what the Lord asks of you: only this, to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God.

Gospel

Matthew 12:38-42

There is something greater than Solomon here

Some of the scribes and Pharisees spoke up. ‘Master,’ they said ‘we should like to see a sign from you.’ He replied, ‘It is an evil and unfaithful generation that asks for a sign! The only sign it will be given is the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was in the belly of the sea-monster for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. On Judgement day the men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation and condemn it, because when Jonah preached they repented; and there is something greater than Jonah here. On Judgement day the Queen of the South will rise up with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here.’

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted: July 18, 2020 by CatholicJules in Sunday Reflections
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Of Wheat and Weeds: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings:

Wisdom 12:13, 16–19
Psalm 86:5–6, 9–10, 15–16
Romans 8:26–27
Matthew 13:24–43

God is always teaching His people, we hear in today’s First Reading.

And what does He want us to know? That He has care for all of us, that though He is a God of justice, even those who defy and disbelieve Him may hope for His mercy if they turn to Him in repentance.

This divine teaching continues in the three parables that Jesus tells in the Gospel today. Each describes the emergence of the kingdom of God from the seeds sown by His works and preaching. The kingdom’s growth is hidden—like the working of yeast in bread; it’s improbable, unexpected—as in the way the tall mustard tree grows from the smallest of seeds.

Again this week’s readings sound a note of questioning: Why does God permit the evil to grow alongside the good? Why does He permit some to reject the Word of His kingdom?

Because, as we sing in today’s Psalm, God is slow to anger and abounding in kindness. He is just, Jesus assures us—evildoers and those who cause others to sin will be thrown into the fiery furnace at the end of the age. But by His patience, God is teaching us—that above all He desires repentance, and the gathering of all nations to worship Him and to glorify His name.

Even though we don’t know how to pray as we ought, the Spirit will intercede for us, Paul promises in today’s Epistle. But first we must turn and call upon Him, we must commit ourselves to letting the good seed of His Word bear fruit in our lives.

So we should not be deceived or lose heart when we see weeds among the wheat, truth and holiness mixed with error, injustice and sin.

For now, He makes His sun rise on the good and the bad (see Matthew 5:45). But the harvest draws near. Let’s work that we might be numbered among the righteous children—who will shine like the sun in the kingdom of the Father.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: July 18, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Everyday there is an on going battle between good and evil. And whether we like it, want it or not this very battle lies within us. Indeed we have the appetite and strength to do evil if we so choose, but we who strive for holiness, to live as children of God our Father; know that nothing on this earth is worth more than our relationship with our loving Father in heaven. And for us the battle is already won for we have our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ who lives and reigns in our hearts.

Gentle, loving and patient is He who comes to give us life to the full. To save us from the crushing weight and burden of our sins when we turn to Him with contrite hearts. Let us then share the hope we have of eternal life with Him with all who will listen. Amen

First reading

Micah 2:1-5 ·The plotters of evil will not escapeWoe to those who plot evil, who lie in bed planning mischief!No sooner is it dawn than they do it – their hands have the strength for it.Seizing the fields that they covet, they take over houses as well, owner and house they confiscate together, taking both man and inheritance.So the Lord says this: Now it is I who plotsuch mischief against this breed as your necks will not escape; nor will you be able to walk proudly, so evil will the time be.On that day they will make a satire on you,sing a dirge and say, ‘We are stripped of everything; my people’s portion is measured out and shared, no one will give it back to them, our fields are awarded to our despoiler.’Therefore you will have no one to measure out a share in the community of the Lord.

Gospel

Matthew 12:14-21He cured them all but warned them not to make him knownThe Pharisees went out and began to plot against Jesus, discussing how to destroy him. Jesus knew this and withdrew from the district. Many followed him and he cured them all, but warned them not to make him known. This was to fulfil the prophecy of Isaiah:Here is my servant whom I have chosen,my beloved, the favourite of my soul.I will endow him with my spirit, and he will proclaim the true faith to the nations.He will not brawl or shout, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.He will not break the crushed reed, nor put out the smouldering wick till he has led the truth to victory: in his name the nations will put their hope.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: July 17, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Not being able to go for the Sacrament of reconciliation due to the pandemic has been frustrating. I use to go regularly at least once fortnightly simply because I wanted to remain in full communion with my Lord. Especially after having given in to sin through temptation. Having attended Holy Eucharist regularly as well, I was able to resist sinning for much longer. However when access to the sacraments was taken away from us I was mortified! As far as I could tell I never took the sacraments for granted but perhaps this was a lesson for me in that I should never take the Lord my God for granted by giving in too easily to temptations and sin. With the new situation that arose, I had to double my effort to resist sin. I had to double my efforts to be patient, loving and kind.

Also it is not about how often I went to church, neither is it about how many community meetings I attended, how many prayer meetings I’ve led. But simply how merciful and loving I have been after the heart of my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. Was I inward looking concern only for my welfare and well being, sticking strictly to rules without considering the ‘heart’ behind them? Or have I been outward looking as I should be, practising both corporal and spiritual acts of mercy!

Lord Jesus let me be merciful to others as You O Lord have been merciful to me. Amen

First reading

Isaiah 38:1-6,21-22,7-8
The Lord hears Hezekiah’s prayer and heals him

Hezekiah fell ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came and said to him, ‘The Lord says this, “Put your affairs in order, for you are going to die, you will not live.”’ Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and addressed this prayer to the Lord, ‘Ah, Lord, remember, I beg you, how I have behaved faithfully and with sincerity of heart in your presence and done what is right in your eyes.’ And Hezekiah shed many tears.
Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah, ‘Go and say to Hezekiah, “The Lord, the God of David your ancestor, says this: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will cure you: in three days’ time you shall go up to the Temple of the Lord. I will add fifteen years to your life. I will save you from the hands of the king of Assyria, I will protect this city.”’
‘Bring a fig poultice,’ Isaiah said, ‘apply it to the ulcer and he will recover.’ Hezekiah said, ‘What is the sign to tell me that I shall be going up to the Temple of the Lord?’ ‘Here’ Isaiah replied ‘is the sign from the Lord that he will do what he has said. Look, I shall make the shadow cast by the declining sun go back ten steps on the steps of Ahaz.’ And the sun went back the ten steps by which it had declined.

Gospel

Matthew 12:1-8
The Son of Man is master of the sabbath

Jesus took a walk one sabbath day through the cornfields. His disciples were hungry and began to pick ears of corn and eat them. The Pharisees noticed it and said to him, ‘Look, your disciples are doing something that is forbidden on the sabbath.’ But he said to them, ‘Have you not read what David did when he and his followers were hungry – how he went into the house of God and how they ate the loaves of offering which neither he nor his followers were allowed to eat, but which were for the priests alone? Or again, have you not read in the Law that on the sabbath day the Temple priests break the sabbath without being blamed for it? Now here, I tell you, is something greater than the Temple. And if you had understood the meaning of the words: What I want is mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the blameless. For the Son of Man is master of the sabbath.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: July 16, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Until the day we are fully united with our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ, our bodies and minds will groan as if in labour. We will have to constantly battle to resist sin and temptation. We will have to face the challenges of growing pains as well as the pains of growing old; of losing mental acuity and physical degradation. We will have to face hardships in carrying our cross as disciples of Christ.

So we must make a decision today and everyday on whose yoke do we want to carry or yoke ourselves to for that matter? Do we yoke ourselves to the world and all it has to offer? Or our very own yoke which we nicely carve out for ourselves? Or do we yoke ourselves to Christ who will see us through it all and will be with us to the very end and beyond!

As for me and my home, we choose Jesus Christ! Amen

First reading

Isaiah 26:7-9,12,16-19 ·
‘Awake and exult, all you who lie in the dust’The path of the upright man is straight,
you smooth the way of the upright.
Following the path of your judgements,
we hoped in you, O Lord, your name, your memory are all my soul desires.At night my soul longs for you and my spirit in me seeks for you; when your appear on earth the inhabitants of the world learn the meaning of integrity.O Lord, you are giving us peace, since you treat us as our deeds deserve.Distressed, we search for you, O Lord; the misery of oppression was your punishment for us.
As a woman with child near her time
writhes and cries out in her pangs, so are we, O Lord, in your presence: we have conceived, we writhe as if we were giving birth; we have not given the spirit of salvation to the earth, no more inhabitants of the world are born.Your dead will come to life, their corpses will rise; awake, exult, all you who lie in the dust, for your dew is a radiant dew and the land of ghosts will give birth.

Gospel

Matthew 11:28-30
My yoke is easy and my burden lightJesus said, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: July 15, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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It is not about giving up our autonomy neither is it about relinquishing our self reliance but rather acknowledging and embracing the fact that we have a loving God who is infinitely wiser and only wants what is best for us; for great love of us. What was the sin of Adam and Eve? With their little knowledge they thought they knew better than the Lord their God. They desired to be His equal if not then better. And through their disobedience the floodgates of sin was opened on humanity.

When we embrace the fact that we are children of God our Father so loved by Him then we will seek His will for us, we will seek His wisdom and grace. And we will be Blessed by Him as we have Blessed Him by our sole desire to glorify Him by our lives. We have a semblance understanding of this in our own relationships with our children. When they honour us with their obedience and rely on our wisdom to guide and counsel them.

God our loving Father, Your will be done now and forever. Amen

First reading

Isaiah 10:5-7,13-16 ·
Assyria’s arrogance and coming ruinThe Lord of hosts says this:Woe to Assyria, the rod of my anger, the club brandished by me in my fury!
I sent him against a godless nation; I gave him commission against a people that provokes me, to pillage and to plunder freely and to stamp down like the mud in the streets.
But he did not intend this, his heart did not plan it so. No, in his heart was to destroy,
to go on cutting nations to pieces without limit.For he has said:‘By the strength of my own arm I have done this and by my own intelligence, for understanding is mine; I have pushed back the frontiers of peoples and plundered their treasures.
I have brought their inhabitants down to the dust. As if they were a bird’s nest, my hand has seized the riches of the peoples.
As people pick up deserted eggs I have picked up the whole earth, with not a wing fluttering, not a beak opening, not a chirp.’Does the axe claim more credit than the man who wields it, or the saw more strength than the man who handles it?
It would be like the cudgel controlling the man who raises it, or the club moving what is not made of wood!
And so the Lord of Hosts is going to send a wasting sickness on his stout warriors;
beneath his plenty, a burning will burn
like a consuming fire.

Gospel

Matthew 11:25-27
You have hidden these things from the wise and revealed them to little childrenJesus exclaimed, ‘I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children. Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do. Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, just as no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: July 14, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Many will read today’s reading and Gospel with a sense of doom and gloom. However if you open your heart to listen and see through the eyes of the Lord our God; then you will find Him constantly praying for you and I. Where else can we find an almighty God who has no need of anything or anyone, lovingly lamenting even weeping over His creation? Of whom many remain obstinate, refusing to respond to His call, refusing to accept His love. Refusing to be reconciled to our loving God, choosing sin and total self reliance! Then there are many, who choose to remain lukewarm in their faith, thinking there will always be enough time for change!

Well the reminder for today is that we should rethink our strategy if we have one for living as children of God our Father. Yes indeed we have a loving and merciful God who is patiently waiting for our conversion of heart, to return fully unto Him. To be fully united with us as we are in Him. That being said we will have to face the consequences of our choice, even inactions when our time runs out!

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

First reading

Isaiah 7:1-9 ·
Isaiah tells the king not to fearIn the reign of Ahaz son of Jotham, son of Uzziah, king of Judah, Razon the king of Aram went up against Jerusalem with Pekah son of Remaliah, king of Israel, to lay siege to it; but he was unable to capture it.
The news was brought to the House of David. ‘Aram’ they said ‘has reached Ephraim.’ Then the heart of the king and the hearts of the people shuddered as the trees of the forest shudder in front of the wind. The Lord said to Isaiah, ‘Go with your son Shear-jashub, and meet Ahaz at the end of the conduit of the upper pool on the Fuller’s Field road, and say to him:‘“Pay attention, keep calm, have no fear,
do not let your heart sink because of these two smouldering stumps of firebrands,
or because Aram, Ephraim and the son of Remaliah have plotted to ruin you, and have said:
Let us invade Judah and terrorise it and seize it for ourselves, and set up a king there, the son of Tabeel.
The Lord says this:
It shall not come true; it shall not be. The capital of Aram is Damascus, the head of Damascus, Razon; the capital of Ephraim, Samaria, the head of Samaria, the son of Remaliah. Six or five years more and a shattered Ephraim shall no longer be a people. But if you do not stand by me,
you will not stand at all.”’

Gospel

Matthew 11:20-24
It will not go as hard with Sodom on Judgement Day as with youJesus began to reproach the towns in which most of his miracles had been worked, because they refused to repent.
‘Alas for you, Chorazin! Alas for you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. And still, I tell you that it will not go as hard on Judgement day with Tyre and Sidon as with you. And as for you, Capernaum, did you want to be exalted as high as heaven? You shall be thrown down to hell. For if the miracles done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have been standing yet. And still, I tell you that it will not go as hard with the land of Sodom on Judgement day as with you.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: July 13, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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We cannot buy our way into heaven, neither can we pay our way out for having sinned through love offerings, candles, donations and so on. The only way we are saved is through our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. Therefore only a contrite heart desiring to place Jesus above all will allow us full reconciliation and communion with Him.

Because the Lord our God who loves us ever so dearly gives us His all, He likewise demands we give Him our all. It is in this mutual exchange that we truly have life to the full. Being in full union with Him therefore also means we must be in full union with one another. Afterall we are One Body In Him. This is adds a greater dimension for us, when the Lord says, ‘Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me; and those who welcome me welcome the one who sent me.

‘Lord Jesus You are my all in all. Amen

First reading

Isaiah 1:10-17 ·Take your wrongdoing out of my sightHear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the command of our God,you people of Gomorrah.‘What are your endless sacrifices to me?says the Lord. I am sick of holocausts of rams and the fat of calves.The blood of bulls and of goats revolts me.When you come to present yourselves before me, who asked you to trample over my courts?Bring me your worthless offerings no more,the smoke of them fills me with disgust.New Moons, sabbaths, assemblies – I cannot endure festival and solemnity.Your New Moons and your pilgrimages I hate with all my soul. They lie heavy on me,I am tired of bearing them. When you stretch out your hands I turn my eyes away.You may multiply your prayers, I shall not listen. Your hands are covered with blood,wash, make yourselves clean.‘Take your wrong-doing out of my sight.
Cease to do evil.Learn to do good, search for justice, help the oppressed, be just to the orphan, plead for the widow.’

Gospel

Matthew 10:34-11:1It is not peace I have come to bring, but a swordJesus instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth: it is not peace I have come to bring, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies will be those of his own household. ‘Anyone who prefers father or mother to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who prefers son or daughter to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who does not take his cross and follow in my footsteps is not worthy of me. Anyone who finds his life will lose it; anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it. ‘Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me; and those who welcome me welcome the one who sent me. ‘Anyone who welcomes a prophet will have a prophet’s reward; and anyone who welcomes a holy man will have a holy man’s reward. ‘If anyone gives so much as a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple, then I tell you solemnly, he will most certainly not lose his reward.’ When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples he moved on from there to teach and preach in their towns.

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted: July 11, 2020 by CatholicJules in Sunday Reflections
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The Word’s Return: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings:

Isaiah 55:10–11 Psalm 65:10–14 Romans 8:18–23 Matthew 13:1–23
Today’s readings, like last week’s, ask us to meditate on Israel’s response to God’s Word—and our own. Why do some hear the word of the kingdom, yet fail to accept it as a call to conversion and faith in Jesus? That question underlies today’s Gospel, especially.

Again we see, as we did last week, that the kingdom’s mysteries are unfolded to those who open their hearts, making of them a rich soil in which the Word can grow and bear fruit.

As we sing in today’s Psalm, in Jesus, God’s Word has visited our land, to water the stony earth of our hearts with the living waters of the Spirit (see John 7:38; Revelation 22:1).

The firstfruit of the Word is the Spirit of love and adoption poured into our hearts in Baptism, making us children of God, as Paul reminds us in today’s Epistle (see Romans 5:5; 8:15–16). In this, we are made a “new creation” (see 2 Corinthians 5:17), the firstfruits of a new heaven and a new earth (see 2 Peter 3:13).

Since the first humans rejected God’s Word, creation has been enslaved to futility (see Genesis 3:17–19; 5:29). But God’s Word does not go forth only to return to Him void, as we hear in today’s First Reading.

His Word awaits our response. We must show ourselves to be children of that Word. We must allow that Word to accomplish God’s will in our lives. As Jesus warns today, we must take care lest the devil steal it away or lest it be choked by worldly concerns.

In the Eucharist, the Word gives Himself to us as bread to eat. He does so that we might be made fertile, yielding fruits of holiness.

And we await the crowning of the year, the great harvest of the Lord’s Day (see Mark 4:29; 2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 1:10)—when His Word will have achieved the end for which it was sent.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: July 11, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Seek to know the heart of the Lord our God. Seek His wisdom and understanding. Do this by dwelling on His Word and in His presence and you will discern His Will, His mission for you.

There will be absolutely no need to worry about receiving rewards, for being in full communion with Him is our greatest reward! For we rest in His peace and joy forever.

Lord it is Your Kingdom alone that I seek. Show me the way Lord. Amen

First reading

Proverbs 2:1-9Apply your heart to truthMy son, if you take my words to heart, if you set store by my commandments, tuning your ear to wisdom, and applying your heart to truth: yes, if your plea is for clear perception, if you cry out for discernment, if you look for it as if it were silver, and search for it as for buried treasure, you will then understand what the fear of the Lord is, and discover the knowledge of God.For the Lord himself is giver of wisdom, from his mouth issue knowledge and discernment.He keeps his help for honest men, he is the shield of those whose ways are honourable;he stands guard over the paths of justice, he keeps watch on the way of his devoted ones.Then you will understand what virtue is, justice, and fair dealing, all paths that lead to happiness.

Gospel

Matthew 19:27-29They will be repaid a hundred times over and inherit eternal lifePeter spoke to Jesus. ‘What about us?’ he said. ‘We have left everything and followed you. What are we to have, then?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I tell you solemnly, when all is made new and the Son of Man sits on his throne of glory, you will yourselves sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children or land for the sake of my name will be repaid a hundred times over, and also inherit eternal life.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: July 10, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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How wonderful it would be to face anything or anyone unafraid. To know that we are never alone as we are one in communion with our Heavenly Father. Whatever we might say especially to those who oppose us, will be through the spirit of God our Father. And so His constant peace and love reigns in our hearts.

Many who think this is simply a foolhardy thought venture, has obviously not experienced the depths of God’s love personally. How could they? If they continue to refuse His love by clinging to the wiles of the world. To seek shortlived ‘happiness’ through iniquity and giving in to wanton desires.

Let us walk then in the footsteps of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ, who glorified His Heavenly in all He did. His Father’s Will be done always. Amen

First reading

Hosea 14:2-10The Lord says this:Israel, come back to the Lord your God;your iniquity was the cause of your downfall.Provide yourself with words and come back to the Lord.Say to him, ‘Take all iniquity away so that we may have happiness again and offer you our words of praise.Assyria cannot save us, we will not ride horses any more, or say, “Our God!” to what our own hands have made, for you are the one in whom orphans find compassion.’– I will heal their disloyalty, I will love them with all my heart, for my anger has turned from them.I will fall like dew on Israel. He shall bloom like the lily, and thrust out roots like the poplar, his shoots will spread far; he will have the beauty of the olive and the fragrance of Lebanon.They will come back to live in my shade;they will grow corn that flourishes, they will cultivate vines
m as renowned as the wine of Helbon.What has Ephraim to do with idols anymore when it is I who hear his prayer and care for him?I am like a cypress ever green, all your fruitfulness comes from me.Let the wise man understand these words.Let the intelligent man grasp their meaning.For the ways of the Lord are straight, and virtuous men walk in them, but sinners stumble.

Gospel

Matthew 10:16-23Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘Remember, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; so be cunning as serpents and yet as harmless as doves. ‘Beware of men: they will hand you over to sanhedrins and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the pagans. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to speak or what to say; what you are to say will be given to you when the time comes; because it is not you who will be speaking; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you. ‘Brother will betray brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name; but the man who stands firm to the end will be saved. If they persecute you in one town, take refuge in the next; and if they persecute you in that, take refuge in another. I tell you solemnly, you will not have gone the round of the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: July 9, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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As a father of three, two boys and a girl. I’ve had to discipline my children from time to time over the years. I am not proud to say that I have dealt rather harshly with the boys on some of those occasions. Although I definitively could have handled the situation better, it was still purely out of love for them that I took action. I did not want any of them to go wayward and land themselves in situations which my affect their future.

The first reading shows us a glimpse into God our Father’s heart. While I can relate being a father myself, at the same time I am far from able to conceive the depth of His love. How often have we betrayed Him and been disobedient; yet in His mercy and love He waits patiently to turn back to Him. It is therefore to our own detriment if we mistakenly think that we have all the time in the world to have a change of heart. For it is in our final moment that our fate is sealed, our free will in rejecting Him has caused our eternal separation or eternal death.

Let us strive by our Lord’s grace to lead as many souls, as and while we can, into His Kingdom. Amen

First reading

Hosea 11:1-4,8-9 ·I am the Holy One in your midst and have no wish to destroyThus says the Lord:When Israel was a child I loved him, and I called my son out of Egypt.But the more I called to them, the further they went from me; they have offered sacrifice to the Baals and set their offerings smoking before the idols.I myself taught Ephraim to walk, I took them in my arms; yet they have not understood 0that I was the one looking after them. I led them with reins of kindness, with leading-strings of love.I was like someone who lifts an infant close against his cheek; stooping down to him I gave him his food.Ephraim, how could I part with you?Israel, how could I give you up?How could I treat you like Admah, or deal with you like Zeboiim?My heart recoils from it, my whole being trembles at the thought.I will not give rein to my fierce anger, I will not destroy Ephraim again, for I am God, not man: I am the Holy One in your midst and have no wish to destroy.

Gospel

Matthew 10:7-15You received without charge: give without chargeJesus instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘As you go, proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is close at hand. Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils. You received without charge, give without charge. Provide yourselves with no gold or silver, not even with a few coppers for your purses, with no haversack for the journey or spare tunic or footwear or a staff, for the workman deserves his keep. ‘Whatever town or village you go into, ask for someone trustworthy and stay with him until you leave. As you enter his house, salute it, and if the house deserves it, let your peace descend upon it; if it does not, let your peace come back to you. And if anyone does not welcome you or listen to what you have to say, as you walk out of the house or town shake the dust from your feet. I tell you solemnly, on the day of Judgement it will not go as hard with the land of Sodom and Gomorrah as with that town.’

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: July 8, 2020 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
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Are we living only for ourselves with no regard for others let alone the Lord our God? If we continue this way in our journey then eventually we will lose all that we hold dear to us. More importantly we will lose our connection with God our loving Father who provides all that we have.

Today is a stark reminder that we must seek the Lord constantly in our lives. And with integrity we will reap a harvest of kindness. For by seeking our Lord we find ourselves on a love mission for Him. To lead all that we meet into His loving arms and His kingdom.

In Your service Lord I stand ready. Amen

First reading

Hosea 10:1-3,7-8,12 Israel was a luxuriant vine yielding plenty of fruit.The more his fruit increased, the more altars he built; the richer his land became, the richer he made the sacred stones.Their heart is a divided heart; very well, they must pay for it: the Lord is going to break their altars down and destroy their sacred stones.Then they will say, ‘We have no king because we have not feared the Lord.’But what can a king do for us?Samaria has had her day.Her king is like a straw drifting on the water.The idolatrous high places shall be destroyed –that sin of Israel; thorn and thistle will grow on their altars. AThen they will say to the mountains, ‘Cover us!’ and to the hills, ‘Fall on us!’Sow integrity for yourselves, reap a harvest of kindness, break up your fallow ground:it is time to go seeking the Lord until he comes to rain salvation on you.

Gospel

Matthew 10:1-7‘Go to the lost sheep of the House of Israel’Jesus summoned his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits with power to cast them out and to cure all kinds of diseases and sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, the one who was to betray him. These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them as follows: ‘Do not turn your steps to pagan territory, and do not enter any Samaritan town; go rather to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. And as you go, proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.’

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