Daily Readings

March 3, 2025

Monday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1

Sirach 17:24–29

 

To those who repented he granted a return, and he encouraged those whose endurance was failing. Turn to the Lord and forsake your sins; pray in his presence and lessen your offence. Return to the Most High and turn away from iniquity and hate abominations intensely. Who will sing praises to the Most High in Hades, as do those who are alive and give thanks? From the dead, as from one who does not exist, thanksgiving has ceased; he who is alive and well sings the Lord’s praises. How great is the mercy of the Lord, and his forgiveness for those who turn to him!

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 32:1–2, 5, 6, 7

 

Response: Rejoice in the Lord; exult, you just!

 

Blessed is he whose transgression

is forgiven, whose sin is remitted.

Blessed the man to whom the Lord imputes no guilt,

in whose spirit is no guile.

 

Response: Rejoice in the Lord; exult, you just!

 

To you I have acknowledged my sin;

my guilt I did not hide.

I said, “I will confess

my transgression to the Lord.”

And you have forgiven

the guilt of my sin.

 

Response: Rejoice in the Lord; exult, you just!

 

So let each faithful one pray to you

in the time of need.

The floods of water may reach high,

but such a one they shall not reach.

 

Response: Rejoice in the Lord; exult, you just!

 

You are a hiding place for me;

you keep me safe from distress;

you surround me with cries of deliverance.

 

Response: Rejoice in the Lord; exult, you just!

 

Alleluia

2 Corinthians 8:9

 

Though Jesus Christ was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

 

Gospel

Mark 10:17–27

 

At that time: As Jesus was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honour your father and mother.’” And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”

 

Reflection

 

We notice that while talking to the man who was interested in inheriting eternal life, Jesus leaves out the first three Commandments which pertain to the love of God, but enumerates the other commandments dealing with the love of neighbour. Jesus who sees the heart of everyone already knows what was lacking in him. The man seems to think that he has been following all the commandments from his youth. Yet he had “great possessions” that he had not cared to share with the poor and the needy. Jesus wants him to realize that the real love of neighbour consists in sharing his possessions with the poor and the needy.

 

Saint Katharine Drexel (1858-1955)

 

Saint Katharine Drexel is the second American-born saint to be canonized by the Catholic Church. This amazing woman was an heiress to a large bequest who became a religious sister and a brilliant educator.

Katherine was born in Philadelphia on November 26, 1858, the second child of a prominent and wealthy banker, Francis Anthony Drexel and his wife, Hannah Langstroth.

 

The Drexels were financially and spiritually well endowed. They were devout in the practice of their faith, setting an excellent example of true Christian living for their daughters. They not only prayed but practiced what the Church calls the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

 

Katharine grew up seeing her father pray for 30 minutes each evening. The couple distributed food, clothing and provided rent assistance to those in need. The Drexels would seek out and visit women who were too afraid or too proud to approach the home in order to care for their needs in Christian charity.

In 1884, while her family was visiting the Western states, Katharine saw first-hand the troubling and poor situation of the Native Americans. She desperately wanted to help them.

 

 

Katharine spent much of her time with Father James O' Connor, a Philadelphia priest. He provided her with wonderful spiritual direction. As one of their first acts following their father's death, Katharine and her sisters contributed money to assist the St. Francis Mission of South Dakota's Rosebud Reservation.

 

In 1887, while touring Europe, the Drexel sisters were given a private audience with Pope Leo XIII. They were seeking missionaries to help with the Indian missions they were financing. The Pope looked to Katharine and suggested she, herself, become a missionary. Katharine began her six-month postulancy at the Sisters of Mercy Convent in Pittsburgh in 1889.

 

On February 12, 1891, Katharine made her first vows as a religious and dedicated herself to working for the American Indians and African-Americans in the Western United States.

 

Taking the name Mother Katharine, she established a religious congregation called the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for Indians and Colored, whose members would work for the betterment of those they were called to serve. From the age of 33 until her death in 1955, she dedicated her life and her fortune to this work.

In 1915, Katherine founded Xavier University in New Orleans, the first Catholic University in the United States for African-Americans. By the time of her death, she had more than 500 Sisters teaching in 63 schools throughout the country and she established 50 missions for Native Americans in 16 different states. Mother Katharine died on March 3, 1955 at the age of 96.

 

Katharine was remembered for her love of the Eucharist and a desire for unity of all peoples. She was courageous and took the initiative to address social inequality within minorities. She believed all should have access to a quality education and her selfless service, including the donation of her inheritance, helped many reach that goal.

 

St. Katharine was beatified on November 20, 1988 and canonized on October 1, 2000 by Pope John Paul II. Katharine is the patron saint of racial justice and philanthropists

 

*****

Daily Readings

March 2, 2025

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Reading I

Sirach (27:4-7)

 

When a sieve is shaken, the refuse appears; so a person’s filth in his thoughts. The kiln tests the potter’s vessels; likewise the test of a person is in his reasoning. The fruit discloses the cultivation of a tree; so the expression of a thought discloses the cultivation of a person’s mind. Do not praise a man before you hear him reason, for this is the test of people.

Responsorial Psalm 92: 2-3, 13-14,15-16

Response: It is good to give thanks, O Lord.

 

It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your loving mercy in the morning, and your truth in the watches of the night.

 

Response: It is good to give thanks, O Lord.

 

 

The just will flourish the palm tree, and grow like a Lebanon cedar. Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in courts of our God.

 Response: It is good to give thanks, O Lord.

  

Still bearing fruit when they are old, still full of sap, still green, to proclaim that the LORD is upright. In him, my rock, there is no wrong.

 

Response: It is good to give thanks, O Lord.

 

Reading II

1 Corinthians 15:54-58

Brethren, when the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain.

 

Acclamation

(Phil 2:15d-16a)

 

Alleluia. Alleluia.

 

You shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life.

 

Gospel

Luke (6:39-45)

 

At that time: Jesus told his disciples a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye’, when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye. “For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”

 

Reflection

 

Perseverance and responsibility are hallmarks of any follower of Jesus Christ. Coupled with perseverance and responsibility are compassion and love. With these virtues, we can more easily walk in the ways of the Lord and encourage others along the same path as well. In order to make his points, Jesus drew on the realities of his time. For example, eye disease was widespread in ancient Israel before the advancements in medicine that we enjoy today. In the time of Jesus, people with eye disease were often shunned, with no one assisting another. Jesus used the familiar situation of “the blind leading the blind,” to explain that the best scenario is that someone who can see is best equipped to lead one who cannot see. Many people have perfect and keen eyesight, but that is only when they look for other people’s mistakes. But when it comes to their own sins and mistakes, they are blind. It is as if a big wooden beam blocks their eyes. That ‘wooden beam’ is nothing other than pride. A proud person looks down on other people. He thinks he is the best person in the world. Everybody else is of less worth. In the spiritual life, he assumes the holier-than-thou attitude. He is convinced of his own holiness, and the certainty of eternal salvation! The Lord has an accurate word for this: hypocrisy. This is the reason why Jesus continually lashes out at the Scribes and the Pharisees. A hypocritical teacher who is blind to his own faults cannot try to reform his brother. Jesus calls hypocrites those who notice a tiny sprinter in others’ eyes but are blind to the plank in their own. They are unaware of their shortcomings while they decry the faults of others. These people are often negative and hostile. They have the habit of focusing on the bad side of everything especially the bad side of people. They are prone to criticize and find fault. It may be because they are looking for a person without blemish. But such a person is hard to find. The reason is simple: there is no one without fault and there is no ideal man, only real person with good and bad qualities. Instead of criticizing others, why not be caring for them? If we care for them, we will listen not only to what they are saying but also to what they are trying to say with or without words. If we care for them we won’t impose on them our views, our plans, ideas, discipline, advice, correction, guidance and our judgement. If we care for them we will show them how talented, capable, industrious, genuine, original, creative, skilled, friendly, trustworthy, resourceful, good and lovable persons they are. Hopefully, as the years progress, we can recognize within us a progression, not in “greatness,” as that would be vainglory, but in bearing wholesome fruit, by growing in patience, compassion, forgiveness, commitment, honesty, letting go and letting God, sharing what we have with the less fortunate, giving of our time and talents to worthwhile causes, generously assisting others, responding rather than reacting in difficult circumstances, choosing life, asking forgiveness, listening more and speaking less.

 St Chad, Bishop, Confessor (-c. 672)

 Born in Northumbria, England, St Chad, also known as Ceadda, was one of four English brothers who became priests; he and his elder brother St Chedd had both been educated at the great abbey of Lindisfarne on Holy Island under its founder, Abbot St Aidan.

 

After the death of St Aidan, Chad went to Ireland. When his brother, Chedd, was made Bishop of London, Chad acquiesced to his request to return to England to take charge of the abbey at Lastingham. When Chad himself was named Bishop of York by King Oswin, he began to devote himself to ecclesiastical truth and to purity of doctrine and concentrated a great deal on the practice of virtue.

 

When St Theodore, the new archbishop of Canterbury arrived in England in 669, he charged Chad with being improperly ordained bishop. The saint humbly replied, “If you consider that I have not been properly consecrated, I willingly resign this charge of which I never thought myself worthy. I undertook it though unworthy under obedience.” St Theodore was so deeply impressed by the respondent’s humility and holiness that before Chad retired to Lastingham, he made good whatever was lacking in his episcopal consecration.

 

Soon after the death of Jaruman, Bishop of Mercia, St Theodore requested King Oswin to let Chad take over that See. He is credited with the very Christianization of the ancient English kingdom of Mercia, so much so that, at his death, there were already 31 churches dedicated to him!

 

A remarkable monastic founder, St Chad conducted his apostolate rather zealously, travelling much on foot. He died of plague and numerous miracles have been reported at his graveside. His relics are venerated at St Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham.

 

Reflection: “For everyone who makes himself great will be humbled, and everyone who humbles himself will be made great” (Lk 14:11).

Daily Readings

March 1, 2025

Saturday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1

Sirach 17:1–13

 

The Lord created mankind out of earth and turned him back to it again. He gave to them numbered days, a limited time, but granted them authority over the things upon the earth. He endowed them with strength like his own and made them in his own image. He placed the fear of them in all living beings and granted them dominion over beasts and birds. He made for them deliberation, speech, and eyes; he gave them ears and a mind for thinking. He filled them with knowledge and understanding and showed them good things and bad. He set his eye upon their hearts to show them the majesty of his works. And they will praise his holy name to proclaim the grandeur of his works. He bestowed knowledge upon them and allotted to them the law of life. He established with them an eternal covenant and showed them his judgments. Their eyes saw his glorious majesty, and their ears heard the glory of his voice.

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 103:13–14, 15–16, 17–18a

 

Response: The mercy of the Lord is everlasting upon those who hold him in fear.

 

As a father has compassion on his children,

the Lord’s compassion is on those who fear him.

For he knows of what we are made;

he remembers that we are dust.

 

Response: The mercy of the Lord is everlasting upon those who hold him in fear.

 

Man, his days are like grass;

he flowers like the flower of the field.

The wind blows, and it is no more,

and its place never sees it again.

 

Response: The mercy of the Lord is everlasting upon those who hold him in fear.

 

But the mercy of the Lord is everlasting

upon those who hold him in fear,

upon children’s children his justice,

for those who keep his covenant.

 

Response: The mercy of the Lord is everlasting upon those who hold him in fear.

 

Alleluia

Matthew 11:25

 

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little children the mysteries of the kingdom.

 

Gospel

Mark 10:13–16

 

At that time: They were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

Reflection

Jesus does not want anyone to prevent children from coming to him. They have a special place in the Kingdom of God. It is gravely sinful to scandalize them. He says in Matthew 18:6, “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea”. Jesus wants his disciples to be like little children. We need to distinguish between being childish and being childlike. In 1 Corinthians 14:20, Saint Paul says, “Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.” We are all children before our Heavenly Father whom Jesus taught us to call ‘our Father’.

 

St David, Bishop, Confessor (c. 495/520 –589)

Little is historically known about the life of this saint. According to the hagiography by the Welsh scholar Rhygfarch, David was born of St Non who had been raped by a local chieftan Sant.

 

A native of southern Wales, David was educated at Henfynyw, Cardigan, under Paulinus of Wales, the disciple of St Germain of Auxerre. He was made Abbot of TyGwyn monastery, which he transferred to Menevia in western Pembrokeshire (today known as St David’s), then the principal port of embarkation for Ireland. His numerous monasteries housed monks who lived rigidly according to a very austere rule whose main features were absolute silence, intense manual labour, and strict mortification, all of which earned David and his monks the sobriquet, “acquaticus”, i.e., “the water drinkers”!

David’s missionary activities also took him to the Holy Land where he was consecrated Archbishop by the Patriarch of Jerusalem. In 569, at the Synod of Victory over which he presided, the Pelagian heresy in Britain was defeated and his decrees for the regulation of the Welsh Church were formally ratified.

Said to have been canonized in 1120 by Pope Calixtus II, St David, who embodies the golden age of Welsh monasticism, is the Patron of Wales.

Reflection: “Be joyful and keep the faith. Do those little things you have seen and heard from me” (St David).

Daily Readings

February 28, 2025

Friday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1

Sirach 6:5–17

 

A pleasant voice will multiply its friends, and a gracious tongue will multiply courtesies. Let those that are at peace with you be many, but let your advisers be one in a thousand. When you gain a friend, gain him through testing and do not trust him hastily. For there is a friend who is such at his own convenience and who will never stand by you in your day of trouble. And there is a friend who changes into an enemy and will disclose a quarrel to your disgrace. And there is a friend who is a table companion, but who will never stand by you in your day of trouble. In your prosperity he will make himself your equal and be bold with your servants; but if you are brought low he will be against you and will hide himself from your presence. Keep yourself far from your enemies and be on guard towards your friends. A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter: he that has found one has found a treasure. There is nothing so precious as a faithful friend, and no scales can measure his excellence. A faithful friend is an elixir of life; and those who fear the Lord will find him. Whoever fears the Lord directs his friendship aright, for as he is, so is his neighbour also.

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 119:12, 16, 18, 27, 34, 35  

 

Response: Guide me, Lord, in the path of your commands.

 

Blest are you, O Lord;

teach me your statutes.

 

Response: Guide me, Lord, in the path of your commands.

 

I take delight in your statutes;

I will not forget your word.

 

Response: Guide me, Lord, in the path of your commands.

 

Open my eyes, that I may see

the wonders of your law.

 

Response: Guide me, Lord, in the path of your commands.

 

Make me grasp the way of your precepts,

and I will ponder your wonders.

 

Response: Guide me, Lord, in the path of your commands.

 

Grant me insight that I may keep your law,

and observe it wholeheartedly.

 

Response: Guide me, Lord, in the path of your commands.

 

Guide me in the path of your commands,

for in them is my delight.

 

Response: Guide me, Lord, in the path of your commands.

 

Alleluia

John 17:17b, 17a

 

Your word, O Lord, is truth; sanctify us in the truth.

 

Gospel

Mark 10:1–12

 

At that time: Jesus went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan, and crowds gathered to him again. And again, as was his custom, he taught them. And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away.” And Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female. Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” And in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

 

Reflection

 

Jesus gives us a powerful teaching regarding marriage: its unity and indissolubility. The root of love lies in God who is love, and who shares his love with us. In married life, if faith and commitment are missing, a perfect union of heart and flesh is difficult to achieve. Love in marriage grows gradually. It is shown in the commitment to one’s spouse, through which the couple experiences the joy and serenity of being united. Finally, it is manifested in the children, for whom the best legacy is the good example of their parents. Pope Francis in Amoris Laetitia says, “In family life, we need to cultivate that strength of love which can help us fight every evil threatening it. Love does not yield to resentment, scorn for others or the desire to hurt or to gain some advantage. The Christian ideal, especially in families, is a love that never gives up” (n  119). Let us pray that the Lord may grant our families the joy of living together and always experiencing the serenity that comes from forgiveness.

 

St Hilarius, Pope, Confessor ( -468)

 

St Hilarius was one of the Papal legates to the so-called Robber Synod held at Ephesus (in Turkey) in 449, and was entrusted with the task of opposing the condemnation of St Flavian of Constantinople, and insisting upon the rights of the Holy See. Dioscorus, Patriarch of Alexandria, however, dominated the Synod by his terror tactics from which it became necessary for Hilarius flee to safety.

 

On 19 November 461 he was elevated to the Papacy on the death of St Leo the Great, whose “Tome”, the much celebrated work condemning Eutychianism, i.e., a heresy that the human aspect of Christ’s nature was subsumed by his divinity, was the result of Flavian’s dying appeal to Rome. Pope Hilarius succeeded in strengthening Church administration and discipline in Gaul and Spain. He also decreed that no Bishop should leave his diocese without the consent of his Metropolitan, and that he should not appoint his own successor or be transferred from one diocese to another. The decisions of the Roman Synod of 465 are the oldest which have come down to us.

 

Though nothing is known about the birth of Pope St Hilarius, he is known to have gone to his reward on 29 February 468.

 

Reflection:“I command you to preach the message, to insist upon proclaiming it, whether the time is right or not; to convince, reproach, and encourage, as you teach with all patience” (2 Tim 4:2).

Daily Readings

February 27, 2025

Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1

Sirach 5:1–8

 

Do not be preoccupied with your wealth or say, “I am self-sufficient.” Do not follow your inclination and strength, walking according to the desires of your heart. Do not say, “Who will have power over me?” for the Lord will surely punish you. Do not say, “I sinned, and what happened to me?” for the Lord is slow to anger. Do not be so confident of atonement that you add sin to sin. Do not say, “His compassion is great, he will atone for the multitude of my sins,” for both mercy and wrath are with him, and his anger rests on sinners. Do not delay to turn to the Lord or postpone it from day to day; for suddenly the wrath of the Lord will go forth, and at the time of punishment you will perish. Do not occupy yourself with dishonest wealth, for it will not benefit you in the day of calamity.

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 1:1–2, 3, 4 and 6

 

Response: Blessed the man who has placed his trust in the Lord.

 

Blessed indeed is the man

who follows not the counsel of the wicked,

nor stands in the path with sinners,

nor abides in the company of scorners,

but whose delight is the law of the Lord,

and who ponders his law day and night.

 

Response: Blessed the man who has placed his trust in the Lord.

 

He is like a tree that is planted

beside the flowing waters,

that yields its fruit in due season,

and whose leaves shall never fade;

and all that he does shall prosper.

 

Response: Blessed the man who has placed his trust in the Lord.

 

Not so are the wicked, not so!

For they, like winnowed chaff,

shall be driven away by the wind.

for the Lord knows the way of the just,

but the way of the wicked will perish.

 

Response: Blessed the man who has placed his trust in the Lord.

 

Alleluia

1 Thessalonians 2:13

 

Accept the word of God, not as the word of men, but as what it really is, the word of God.

 

 

Gospel

Mark 9:41–50

 

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward. Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung round his neck and he were thrown into the sea. And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

 

Reflection

 

Jesus appreciates even a small act of charity done by anyone towards his disciples. Those who do good to them are, even unknowingly, cooperating in the sacred mission of Jesus. At the same time anyone who causes scandal to the believer, especially to those who are weak, is doing serious harm to himself and others. Death is preferable to doing that! Jesus also makes it abundantly clear that no sacrifice is too great to make and no suffering too big to bear for the sake of eternal life. Therefore, one needs to avoid all sources of temptation and occasions of evil, no matter what pain one has to suffer because that suffering leads the person to eternal life. Any disciple of Christ who is wanting in the salt of charity is of no value, for charity is essential to Christian living.

 

St Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, Confessor (1838 -1862)

 

Francis Possenti, a native of Assisi (Italy) received Baptism at the same font at which his great namesake had been christened over 600 years before. His father, Sante, one time Governor of Assisi and then assessor of Spoleto, was a deeply religious man—before attending Mass each morning, he would spend an hour in prayer and reading, and conclude the day with a visit to the Eucharistic Lord each evening.

 

When only 4, Francis—the 11th of 13 children—lost his mother, Agnese, a Christian and a woman of sterling qualities. As he grew to boyhood, his typically childish pranks and mischievous love of fun caused his busy father much anxiety. However, the conscientious father was never too busy to instruct his children in the catechism of the church and to familiarize them with the meaning of the lives of Christ and his Saints.

 

As a young man Francis was highly obsessed with the trappings of social life with its endless rounds of dramas, opera and concerts. However, on two occasions, he experienced the chastening influence of a serious illness, each time promising Mary that, if cured, he would enter religious life, and, of course, on recovering, each time procrastinating.

 

Then came the outbreak of the cholera epidemic in Spoleto in 1856. In consternation the people turned to the Madonna and solemnly promised that, should she stop the dreadful epidemic, a great procession would be held with her ancient image, which had been presented to the city by Emperor Barbarossa in 1115.

 

The Plague did cease. When Francis knelt among the people as the image passed, he was held in thrall by the gaze of the Madonna that seemed to penetrate his soul. He felt her lips move in stern admonition thus: “Francis, why do you tarry in the world? Arise! Make haste and become a religious!” This time there was no more delay, and he joined the Passionists at Morovalle as Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows.

 

Francis was particularly conspicuous for his fervent devotion to our Lord’s Passion, to the Blessed Sacrament, and to the Blessed Virgin. But when he was ready to be ordained, having received minor orders in 1861, the political and anti-clerical upheavals in Italy made it unsafe for him to be sent to his Bishop, and not long thereafter, i.e., on 27 February 1862, Gabriel succumbed to consumption in his 6th year as a Passionist.

 

Beatified on 31 May 1908, he was canonized on 13 May 1920 in the presence of his aged brother.

 

St Gabriel is the chief Patron of today’s youth and particularly of the interior lives of young novices and professed religious.

 

Reflection:“If there is any fibre in my heart that does not beat for the love of God, I am ready to pluck it out and to destroy it without delay” (St Gabriel of O.L. of Sorrows).

Daily Readings

February 26, 2025

Wednesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1

Sirach 4:11–19

 

Wisdom exalts her sons and gives help to those who seek her. Whoever loves her loves life, and those who seek her early will be filled with joy. Whoever holds her fast will inherit glory, and the Lord will bless the place she enters. Those who serve her will minister to the Holy One; the Lord loves those who love her. He who obeys her will judge nations, and whoever gives heed to her will dwell secure. If he has faith he will inherit her; and his descendants will remain in possession of her. For at first she will walk with him on tortuous paths, she will bring fear and cowardice upon him and will torment him by her discipline until she trusts his soul, and she will test him with her ordinances. And again she will come straight back to him and gladden him and will reveal her secrets to him. If he goes astray she will forsake him and give him over into the hand of his downfall.

  

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 119:165, 168, 171, 172, 174, 175

 

Response: The lovers of your law have great peace.

 

The lovers of your law have great peace;

no stumbling block for them.

 

Response: The lovers of your law have great peace.

 

I obey your precepts and decrees;

all my ways are before you.

 

Response: The lovers of your law have great peace.

 

My lips shall proclaim your praise,

because you teach me your statutes.

 

Response: The lovers of your law have great peace.

 

My tongue will sing of your promise,

for your commands are just.

 

Response: The lovers of your law have great peace.

 

I have longed for your salvation, O Lord,

and your law is my delight.

 

Response: The lovers of your law have great peace.

 

My soul shall live and praise you.

Your judgments give me help.

 

Response: The lovers of your law have great peace.

 

Alleluia

John 14:6

 

I am the way, and the truth, and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me.

 

Gospel

Mark 9:38–40

 

At that time: John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterwards to speak evil of me. For the one who is not against us is for us.

 

Reflection

 

Some healers at the time of Jesus were used to invoke the help of great men of the past to try to heal those who turned to them. Someone among these healers, probably, had decided to include even Jesus in the list of the great men to be invoked. John, the disciple, became worried and reported this to the Lord: How did that healer allow himself to heal in the name of Jesus without being part of the group of Jesus as his disciple? Jesus’ answer was, “Do not stop him… For the one who is not against us is for us”. Our God is tolerant towards everyone. Unfortunately, we are accustomed to branding people and looking at them with suspicion if they are not part of our “group”. For God, every human person is “ours”.

 

St Mechtilde, Virgin (c.1240 - 1298)

 

Born in the Castle of Helfa, near Eisleben, Saxony, to one of the noblest families of Thuringia, St Mechtilde, at 7, entered the Benedictine Convent at Rodensdorf—where her elder sister, Gertrude Hackeborn was already a nun. Under the tutelage of Gertrude, Mechtilde made rapid strides in virtue and learning. On account of her humility, piety and zeal she was appointed, when still relatively young, to direct the novitiate and the choir, and as such she became the first teacher of St Gertrude the Great when the latter was placed in her convent at the age of 5.

 

In his revelations Our Lord used to address her as his “Nightingale”, and he favoured her with such spiritual insight and mystical experiences that learned Dominicans were sent to consult her on spiritual matters.

 

Together with St Gertrude the Great, St Mechtilde is one of the first to have stressed on devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. “When you awake in the morning, let your first act be to salute my Heart and to offer me your own,” our Lord once urged Mechtilde.

 

St Mechtilde breathed her last at the Helfta monastery on 19 November c.1298.

 

Reflection: “It gives me real pleasure when men hope for great things from me, and I will always grant them more than they expect” (Our Lord to St Mechtilde).

Daily Readings

February 25, 2025

Tuesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1

Sirach 2:1–11

 

My son, if you come forward to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for testing. Set your heart right and be steadfast and do not be hasty in time of calamity. Hold to him and do not depart, that you may reach full growth by the end of your life. Accept whatever is brought upon you and in changes that humble you be patient. For gold is tested in the fire, and acceptable people in the furnace of humiliation. Trust in him, and he will help you; make your ways straight and hope in him. You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; and turn not aside, lest you fall. You who fear the Lord, trust in him, and your reward will certainly not fail; you who fear the Lord, hope for good things, for everlasting joy and mercy. Consider the ancient generations and see: who trusted in the Lord and was put to shame? Or who persevered in the fear of the Lord and was forsaken? Or who called upon him and was overlooked? For the Lord is compassionate and merciful; he forgives sins and saves in time of affliction.

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 37:3–4, 18–19, 27–28, 39–40  

 

Response: Commit your way to the Lord, and he will act.

 

Trust in the Lord and do good;

then you will dwell in the land and safely pasture.

Find your delight in the Lord,

who grants your heart’s desire.

 

Response: Commit your way to the Lord, and he will act.

 

The Lord takes note of the days of the blameless;

their heritage will last forever.

They shall not be put to shame in evil days;

in time of famine they shall have their fill.

 

Response: Commit your way to the Lord, and he will act.

 

Then turn away from evil and do good,

and you may abide forever;

for indeed, the Lord loves justice,

and will never forsake his faithful.

The unjust shall be wiped out forever,

and the descendants of the wicked destroyed.

 

Response: Commit your way to the Lord, and he will act.

 

But from the Lord comes the salvation of the just,

their stronghold in time of distress.

The Lord helps them and rescues them,

rescues and saves them from the wicked:

because they take refuge in him.

 

Response: Commit your way to the Lord, and he will act.

 

Alleluia

Galatians 6:14

 

Far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

 

Gospel

Mark 9:30–37

 

At that time: Jesus and his disciples went on from the mountain and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him. And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”

 

Reflection

 

Jesus gives us a few powerful teachings for our Christian life: to put ourselves at the service of others, to help people in need, to understand them, and to be with them in their situations of difficulty, anxiety and worry. Jesus himself was a sublime example, and therefore he asks us to imitate him. Thus, together with Jesus, each one becomes a “saviour” and a “friend” who facilitates the path toward God. Pope Francis says in a homily, “Let us never forget that authentic power is service, and that the Pope too when exercising power, must enter ever more fully into that service which has its radiant culmination on the Cross.”

 

Blessed Rani Maria

 

Rani Maria was born on 29 January 1954 as the second child of Paily and Eliswa of Vattalil, in an ordinary peasant family. Her Baptism was on 5 February 1954 at StThomas Church Pulluvazhy and she was given the name ‘Mariam’ after Mother Mary, the mother of Jesus.  Her God fearing parents brought her up in Christian faith and charity along with their six other children – Stephen, Annie, Varghese, Thressiamma, Celine and Lusy.  Celine would later followed her elder sister  Rani Maria and joined the Franciscan Clarist Congregation, assuming the name Selmy Paul.

 

From her infancy her parents and grandparents made her understand the importance of prayer. Even at the young age, she regularly attended the Holy Mass and took part in the popular devotions. She frequented catechism lessons and practiced what she learned in her day today life.

 

The frequent visit to the nearby convent and acquaintance with the FCC nuns enabled them to make a decision to enter the Franciscan Clarist Congregation.

 

On 1st May 1974, she made her first profession in Franciscan Clarist Congregation under the new name Rani Maria and on May 22, 1980 she made her final profession at St Hormis Church, Ankamaly.

 

As usual on 25th February 1995 Sr.Rani Maria rose early in the morning.  She had to take the first bus to Indore and from there go to the Provincial House, Bhopal and then proceed down to Kerala.

 

Accompanied by two sisters Sr. Rani reached the bus stand only to be told that the bus trip was cancelled. While they were returning, they saw the bus by name ‘Kapil’ by which she was to travel. Sr. Liza Rose told the conductor to reserve one seat for Sr. Rani Maria. He replied, “The bus will leave at 8.15 a.m. You may board the bus in front of the convent.”

 

The bus arrived in front of the convent. Sisters bade her farewell. Sr. Liza helped her to get into the bus with her handbag.  A young man dressed in white, kept her bag near the driver and asked her to sit in the back seat. This was something unusual in Udainagar. The sisters were always given the front seat in the bus. Among the fifty or so passengers there were three, seated in different parts of the bus, but united in one thing: the determination to murder Sr. Rani. Jeevan Singh, the leader of the group was seated in the back seat of the bus together with Dharmendra, his bodyguard.  The third man was Samundar Singh, a youth of 28, who took his seat near Sr. Rani Maria.   Jeevan Singh began to insult her saying: “Why have you come here from Kerala? Have you come to convert these poor tribal people to Christianity? We will not allow that.”

 

The bus reached a jungle about 20 kms from Udainagar.  Samundar rose from his seat and asked the driver to stop the bus.  He got down from the bus and broke a coconut against a rock on the road side: it was a pooja or sacred rite offered to their divinities.  With pieces of the broken coconut in his hands he re-entered the bus and distributed them among the passengers. He offered a piece to Sr.Rani Maria but suddenly withdrew it as if to fool her. She asked him, “Why are you so overjoyed today?” Drawing out a knife he said, “Just for this,” and thrust it into her stomach. Repeatedly he stabbed her.  Then the bus stopped.  Deaf to her cries, he dragged her out of the bus and stabbed her to death.  The post-mortem registered 40 major injuries besides 14 bruises.  Unto the last she kept on saying “Jesus! Jesus!” None of the passengers dared to come to her rescue. Most of them ran away.

 

The beatification process opened on 26 September 2003 after the title Servant of God was conferred upon her and the Congregation for the Causes of Saints granted the “nihil obstat” (‘nothing against’) to the cause. The subsequent diocesan process took place in Indore from 29 June 2005 to 28 June 2007 and received C.C.S. validation in Rome on 27 November 2009.

 

Pope Francis approved the cause on 23 March 2017 and she was beatified on 4 November 2017 in Indore.

 

Daily Readings

February 24, 2025

Monday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1

Sirach 1:1–10

 

All wisdom comes from the Lord and is with him for ever. The sand of the sea, the drops of rain, and the days of eternity – who will count them? The height of heaven, the breadth of the earth, the Abyss and wisdom – who will search them out? Wisdom was created before all things, and prudent understanding from eternity. The source of wisdom is God’s word in the highest heaven, and her ways are eternal commandments. The root of wisdom – to whom has it been revealed? Her great deeds – who knows them? The knowledge of wisdom – to whom was it manifested? And her abundant experience – who has understood it? There is one who is wise, greatly to be feared, sitting upon his throne. The Lord himself created wisdom; he saw her and apportioned her, he poured her out upon all his works, with all flesh according to his gift, and he supplied her to those who persisted in loving him.

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 93:1abc, 1d–2, 5 

 

Response: The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed.

 

The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed.

The Lord has robed himself with might;

he has girded himself with power.

 

Response: The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed.

 

The world you made firm, not to be moved;

your throne has stood firm from of old.

From all eternity, O Lord, you are.

 

Response: The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed.

 

Truly your decrees are to be trusted.

Holiness is fitting to your house,

O Lord, until the end of time.

 

Response: The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed.

 

Alleluia

2 Timothy 1:10

 

Our Saviour Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

 

Gospel

Mark 9:14–29

 

At that time: [When Jesus came down the mountain with Peter and James and John] they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”

 

 

Reflection

 

To be a Christian is to have faith in Jesus and to live his values. Basking in the fame of Jesus, and feeling proud that they were the closest confidants of Jesus, the disciples presumed that they would be able to do the same works as Jesus did. But they miserably failed to heal the boy because they probably attempted to heal for their self-glory or perhaps to show off the power that they had received from Jesus. The father of the boy teaches us with what attitude we should approach Jesus for a miracle: he approached Jesus with faith for a miracle, not for himself, but for his son. Again, he prayed to Jesus, not for himself, but for his son. Our prayer becomes more efficacious when we pray with faith for others, especially those who are in need. Let us, today, pray for someone who is in need.

 

St Caesarius, Physician (- 369)

 

Son of St Gregory the elder, Bishop of Nazianzus (Turkey) and St Nonna, and brother of St Caesarius of Nazianzus, young Caesarius was a brilliant boy. He received his education in Alexandria where he specialized in oratory, philosophy and more particularly in medicine. Later he went to Constantinople where he perfected his medical studies, and became the foremost physician of his age. On his journey back home he met his brother, Gregory, returning from Athens and they then travelled together to Nazianzus in spite of Emperor Constantius’ request to stay on in Constantinople.

 

Later, recalled to Constantinople by Julian the apostate who honoured him as his first physician and exempted him from the edict he published against the Christians, Caesarius resisted all the efforts of the prince to make him abjure his faith. Julian restored him to his former post and Valens made him his treasurer in Birthynia. While there, he had a narrow escape from an earthquake in 368, which left such a lasting impression on his mind that he renounced the world and decided to end his long catechumenate and receive baptism. He died soon after and his funeral oration was preached by his brother Gregory; he was buried in the family vault in the presence of his parents.

 

Reflection:“Let us not esteem worldly prosperity or adversity as things of any moment, but let us live elsewhere, and raise all our attention to heaven considering sin as the only true evil, and nothing truly good but virtue which unites us to God” (St Gregory Nazianzus).

Daily Readings

February 23, 2025

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Reading I

Samuel (26:2,7-9,12-13,22-23)

 

In those days Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph with three thousand chosen men of Israel to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph. So David and Abishai went to the army by night. And there lay Saul sleeping within the encampment, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head, and Abner and the army lay round him. Then Abishai said to David, “God has given your enemy into your hand this day. Now please let me pin him to the earth with one stroke of the spear, and I will not strike him twice.” But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can put out his hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” So David took the spear and the jar of water from Saul’s head, and they went away. No man saw it or knew it, nor did any awake, for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen upon them. Then David went over to the other side and stood far off on the top of the hill, with a great space between them. And David answered and said, “Here is the spear, O king! Let one of the young men come over and take it. The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness, for the LORD gave you into my hand today, and I would not put out my hand against the LORD’s anointed.

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13

 

Response: The Lord is compassionate and gracious.

 

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all within me, his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and never forget all his benefits.

 

Response: The Lord is compassionate and gracious.

 

It is the LORD who forgives all your sins, who heals every one of your ills, who redeems your life from the grave, who crowns you with mercy and compassion.

 

Response: The Lord is compassionate and gracious.

 

The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and rich in mercy. He does not treat us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our faults

 

Response: The Lord is compassionate and gracious.

 

As far as the east is from the west, so far from us does he remove our transgressions. As a father has compassion on his children, the LORD’s compassion is on those who fear him.

 

Response: The Lord is compassionate and gracious.

 

Reading II

Corinthians (15:45-49)

 

Brethren, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual. The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.

 

Alleluia. Alleluia.

(Jn 13:34)

 

A new commandment I give to you, says the Lord, that you love one another: just as I have loved you.  

 

GOSPEL

Luke (6:27-38)

 

At that time Jesus said to his disciples, “but I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

 

Reflection

 

Saul is in the pursuit of David with three thousand men. And yet the courageous David is able to spy on the encampment of Saul. Under the cover of darkness David and Abishai penetrate the camp and stand over the sleeping Saul. Abishai begs David to let him pin Saul to the ground with a single stroke of his spear. David refuses, takes the spear and the water jar by Saul’s head, and leaves. This episode highlights the noble ways of the future King of Israel. David has the opportunity to kill the enemy who is in hot pursuit of his life. But David relents and says that the anointed of God should not be harmed. For it is an offence against God. In the Second Reading Paul develops an AdamChrist typology. Adam’s descendants share his nature, while those who are of heaven share Christ’s nature. Next point of comparison is that just as Christians share the likeness of Adam, so they will bear the likeness of Christ. The gospel of today forms part of the Sermon on the Plain. The first part of the sermon deals with the relationship of the disciples to God; the second part from which our Reading is taken deals with the disciple’s relationship with other people. It plunges straight into the duty to love one’s enemies. Jesus admits that even sinful people are quite ready to do good to those who have helped them or from whom they can expect some benefit in return. But disciples ought to go further and not stick simply to doing good for what they can get in return for it or as a way of thanking somebody who had done them good. There may well be no earthly credit for people who behave like this, but there will be a heavenly reward: God will regard them as his true sons who imitate their Father’s merciful nature to those who are undeserving. The person who loves like this will receive the same love–and more–from God. The person who does not judge other people will not be judged by God, and the person who gives freely will receive an ample return – like a container so full of corn that it spills over. This passage contains the Golden Rule: “As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them.” The Golden Rule is the wise foundation of human reciprocity both in the Old Testament and in many other cultures. It means treating others as you would like to be treated. Jesus requires this basic disposition from his disciples, and he asks for something more. Loving one’s enemies is the highest form of morality. It is a divine way of dealing with people. God is King to the ungrateful and wicked people as well as to the good. The Golden Rule is made more explicit by the call to the love of enemies.

 

(Source: Sunday Liturgy)

 

St Polycarp, Bishop, Martyr, Apostolic Father of the Church (2nd century)

 

St Polycarp was converted and instructed by St John the Evangelist. He must have been some 37 years old when the aged Apostle consecrated him Bishop of Smyrna (in Turkey) shortly before his banishment to Patmos. Polycarp proved himself a saintly and very able administrator in the face of poverty and constant persecution by the Jews. In 155 when he was probably 86, he undertook a journey to Rome to consult with Pope St Anicetus about the vexing question of the Easter date. This meeting did not resolve the controversy, but the Pope did permit the venerable bishop to continue in his eastern tradition, which regarded the 14th day of the month of Nisan as the day on which our Lord arose from the dead, and that day was celebrated regardless of whether it fell on a Sunday or a weekday.

 

Polycarp had hardly returned to his See when—under the Emperor Marcus Aurelius—a fierce persecution of Christians broke out. Upon the entreaties of the faithful he concealed himself on the outskirts of the city, but a slave revealed, under torture, his hiding place. Brought before the judgement seat of the proconsul, he was urged to swear by the genius of Caesar and to curse Christ, but he calmly made this famous reply: “Eighty-six years have I served Him, and never did he fail me! How could I now blaspheme my King and Saviour? I am a Christian!”

 

The genuine “acts” that have come down to us, describing how the holy bishop, like the Good Shepherd, laid down his life for the sheep of his flock at Smyrna, is one of the earliest existing detailed record of Christian martyrdom; it is a proof that the ancient Church approved and fostered the veneration of the Saints and of their relics. St Polycarp is invoked against ear-ache.

 

Reflection:“I bless you for judging me worthy of this day, this hour, so that in the company of the martyrs I may share the cup of Christ, your anointed one, and so rise again to eternal life in soul and body, immortal through the power of the Holy Spirit. May I be received among the martyrs in your presence as a rich and pleasing sacrifice” (St Polycarp).

 

*****

Daily Readings

February 22, 2025, Saturday

Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle

 

Reading 1

1 Peter 5:1–4

 

Beloved: I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 23:1–3a, 3b–4, 5, 6

 

Response: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

 

The Lord is my shepherd;

there is nothing I shall want.

Fresh and green are the pastures

where he gives me repose.

Near restful waters he leads me;

he revives my soul.

 

Response: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

 

He guides me along the right path,

for the sake of his name.

Though I should walk in the valley

of the shadow of death,

no evil would I fear, for you are with me.

Your crook and your staff

will give me comfort.

 

Response: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

 

You have prepared a table before me

in the sight of my foes.

My head you have anointed with oil;

my cup is overflowing.

 

Response: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

 

Surely goodness and mercy

shall follow me

all the days of my life.

In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell

for length of days unending.

 

Response: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

 

Verse Before the Gospel

 

You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

 

Gospel

Matthew 16:13–19

 

At that time: When Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is? And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

 

Reflection

 

On this Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, we prayerfully remember in particular the precious and indispensable service that the Pope, the successor of Saint Peter, renders as father,  teacher and leader of the Catholic Church. Jesus chooses Peter and entrusts him with “the keys of the kingdom of heaven”. More than a symbol of power, it is a mission given by Jesus to take care of his flock, and through this to portray one’s true love for Jesus. We pray that enlightened by the Spirit and supported by the People of God, our Pope may carry out his ministry for the good not only of Christians but also of all humanity. The Pope also is the true point of reference for the “civilization of truth and love” (a phrase coined by Pope Saint John Paul II) in this world, which is possible when justice and faith are integrated.

 

The Chair of St Peter

 

“I now say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the underworld shall never prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Mt 16:18-19). With this little declaration, Jesus invested Peter with the right to sit in his place as the Prince of the Apostles, giving him, as he did so, servant-authority over the whole Church. It is the Episcopal dignity and universal primacy of that high office instituted by our Lord himself that we venerate today.

 

The word “chair” derives from the Latin sedes, i.e., the Holy See, or the Greek expression Cathedra Sancti Petri. Today’s feast implicitly affirms Catholic teaching concerning the papacy: in the reigning pope the Church recognizes and honours the legitimate successor of St Peter as Pastor of the whole Church. This is the origin of the expression ex cathedra—“from the chair”—referring to papal pronouncements (very rarely made) whereby the pope infallibly defines a doctrine that is irrevocably binding on all the faithful.

 

Reflection: “St Peter gained the palm of martyrdom at Rome where he had established for himself and his successors the See of the Vicar of Christ. . . . . . . . The Church is the people of God. May all be faithful! May all believe in what the Church preaches! May all follow her moral teachings and the Christian virtues!” (Blessed James Alberione)

Daily Readings

February 21, 2025

Friday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1

Genesis 11:1–9

 

The whole earth had one language and the same words. And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.” And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built. And the Lord said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another’s speech.” So the Lord dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth. And from there the Lord dispersed them over the face of all the earth.

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 33:10–11, 12-13, 14–15  

 

Response: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen as his heritage.

 

The Lord frustrates the designs

of the nations;

he defeats the plans of the peoples.

The designs of the Lord stand forever,

the plans of his heart from age to age.

 

Response: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen as his heritage.

 

Blessed the nation

whose God is the Lord,

the people he has chosen as his heritage.

From the heavens the Lord looks forth;

he sees all the children of men.

 

Response: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen as his heritage.

 

From the place where he dwells he gazes

on all the dwellers on the earth,

he who shapes the hearts of them all,

and considers all their deeds.

 

Response: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen as his heritage.

 

Alleluia

John 15:15b

 

I have called you friends, says the Lord; for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

 

Gospel

Mark 8:34–9:1

 

At that time: Calling the crowd to him with his disciples, Jesus said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.”

 

Reflection

 

To be a disciple of Jesus means to give Jesus the top priority in our lives. To follow Jesus means, first and foremost, to deny myself, that is, my life must be so deeply immersed in Jesus that I,  along with others, see and experience Jesus in me. We are also urged to take up our cross and follow him. But the focus should be, not on our cross, our trials or tribulations, but rather on Jesus, as his focus was never on his cross but on doing the will of his Father. Let us pray that we may imbibe this spirit of true discipleship as inspired by the Apostle Paul who says, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Gal 2:20).

 

St Peter Damian, Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church (1007-1072)

 

Peter Onesti, the youngest of many children in the poor but noble Ravenna family, was orphaned at an early age and sent to tend swine by one of his brothers. But his piety and intellectual gifts prompted another of his brothers, the Archpriest Damian of Ravenna, to pay for his education. Peter, in gratitude, added the name Damian to his own.

 

Peter Damian found life in these university towns so worldly and distracting that, in 1034, he went on to become a hermit-monk in the Benedictine establishment of Fonte Avellana in the Apennines.

 

Peter was particularly devoted to Our Lady. At 36 he became Abbot of Fonte Avellana and remained so until his death 29 years later. As such he wisely moderated the rule, established the regular use of the discipline (a practice which was also adopted at Monte Cassino) and founded a number of dependent hermitages. Together with his friend, Hildebrand, the future great reformer, Pope Gregory VII, he strove continually by the written and spoken word to combat and correct the scandalous abuses then widespread in the Church—incontinence, luxury and laxity among the clergy, the buying and selling of Church benefices and Papal schisms. Peter is best known for his terrible indictment of the clergy, the Liber Gomorrhianus, published in 1051, and the Liber Gratissimus which concerned itself with the validity of simoniacal ordinations.

 

In 1057, Pope Stephen X made him Cardinal Bishop of Ostia, which he reluctantly accepted under pain of excommunication. Besides being administrator of the diocese of Gubbio, Peter served seven successive Popes, and remarkably well, on various delicate missions—as Papal legate and visitor of Bishoprics and Abbeys. When returning to Rome from one such assignment in the Archdiocese of Ravenna, Peter fell critically ill and died on 22 February 1072. He was buried in the Cathedral of Faenza and, though never formally canonized, was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1028.

 

St Peter Damian is invoked against headaches because of his having suffered greatly from the malady himself.

Daily Readings

February 20, 2025

Thursday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1

Genesis 9:1–13

God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. The fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth and upon every bird of the heavens, upon everything that creeps on the ground and all the fish of the sea. Into your hand they are delivered. Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything. But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood. And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it and from man. From his fellow man I will require a reckoning for the life of man. Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image. And you, be fruitful and multiply, increase greatly on the earth and multiply in it.” Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, “Behold, I establish my covenant with you and your offspring after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the livestock, and every beast of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark; it is for every beast of the earth. I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.”

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 102:16–18, 19–21, 29 and 22–23

 

Response: The Lord looked down from heaven to the earth.

 

The nations shall fear the name of the Lord,

and all the earth’s kings your glory.

When the Lord shall build up Sion,

he will appear in all his glory.

Then he will turn to the prayers of the helpless;

he will not despise their prayers.

Response: The Lord looked down from heaven to the earth.

Let this be written for ages to come,

that a people yet unborn may praise the Lord;

The Lord looked down from his holy place on high,

looked down from heaven to the earth,

to hear the groans of the prisoners,

and free those condemned to die.

Response: The Lord looked down from heaven to the earth.

The children of your servants shall dwell untroubled,

and their descendants established before you.

May the name of the Lord be proclaimed in Sion,

and his praise in Jerusalem,

when peoples and kingdoms are gathered as one

to offer their worship to the Lord.

Response: The Lord looked down from heaven to the earth.

Alleluia See

John 6:63c, 68c

 

Your words, Lord, are spirit and life; you have the words of eternal life.

 

Gospel

Mark 8:27–33

 

At that time: Jesus went on with his disciples, to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him. And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

 

Reflection

 

Various people expressed their understanding of who Jesus was. Many of them believed that he was a great prophet like Elijah or John the Baptist or even the long-awaited Messiah. Peter confesses that Jesus is the Promised Messiah. But they, including Peter, thought of Jesus as the long-awaited hero, a warrior who would free them from the yoke of foreign power. This Messiah would once again bring back the glory of Israel, by defeating her enemies and establishing Israel as a powerful kingdom.  Jesus, however, came not to be the glorified Messiah, but to be the suffering Messiah, who will bear the sins of all and give his life for all. Thus, Jesus became the Messiah not only of Israel but of the whole of humankind, and through his life and teachings, he brought in a new world order. Let us pray for the grace to imitate the Suffering Messiah, because “unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone, but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (Jn 12:24).

 

Blessed Francisco & Jacinta Marto The Seers of Fatima (1908-1919, 1910-1920)

 

It was the 13th of May in the year 1917. Away from the fertile regions of Fatima, a village some 110 miles north of the city of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, stood the little known Cova da Iria where there took place an event that was to change forever the lives of three youngsters from Aljustrel who were shepherding their flock. Having first satiated their hunger, they had just about concluded the recitation of the rosary when, of a sudden that bright sunny morning a powerful flash of lightning tore through the sky, bathing them in an astonishingly dazzling glow and revealing to them a resplendent figure — a young maiden, the Virgin Mother of God!

 

Ten-year-old Lucia de Jesus and her two cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto were the 3 seers of that beatific vision and were to be recipients of the same for the next 5 months, a rendezvous they maintained uninterruptedly, except for 13 August when they were taken away for cross-questioning by the Mayor of Villa Nova de Ourem, under whose jurisdiction Fatima fell. An unexpected apparition, however, followed on 19 August while they grazed their flock in the “dos Valinhos”.

 

The trio was asked by Mary to learn to read and write; they were also asked to pray the rosary for peace in the world and the end of the war that was raging then, as well as to pray for the Pope, for sinners and for the conversion of Russia. She asked that the Rosary be recited regularly and that the world be consecrated to her Immaculate Heart.

 

Francisco, who was born on 11 June 1908, was called to his reward on 4 April 1919 at Aljustrel; Jacinta, born on 11 March 1910, passed away to hers on 20 February 1920 at Lisbon. Lucia de Jesus lives on today as Sr Maria Lucia of the Immaculate Heart.

 

The process for the beatification of Francisco and Jacinta which commenced in 1952, concluded in 1979. The final documentation having been presented to the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II and the Congregation for the Causes of Saints on 15 February 1988, Francisco and Jacinta were declared “Venerable” on 13 May 1989 and beatified in the Jubilee Year 2000.

 

Reflection: “Having been crowned by the Most Holy Trinity, from heaven, Mary fulfils for us Christians the roles of Mother, Teacher and Queen. On our part, we want to be good children, diligent disciples and docile subjects” (Blessed James Alberione).

Daily Readings

February 19, 2025

Wednesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1

Genesis 8:6–13, 20–22 

At the end of forty days Noah opened the window of the ark that he had made and sent forth a raven. It went to and fro until the waters were dried up from the earth. Then he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters had subsided from the face of the ground. But the dove found no place to set her foot, and she returned to him to the ark, for the waters were still on the face of the whole earth. So he put out his hand and took her and brought her into the ark with him. He waited another seven days, and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark. And the dove came back to him in the evening, and behold, in her mouth was a freshly plucked olive leaf. So Noah knew that the waters had subsided from the earth. Then he waited another seven days and sent forth the dove, and she did not return to him any more. In the six hundred and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried from off the earth. And Noah removed the covering of the ark and looked, and behold, the face of the ground was dry. Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and took some of every clean animal and some of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And when the Lord smelt the pleasing aroma, the Lord said in his heart, “I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done. While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 116:12–13, 14–15, 18–19 

Response: A thanksgiving sacrifice I make to you, O Lord.

 

How can I repay the Lord

for all his goodness to me?

The cup of salvation I will raise;

I will call on the name of the Lord. 

Response: A thanksgiving sacrifice I make to you, O Lord.

 

My vows to the Lord I will fulfill

before all his people.

How precious in the eyes of the Lord

is the death of his faithful. 

Response: A thanksgiving sacrifice I make to you, O Lord.

 

My vows to the Lord I will fulfill

before all his people,

in the courts of the house of the Lord,

in your midst, O Jerusalem. 

Response: A thanksgiving sacrifice I make to you, O Lord.

 

Alleluia 

Ephesians 1:17-18

May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts that we may know what is the hope to which he has called us.

 

Gospel

Mark 8:22–26 

At that time: Jesus and the disciples came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spat on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” And he looked up and said, “I see people; but they look like trees, walking.” Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”

 

Reflection 

The blind man of Bethsaida recovers his sight gradually, after a series of interventions from the Lord. Towards the end of the miracle, the blind man sees everything with clarity. We experience inner transformation through important events through which God reveals Himself to us in our lives. Our understanding and awareness of God and being transformed into His likeness is not a one-time experience. It is a process through which God gradually reveals to us the Mystery that He is. To comprehend this great mystery, we surely need the grace of God, but together with that, we need to spend time generously with Him. Let us pray for the grace of generosity to go constantly to the Lord, and also bring others to Him, so that the Lord may open our eyes and theirs towards understanding Him better.

St Conrad, Confessor (1290 - 1351)

A member of one of the first families of Piacenza in northern Italy, St Conrad married young and embarked on a military career. He was passionately fond of the chase and when one day, his quarry escaped into a thicket, he ordered it to be set on fire. But a sudden strong wind caused the flames to spread quickly over all the nearby fields and forests and caused widespread damage. For this a poor woodcutter who happened to be found in the neighborhood, was blamed, tried and condemned to death on circumstantial evidence.

 

Upon hearing of this turn of events, St Conrad came forward and acknowledged his own guilt, promising to make amends as far as lay in his power by selling all of his possessions. He and his wife then took up the religious life—she became a Poor Clare and he joined the Third Order of St Francis and lived thereafter as a hermit in a solitary cave near Noto in Sicily.

 

Each Friday for the next 30 years, he visited the celebrated Crucifix at Noto, and here he was found dead on his knees on 19 February 1351. St Conrad, whose mortal remains were laid to rest in the Church of St Nicholas in Noto, is invoked in cases of hernia.

 

Reflection:“Thy cross, O Lord, is the source of all blessings, the cause of all graces; by it the faithful find strength in weakness, glory in shame, life in death” (St Leo).

Daily Readings

February 18, 2025

Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading I

Genesis 6:5–8; 7:1–5, 10

 

The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. So the Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.” But Noah found favour in the eyes of the Lord. Then the Lord said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation. Take with you seven pairs of all clean animals, the male and his mate, and a pair of the animals that are not clean, the male and his mate, and seven pairs of the birds of the heavens also, male and female, to keep their offspring alive on the face of all the earth. For in seven days I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and every living thing that I have made I will blot out from the face of the ground.” And Noah did all that the Lord had commanded him. And after seven days the waters of the flood came upon the earth.

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 29:1a and 2, 3ac–4, 3b and 9c–10

 

Response: The Lord will bless his people with peace.

 

Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly powers,

ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name;

bow down before the Lord,

majestic in holiness.

 

Response: The Lord will bless his people with peace.

 

The voice of the Lord upon the waters,

the Lord on the immensity of waters;

the voice of the Lord full of power;

the voice of the Lord full of splendour.

 

Response: The Lord will bless his people with peace.

 

The God of glory thunders;

In his temple they all cry, “Glory!”

The Lord sat enthroned above the flood;

the Lord sits as king forever.

 

Response: The Lord will bless his people with peace.

 

Alleluia

John 14:23

 

If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, says the Lord; and my Father will love him, and we will come to him.
 

Gospel

Mark 8:14–21

 

At that time: The disciples had forgotten to bring bread and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. And Jesus cautioned them, saying, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” And they began discussing with one another, the fact that they had no bread. And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They said to him, “Twelve.” “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” And they said to him, “Seven.” And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?

 

Reflection

 

Jesus asks his disciples to guard against the leaven of the Pharisees, that is, they must not give in to the temptation of a faith made only of external observance of precepts, and obsessed with ritual perfection. He further asks his disciples to guard against the leaven of Herod who uses religion for the consolidation of his selfish political power. The Lord encourages his disciples not to stop at mere external observances. These observances will become meaningful when they lead us to interior transformation. The disciples were slow in understanding these deeper insights of the Lord. Let us pray that the Lord may grant us the grace of interior eyes of understanding so that we may grasp the deeper insights that will lead us to genuine transformation.

 

Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara (1805-1871)

 

Kuriakose (Cyriac) Chavara was born in 1805, of pious and devout Catholic parents of Syro-Malabar Church, at Kainakary, Kerala, India. After his early schooling in the native village and priestly studies under Fr Thomas Palackal at Pallippuram, he was ordained priest in 1829.

 

In 1831, co-operating with Fr Thomas Palackal and Fr Thomas Porukara, he founded the first indigenous religious congregation for men, now known as the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI). It was after the death of his senior companions in the foundation that Fr Kuriakose, together with the first members, made the religious profession in 1855.

 

Starting seven religious houses, including the first one at Mannanam, in different parts of Kerala, the new Congregation made great strides in the spiritual renovation of the Syro-Malabar Church. Seminaries for the education and formation of the clergy, introduction of annual retreats for priests and people, a publishing house for the propagation of Catholic doctrine, a house for the dying and destitute, special attention to catechumens and schools for general education, were a few among the various activities of the Congregation under Fr Kuriakose Elias' leadership. Fr Chavara also introduced valuable improvements and reform in the Syro-Malabar liturgy.

 

In 1866, with the co-operation of Fr Leopold Boccaro OCD, he started the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (CMC) for women.

 

Essentially a man of prayer and intense charity, he lived in close communion with the Lord amidst his several religious and social activities. Owing to his deep spirituality that permeated all his actions, he was accepted and referred to as a man of God, from his early years. In 1871, on January 3rd, Fr Kuriakose Elias Chavara, after a short but painful illness, passed away at Koonammavu preserving his baptismal innocence unto death.

 

On 7 April 1984, Pope John Paul II solemnly recognised the heroic virtues of the Servant of God and elevated him to the status of Venerable. On 8 February 1986, during his historic visit to Kottayam, Kerala, Pope John Paul II raised Venerable Kuriakose Elias Chavara to the honours of the altar declaring him 'Blessed'.

 

On 23 November 2014 Pope Francis declared him a Saint.

Daily Readings

February 17, 2025

Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1

Genesis 4:1–15, 25

 

Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have produced a man with the help of the Lord.” And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” And the Lord said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground. And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.” Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden. I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” Then the Lord said to him, “Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the Lord put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him. And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, “God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.”

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 50:1 and 8, 16bc–17, 20–21

 

Response: Give your praise as a sacrifice to God.

 

The God of gods, the Lord,

has spoken and summoned the earth,

from the rising of the sun to its setting.

I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices;

your offerings are always before me.

 

Response: Give your praise as a sacrifice to God.

 

“How can you recite my commandments,

and take my covenant on your lips,

you who despise correction,

and cast my words behind you.

 

Response: Give your praise as a sacrifice to God.

 

“You who sit and malign your own brother,

and slander your own mother’s son?

You do this, and should I keep silence?

Do you think that I am like you?

I accuse you, lay the charge before you.”

 

Response: Give your praise as a sacrifice to God.

 

Alleluia

John 14:6

 

I am the way, and the truth, and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me.

 

Gospel

Mark 8:11–13

 

At that time: The Pharisees came and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side.

 

Reflection

 

Jesus is surprised at the disbelief of the Pharisees. Though he has performed extraordinary signs in front of them, they still want to see more signs. Unlike the Syrophoenician woman, Jairus, and many others who professed their faith in Jesus on witnessing the signs, the Pharisees are greedy for more signs. For them, Jesus is a mere wonder-worker. We constantly witness various signs from God around us. We are privileged to listen to His powerful Word regularly, receive the life-giving sacraments, and witness fresh life and energy every morning when we rise. Are these signs helping us to feel grateful to the Lord and profess our faith in Him as our Lord? Or, are we driven by greed to see something unduly extraordinary, like the Pharisees, and consider Jesus as a mere wonder-worker? Let us not run the risk of missing out on the presence of the Lord in our midst due to our ingratitude and unbelief.

 

Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order (13th Century)

 

The Church’s 5th mendicant Order had its beginnings in Florence, Italy in the middle of the 13th century when the city was torn with political strife as well as the Cathari heresy, which proclaimed that good and evil each had a separate creator. Morals were at their lowest ebb and religion had all but lost its relevance.

 

On the Feast of the Assumption in the year 1233, Our Blessed Mother appeared to the seven members—Alexis Falconieri, BuonfiglioMonaldo (the first superior), Benedict dell’Antella, Bartholomew Amidei, RicoverusUguccione, GerardinoSostegni and John Buonagiunta—of a Florentine Confraternity named “Laudesi” (the “Praisers” of Mary) when they were at prayer and bade them withdraw into solitude. Accordingly, these young noblemen of the city, 2 of whom were married and 2 others widowed, after having settled their personal affairs and made adequate provision for their dependents, established themselves several miles north of the city on the secluded Monte Senario. Here Mary appeared to them again and showed them the black habit she desired them to wear in memory of her sorrow and desolation at the foot of the Cross and instructed them to found the “Ordo FratrumServorum Sanctae Mariae” (Order of Friar Servants of St Mary) under the rule of St Augustine of Hippo. They carried out these directives under the guidance of St Peter of Verona, O.P., devoting themselves to much prayer, penance and silence on the one hand and teaching, preaching and various ministerial activities on the other.

 

Only one of the founders, viz., Alexis Falconieri, a lay brother, lived to see the foundation raised to the dignity of a religious order by Pope Benedict XI in 1304. He died on 17 February 1310. In 1649, when the main altar of the chapel at Monte Senario was being re-modelled, the remains of seven bodies were discovered. Having been moved several times, these now lie enshrined in the Chapel of the 7 Holy Founders at Monte Senario. All the 7 were, however, canonized as a group by Pope Leo XIII in 1888.

 

Reflection:“Each of our days is marked with the protection of Mary, who is exceedingly anxious to be our Mother, when we desire to be her children” (St Vincent de Paul).

Daily Readings

February 16, 2025

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Reading I

Jeremiah (17:5-8)

 

Thus says the LORD, cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 & 6

 

Response: Blessed the man who has placed his trust in the Lord.

 

Blessed indeed is the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the path with sinners, nor abides in the company of scorners, but whose delight is the law of the LORD, and who ponders his law day and night.

 

Response: Blessed the man who has placed his trust in the Lord.

 

He is like a tree that is planted beside the flowing waters, that yields its fruit in due season, and whose leaves shall never fade; and all that he does shall prosper.

 

Response: Blessed the man who has placed his trust in the Lord.

 

Not so are the wicked, not so! For they, like winnowed chaff, shall be driven away by the wind. For the LORD knows the way of the just, but the way of the wicked will perish.

 

Response: Blessed the man who has placed his trust in the Lord.

 

 

Reading II

1 Corinthians (15:1-11,12,16-20)

 

Brethren, if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

 

ACCLAMATION

Alleluia. Alleluia.   (Lk 6:23ab)

 

Rejoice and leap for joy, says the Lord, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. Alleluia.

 

Gospel

Luke (6:17,20-26)

 

At that time: Jesus came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.”

 

Reflection

 

The First Reading from Prophet Jeremiah has a series of wisdom sayings which make a contrast between the righteous and the wicked. The contrast between the man who is cursed and the one who is blessed is made in terms of what they trust in: human abilities or Divine. The one who bears the curse is like a tree in the dry, salt lands where no good is ever experienced. The one who bears the blessing is the opposite: he is like a tree transplanted by water, its roots by the stream, its foliage green, thriving in drought and always bearing fruit. In the Bible the green tree stands as a metaphor for righteous persons. On the other hand, the tree in the harsh conditions is the perfect image of the wicked. In the Second Reading, Paul argues for the resurrection of Jesus. Paul says that Jesus appeared one time to more than five hundred people most of whom are still alive. For Paul to deny the resurrection of the dead is equal to denying the resurrection of Jesus. The Lucan beatitudes and woes are a carefully constructed set, each woe contrasting with one of the beatitudes. The first three beatitudes are also to be interpreted as a set. The poor, the hungry, and the weeping are not three different groups of people but three descriptions of a single group. Because they are destitute, they are also hungry and weeping. The fourth beatitude, to be sure, stands out, for it is much longer than the others and refers to persecuted followers of Christ. The initial beatitude is to the poor. Declaring someone happy, contented, blessed, or fortunate was common in the ancient world. Being blessed refers to a sense of inner happiness at good fortune. The “poor” in the Lucan beatitudes means the economically needy, for they are hungry and are contrasted with those who are rich and full. The second and third beatitudes deal with some of the consequences of being among the poor. The paring of the poor and the hungry is not surprising, since there is ample precedent for it in the OT. In fact, the hungry, like the poor, are often addressed in comforting terms in the OT. The reference is not so much to physical filling with food as it is to spiritual satisfaction at being received by God and welcomed as one of his children. The imagery is of the satisfaction that comes from being present at God’s banquet table. From the condition of the poor, Jesus turns in the third beatitude to the response their position brings now, weeping. Again, as with the previous beatitude, the contrast is between what is lacking now and how that is reversed in the future. The same spiritual perspective of relying on God’s work fills this beatitude. Fortunately, that pain is reversed into eschatological joy. In the Lucan text, the emphasis is on God’s total acceptance of the one who currently weeps.

Source: The Sunday Liturgy.

 

St Onesimus, Martyr (- c.90)

 

St Onesimus, a pagan, was a slave in the household of the wealthy Philemon. Converted by St Paul, Philemon had become a close friend of Paul’s; thus, when Philemon moved to the city of Colossae, his new home was chosen as a meeting place for Christian worship.

 

One day, Onesimus, apparently in fear of being punished for some act of negligence or dishonesty, had escaped to Rome where he came in contact with Paul who was suffering his first imprisonment in Rome. After due instruction in the faith, Paul baptized him. Onesimus for his part, true to his name, proved so very “useful” that Paul took a great liking to him and wanted to keep him as a helper. However, he was conscious of the fact that as a slave, Onesimus would first have to make restitution to his former master. And so, Paul sent him back to Philemon with the famed “Epistle” to the latter, pleading with him like a father for his spiritual son, entreating him to accept Onesimus “no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a brother, beloved especially to me, but even more so to you, as a man in the Lord. So if you regard me as a partner, welcome him as you would me” (Phlm 16-18).

 

Philemon, upon receiving the letter, acceded to the great Apostle’s request with true Christian generosity and charity, and he even surpassed it by not only pardoning but even freeing his former slave and sending him back to Rome, where he is supposed to have assisted Paul for some time, and then returned to the East with him after his release. Tradition also has it that Onesimus in later years became Bishop of Berrhoea in Macedonia, and there suffered martyrdom.

 

Reflection: “My son, give me your heart: and let your eyes keep to my ways” (Prov 23:26).

Daily Readings

February 15, 2025

Saturday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1

Genesis 3:9–24

 

The Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” The Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” To the woman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you.” And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it’, cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” The man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them. Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live for ever –” therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim, and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 90:2. 3–4, 5–6, 12–13

 

Response: O Lord, you have been our refuge, from generation to generation.

 

Before the mountains were born,

or the earth or the world were brought forth,

you are God, from age to age.

 

Response: O Lord, you have been our refuge, from generation to generation.

 

You turn man back to dust,

and say, “Return, O children of men.”

To your eyes a thousand years are like yesterday, come and gone,

or like a watch in the night.

 

Response: O Lord, you have been our refuge, from generation to generation.

 

You sweep them away like a dream,

like grass which is fresh in the morning.

In the morning it sprouts and is fresh;

by evening it withers and fades.

 

Response: O Lord, you have been our refuge, from generation to generation.

 

Then teach us to number our days,

that we may gain wisdom of heart.

Turn back, O Lord! How long?

Show pity to your servants.

 

Response: O Lord, you have been our refuge, from generation to generation.

 

Alleluia

Matthew 4:4b

 

 Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.

 

Gospel

Mark 8:1–10

 

In those days, when again a great crowd had gathered, and they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said to them, “I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And if I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way. And some of them have come from far away.” And his disciples answered him, “How can one feed these people with bread here in this desolate place?” And he asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven.” And he directed the crowd to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves, and having given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and they set them before the crowd. And they had a few small fish. And having blessed them, he said that these also should be set before them. And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. And there were about four thousand people. And he sent them away. And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha.

 

Reflection

 

The miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes is undoubtedly the most important miracle of the gospels. It is reported six times, and it is the only story present in all four gospels. This miracle is repeated twice in the gospel of Mark. The first time Jesus did it in  Jewish territory, which means, that God cares for the children of Israel; the second time (today’s gospel) he did it in the Decapolis (pagan territory), implying that God cares for all, and that is why he has sent his Son for the salvation of all. Jesus doesn’t do his great mission alone and seeks the collaboration of his disciples.  A boy from the crowd, who was not even a disciple of Jesus, was the first to share what he had, and thus the great miracle was performed. Today, Jesus calls us to collaborate with him through sharing the little we have to help eradicate all kinds of evil, especially, the hunger for food, peace, and for hope.

 

Sts. Faustinus and Jovita, Martyrs (- c.120)

 

The Priest St Faustinus and his brother, St Jovita, a Deacon, preached the Word of God with such fearlessness and zeal in their native Brescia, in Lombardy (Italy), even during Trajan’s bloody persecution, that the heathens were exasperated by their success. Imprisonment, torture and fair promises of material benefits all proved of no avail in bringing them to worship the Roman gods. As they were of noble parentage and much in the public eye, the governor submitted their case to Emperor Hadrian when he passed through Brescia in 120 (Trajan having died 3 years earlier). When persuasions and arguments proved equally fruitless, they were condemned to die by the sword.

 

StsFaustinus and Jovita have been the chief Patrons of their native city, Brescia, from earliest times, and their names are found in many of the most ancient lists of Martyrs. Although some of their “acts” may be questioned as containing later embellishments, there can be no doubt about the principal facts.

 

Reflection:“An action of small value performed with much love of God is far more excellent than one of a higher virtue, done with less love of God” (St Francis de Sales).

Daily Readings

February 14, 2025, Friday

Memorial of Saints Cyril, Monk, and Methodius, Bishop

 

Reading 1

Genesis 3:1–8

 

The serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 32:1–2, 5, 6, 7

 

Response: Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven.

 

Blessed is he whose transgression

is forgiven, whose sin is remitted.

Blessed the man to whom

the Lord imputes no guilt,

in whose spirit is no guile.

 

Response: Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven.

 

To you I have acknowledged my sin;

my guilt I did not hide.

I said, “I will confess my

transgression to the Lord.”

And you have forgiven the guilt of my sin.

 

Response: Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven.

 

So let each faithful one pray to you

in the time of need.

The floods of water may reach high,

but such a one they shall not reach.

 

Response: Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven.

 

You are a hiding place for me;

you keep me safe from distress;

you surround me with cries

of deliverance.

 

Response: Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven.

 

Alleluia

Acts 16:14b

 

Open our hearts, O Lord, that we may pay attention to the words of your Son.

 

Gospel

Mark 7:31–37

 

At that time: Jesus returned from the region of Tyre, and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha”, that is, “Be opened.” And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

 

Reflection

 

Jesus goes to the region of the Decapolis, where the people have been worshipping many gods. There he heals a man to show that he, the Saviour of the world, is here for all, and he is there where there is a greater need for compassion. His mighty acts are not self-proclamatory but are selfless deeds of mercy that arise from his compassionate heart. When our intentions are pure and authentic, and when we go ahead to help others who need it, God works wonders in us. Let us pray that our intentions, actions, and operations may be ordered purely to the service and praise of the Divine Majesty and his people.

 

Sts. Cyril and Methodius, Bishop, Confessors (827-869 and 815-885)

 

St Cyril (Constantine) and St Methodius were brothers who descended from a senatorial family in Thessalonica (Greece). In 851 both he and his artist-brother Methodius, who had held a political position before becoming a monk, retired together to a monastery in Bithynia.

 

Seven years later, Cyril was chosen for a mission to the Khazars, who had requested a teacher from Constantinople. His brother, Methodius, was to accompany him and after both had made themselves familiar with the Khazar language, they carried out their mission and converted great numbers.

 

When, about 863, a request came from Moravia for Slavic speaking Priests to instruct the people in their own language, the 2 brothers were again selected for that work, and in preparation for it Cyril invented (or perfected) a special Glagohtic Alphabet and translated the liturgy and most of the Bible into the Slav language, and so became the founder of Slav literature.

 

The saintly brothers laboured successfully among the Moravians for some years, and then went to Rome to obtain Papal approval for their work. Here St Cyril died in 869 and his brother, having been made Bishop of Moravia and Pannonia, returned alone to his missionary labours.

 

As German missionaries had, with small success, worked in the same region for some time, there now arose grave dissensions, and suspicion was cast on Methodius’ preaching in the Slav language and on the orthodoxy of using Slavic in the liturgy. The Bishop of Salzburg went so far as to have Methodius deposed by a synod at Ratisbon and held him imprisoned for 3 years until Pope John VIII insisted on his being freed. But the friction between the German and the Slav clergy continued, and Slavic was only very gradually replaced by Latin in the Mass. Methodius died on 6 April 885 in Velebrod.

Daily Readings

February 13, 2025

Thursday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1

Genesis 2:18–25

 

The Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” Now out of the ground the Lord God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 128:1–2, 3, 4–5

 

Response: Blessed are all who fear the Lord.

 

Blessed are all who fear the Lord,

and walk in his ways!

By the labour of your hands

you shall eat.

You will be blessed and prosper.

 

Response: Blessed are all who fear the Lord.

 

Your wife like a fruitful vine

in the heart of your house;

your children like shoots of the olive

around your table.

 

Response: Blessed are all who fear the Lord.

 

Indeed thus shall be blessed

the man who fears the Lord.

May the Lord bless you from Sion.

May you see Jerusalem prosper

all the days of your life!

 

Response: Blessed are all who fear the Lord.

 

Alleluia

James 1:21bc

 

 Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

 

Gospel

Mark 7:24–30

 

At that time; Jesus arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden. But immediately a woman, whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. And he said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” But she answered him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” And he said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.” And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.

 

Reflection

 

The response of Jesus to the plea of the Syrophoenician woman leaves us a little perplexed. The dog was a symbol of dishonour in Jewish culture. It was also a Jewish term of contempt for the Gentiles. When Jesus, as a Jew of his time, uses this word, according to William Barclay, “he does not use the usual insulting word; he used a diminutive word which described, not the wild dogs of the streets, but the little pet lap-dogs of the house. In Greek, diminutives are characteristically affectionate”. So, rather than insulting the woman in an angry tone, Jesus was speaking to her affectionately. Through this brief test of the faith of this foreigner, Jesus was trying to show his disciples how strong was her faith; she had hardly been with him, in contrast to their shallow faith in Him, though they had been constantly with him. This story is a good lesson for us who are regularly nourished by Jesus’ Body and Blood and his Word. Yet at times, we are like the disciples, indifferent to his divine presence in our midst. Let us pray for the grace to have strong faith in Jesus like the woman.

 

St Catherine de Ricci, Virgin (1522-1590)

 

Born Alessandra Romola on 23 April 1522 in Florence, Italy, St Catherine Dei Ricci was the daughter of an old patrician family of bankers and merchants. Her tendency to solitary prayer was already observed in early childhood, and, at 13, she was received into the Dominican convent of strict observance in the neighbouring city of Prato, where she took the name of her deceased mother. After 5 years, during which she was much misunderstood and calumniated against, her holiness was recognized and she was advanced to novice mistress, then sub-prioress and finally, in 1560, to prioress, which she remained until her death 30 years later.

 

Her famous “ecstasy of the Passion”, which would last from Thursday noon until 4 o’clock on Friday afternoon, began in 1542 and continued each week for 12 years, when it finally ceased at her own urgent pleading, for the confluence of great numbers of visitors, among whom were 3 future Popes, was seriously disrupting the religious life at the convent. During these ecstasies, which have been fully authenticated, Catherine would witness all the stages of Our Lord’s sufferings. The wounds which the Saviour suffered during the flagellation, the crowning with thorns, the carrying of the Cross and finally the Crucifixion became visible in her body. St Catherine also had the gift of miracles and is known to have held what might be termed telepathic conversation with such contemporary Saints as St Philip Neri in Rome and St Mary Magdalen de Pazzi in Florence — neither of whom she had ever met —  without leaving her own convent in Prato.

 

Catherine dei Ricci died after a long illness aged 68 on 2 February 1590, and was canonized in the year 1746.

 

Reflection:“God forbid that I should glory save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world” (St Paul - Gal 6:14).

Daily Readings

February 12, 2025

Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1

Genesis 2:4b–9, 15–17

 

In the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, when no bush of the field was yet in the land and no small plant of the field had yet sprung up – for the Lord God had not caused it to rain on the land, and there was no man to work the ground, and a mist was going up from the land and was watering the whole face of the ground – then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground the Lord God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 104:1–2a, 27–28, 29bc–30

 

Response: Bless the Lord, O my soul!

 

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

O Lord my God, how great you are,

clothed in majesty and honour,

wrapped in light as with a robe!

 

Response: Bless the Lord, O my soul!

 

All of these look to you

to give them their food

in due season.

You give it, they gather it up;

you open wide your hand,

they are well filled.

 

Response: Bless the Lord, O my soul!

 

You take away their breath,

they die, returning to the dust

from which they came.

You send forth your spirit,

and they are created,

and you renew the face of the earth.

 

Response: Bless the Lord, O my soul!

 

Alleluia

John 17:17b, 17a

 

Your word, O Lord, is truth; sanctify us in the truth.

 

Gospel

Mark 7:14–23

 

At that time: Jesus called the people to him again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand: There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.” And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, since it enters, not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”

 

Reflection

 

The Pharisees were obsessed with the regulations of external purity. Even consuming food became the index of classifying the devotees as pure or impure. And Jesus, as usual, makes a revolutionary statement again that all foods are clean. He invites us to focus within; focus on our mind and will that are capable of processing positive or negative thoughts and actions. Purity or contamination comes from the inside, certainly not from the outside! He takes his disciples to a deeper understanding of purity/impurity, so that they may have a better understanding of God and His precepts. Let us watch over our thoughts and our language today so that we can only have positive and luminous thoughts, as befits a disciple of the Lord.

 

Martyrs of Albitina

 

The Martyrs of Abitinae were a group of 49 Christians (31 men and 18 women) found guilty, in 304, during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, of having illegally celebrated Sunday worship at Abitinae, a town in the Roman province of Africa.

 

 "Sine dominico non possumus" ("We can't do without the Lord’s Day"). This was the answer of the group who were arrested for participating in a Lord’s Day service. They lived in or around Abitina, a city in today's Tunisia which was at that time under Rome. Emperor Diocletian had launched an empire-wide persecution against Christians, forbidding their meetings, destroying their churches, and demanding them to hand over (tradere) their Scriptures.

 

Defying the emperor’s orders, this group, led by their presbyter Saturninus, continued to meet secretly for worship in private homes. Discovered and arrested, they were sent to Carthage, about 50 miles away, to be tried by proconsul Gaius Annius Anulinus.

 

Commenting on this arrest, the author of the Acts of the Abitinian Martyrs – most likely an eye-witness – wrote: “As if a Christian could exist without the Lord’s Day, or the Lord’s Day exist without a Christian celebration! Do you not know, Satan, that the Christian is based on the Lord’s Day, and the Lord’s Day is based on a Christian, so that the one cannot survive without the other? When you hear the phrase ‘Lord’s Day,’ understand that it means the assembly of the Lord. And when you hear the bell ring, recognize that it is the Lord’s Day.”

 

On their way to Carthage, the Christians encouraged each other by singing hymns. Once there, they unanimously refused to renounce their faith. Imprisoned, they were denied food, while any supporter who tried to bring supplies was sent away. This measure gave way to a small brawl outside the prison.

 

Augustine of Hippo, writing a century later, gives a specific date for their trial: February 12, 304. This leads us to think he had seen a copy of the proconsular acts. But the account that has been passed on through the ages includes details that Roman officials did not normally record, particularly the spontaneous cries of the martyrs during torture.

 

Today, these martyrs continue to be remembered for their courage and their unswerving conviction that no "Christian could exist without the Lord’s Day."

Daily Readings

February 11, 2025

Tuesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Reading 1

Genesis 1:20—2:4a

God said, “Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the firmament of the heavens.” So God created the great sea creatures  and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind.  And God saw that it was good.  And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day. And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds – livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so.  And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”  And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.  And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 8:4–5, 6–7a, 7b–9

Response: O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name through all the earth!

When I see the heavens, the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars which you arranged,

what is man that you should keep him in mind,

the son of man that you care for him? 

Response: O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name through all the earth!

Yet you have made him little lower than the angels;

with glory and honour you crowned him,

gave him power over the works of your hands. 

Response: O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name through all the earth!

You put all things under his feet,

All of them, sheep and oxen,

yes, even the cattle of the fields, birds of the air, 

and fish of the sea that make their way through the waters. 

Response: O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name through all the earth!

Alleluia

Psalms

Bend my heart, O God, to your decrees, grant me mercy by your law.

Gospel

Mark 7:1–13

At that time: When the Pharisees gathered to Jesus, with some of the scribes, who had come from Jerusalem, they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. (For the Pharisees and all the Jews  do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the elders, and when they come from the market-place, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches.) And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands? And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honours me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition! For Moses said, ‘Honour your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother, must surely die.’ But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, ‘Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban’ (that is, given to God) – then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down.  And many such things you do.”

Reflection

Jesus condemns the Scribes and Pharisees for their failure to understand and accept God as caring and compassionate. They portrayed a God who can be ‘pleased’ and is present among them when one obeys all the laws. When the people were unable to fulfil the legal observance, they were condemned and labelled as sinners and impure by the Jewish authorities, and thus they made the people feel that they were displeasing God. Jesus also condemns the hypocrisy of the Jewish authorities in the observance of the law. They were ready to compromise with the observance if it benefited them financially. By condemning such an attitude, Jesus was calling upon them to become aware of the life situations of the common people who are struggling, and thus become merciful as the Heavenly Father is merciful. He was inviting them to imitate God who gave the commandments for the good of humans so that they may experience greater freedom and joy, rather than suffocating spiritual imprisonment.

Our Lady of Lourdes

In the year 1858, between 11 February and 16 July, Our Lady reportedly appeared 18 times to a 14-year-old girl named Marie Bernadette Soubirous, in a cave at Massabielle near Lourdes in southern France, situated in the foothills of the great Pyrenees. This has since become one of the world’s most famous pilgrimage centres on account of its innumerable miracles of physical and spiritual healing.

A Basilica was built on the rock above the grotto in accordance with Our Lady’s request to St Bernadette, and when this proved too small, the “Rosary Church” was added to it in 1901. In 1907 Pope St Pius X extended to the Universal Church the observance of today’s feast with its special Office and Mass, which had been authorized by Pope Leo XIII.

Devout pilgrims thronged to the shrine from the very beginning. The first of the great national pilgrimages arrived in 1872, the French one, consisting of 25,000 pilgrims! It is now estimated that about a million pilgrims visit Lourdes each year.

Perhaps the most touching sight of all, however, and the time when most of the miraculous cures seem to take place, is the daily procession of the Blessed Sacrament, when a visiting Prelate carries the Eucharistic Presence into the great Rosary Square in front of the Basilica and blesses the seriously afflicted invalids individually as they lie there in row upon row of stretchers. While this is going on, the invocateurs in turn recite the fervent invocations on behalf of the sick, and these are then taken up in a mighty chorus by the thousands of pilgrims present—”Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! Please, Lord, that I may see! Lord that I may hear! O Lord, that I may walk!” General Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament from the Basilica steps then concludes this most moving of spectacles.

Reflection: “Penance! Penance! Penance!” (Our Lady, to Bernadette).

Daily Readings

February 10, 2025

Memorial of Saint Scholastica, Virgin

 

Reading 1

Genesis 1:1–19

 

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light”, and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. And God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” And God made the firmament and separated the waters that were under the firmament from the waters that were above the firmament. And it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day. And God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day. And God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, and let them be lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. And God made the two great lights, the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night and the stars. And God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, to rule over the day and over the night – and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 104:1–2a, 5–6, 10 and 12, 24 and 35c

 

Response: May the Lord rejoice in his works!

 

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

O Lord my God, how great you are,

clothed in majesty and honour,

wrapped in light as with a robe!

 

Response: May the Lord rejoice in his works!

 

You set the earth on its foundation,

immovable from age to age.

You wrapped it with the depths like a cloak;

the waters stood higher than the mountains.

 

Response: May the Lord rejoice in his works!

 

You make springs gush forth in the valleys;

they flow in between the hills.

There the birds of heaven build their nests;

from the branches they sing their song.

 

Response: May the Lord rejoice in his works!

 

How many are your works, O Lord!

In wisdom you have made them all.

The earth is full of your creatures.

Bless the Lord, O my soul.

 

Response: May the Lord rejoice in his works!

 

Alleluia

Matthew 4:23

Jesus was proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.

 

Gospel

Mark 6:53–56

 

At that time: When Jesus and his disciples had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognised him and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.

 

Reflection

 

Jesus was one of those persons whom everyone knew they could go close to, and whom they could even have the courage to touch. Jesus was the type, in whose presence, everyone felt accepted and respected, besides realising that they were truly the image and likeness of God. During the time of Jesus, the Jewish authorities avoided being touched by people, especially the sick and the lower classes, so that they didn’t become impure. Also, touching someone signified that he/she belonged to one’s own family or class. Jesus allowed everyone, especially the sick and people from the lower strata to come to him and touch him so that they all realized that they belonged to one family and class, and that is the family and class of our ABBA, our Father. Let us pray that we too may cultivate this attitude of Jesus, so that we may bring many people closer to our Lord through our thoughts, words, and actions.

 

St Scholastica, Virgin (c. 480-547)

 

St Scholastica was the twin sister of St Benedict of Nursia (Italy). Dedicated to God from infancy, she chose, like her brother, to renounce her family’s wealth and status and to follow him to Subiaco. When he later on moved south to Monte Cassino, she founded a convent nearby for women who desired to live according to the Benedictine rule.

 

Once a year only, just before Lent, brother and sister would meet to converse on spiritual matters in a small dependency of the abbey. St Gregory the Great, writing toward the end of the same century, has left us a touching account of their last annual reunion, when Scholastica, who felt her death to be near pleaded with her saintly brother to continue their conversation until daybreak. Benedict, however, saw no need for dispensing himself from his monastic rule, according to which he had to return to his own monastery by nightfall and thus would not consent. At this his sister implored God with urgency to grant her wish and she was heard — from the hitherto cloudless, serene sky there now broke forth a tremendous thunder and windstorm, with rain coming down in such torrents that Benedict was compelled to acknowledge God’s sign and stay. The law of love, as St Gregory puts it, had triumphed over the law of justice and discipline. So it was that the 2 Saints passed the night in spiritual edification, and in the morning returned to their respective abodes.

 

St Scholastica is appealed to especially during storms.

 

Reflection: “If you will try to live in the presence of God for one year, you will see yourself at the end of it at the height of perfection, without your even knowing it” (St Teresa of Avila).

Daily Readings

February 9, 2025

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1

Isaiah (6:1-2a,3-8) 

In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the LORD sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!” Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.” And I heard the voice of the LORD saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.

Responsorial Psalm

PSALM (138) 

Response: In the presence of the angels I praise you, O Lord. 

I thank you, LORD, with all my heart; you have heard the words of my mouth. In the presence of the angels I praise you. I bow down towards your holy temple. 

Response: In the presence of the angels I praise you, O Lord. 

 I give thanks to your name for your merciful love and your faithfulness. You have exalted your name over all. On the day I called, you answered me; you increased the strength of my soul.

Response: In the presence of the angels I praise you, O Lord. 

All earth’s kings shall thank you, O LORD, when they hear the words of your mouth. They shall sing of the ways of the LORD, “How great is the glory of the LORD!” 

Response: In the presence of the angels I praise you, O Lord. 

With your right hand you save me; the LORD will accomplish this for me. O LORD, your merciful love is eternal; discard not the work of your hands.

Response: In the presence of the angels I praise you, O Lord. 

Reading 2

Corinthians (Shorter Form) 15:3-8, 11

Brethren, I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

OR

Corinthians  (15:1-11) 

I am reminding you, brothers and sisters,

of the gospel I preached to you,

which you indeed received and in which you also stand.

Through it you are also being saved,

if you hold fast to the word I preached to you,

unless you believed in vain.

For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received:

that Christ died for our sins

in accordance with the Scriptures;

that he was buried;

that he was raised on the third day

in accordance with the Scriptures;

that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve.

After that, Christ appeared to more

than five hundred brothers at once,

most of whom are still living,

though some have fallen asleep.

After that he appeared to James,

then to all the apostles.

Last of all, as to one born abnormally,

he appeared to me.

For I am the least of the apostles,

not fit to be called an apostle,

because I persecuted the church of God.

But by the grace of God I am what I am,

and his grace to me has not been ineffective.

Indeed, I have toiled harder than all of them;

not I, however, but the grace of God that is with me.

Therefore, whether it be I or they,

so we preach and so you believed.

Alleluia

Matthew 4:19

Follow me, says the Lord; and I will make you fishers of men. Alleluia. (Mt 4:19).

Gospel

Luke (5:1-11)

All: Glory to you, O Lord. On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on Jesus to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. 

Reflection

In the First Reading Prophet Isaiah beholds a vision of the solemn heavenly liturgy in which the Seraphim acclaim God’s holiness. Confronted by this august vision Isaiah becomes aware of his uncleanness. The prophet is relieved of his predicament when one of the Seraphim touches his lips with a burning coal. Isaiah believes that God’s holiness is His predominant attribute. After the cleansing ceremony, Isaiah feels himself qualified to speak of God. In the Second Reading Paul writes on the topic of the resurrection appearances of the Lord Jesus. The basic tenets of the Christian faith for Paul are the following: a) Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; b) He was buried; c) He was raised on the third day; d) He appeared to Peter, and the Twelve. Paul then writes about the appearance of the risen Christ to himself as well. Jesus goes to the lake of Gennesaret with the intention of choosing some disciples. The Lake of Gennesaret is also known as the Sea of Galilee. It was named after a region south of Capernaum that was situated on a fertile and thickly populated plain. The lake is about eleven kms in width and twenty-two kms in length and is a popular locale for fishing. Jesus is looking for a place to get away from the crowd and he spots two boats. The attention of Jesus turns to Peter and he goes out of his way to involve Peter by consciously choosing to enter his boat. Peter responds with respect and openness to Jesus’ request. He informs Jesus that the previous evening, they caught nothing. Despite Peter’s professional view of the situation, Peter gives at Jesus’ word the command to his companions to cast the nets. Peter’s responsiveness to Jesus reflects a proper reaction to God’s messenger. The good response meets with immediate success and Peter falls to his knees. Falling to one’s knees pictures the humility that one displays before a superior of any kind. Peter recognizes Jesus’ authority in this action. Here is a carpenter-teacher delivering the goods as a professional fisherman. They all know something is taking place in their midst. God’s goodness is bringing them to an awareness of who they are. There is a significant spiritual point here. Jesus will take the faith and humble attitude exhibited in Peter and turn them into a call to serve. Peter’s responsiveness and humble approach to Jesus’ word reflect exemplary attitudes about how people should respond to God’s message. An unworthy Peter and his companions receive and observe the benefits of a gracious God through his agent. Jesus promises Peter a ministry that will share in the task of gathering people. In turn, Peter and those with him drop their nets and begin the lifelong task of following Jesus in the pursuit of catching people. A higher call causes them to abandon their nets and their former life.

(Source: The Sunday Liturgy)

Daily Readings

February 8, 2025

Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1

Hebrews 13:15–17, 20–21

 

Brethren: Through Jesus let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Obey your leaders and submit to them for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy, and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 23:1–3a, 3b–4, 5, 6

 

Response: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

 

The Lord is my shepherd;

there is nothing I shall want.

Fresh and green are the pastures

where he gives me repose.

Near restful waters he leads me;

he revives my soul.

 

Response: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

 

He guides me along the right path,

for the sake of his name.

Though I should walk in the valley

of the shadow of death,

no evil would I fear, for you are with me.

Your crook and your staff

will give me comfort.

 

Response: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

 

You have prepared a table before me

in the sight of my foes.

My head you have anointed with oil;

my cup is overflowing.

 

Response: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

 

Surely goodness and mercy

shall follow me

all the days of my life.

In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell

for length of days unending.

 

Response: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

 

Alleluia

John 10:27

 

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; and I know them, and they follow me.

 

Gospel

Mark 6:30–34

 

At that time: The apostles returned to Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognised them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns, and got there ahead of them. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

 

Reflection

 

What does “to rest a while” mean for Jesus? He invites his disciples to rest, but suddenly they once again find themselves surrounded by the crowd. Perhaps by inviting them to “rest a while” he allows them to enjoy his loving presence and learn from him, especially the virtue of compassion. Jesus says in Matthew 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest.” By having them rest with him, Jesus shares with them the love that unites him to the Father and which forms the strength of his very existence. Jesus proposes that we live in union with him so that we may enjoy his loving presence and learn from his heavenly wisdom.

 

1) St Jerome Emiliani Confessor (1486-1537)

 

The son of an ancient Venetian family in Italy, St Jerome ran away from home at 15 after his father’s death and entered the army of the Venetian Republic. Twelve years later he was taken prisoner. While chained in his dungeon he came to a full realization of the loose, worldly life he had been leading and solemnly promised our Lady to reform. His near-miraculous escape was followed by 10 years of study for the priesthood and caring for the poor in their very hovels and in the hospitals. During the great plague and famine of 1528 he took charge of the Venetian hospital for incurables (founded by St Cajetan), organized a home for the many newly orphaned children, and sold all his furnishings to buy food.

 

Under the inspiration of his spiritual director, the future Pope Paul IV, he founded a Religious Society in 1532 to care for orphans and the sick, the Somaschians, and thus also undertook the education of children and rural population in later years. At Bergamo he started one of the earliest institutions for penitent prostitutes. While attending the sick in 1537 he caught an infectious disease and died on February 8. He was canonized in 1767.

 

Reflection:“Love is a great thing, greatest of all goods, because it alone renders light every burden and bears equally all that is unequal” (Imitation of Christ, Bk III, 5,3).

 

2) St Josephine Margaret Bakhita

 

Saint Josephine Margaret Bakhita was born around 1869 in the village of Olgossa in the Darfur region of Sudan. She was a member of the Daju people and her uncle was a tribal chief. Due to her family lineage, she grew up happy and relatively prosperous, saying that as a child, she did not know suffering.

 

Historians believe that sometime in February 1877, Josephine was kidnapped by Arab slave traders. Although she was just a child, she was forced to walk barefoot over 600 miles to a slave market in El Obeid. She was bought and sold at least twice during the grueling journey.

 

For the next 12 years she would be bought, sold and given away over a dozen times. She spent so much time in captivity that she forgot her original name.

 

In 1883, the Turkish general sold her to the Italian Vice Consul, Callisto Legani. He was a much kinder master and he did not beat her. When it was time for him to return to Italy, she begged to be taken with him, and he agreed.

 

Her new family also had dealings in Sudan and when her mistress decided to travel to Sudan without Josephine, she placed her in the custody of the Canossian Sisters in Venice.

 

While she was in the custody of the sisters, she came to learn about God. She was deeply moved by her time with the sisters and discerned a call to follow Christ.

 

She was baptized on January 9, 1890 and took the name Josephine Margaret and Fortunata. (Fortunata is the Latin translation for her Arabic name, Bakhita). She also received the sacraments of her first holy communion and confirmation on the same day.

 

Josephine became a novice with the Canossian Daughters of Charity religious order on December 7, 1893, and took her final vows on December 8, 1896. She was eventually assigned to a convent in Schio, Vicenza.

 

For the next 42 years of her life, she worked as a cook and a doorkeeper at the convent. She was known for her gentle voice and smile. She was gentle and charismatic, and was often referred to lovingly as the "little brown sister" or honorably as the "black mother."

 

On the evening of February 8, 1947, Josephine spoke her last words, "Our Lady, Our Lady!" She then died.

 

In 1958, the process of canonization began for Josephine under Pope John XXIII. On 1st December 1978, Pope John Paul II declared her venerable and on 1st October 2000 he canonized her.

 

Saint Josephine Bakhita is the patron saint of Sudan.

Daily Readings

February 7, 2025

Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1

2 Corinthians 6:4–10

 

Brethren: As servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labours, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honour and dishonour, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 30:2 and 4, 5-6, 11-12a and 13b 

 

Response: I will extol you, Lord, for you have raised me up.

 

I will extol you, Lord, for you

have raised me up,

and have not let my enemies rejoice over me.

O Lord, you have lifted up my soul

from the grave,

restored me to life from those

who sink into the pit.

 

Response: I will extol you, Lord, for you have raised me up.

 

Sing psalms to the Lord, you faithful ones;

give thanks to his holy name.

His anger lasts a moment;

his favour all through life.

At night come tears, but dawn

brings joy.

 

Response: I will extol you, Lord, for you have raised me up.

 

Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me;

be my helper, O Lord.

You have changed my mourning

into dancing,

O Lord my God, I will thank you forever.

 

Response: I will extol you, Lord, for you have raised me up.

 

Alleluia

 

Whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

 

Gospel

Matthew 10:17–22

 

At that time: Jesus said to the apostles, “Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

 

Reflection

 

Both the Readings today are a great source of encouragement to all who are suffering, misunderstood, misjudged – indeed, all who despair and are persecuted. It is also a call to overcome fear, and to trust in God. We have been given the Spirit of boldness and courage as we hold fast to the promise of Christ who said that those who endure to the end will be saved. Often, we suffer physically, mentally and emotionally at the hands of others in this life but we are promised eternal life that awaits all those who persevere and keep their eyes on the crown of glory. Saint Gonzalo Garcia, the first Indian saint and martyr to be canonized, understood this well as he was subjected to terrible persecution and finally martyred in Japan along with his companions, on account of his faith in Christ. He endured till the end and won the crown of a martyr for Christ. Lord Jesus, I pray today for the gift of endurance and perseverance.

 

St Gonzalo Garcia (c. 1556-1597)

 

Not much is known of the early years of this first and only Indian Martyr of the Catholic Church except that he was a native of Bassein (now Vasai), which was part of Bombay (now Mumbai). He is known to have had his early education at the then Jesuit College in Bassein before proceeding to Japan at the young age of 15 or 16 in the company of a certain Jesuit priest named Sebastian Gonsalves in the year 1574.

 

The next 8 years saw Gonzalo active as Fr Sebastian’s Catechist, while at the same time repeatedly seeking admission into the Society of Jesus, a request that was for some strange reason persistently turned down by the Society. Weary of patiently waiting in vain, Gonzalo finally decided to join the Franciscan Friars.

 

Having joined the Franciscan Friars, Gonzalo’s modesty and humility seemed to have been put to the maximum test as he assisted in the kitchen, served in the dining room, did the marketing and fulfilled other such tasks.  Soon he became a familiar figure in the Manila markets. It was while he was about his lawful duties that he came in contact with the sizeable Japanese community in Manila. Needless to say, his fluency in the Japanese language, honed during his eight long years in Japan, stood him in good stead as he ministered to their sick in hospital.

 

Before long, the Manila Franciscans were making plans to open a mission in Japan and whose support did they bank on but Brother Gonzalo Garcia’s!  Having been appointed to accompany Fr Pedro Baptista, Gonzalo sailed with him from Manila to Japan in 1592.  From official interpreter to his Superior, he soon went on to become the official “Contractor” of the mission in Japan, bringing into focus his acumen at building Franciscan churches and friaries, as well as hospitals for lepers, in Macao and Osaka.

 

The ill-famed persecution that had unexpectedly broken out in Japan in 1587, brought martyrdom a decade later to Gonzalo and 5 other Franciscans, viz., Friars Peter Baptist, Martin de Aguirre, Francis Blanco, Francis of St Michael and Philip de las Casas, and 3 Jesuits, viz., Fr Paul Miki, Brs John Goto and James Kisai, besides 17 Japanese laymen, most of whom were either catechists or interpreters. On 5 February 1597, on a hill near Nagasaki, “The crosses were set in place . . .” and the 26 hoisted up. “Then according to Japanese custom, the four executioners began to unsheathe their spears. At this dreadful sight, all the Christians cried out, “Jesus! Mary!” And the storm of anguished weeping then rose to batter the very skies. The executioners killed them one by one.”

 

These 26 exemplary Catholics were beatified on 14 September 1627 by Pope Urban VIII and solemnly canonized by Pope Pius IX on 8 June 1862.

 

Reflection: “They (the 26 martyrs) triumphed over death with an insuperable act of praise to the Lord. Like Christ, they were taken to a place where common criminals were put to death. Like Christ, they gave of their lives so that all of us might believe in the love of the Father, in the salvific mission of the Son, in the infallible guidance of the Holy Spirit” (John Paul II at the monument to the martyrs).

Daily Readings

February 6, 2025

Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs

 

Reading 1

Hebrews 12:18–19, 21–24

 

Brethren: You have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers begged that no further messages be spoken to them. Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.” But you have come to Mount Sion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem,  and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 48:2–3ab, 3cd–4, 9, 10–11

 

Response: We have received your mercy, O Lord, in the midst of your temple.

 

Great is the Lord and highly to be praised

in the city of our God.

His holy mountain rises in beauty,

the joy of all the earth.

 

Response: We have received your mercy, O Lord, in the midst of your temple.

 

Mount Sion, in the heart of the North,

the city of the Mighty King!

God, in the midst of its citadels,

has shown himself its stronghold.

 

Response: We have received your mercy, O Lord, in the midst of your temple.

 

As we have heard, so we have seen

in the city of our God,

in the city of the Lord of hosts,

which God establishes forever.

 

Response: We have received your mercy, O Lord, in the midst of your temple.

 

Your merciful love, O God,

we ponder in your temple.

Your praise, O God, like your name,

reaches the ends of the earth.

Your right hand is filled

with saving justice.

 

Response: We have received your mercy, O Lord, in the midst of your temple.

 

Alleluia

Mark 1:15

 

The kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.

 

Gospel

Mark 6:7–13

 

At that time: Jesus called the twelve, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff – no bread, no bag, no money in their belts – but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there.  And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you,when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. And they cast out many demons  and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.

 

Reflection

 

Jesus sends his disciples in twos to experience communion not only with the people they are going to encounter but also with one another. Even before ministering to people through preaching and healing, Jesus wants his disciples to be witnesses of communion, imitating the communion of the Triune God. Jesus invites his disciples to refrain from falling into the temptation to  ‘go it alone’ but rather to ‘go together’ so that they can be witnesses through their sharing and communion. The idea of Jesus ‘to take nothing for the journey’ is so that one depends not on one’s abilities and resources but on the providence of God. One of the ways that Jesus wanted his disciples to experience providence more strongly was by taking responsibility for one another and taking care of one another in times of want and misfortune.

 

St Paul Miki  & Companions

 

Paul was the son of a Japanese military leader. He was born at Tounucumada, Japan, was educated at the Jesuit college of Anziquiama, joined the Jesuits in 1580, and became known for his eloquent preaching. He was crucified on Februay 5 with twenty-five other Catholics during the persecution of Christians under the Taiko, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, ruler of Japan in the name of the emperor.

 

Among the Japanese layment who suffered the same fate were: Francis, a carpenter who was arrested while watching the executions and then crucified; Gabriel, the nineteen year old son of the Franciscan's porter; Leo Kinuya, a twenty-eight year old carpenter from Miyako; Diego Kisai (or Kizayemon), temporal coadjutor of the Jesuits; Joachim Sakakibara, cook for the Franciscans at Osaka; Peter Sukejiro, sent by a Jesuit priest to help the prisoners, who was then arrested; Cosmas Takeya from Owari, who had preached in Osaka; and Ventura from Miyako, who had been baptized by the Jesuits, gave up his Catholicism on the death of his father, became a bonze, and was brought back to the Church by the Franciscans.

 

They were all canonized as the Martyrs of Japan in 1862.

Daily Readings

February 5, 2025

Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr

 

Reading 1

Hebrews 12:4–7, 11–15

 

Brethren: In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 103:1–2, 13–14, 17–18a

 

Response: The mercy of the Lord is everlasting upon those who hold him in fear.

 

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and all within me, his holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and never forget all his benefits.

 

Response: The mercy of the Lord is everlasting upon those who hold him in fear.

 

As a father has compassion on his children,

the Lord’s compassion is

on those who fear him.

For he knows of what we are made;

he remembers that we are dust.

 

Response: The mercy of the Lord is everlasting upon those who hold him in fear.

 

But the mercy of the Lord is everlasting

upon those who hold him in fear,

upon children’s children his justice,

for those who keep his covenant.

 

Response: The mercy of the Lord is everlasting upon those who hold him in fear.

 

Alleluia

John 10:27

 

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; and I know them, and they follow me.

 

Gospel

Mark 6:1–6

 

At that time: Jesus came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offence at him. And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honour, except in his home town and among his relatives and in his own household.” And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.

 

Reflection

 

Sometimes our conclusions and opinions about God and others can become obstacles to a proper relationship with God and others. For instance, the Jews expected the Messiah to be glorious and powerful, and come spectacularly among them. But the Messiah came modestly from a humble background, which made the Jews unable to accept Jesus as the Messiah. Sometimes, we too have a similar attitude as that of the Jews: we expect God to manifest Himself sensationally and extraordinarily. Thus, we fail to encounter God in the modest actions that he performs in our daily lives, and thus we miss the joy of encountering him. Let us ask for the grace of humility and openness to encounter God at every moment of our lives so that every moment can be a miracle and a blessing from God.

 

St Agatha,  Virgin and Martyr (-251)

 

Consecrated to God from her earliest years, St Agatha came from a rich and illustrious family of Catania (Italy). Quintain, a man of Consular dignity but evil intent, became enamoured of her and desired to marry her. Upon her refusal to give in to his evil designs, Quintain had her brought before him by means of the emperor’s edict against Christians. He ordered her to be taken to a brothel where she suffered assaults and stratagems upon her honour more terrible than torture or death itself.

 

Undaunted, she boldly declared that Jesus Christ was her light and salvation. As a result, she was scourged, her flesh torn with iron hooks, her breasts chiselled out, her sides lacerated and scorched with fiery metal. But God was merciful to her — St Peter appeared to her in a vision, and consoled and healed her.

 

Brought a second time before Quintain, she again remained inflexibly constant in her faith and sacred vow. She was then ordered to be dragged naked over burning coals mixed with potsherds. An earthquake took place at the time of this second torture, forcing Quintain to flee from the town in terror. The following night, 5 February 251, Agatha breathed her last, uttering: “Lord, my Creator, from the cradle, you have always protected me; you have taken me from the love of the world and given me patience to suffer. Receive now my soul!”

 

Reflection: “Jesus Christ, Lord of all, you see my heart and know my desires. You alone possess all that I am. I am your sheep; make me worthy to overcome the devil” (Prayer of St Agatha).

Daily Readings

February 4, 2025

Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1

1 Corinthians 9:19–27

 

Brethren: Though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 68:29–30, 33–35a, 35b–36d

 

Response: Let the peoples praise you, O God, Let all the peoples praise you!

 

Summon forth your might, O God;

your might, O God, which you have shown for us.

From your temple high in Jerusalem,

kings will come to you bringing their tribute.

 

Response: Let the peoples praise you, O God, Let all the peoples praise you!

 

You kingdoms of the earth,

sing to God, praise the Lord

who rides on the heavens, the ancient heavens.

Behold, he thunders his voice, his mighty voice.

Come, acknowledge the power of God.

 

Response: Let the peoples praise you, O God, Let all the peoples praise you!

 

His glory is on Israel;

his might is in the skies.

Awesome is God in his holy place.

He is God, the God of Israel.

He himself gives strength and power to his people.

Blest be God!

 

Response: Let the peoples praise you, O God, Let all the peoples praise you!

 

Alleluia

Matthew 8:17

 

Our Saviour Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

 

Gospel

John 12:20–32

 

At that time: Among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. These came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honour him. Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

 

Reflection

 

Jesus’ master-class today is for those called to proclaim and evangelise. In today’s Gospel we see some Greeks approaching Philip in order to meet Jesus. Philip goes to Andrew, and together they go to Jesus to inform him of the Greeks’ desire to meet him. Philip and Andrew have the charism of leading others to Jesus. In John chapter 1, Philip leads Nathanael to Jesus, and Andrew leads Peter to Jesus. This is the very nature of a disciple who, after having been with Jesus, becomes a missionary. Each one has a role to play. We too are called to ‘forward’ this message to others, like Philip, who goes to Andrew. Every baptised person is called to live and proclaim the Gospel like St John de Britto who courageously and zealously shared the good news of Christ with the people of India.

 

St John De Britto, Martyr (1647-1693)

 

When Don Pedro II of Portugal was young, he had among his little pages a modest lad named John de Britto, the son of rich and princely parents. It is stated that when John as a child fell grievously ill, his mother, whose family was connected with the court of Lisbon, invoked the aid of the great Jesuit Saint, Francis Xavier, and dedicated her son to him. In answer to her prayers, he recovered, and his mother vested him for a year in the garb worn in those days by the Jesuit Fathers. From then on, John’s heart burned to follow the example of the Apostle of the Indies, aspiring only to wear the habit of the great missionary and to devote his life to the conversion of the infidel.

 

He was admitted into the Society of Jesus at 15. His success in studies was so remarkable that great efforts were made after his ordination to keep him in Portugal, but grace triumphed, and in 1673 he set sail for Goa with sixteen of his fellow-Jesuits. The rest of his life, except for a brief interval, was spent amid incredible hardships and hindrances of all kinds in evangelizing Southern India.

 

Those who worked with him, in their letters to Europe, speak in glowing terms of his courage and devotion, of the extraordinary austerity of his life, and of the rich harvest of conversions which were the fruit of his labours.

 

Forced to return to Portugal in 1683, John once more broke through every obstacle, and returned to his labour of love in 1691. Like St John the Baptist, he was beheaded after a torturous imprisonment. “I await death,” he had written to his Superior, “and I await it with patience. It has always been the object of my prayers. It forms today the most precious reward of my labours and my sufferings.”

 

St John was canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1947.

 

Reflection: “Not to answer the vocation as you ought, would be to provoke the justice of God” (St John de Britto).

Daily Readings

February 3, 2025

Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1

Hebrews 11:32–40

 

Brethren: What more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets – who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated – of whom the world was not worthy – wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 31:20, 21, 22, 23, 24

 

Response: Be strong, let your heart take courage, all who hope in the Lord.

 

How great is the goodness, Lord,

that you keep for those who fear you,

that you show to those who trust you

in the sight of the children of men.

 

Response: Be strong, let your heart take courage, all who hope in the Lord.

 

You hide them in the shelter of your presence,

secure from human scheming;

you keep them safe within your tent

from disputing tongues. 

 

Response: Be strong, let your heart take courage, all who hope in the Lord.

 

Blest be the Lord for he has wondrously shown me

his merciful love in a fortified city! 

 

Response: Be strong, let your heart take courage, all who hope in the Lord.

 

“I am far removed from your sight,”

I said in my alarm.

Yet you heard the voice of my plea

when I cried to you for help. 

 

Response: Be strong, let your heart take courage, all who hope in the Lord.

 

Love the Lord, all you his saints.

The Lord guards the faithful.

But the Lord will repay to the full

the one who acts with pride. 

 

Response: Be strong, let your heart take courage, all who hope in the Lord.

 

Alleluia

Luke 7:16

 

A great prophet has arisen among us, and God has visited his people.

 

Gospel

Mark 5:1–20

 

At that time: Jesus and his disciples came to the other side of the lake, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him any more, not even with a chain, for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. Now a great herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him, saying, “Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.” So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and drowned in the sea. The herdsmen fled, and told it in the city and in the country. And people came to see what it was that had happened. And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. And those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs. And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region.  As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marvelled.

 

Reflection

 

The man with an unclean spirit was in the habit of hurting himself. The evil spirit within us hurts us with negative thoughts such as, ‘I am worthless’ or ‘nobody loves me’, or ‘life isn’t worth living’. This sort of negativity leads to untold damage to ourselves. The name of the demon, possessing the man, is significant: Legion. A ‘legion’ is an army of around 6000 soldiers! The more the man hurt himself, the more the demons multiplied within him and broke him to pieces. In this pitiable condition, the Lord intervenes and frees the man, and gives him hope. He heals him and frees him of all demoniac possessions. We too have hope in Jesus, for he loves us, and he will heal us and free us from afflictions that enslave us in thought, word and deed.

 

St Blaise, Bishop Martyr (-c. 316)

 

The story of this Saint’s life is based mainly on old legends and seems to have been introduced into the West at the time of the Crusades. By profession a physician, and a man of outstanding virtue, he was appointed Bishop of his native city of Sebaste in Armenia (Turkey). But when Licinius, the co-Emperor of Constantine, insisted on continuing the persecution of Christians even after Constantine’s Edict of Milan, St Blaise was arrested, tortured with a wool-comber’s brush, and finally beheaded when he refused to abjure Christ.

 

He is invoked particularly against diseases of the throat on account of his having saved the life of a boy who was choking to death on a fish-bone. The “blessing of St Blaise” is given by the priest today by touching the throats of the faithful with two candles held in the form of a St Andrew’s Cross.

 

He is the Patron of wool-combers, wax-chandlers, builders and physicians.

 

Reflection: “Fortitude is a moral and supernatural virtue which makes a person generous and fearless in the pursuit of holiness, in spite of difficulties, fear, force and even death” (Blessed James Alberione).

Daily Readings

February 2, 2025

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

 

Reading I

Malachi (3:1-4)

 

Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 24:7, 8, 9, 10

 

Response: The Lord of hosts, he is the king of glory!

 

O gates, lift high your heads; grow higher, ancient doors. Let him enter, the king of glory!

 

Response: The Lord of hosts, he is the king of glory!

 

Who is this king of glory? The Lord, the mighty, the valiant; the Lord, the valiant in war.

 

Response: The Lord of hosts, he is the king of glory!

 

O gates, lift high your heads; grow higher, ancient doors. Let him enter, the king of glory!

 

Response: The Lord of hosts, he is the king of glory!

 

Who is this king of glory? He, the Lord of hosts, he is the king of glory.

 

Response: The Lord of hosts, he is the king of glory!

 

Reading II

Hebrews (Heb 2:14-18)

 

Since the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

 

Alleluia

Luke 2:32

 

A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel
 

Gospel

Luke (2:22–32)

 

All: Glory to you, O Lord. When the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, the parents of Jesus brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons”. Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

 

Reflection

 

The presentation of Jesus in the Temple served two purposes; the first is the redemption of Jesus the firstborn, and the second is the purification of Mary. The firstborn belonged to the Lord but could be redeemed or bought back by paying five shekels. The purification of the mother in Jewish Law was purification from ritual uncleanness after childbirth. Under the Mosaic Law, a woman was ritually “unclean” for 40 days after childbirth, when she was to present herself to the priests and offer sacrifice – her “purification”. This feast emphasizes more Jesus’ first appearance in the Temple than Mary’s purification. The purification was normally performed in the local synagogue but Mary and Joseph decided it should take place in the Temple. If the family could afford they would offer a one-year-old lamb, but if not, they would offer two young pigeons. Second, the father of the firstborn son was to “redeem” the child by making an offering of five shekels to the priest. Recall that the firstborn males of all the Egyptians, animals and children, were killed during the tenth plague, but the firstborn males of the Israelites were spared. Thus, this offering made for the firstborn son in the Temple was a way of ritually redeeming him in commemoration of the protection during that plague. Since Jesus was presented in the Temple for this redemption, today’s feast is now referred to as the “Presentation in the Temple”. In Luke’s account, Jesus was welcomed in the Temple by two elderly people, Simeon and the widow Anna. They embody Israel in their patient expectation; they acknowledge the infant Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. Today’s feast is celebrated in our Church forty days after Christmas, marking the day that Mary and Joseph would have brought Jesus into the Temple. Though Mary was pure and free from sin from the moment of her conception, and though the Son of God did not need to be redeemed, Mary and Joseph fulfilled these ritual obligations.

Source: The Sunday Liturgy

Daily Readings

February 1, 2025

Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading I

Hebrews 11:1–2, 8–19

 

Brethren: Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.

 

Responsorial Psalm

Luke 1:69–70, 71–72, 73–75

 

Response: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited his people.

 

He has raised up a horn of salvation for us

in the house of his servant David,

as he spoke by the mouth of his holy

prophets from of old.

 

Response: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited his people.

 

That we should be saved from our enemies,

and from the hand of all who hate us;

to show the mercy promised to our fathers

and to remember his holy covenant.

 

Response: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited his people.

 

The oath that he swore to our father

Abraham, to grant us

that we, being delivered from the hand of

our enemies, might serve him without fear,

in holiness and righteousness before him

all our days.

 

Response: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited his people.

 

Alleluia

John 3:16

 

God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 

 

Gospel

Mark 4:35–41

 

On that day, when evening had come, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him.  And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

 

Reflection

 

For Jesus, ‘going across to the other side’ is going to the pagan land, where the Jews would not like to go, and which was looked at with suspicion by the ‘pure ones’ of Israel. Yet Jesus wants his disciples to join him to go to such places where others would not dare to go and evangelize. He wants us to leave “our crowd zones” (our protected environments and comfort zones) and go into areas that are stormy, difficult, and sometimes incomprehensible, because it is in such areas that we will experience the providence and friendship of God more. As the great Bishop Fulton Sheen would say, “Divinity is always where one least expects to find it”. Let’s accompany the Lord into unknown lands with faith as that of Abraham.

 

St Henry Morse (Martyr) (-c.1645)

 

Born in 1595 at Brome, Suffolk (England), St Henry Morsewas brought up in the Protestant faith. It was while studying law in London that he decided to become a Catholic. At 23 he travelled to Douai (France) where he was received into the Church. Here, too, he began his studies for the priesthood and completed them at Rome where he was ordained priest.

 

In 1624 Henry left for Newcastle, desirous of becoming a Jesuit. However, in 1626, while travelling by sea to enter the Jesuit Novitiate at Watten, he was taken captive. As obviously willed by Providence, he was imprisoned along with a Jesuit Priest named Fr John Robinson, under whose guidance, during the four years of his imprisonment, he secretly made his novitiate and his simple profession. On his release he left England but returned in 1633 under the alias of Cuthbert Saxton. This time round he was very active in the ministry, helping Catholics and Protestants alike, particularly during the great plague of 1636.

 

In 1638, he was arrested again and charged with being a priest in contravention of the country’s statuettes and of perverting some 560 of His Majesty’s Protestant subjects. Six weeks of imprisonment later, he was sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered. On 1 February 1645, he was conveyed on a hurdle to Tyburn, where, after addressing a huge crowd that also included foreign Catholic diplomats present in silent protest, he received absolution and was executed.

 

Beatified in 1929 by Pope Pius XI, Henry Morse was one of the 40 Martyrs of England and Wales to have been canonized in 1970.

 

Reflection: “If anyone declares publicly that he belongs to me, I will do the same for him before my Father in heaven. But if anyone rejects me publicly, I will reject him before my Father in heaven” (Mt 10:32-33).

Daily Readings

January 31, 2025

Memorial of Saint John Bosco, Priest

 

Reading 1

Hebrews 10:32–39

Brethren: Recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 37:3–4, 5–6, 23–24, 39–40

Response: From the Lord comes the salvation of the just.

Trust in the Lord and do good;

then you will dwell in the land and safely pasture.

Find your delight in the Lord,

who grants your heart’s desire. 

Response: From the Lord comes the salvation of the just.

Commit your way to the Lord;

trust in him, and he will act,

and make your uprightness shine like the light,

the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. 

Response: From the Lord comes the salvation of the just.

By the Lord are the steps made firm

of one in whose path He delights.

Though he stumbles he shall never fall,

for the Lord will hold him by the hand. 

Response: From the Lord comes the salvation of the just.

But from the Lord comes

the salvation of the just,

their stronghold in time of distress.

The Lord helps them and rescues them,

rescues and saves them from the wicked:

because they take refuge in him. 

Response: From the Lord comes the salvation of the just.

Alleluia

Matthew 11:25

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little children the mysteries of the kingdom.

Gospel

Mark 4:26–34

At that time: Jesus said to the crowds, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants, and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.

Reflection

Today’s gospel passage consists of two parables about seeds. The primary characteristic in both parables is growth: gradual growth to maturity, and fantastic growth to the size of a big shrub. First of all, if we want to see God’s kingdom grow, then we must plant the seeds by sharing the gospel, engaging in missionary activity etc. Whatever we initiate will grow gradually because it is God who makes it grow regardless of our awareness. Secondly, God’s kingdom starts small but it is capable of achieving much. Though our initiatives for the Kingdom of God may look small and insignificant, God can bring out something big from it at the right time. Both parables exhort us to continue working for God’s kingdom with patience and hope.

Saint John Bosco - Confessor (1815-1888)

From early childhood, Our Lord and Our Lady repeatedly inspired John Bosco, a poor peasant boy in northern Italy, in what he termed his “dream, to rescue young lads from evil ways and to train them in an honest trade—but only by gentleness and kindness!” Thus, first as a boy in rural Piedmont and then, after his ordination in the city of Turin, he set out deliberately to cultivate every means for gaining their confidence and friendship: juggling, sleight-­of-hand tricks, tightrope-walking, playing the violin, singing, telling stories, getting up theatricals, games and excursions. These he would begin and end with a simple catechetical instruction, recitation of the rosary or an explanation of the day’s Gospel. The difficulties he encountered in finding even a shed where his boys could meet on Sundays in winter can well be imagined when one considers that by 1845 his noisy youngsters already numbered over 800!

As John’s work became better known and supported by “cooperators” he was able to establish regular night schools and put everything on a permanent basis by founding his Salesian Institute in Turin and placing it under the protection of Mary Help of Christians and Saint Francis de Sales. Full-time technical schools, apprentice workshops and dormitories built by this God-inspired educator, facilitated the learning of religion, reading, writing, and a trade under a remarkable educational system, based upon frequent Confession and daily Mass, from which bodily chastisement was completely excluded—then an unheard-of innovation.

Don Bosco, as he fondly came to be known, could read the hearts of his pupils, and they in turn knew him to be a saint. His unique influence over others is well illustrated by the occasion when he was, after much hesitation, permitted to take 300 convicts from the city jail on a day’s outing, unaccompanied by guards. In order to extend his beneficent work also to young girls, the Saint, in collaboration with Saint Mary Mazzarello, founded the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in 1872. 

The Salesians grew so rapidly in number and fervour that, at the founder’s death on 31 January 1888, there were already 200 houses, and these had fostered 2,500 priestly vocations!

Beatified by Pope Pius XI on 2 June 1929, Don Bosco was canonized by the same Pope on 1 April 1934.

Reflection: “Do the best you can! God and Our Lady will do the rest!” (Saint John Bosco)

Daily Readings

January 30, 2025

Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1

Hebrews 10:19-25

Brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 24:1–2, 3–4ab, 5–6

Response: These are the people who seek your face, O Lord.

The Lord’s is the earth and its fullness,

the world, and those who dwell in it.

It is he who set it on the seas;

on the rivers he made it firm. 

Response: These are the people who seek your face, O Lord.

Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord?

Who shall stand in his holy place?

The clean of hands and pure of heart,

whose soul is not set on vain things. 

Response: These are the people who seek your face, O Lord.

Blessings from the Lord shall he receive,

and right reward from the God who saves him.

Such are the people who seek him,

who seek the face of the God of Jacob. 

Response: These are the people who seek your face, O Lord.

Alleluia

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp for my feet, and a light for my path.

Gospel

Mark 4:21–25

At that time: Jesus said to the crowd, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

Reflection

A lamp is meant to give light, and therefore, it has to be placed where it is visible and where it will do the utmost good, where it will fulfil its purpose of illuminating the darkness and making it easier to see.  When we live by a God-given purpose, our wicks are lighted inside and shine through us for others to see. We are enlightened by the light of Christ and radiate that light to others whom we come in contact with. This is part of God’s creative plan for us. Jesus also reminds us that what we measure out to others will be measured out to us. The more we share with others what we receive – God’s love, mercy and forgiveness – the more will it come back to us.

Saint Bathildis - Queen (-680)

Saint Bathildis was a Catholic girl from England, who had been sold as a slave to the Majordomo of King Clovis II of Neustria and Burgundy. The King, impressed by her beauty and Christian virtues, freed her and married her in 649. She thus became the mother of Kings Clothaire, Childeric and Thierry.

When Clovis died seven years later, Bathildis was proclaimed Queen Regent under the nominal reign of her five year-old son, Clothaire III. With the aid of certain holy Bishops she carried through such important reforms as the abolition of the trade in Christian slaves, simony among the clergy, and oppressive taxation. 

Numerous hospitals and monasteries owed their foundation to her generosity. Saint Bathildis concluded the last 15 years of her life as a humble nun, serving the poor. She breathed her last at Chelles on 30 January 680 after having endured a painful illness.

Reflection: “All of us can attain to Christian virtue and holiness, no matter in what condition of life we live and no matter what our life-work may be” (Saint Francis de Sales).

Daily Readings

January 29, 2025

Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading I

Hebrews 10:11-18

Every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying, “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,” then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 110:1, 2, 3, 4

Response: You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

The Lord’s revelation to my lord:

“Sit at my right hand,

until I make your foes your footstool.”

Response: You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

The Lord will send from Sion

your sceptre of power:

rule in the midst of your foes. 

Response: You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

With you is princely rule

on the day of your power.

In holy splendour,

from the womb before the dawn,

I have begotten you. 

Response: You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

The Lord has sworn an oath

he will not change:

“You are a priest for ever,

in the line of Melchizedek.”. 

Response: You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

Alleluia

The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to him will live for ever.

Gospel

Mark 4:1-20

At that time: Jesus began to teach beside the sea. And a very large crowd gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat in it on the sea, and the whole crowd was beside the sea on the land. And he was teaching them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them: “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil. And when the sun rose, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. And other seeds fell into good soil and produced grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” And he said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, so that ‘they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.’” And he said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? The sower sows the word. And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”

Reflection

Jesus’ intention behind telling the parable of the sower was meant to serve as a mirror to the lives of his listeners. The same sower sowed the same seed in the same field, yet there were different results. The condition of the soil made the difference. The fourth soil was so good and adequate that the seeds germinated, its roots went deep, it withstood the harsh elements, and produced a rich harvest. God, the sower sows the seeds of His word in the hearts of everyone. The harvest depends on the character of the soil of our hearts. Are our hearts compatible and disposed to receive God’s word? We need to guard our hearts against all that pulls us away and prevents us from living a life based on God’s word.  

Saint Apollinaris Claudius - Bishop Martyr (- c 180)

An illustrious prelate of the second century, Saint Apollinaris was Bishop of Hierapolis in Phrygia (central Turkey). Well known for his defence of the Church’s doctrines, he merited the title of “The Apologist” for his apology in defence of the Faith which he addressed to Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The saint reminded the Emperor of the victory he obtained through the prayers of the Christians and implored his protection for them.

In response, Marcus Aurelius published an edict acknowledging his indebtedness to them. He forbade, under pain of death, anyone from accusing a Christian on account of his religion, though he lacked the courage to abolish the laws already in force against them. As a result, many Christians suffered martyrdom, as happened in the case of Saint Apollinaris.

Reflection: “In her voyage across the ocean of this world, the Church is like a great ship being pounded by the waves of life’s different stresses. Our duty is not to abandon the ship but to keep her on her course” (Saint Boniface).

Daily Readings

January 28, 2025

Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church

 

Reading 1

Hebrews 10:1-10

 

Brethren: Since te law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshippers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’” When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 40:2 and 4ab, 7–8a, 10, 11

 

Response: See, I have come, Lord, to do your will.

 

I waited, I waited for the Lord,

and he stooped down to me;

he heard my cry.

He put a new song into my mouth,

praise of our God.

 

Response: See, I have come, Lord, to do your will.

 

You delight not in sacrifice and offerings,

but in an open ear.

You do not ask for holocaust and victim.

Then I said, “See, I have come.”

 

Response: See, I have come, Lord, to do your will.

 

Your justice I have proclaimed

in the great assembly.

My lips I have not sealed;

you know it, O Lord.

 

Response: See, I have come, Lord, to do your will.

 

Your saving help I have not hidden in my heart;

of your faithfulness and salvation

I have spoken.

I made no secret of your merciful love

and your faithfulness to the great assembly.

 

Response: See, I have come, Lord, to do your will.

 

Alleluia

Matthew 11:25

 

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little children the mysteries of the kingdom.

 

Gospel

Mark 3:31–35

 

At that time: The mother of Jesus and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?”  And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”

 

Reflection

 

The crowd thought that blood relationships took priority for Jesus. But for him, the most significant relationship is that which is inseparable from obeying God’s will, i.e., God’s Word. He makes it clear that spiritual proximity to him is not a matter of flesh and blood but is characterized by radical obedience to the revealed will of God. As has been beautifully said, “It is obedience that most clearly demonstrates our relationship with  Jesus.” Jesus was submissive to the Father’s will; he proved he was of God’s family by doing the will of God. So must we,  who long to be part of his family. Doing God’s will does not mean carrying out any personalized plan for our life but conducting our life based on the Word of God. 

 

Saint Thomas Aquinas - Confessor Doctor of the Church (1225-1274)

 

The youngest son of Landolfo of Aquino and Teodora of Chieti, Thomas was received as a Benedictine oblate at Monte Cassino at the age of five, entered Naples University at 11, and became a Dominican at 18. His family, one of Italy’s most prominent by virtue of being related to Emperor Frederic II, bitterly resenting his becoming a mendicant, imprisoned him in a tower for two years, during which, his sister procured for him the Scriptures and books on Philosophy. After his escape by way of being let down in a basket like Saint Paul by some Dominicans, he was found to have mastered these subjects so well that he was sent to Cologne and Paris to complete his studies under Saint Albert the Great. Post ordination and with a doctorate in Theology, he taught with inspiring lucidity and convincing accuracy, drawing students by the thousands—the University of Paris at that time counted 30,000 students!

 

This “Angelic Doctor” and “Prince of Catholic Theologians” was the principal exponent of scholastic philosophy which interpreted Aristotle in the light of Christian teaching. He is known to have composed some 60 works, of which, far surpassing everything else was his Summa Theologica, a summary of Christian philosophy and theology.

 

With Godly assistance obtained in contemplation and prayer Thomas would become so absorbed in work and study that a friar had to ensure that he took his meals and rest. When interpreting obscure Bible passages, he would undertake special fasts for Heavenly aid, which alone could explain his extraordinary intellectual prowess and sanctity. The beautiful Office and Mass for Corpus Christi, with its much loved hymns Tantum Ergo and O Salutaris Hostia, were composed by him on the Pope’s orders.

 

Thomas, who died while on his way to the Council of Lyons, was canonized in 1323, elevated as Doctor of the Church in 1567 and included in the Code of Canon Law in 1918 apart from being declared the special Patron of all Catholic Universities and educational institutions.

 

Reflection: “Meekness is a virtue rarer than chastity; it is also more excellent than chastity and all the other moral virtues, for it is the complement of charity, the greatest of the theological virtues” (Saint Thomas Aquinas).

 

Daily Readings

January 27, 2025

Monday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1

Hebrews 9:15.24-28

 

Brethren: Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 98:1, 2–3ab, 3cd–4, 5–6

 

Response: O Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has worked wonders.

 

O sing a new song to the Lord,

for he has worked wonders.

His right hand and his holy arm

have brought salvation.

 

Response: O Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has worked wonders.

 

The Lord has made known his salvation,

has shown his deliverance to the nations.

He has remembered his merciful love

and his truth for the house of Israel.

 

Response: O Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has worked wonders.

 

All the ends of the earth have seen

the salvation of our God.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth;

break forth into joyous song,

and sing out your praise.

 

Response: O Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has worked wonders.

 

Sing Psalms to the Lord with the harp,

with the harp and the sound of song.

With trumpets and the sound of the horn,

raise a shout before the King, the Lord.

 

Response: O Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has worked wonders.

 

Alleluia

2 Timothy 1:10

 

Our Saviour Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

 

Gospel

Mark 3:22–30

 

At that time: The scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “by the prince of demons he casts out the demons.” And he called them to him and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is coming to an end. But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house. Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin” – for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”

 

Reflection

 

The teachers of the Law recognized Jesus’ ability to cast out demons. When they could not question the result, they chose to question the source.  Instead of attributing his work to God, they attributed it to Satan. In other words, they had an agenda, and their minds were made up without any honest investigation of the facts. At times we have all been guilty of this behaviour. When we don’t like someone, we tend to attribute wrong motives to his/her words and actions. We approach them with prejudices and tarnish their name in front of others. Can we accept everyone as they are and acknowledge their abilities and potential without bias? 

 

Saint Angela Merici - Virgin (1474-1540)

 

Born on the shores of Lake Garda in northern Italy, Angela was orphaned at 10. Early on she practised such severe austerities that the sanctity and spiritual understanding she manifested at 13 obtained for her the privilege to receive Holy Communion on week days too. She joined the Third Order of Saint Francis and devoted her time to the religious education of young girls and the care of sick women. In 1495 she was instructed in a vision to found a Religious Order for the much needed instruction of girls with the ultimate purpose of restoring the family, and through the family entire society; but owing to adverse political conditions it was to be four decades before she could formally realize her dream. In the meanwhile she was ever more sought after for spiritual counsel and to allay enmities.

 

The Holy Year 1525 saw her in Rome, and Pope Clement XII, who had heard of her holy life and work, tried to keep her in the Eternal City. But when she unfolded before him her educational plan for girls—the nation’s future mothers—he blessed her undertaking and encouraged her efforts. Sickness and war once more interfered, but a decade later she was finally able to make her first formal foundation at Brescia when the Company of Saint Ursula came into being with 28 young women consecrating their virginity to God along with her. Within a month the number of workers grew to 72, and visits to hospitals and prisons were added to teaching. All Brescia rang with the praises of the “Holy Company” but Saint Angela lived only 5 more years. Far in advance of her time in the matter of school management, her institute was the Church’s first Order to be specifically devoted to teaching.

 

A woman of keen foresight and courage, Angela enjoined on her companions the need to make appropriate changes in their rule and work in keeping with the needs of the times. She died on 27 January 1540 and was canonized on 24 May 1807.

 

Reflection: “Do not try to gain what you want by force! God has given everyone a free will and forces no one to obey him” (Saint Angela Merici).

Daily Readings

January 26, 2025

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1

Nehemiah (8:2-4a,5-6,8-10) 

In those days, Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard, on the first day of the seventh month. And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. And Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that they had made for the purpose. And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground. And Ezra and the Levites read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the meaning, so that the people understood the reading. And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, “Go on your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our LORD. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Responsorial Psalm

Pslam (19)

Response: Your words, O Lord, are Spirit and life. 

The law of the LORD is perfect; it revives the soul. The decrees of the LORD are steadfast; they give wisdom to the simple. 

Response: Your words, O Lord, are Spirit and life. 

 

The precepts of the LORD are right; they gladden the heart. The command of the LORD is clear; it gives light to the eyes. 

Response: Your words, O Lord, are Spirit and life. 

The fear of the LORD is pure, abiding forever. The judgements of the LORD are true; they are, all of them, just. 

Response: Your words, O Lord, are Spirit and life. 

May the spoken words of my mouth, the thoughts of my heart, win favour in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer! 

Response: Your words, O Lord, are Spirit and life. 

Reading 2

Corinthians (12:12-30) 

Brethren, just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptised into one body – Jews or Greeks, slaves or free – and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

ACCLAMATION 

Alleluia. Alleluia. The Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to the captives. Alleluia. (See Lk 4:18)

Gospel

Luke (1:1-4; 4:14-21) 

 

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely 

for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Reflection

The gospel of the day combines two separate passages taken from Luke. He begins by establishing the purpose of his Gospel and then goes on to present Jesus’ proclamation of his mission. Jesus’ intention in reading the passage from the prophet Isaiah was to let his listeners know that God had sent him for a very special mission. He told them exactly what kind of Messiah he would be, and what his mission consisted of. The uncomfortable truths proclaimed by Jesus may not be pleasing to our ears but as his followers today, we have the same mission to carry out. There are many people whom the Good News has still to reach. Several people are waiting to be alleviated and freed from bondages of different types. Above all, we need the anointing of the Holy Spirit to fulfil the mission of Jesus. How shall we be the voices of liberation and witnesses to the liberating work of Jesus in our time?

(1) Saint Timothy - Bishop Confessor (c 32 – c 97)

Saint Paul’s “beloved son in the faith” (1 Tim 1:1) and his most intimate disciple, Timothy, a native of Lystra in Asia Minor (Turkey), born of a Gentile father and Jewish mother, had probably accepted Christianity during Paul’s first missionary journey (47 AD), as a boy of about fifteen. In time Paul heard Timothy’s virtues and zeal so highly spoken of on Iconium and Lystra that he decided to adopt him as his travelling companion and assistant in addition to Silas, who had come with him from Jerusalem. 

Timothy seems to have remained Paul’s closest collaborator throughout his ministry: on his missionary journeys, when he was being sent to Rome as prisoner, and after his acquittal when he returned east as far as Ephesus. At times we hear of him being sent ahead, at other times remaining behind to confirm new converts in the Faith; during the eighteen months he spent in Corinth, he was sent back north to encourage the steadfastness of the persecuted believers in Thessalonica (Saloniki).

Paul’s letters show Timothy as someone so young and timid as to be advised by Paul thus: “Let no one disregard you because you are young”, and cautioned as regards the Gnostic heresies rampant then. He must have been barely 32 when he was made Bishop of Ephesus, a great See that, according to Saint John Chrysostom, comprised all the churches of the Roman province of Asia. Interestingly, Saint John Damascene states that it was as Bishop of Ephesus that Timothy witnessed Mary’s departure from this world. Saint John the Evangelist terms him “the angel of the church of Ephesus.”

Affectionate, though frail in health, he was always shown fatherly concern by Paul and praised as a beloved son and friend, a loyal imitator and co-worker always by his side. Traditionally believed to have been stoned to death at Ephesus under the reign of Nerva Ceasar Augustus, when trying to dissuade the pagans from worshipping “Diana of the Ephesians”, his long-lost relics were re-discovered during some reconstruction work in the Cathedral of Termoli (on the Adriatic coast of Italy), where they had been completely walled up in masonry, for safe-keeping during troubled times no doubt. He is invoked against diseases of the stomach.

Reflection: “Judicious silence is always better than truth spoken without charity” (Saint Francis de Sales).

(2) Saint Titus - Bishop Confessor (c 2 - c 96)

Saint Titus, another beloved disciple of Saint Paul, is thought to have been a native of Antioch. A Gentile by birth, he was sent to Jerusalem to gather reports on our Lord’s miracles, and there became one of the 72 disciples.

From Paul’s two epistles to the Corinthians we learn that Titus acted not only as his interpreter and secretary, but as his co-worker and fellow-missionary, whom he highly esteemed for his truly Christian zeal and solicitude, and on whom he came to depend more and more as time went by.

When Paul returned to Jerusalem in the year 51 to attend the Council on the question of subjecting Gentile converts to the requirements of the Mosaic Law, he was accompanied by Titus. Five years later we hear of his being sent from Ephesus to the Church in Corinth to settle some internal dissension and to arrange about sending alms to the poor at Jerusalem.

In 64, Titus, whose brother-in-law was governor of Crete, was chosen by Paul, to carry on his missionary work in that great island, which is 120 miles long; the Epistle to Titus contains detailed instruction on selecting and installing presbyters in each of the cities of Crete. In 65 he was sent to preach the Gospel in what is today Dalmatia (Yugoslavia) but he seems to have returned to his episcopal labours in Crete the very next year and to have died a peaceful death there in his 94th year. His body was laid to rest in the Cathedral at Gortyna and remained there until the Saracens destroyed the cit

Daily Readings

January 25, 2025

Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle

 

Reading 1

Acts 22:3-16 (Or: Acts 9:1-22)

 

In those days: Paul said to the people, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed towards Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished. “As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.’ And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’”

 

Or

Acts 9:1-22

 

Saul, still breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord,
went to the high priest and asked him
for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, that,
if he should find any men or women who belonged to the Way,
he might bring them back to Jerusalem in chains.
On his  journey, as he was nearing Damascus,
a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him.
He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him,
“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
He said, “Who are you, sir?”
The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.”
The men who were traveling with him stood speechless,
for they heard the voice but could see no one.
Saul got up from the ground,
but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing;
so they led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus.
For three days he was unable to see, and he neither ate nor drank.

There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias,
and the Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias.”
He answered, “Here I am, Lord.”
The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight
and ask at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul.
He is there praying,
and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias
come in and lay his hands on him,
that he may regain his sight.”
But Ananias replied,
“Lord, I have heard from many sources about this man,
what evil things he has done to your holy ones in Jerusalem.
And here he has authority from the chief priests
to imprison all who call upon your name.”
But the Lord said to him,
“Go, for this man is a chosen instrument of mine
to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and children of Israel,
and I will show him what he will have to suffer for my name.”
So Ananias went and entered the house;
laying his hands on him, he said,
“Saul, my brother, the Lord has sent me,
Jesus who appeared to you on the way by which you came,
that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Immediately things like scales fell from his eyes
and he regained his sight.
He got up and was baptized,
and when he had eaten, he recovered his strength.

He stayed some days with the disciples in Damascus,
and he began at once to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues,
that he is the Son of God.
All who heard him were astounded and said,
“Is not this the man who in Jerusalem
ravaged those who call upon this name,
and came here expressly to take them back in chains
to the chief priests?”
But Saul grew all the stronger
and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus,
proving that this is the Christ.

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 117:1, 2

 

Response: Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel.

 

O Praise the Lord all you nations;

Acclaim him, all you peoples!

 

Response: Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel.

 

For his merciful love has prevailed over us;

and the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever.

 

Response: Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel.

 

Alleluia

John 15:16

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, says the Lord.

 Gospel

Mark 16:15–18

 

At that time: [Appearing to the Eleven] Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

 

Reflection

 

oday we celebrate one of the most momentous events in the early Church, namely the conversion of Saint Paul. For Paul, it was an experience in which Christ radically changed his life and opened his eyes to the truth of the Gospel. The feast reminds us that life in Christ is meant to be the conscious and deliberate focus of our lives. It is to live by the conviction of Paul: “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal 2:20). Paul’s Damascus experience in ‘Acts’ proves that no matter what our past, we can’t be written off because God’s power is always at work in us. He can transform us and bring out the best in us, provided we surrender ourselves to Him. United with the Lord, we will be as powerful as Paul in living and proclaiming the Christian faith.

 

Conversion of Saint Paul

 

Saint Paul himself states that he was born at Tarsus, in the province of Cilicia, of Jewish parents who maintained with great care their pharisaical traditions and pious customs. According to Saint Jerome, the family, hailing originally from Galilee, belonged to the tribe of Benjamin. On the occasion of his circumcision the boy was given the name Saul after the first Jewish King, and in addition a Roman name, Paulus, as was then the custom among those Jews who were Roman citizens.

 

As he grew up, Saul learnt to prepare mohair and to make tents out of it—a knowledge that was to make him self-supporting in later years when on his long missionary journeys. His native tongue was Aramaic, but he also spoke Greek well and was familiar with Hellenistic lore.

 

While still quite young, Saul was sent to Jerusalem where he received a thorough Hebrew education, probably in the school of Gamaliel, the great Doctor of the Law, who was one of the most highly respected members of the Sanhedrin. Early tradition has it that both Gamaliel and Nicodemus were later converted by Saints Peter and John, a fact they kept secret so as to be able to help their Christian brethren by their continued presence in the Jewish Supreme court.

 

We next hear of Saul at the time of Saint Stephen’s martyrdom, when he was an ardent young Pharisee in his early thirties. He was actively persecuting the fledgling Church with a fierce fanaticism that had him obtain authority from the High Priest to bring Christians in chains from other cities. Indeed, it was while he was bound for Damascus on one such undertaking that our Lord himself suddenly appeared to and instantaneously converted this furious persecutor into the humble and docile aspirant for baptism, who was to become the Church’s great “Apostle of the Gentiles”, gradually coming to be known as Saint Paul.

 

Reflection: “I have never asked Saint Paul for a grace without having received it” (Saint Anthony Mary Zachary).

Daily Readings

January 24, 2025

Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

 

Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

 

Reading 1

Hebrews 8:6-13

 

Brethren: As it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second. For he finds fault with them when he says: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. For they did not continue in my covenant, and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall not teach, each one his neighbour and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord’, for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will be merciful towards their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 85:8 and 10, 11–12, 13–14

 

Response: Merciful love and faithfulness have met.

 

Let us see, O Lord, your mercy,

and grant us your salvation.

His salvation is near for those who fear him,

and his glory will dwell in our land.

 

Response: Merciful love and faithfulness have met.

 

Merciful love and faithfulness have met;

justice and peace have kissed.

Faithfulness shall spring from the earth,

and justice look down from heaven.

 

Response: Merciful love and faithfulness have met.

 

Also the Lord will bestow his bounty,

and our earth shall yield its increase.

Justice will march before him,

and guide his steps on the way.

 

Response: Merciful love and faithfulness have met.

 

 

Gospel Acclamation

2 Corinthians 5:19-21

 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

In Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

 

Gospel

Mark 3:13–19

 

At that time: Jesus went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him, and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

 

Reflection

 

The twelve Apostles constitute a special group within the broader community of disciples. This group was not famous or qualified as per the world’s standards. There was nothing commendable about their resumé. They were all different: different personalities, backgrounds, skills, strengths and weaknesses. Yet they were all chosen by Jesus uniquely and specially. When it comes to answering Jesus’ call to you, you need not be a pious and ideal Christian. You need not have all the skills and qualifications to be at the Lord’s work. You just have to be willing. After all, Jesus will empower and equip you for his purpose because he is in control of your calling.  

 

St. Francis de Sales - Bishop Confessor Doctor of the Church (1567-1622)

 

St. Francis de Sales was born on August 21, 1567, in the Kingdom of Savoy near Geneva, Switzerland. Coming from a noble family, he was expected to follow a legal career to satisfy his father, but his true passion was to serve God. Even after earning a doctorate in law, his strong faith drove him to secretly study theology. Francis had a significant spiritual moment when he fell off his horse three times, each time his sword and scabbard arranged themselves into a cross on the ground. This experience solidified his calling, and he persuaded his father to allow him to become a priest in 1593. During the intense period of the Protestant Reformation, Francis dedicated himself to reconciling Calvinists with the Catholic Church. He used creative tactics like placing pamphlets under doors and involving children to influence their parents, helping to convert around 40,000 people.

 

In 1602, he was appointed Bishop of Geneva, where he was admired for his kindness and accessibility. He collaborated with Jane de Chantal to establish the Order of Visitation in 1610. Francis was a dedicated letter writer, providing spiritual advice through his extensive correspondence. He strongly believed in the 'universal call to holiness,' teaching that every Christian, regardless of their life path, is called to live a holy life. His influential book, "Introduction to the Devout Life" (1608), was written for laypeople and was pioneering in showing that one could seek holiness in everyday activities. Francis emphasized a passionate and personal relationship with God's love, encouraging regular meditation and prayer.

In his later years, despite declining health, his commitment to offering spiritual guidance grew stronger. He passed away on December 28, 1622, leaving behind a legacy of humility and deep devotion. He was beatified in 1661 and canonized in 1665. St. Francis de Sales is the patron saint of Catholic writers, the deaf, journalists, and various religious communities. His feast day is celebrated on January 24.

Daily Readings

January 23, 2025

Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1

Hebrews 7:25 – 8:6

 

Brethren: Jesus is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect for ever. Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man. For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer. Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 40:7–8a, 8b–9, 10, 17

 

Response: See, I have come, Lord, to do your will.

 

You delight not in sacrifice and offerings,

but in an open ear.

You do not ask for holocaust and victim.

Then I said, “See, I have come.”

 

Response: See, I have come, Lord, to do your will.

 

In the scroll of the book

it stands written of me:

“I delight to do your will, O my God;

your instruction lies deep within me.”

 

Response: See, I have come, Lord, to do your will.

 

Your justice I have proclaimed

in the great assembly.

My lips I have not sealed;

you know it, O Lord.

 

Response: See, I have come, Lord, to do your will.

 

O let there be rejoicing and gladness

for all who seek you.

Let them ever say, “The Lord is great,”

who long for your salvation.

 

Response: See, I have come, Lord, to do your will

 

 

Gospel Acclamation

2 Timothy 1:10

 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Our Saviour Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

 

Gospel

Mark 3:7–12

 

At that time: Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed from Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon. When the great crowd heard all that he was doing, they came to him. And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him, for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed around him to touch him. And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” And he strictly ordered them not to make him known.

 

Reflection

 

Jesus had many fans and a few disciples.  The passage testifies that a large crowd followed Jesus because they wanted to be beneficiaries of his divine powers. They wanted his gifts and not him, the giver. They went after the healings and not the healer. Among the crowd were people possessed by demons who identified Jesus rightly, but they didn’t believe in him. Neither do all who are attracted to Jesus become his disciples, nor do all who speak the name of Jesus become believers. Rather than just being  Jesus’ fans we need to answer his call to discipleship. We need to step out of the crowd and live as his true disciples by placing our trust in him and growing in intimacy with him. 

Saint Emerentiana - Virgin, Martyr (-304)

 

As per Roman Martyrology, Saint Emerentiana was the foster sister of Saint Agnes. Both of them were of much the same age, but Emerentiana was yet only a catechumen. She was stoned to death while praying beside the grave of Saint Agnes, thus receiving the baptism of blood. She was buried in the Cemeterium majus, a little farther, along the Via Nomentana in Rome, then the spot where the Basilica dedicated to Saint Agnes was erected. Later, her remains were transferred to the Basilica.

 

Reflection: “If the greatest sinner on earth should repent at the moment of death and draw his last breath in an act of love, neither the many graces he had abused, nor the many sins he had committed would stand in his way. Our Lord would receive him into his mercy” (Saint Thérèse of Lisieux).

Daily Readings

January 22, 2025, Wednesday

2^nd Week in Ordinary time

 

Reading 1

Hebrews 7:1-3.15-17

 

Brethren: Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever. This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. For it is witnessed of him, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”

 

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 110:1, 2, 3, 4

 

Response: You are a priest forever, in the line of Melchizedek

 

The Lord’s revelation to my Lord:

“Sit at my right hand,

until I make your foes

your footstool.”

 

Response: You are a priest forever, in the line of Melchizedek

 

The Lord will send from Sion

your sceptre of power:

rule in the midst of your foes.

 

Response: You are a priest forever, in the line of Melchizedek

 

With you is princely rule

on the day of your power.

In holy splendour,

from the womb before the dawn,

I have begotten you.

 

Response: You are a priest forever, in the line of Melchizedek

 

The Lord has sworn an oath

he will not change:

“You are a priest forever,

in the line of Melchizedek.”

 

Response: You are a priest forever, in the line of Melchizedek

 

Alleluia

Matthew 4:23

 

Jesus was proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.

 

Gospel

Mark 3:1–6

 

At that time: Jesus entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.” And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. And he looked round at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out, and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.

 

Reflection

 

The gospel passage for today begins with the mention of the man with a shrivelled hand. Anyone with a compassionate heart would have been moved by the plight of that man. But ‘some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath’ (v 2). They watched with insidious intent to gather evidence by which they could accuse Jesus. They were driven by malice to the extent that they conveniently bypassed the need for the suffering man to be helped. A similar mentality can blind us too. Instead of thinking of how we can help someone in need, we nurse ill will in our hearts – revenge, enmity, malice, cynicism,  fault-finding... Like Jesus, can we approach people in need with a grace-driven and compassionate heart?

 

Saint Vincent Pallotti - Confessor (1795-1850)

 

Saint Vincent Pallotti, born in Rome, was the apostle of the Eternal City at a difficult period of time in history. Raised up an apostle to undo the spiritual harm wrought by the Napoleonic wars, he is called a second Philip Neri because of his tireless labours in the confessional and the pulpit and his boundless charity towards the poor, the sick and the unfortunate, to whom he would give away the very shoes and clothes he was wearing.

 

Having obtained his Doctorates in Philosophy and Theology, he taught Theology for 10 years. With the commencement of his apostolate among students, it soon became clear that Rome possessed a holy priest. His influence as Confessor over Propaganda College, the Roman Seminary, and an English College was deeply profound, hardly a waking moment remaining unemployed. He went to Confession each day before Mass, during which he often had ecstasies, before beginning his day’s work of preaching in churches and in the open, giving retreats, visiting hospitals and prisons, even hearing confessions late into the night.

 

Vincent’s zeal embraced the whole world and every need, spiritual and material. For this universal objective he founded the Society of Catholic Apostolate (Pallottines) and the Sisters of the Catholic Apostolate. Conscious of the value and necessity of the lay apostolate he founded guilds for workers, agricultural schools, loan associations, orphanages and homes for girls, thus initiating a social programme that was later formulated and set forth by a friend of his youth, Pope Leo XIII. Pius XI called him “a pioneer and precursor of Catholic Action”.

 

He died aged only 55 and was beatified 100 years later by Pope Pius XII who cited “this great sacerdotal figure” as an example for Parish Priests and preachers, saying, “May his spirit be renewed in every one of you and infuse into your apostolate that irresistible glow of love which the doubting, uncertain and suffering men of today need much.”

 

Vincent Pallotti, whose body lies incorrupt in the church of San Salvatore in Rome, was canonized on 20 January 1963, i.e. during Vatican II.

 

Reflection: “The devil strains every nerve to secure the souls which belong to Christ. We should not grudge our toil in wresting them from Satan, and giving them back to God” (Saint Sebastian).

Daily Readings

January  21, 2025

Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr

 

Reading 1

Hebrews 6:10-20

Brethren: God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise. For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 111:1bc–2, 4–5, 9 and 10c

Response: The Lord keeps his covenant ever in mind.

I will praise the Lord with all my heart,

in the meeting of the just and the assembly.

Great are the works of the Lord,

to be pondered by all who delight in them. 

Response: The Lord keeps his covenant ever in mind.

He has given us a memorial of his wonders.

The Lord is gracious and merciful.

He gives food to those who fear him;

keeps his covenant ever in mind. 

Response: The Lord keeps his covenant ever in mind.

He has sent redemption to his people,

and established his covenant forever.

Holy his name, to be feared.

His praise endures forever! 

Response: The Lord keeps his covenant ever in mind.

Alleluia

Ephesians 1:17-18

 

May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts that we may know what is the hope to which he has called us.

Gospel

Mark 2:23-28

One Sabbath Jesus was going through the cornfields, and as they made their way, his disciples began to pluck ears of corn. And the Pharisees were saying to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” And he said to them, “Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God, in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?” And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”

Reflection

Jesus justified the actions of his disciples on the Sabbath because he prioritized human need (hunger) in contrast to the ceremonial law. He did not let his disciples go hungry on the Sabbath by placing the laws above them. By doing so, he proved that ceremonial law could be broken if it proved a hindrance to aiding human life.  We are not created to serve the needs of rules and regulations. It is the other way around. We should not focus on the strict letter of the law so much that we lose its spirit. If any law or observance does not help us to ease and enhance our lives, then we need to reconsider our observance of the same instead of just following it blindly.    

Saint Agnes of Rome - Virgin Martyr (- c.304)

Saint Agnes has ever been held in the highest honour throughout the Church, and her name occurs in the Canon of the Mass. Little is known with certainty about her short life. Yet, even from that little it is clear that she desired to consecrate herself solely to Christ and so declined the hand of many a suitor. This led her to be exposed in a brothel, where, all who saw her were awestruck. A lone youth who dared to attempt violating her modesty was struck blind but regained his eyesight through her prayers.

Martyred at the age of twelve and buried at her parents’ country place on the Via Nomentana on the outskirts of Rome. A basilica constructed over her tomb in 324 was completely rebuilt by Pope Honorius about 630 and has remained almost unaltered since, a beautiful gem of old Roman architecture.

Agnes is the Patron Saint of purity, of the “Children of Mary” and of young girls in general, for tradition has always credited her with having been a model of purity and modesty and having maintained her faith in spite of every enticement, threat and torture. Gardeners also revere her as their patron.

Each year, this day, two white lambs, symbolizing innocence, are solemnly blessed at the high altar of her church and offered to the Pope, and from their wool are later made the Pallia with which the Holy Father invests his Metropolitans the world over as a sign of their sharing with him the “plenitude of the pontifical office”.

Reflection: “You may stain your sword with my blood, but you will never be able to profane my body, consecrated to Christ” (Saint Agnes).

We are just one week away from the Holy Week and away from our celebration of God’s love shown in the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. For us Christians this season of Lent is a time of special grace in which we experience the presence of a personal God who cares and loves us. Our response is to transform ourselves and live according to his will. We want to do something new and come to him in obedience and freedom. Before him we acknowledge our weakness and we know that he is the one who supports us and builds with us new relationship. We ought to change our lives during Lent and come closer to him. Therefore the Church calls this season as a joyful time, because it is our preparation for the future joy of Easter that approaches us bringing his blessings, mercy and forgiveness. We realize that God has made a covenant with us through our baptism like he made with the Israelites as we hear in the first reading of today. Here God looks beyond the failure of his people and takes the initiative to establish a new covenant with the house of Israel. In the second reading we are reminded of Jesus’ life of prayer and suffering and through his sufferings he learnt to be obedient to his Father. Now he is perfect in heaven and he is able to save all who obey him. The Gospel of today tells us of the moment of the pain and troubled heart of Jesus and he calls on his Father to glorify him. There is the voice heard from heaven which confirms the unity and harmony between the Father and Jesus. At the same time some Greeks show their desire to meet Jesus indicating the mission of Jesus is for all and not for the Jews alone.

God’s love is universal and at the same time it is personal. Our God is concerned of each person individually yet at the same time he loves us as a community. We are children of the light baptized into the glory that is Christ. We are initiated into the life of Christ who is the light of the world. Once baptized in Christ we become his new creation, the members of God’s own family. Today as we enter the fourth Sunday of Lent we are called upon to renew ourselves and experience the loving invitation of our Lord. In the first reading, the house of David seems to have come to an end. Because of their infidelity the people have suffered. But God’s plan of salvation continues to move forward. In the second reading Paul overwhelms us with the message of God’s mercy. When we were dead through our sins, he brought us back to life in Christ. The Father has done everything for us in Jesus. In the Gospel Jesus the giver of new life, tells us of the love of God for humanity that he sacrificed his own Son. Jesus declares that he must be lifted up on a cross to glorify God and bring salvation to the world.

The liturgy of the Third Sunday of Lent begins by acknowledging God´s holiness and his claim on us that we belong to him. It recognizes the fact that we are his own people, and must live in a way that reflects his holiness. God offers us the gift of faith as our path towards holiness. Challenges are always with us, difficulties surround us. However the more we long, desire and develop a personal and ultimate relationship with Jesus Christ as our best friend, there is absolutely nothing that we cannot face and overcome. Indeed we become the “power and the wisdom of God”. Our first reading tells about the covenant God made with Israel by giving them Ten Commandments to live by. God gave them to Moses so that his chosen people will live by the norms given by him. In the gospel Jesus reacts with anger to abuses in the Temple, which he perceives as the violation of the covenant and shows himself as the Lord of the Temple. He drove the traders out of the Temple and predicted that he himself would be the Temple of the new people of God. In our second reading, Paul calls us to embrace divine wisdom though the world may see it as foolishness. He tells them that we preach Christ crucified. He tells them that God’s weakness is greater than human strength.

God’s call is personal and at the same time very demanding. We encounter a God who speaks to us and we are called upon to listen to him and respond to him. Now as we enter the Second Week of Lent, our task is to continue to examine our hearts and change ourselves in order to be worthy of his glorious paschal mystery. God tells us that our thoughts are not like his thoughts and our ways are not akin to those of his choice. As human beings we do not like change and we resist any change as much as we can. However, change is a part of our life and we cannot just depend on our past glory and achievements. The Gospel of today speaks of striking intervention by God in people’s lives indicated through the transfiguration of Jesus on the Mountain. Jesus is transfigured in the presence of his disciples, manifesting to them his divinity to strengthen them in their faith before he enters into his Passion and death on the cross. They are called upon to listen to him the one chosen by the Father. In the first reading we would hear God asking Abraham to sacrifice his only son. Even though God had promised a great dynasty for him, Abraham shows his obedience and displays complete trust in God’s promise. God preserves his son and also grants him his multiple rewards. In the second reading Paul assures us that we have nothing to fear. God the Father and his beloved son are on our side.

We are now into the great season of Lent. During the season of Lent, the church invites us to examine our lives, to repent of our sins and do penance. By means of fasting, penance and prayers, the faithful obtain strength they need to overcome the sinful tendencies. The purpose of Lent is to provide that purification by weaning human persons from sin and selfishness through self-denial and prayer, by creating in them the desire to do God’s will and to make his kingdom alive by making it first come into their hearts. The Church invites all to repent from evil ways and return to the Lord who is eagerly waiting for each one to come to him. In the first reading we have the story of Noah and the deluge that destroyed evil persons. At the end of the deluge only Noah and his family were saved. God then established a covenant with Noah and humanity. The rainbow in the clouds serves as a sign of this covenant. In the second reading we have Peter telling us how our Baptism unites us with Christ’s death and resurrection. We are cleansed of all evil and made right with God. In the Gospel we have the Temptation narrative. After his Baptism, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the evil one. After his victory over the Satan, Jesus enters his public life to proclaim the message of the Kingdom of God. By this time John was arrested and Jesus commences his message of the Messiah.

All of us are social beings and have been created for community and are called to live our faith in and with a community. Our Christian commitment demands us to look into the needs of others. God has given us the blessing to belong to others in the community of the church and in the community of the world. We must appreciate these blessings God has given us and be at the service of others. In the Gospel we have the healing of the leper by Jesus. The leper comes to Jesus with a request to be healed and Jesus has pity on the person and touches him and tells him that he wants him to be healed. The person once healed goes on proclaiming to all the miraculous deed of Jesus. In the first reading we have Moses and Aaron speak to the people of the greatness of God and since they are holy the people have to avoid all that is unclean. Certain rituals had to be observed in case of serious illness. In the second reading Paul tells us that every human activity can give glory to God. Taking Paul as our model, we are called upon to imitate Christ who always sought to help others. Everyone in the community is to reflect Christ in their words and behaviour.

Christ has come as the redeemer and the conqueror of suffering and of death. He does not limit his healing mission to the physical sufferings alone but seeks to heal the whole person. The inner healing of the person and the forgiveness of sins is the mission of Jesus. God intervenes in human situation to alleviate suffering, yet he permits suffering to take place. Sufferings often motivate people to seek God, and as they draw closer to Him they can understand Him better. In the first reading we have Job, that legendary model of long-suffering patience, is speaking of the tiresomeness of life. He complains of the hardships he had to experience in life in the face of sudden disasters. He gives expression to the pain and sorrow he is facing. He is unable to see the happiness that lies in store for him. In the second reading Paul speaks of the obligation imposed on him to preach the Word of God, making himself the slave of the Gospel. Yet he does this task willingly and freely without looking for any reward. The Gospel gives the vivid picture of healing ministry of Jesus and his popularity as everyone was searching for him. But he chooses to go to other places to continue his ministry of preaching and healing. In the midst of his heavy work of teaching and healing he spends his time in prayer.

God’s word comes to us in various ways. The Bible tells us that this word is very powerful and effective in our life and will bear fruit in plenty. This word clings to the human person, penetrates deeply into our hearts giving us new insights and applies it thoroughly to our lives. God expects us to be conscious of the working of this word in our lives and respond to it. His word is a healing word. It purifies the person and takes away all the blemishes. It is a prophetic word which leads the person towards the values of God as against the values of the world. It is a reconciling word which keeps away all divisions and brings unity in the community. In the first reading of today we have Moses the prophet giving his farewell address to the people of Israel. He tells them they will always have God’s word to guide them as they enter into the Promised Land. God will give them a prophet like himself to take care of them. In the second reading Paul gives advice to both married and the unmarried. He wants them to be free of all their anxieties and offer their single hearted service to God. In the Gospel we have the typical day in the life of Jesus. He was a preacher, teacher, healer and a man of prayer. Today’s passage demonstrates the power and authority of Jesus as he expels an unclean spirit from a man and heals him. People look at him with admiration for he spoke with authority and power.

From the earliest of times God has called human persons to be with him for he is the creator who has made every human person in his own image and likeness and desires to have constant contact with him. He invites all human persons to a personal relationship with him and when they do wrong and go astray; he invites them to a spirit of repentance to make them live a life worthy of him. Repentance means to turn around, and go in the opposite direction, change ones way of thinking, change their values, change the mind and heart, change their desires, and more importantly change the direction of life. It means that there is a total conversion and a total transformation in the person. In the Gospel of today Jesus invites all to repent and to listen to the Good News that he is going to give. He calls the disciples to continue his mission of repentance and the proclamation of the Kingdom. In the first reading we have Prophet Jonah who is asked by God to go and preach to the people of Nineveh. Even though Jonah runs away from God in the beginning, he is brought back to preach. People listen to his word and repent from their sin. God listens to their prayer and forgives them. In the second reading Paul asked the Corinthians to remember that life is short and the world as we know it is passing away. He preaches total detachment and to live without being engrossed into it.

"The work of God is carried out by men of God" is an oft repeated saying. But there is a whole process of discernment that a person needs to undertake before he enters into the service of God. The call can come directly from God as in the case of Old Testament prophets or from Jesus as in the apostles and Paul. The liturgy of the Word places before us the call of Samuel and Peter. These men are from humble origins but possessed extraordinary leadership quality for which they will always be remembered. Samuel was a miracle child because Hannah his mother was not able to conceive and barrenness was considered to be a curse which Hannah who was very devout could not accept. Hannah’s solution to her problem was to pour her heart out in supplication to God, and promise that if she ever conceived and gave birth to a son she would give him back to the Lord. When Samuel was born she kept her promise. Peter and his brother Andrew were fishermen and at least Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist, and Andrew led his brother Peter to Jesus .In the case of Samuel and Peter there were others who helped them answering God’s call. In times of need let us also whisper our aspirations and desires and rest assured that God hears our every whispering.

11th January, 2015 – Sunday Reflection. THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD.

The feast of the Baptism of our Lord presents us with the Third Epiphany or the manifestation of our Lord, the first being the Nativity of our Lord and the second, the feast of the Magi. The Baptism of Jesus was the moment when he passed from the relative obscurity of village life in Nazareth onto the public stage of his mission of proclaiming the God’s Kingdom. We are brought to the banks of the River Jordan somewhere north of Jerusalem where John the Baptist had begun his ministry. John the Baptist was preaching in the wilderness and was baptizing all those who would respond to his message of repentance. The purpose of his ministry of preaching and Baptism was to direct people toward Jesus who would baptize them with the Holy Spirit. The Scriptures tell us that Jesus came from Galilee to River Jordan to be baptized by John the Baptist. Jesus subjects himself to this simple act of repentance and is baptized by his own cousin. Baptism is meant as an acknowledgement of sin and Jesus was totally sinless. He had no need of repentance or forgiveness. Yet this was the beginning of his mission as was planned by his Father. The Baptism of Christ as recorded in all the four Gospels indicates the Trinitarian Revelation and the commencement of the public ministry of Jesus. When Jesus came out of water after his Baptism the heavens open and the Holy Spirit descends upon Him in the form of a dove. There is also the voice of the Father that comes from the cloud, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

Reflections on The feast of the Epiphany of our Lord The feast of the Epiphany is the celebration of the Lord’s manifestation to all peoples, represented by the Magi, who came from the East to adore the King of the Jews. The word ‘epiphany’ comes from Greek, meaning, a ‘showing’ or ‘manifestation’. The Feast of Epiphany is a reflection that Jesus is the Light of the world. Through his birth we see the arrival of the Light into the world. The three wise men saw the brilliant star in the sky, understood the meaning and followed it. Through the Magi, we see the light of hope, of joy and of peace to come. All in all, today’s feast is telling us that for God there are no foreigners, no outsiders. From his point of view, all are equally his beloved children. We all, whatever external physical or cultural differences there may be between us, belong to one single family which has one Father, God. It means that every one of us is a brother and sister to everyone else. There is no room for discrimination of any kind based on nationality, race, religion, class or occupation. The facts of today’s story may be vague but the message is loud and clear. The story tells us that there is no partiality in God and we all of us are his chosen people. Let us try to understand more deeply God’s closeness to us which is also a reason for us to be close to each other. The story of the Magi is story of the ways in which God reveals himself and even more about the different responses which his revelation receives. The Magi followed the star and they encountered God. It tells us that we too have to search for our God and cannot rest till we find him.

Holy Mother the Church celebrates the feast of the exaltation of the Holy Cross today. The Cross is more than a symbol, more than a sign. It summons us to live our lives in sacrificial self-giving, in self-emptying love. Not only did Christ die in order that we might be freed from this world’s bondage, His death also reveals to us the length and depth to which God has gone to give Himself to us. The Cross shows us the extent to which God loves us. Jesus on the Cross is a sign of contradiction, a sign that contradicts the message of the world that surrounds us. It is also a sign of liberation, of freedom. One of the greatest paradoxes of life is that the more we give, the more we get. Those who love the most are those who are loved the most. Self-giving can be buried underneath the temples of this world’s false gods and goddesses. The Cross is the sign that contradicts them. The religion of the secular world is one of getting, acquiring, buying, and filling one’s life with more and more things, loading us down with gadgets, glitz and glitter. Competition is valued more than community. Being Number One, on top of the heap, and on the top of this world, seduces us and leads us away from the sort of life that Jesus calls us to live. The Gospel, echoing the Old Testament story, assures us Christians that by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus raised up and mounted upon the cross we too will be saved from death: “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” Jesus, like the bronze serpent, was lifted up on a pole. John assures us that whoever believes and gazes on Jesus lifted up will never perish but will have eternal life.

Today’s gospel is quite startling, presenting a side of Jesus we have not seen. Jesus withdraws to the region of Tyre and Sidon – perhaps due to fatigue and weariness from the press of the crowds. And even there he is known; a woman calls out to him, using his title, “Lord, Son of David.” But “Jesus did not say a word in answer to her”. Clearly this is a woman of faith, why would Jesus not speak to her? Is he that tired? Is this a demon he cannot exorcise from her daughter? When his disciples plead with him to send her away, since she keeps calling, Jesus says “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Those within hearing distance must have been puzzled, hearing this for the first time. Is he not moved by the same compassion he had for others? But the woman persists, kneels before Jesus, and continues to plead on behalf of her daughter. Now comes the real shocker; Jesus tells her, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” Silence descends upon the crowd. This is a crude analogy and offensive in any time or place. And yet the woman persists – “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” It is then that Jesus acknowledges her faith, and her daughter is healed. This story is unusual; it begs the question, why did Matthew include this event, when it presents Jesus in such a harsh and cruel light? Why did Jesus not want to heal this woman’s daughter – due to fatigue? Or because she was not of the house of Israel? In any case, his exhaustion doesn’t explain his uncharacteristic rudeness. Perhaps Matthew wanted to portray not only Jesus’ divinity and his power to heal, but also his humanity – Jesus experienced the same fatigue and its effects as all humans do; he experienced the same impatience and desire to get away from the demands of others; he occasionally was harsh with others; and, at some point, came to learn through the pleas of others that his ministry and mission were for all peoples, for all time. He had to grow in knowledge and wisdom of this truth.

Monday
Acts 16: 11-15; Jn 16: 26-16: 4

In today’s gospel, Jesus promises to send the Advocate, the Spirit of Truth who will guide us into the whole truth. However we must not forget the second part of this promise. It is not enough that the Spirit moves us but we must also act on the Spirit’s movement in our lives. The apostles, for example, in the Agony in the Garden were more than willing to keep watch while Jesus needed them most.

Acting on the move of the Spirit means discerning His will and allowing Him to lead us. In this way we would testify to the presence of God with our lives. Sure there will be persecutions, obstacles and conflicts coming our way. But with the Spirit in us, how can we fail?

Tuesday
Acts16: 22-34; Jn 16: 5-11

In the gospel today Jesus sounds more like a visitor than someone who took on our nature and became one of us forever. ‘It is to your advantage that I go away.” We have to try to understand how it is to our advantage. “If I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you,” he added. Rather than clarifying it, however, this makes it more obscure. How could ‘the continued presence of Jesus’ (which is what the Advocate or Paraclete means in John’s gospel) hinder the coming of the Spirit, the Paraclete?

In John’s gospel, the Paraclete is the continued presence of Jesus. Henceforth it is through the Spirit that we know Jesus. The Spirit, the ‘Advocate’, he said, “will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you” (Jn 14:26). Jesus is withdrawing his visible presence, but his Spirit remains with us.

“It is to your advantage that I go away,” he said. How is it an advantage? This is what we have to try to understand. If we assemble a few ordinary experiences we may find an approach to it.

Every teacher, sooner or later, has to stand back. If a teacher stays at your side forever, there are important things you never learn: independence, mental courage, an inner vigour that can only come from taking your own risks…. In other words, you have to learn from your own experience, and that is what a good teacher always sends you back to in the end. Parents, too, have to learn to stand back. The children of parents with very strong personalities are often passive and weak. Whenever you see a powerful leader, look at what his leadership is doing to his followers. He may think he is “strengthening the brethren,” but this is exactly the blind spot of an extravert. Jesus has the wisdom to trust us, even though we make mistakes. He wants to inspire us from within, not to control us from without.

Wednesday
Acts 17: 15, 22 -18: 1; Jn 16: 12-15

In His absence, Jesus knew His apostles would be scared to face opposition to their faith. thus, Jesus assured them that the Spirit of Truth will empower them. They have only to open themselves, change their mindset and allow the Spirit of Truth to take over their being.

The same challenge is offered to us today – to allow the Holy Spirit to take control of our lives, so that the Spirit of God can speak through us, be seen and experienced by others through us. How is this possible? In a word…Listen! God speaks in varied ways – in the cry of a child, in the smile of an elderly, in the fidelity and infidelity of couples, in the quiet stillness of nature at dawn or at dusk, or in the sad and joyful melodies of our daily existence. we need a quiet space where we can face the truth of ourselves, discover the richness and vigor of God’s love and find truth and meaning in everything around us. At the end of each day, we might as well look into ourselves and ask, “What truth of the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit have I found today?” the Spirit works and does marvelous deeds in us.

Thursday
Acts 18: 1-8; Jn 16:16-20

The Resurrection happened in the tomb. This death-and-resurrection event, which we call the Paschal Mystery, is the heart of our faith, and if the heart isn’t beating, the body is dead. We have a lot of cheap knowledge: knowledge that has not been bought at the full price of experience. It is easy to sign up to a list of beliefs; it is as easy as saying ok. But everyone knows only one or two things really. We know the dying and rising of Christ to the extent that our own life is being shaped by it, no more, no less. The disciples made an honest admission, “We don’t know what he is talking about.” That is always the first step in understanding: to understand how little we know.

Friday
Acts 18: 9-18; Jn 16: 20-23

‘On that day you will ask nothing of me. Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.’ Paraphrasing this we could say, “When you see me again you won't be full of questions, you will be doing something: you will be interceding with the Father in my presence.” Any teacher in any school will tell you how quickly a religion class disintegrates into a debate, and further into a shouting match. It is much easier to talk about something than to take it to heart or to do it. Talking is often a substitute for doing.

A 19th-century British Prime Minister, William Lamb, once famously remarked, on hearing an evangelical sermon, “Things have come to a pretty pass when religion is allowed to invade the sphere of private life.” One way to avoid the challenge of religion is to keep it out there in the public sphere, along with ceremonies like the Changing of the Guard. Another very successful way, paradoxically, is just the opposite, and it seems to be the preferred one today: make it so private that you no more need to give an account of it than you do of your circulation or your digestion.

But the Faith is something you do in the first place, and afterwards talk about if you must. “I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day.” An adherence to the Faith that is not also an adherence to prayer – Liturgy and informal prayer – and to service of others, is only talk. Oscar Wilde said that talking was the only form of exercise he ever took. Spoken like a Christian!

Saturday ( The Visitation)
Is 12: 2-6; Lk 1: 39-56

Does this sound familiar?
"My heart exults in the Lord;
my strength is exalted in my God….
The bows of the mighty are broken,
but the weak are girded with strength.
The well-fed must labour for bread,
but the hungry need work no more.
The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
he brings low, he also exalts….” (1 Sam 2:1-10)

It is the Canticle of Hannah, mother of Samuel, and it is the source on which Mary’s Magnificat is based. Mary is shaped, we might say, by the best of the Old Testament.

But she is also a figure looking to the future. She is an image of the new community, the Church. That is a community where the topsy-turvy logic of the Gospel is intended to hold sway: the first is the last, the weak is the strong, the greatest is the least, the poorest is the richest, the lowest is the highest.... “God has put down the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly.” But when we look at the Church - at ourselves - sadly, we see that we live mostly by straightforward logic: power and privilege, palaces, badges and titles of honour....

Mary, the greatest revolutionary figure, still has many revolutions to accomplish.

MONDAY
Dan 13: 1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62; Jn 8: 1-11

The story of the woman caught in adultery is a classic for showing how love can defeat even logic. It is one of the most dramatic pieces in the whole New Testament; a film-maker would not have to add anything. See the intelligence that Jesus showed when he was in a real fix: they thought they had trapped him; but he not only escaped, he triumphed. So much so that they could only slink away – "beginning with the eldest," John adds with irony. It was intelligence allied to love. Too often, intelligence is allied to greed or the quest for power or to vanity; but what a force it is in the world when it is allied to love and mercy!

And what a danger to us all intelligent heartless people! If you have logic and no heart you are a great danger to yourself and others. "Poets do not go mad," wrote G.K. Chesterton; "but chess-players do. Mathematicians go mad, and cashiers; but creative artists very seldom." "I am not in any sense attacking logic," he added. "I only say that this danger does lie in logic." There's no fool like a logical fool, because he is committed to defending his foolishness.

TUESDAY
Nm 21: 4-9; Jn 8: 21-30

The Word became flesh: took on our human nature and became one of us. He is fully human and belongs here. Yet in this passage he says, "I am not of this world." How are we to understand this?

The 'world' in John's gospel is not the physical world, but all the forces in human life that oppose the Kingdom of God – in other words, all the forces that originate in the human head. The great enemy of the Gospel is the alternative world we invent for ourselves, in which we ourselves are the centre of everything. The ego is a world-conqueror. Its story, its personal history, takes the place of the history of the world. It cannot be one with anything. When it looks at anything it sees only how alien and different it is. It sees good in things and in people only insofar as they appear to support its claims, or at least to tolerate them. This is what Jesus means by "this world", not our beloved blue planet but the human ego that closes its eyes to everything but itself.

WEDNESDAY
Dn 3: 14-20, 91, 92, 95; Jn 8: 31-42

Jesus' hearers' ancestors had been slaves in Egypt in the remote past, and perhaps this made their descendants a little sensitive on the question of freedom. Their pride in their freedom made them deny the real past and claim a fictional one. "We have never been slaves to anyone," they said. The ego picks and chooses its facts. Sometimes you get the impression that personality – whether an individual's or that of a group – is just the opposite of the truth. Personality is a defence, sometimes a belligerent one, but more often like the camouflage that animals use so well to protect themselves. Aggressive talk and behaviour are often a cover for fear; boasting is evidence of a low self-image; a pleaser has no interest in you at all. But only the truth, Jesus said, will set us free.

Freedom', like the words 'God', 'love', 'faith', means whatever you want it to mean. These words are like empty forms into which you pour whatever you want. This is not to suggest that real freedom, love and faith do not exist, any more than it is to suggest that God does not exist. It is to say that there is an inner reality that is not guaranteed by the corresponding word. External forms of freedom have their own urgency, but inner slavery can co-exist with external freedom. But I am not fully free until I have inner freedom: in other words, until I am free of myself. The truth, Jesus said, will set us free. One part of that truth is that we are not free. Freedom is not a thing of the past; it is something I have to step into in the present, with every step.

THURSDAY
Gn 17: 3-9; Jn 8: 51-59

In Genesis 17:17 Abraham, who was a hundred years old, "fell on his face and laughed" when God told him he was to have a son. This laughter was interpreted by Jews as joy that he had seen the beginning of the messianic "day": that is, that the Messiah would one day be born of his line. Fifteen to twenty centuries later Jesus said, "Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day." After all those questions about his identity, this is his clear statement in John's gospel that he is the Messiah, the Promised One. More: he said, "Before Abraham was, I am." This echoes God's revelation of his name to Moses, "God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: `I AM has sent me to you'" (Exodus 3:14). This is Jesus' clearest claim to divinity in the gospel. It brings to a head all the questions about his identity in the preceding passages. His statement was not lost on his hearers, who took up stones to kill him for blasphemy.

Before Abraham was, "I am," not "I was." This was a moment "out of time", to use Eliot's phrase. Ordinary grammar buckles under the strain; past present and future tenses fuse into one. Many centuries later Julian of Norwich would say, mysteriously, "I saw God in a point."

FRIDAY
Jer 20: 10-13; Jn 10: 31-42

"If I am not doing the works of my Father then do not believe me." Talking about God is not enough, even when it is Jesus who is talking. This is the greatest challenge to every preacher and every professor of theology. Christians often talk about "the Christian message" as if it could be written on a piece of paper. The Word was made flesh, not ink. St Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "You are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone, but on the tablets of the human heart" (2 Corinthians 3:3).

A word was coined to supplement 'orthodoxy'; it is 'orthopraxis'. Orthodoxy means 'right teaching'; orthopraxis would mean 'right action'. Our words have to become flesh too: to reach our fingertips, so to speak. "What good is it," wrote St James, "if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food: if one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (James 2:14-17).

Meister Eckhart said, "When St Paul spoke a great deal to our Lord, and our Lord to him, this availed him nothing till he abandoned his will and said: 'Lord, what do you want me to do?' (Acts 9:6). Then our Lord knew well what he should do. So too, when the angel appeared to our Lady: nothing that she or he said to one another could have made her the mother of God, but as soon as she gave up her will, at once she became a true mother of the eternal Word and conceived God straight away: he became her natural son."

SATURDAY
Ezk 37: 21-28; Jn 11: 45-57

Sometimes words can be a substitute for action (see yesterday's reading). But this is not always the case. Sometimes they don't "survive in the valley of their saying," as Auden put it; sometimes they flood down from the mountaintops and shake an Empire. The Sanhedrin knew this. "The Romans will come and sweep away our Holy Place and our nation." So they were determined to kill him. "It is better to have one man die for the people than to let the whole nation be destroyed," said the High Priest, exactly according to Nietzsche's saying: "Where there are four of you a fifth must die." These people were not the first, and they were not the last, to kill someone in order to silence him. Most of us don't go that far, but we go some of the way. An interesting list to compile: all the people I silence in subtle or unsubtle ways.

MONDAY
Is 65: 17-21; Jn 4: 43-54

Told that his son would live, the official set out on a 20-mile walk with nothing but the word of Jesus to reassure him. John's gospel, which tells us nothing by accident, is telling us that the life of faith is just like that; we have the word of Jesus to rely on, nothing else. The other things we use to surround the word of Jesus add nothing to it: buildings, organisations, traditions.... These (when they are what they should be) unfold the word of Jesus to us, the word that is Jesus, but they add nothing to it.

The official's request was as simple and humble as the tax collector's prayer in the Temple (Lk 18:10-14). "Sir, come down before my little boy dies." It must be one of the most basic prayers of any age or continent. There isn't a human being in the world who could fail to understand it. Even the animals and birds would pray like this if they could talk. Whether one is Jew or Gentile, what matters is distilled humanity.

TUESDAY
Ez 47: 1-9,12; Jn 5: 1-16

"Do you want to be healed?" Jesus asked him. This seems an odd question when you consider that the man had been waiting for thirty-eight years to be healed. But of course there are often compelling reasons for clinging to one's sicknesses. You will no longer have people to take you around: do you want to be healed? You will no longer have sympathy from everyone: do you want to be healed? You will have to work, and you are not used to it: do you want to be healed?

He wanted to be healed. Then Jesus said, "Stand up!" This too seems odd at first sight. Jesus was asking him to do the very thing he could not do.

Then the miracle happened: the man made to stand up. He overcame the habits – physical and mental – of more than half a lifetime. His mind and will said, "Stand!" That was an amazing achievement. Then, when he made to stand up, he found that he could. The miracle was not worked 'on' him; it was worked 'with' him. This is not to say that it was just mind over matter. It was the presence of Jesus, but that presence in this case required the full conscious presence of the paralysed man.

What does it say to us? The very thing we can't do is sometimes the only thing worth doing.

WEDNESDAY
Is 49: 8-15; Jn 5: 17-30

Today's scripture readings speak about mercy and anger. In Isaiah, God says, "I will never forget you". The psalmist proclaims, "The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. The Lord is good to all and compassionate toward all his works". In John, Jesus tells the people that whoever hears his word and believes in the one who sent him has eternal life. The people want to kill Jesus because he calls God his father and makes himself equal to God.

It's funny what makes people mad. Scripture tells us God will never forget us. That God is slow to anger and merciful. Jesus tells us that he came to earth so that we could have eternal life. And we get mad. Here we have Jesus as our model, we're in the middle of Lent, where we are supposed to be working on our relationship with Christ, and we get mad at people.

Even in Lent we are sometimes overwhelmed by the push and hurry of the world around us. Being a disciple of Christ was not easy 2000 years ago and it is not easy today. It's easy to think following Christ is impossible and we can lose hope.

In this Lenten season, let us pray for those of us who feel that we are failing in our relationship with God. That we would know God's love for us can overcome anything, including our shortcomings.

THURSDAY
Ex 32: 7-14; Jn 5: 31-47

In this passage Jesus engages in an argument with rabbis, using their methods and their style of argument. According to them, the unsupported evidence of one person cannot be taken as proof. So, "Who bears witness to your claim?" they demanded. Jesus mentioned four: 1. John the Baptist; 2. the "works" that the Father entrusted to him; 3. the Father's word – though they are deaf to this witness; and 4. the Scriptures. All of these are aspects of the Father's ("Another's") witness to him.

Some scholars believe that what we have here is a worked-out answer that later Christians gave when challenged by Jews. St Paul said that believers should be able to give an account of their faith and hope; and this should be so with us too today. We need not trouble ourselves with 'proof-texts' in the way that Christian fundamentalist do; but we need to be in tune with the great 'witnesses'. The great witnesses: the Father, and the work he accomplishes through Jesus; and the word of Scripture, alive in our hearts and in our lives.

We can imagine some ancient writer saying to us: "The light in you is the light of Christ. I see that you frequently reach out for other witnesses: philosophical arguments, historical surveys, trends of thought in your own cultures…. But while you are making your case, your listeners are looking at your eyes – looking through your eyes into your soul – and if they do not see the light of Christ there, all your words are wasted."

FRIDAY
Wis 2: 1, 12-22; Jn 7: 1-2, 10, 25-30

The festival of Booths (or the feast of Tabernacles or Tents) is believed, by some scholars at least, to have been a commemoration of the forty years when the Jews wandered homeless through the desert. During the seven days of the feast they lived in tents.

It may have been an annual reminder that they came from nowhere. Where is a tent? Nowhere. It has no address.

But when they settled they settled in earnest. The place where a person lived became, in a way, his or her name: Jesus of Nazareth, Mary of Magdala, Joseph of Arimathaea….

"We know where this man comes from," the people said. His identity was well pinned down. "You know me," he said, "and you know where I am from!" They thought they knew exactly who he was: the carpenter from Nazareth. But he is going to tell them that they don't know him at all. Nazareth is not his identity. His identity is that he is sent by the Father. His real address is the Father.

Those people who were so certain about the identity of Jesus seemed equally certain about their own identity. But they came from nowhere, as the festival of Booths should have served to remind them. What really cripples people's minds is not so much what they don't know as what they mistakenly think they know. There is an addiction to certainty that cares nothing at all about the truth. Some people don't really want to know; they want to be certain. This is only an expression of their insecurity and their fear of the truth. They are afraid of their uncertainty so they cling to external 'certainties'. Like everything false it is transparent in a person's eyes: you can see there a vast unacknowledged indifference to the truth.

"I was sent by the One who is true, and you don't know him. I know him for I come from him and he sent me." This was his real identity. In our way, we too have to drop superficial identities and come to this realisation.

SATURDAY
Jer 11: 18-20; Jn 7: 40-53

Jesus had a country accent. When he was taken bound to Caiphas's house the bystanders said to Peter, "You are one of them for sure! Why, your accent gives you away" (Mt 26:73). Peter spoke like Jesus, with a Galilean accent. The religious authorities had no doubts: no Galilean could be a prophet. The Scriptures said so; "look it up!" How could a prophet come from a backwater place like Nazareth, a place never mentioned even once in their Scriptures? ("Nazareth?" Nathaniel had said, "Could anything good come from that place?" Jn 1:46).

Dukes and dustmen, someone said, are usually not snobs, because both are free of social pretension. It's the people in the middle who become snobs. Snobs are forever trying to climb over other people, and what propels them forward is that there are always more people to be climbed over. It betrays a deep uncertainty about their own identity. If I'm a snob, I am constantly measuring myself against other people; and the worst moment is when a local person seems to get ahead of me. I could endure being less than the very greatest, but to be less than a carpenter – especially one with a country accent…!

There were some people in the crowd who had the uncomplicated gift of admiration; they knew how to admire rather than compete. "This is really the prophet," they said. "This is the Messiah." It was the chief priests and the Pharisees who felt their positions threatened by him. They would like to identify him with Galilee – which was his past – in order to stop him. They were attempting to deny him a future.

A useful question to ask oneself: do I allow the people around me a future?

MONDAY

2 Kgs 5: 1-15; Lk 4: 24-30

Today's gospel reading is the same as yesterday's.

Water is sometimes turbulent and sometimes quiet. It has long been seen as an image of the soul. "What's water but the generated soul?" wrote W.B. Yeats. A storm at sea has awesome power, yet water is able to mirror the sky in perfect tranquillity. God comes to us sometimes in the storm and sometimes in moments of deep peace. We have to hold ourselves ready for both. Perhaps today's gospel shows a third way. The Samaritan woman seemed neither turbulent nor particularly quiet and profound. She was just curious, and at first she was not personally involved. She seems a bit scatter-brained. She had much confusion in her life, but it didn't lead to any desperate search. She represents many people! She had liberal views and was very tolerant; she could discuss what Jews and Samaritans believed, much more objectively than, say, a Pharisee could. She was not passionate in her beliefs. Yet Jesus drew her by slow steps into the depth of things; he assuaged a thirst she didn't yet know she had.

We often talk about "the Faith" as if it were something 'out there', like food in the food store, or like water in the tap. These do nothing for me until I eat or drink. Likewise faith has to become mine, like the food and drink in my mouth. Jesus led the Samaritan woman to faith gently and wisely; she would never have come to it if he had just dumped it on her. And it was the same for the others who came to believe because of her. "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe," they said, "for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Saviour of the world."

TUESDAY
Is 7: 10-14; 8: 10; Heb 10: 4-10; Lk 1: 26-38

On the face of it, today's reading seems quite like the angel's visit to Zechariah announcing the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:8-20). But when you look more closely you see that they are set in clear contrast to each other. Zechariah was standing right at the centre of the nation's place of worship, and "the whole assembly of the people was praying outside," but Mary was a tiny unknown figure, remote from all centres of power. Mary's demeanour is also contrasted with Zechariah's: she takes God at his word, unlike the argumentative Zechariah; she is seen as the model believer. It is a subtle contrast: she too had a question, similar to Zechariah's question, but there are many different kinds of 'why' (or 'how'). Zechariah's question was literally, "by what shall I know this?" , as if asking for independent confirmation; while Mary's was simply "how". Meister Eckhart said in one of his sermons that we should not ask 'why'. At first sight this is surprising; he was an academic theologian whose business it was to ask many whys. But he was also clear about the differences. There is the 'why' that is like locking a door ("I will admit only what I can understand"), and there is the why that is like opening a door, wanting to enter more deeply. Mary's 'why', was of the second kind.

Though Mary appears in a perfect light, it is clear that it is not her virtue that has earned her the great honour that is to come. The angel's greeting makes it clear. "Favoured one," what is coming to her is God's gift, not reward for virtue.

Mary is the model of Christian discipleship. When her story is presented only as the story of her special privileges, that role is being taken from her. When we only stress her differences from us we are subtly pushing her away. There have been many aberrations of Marian piety, and we need to stay close to the authentic tradition. St Ambrose gave it luminous expression in his comment on this passage. "Every soul who has believed both conceives and generates the Word of God and recognises his works. Let the soul of Mary be in each one of you to magnify the Lord. Let the spirit of Mary be in each one to exult in Christ."

WEDNESDAY
Dt 4: 1. 5-9; Mt 5: 17-19

"Not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished," said Jesus. But he himself often broke the Law - certainly as it was interpreted by his contemporaries.

When a law is perfectly fulfilled? When it is observed to the letter? Hardly. The scribes and Pharisees adhered to the letter of the Law, yet Jesus accused them of "setting aside the commands of God and clinging to human traditions" (Mk 7:8). A law is being fulfilled, surely, when the purpose for which it was made is being fulfilled. A law is a means to an end; but if the end is being subverted by the law, then it is no longer a law. This is the revolutionary teaching of St Thomas Aquinas. Law, he said, is an act of reason (ordering a means to an end), not an act of will. Law is not the grip of someone's power over you, but guidance for your mind. It subverts neither your mind nor your will, but guides you along a path. It does not take away your freedom, but supports, enlightens and defends it. This is how there can be such a thing as the law of God. There is no real opposition between law and love.

THURSDAY
Jer 7: 23-28; Lk 11: 14-23

It is common among some people to resort to slander and character assassination when honest opposition is hopeless. There is nothing as cruel and uncharitable as slander.

Some of us might be guilty of this offence. How often do we tend to think the worst of other people? How often do we deliberately or consciously impute low motives to somebody whom we do not like? How often do we repeat slanderous and malicious tales and murder other people's reputation?

When His enemies became helpless in opposing Jesus by fair means they resorted to slander and character assassination. They declared that His power over demons was due to the fact that He was in cahoots with the prince of demons. His enemies attributed Jesus' power not to God but to Beelzebul.

But Jesus responded to the attacks against Him by means of a smart statement: "If I cast out devils because In am in league with the prince of devils, what of your own people who do the same thing? If you condemn me, you are only condemning yourselves." It was just like Jesus saying: "Before you point an accusing finger at others better look at your own self first." Indeed, self-awareness, self-knowledge in all honesty is an antidote against the poison of slander; moreover it leads one to truth that makes one free."

FRIDAY
Hos 14: 2-10; Mk 12: 28-34

Jesus summarizes all the commandments in one word: love—love of God and love of neighbour as oneself. The two commandments are interrelated. The love of God is made known and visible in our love of neighbour. The proof of our love for God is our love of neighbour.

If we truly love God, we can accept our neighbor who has betrayed us and spread malicious lies against us, trust anyone who has failed us and fallen short of our expectations, and be sensitive to the urgent needs of our fellow men and women. We will forgive our neighbours who have wronged us. How can we say we love God whom we cannot see if we cannot love our neighbours whom we can see? (cf 1 Jn 4:20).

To love our neighbours is to willingly be of service, to understand them, and to forgive them. We love our neighbours the way God loves them. We love them the way God loves us.

How much do I love God? How about my family and neighbours?

SATURDAY
Hos 6: 1-6; Lk 18: 9-14

This parable is unique to Luke, and it has the characteristic Lukan strong contrasts: heroes and villains. Think, for example, of the rich man and Lazarus, the parable of the prodigal son, the woes following the beatitudes.... The Pharisee and the tax-collector stand at opposite ends of the social spectrum.

The Pharisee "stood by himself": that was the very definition of Pharisee: the name 'Pharisee' means 'separated': their special practices and attitudes separated them from the common people. Perhaps for that reason his prayer was all about himself. At the beginning his prayer seems to be a thanksgiving psalm; but soon enough we see that it is really about his own accomplishments. He is not slow to put these on show Notice that the Pharisee offers no honour to God and makes no request. He is separated not only from others but from God. When there is emphasis on the separate self, life becomes competition: the 'I' has to win every race and be 'better' than others. That means that it can never afford to relax and be off-guard. How difficult life becomes! It is hardly a life at all, and it certainly is not life-giving to others.

The other spoke directly to God, asking for mercy. There could hardly be a more essential prayer. He did not think of himself as complete, needing nothing. A circle is complete: it marks out a small space and it divides it off; it needs nothing from the outside. The Pharisee was such a circle: he didn't come out of himself to God – nor of course to the tax-collector in the story. But the tax-collector knew his own incompleteness. He was like a circle with a breach in the circumference. We are at our best when we are open: when we know our need of God and of one another. Then something can flow in and out. Through our woundedness the mercy of God can flow through to the world.

MONDAY
Dn 9: 4-10; Lk 6: 36-38

God's mercy is infinite and unconditional. But isn't there some kind of condition built into the phrases of today's reading? "Judge not and you will not be judged." "Forgive and you will be forgiven." "The measure you give is the measure you will get." Don't these phrases suggest that if you do judge you will be judged; if you refuse to forgive you will be refused forgiveness; and that God is only as merciful as you are? How are we to understand this?

St Augustine was at his best when he was struggling with the most difficult passages. "What do you want from the Lord? Mercy. Give it, and it shall be given to you. What do you want from the Lord? Forgiveness. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."

Then later he added: "Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given you: These are the two wings of prayer, on which your spirit soars to God." Our spirit is meant to soar, not just to be lifted up like a stone. God's mercy, forgiveness, and generosity are not just exercised on us; they are to exercise in us. By being merciful, forgiving and generous, as best we can, we are receiving God's gift rather than just being credited with it.

Think of it this way. If you cannot give you cannot receive either. The measure you give is the measure you are capable of receiving. A saint would give you his or her life, but a thief only wants to take from you. "With every creature, according to the nobility of its nature, the more it indwells in itself, the more it gives itself out," wrote Meister Eckhart. If I refuse to give (or forgive), this shows that I have not entered into the human and divine mystery of what we are. God does not limit mercy, forgiveness, and generosity; we do.

TUESDAY
Is 1: 10, 18-20; Mt 23: 1-12

In many languages today the word 'Pharisee' is synonymous with 'hypocrite'. This solid reputation is probably due to the later part of this chapter of Matthew's gospel: the repeated phrase, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites!" Jesus acknowledged the value of some of what the Pharisees were teaching: "Do whatever they teach you." What he objected to was the discrepancy between this and their lives. They had made themselves interpreters of the Law of Moses ("they sit on Moses' seat"), and were applying it without mercy. This was the reverse of their own stated claim: to be as lenient, or as strict, with others as with themselves. They were imposing the burden of the law on others while they themselves enjoyed precedence and privilege. It is less the sinfulness of sinners than the hypocrisy of the pious that causes people to abandon religion. Atheism is caused mainly by religious hypocrites.

There is a story about a rabbi who gave money to a drunkard. When criticised for it, he said, "Should I be more particular than God who gave me the money?" An authentic religious person doesn't judge the sinner but identifies with him, like Jesus queuing up with sinners for John's baptism of repentance (Mark 1:9). But fake religious people are always judging; they exist on it. They are religious in order to be able to condemn others. They have not acknowledged their own sinfulness, so they project it onto others; then all their fury is fuelled by a hidden self-hatred. Even when the content of what they are saying is correct, everything they say is vitiated. You may be able to express some true opinions, but you will not be able to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15). The very truth of what you say will blind you to the underlying hatred. An anonymous 5th-century Christian writer said: "Mistaken laity may be more easily set straight, but clerics, if they are evil, are almost impossible to set straight." Anyone who presumes to teach is inviting comparison with the historical Pharisees, and is in the direct line of fire.

The Pharisees have long disappeared from history, but the Church has us reading about them frequently in the Liturgy. Why? Because we haven't gone away, you know!

WEDNESDAY (Solemnity of St. Joseph, the husband of Mary)
2 Sam 7: 4-5, 12-14, 16; Rm 4: 13, 16-18, 22; Mt 1: 16, 18-21, 24

Because of his service to Jesus and Mary during their family life in Nazareth, Saint Joseph is honoured as Protector of the Church, which continues Christ's mission the world. There seems to be little material that we know about Joseph, apart from his name and a couple of events during the childhood of Jesus. The Gospel does not record a single word from him; we could say that his language is peaceful and compliant silence. He listened to the quiet voice by which God spoke to him in his sleep; he promptly and generously obeyed in what was asked of him; he earned the family's living by manual labour, so that Jesus was later known as the son of the carpenter. It might well be said that Joseph lived an unknown life, the life of a simple artisan. But that humble man was so near to Jesus and Mary, intimately connected with their life and providing them with security.

The Gospel describes Joseph as a just man. He was a poor, honest, hard-working, perhaps even a shy man, but one with a deep interior life, giving him the power to put himself at the disposal of God's plan for the childhood of Jesus. Joseph accepted the responsibility and the burden of family life, while freely renouncing the consolation of natural conjugal love because of his extraordinary vocation.

As Pope Paul VI once said (1969), Saint Joseph "offered the whole of his existence in a total sacrifice to the imponderable demands raised by the extraordinary coming of the Messiah, whom he acknowledged as the fruit of the Holy Spirit and as his own son only in a juridical and domestic way. Joseph was a fully committed man, as we might say nowadays. And what commitment! Total commitment to Mary, the elect of all the women of the earth and of history, always his virgin spouse, never his wife physically, and total commitment to Jesus, who was his offspring only by legal descent, not by the flesh. His were the burdens, risks and responsibilities of caring for the Holy Family. He carried out the service, work and sacrifice that Christians so admire in him; and that makes him such a fine patron for family life."

THURSDAY
Jer 17: 5-10; Lk 16: 19-31

St Augustine wrote: "Jesus was silent about the rich man's name but gave the name of the poor man. The rich man's name was well known around, but God kept quiet about it. The other's name was lost in obscurity, but God spoke it. Please do not be surprised…. God kept quiet about the rich man's name, because he did not find it written in heaven. He spoke the poor man's name, because he found it written there, indeed he gave instructions for it to be written there."

The story tells us something about riches: the rich are inclined to define themselves by what they own, not by what they are. Riches can clog up your inner being, so that you do not know who you are. Then you look out from that place of not-knowing and you see other people, but you do not really see them; you only see what they own – or do not own. Others looked through the doorway and saw a poor man there; the rich man looked and saw nobody. That is the subtlety of this story: the rich man was neither cruel nor kind to Lazarus; Lazarus was invisible to him.

There is another rich man in the gospel – this time it was not a story but real life. When Jesus invited him to follow, "he went away sorrowful, because he was very rich" (Mt 19:22). There is nothing quite like wealth for closing the ears and the mind, for deadening the conscience. After a while it also closes the eyes, and like the rich man in the story we no longer see the poor. That rich young man is never heard of again in the New Testament. He might have become a greater apostle even than Peter or John. Sahajananda, from outside the Christian tradition, wrote this about him: "The young man became very sad because he was very rich. He identified himself with his riches.... Without them he had no existence. With these riches he could not enter into the kingdom because the door to the kingdom is narrow. Not narrow in the sense of space, but in the sense that only the essential aspect of our being goes through it; all acquired things have to be left out.... This treasure can neither increase nor decrease. No thief can get there and no moth can cause its destruction."

The story of the rich man and Lazarus is not focused on Lazarus but on the rich man. Focused on Lazarus it might mean: Put up with your lot now and you'll be happy in the next life; you'll even be able to watch the rich man suffering. But no, the focus is on the rich man. Jesus told this story to the rich, to their faces, as an accusation against them. He told it to the Pharisees, who as Luke said, "loved money" (16:14). It has the same import as Luke's version of the Beatitudes: "Alas for you who are rich!" (6:24).

FRIDAY
Gen 37: 3-4, 12-13, 17-28; Mt 21: 33-43, 45-46

The vine was a symbol of Israel.
"You brought a vine out of Egypt;
To plant it you drove out the nations.
Before it you cleared the ground;
It took root and spread through the land." (Psalm 79)

So when Jesus tells this story about the vineyard he is really talking about his country and the people who ran it. They were quite aware of this, "The chief priests and the Pharisees…realised that Jesus was referring to them." It wasn't a story to flatter them; it enraged them. That means that it frightened them – lying just behind anger there is always fear. They were frightened because he said they were going to lose power. They were religious leaders and he told them, "The kingdom of heaven will be taken from you and given to people who will yield a harvest." But they were not interested in harvest. Jesus referred to the people as harvest (Mt 9:37), but the Pharisees referred to them as chaff. They were not interested in people, because like every big organisation they were interested only in themselves.

This is not just a story about a comfortable 'long ago'; it is for the Church of today. If we are not "producing the goods," others will. Many people, experiencing lack of community and spiritual support in their parishes, are looking to new religions and cults for support. Time to instrospect.

SATURDAY
Micah 7: 14-15, 18-20; Lk 15: 1-3, 11-32

This is probably the best-loved of all the parables of Jesus; yet it appears in only one gospel: Luke's. It can be read from the perspective of each of the characters: the younger son, the older son, and the father. When we call it the parable of "the prodigal son" (an expression that does not occur in the parable itself), we are reading it from the perspective of the younger son. But in the context in which Jesus told it, it was clearly about the father.

If the word 'prodigal' means lavish, we ought to call it the parable of the prodigal father. The father was prodigal in mercy and forgiveness. In the parable the father represents God. Jesus could have drawn any kind of picture of God he wanted. This is the one he drew. God is rich in mercy, abounding in love. The 'Almighty God' of our youth didn't always leave us with that impression, but the truth was never lost on the saints. Julian of Norwich wrote, "Our courteous Lord will show himself to the soul full joyfully and with glad countenance and friendly welcoming, as if he had been in pain and in prison, saying sweetly, 'My dear one, I am glad that you have come to me: in all your woe I have always been with you, and now you see my love, and we will be united in bliss.'"

This heart-warming story of God is essential to our Lenten diet. Without it, our efforts to lead a better life only lead us into self-righteousness.

...Which brings us to the older brother. Remember that when Jesus told this story he was surrounded by a crowd of surly scribes and Pharisees. They were objecting to his friendliness towards sinners. "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them." Jesus captured them perfectly in the figure of the older brother. It sometimes happens that the eldest in a family becomes a sort of third parent, but of course without the warm instincts of a father or mother. When an elder brother loses his brotherliness, other qualities flow in to take its place: grumpiness, cold anger, stinginess, resentment.... Thank God there are many exceptions in real life, but the older brother in the parable was all of those things.

"I have been working like a slave for you... yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends." But as his father pointed out, the goats were his! "All that is mine is yours." The real reason for his unhappiness was that celebration was foreign to him, he was enjoying his resentment, he was a kill-joy; he had no heart. And he was stingy.

Any of us, if we're not careful, could slip into that dreary role. We can become so addicted to doing our duty that we forget how to celebrate. The Pharisees were like a group of angry elder brothers; they accused Jesus of being a glutton and a drunkard (Lk 7:34), because he knew how to celebrate. But they were not able to make him like themselves. In fact he spoke of the kingdom (the presence) of God as a banquet (Mt 22). Again, it was not lost on the saints. Julian wrote: "Our sins are forgiven by mercy and grace, and we are received with joy, just as it will be when we come to heaven."

MONDAY
Lv 19: 1-2.11-18; Mt 25: 31-46

Some people have a recurring nightmare in which they are being judged and found totally wanting. Today's reading sounds just like such a nightmare. Earlier generations of Christians thought about "that day" (dies illa) more than people want to do now. For centuries they sang that austere sequence Dies irae (Day of wrath), meditating on that ultimate scene of judgement.

It is impossible to evade the question of ultimate judgment, however you think of it. In the sight of God what will my life amount to in the end? In the face of that ultimate question we all feel naked and uncertain. Human beings have imagined a scenario where they can start all over again: reincarnation. But the same question would just keep on arising. This is not how the Judeo-Christian tradition sees it. In the words of Qoheleth, "Whether a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where it falls, there will it lie" (11:3). There is no coming back, as the rich man discovered in Jesus' parable (Lk 16:19-31).

But the point of this reading is not to divide the world into good and bad people (does anyone fit perfectly in either of those categories?), but to make the point that in serving one another we are serving God. Our ultimate destiny, the thing that seems farthest away, actually hangs on the things nearest to hand, the most proximate: on how we treat the Lord in "the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, the imprisoned."

TUESDAY
Is 55: 10-11; Mt 6: 7-15

St Cyprian (c. 200 - 258) on the Our Father: "We do not say 'My Father, who art in heaven,' nor 'Give me this day my daily bread'; nor does each one ask that only his or her own debt should be forgiven…. Our prayer is public and common; and when we pray we pray not for one but for the whole people, because we the whole people are one…. 'Hallowed be thy name': not that we wish God to be sanctified by our prayers, but that we ask to keep his name holy in us…. 'Thy Kingdom come': we beg that God's Kingdom be revealed to us. For when did God not reign? We pray for his coming…in us. 'Thy will be done on earth': God may do what he wishes, who can hinder him in that? But we pray that we may be able to fulfil his will in us…. 'Give us this day our daily bread': Christ is the bread of life; we are in Christ and receive the Eucharist daily as the food of salvation…. We should seek only our food and keep…. 'Forgive us our trespasses': We have asked for food. Now we ask for forgiveness, so that we who are fed by God may be able to live in him. 'Lead us not into temptation': The enemy can do nothing against us without God's permission…. Praying [this petition] reminds us of our inconstancy and weakness. 'Deliver us from evil': Having said that, there is nothing left to ask for…. Who can fear this life, if God is his life-guardian?"

The spirit of the Lord's Prayer has shaped Christian consciousness from the beginning. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 315 AD – 386) instructed those about to be baptised ("enlightened"): "If you have anything against anyone, forgive it: you come here to receive forgiveness of sins, and you also must forgive the one who has sinned against you. Otherwise with what face will you say to the Lord, 'Forgive me my many sins,' if you have not yourself forgiven your fellow-servant even his little sins."

WEDNESDAY
Jon 3: 1-10; Lk 11: 29-32

The Book of Jonah is a delightful and amusing book – and short: about three pages. The introduction to it in the Jerusalem Bible calls it "a droll adventure…and its doctrine is one of the peaks of the Old Testament…. Broadminded, it rejects a too rigid interpretation of prophecy…. rejects, too, a narrow racialism…. All the characters of this story are likeable, the pagan sailors, the king, the populace, even the animals of Nineveh…. We are on the threshold of the Gospel."

It's easy to imagine Jesus as a young man hearing it and laughing at the antics of Jonah, and the animals doing penance, and Jonah arguing heatedly with God (God: "Are you right to be angry?" Jonah: "I have every right to be angry!")

In today's passage, Jesus uses Jonah as a headline for his own preaching. That's how close we are to the Gospel. Don't go to bed tonight without reading it!

THURSDAY
Esther 14: 1.3-5.12-14; Mt 7: 7-12

A layman who was widely known for his use of the term "amen" was asked on one occasion why he used it: "What do you mean when you say 'amen' at the end of a prayer?" "I mean just this: 'God, I am working with you that this may be true, but I am willing to receive anyone of your three replies: yes, no or wait.'"

This perfectly captures our attitude to every prayer we utter. "Amen" expresses that God the Father knows best; that He answers all our prayers; and that His concern is always what is good for us. Simply, as Jesus points out, God the Father gives us only the "good things." The primary purpose of prayer is to make us good Christians and not to solve life's problems. God answers our prayer in His own way which is one of perfect wisdom and perfect love. Expecting an answer to our prayer the way we desire could be the worst thing that could happen to us because, in our ignorance, we often ask for gifts which could lead to our ruin.

FRIDAY
Ez 18: 21-28; Mt 5: 20-26

We can be redeemed from our vices fairly easily, but it is almost impossible to be redeemed from our virtues. The Pharisees were extremely virtuous people. Even Jesus could make very little headway with them. But he had no trouble at all with tax-collectors and prostitutes.

"Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees…." Another translation says: "Unless your virtue goes deeper than that of the scribes and Pharisees…." Jesus is not adding more rules to the multitude of rules that the scribes and Pharisees deduced from the Law; rather he approaches everything from a deeper level.

You may own thousands of acres, but if they are just barren rock you will starve, because nothing will grow there. Where there is no depth of soil, the seed comes to nothing (see Mk 4:5); and likewise when our actions do not spring from a deep life they wither before they can bear any fruit.

We see this clearly today, but of course we have to see out of both eyes. Our blindness today is more likely to be the opposite of that of the Pharisees. We are tempted to make the 'interior' life into another kind of object: a source of ego satisfaction. But there can be no privileging of one over the other. Everything hidden becomes visible. Every word has to become flesh eventually, in one way or another. "Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in hidden places will be proclaimed on the housetops" (Luke 12:3).

SATURDAY
Dt 26: 16-19; Mt 5: 43-48

An anonymous ancient Christian writer has this: "We are to love our enemies – not because our enemies are fit to be loved but because we are not fit to hate.... If you hate your enemies, you have hurt yourself more in the spirit than you have hurt them materially. Sometimes you may not harm them at all by hating them; but you surely tear yourself apart. If then you are benevolent towards your enemies, you have spared yourself and them. And if you do them a kindness, you benefit yourself too."

"Love your enemies," Jesus said. It is a strange thing for a religious leader to say. Many have said – sometimes in so many words – that we should hate our enemies, or at least distrust them, look down on them, and have nothing to do with them.

You have two kinds of "enemies", to be carefully distinguished. There are those whom you regard as enemies, and there are those who regard you as their enemy. If you do not regard the second kind as your enemies, they are not strictly your enemies; they are so only in their own opinion. If you refuse to reflect back their enmity to them, you can still be said to have opponents, but not strictly enemies. A real enemy is an alienated part of yourself, and if you refuse to make that alienation you have no real enemy. Even if the whole world hated you, you would have no enemies. Enmity grows by being reflected, and if you stopped reflecting it, in a while there would be less of it in the world. Usually we get into tangles of blaming and justifying and asking "who started it"; but all this is futile. The only way to stop it is to stop reflecting it. Gradually the tangle loosens and we are left with just ourselves, variously wounded and fearful. We are God's boisterous children. To know that is to know some kind of love.

MONDAY
1 Peter 1: 3-9; Mk 10: 17-27

G. K. Chesterton joked that ever since Jesus said it's easier for a camel to pass through a needle's eye than for the rich to enter heaven, we've been frantically trying to breed smaller camels and make bigger needles. Our Lord's words in today's gospel can make us very uncomfortable indeed, especially as we live in a culture that equates one's worth with one's wealth.

We all need money- there's no question about that! Yet money can easily disrupt our discipleship, as it tempts us to greed, envy, pride, gluttony, workaholism, anxiety, indifference to other's needs, and the illusion of self-sufficiency. It can lead us to forget God when we have it, and curse God when we don't.

Money itself isn't the problem. The problem is how we view it and use it. As Christians, our challenge is not to let our use of money keep of out of God's kingdom, but use it to build that kingdom up. As Mother Teresa once said, "Money is useful only if it is used to spread the love of Christ."

TUESDAY
1 Peter 1: 10-16; Mk 10: 28-31

In Matthew's account Peter's question is more blatant: "Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?" (Mark does not have this second part.) Should we recoil from any self-interest? The 'gospel of wealth' folks would find his question quite normal. But isn't it true that we stand in need of everything? Is it 'selfish' to expect God to reward us for our efforts? And what of that endless talk about 'eternal reward'?

St Bernard of Clairvaux in the 12th century shed a very clear light on this topic: "God is not loved without reward, even though God should be loved without thought of reward. True charity cannot be empty, but it does not seek profit, 'for it does not seek its own benefit' (1 Cor 13:5). It is affection, not a contract. It is not given or received by agreement. It is given freely; it makes us spontaneous. True love is content. It has its reward in what it loves. For if you seek to love something, but really love it for the sake of something else, you actually love what you are pursuing as your real end, not that which is a means to it." Two centuries later, Meister Eckhart made the same point. Speaking about people who want to gain something from religion, Meister Eckhart said, "They love God for the sake of something else that is not God," and he went so far as to compare them to Judas. In another place he said, "Some people… want to love God as they love a cow. You love a cow for her milk and her cheese and your own profit. That is what all those do who love God for outward wealth or inward consolation - and they do not truly love God, they love their own profit."

What these people seem to be telling us is to avoid the commercial spirit in our faith. That is a very counter-cultural thing to do, because the commercial spirit enters everywhere now. We are not to make a business of religion: God is not our business, we are God's business.

ASH WEDNESDAY
Joel 2: 12-18, 1 Cor 5: 20 – 6: 2; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Today we begin the holy season of Lent. And the words that ring loud throughout this season are: "come home!" "Come home to the One who loves you!"

In the midst of overly busy days with too many deadlines and too much that must be accomplished, not having time to sort out the tensions of relationships with family, colleagues or friends, no time to listen to one self or one another - to hear what is going on beneath the surface, no time to listen for hopes and dreams, fears and hurts, the need for apologies and forgiveness and reconciliation, we hear "come home". Come home first to the One who loves you, and then come home to the ones who love you.

We live in the midst of driving kids to games and music lessons, and working overtime so we can afford the latest gadgets and the most up to date technology for our kids so others, most especially our kids, will think of us as a good parent. We are in a frenzy, squeezing in yoga and a work out at the gym so we can tell ourselves we are taking care of ourselves. But our hearts are troubled, our minds are agitated, our bodies are restless, all the while apprehensive that we don't quite measure up, even when we are doing all the things we think we ought to be doing. We are hesitant to take time to pray, lest God add to the already taxing demands on our time and energy. In the midst of this contemporary rendering of today's gospel, Jesus invites us to come home, "Come home to the Love that awaits you, come home to the One who is calling you; just come home."

This Lent, listen to how God is calling you home. It may be to spend more time with family, or to reach out to a lonely neighbour. Perhaps it's making a daily practice of reflection on the graces and blessings of the day or attending daily mass. It might just be getting reacquainted with the gym! How will you recognize God's voice amidst the clamour of so many insisting calls? How will you know? You will find you are more peaceful, more grateful, more hopeful, more generous, more loving… and it will feel like coming home.

THURSDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY
Dt 30: 15-20; Lk 9: 22-25

Suffering looms large in the Christian faith. This is no surprise, because it looms large in every kind of life. The task for us Christians is to ensure that our attitude to it remain Christian.

St Paul called Christ's cross "the power of God and the wisdom of God" (1 Cor 1:23-24), while the world around us calls it foolishness and a stumbling-block. St Thomas Aquinas was asked where he got all his wisdom. "At the foot of the cross of Christ," he replied. There, contemplating the life and death of Jesus, he found a wisdom that went beyond human wisdom. Wisdom is described in the Scriptures as "reaching mightily from one end of the earth to the other" (Wisdom 8:1). In Jesus we see this as no abstract thing, but as a lived experience. He reaches mightily from one end of the human scale to the other, and beyond. He so identified with us that St Paul could say he not only shared our suffering but became sin for us: "For our sake God made the sinless one into sin," (2 Cor 4:21). And at the other end of the scale: "Through him we have access to the Father" (Eph 2:18).

We have two ways of living with suffering: we can take it on our shoulders and try to walk with it; or we can just sit down under it and feel like victims. No one suggests that either way is easy. If it was easy it wouldn't be suffering. Our instinct is to run away from suffering, and when we can't escape from it, to treat it as an enemy that has defeated us; then we run the risk of becoming full of complaints and self-pity. This is the harder way: harder for ourselves and for everyone around us. The wisdom of the Gospel is quite different; it tells us to face our suffering, not to treat it like an enemy but like a friend, to learn from it, to let it draw us away from self-centred thoughts and feelings, and ultimately to see it as a sharing in the Passion of Christ.

"People who have not suffered, what do they know?" said Henry Suso, a man who suffered more than most in a century (the 14th) that suffered more than most. Here is his statement in context: "There is nothing more painful than suffering, and nothing more joyful than to have suffered. Suffering is short pain and long joy. Suffering has this effect on the one to whom suffering is suffering, that it ceases to be suffering. Suffering makes a wise and practised person. People who have not suffered, what do they know...? All the saints are the cup-bearers of a suffering person, for they have all tasted it once themselves, and they cry out with one voice that it is free from poison and a wholesome drink."

FRIDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY
Is 58: 1-9; Mt 9: 14-15

Happiness can be manufactured to some extent – just for short periods; but joy is a stroke from beyond. Joyless religion may be the profoundest denial of God. If there is no joy in it, it is all your own work, so what need have you of God? If the Resurrection is not visible in you, then you are preaching death without resurrection. One of the fruits of the Spirit is joy, and it is mentioned next after love in St Paul's list, "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Gal 5:22). If you had no love in you, you could hardly claim to be a Christian; likewise joy (and all the others).

Joy does not come from avoiding pain and sorrow; on the contrary it is possible only when we have gone into the heart of our pain and sorrow. We have to go into the heart of it and experience a certain transformation, the characteristic shift that is the sign that the 'chemistry' of the Gospel is working. If we avoid the process nothing happens; we will have to continue all our lives to avoid it. That way there is no joy, only endless desperate flight.

SATURDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY
Is 58: 9-14; Lk 5: 27-32

The Word leaped down from heaven into the womb of the Virgin, he leaped from his mother's womb onto the wood [of the cross], and he leaped from the wood of the cross into the underworld, Sheol," wrote Hippolytus of Rome (+ ca 235). It would be strange if the Word became flesh, but stopped short of mingling with the common people, all of us, "the great unwashed." Jesus mixed with people who were regarded as "the worst elements" in society. And there was not just one but "a large crowd of tax collectors."

It was inevitable that the Pharisees would arrive on the scene. They needed those tax collectors. The name 'Pharisee' means 'Separated': their special righteousness separated them from the common people. Naturally they needed those others to be different: otherwise they themselves could not be 'Separated'. It was essential for the Pharisees that there should be lots of tax collectors and sinners; it is essential for some 'good' people that there should be great numbers of 'bad' people. But how disconcerting it always is to find Jesus among the bad!

MONDAY
James 3:13-18; Mark 9:14-29

Today's gospel speaks of the importance of prayer. The apostles had been trying very hard to cast out demon, but they had failed. When they asked why, Jesus said, "This kind can only come out through prayer. " The apostles had seemingly placed prayer on the back burner because they had been so preoccupied with their work. Ironically, their work suffered as a result.

We fall into the same trap, whenever we become so focused on getting the job done that prayer becomes an afterthought. When this happens, we might take a cue from Mother Teresa. As we all know, she could move mountains, only because she was a woman of constant prayer.

"Because I cannot depend on my own strength", she confessed, "I rely on him twenty-four a day. My secret is simple: I pray"

TUESDAY
James 4:1-10; Mark 9:30-37

When we are in the presence of death everything looks different. At family funerals we say to our cousins, "We shouldn't wait for a funeral to bring us together; we should meet more often!" But then we go our ways and we don't meet till the next funeral – or wedding. There's a solemnity about death that puts everything in a different perspective; many of our ordinary excitements and disappointments look a lot smaller than they used to. And as for our ambitions…!

Jesus had just spoken about his imminent death. Then he asked the disciples, "What were you discussing?" The gospel says, "They did not answer because they had been arguing about who was the greatest."

It is the ego that has to stake a claim to being the greatest. The ego is a false identity, so everything can threaten it; therefore it is always on high alert. Our true being makes no such claim; quite the opposite. Jesus sat down with them and patiently explained. "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all." To illustrate what he said, he put a little child before them. Our true being looks out at the world with wonder instead of criticism and competition, and it looks up at God with wordless trust.

WEDNESDAY
James 4:13-17; Mark 9:38-40

"Whoever is not against us is for us." The same thing is repeated in Lk 9:50. But on another occasions he said the contrary: "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters" (Lk 11:23; Mt 12:30). To make the difference clearer, put it this way: a) the person who is neutral is on our side; and b) the person who is neutral is not on our side. These are contrary statements, and we must make sense of them.

Could it be that sometimes we need to hear one, and sometimes the other? There are times when we are just hanging on by our fingernails; in those times we need to hear that despite our weaknesses we are with the Lord. There are other times when we feel smug and self-satisfied, and in those moments we need to be told: shake yourself up, you're on the wrong side of the line!

THURSDAY
James 5:1-6; Mark 9:41-50

Cancer may be the most dreaded disease today. Radical treatment often calls for the surgical removal of an organ or a part of the body in order to stop the spread of this deadly disease and to thus prolong the life of the patient. The patient agrees to the painful and expensive operation because of his desire to continue to live.

Jesus applies this parable to our spiritual life. If someone or something as dear as our eyes, hands or feet causes us to sin, is cancerous, we are told to cut it out, no matter how painful. The cancer may be a sinful relationship or an attachment to some pleasure or an addiction to drink, drugs or gambling. By radically excising the cancerous cause of sin, we are saving a life which will last forever, the Divine Life of God within us.

Furthermore, if we use radical means to stop the spread of a deadly sickness in our own bodies, we must use even more drastic means to prevent the spread of deadly and contagious diseases to others. We quarantine or isolate anyone suspected of carrying disease such as bird flu. Anyone who would deliberately contaminate others would commit a crime. Jesus warns us with serious threats about spiritually contaminating others or causing them to sin, especially if these others are children or simple people who look up to us. Our bad example or attitude, our indifference to prayer, neglect of taking God and His law seriously- these may lead others astray.

We are called not only to follow Christ and to be saints but also to witness to Him and to bring others to heaven. How sad, how bad, if we do the opposite!

FRIDAY
James 5:9-12; Mark 10:1-12

In the time of Jesus, the Jewish ideal of marriage was the highest imaginable. "The very altar sheds tears when a man divorces the wife of his youth." But in practice, divorce was extremely easy to obtain. Everything hung on the interpretation of Deuteronomy 24:1, where it was laid down that a man could divorce his wife if he found in her "some impropriety." The Shammai School of interpretation held that this referred only to adultery. But the Hillel school held that even the spoiling of a dish of food was grounds for divorce, or talking to a strange man, or criticising her in-laws, or if she spoke too loudly…. Rabbi Akiba even said that if a man found a woman who was fairer in his eyes than his wife, he could be granted a divorce.

Quite clearly, then, when Jesus took a strict line on divorce, he was putting right a grave injustice against women.

There is an intriguing piece of dialogue between Moses and God in Exodus 3:13f. Moses says to God, "If I come to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' what shall I say to them?" God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.' He said further, 'Thus you shall say to the Israelites, 'I AM has sent me to you.'" In Hebrew the verb is not clearly divided into past, present and future tenses as in modern languages; and I have seen this translated as "I will be who I will be." God was not just giving a name, like an identity tag; God was making a promise. It is as if God said, "I will always be there for you, no matter what happens." In the marriage ceremony people say something like this to each other. They are speaking God's kind of language, where every word is also a promise of fidelity.

SATURDAY
James 5: 13-20; Mark 10: 13-16

The world in the time of Jesus (and not only then) believed that a child was a deficient adult, a nobody who knew nothing, had nothing, and was nothing: an extension of the parents with no rights of its own. So when Jesus said you must be like children to enter the kingdom (presence) of God, he meant you must be a nobody, a nothing….

Does this canonise ignorance and inexperience? Like St Paul we are allowed to make appropriate distinctions. "Brothers and sisters," he wrote, "do not be children in your thinking; rather, be infants in evil, but in thinking be adults" (1 Cor 14:20). To be childlike is not the same as being childish. Childlike qualities are simplicity, trust, openness, hope… so many of the qualities needed for living a spiritual life. The French mystic Jeanne Guyon (1648 – 1717) wrote, "The simple ones, so far from being incapable of [spiritual] perfection, are, by their docility, innocence, and humility, peculiarly adapted and qualified for its attainment… they are less employed in speculation and less tenacious of their own opinions… they submit more freely to the teachings of the Divine Spirit: whereas others, who are blinded by self-sufficiency and enslaved by prejudice, give great resistance to the operations of Grace."

MONDAY
James 1:1-11; Mark 8:11-13

In times of stability and prosperity signs of faith are evident. But in times of hopelessness, we question God's ways. We want a sign of His power as proof that He is mightier than man.

In the gospel, the Pharisees, instead of striving to make themselves open to God's revelation, were challenging Jesus to perform something that were pleasing to their senses. They were seeking for a sign, hoping Jesus will perform magic. They were waiting for an act that suggests an easy solution to life's complexities. Yet Jesus' way is not man's way. God's presence is most intense when He seems hidden and so far from us, particularly in moments of humiliation and nothingness. In my weakness, I am very strong, says St. Paul. In our sinfulness, the opportunity for God's mercy and our conversion is there.

Let us strive to perceive God's signs among the voiceless, those whom we have rejected and those we see as nuisance in life. In this setting, certainly we see not only signs but also an encounter we with the person of Jesus

TUESDAY
James 1:12-18; Mark 8:14-21

"Blessed are they who persevere in temptation, for when they have been proved, will receive the crown of life." Most of us want that crown of life, but do we want to persevere when we are being tempted by our darker side? Some of our temptations may be considered normal. For example, my desire to "have it all together" may be a desire that many of us have, yet it leads to darkness. I am not in fact perfect, and most of us humans realize that we are not perfect, at least this side of heaven. So we need to be intentional about rejecting the leaven of the Pharisees, who prided themselves on their purity and their knowledge of the law.

WEDNESDAY
James 1:19-27; Mark 8:22-26

Most of us take for granted our health and the use of our senses, for instance, our ability to enjoy the sunset, the flowers around us or the smile of a friend as well as our ability to listen to music or to the assuring voice of our loved ones. Helen Keller, born in 1880, lost both of these senses because of a sickness when she was nine months old. Under such circumstances, Helen would have grown up in her own isolated world, unable to communicate, to learn or to even help herself. But a "miracle worker" came in the person of a patient teacher, Anne Sullivan, who discovered ways of communicating with Helen through touch. She even taught Helen how to speak to some degree. Because Helen learned so well, she was able to go to college and graduated in Radcliff in 1904, the first deaf/blind person to earn a bachelor degree. She and her teacher travelled to many countries giving lectures to promote schools for the blind and deaf and thus giving hope for a better life to many who were in such conditions.

The "miracle" facilitated by Anne Sullivan for Helen was not as spectacular as one in the gospel today. In our lives most "miracles" are not spectacular, but they are the result of hard work, the cooperation with the patient efforts of teachers, doctors or loved ones and the support of prayers. May we all learn not to take for granted but to appreciate the gifts we have of seeing and hearing, and the gifts of the people who love us. May we not spiritually blind to God's love for us, but may our faith become ever stronger. May we use our sense of hearing to listen to God's word to others, and thus be "quick to listen but slow to speak."

THURSDAY
James 2:1-9; Mark 8:27-33

Why did Jesus ask, "Who do people say I am? Who do you say I am?" Was he unsure of his own identity? It would appear that what he really wanted to know was why they were with him. People had projected false identities onto him from the beginning, attempting to squeeze him into the roles of village boy, king, a predictable kind of messiah.... He wanted to know if they were following him or just their own idea of him.

No doubt it is a question for us too. If we project anything whatsoever onto Jesus we don't know him; he becomes a screen for our projections, and we see only ourselves. Our own self-made identities fit us because they are made to fit; our lies are never against us, always for us. Each individual, each group, each country, each religion, has its own lies; and these fit us like a glove. But we needn't expect the truth to fit us. Our lies are comfortable, but we should expect the truth to be very uncomfortable. Perhaps that's why he spoke immediately about suffering and rejection.

FRIDAY
James 2:14-24, 26; Mark 8:34—9:1

In yesterday's gospel passage Jesus introduced the scandalous theme of suffering. He was trying to draw the disciples into a deeper understanding of his identity. It was his hardest lesson, and it has to be learnt over and over again. In today's reading the lesson continues. It is not only about him, it is also about us. "Those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it."

The Christian faith is seldom allowed to challenge the ego; instead it is used to extend it to infinity. But saints are people who have received the challenge and lived by it. They assure us that there is no such thing as a painless life, and so running from pain cannot be the answer: we only run into the arms of greater pain. Yes, they tell us, exclude all foolish self-imposed pain. Work with what is left – the inevitable pain of life. Rest at peace with this pain: it is your best teacher and friend; it opens the gate to life. It questions your understanding of who and what you are. It takes away your cushions so that you can feel reality. This is not horrible; it is a promise of life – because only reality can save us. If things go against you don't take it as a personal insult; it is God trusting you. The dream of endless comfort is an insult, not this. God loves you enough to take you out of yourself.

SATURDAY (Feast of the Chair of St. Peter)
1 Pt 5: 1-4; Mt 16: 13-19

The 'chair' in the title of today's feast is not, of course, a piece of furniture. It is the kind of 'chair' embedded in our word 'chairman' or 'chairperson,' or simply 'the chair' as a title of the person in charge of a committee or department. The feast of the Chair of St. Peter celebrates the spiritual authority of the one who is called to exercise role of Peter in the church--first by Peter himself, and nowadays by the one we are getting to know as Pope Francis.

How authority in the Church is to be exercised was a matter of special concern in the teaching of Jesus. In response to the request for special status by the sons of Zebedee, Jesus says to all twelve apostles,

"You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles Lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But is shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:42-45).

The reading from the Gospel of Matthew illuminates the authority that Jesus gave to Simon bar Jonah by a reference to the "binding and loosing" exercised by a chief rabbi of a Jewish community. The language about finding and loosing calls for some explanation. A rabbi was said to 'bind' when he interpreted how the Law is to be applied in the certain case. 'Loosing' referred to lifting the ban of excommunication. The awesome implication is that Simon Peter is here given an authority that counts as the exercise of divine authority in the earthy community of the church. To make sure that this power is used in the way of Jesus, the Gospel of John presents the same mandate of authority in the metaphor of sheep herding. In the final chapter of John's gospel, we hear the powerful exchange: "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." "Feed my lambs." And this exchange is repeated two more times.

That this lesson was well learned becomes clear when we read these words from today's reading from the First Letter of Peter:

I exhort the presbyters among you, as a fellow presbyter and witness to the sufferings of Christ and one who has a share in the glory to be revealed. Tend the flock of God in your midst, overseeing not by constraint but willingly, as God would have it, . . . Do not lord it over those assigned to you, but be examples to the flock.

Isn't it consoling the way that the popes of our lifetime — now, notably Pope Francis — have taken to heart this teaching about the exercise of authority in the Christian community? It is not a stretch to say that we who also exercise authority in that faith community — as priests, deacons, pastoral assistants, parents, teachers, brothers, sisters, co-workers, pastors, committee chairs and parish council presidents — are called to exercise authority in the same spirit. The call is to guide and nurture and serve — and surely not to "lord it over" others.

MONDAY
1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13; Mk 6: 53-56

When a man suffers misfortune or is gravely ill, the question that fills his heart and often escapes through his lips is the anguish cry, "Why? Why me? Why me, Lord?" However, this cry is often met by the silence of God.

But hidden in the "why" is a cry of hope, a longing that believes that God heard my cry and felt my sorrow and pain; that God will reach out and touch me. There is something in God's "touch" that is healing.

Dr. Paul Brand shares story of a young man he treated for leprosy. Dr. Brand laid his hand on the shoulder of the leper as he tried to explain through an interpreter the course of treatment when suddenly the man cried. Dr. Brand was wondering whether he said something wrong. The interpreter told the doctor that the patient was crying because he touched him. Until that moment, nobody has touched him for many years.

There something in the "touch" that breaks the isolation and the loneliness of a sick person.

The gospel often portrays Jesus as the one who would reach out and touch the sick and the sinner. Through touch, Jesus wanted the sick to know that they are remembered and specially loved by God. God heard their cry and reached to touch them in Jesus Christ His Son. They are not alone.

TUESDAY
1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30; Mark 7: 1-13

Here they are: the scribes and Pharisees from Jerusalem. They are not bringing their sick, like the Galileans in yesterday's reading. So they are not vulnerable, they don't have to bother about love. That clarifies their minds so that they can think about the law. Immediately they find fault and go into the attack. Shallow, Jesus called them: more concerned with external regulations than with the inner reality; more concerned with law than with the heart (in the Scriptures the heart is a symbol of the whole inner life of a person).

Briefly, the word 'corban' means 'gift'. Anything brought to the Temple treasury was said to be 'corban' and could never again be put to secular use. Now, a rebellious son might say to his parents, "Any benefit or enjoyment you might have by me, I now declare 'corban'!" It meant that he was no longer bound to help or support them in any way! "So it frequently happened," wrote St Jerome, "that while father and mother were destitute, their children were offering sacrifices for the priests and scribes to consume." Jesus raged against this. "You abandon the commandment of God [the commandment to love and honour your parents] and hold to human tradition [corban]." For all their talk about God, religious lawyers can't cope well with God. God seems too concerned with individuals, and is therefore unpredictable. Love just muddies the pitch for lawyers.

It is pleasant to rail against these Pharisaical customs, but in the end I have to enquire what my own similar customs are.

WEDNESDAY
1 Kings 10:1-10; Mark 7: 14-23

In response to the concern of the religious leaders with ritual defilement, Our Lord points his listeners to the source of true defilement – evil desires which come from inside a person's innermost being. Sin does not just happen. It first springs from the innermost recesses of our thoughts and intentions, from the secret desires which only the individual soul can conceive. God in his mercy sent his only Son Jesus to save us from our sins. But to receive his mercy, we must admit our faults. Only God, like a good doctor can change our hearts and make them clean and whole through the power of the Holy Spirit. Do you harbour any of the evil intentions that Jesus mentions in the Gospel today? Are you willing to surrender your heart to God and experience His graces?

THURSDAY
1 Kings 11:4-13; Mark 7: 24-30

The encounter between Jesus and the woman in today's gospel presents to us Jesus' social orientation. The woman hears about Jesus, approaches Him and begs Him to heal her daughter. She is a foreigner, a gentile, a person outside the Jewish community. In the dialogue between Jesus and the woman, He makes a statement that seemingly suggests that His mission is exclusively for the chosen people of God – "Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs." The woman's reply criticizes and breaks down the walls of exclusivity indicating that there can be a place for all peoples in God's plan.

Religion, colour, language and economic status have become barriers that separate peoples instead of becoming bridges that enable diversities to become agents of harmony. Alienation hinders interaction and communion. The exclusion of others guarantees security within the boundaries of one's own world. It is easier to relate with members belonging to the same church who share the same beliefs and traditions rather than expressing the faith with other people who articulate their beliefs in a different way. This is to ensure that one does not encounter opposition in the full expression of one's faith.

Jesus demonstrates that in spite of the differences surrounding the human situation, one can still show compassion and love which are universal values that can transcend human limitations. Jesus' approach in his ministry is compassion. He reaches out to all who believe in the language of the heart. He only asks the simplicity of our faith in Him.

FRIDAY
1 Kings 11:29-32; 12:19; Mark 7: 31-37

Communication can at times fail between two relatively healthy people, how much more when one is hearing-impaired or totally deaf and mute?

Some romantics paint deafness and muteness as a blessing. One incapable of hearing and speaking is immune from the sinful world of sounds and words. It can be a blessing indeed but such impairment could also be frustrating.

A deaf-mute sees things, witnesses events, perceives colours, motion, people. However, a special sign language and special-trained people are needed for him/her to communicate the experience.

Spiritual deafness could be the worse than the physical kind. A spiritually deaf-mute person has all the channels for response and engagement, but chooses not to respond. Such person can also select what she/he only wants to hear. A spiritual deaf-mute can, for example, "shut his ears" from somebody's pleas for help, for forgiveness,, for quality time or from constructive criticism and advice.

Jesus heals a deaf-mute in this gospel story. Through Him may we be delivered from spiritual deafness.

SATURDAY
1 Kings 12:26-32; 13:33-34; Mark 8: 1-10

The transfiguration is an event that seals the identity of Jesus, in a dazzling display of light, as the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies, the Messiah who has to suffer, die and rise again.

It is a foretaste of the resurrection, a greater event of immeasurable and indescribable proportions. No wonder there were no actual witnesses in the resurrection, while in the transfiguration Peter, James and John were able to behold the transfigured Jesus in all His ethereal glory but even then they were out of their senses, with the usually glib Peter, for want of something to say, opining the erection of booths/tents, in effect suggesting permanence. Peter and companions did not want to end the experience. They wished to savour the delight, without a thought as to its meaning. Naturally who would do serious mental exercises in such a heightened condition?

Fortunately, Jesus cut the experience. To let them know what the transfiguration meant, they went down the mountain, a place of theophanies for the Jews, back to the plains where God also dwells, back to reality. Reality is the playground of meaning, the stage where Jesus the main character lived the conflicts of joy and grief, of rejection and acceptance, of suffering and wholeness, of death and resurrection.

In life we seek meaning from the perspective of Christ and that in a sense bathes our life experiences in light – our moments of transfiguration in the playground of reality.

MONDAY

2 Samuel 15:13-14, 30; 16: 5-13; Mark 5:1-20
Jesus encountered a man with an evil spirit; evil spirit was so strong that nobody could control him. Only Jesus' words and power freed the man from the evil spirit that enslaved him.

In our daily lives, we too are experiencing the cosmic battle between God and Satan. Sometimes, our strong fears, doubts, feelings of shame and guilt are controlling us. Let us not be surprised by demonic attacks. They will increase but with Jesus at our side they are powerless. Jesus' light, power and strength are stronger than the evil one. He frees and heals His people. He never abandons us in our moments of weakness and failures.

We can also learn from the man of today's gospel his joyful attitude and deep gratitude to Jesus for the experience of being healed. He follows Jesus' command to proclaim to all his experience of God's goodness and kindness. We too are experiencing healing in many different ways. Let us not forget to thank God for the gift we are receiving and let us be generous in sharing the goodness of God.

TUESDAY

2 Samuel 18: 9-10, 14, 24-25, 30, 19: 3; Mark 5: 21-43
The woman had spent all financial resources he had. She was ritually unclean, an outcast in society. She had nowhere to go. Then she overcame all fears, she risked punishment for touching the cloak of the rabbi. In such a moment she showed a faith she never thought she had. Jesus recognized this by saying, "your faith has saved you."

Similarly, Jairus is up against the wall. No doctor could save his little daughter. And when the news came that she had died, his faith was tested to the point of breaking. But he trusted. He discovered also that he had a spiritual strength he never thought he had.

Often we ask ourselves: Why does God not react to our prayers or to the prayers of a person in utter need? It seems that God allows us at times to reach a boundary situation, a point of utter helplessness first to draw out a hidden strength we did not know we had. We have to reach a point when we realize that our own resources cannot bring us further but the faith is still a resource that brings us directly into the saving hand of God.

WEDNESDAY

2 Samuel 24: 2, 9-17; Mark 6: 1-6
They took offence at him." What was his offence? His background was the same as theirs; he was just like them: "Is not this the carpenter?" But he had not remained in the role the village had assigned to him. Villages can be intensely conservative places. The word 'conservative' is in itself a good word: to conserve is to keep intact, to guard. But everything depends on what one is trying to conserve: the best or the worst. Because of the human capacity for self-deceit, we can use a fine word to make mean things look good. In the reaction of the villagers to Jesus a narrow village mentality showed itself.

The terrible fact is that it works. It tied Jesus's hands: "he could work no miracles there" (v.5). It is a frightful thought that we have the ability to prevent miracles. The villagers wanted to keep him within his limitations: he was a carpenter and the son of a carpenter. But elsewhere the gospel says "he broke through their midst and went his way" (Lk 4:30). We have to break through the midst of many things in order to become adult Christians. Many people, even in the Church, will try to keep us in a pre-adult state. Yes, Jesus said we must be like children: we must have their qualities of simplicity, honesty, freshness…. "Like children," he said. We must be adults who are like children, not children who are like adults.

THURSDAY

1 Kgs 2: 1-4, 10-12; Mark 6: 7-13

Missionaries today fly planes and drive cars. They have more than a staff and sandals. They use modern facilities and means to communicate, like radio, TV, Internet. Most of them are not alone, but backed up by a missionary Congregation and its resources.

Of course, if Christ would send out his apostles today, he would give them different guidelines. But one guideline would not change: to trust in God more than in oneself and in an organization. A missionary then and now must remain aware that he does not proclaim himself that the result of his efforts does not depend on him/her but on God only.

We are reminded today that all of us are sent by God for a mission. The mission field can be your home where a husband, a son or a daughter needs to be brought to Christ. Your mission area could be your office where a boss or officemates live as if Christian values were reserved for Sunday only. Your neighborhood could be your mission field where you are sent to bring peace and harmony to people to distrust each other, quarrel and hate their neighbors. For our mission we need only the staff of trust in God and the sandals of love.

FRIDAY

Sir 47: 2-11; Mark 6: 14-29
The Gospel today provides the script for an interesting drama with intrigue, treachery and revenge. All the personalities in the drama – Herod, Herodias, her daughter and John the Baptist- have a definite role to play given the situations they are in. John has been fearless in his confrontations of the sin of Herod, and he is ready to face the consequences. Herod is a spineless ruler, Herodias is a vindictive woman and the daughter is an unsuspecting pawn. Like any drama we are invited to reflect on the characters which may represent our personalities. What does today's gospel prompt me to reflect on? Which is the character I reflect? Do I need to change?

SATURDAY

1 Kgs 3: 4-13; Mark 6: 30-34
"The apostles had no time even to eat." That sounds more like today. There are things that never change, despite all the change we see in our world. We need rest and silence. Have you noticed that watching TV doesn't really relax you? At the end you usually feel just empty and wasted. Rest, the art that the animals practise to perfection, is one that we have to learn all over again.

The nature of the mind is to postpone. When that obviously doesn't get us anywhere we say, I mustn't be going fast enough. So we go faster. This may be the origin of the fascination with speed. We are running away from ourselves. Self-knowledge is almost impossible in this atmosphere. In the time of Jesus a bullock-cart was the fastest means of transport. What would they think of the speed at which we live?

Monday
2 Samuel 5:1-7, 10; Mark 3:22-30

"If a kingdom is divided against itself, the kingdom cannot stand," so says Jesus in today's gospel. Jesus is refuting the argument leveled against Him that He works with evil to drive out evil spirits. He is actually making a statement: division is evil; unity is of utmost importance.

This is what Jesus passionately prayed for on the night before he died. "Father, that they maybe one even as you and I are one." The very principle that unites the Holy Trinity is the model and source of unity that should bind all His disciples. Within the Holy Trinity, each Divine Person is totally different and unique from each other and yet there is perfect harmony. There is no competition, only collaboration. The work of one is the work of the other. That is why Jesus can say: "The Father and I are one."

As Christians, our mission on earth is to proclaim the Kingdom of God and reflect the Holy Trinity in our relationships, families and communities. Divisions, conflicts and disharmony among Christians and therefore is a great disservice to God and His Kingdom.

Unity is at the heart of Jesus' desire for His community of disciples, says Rick Warren. Destroy unity and you rip the heart out of the Body of Christ, the Church. St. Paul advised the early Christians, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace," (Eph 4:3)

Tuesday
2 Samuel 6: 12-15, 17-19; Mark 3 : 31-35

If indeed Jesus' family thought he was mad (see Mk 3:21), then they belonged to those who "stood outside." Belonging to the same family or race as Jesus does not make one a disciple (see Mt 3:9). Not that, but doing the will of God. This was the passion of his life; anyone who was not part of that was not part of him. In the agony of Gethsemani he was able to say, "Not my will but yours be done." In him the passion to do the Father's will was deeper than death; it is not surprising then that it should also be deeper than birth and kinship.

Wednesday
2 Samuel 7: 4 -17Mark 4: 1-20

The parable tells us that we must do three things: First, we must hear what Jesus is telling us and we cannot hear unless we listen. It is an attitude of so many of us that we are so busy talking that we have no time to hear; so engaged in argument that we have no time to listen; so occupied in advancing our own opinions that we have no time to attend to the opinions of Christ. Second, we must receive it. When we hear the Christian message we must really take it into our minds. There are times when truth can hurt; but sometimes a distasteful drug or an unpleasant treatment must be accepted if health is to be preserved. Third, we must put it into action. Christianity is not a speculation or imagination but a challenge and action.

Thursday
2 Samuel 7: 18 -19; 24-29; Mark 4: 21-25

All living things are stored sunlight. The earth has no light of its own; all its light comes from the sun. If the earth tried to make it on its own, it would just be a cold barren rock. It is not surprising that light is the universal symbol for God: the word 'divine' comes from a Sanskrit root meaning 'to shine'. Jesus said: "I am the light of the world" (Jn 8:12).

But he also said, "You are the light of the world" (Mt 5:14). Clearly, however, he did not mean that we are independent sources of light – any more than the earth could be independent of the sun for its light. The light in us is from him. "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven" (Mt 5:16). In one of the most deeply moving passages in the New Testament, St Paul wrote: "It is the God who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness', who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God shining in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that it may be clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us" (2 Cor 4:6-7).

"Why does Jesus call us the light of the world?" asked Tertullian (3rd century); "why does he compare us to a city on a hill?" Then he answered his own question: "If you hide your lamp beneath a bushel, you will soon notice that you yourself will be in the dark. You will find others bumping into you. So what can you do to illumine the world? Let your faith produce good works. Be a reflection of God's light."

FRIDAY (St. John Bosco)
2 Samuel 11:1-4a, 5-10, 13-17; Mark 4: 26-34

In today's parable, Jesus presents the farmer as a beholder of miracles. He would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how.

The farmer cannot manufacture a seed. He can only select the seed, plant it in the right conditions, irrigate it with water and apply fertilizer. The result is powerful. From one seed comes a plant that produces grain, fruit, or vegetables much more valuable than the original seed he planted.

Jesus says this is similar to how the Kingdom of God comes to us. A preacher comes along and plants the seed of God's word among us. He does not know who will believe and who will not. He preaches and teaches, not knowing how the Holy Spirit will work, only trusting that he will.

When the message is received by someone, it is as if a seed has been planted and started to sprout. It is a mystery how faith in Jesus takes hold of a person, producing fruits of good works. We cannot predict where the seed of the word will sprout which souls will respond and grow, and which will become stony and hard and reject the word of life. Those who receive the word do grow and grow surprisingly well.

What we want to watch out for are the things that obstruct the growth of the Kingdom among us. Things like jealousy, pride, greed and injustice work against the power of God's word. We should stay away from them.

But God is faithful and when we confess our sins, His forgiveness is total. We are readied for the harvest when He will take us from this broken life and gather us to Him; in Him we will reap the fruits of our faithfulness.

Saturday
2 Samuel 12: 1-7, 10-17; Mark 4: 35-41

A doctor took an informal poll among his patients to find out what wish each would make if their wish were granted. The tally was very interesting. 87% said that peace of mind was their paramount goal. This is not a surprising find considering that peace has become a precious commodity in today's world of conflicts and endless anxieties and worries.

This makes today's gospel so refreshing and a real good news knowing that peace comes cheap. All we have to do is have faith in Jesus and peace comes at once. Peace rules the day when Christ rules our hearts.

When the disciples realized Jesus was with them fearless peace entered their hearts. To be with Jesus is to overcome fear and cowardice. This is faith communicating courage because it is rooted on the promises of Christ and his loving presence in all events.

Monday
1 Samuel 15:16-23; Mark 2:18-22

Through this gospel passage Jesus teaches us about openness. He uses an image familiar to His audience, the new and old wineskins, that, new wine skin for new wine. But are we going to reject the old in place of the new? This is not the point. But rather, the Lord gives us wisdom so we can make the best use of both the old and the new. He doesn't want us to hold rigidly to the past and to be resistant to the new promptings of the Holy Spirit in us. He wants our minds and hearts to be like new wine skins, open and ready to receive the new wine of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Are we eager to grow in the knowledge and understanding of God's word and plan for our life?

Tuesday
1 Samuel 16:1-13; Mark 2:23-28

What's the big deal about picking heads of grain on a Sabbath? Well, this might be incredible for us but for the Pharisees and the rabbis doing so was a deadly sin which demanded the strongest condemnation. The Sabbath law was one surrounded by literally thousands of small rules and regulations. Working on such day was considered one of the most forbidden actions any Jew might do. Picking ears of corn as the disciples were doing in today's gospel was work and thus a violation of the law.

The deeper issue here which our Lord clearly saw was the conflict between the law and human need. Obviously for the Lord the latter takes precedence for the law is made for humans and not the other way around. This same issue goes deeper into the very heart of what true religion means. If one's religion prevents him/her from helping someone in need, then such a religion is a big fake. If one's religion is more centred on the system and on rituals and externals while forgetting the human person, the religion is a big lie.

We can be truly proud that our Christian religion has always been stressing the utmost importance of helping others and of responding to the needs of others especially those who are less fortunate and more disadvantaged than us. Let the gospel reading for today then make us realize that we need to be more responsive to others' needs. May the reading lead us to be more Christian most especially in our deeds. Oftentimes, we need not look far to see those in need. They might be just part of our household, or our work area or within our community. Would we want to take the EXTRA CHALLENGE or better would we take the CHRISTIAN CHALLENGE?

Wednesday
1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51Mark 3:1-6

This miracle climaxes a series of five straight confrontations between Jesus and the religious authorities. First, the authorities challenged Jesus for claiming to forgive the paralytic's sins (2:7). Second, they challenged Jesus for eating with tax collectors (2:16). Third, they challenged Jesus for not having his disciples fast (2:18). Fourth, they challenged Him for permitting his disciples to pick grain on the Sabbath (2:24). Finally, they challenged Him for healing a man on the Sabbath (3:2).

The last sentence of today's reading previews what is in store for Jesus. Mark says: "And they made plans to kill Jesus."

How do we respond to people who challenge us for following the dictates of our conscience?

Jesus said: "If the world hates you, just remember that it has hated me first….. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you too," (John 15:18-2)

Thursday
1 Samuel 18:6-9; 19:1-7; Mark 3:7-12

One day a father and his son were strolling around the garden. Then the son asked, "Dad, how come God doesn't want to talk to His people anymore the way he talked to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob or Moses?" "My son," said the father, "it is not that God doesn't talk to his people anymore, it's just that people don't stoop down and listen anymore."

Jesus after preaching the Good News and healing the sick would "avoid" people, go to a lonely place, would 'stoop down", pray and communicate with His Father. Jesus treasures this moment – to be alone with the Alone. It's his "date with the Father." Jesus' words and deeds are fruits of his contemplation. He knows his primary task: to listen to the Father. After listening, he became a very obedient son.

We who work in the vineyard of the Lord sometimes (or oftentimes) feel the urge to be "on the go." There is a big temptation to let our ego become bloated – "People are looking for me" I've power to heal! They like the way I explain the Word of God!" today Jesus, reminds us, "stoop down" – spend some moments of silence, go to a lonely place, have a "date with the Lord," listen to God.

Friday(St. Francis de Sales)
1 Samuel 24:3-21 Mark 3:13-19

"To be with him" and "to be sent out." These phrases mean opposite things, and yet they occur beside each other on the page. If he wanted them to be with him, why did he send them out?

Mark often uses this phrase 'to be with (him)': 2:19; 4:36; 5:18; 14:14, 67; 15:41. It is said to be almost his definition of discipleship. Peter was Mark's source, and Peter wrote about the time "when we were with him on the holy mountain" (2 Peter 1:18). In today's reading, too, it is a mountain. To be a disciple is to be with him on the holy mountain of prayer and meditation. But neither he nor they stayed forever on the mountain; they "went out" to the whole world. Every disciple is called not only to be with him but to go out to others. Prayer and action, said St Catherine of Siena, are like our two feet: we need them both if we are to follow the Way of Jesus.

Saturday(Conversion of St. Paul)
Acts 22:3-16; Mark 16:15-18

Today we celebrate the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. St. Paul was born as Saul at Tarsus, the capital of Cilicia (modern Turkey), c.3 and encountered Christ on the road to Damascus which changed him forever. This conversion of St. Paul while he was on his way to Damascus is one of the most touching miracles in the history of the early Church. It shows us how faith comes from the grace of God and from one's free cooperation. And so he, from a persecutor (Saul), was transformed into the most zealous and courageous apostle (Paul).

When we hear the word 'conversion' we usually think of a great sinner who abandons a sinful life and becomes a good person. Someone said that actually St. Paul was not a bad person. When he persecuted the early Christian Church, he did it out of great zeal for God and his religion. He did it because he did not yet know Christ at that time. This Christ whom he did not know did not come to abolish his Jewish religion or destroy it but that Jesus brought profound and complete insights to who God is.

From the Christian point of view, conversion is basically the discovery of a person whose name is Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Giver of our lives. This is what happened to St. Paul. Once he discovered the love of Jesus in his life he dedicated himself completely to proclaiming that love to all who would listen.

The imagery in conversion is that of turning. A person is going along a road and realizes that he/she is on the wrong track. They will never reach the destination if they continue in that direction. So the person "turns," or "is converted." He/she ceases to go in the wrong direction and begins going in the right one. Conversion changes the direction of one's course of life from the wrong way to the right way, the way that God wants.

Therefore we must not think that conversion is only for those who are non-Catholics. All of us need conversion. In fact we Catholics need more conversion than other Christians if we are serious in saying that it is in the Catholic Church we can find the most complete revelation of Jesus. It was Christ and not His followers, not even His Apostles that this Church was founded. If we believe that Christ declared His intention of founding a Church, by the institution of a living authority when He said to Simon Peter: "And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it," (Matt. 16:18). This conversion is a task that never comes to an end until we will reach our final destiny. We have to always turn away from sin and grow deeper in our knowledge and love of Christ.

Monday 1 Sam 1: 1-8; Mk 1: 14-20 Even people much closer to him in time were puzzled by Jesus' choice of helpers. Eusebius (c. 260 - 340): "The disciples might reasonably have asked 'But how can we do it? How can we preach to Romans? How can we argue with Egyptians? We are brought up to use the Aramaic language only. What language shall we speak to Greeks? How shall we speak to Persians, Armenians, Chaldeans, Scythians, Indians and other scattered nations...?'" Origen (185 – 254): "There can be no doubt that it is not by human strength or resources that the word of Christ comes to prevail." Jesus called ordinary people: not learned scribes or professional religious people, but working men. He himself came from a no-good place, Nazareth, he was apprenticed to a trade, and he never lost the common touch. Most people are snobs in one way or another, 'the kettle calling the pot black.' "You can't put a great soul into a commonplace person," wrote D.H. Lawrence; "commonplace persons have commonplace souls." Jesus, the man from Nazareth would never agree with that. He looked at broken bodies, ignorant minds, prostrated lives; he looked at loud-mouthed fishermen (those two were not called 'sons of thunder' for nothing!), and saw greatness there. He even looked at Pharisees, who were the primary snobs of their day, and saw possibilities of greatness. If he had condemned them out of hand, there would have been no St Paul, who declared, "I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees" (Acts 23:6). Tuesday 1 Sam 1: 9-20; Mk 1: 21-28 Synagogues were places of teaching; there was no sacrifice (that was in the Temple). But in casting out demons, Jesus was doing something for people; he wasn't just talking or discoursing on the Law, as the scribes did endlessly. When Jesus frequented synagogues, he did not just preach; he healed people's tortured minds and bodies; he restored their strength to them. Sometimes preachers disable people, by a habit of denunciation, by forever enjoining obedience, quoting rules.... But see what happens when Jesus comes near people. "He spoke as one having authority," the gospels say. This expression 'having authority' usually means being authorised, having the right from some authority to act as one does. But the word 'authority' itself means just the opposite. It means to be oneself the source (the 'author') of one's words and actions. Jesus spoke with authority; he was not quoting texts, like the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus was his own man. That is what attracted people to him. Wednesday 1 Sam 3: 1-10-19-20; Mk 1: 29-39 People flocked to Jesus because they recognized in him somebody "who could do things." Jesus was not only a preacher. He was a doer. He could and can, produce results. Unfortunately, some people came "because they wanted something from Jesus." They did not come because they loved Jesus. They wanted to use Jesus to promote their personal needs. This makes our relationship with God tragic: when people begin to regard God as a spare tire. A spare tire is usually unnoticed until a vehicle gets a flat tire on the road. Similarly, some people seem to forget God when life is fine and pleasant, but they ask God to remember them when there are storms and problems in life. Some people tend to forget God all day, but they ask God to remember them at night. If this is the case, religion to such people is simply a crisis affair. God is not someone to be used in days of misfortune. He is someone to be loved and remembered everyday of our lives. In good times and bad times God is to be loved and served. Thursday 1 Sam 4: 1-11; Mk 1: 40-45 "Make me clean," the leper asked Jesus and Jesus was willing. This is a parable in action. In a short gospel episode, human misery meets divine compassion. God comforts everyone who suffers. He lifts the spirit of the depressed; he brings love and hope to people who are broken in body and spirit. We too, are asked to extend the compassion of Jesus by becoming conveyors of grace and not avoiders of human tragedy. Someone might even have his own "leper": a person whom he avoids and does not want to see or talk to; could be someone close to him, perhaps even a member of his own family. The person I ostracize, isolate and insulate is my "leper." Do you also have a "leper"? Embrace your "leper" and God will reward you. Friday 1 Sam 8:4-7, 10-22; Mk 2: 1-12 Jesus heals by forgiving. There are a lot of ways to heal a person but the best way is by forgiveness. Forgiveness heals the whole person inside out (psychological, emotional, spiritual and even physical). The first person that needs healing is the self. We need to forgive our own self because only when we decide to forgive ourselves that total healing begins. Jesus revealed to us that God is always ready to forgive those who acknowledge their sinfulness. In the same way, He is willing to heal our illness because He wants to restore us to Himself. Forgiveness heals and restores relationship with others and leads us back to God. This is precisely what Jesus has done to the paralytic in today's gospel. However, for most people the act of forgiving is hard and tough so they prefer to avoid it. They think that only God could forgive and not human beings. This kind of thought makes for a heart of stone. Having this kind of thought, we are not different from the teachers of the law who questioned Jesus' action of forgiveness. They only knew about laws but not love. A law without love is cruel and inhuman, and God despises it. Forgiveness is God's definition of true love Saturday 1 Sam 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1; Mk 2: 13-17 If ever there was a "most hated person" list during our Lord's time, tax collectors would surely be on top of that list. For one, they were seen as collaborators of the Romans who have always been regarded by the Jews as the unwelcome conquerors of their beloved land. Thus tax collectors were unforgivable traitors for any patriotic Jew. Secondly, tax collectors were automatically seen as cheats and thieves for they pocketed whatever surplus was left from their tax collections. In today's gospel we see Jesus' love and compassion being extended to a despised man, Matthew or Levi. With Matthew's acceptance of this invitation, we see a very profound story of conversion. Matthew had really given up everything when he responded to Jesus' call. While Peter and the fishermen in the group could go back to fishing if the Jesus enterprise did not succeed, Matthew could never go back to his former job for the stigma that he would have to live with in being in the company of Jesus of Nazareth. Matthew had burned his bridges so to speak. He turned his back forever from a job which brought bread to his family table and gave him a comfortable life not enjoyed by most of his fellow Jews. He had lost something. Big but got something bigger in turn, a true and dedicated life of discipleship. Surely, that was worth giving up everything for. Matthew may have lost the world but he gained heaven.

Monday
Mal 3: 1-4, 23-24; Lk 1: 57-66

Christians have seen in John the Baptist the messenger, promised in the prophet Malachi, whose task was to prepare the way so that "the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple." In other words, John was the messenger of the covenant, now offered to us all, in the Jesus in whom we delight.

John is honoured in all four Gospels, for his service of preparing hearts and minds to receive the message of Jesus. Luke, above all, highlights how John was received with joy – as a great gift not just to his parents and relatives, but to the humble people generally. A spirit of joyfulness and praise runs through the entire story surrounding John's birth.

And are our hearts open to John's message? Does the Lord whom he proclaimed wish to enter our lives, our homes, our world? The answer is clear and unmistakable: Yes, He does! How do we know? Simply by listening to what God is saying to us in the Scriptures, and in our community gathered in prayer.

Centuries before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah described the Messiah or Saviour as Someone who would live among His people and be one of them. The very name given to the Messiah points this out: "Emmanuel," which means "God is with us." In today's first reading from the Prophet Isaiah, we are reminded that the Lord wishes to live among us. "Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel." What was foretold by Isaiah came to be fulfilled as we hear in today's Gospel account from St. Matthew. "All this took place to fulfil what the Lord has said through the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,' which means 'God is with us.'"

The promised Messiah or Saviour is none other than God, who in his Son Jesus took on our human nature, became one like us in all things except sin and dwells among us. "And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us" (cf. Jn 1:14). Does the Lord wish to enter our lives, our homes, and our world? Indeed, He does! He did that on the first Christmas and He continues to do that if we let Him.

Tuesday
2 Sam 7: 1-5, 8-11, 16; Lk 1: 67-79

Two days ago we had the Magnificat, today we have theBenedictus: two canticles found only in Luke's gospel. They are great cries of praise to God, who enters our world "to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death." A scholar said of these canticles that they are like "an aria in opera; the action almost stops so that the situation may be savoured more deeply."

"By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death." I once heard someone say that darkness is primary: that it is more fundamental than light, because light needs fuel but darkness does not, and that darkness is therefore eternal. We are afraid of the dark, he said, so we say God is light. In some ways, he said, we don't grow up; we are still terrified of the dark bedroom where we cannot see our mother. So we say God is light.

A Christian says that light is more fundamental than darkness. Darkness is nothing in itself; it is just the absence of light. Light is more fundamental than darkness. God could not be an absence. God is a tremendous presence, God is light. Darkness gives life to nothing, but light gives life to everything: all living things are forms of light, stored light-energy from the sun.

We say God is light in the way that we say God is good. The intention is not to limit God to what we know of these; but we say these realities point us towards God; or in St Paul's phrase, they make us "alive to God" (Romans 6:11).

Tomorrow we celebrate the birth of Jesus. In the obscurity of a windowless cave it will be hard for us to appreciate that the light has come into the world. But to the eye of faith – which is used to darkness – he is "the light shines in the darkness, which the darkness cannot overcome" (John 1:5).

Wednesday (Christmas)
Is 52: 7-10; Hb 1: 1-6; Jn 1: 1-18

There is a kind of timelessness about Christmas: it takes us out of our routines; suddenly all the rush of preparation is over and there is nothing more to do. This could be the moment to experience something different from the perpetual motion that is our ordinary life. But what happens? We turn on the TV, which is what we may have been doing every evening since last Christmas. No change. Then we say Christmas is boring, or sad, or too commercial…. Of course it is; it is just like all the other days. We have not allowed change to happen. We have not allowed space for anything new to appear. Paradoxically, all the flashing lights, the incessant television, the emailing and text-messaging…all have the effect of filling our lives and so leaving no space to move, no space for anything really different to appear; so we are enclosed in a cave of artificial lights that never lead us to the sun.

"The light shines in the darkness." But it does not shine in artificial light. We have to turn something off. We have to leave space and time for the new thing to appear.

The Child born today is God's new deed: the newest, the youngest, the most recent…the latest. But this is not announced in the excited voice of the advertisers; it is a silent deed. He is the Word made flesh, but he lies there as helpless to speak as any infant. Only in silence can this silent Word be heard. The new blade of grass does not make a scene or a noise; neither does the Word made flesh.

Thursday (St. Stephen)
Acts 6: 8-10; 7: 54-8:1; Mt 10: 17-22

"The one who fights with monsters should be careful lest he thereby become a monster," wrote Nietzsche. He becomes one if he uses the same means that the monster uses. Violence has its own logic and is willing to stay in place indefinitely. When Stalin was asked how long he was going to go on killing people he replied, "As long as it's necessary." That means forever, because a regime put in place by violence remains violent even after the killing stops. Violence breeds more violence in an endless spiral if some new element is not brought in. The new element is one that would never occur to a tyrant. "Hate cannot drive out hate," said Martin Luther King, "only love can drive out hate."

That new element is what the Gospel is about. Commenting on today's passage St John Chrysostom (+407) wrote: "Jesus is preparing the disciples for a new kind of combat. They are to suffer wrong and willingly permit others to inflict punishment upon them. This is meant to teach them that the victory is in suffering evil for the sake of good…. He does not instruct them to fight and resist those who would persecute them. All he promises them is that they will suffer with him the utmost ills." Jesus was born into a terrible world where violence is seen as normal. He was, and still is, the Prince of Peace in the kingdom of violence, but he refused to live according to its logic, so he had to die. After him, Stephen was the first Christian martyr, the first of many.

Friday (St. John, Apostle and Evangelist)
1Jn 1: 1-4; Jn 20:1a&2-8

In art St John is represented by an eagle, because (as St Augustine said) no one soared so near heaven as he did. Still, he had his feet on the ground too. It was he who showed us, rather than the institution of the Eucharist, Jesus washing the disciples' feet at the Last Supper and saying (equivalently), "Do this in memory of me." The most down-to-earth service of one another, it seems, is like another Eucharist – certainly a communion. As Eckhart put it, "Heaven can only work in the ground of the earth."

He became a disciple first of John the Baptist and then of Jesus, who called him to be an apostle and nicknamed him and his brother James 'Boanerges', "sons of thunder" (Mk 3:17). John, together with James and Peter, made up the inner group of disciples who were with Jesus on the heights and in the depths: they witnessed his Transfiguration and were present in Gethsemane. Next to Peter, John was the most active of the apostles in organising the early church in Palestine and, later, throughout Asia Minor. According to tradition, during a period of persecution of Christians by the Romans, John was banished to Patmos, where he wrote the Book of Revelation. Later he is said to have gone to Ephesus, where he wrote three Epistles and the fourth Gospel.

The prologue to that gospel begins with the language of sublimity, but soon we hear the heart-swelling words, "The Word was made flesh and lived among us, and we saw his glory…."

Saturday
1Jn 1: 5-2:2; Mt 2: 13-18

The first day of Christmas, the Church celebrated the martyrdom of St. Stephen, the first Christian to witness to Christ with his life. The second day of Christmas, the Church honoured St. John the Apostle and Evangelist who emphasized the divinity of Christ. These two men went into biblical history and Church history as men who were faithful to God and walked in His way. Today we come across a man who was a tragedy to himself and he caused tragic consequences – Herod. Because of his pathological state of mind and his paranoia, he ordered the slaughter of the infants at Bethlehem, and it counted as nothing for him. And this makes us reflect on the horrible deeds that are done to children and the unborn: child abuse, child labour, child pornography, abortion, infanticide. All these also counted as nothing for those who committed such atrocities and heinous crimes against children.

The feast of the Holy Innocents does not just recall the innocent infants who were martyred for Christ, because their blood now cries out for the children of the world who are suffering and being traumatised. The blood of the innocent children cries out for the children of the world and to us. We have to teach and guide, protect and guard our children. If we cannot get that right, we will not be able to get anything right.

May God bless the children who are entrusted to us and may we care for them and guide them in the ways of the Lord. May Mother Mary and St. Joseph help us in this mission.

Monday
Num 24: 2-7, 15-17; Mt 21: 23-27

The chief priests and the elders of the people pleaded ignorance to Jesus' question about whether John's baptism was of human or of divine origin.
Their action forced them into an embarrassing and compromising position, we might say. It was actually their duty to help people distinguish between true and false prophets. Pleading ignorance, they claimed that they could not fulfil their duty.
It is humiliating to plead ignorance to avoid the consequences of telling the truth. When it comes to truth, the question is not "What is the safe answer to give?" Rather it is, "What is the right answer to give?

Tuesday
Gen 49: 2, 8-10; Mt 1: 1-17

Indeed the first Christian heresy was Docetism, a belief that Jesus only appeared to be human, that he only appeared to be born, to suffer, to die. The reaction to this heresy is already visible in the New Testament writings: "We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands…" (1 Jn 1:1). It was and is crucial to hold that Jesus was one of us, truly and fully human; that in fact is the real source of our hope. He entered our life as it is, not as it should be (it doesn't exist as it should be). Severus mentioned "the ancient patriarchs in the lineage" of Jesus. That was the reputable side of Jesus' ancestry. He might also have mentioned the disreputable side.
The names in that long list have a great deal of shock-value. All human life is there: murder, treachery, incest, adultery, prostitution…. In the first list of fourteen names there are three women, an unusual feature: Tamar, Rahab and Ruth. Tamar gave birth to twins by her father-in-law; Rahab was a prostitute, and Ruth was a Moabite, a foreigner. In the second list of fourteen, there is another woman, Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite. King David observed her bathing from the roof of his house, and invited her in and seduced her; then he had her husband killed, so that he could marry her. At the end of the third section a fifth woman is mentioned: Mary the mother of Jesus. It is an unedifying litany of names that leads us to Mary and Jesus. This is the world they entered. Nothing in the Scriptures encourages us to look at it with rose-tinted spectacles.

Wednesday
Jer 23: 5-8; Mt 1: 18-24

God willed that His own eternal Son would be the Saviour of the entire human race. In the lavish language of Jeremiah, we hear about him as the "righteous Branch will be raised up from David's descendants, and that through him his people will be saved and live in safety. In the Gospel, Jesus is described as the one who "will save his people from their sins." To save us is why he came! In order to do so, although he was God from eternity, he elected to take on our humanity, fully and in the flesh, by being born of a mother!
That was Mary's role and mission: to be the mother who served God's saving plan. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it, "To become the mother of the Saviour, Mary was enriched by God with gifts appropriate to her role. The angel Gabriel salutes her as 'full of grace' – totally ready for her great mission in life.
As God prepared Mary for her role and mission, so are we too prepared for what is asked of us. This principle — that God prepares those whom He chooses for their role and mission — is true for everyone who is prepared to serve God. We are chosen and called to holiness. God has prepared us for works of service by giving us Jesus to be our Lord and guide, by calling us to the saving waters of Baptism, by giving us the support of the Church and its Sacraments, and by strengthening us to cooperate with His saving will.

Thursday
Jgs 13: 2-7, 24-25; Lk 1: 5-25

The reading and gospel are interesting history if one wants to know more about the Samson's parents or John the Baptist's parents. Here were two couples who were without children and now well past the time to conceive but they continued to have unrelenting faith. That these two couples never lost faith in spite of their hardship is worthy of reflection, but is there another deeper meaning imbedded in these readings that is worthy of our consideration?
Mindful that we are in the Advent season and just one week away from the most beautiful birth of all, that of Christ Jesus, the reading and the gospel reinforce how truly precious the creation of life is and the joy that comes to parents when they are first made aware that they are with child. And then, is there anything greater for the couple than the birth of their child and to experience the miracle of creation? Thus as we head into these last 7 days before Christmas let us keep our focus not only on the power of prayer but on the miracle of creation.

Friday
Is 7: 10-14; Lk 1: 26-38

The Annunciation story is full of splendid promise, radiant with a bright future. God's messenger tells of a coming Saviour: "He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High… He will reign forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." Setting these lines alongside all the other echoes of joy in Luke's opening chapters, and we have the happy prospect of a God who wants every human being to be saved – to have a share in God's own endless fullness of life.
Perhaps the fifth century saint Caesarius of Arles was thinking of today's joyful Scriptures when he wrote that "God never deserts anyone, unless He is first deserted by that one. For even if one has committed grievous sins once, twice, and a third time, God still looks for him, so that he may be converted and live."

Saturday
Song 2: 8-14; Lk 1: 39-45

What a fascinating overlap there is between the two biblical passages for today. The Song of Songs pours out some of the lyrical love-poetry written by King Solomon for his young bride from Egypt, describing the overflowing emotions of love that she feels for him, and he for her, at the time of their nuptials. St. Luke, on the other hand, portrays the deep spiritual friendship that bonds Mary with Elizabeth, as they ponder how God has blessed both of them, and through them, so many others who would come to a fuller life, under the influence of John the Baptist and of Jesus.
Sharing faith is not always easy. An evangelistic writer said recently: "When I tell people about my experience of joy since becoming a Christian, they sometimes say, 'all this Jesus stuff is just a crutch for weak people.' Do you know what I think? If Jesus is a crutch, then give me two!" But we need to share what we have felt, and it can benefit both ourselves and those with whom we share our spiritual experience.
Mary and Elizabeth both felt the saving grace of God pouring over their lives – and were not afraid to say so. Many of us were raised on the principle that 'God helps those who help themselves' and that displays of need are out of place in the pursuit of holiness. Maybe we need to learn again what Elizabeth says so clearly: that God is a gracious God, and it is a blessed thing to believe in that graciousness.