Daily Bible Reading as per Eucharistic Mass celebrated in Roman Catholic Churches: Monday, August 11, 2014Today's Liturgical Readings...

Daily Bible Reading as per Eucharistic Mass celebrated in Roman Catholic Churches: Monday, August 11, 2014Today's Liturgical Readings...: Monday, August 11, 2014 Today's Liturgical Readings. Feast of St. Clare. Readings: Ezekial 1:2-5, 24-28; Psalms 148:1-...

Daily Bible Reading as per Eucharistic Mass celebrated in Roman Catholic Churches: Monday, August 11, 2014Today's Liturgical Readings...

Daily Bible Reading as per Eucharistic Mass celebrated in Roman Catholic Churches: Monday, August 11, 2014Today's Liturgical Readings...: Monday, August 11, 2014 Today's Liturgical Readings. Feast of St. Clare. Readings: Ezekial 1:2-5, 24-28; Psalms 148:1-...

Monday, August 11, 2014

Today's Liturgical Readings.

Feast of St. Clare.

Readings: Ezekial 1:2-5, 24-28; Psalms 148:1-2, 11-14; Gospel: Matthew17:22-27

Readings: Ezekial 1:2-5, 24-28

On the fifth day of the month (it was the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin), the word of the Lord came to the priest Ezekiel son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the Lord was on him there.

As I looked, a stormy wind came out of the north: a great cloud with brightness around it and fire flashing forth continually, and in the middle of the fire, something like gleaming amber. In the middle of it was something like four living creatures. This was their appearance: they were of human form.

When they moved, I heard the sound of their wings like the sound of mighty waters, like the thunder of the Almighty, a sound of tumult like the sound of an army; when they stopped, they let down their wings. And there came a voice from above the dome over their heads; when they stopped, they let down their wings.

And above the dome over their heads there was something like a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was something that seemed like a human form. Upward from what appeared like the loins I saw something like gleaming amber, something that looked like fire enclosed all around; and downward from what looked like the loins I saw something that looked like fire, and there was a splendor all around. Like the bow in a cloud on a rainy day, such was the appearance of the splendor all around. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.

When I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of someone speaking.

Gospel: Matthew 17:22-27

As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised.” And they were greatly distressed.

When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?” He said, “Yes, he does.” And when he came home, Jesus spoke of it first, asking, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?” When Peter said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the children are free. However, so that we do not give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me.”

Focus: "However, so that we do not give offence... give (the coin) to them for you and me" (Matthew 17:27)

Many years ago I happened to do a course in theology. I remember how proud I was of my new-found knowledge and how I would lose no opportunity to let people know I had it. I would also look down on those who, according to me, were still steeped in old, near-superstitious beliefs. 

Contrast this attitude with that of Christ (today's Gospel) when the question arose about his payment of the temple tax - an unpopular levy that needed special tax collectors to make the people shell out. As the Son of God, Jesus could claim exemption from this tax. But did he assert his legitimate superiority? Did He flaunt His status? Instead, he complied with the authorities (and, in the bargain, helped Peter save face). Peter, in typical Peter style, had impetuously asserted that his master was indeed paying the temple tax (Matthew 17:25).

What I gain from this is a lesson in humility and maturity and, above all, kindness. There is no need to hurt people's feelings. There is no need to "give offence" (Focus). There is no harm in conforming sometimes. 

If the Son of God chose to serve rather than be served, so can I. 

Fruit: As I reflect on today's readings let me work out ways in which I can be kind to my neighbour. Let me realise that being kind is better than being right. 

Daily Bible Reading as per Eucharistic Mass celebrated in Roman Catholic Churches: Sunday, August 10, 2014Today's Liturgical Reading...

Daily Bible Reading as per Eucharistic Mass celebrated in Roman Catholic Churches: Sunday, August 10, 2014
Today's Liturgical Reading...: Sunday, August 10, 2014 Today's Liturgical Readings. 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Day of Prison Ministry. First Readi...

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Today's Liturgical Readings.

19th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Day of Prison Ministry.

First Reading: 1 Kings 19:9, 11-13; Psalms 84[85]:9-14; 

Second Reading: Romans 9:1-5; Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33.

First Reading: 1 Kings 19:9, 11-13

At that place he came to a cave, and spent the night there.

Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

Psalms 85:9-14

Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him,

that his glory may dwell in our land.

Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;

righteousness and peace will kiss each other.

Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,

and righteousness will look down from the sky.

The Lord will give what is good,

and our land will yield its increase.

Righteousness will go before him,

and will make a path for his steps.

Second Reading: Romans 9:1-5

I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit— I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Focus: '.... the Messiah, who is over all' (Romans 9:5)

On this day of Prison Ministry how many of us remember those prisoners who, for whatever reason, are condemned and locked up by society? Their very existence is forgotten. Yet, they are weak humans, like us. Those who dedicate themselves to the prison ministry go through great emotional upheaval to lead the inmates to Christ. No shouts of praise fill the quiet corridors of the prison. Yet if a penitent whispers, "Lord, save me!" (Matthew 14:30). God's merciful reply can almost be heard. 

Indeed, the Lord knows no distinctions and pours out His mercy on all (Focus). Saul of Tarsus (St. Paul) was a devout Jew who steeped himself in the teachings of Judaism and was considered a stoic Pharisee. He would stop at nothing to make Christians pay the price for breaking the religious law. Yet, on the road to Damascus, a man of His stature and pride broke down and yielded to the love of Christ in what was one of the greatest conversions for the sake of the Gospel. 

If even Saul could be transformed, why should we condemn the poor prisoners - imprisoning ourselves in negativity, hate and censure? The next time we do so, we must stop and ponder if such feelings are appropriate towards those created in the image and likeness of God.

Fruit: Let us pray for prisoners, for those in the prison ministry, and for ourselves - that we may be freed from judging others. 

Saturday, August 09, 2014. 

Today's Liturgical Reading.
Feast of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross.

Readings: Habakkuk 1:12 - 2:4; Psalms 9:8-13; Gospel: Matthew 17:14-20

First Reading: Habakkuk 1:12 - 2:4;

Are you not from of old,

O Lord my God, my Holy One?

You shall not die.

O Lord, you have marked them for judgment;

and you, O Rock, have established them for punishment.

Your eyes are too pure to behold evil,

and you cannot look on wrongdoing;

why do you look on the treacherous,

and are silent when the wicked swallow

those more righteous than they?

You have made people like the fish of the sea,

like crawling things that have no ruler.

The enemy brings all of them up with a hook;

he drags them out with his net,

he gathers them in his seine;

so he rejoices and exults.

Therefore he sacrifices to his net

and makes offerings to his seine;

for by them his portion is lavish,

and his food is rich.

Is he then to keep on emptying his net,

and destroying nations without mercy?

I will stand at my watchpost,

and station myself on the rampart;

I will keep watch to see what he will say to me,

and what he will answer concerning my complaint.

Then the Lord answered me and said:

Write the vision;

make it plain on tablets,

so that a runner may read it.

For there is still a vision for the appointed time;

it speaks of the end, and does not lie.

If it seems to tarry, wait for it;

it will surely come, it will not delay.

Look at the proud!

Their spirit is not right in them,

but the righteous live by their faith.

Gospel: Matthew 17:14-20

When they came to the crowd, a man came to him, knelt before him, and said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; he often falls into the fire and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him.” Jesus answered, “You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him here to me.” And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”

Focus: "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed...." (Matthew 17:20)

Today's Gospel stresses the need to have faith in the Lord and to nurture that faith. The disciples could not cure the epileptic boy, although they tried their best. Jesus blamed it on their lack of faith. (Matthew 17:20)

Life brings many troublesome situations when faith is tested. One Sunday I was compelled to leave home late for Mass. On the way, I was filled with unpleasant feelings; that I would encounter plenty of traffic and that I would not reach in time. Then I thought - let me be positive and trust in the Lord. I relaxed. To my surprise I reached early, even before Mass began.

Do we get restless when things do not happen as we want? We must remind ourselves that the Lord is a stronghold... in times of trouble' (Psalm 9:9). He promises to honour even the slightest hint of faith in our hearts (Focus).

Then why do we find it so difficult to trust in Him? We cannot even find enough time to confide in Him! Maybe we secretly believe that He can't or won't help us. 

St. Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein) combined scholarship and faith, seeking to be a "tool of the Lord" in everything she taught. She said, "If anyone comes to me, I want to lead them to Him."

Fruit: Let us always look to the Lord in faith - it is the best way to bring others to Him.

Daily Bible Reading as per Eucharistic Mass celebrated in Roman Catholic Churches: Friday, August 08, 2014. Today's Liturgical Readin...

Daily Bible Reading as per Eucharistic Mass celebrated in Roman Catholic Churches: Friday, August 08, 2014. Today's Liturgical Readin...: Friday, August 08, 2014.  Today's Liturgical Reading . Feast of St. Dominic. Readings: Nahum 2:1, 3, 3:1-3, 6-7; Psalm De...

Friday, August 08, 2014. 

Today's Liturgical Reading.
Feast of St. Dominic.

Readings: Nahum 2:1, 3, 3:1-3, 6-7; Psalm Deuteronomy 32:35-36, 39, 41; Gospel: Matthew 16:24-28.

First Reading: Nahum 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7;

A shatterer has come up against you.

Guard the ramparts;

watch the road;

gird your loins;

collect all your strength.

The shields of his warriors are red;
his soldiers are clothed in crimson.
The metal on the chariots flashes on the day 
when he musters them;the chargers prance.

Ah! City of bloodshed,

utterly deceitful, full of booty- 

no end to the plunder!

The crack of whip and rumble of wheel,

galloping horse and bounding chariot!

Horsemen charging,

flashing sword and glittering spear,

piles of dead,

heaps of corpses,

dead bodies without end—

they stumble over the bodies!

I will throw filth at you

and treat you with contempt,

and make you a spectacle.

Then all who see you will shrink from you and say,

“Nineveh is devastated; who will bemoan her?”

Where shall I seek comforters for you?

Gospel: Matthew 16:24-28

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?

“For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

Focus: "Those who lose their life for my sake will find it" (Matthew 16:25)

To become a follower of Jesus calls for denial of self, taking up one's cross and following Him (Matthews 16:24). But Christians routinely bypass all three and fabricate a comfortable caricature of Christianity. 

Chiefly, the obsession with self must end. Jesus and His apostles lived like the slum dwellers and tribals of today, but we live in air-conditioned comfort. We also learn to assert ourselves and defeat others; that denying oneself is foolishness. But even in the materialistic world people sometimes deny themselves - as in the erstwhile Communist movement. 

There's a small tract in circulation. The first page shows a man sitting on a chair (i.e. the heart); on the second page Jesus is sitting on the same chair. We must vacate the throne of our hearts and let Christ occupy it. Rick Warren, the famous American evangelist, begins his book 'The Purpose Driven Life' with this dramatic statement: "It is not about you!" Truly life is not about us but about God. Unless we know God, we will never know ourselves.

The cross comes next. God gives us this burden for our good: to transform us. Whilst carrying our cross, it is necessary to display the gentle fruit of the Spirit. That is what Jesus means by saying, "Follow me" (Matthews 16:24). We follow Him when we react in the way, He did, without complaining. 

Fruit: Let us resolve to live Jesus-like life.