THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Also Read: Mass Readings for 31 October 2021

First Reading: Deuteronomy 6: 2-6

The Secret to Prosperity!

Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe them (the commandments of the Lord) diligently, so that it may go well with you, and so that you may multiply greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has promised you. (3)

The secret to prosperity and true happiness is revealed in the above verse. In chapter 5, preceding this passage, The Ten Commandments are given to the people of Israel; and therefore to us as well!

May we listen and understand! Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 18: 2-3, 3-4, 47, 51

The Fount of all Goodness!

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (2)

May we live by these words, Amen!

Second Reading: Hebrews 7: 23-28

Our Permanent Royal Priest!

He holds his priesthood permanently because he continues forever. (24)

Jesus Christ our permanent High Priest saves us continuously! But do we merit this grace?

May we remember, we have this great gift and reform our lives. Every minute of every new day is an opportunity for our redemption! May we be sanctified through this holy pursuit, Amen!

Gospel: Mark 12: 28b-34

The Castles of The Prince!

As Christ reiterates the commandment from Deuteronomy 6, HE also pronounces the second most important commandment. This second commandment truly encompasses all the others. But how easy/difficult are both these commandments for us today?

I reckon in the world we live in currently, there is ongoing spiritual warfare in every true Christians’ life! The ‘distractions’ and ‘hurdles’ posed by an ever-evolving, tech-savvy generation are aplenty! With a doom and gloom outlook presented by the world, it is a task to remain a true and joyful Christian!

But then, we are called to look to the Word of God first and then look outside at the world, (ie) from the WORD to the world! “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of GOD -what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom 12:2)  Once we begin a renewal of our minds, we will ‘see’ that Christ is our Rock from whom flows milk and honey!

If we are ever to love one another, we ought to truly love ourselves first! No, not a narcissistic love, but a healthy respect for oneself! Often we belittle our own selves in our minds. We give in to low self-esteem and do not exercise our authority as children of the One, True, Living God! That’s when a certain con by the name of lucifer steps in through the narrow slit of doubt, fear, and anxiety. Now, Stop and Listen to JESUS Christ, Our Rock, and Redeemer: “I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!” (John 16:33)

 He has given us His Spirit, the Spirit that is able to overcome the world and we have HIS mind! (1Cor. 2:16) When we value what we ourselves have within us, we will be more joyful naturally! Along with joy, comes hope and peace. ‘Cause we know who lives within us: The Prince of Peace! Amen!

God Bless Us All, Praise God!

THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Also Read: Mass Readings for 24 October 2021

First Reading: Jeremiah 31: 7-9

Walk Back!

With weeping, they shall come and with consolations, I will lead them back, I will let them walk by brooks of water in a straight path in which they shall not stumble; for I have become a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. (9)

The Lord is calling us back to his fold. If we return with repentant hearts and tears in our eyes, GOD himself will console us! As we muster the courage to walk by his light, we can see his miracles occurring each day in our lives today! Praise God!

Harden not your hearts brethren, if you hear HIM speak to you! The Lord GOD himself awaits you. There are pathways being opened as we take each step toward him. Be strong and be bold for the Lord goes with you! (Deut 31:6)

Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 126: 1- 6

Seeds to Sheaves!

Those who go out weeping to bear the seed for sowing shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves. (6)

The gift that the Lord grants us at our repentance is the gift of faith! We ought to nurture that seed-sized faith so that rejoicing we will reap the fruits of our toils! Amen!

Second Reading: Hebrews 5: 1-6

Authority and Humility

He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward since he himself is subject to weakness. (2)

In this little verse, the author is referring to the chosen high priest from among mortals. Yet this also applies to anyone in authority. Whether a corporate magnate or the head of a family, the way to deal with those under one’s authority; is through humility and gentleness!

May we realize how weak, we ourselves are before we rise to lead others! Amen!

Gospel: Mark 10: 46-52

My teacher, let me see again!

Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” (51)

This story about Bartimaeus is an outstanding example of deep faith! The blind man had already felt in his heart the calling to follow Christ, even as he heard stories about him. Therefore, before he could actually ‘see’ Jesus; he had seen him in his heart as his personal savior and teacher. Only then can anyone call out in such confidence and bravery. And the Lord of All would surely know what Bartimaeus needed, yet he asked him! Well, we ought to surrender our requests to God first. We ought to submit in humility to his power. This can only be done through our faith!

Jesus said to him, “Go your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way. (52)

The imagery of a prodigal returning to the father and while they are still a long way off, The Father himself runs toward his returning child; looms large around here! Bartimaeus felt it, recognized it, and immediately took action in crying out with all his might. He knew that the Lord is near and will hear him! The Lord is near, today ever-present in our storms! Do we call out to him?

Have some of us regained our ‘sight’? Like Bartimaeus can we throw off our one possession -the cloak and respond to the Lord’s Call? Are we able to follow HIM on the Way? Do we have the faith of the blind beggar, Bartimaeus?

Praise GOD!

TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Also Read: Mass Readings for 17 October 2021

First Reading: Isaiah 53: 10-11

The righteous one, my servant shall make many righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. (11)

Christ made us his offspring and bore our iniquities. Therefore we are the free, children of God.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 33: 4-5, 18-19, 20, 22

(5) The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfastness of the Lord.

The Lord created all things in justice and the earth rejoices daily in HIM. May we stop and listen to HIS praise by nature every morning. Amen!

Second Reading: Hebrews 4: 14-16

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. (15)

Christ is our Shepherd and Leader, does not just lay out a moral code of conduct for us, as Christians. He participated in every aspect of life, the way we are going through it, even today! Every test of faith, flesh, mind, soul, and spirit we fight daily; HE has already passed through! Hence, we have a Leader who not only understands our pain but has shown us the way to overcome this world.

Being God incarnate in human flesh, he subdued every temptation that came against HIM! It was His daily communion and alone time with God the Father, that saw him through those days.

May we try to emulate our One and Only True Leader in all our activities of daily life! Amen!

Gospel: Mark 10: 35-45

James and John came to Jesus and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” (35)

It is the boldness of James and John that strikes me here today! This boldness would come from a relationship similar to that of children with their parents. Just like little children would not hesitate in asking anything from their mother or father; a similar bond seems to be reflected in this conversation with their Lord and Master!

“But to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.” (40)

Jesus replies here, yet again, with an unmatched humility! The Son of God could surely make his own choices, but HE didn’t! The Lord of His Kingdom functioned from a state of humility!

“And whoever wishes to be first among you, must be slave of all.” (44)

Thus, setting out the code of conduct under His Kingship, Christ makes humility the core value for his disciples!

“For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (45)

Jesus Christ fulfills Is.53:11 in this proclamation! HE has been saving many and continues to save us today! May we have a bond with Him, like that of James’ and John’s! He encourages us today to approach him in boldness, for our every desire! He sympathizes with us in all our weaknesses (of mind, soul, flesh, and spirit) for he has walked this path before us. He knows our human nature, so calls us to find rest in HIM! (Matt. 11:28)  We are then refreshed by his cool, quiet pools of saving grace (Ps.23). We are called to dust off our old selves, pick up the reins and saddle up for another victorious march!

For, our War has already been Won by Our Master, we need to realign our dueling strategies in faith and boldness! Amen!

In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Also Read: Mass Readings for 10 October 2021

First Reading: Wisdom 7: 7-11

Solomon’s Secret!

I loved her more than health and beauty, and I chose to have her rather than light because her radiance never ceases. (10)

All good things came to me along with her, and in her hands uncounted wealth. (11)

King Solomon was the richest and wisest man on Earth! Today’s passage is titled Solomon’s Respect for Wisdom in the NRSV Bible. From his expression here, we are able to gauge how much King Solomon revered Wisdom.

In a world racing after glory, glamour, and riches, we learn a valuable and time-tested lesson here today. If we only turn our hearts to seek true Wisdom, we would gain much more than we actually do. Because in Wisdom we would then walk each step with discernment and peace.

“But first strive for the kingdom of God and all His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Mt.6:33)

But seeking wisdom to gain wealth or otherworldly acclaim must never be the aim. Our humble and contrite hearts must come to the throne of Wisdom every time. For without HIM, we can do nothing. (Jn 15:5)

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 90: 12-13, 14-15, 16-17

True Prosperity Comes from The Lord!

So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart. (12)

Make us glad as many days as you have afflicted us, and as many years as we have seen evil. (15)

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us and prosper for us the work of our hands- O prosper for us the work of our hands. (17)

While making bold requests of the Lord, let us wisely utilize our days. May all our dexterity and nimbleness, find favor with the Lord so that HE may bless all our work! Amen!

Second Reading: Hebrews 4: 12-13

ALERT: Source of Wisdom Found!

Indeed the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (12)

The Word of God, the scriptures that we are reflecting on today; hold the treasures of the universe! It is written a few verses before this passage, “Today if you hear his voice harden not your hearts.” (7) It is the voice we hear every time, every day, sometimes many times a day; – the voice we try to ignore! But, to truly discern the voice of Wisdom, we will need to be rooted in HIS word. Reading and reflecting on the Bible daily as a practice is the only way we may hope to attain true insight.

Yet, even as the author mentions here; not all that hear the Word will be able to accept it. Then, it is our soil that we need to till! The seed that God plants in our hearts through HIS Word, will bear fruit only in the contrite, tear-soaked soil of our souls!

Gospel: Mark 10: 17-30

Wisdom Speaks!

Jesus looking at him loved him and said, “You lack one thing, go and sell what you own and give the money to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come follow me.” (21)

Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible. (27)

The rich man lacked something, yet Jesus loved him! Similarly, Christ loves each one of us, whether we choose to make the right choices or not!

With all the riches and might available to man, no human can do what God can – God went to the cross for us mortals and sinners! Only HE can show us our blocks! What are the blocks in our path to Wisdom? Is it our perseverance? Is it our ego? Or is it really our ignorance? We must remember, ignorance begins with ignoring, ignoring the Voice of Wisdom!

May we heed the Voice of our Good Shepherd today! Amen!

TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Also Read: Mass Readings for 03 October 2021

First Reading: Genesis 2: 18-24

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make a helper as his partner.”

God in His wisdom and might, could very well have created another human being without having to take the rib from Adam. But why did he choose to do so? Because the man could from his own free will proclaim: “bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh.” (23) So, the woman is a helper but no less a partner too!

Man named all the animals that God created. (20) What names do we call ourselves or others?

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 128: 1-2, 3, 4-5, 6

Happy is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways. You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be happy and it shall go well with you. (1-2)

Therefore, have true fear of the Lord and remain faithful to him. Commit all your works in gratitude and your efforts will be blessed.

Amen!

Second Reading: Hebrews 2: 9-11

We do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels… (9)

Christ was made perfect through his sufferings! (10) And yet, he calls us his brothers and sisters! (11)

May we remember to respect our positions as children of God more and work, act and think as would be befitting to us! Amen!

Gospel: Mark 10: 2-16

But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. (14)

Did Christ give the commandment about divorce (11-12); in order to safeguard children? Because in a broken family, it is the children who suffer life-long trauma.

Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child, will not enter it. (15)

When little children connect with others, whether peers or adults; it’s usually with an open, genuine and honest heart! Jesus wants us to accept the Kingdom of God with this humble and pure spirit! May we persevere in building up such a spirit within us!

Amen!