One cannot give what one does not possessFeast of St Bartholomew, Apostle: Saturday 24th August 2019Rev. 21:9-14; Ps. 145(144):10-11,12-13,17-18; Jn. 1:45-51 (Ps Wk IV) The Entrance Antiphon today sums up the life and work of an Apostle. An Apostle must “day after day proclaim the salvation of the Lord” and “proclaim his glory to all…
Lord, help me to love you and others as you love20th Week in Ordinary Time: Friday 23rd August 2019St Rose of Lima, virgin Ruth. 1:1,3-6,14-16,22; Ps. 146(145):5-7,8-10; Mt. 22:34-40 (Ps Wk IV) Due to famine, Elimelech, Naomi and their sons left Bethlehem and went to Moab. Elimelech died, the sons married Moabite women and then…
Mary, Queen of Heaven, pray for usThe Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Thursday 22nd August 2019Is. 9:1-6; Ps. 113(112):1-2,3-4,5-6,7-8; Lk. 1:26-38 (Ps Wk IV) The Annunciation account carries a powerful message. It is about Jesus’ identity and God’s plan of salvation for the world. It is about Jesus being fully human and fully divine.…
St Pius X, Pope20th Week in Ordinary Time: Wednesday 21st August 2019Jdg. 9:6-15; Ps. 21(20):2-3,4-5,6-7; Mt. 20:1-16 (Ps Wk IV) The fable, in the first reading, by Jotham reflects a strong rejection of the institution of the monarchy. While the olive, fig and vibe are common but are considered prized trees in Palestine, the buckthorn,…
St Bernard, Abbot and doctor20th Week in Ordinary Time: Tuesday 20th August 2019Jdg. 6:11-24; Ps. 85(84):9,11-12,13-14; Mt. 19:23-30 “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Some people have felt that Jesus is talking nonsense. There is no…
Lord, help us increase our sacrificial giving to the poor20th Week in Ordinary Time: Monday 19th August 2019St John Eudes, Priest Jdg. 2:11-19; Ps. 106(105):34-35,36-37, 39-40,43,44; Mt. 19:16-22 (Ps Wk IV) When asked how to achieve everlasting life, Jesus lists those commandments which deal with our relations to other people; he does not mention the…
Lord, grant me courage and perseverance20th Week in Ordinary Time: Sunday 18th August 201920th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C) Jer. 38:4-5,8-10; Ps. 40(39):2,3,4,18; Heb. 12:1-4; Lk. 12:49-53 (Ps Wk IV Those who follow the law of God usually don’t have an easy time. Jeremiah certainly didn’t — he tried to tell Israel’s leaders the truth…
Is there any idol in my life…a habit or relationship that competes with God to be the center of my life? 19th Week in Ordinary Time: Saturday 17th August 2019Josh 24:1-13; Ps. 136(135):1,2,3,16,17,18,21,22,24; Mt. 19:3-12 (Ps Wk III) What is the biggest decision you have ever made? Are you happy with what you chose? Today…
St Stephen of Hungary19th Week in Ordinary Time: Friday 16th August 2019Josh 24:1-13; Ps. 136(135):1,2,3,16,17,18,21,22,24; Mt. 19:3-12 (Ps Wk III) The reading and the gospel for today are about commitments. The former is about God’s commitment to the Israelites from the time of Abraham’s father, Terah, to the time of Joshua. Despite their many transgressions,…
Hail! Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with theeFEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION OF OUR LADY: Thursday 15th August 2019Rev. 11:19; 12:1-6,10; Ps. 45(44):10,11,12,16; 1 Cor. 15:20-26; Lk. 1:39-56 (Psalter Proper) Evil, injustice, hatred, and negativity can seem overwhelming. The world can be a scary and nerve-wracking place in which to live. There are many…