Luke 9:51-56
51 When the days for Jesus to be taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, 52 and he sent messengers ahead of him. On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, 53 but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” 55 Jesus turned and rebuked them, 56 and they journeyed to another village.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
GOSPEL READING TODAY - Luke 9:46-50 (Against Ambition)
Luke 9: 46 - 50
46 And an argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest.
47 But when Jesus perceived the thought of their hearts, he took a child and put him by his side,
48 and said to them, "Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me; for he who is least among you all is the one who is great."
49 John answered, "Master, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he does not follow with us."
50 But Jesus said to him, "Do not forbid him; for he that is not against you is for you."
46 And an argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest.
47 But when Jesus perceived the thought of their hearts, he took a child and put him by his side,
48 and said to them, "Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me; for he who is least among you all is the one who is great."
49 John answered, "Master, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he does not follow with us."
50 But Jesus said to him, "Do not forbid him; for he that is not against you is for you."
Sunday, September 25, 2011
GOSPEL READING TODAY - Matthew 21:28-32 (THE BETTER OF TWO BAD SONS)
28 Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people: “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. 30 The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. 31 Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. 32 When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.”
Friday, September 23, 2011
GOSPEL READING TODAY - Peter's Profession of Faith
Luke 9:18-22
18 Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’” 20 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.” 21 He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone. 22 He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”
18 Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’” 20 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.” 21 He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone. 22 He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
PROOF OF LOVE
The proof of love is in the works. Where love exists, it works great things. But when it ceases to act, it ceases to exist.
-- Pope St. Gregory the Great
-- Pope St. Gregory the Great
GOSPEL READING TODAY - The Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle, Evangelist
Matthew 9:9-13
9 As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. 10 While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. 11 The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. 13 Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
9 As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. 10 While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. 11 The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. 13 Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
Sunday, September 18, 2011
WHAT MATTERS IS THE MOTIVATION - By: Fr. Sandy V. Enhaynes
This parable offers us a lot of lessons (Today's Mass Reading - Matthew 20:1-16).
First, it teaches us to be charitable. Slaves and servants are better off because they can eat with or after their masters. But day laborers only get to eat when they earn from a day’s work. Their presence in the marketplace, still searching for work at the final hour of day, reflects desperation. So even if it would mean that the household owner would be in the losing end, he still hired them. What matters for the household owner was that the jobless have something to get by for the day.
Second, it teaches us to be humble. The household owner represents God and the workers are the beneficiaries of God’s benevolence. In the end, it is not about what we think we deserve but what God thinks we deserve. If we are to understand how the workers who came early in the day reacted, we will see that their minds were operating on the premise that they have done much and therefore should be paid as much. But we have to accept the fact that, as creatures of God, we are just at the receiving end. We need to be humble in accepting what God would deem fit for us.
Next, it teaches us to be more accepting of others, especially those who came much later than we do. This clearly speaks to the old-timers who act as if they own the church, who develop pride simply because they were the pioneers and as such have the right to everything. It also teaches us how to understand and value the work that we do for God. The first group worked because they knew that they would be given the compensation agreed upon. The workers who were invited last didn’t have to agree to anything. They just worked and left their fate to the household owner. This tells us that, in the end, it is not the work that we do for God that matters but what motivates us. Do we serve Him because we know we will be justly compensated in the end?
First, it teaches us to be charitable. Slaves and servants are better off because they can eat with or after their masters. But day laborers only get to eat when they earn from a day’s work. Their presence in the marketplace, still searching for work at the final hour of day, reflects desperation. So even if it would mean that the household owner would be in the losing end, he still hired them. What matters for the household owner was that the jobless have something to get by for the day.
Second, it teaches us to be humble. The household owner represents God and the workers are the beneficiaries of God’s benevolence. In the end, it is not about what we think we deserve but what God thinks we deserve. If we are to understand how the workers who came early in the day reacted, we will see that their minds were operating on the premise that they have done much and therefore should be paid as much. But we have to accept the fact that, as creatures of God, we are just at the receiving end. We need to be humble in accepting what God would deem fit for us.
Next, it teaches us to be more accepting of others, especially those who came much later than we do. This clearly speaks to the old-timers who act as if they own the church, who develop pride simply because they were the pioneers and as such have the right to everything. It also teaches us how to understand and value the work that we do for God. The first group worked because they knew that they would be given the compensation agreed upon. The workers who were invited last didn’t have to agree to anything. They just worked and left their fate to the household owner. This tells us that, in the end, it is not the work that we do for God that matters but what motivates us. Do we serve Him because we know we will be justly compensated in the end?
Saturday, September 17, 2011
TODAY'S MASS READING - Feast of the Sacred Stigmata of Saint Francis of Assisi
Luke 9: 23 - 26
23 And he said to all, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
24 For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it.
25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?
26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
23 And he said to all, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
24 For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it.
25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?
26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Sorrows Are Opportunities - By: Fr. Benny Tuazon
This feast refers to the sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Mother of God. It gives the message that Mary, as a mother and a disciple, was not spared from pains and miseries. And if the Mother of God herself experienced them, then we, too, will experience sorrow in following the will of God. But we know, as in the case of the Blessed Virgin, that this is not the end by itself but an opportunity to show our faith in God. Her seven sorrows provide the milieu for the exposure of the devil’s ways and how it will be defeated by faith and God’s power. In all her sorrows, Mary encountered a lot of temptations to abandon the mission given to her by God. The temptation to just get away from these sorrows was very attractive. But Mary endured them all. She stuck to her commitment that God’s will be done. And so, together with her Son, they came out victorious!
We will encounter thousands of sorrows in our lifetime. But there are some sorrows which are crucial in our lives. We, like Mary, must show our faithfulness to God through our sorrows. Rather than be affected by them, let us use them against the very source of those sorrows.
One of my sorrows was when the donor of the main door of our church backed out because I did not grant his request to put the names of his late relatives along the edges. I told him about the consequences of his request. That instead of being honored, his relatives might be dishonored by comments of others who don’t think it’s appropriate. I also reminded him of the real essence of giving, that is, to ask for nothing in return. But my explanations were not enough for him. I was sad because we lost a donor, but happy because we stood by our principles. I gave that donor the opportunity to do an authentically good deed but he declined.
I did not lose hope. I knew that God will provide. And true to my hope, a group of people decided to raise the money for the door among themselves. They heard about what happened between me and the donor and they agreed with my decision. And they committed to provide the money needed. Sorrow turned into joy!
Reflection Question:
Recall some of your recent sorrows. How have you made use of them as opportunities to show your faithfulness to God?
Lord Jesus, help me to always believe that our sorrows will turn into joy — in Your time.
St. Ribert, pray for us.
We will encounter thousands of sorrows in our lifetime. But there are some sorrows which are crucial in our lives. We, like Mary, must show our faithfulness to God through our sorrows. Rather than be affected by them, let us use them against the very source of those sorrows.
One of my sorrows was when the donor of the main door of our church backed out because I did not grant his request to put the names of his late relatives along the edges. I told him about the consequences of his request. That instead of being honored, his relatives might be dishonored by comments of others who don’t think it’s appropriate. I also reminded him of the real essence of giving, that is, to ask for nothing in return. But my explanations were not enough for him. I was sad because we lost a donor, but happy because we stood by our principles. I gave that donor the opportunity to do an authentically good deed but he declined.
I did not lose hope. I knew that God will provide. And true to my hope, a group of people decided to raise the money for the door among themselves. They heard about what happened between me and the donor and they agreed with my decision. And they committed to provide the money needed. Sorrow turned into joy!
Reflection Question:
Recall some of your recent sorrows. How have you made use of them as opportunities to show your faithfulness to God?
Lord Jesus, help me to always believe that our sorrows will turn into joy — in Your time.
St. Ribert, pray for us.
QUOTATION from Booker T. Washington
If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. - Booker T. Washington
GOSPEL READING TODAY - Our Lady of Sorrows (Memorial)
John 19:25-27 or Luke 2:33-35
25 Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
25 Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
GOSPEL READING TODAY - THE FEAST OF EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
John 3: 13 - 17
13 No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man.
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up,
15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life."
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have
eternal life.
17 For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.
13 No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man.
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up,
15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life."
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have
eternal life.
17 For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.
The Cross Is Victory - By: Fr. Benny Tuazon
Today’s feast brings meaning not only to the recovery of the parts of the Cross but to its real essence as the main symbol God used in saving us. The Cross, representing the most scandalous, absurd, painful and difficult way to die, had become a symbol of love, life and salvation. A miracle (at least for the faithful of St. Alphonsus Parish in Magallanes Village, Makati City) happened when our parish church got burned. The fire gutted everything except for the wooden cross at the church entrance. The cross wasn’t spared by the fire but its main features were still visible. Many saw it as a miracle, another triumph of the cross against destruction. It was the triumph of the cross for the faith!
While the new church was being constructed, the cross was placed in the bahay kubo, our makeshift church. It served as our cross for all the Masses held there. Everyone going to Mass, recognizing what it had gone through, would pass by it, utter some prayers, kiss it, or hold it. It has become a source of strength for everyone, an inspiration for all the challenges and sufferings we encounter in life. The cross is a living testimony to the power of God!
When the new church was finished, it was placed on the side where people can have access to it. It was hard to decide where to put it, but where it is now seems to be the perfect place. People continue to visit it and others, in fact, had developed a devotion to it. Today, whenever I look at that cross, I remember the difficulties we had in the reconstruction of our church. Sometimes I ask myself how I was able to go through them. The cross gave me the answer. Sufferings, challenges and even death are not the ultimate destiny of life. We will all go through them and more. In the same way that the Lord Jesus defeated death on the cross, we, too, in faith and with the Lord, will also be victorious over all. The cross no longer represents defeat but triumph, not death but life, not hate but love, and not damnation but salvation!
Reflection Question:
What does the Cross of Christ mean to me?
Lord, we cannot bear our life’s crosses without You. With You, we know we will always be victorious.
St. Crescentian, pray for us.
While the new church was being constructed, the cross was placed in the bahay kubo, our makeshift church. It served as our cross for all the Masses held there. Everyone going to Mass, recognizing what it had gone through, would pass by it, utter some prayers, kiss it, or hold it. It has become a source of strength for everyone, an inspiration for all the challenges and sufferings we encounter in life. The cross is a living testimony to the power of God!
When the new church was finished, it was placed on the side where people can have access to it. It was hard to decide where to put it, but where it is now seems to be the perfect place. People continue to visit it and others, in fact, had developed a devotion to it. Today, whenever I look at that cross, I remember the difficulties we had in the reconstruction of our church. Sometimes I ask myself how I was able to go through them. The cross gave me the answer. Sufferings, challenges and even death are not the ultimate destiny of life. We will all go through them and more. In the same way that the Lord Jesus defeated death on the cross, we, too, in faith and with the Lord, will also be victorious over all. The cross no longer represents defeat but triumph, not death but life, not hate but love, and not damnation but salvation!
Reflection Question:
What does the Cross of Christ mean to me?
Lord, we cannot bear our life’s crosses without You. With You, we know we will always be victorious.
St. Crescentian, pray for us.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
GOSPEL READING TODAY - THE WIDOW'S SON
Luke 7:11-17
11 Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. 12 As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. 16 Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.” 17 This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region.
Reflections:
Let us pray for all those who minister in the Catholic Church so that, through their lives, they may give a wholesome witness to the Gospel.
11 Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. 12 As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. 16 Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.” 17 This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region.
Reflections:
Let us pray for all those who minister in the Catholic Church so that, through their lives, they may give a wholesome witness to the Gospel.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary - By: Fr. Benny Tuazon
Happy Birthday, My Mother, My Model!
She is the Mother of God. She is the perfect disciple. She is a woman of faith. She is a model of Christian living.
The devotion to Mother Mary ranges from the most basic to the most sublime. Her being an intercessor goes as far as seeing her as a giver of grace, either from her own or from her Son. This is one of the reasons why other religions would attack our faith as idolatrous. While there is some truth to the accusation that some of our faithful almost worship our Blessed Mother, the Catholic faith never teaches that she is God, a salvific grace-giver, or a necessary conduit for the grace of God. That title and capacity is given only to Jesus our Lord and Savior.
Even as a priest, I would not consider myself as a die-hard Marian devotee. My relationship to her is because of her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. It is clear to me that she cannot save me but she can show me the way. She does not give me grace but she can show me how to avail of it from her Son. She is not God but she bore God in her human womb. I do not look up to her in prayer but feel her by my side praying with me. In moments of need, sorrow, decision, failure and other dire situations, she inspires, comforts, encourages and joins me. She is a mother to me, too.
As a young priest, I was invited by a family who regularly goes to the Carmel Church in Lipa, the home of the famous apparition, Mary Mediatrix of All Graces, through then Sister Teresing Castillo. That first visit to Carmel attracted me to the devotion. Since then, together with that family, I would visit and hear Mass there at 6:00 a.m. every first Saturday. The devotion became a part of my spiritual life. The regular monthly visit to the church has helped me go through all the challenges of my ministry and personal life. It has given me peace amidst some turbulent events in my life. I am always confident knowing that every first Saturday at Carmel, our Blessed Mother would join me in approaching her Son.
As Christians, we do not just wallow in our membership to the faith by virtue of our baptism. Like Mary, we should also live it — to the full!
Happy Birthday, Mother Mary!
Reflection Question:
What is the role of Mother Mary in your life?
Jesus, thank You for giving us Your mother to lead us to You.
St. Kingsmark, pray for us.
HAVE FAITH & TRUST IN GOD
Many times, problems seem permanent. Your problems may look like mountains because they’re big and they’re immovable. But they’re not. All problems are temporary. I am permanent. And so is my love for you. - GOD
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE
The most wasted day of all is a day in which we have not laughed". Whole-hearted laughter is a re-creation, a celebration, a creative impulse that encourages us to take the moment playfully. Laughter can transform an ordinary moment into something extraordinary; it can energize us and optimize us; it can conjure up a blessing from any burden. Above all, the spirit of laughter beckons us to live fully, now, this moment, today.
Laughter is the shortest distance between two people". Whole-hearted laughter teaches love. inspires hope, preaches tolerance and encourages contact and communication. True humor inspires true humanity.
Laughter is the shortest distance between two people". Whole-hearted laughter teaches love. inspires hope, preaches tolerance and encourages contact and communication. True humor inspires true humanity.
GOSPEL READING TODAY - LUKE 6:20-26 (The Great Discourse)
Luke 6:20-26
20 Raising his eyes toward his disciples Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours. 21 Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. 22 Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. 23 Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way. 24 But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. 25 But woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep. 26 Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.”
Reflections
Think: We should no longer live as unbelievers who give no thought to God, but by the power of the cross put to death the evil passions and desires in our hearts.
20 Raising his eyes toward his disciples Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours. 21 Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. 22 Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. 23 Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way. 24 But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. 25 But woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep. 26 Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.”
Reflections
Think: We should no longer live as unbelievers who give no thought to God, but by the power of the cross put to death the evil passions and desires in our hearts.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
GOSPEL READING TODAY - Luke 6:12-19 (Choice of the Twelve)
Luke 6:12-19
12 Jesus departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. 13 When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named apostles: 14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, 16 and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. 17 And he came down with them and stood on a stretch of level ground. A great crowd of his disciples and a large number of the people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon 18 came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and even those who were tormented by unclean spirits were cured. 19 Everyone in the crowd sought to touch him because power came forth from him and healed them all.
Reflections
Like Jesus, we need to pray fervently before we make any major decisions in our lives so that we will be guided by God to make the right one.
12 Jesus departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. 13 When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named apostles: 14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, 16 and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. 17 And he came down with them and stood on a stretch of level ground. A great crowd of his disciples and a large number of the people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon 18 came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and even those who were tormented by unclean spirits were cured. 19 Everyone in the crowd sought to touch him because power came forth from him and healed them all.
Reflections
Like Jesus, we need to pray fervently before we make any major decisions in our lives so that we will be guided by God to make the right one.
Monday, September 5, 2011
FAITH AND SACRED SCRIPTURE - Qoutation from St. Francis of Assisi
It is good to read the testimonies of Scripture; it is good to seek the Lord our God in them. As for me, however, I have already made so much of Scripture my own that I have more than enough to meditate on and turn over in my mind. I need no more . .. I know Christ, the poor crucified One.
St. Francis of Assisi
GOSPEL READING TODAY - Luke 6:6-11 (The Disciples & the Sabbath)
Luke 6:6-11
6 On a certain sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. 7 The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the Sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse him. 8 But he realized their intentions and said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up and stand before us.” And he rose and stood there. 9 Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” 10 Looking around at them all, he then said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so and his hand was restored. 11 But they became enraged and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.
6 On a certain sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. 7 The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the Sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse him. 8 But he realized their intentions and said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up and stand before us.” And he rose and stood there. 9 Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” 10 Looking around at them all, he then said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so and his hand was restored. 11 But they became enraged and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
God's Message Today
Don’t think that serving Me means you have to be a missionary or preach to others or serve in a community. You can serve me where you are today. In your home. At your workplace. Among the people you deal with every day. Unless you learn to serve, you’ll never be happy.
From: Your Loving God
From: Your Loving God
GOSPEL READING TODAY - Matthew 18:15-20 - Fraternal Correction
Matthew 18: 15 - 20
15 "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
15 "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Qoutation from Martin Luther King Jr.
"We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
GOSPEL READING TODAY - Luke 6:1-5 - The Disciples & the Sabbath
Luke 6:1-5
1 While Jesus was going through a field of grain on a sabbath, his disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them. 2 Some Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” 3 Jesus said to them in reply, “Have you not read what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry? 4 How he went into the house of God, took the bread of offering, which only the priests could lawfully eat, ate of it, and shared it with his companions.” 5 Then he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.”
1 While Jesus was going through a field of grain on a sabbath, his disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them. 2 Some Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” 3 Jesus said to them in reply, “Have you not read what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry? 4 How he went into the house of God, took the bread of offering, which only the priests could lawfully eat, ate of it, and shared it with his companions.” 5 Then he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.”
Friday, September 2, 2011
QUOTE OF THE DAY - St. Francis de Sales
[God] does not want each person to keep all the counsels, but only those appropriate to the diversity of persons, times, opportunities, and strengths, as charity requires; for it is charity, as queen of all virtues, all commandments, all counsels, and, in short, of all laws and all Christian actions that gives to all of them their rank, order, time, and value.
St. Francis de Sales
St. Francis de Sales
GOSPEL READING TODAY - Luke 5:33-39 - The Question of Fasting
Luke 5:33-39
33 The scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, “The disciples of John the Baptist fast often and offer prayers, and the disciples of the Pharisees do the same; but yours eat and drink.” 34 Jesus answered them, “Can you make the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? 35 But the days will come, and when the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast in those days.” 36 And he also told them a parable. “No one tears a piece from a new cloak to patch an old one. Otherwise, he will tear the new and the piece from it will not match the old cloak. 37 Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled, and the skins will be ruined. 38 Rather, new wine must be poured into fresh wineskins. 39 And no one who has been drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good.’ ”
read the Bible
33 The scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, “The disciples of John the Baptist fast often and offer prayers, and the disciples of the Pharisees do the same; but yours eat and drink.” 34 Jesus answered them, “Can you make the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? 35 But the days will come, and when the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast in those days.” 36 And he also told them a parable. “No one tears a piece from a new cloak to patch an old one. Otherwise, he will tear the new and the piece from it will not match the old cloak. 37 Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled, and the skins will be ruined. 38 Rather, new wine must be poured into fresh wineskins. 39 And no one who has been drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good.’ ”
read the Bible
Thursday, September 1, 2011
QUOTE OF THE DAY - POPE ST. LEO THE GREAT
The faith of those who live their faith is a serene faith. What you long for will be given you; what you love will be yours for ever. Since it is by giving alms that everything is pure for you, you will also receive that blessing which is promised next by the Lord: the Godhead that no man has been able to see. In the inexpressible joy of this eternal vision, human nature will possess what eye has not seen or ear heard, what man's heart has never conceived.
Pope St. Leo the Great
Pope St. Leo the Great
QUOTE OF THE DAY FROM ST. FRANCIS ASSISI
Remember when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received - only what you have given: A heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage. -- Saint Francis of Assisi
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