Gospel Matthew 9:14-15 When the bridegroom is taken from them, then they will fast John’s disciples came to Jesus and said, ‘Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not?’ Jesus replied, ‘Surely the bridegroom’s attendants would never think of mourning as long as the bridegroom is still with them? But the time will come for the bridegroom to be taken away from them, and then they will fast.’ Reflection Jesus presents himself as the bridegroom, bringing a new era of divine presence and joy. Fasting, a sign of mourning or longing, is inappropriate while he is physically present. His coming fulfills the old patterns of devotion. Yet he foreshadows his passion—a time when he will be “taken away.” Then fasting will find its meaning: an expression of longing for his return and of shared sorrow over his absence. This passage invites us to discern the seasons of God’s work—knowing when to feast in Christ’s presence and when to fast in hopeful anticipation. Qu...

Gospel Luke 9:22-25 Whoever loses his life for my sake will save it Jesus said to his disciples:     ‘The Son of Man is destined to suffer grievously, to be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes and to be put to death, and to be raised up on the third day.’     Then to all he said:     ‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross every day and follow me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake, that man will save it. What gain, then, is it for a man to have won the whole world and to have lost or ruined his very self?’ Reflection In this passage, Jesus reveals the paradoxical heart of discipleship: true life is found not in self-preservation but in surrender. He first foretells His own suffering, death, and resurrection, establishing the pattern. He then invites us into that same pattern—daily self-denial and cross-bearing. The world...

Gospel Matthew 6:1-6,16-18 Your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Be careful not to parade your good deeds before men to attract their notice; by doing this you will lose all reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give alms, do not have it trumpeted before you; this is what the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win men’s admiration. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you give alms, your left hand must not know what your right is doing; your almsgiving must be secret, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.     ‘And when you pray, do not imitate the hypocrites: they love to say their prayers standing up in the synagogues and at the street corners for people to see them; I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you pray, go to your private room and, when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in that secr...

Gospel Mark 8:14-21 Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod The disciples had forgotten to take any food and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. Then he gave them this warning, ‘Keep your eyes open; be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.’ And they said to one another, ‘It is because we have no bread.’ And Jesus knew it, and he said to them, ‘Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you not yet understand? Have you no perception? Are your minds closed? Have you eyes that do not see, ears that do not hear? Or do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves among the five thousand, how many baskets full of scraps did you collect?’ They answered, ‘Twelve.’ ‘And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many baskets full of scraps did you collect?’ And they answered, ‘Seven.’ Then he said to them, ‘Are you still without perception?’ Reflection Jesus warns the disciples not abo...

Gospel Mark 8:11-13 No sign shall be given to this generation The Pharisees came up and started a discussion with Jesus; they demanded of him a sign from heaven, to test him. And with a sigh that came straight from the heart he said, ‘Why does this generation demand a sign? I tell you solemnly, no sign shall be given to this generation.’ And leaving them again and re-embarking, he went away to the opposite shore. Reflection In demanding a sign, the Pharisees revealed hearts closed to the mystery already before them. Jesus’ sigh speaks of divine sorrow—not anger—at those who seek spectacle instead of faith. He had already healed, fed multitudes, and taught with authority, yet they asked for more proof. True faith does not require constant signs; it trusts in the quiet presence of God at work. Jesus’ refusal is an invitation to see with the eyes of trust, not of testing. Question Where in my life am I demanding a “sign” instead of trusting in God’s quiet presence? Prayer Lord...

Gospel Matthew 5:17-37 You have learnt how it was said to our ancestors; but I say this to you Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them. I tell you solemnly, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, not one little stroke, shall disappear from the Law until its purpose is achieved. Therefore, the man who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of heaven; but the man who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven.     ‘For I tell you, if your virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.     ‘You have learnt how it was said to our ancestors: You must not kill; and if anyone does kill he must answer for it before the court. But I say this to you: anyone who is ang...