Gospel Matthew 18:1-5, 10 Their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father. The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.     “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.” Reflection Jesus said unless you become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of God. What are the qualities of a children ? 1. Innocence like a piece of white cloth not tainted. 2. Frank in their opinion. They speak their mind. 3. They are very much loved . 4. They are hungry ...

Gospel Matthew 21:28–32 He changed his mind and went. Tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of heaven before you. 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.’ He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. 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. 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.” Reflection Jesus shared with us a story of h...

Gospel Luke 9:43b-45 The Son of Man is to be handed over to men. They were afraid to ask him about this saying. While they were all amazed at his every deed, Jesus said to his disciples, “Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying. Reflection This reading Jesus surrendered himself to man . This reading share with us three things. Firstly it is about humility of our lord to allow himself to be surrendered to mankind. Secondly we will never understand unless we pray for God revelation. GOD 's plan is not our plan .Are we humble in our way ? Do we pray for God to guide us on his plan. Let us pray Lord Jesus when you said you will be surrendered to mankind your disciples could not understand. Today we live in this world where we could not understand how we should be your...

Gospel John 1:47-51 You will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man. Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” Reflection Jesus called and nathaniel became a disciple . He told him you will see greater things. Today God call us by our name . He wants us to join him to see him in eternal glory. We n...

Gospel Luke 9:7-9 John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things? Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, “John has been raised from the dead”; others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.” But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see him. Reflection Jesus work of evangelisation preceed him   until a person of authority like Herod also begin to wonder. This reading gives us a message when proclaiming the word of God it may bring unwanted attention This unwanted attention may result in persecution. Are we willing to face the persecution ? Let us pray Lord Jesus you have shown us by being your witness we are faced with persecution. Grant us the strength to  continue to be disciples of the word despite the obstacles and...

Gospel Luke 9:1-6 He sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.” Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere. Reflection The day we are baptise Jesus has given us authority to proclaim the kingdom of God and pray for healing for our neighbours . However there are many who do not use this authority because of fear,lack of faith and conform to the way of the world. How is our faith? Are we using this authority...

Gospel Luke 8:19-21 My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it. The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” Reflection My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it . Like the parable the of the seed our Lord Jesus remind us the importance word of God  and act on it . Do we read the word of God. Do we act by practicing the word of God and sharing the word of God. Let us pray Lord Jesus you remind us the importance of the word of God and to act on it. Many days in our life we do not read the bible even though it is food for the soul . Grant we pray that we will have the discipline to read the word and act on it . Amen

Gospel Luke 8:16-18 A lamp is placed on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. Jesus said to the crowd: “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.” Reflection The purpose of the lamp is to brighten up a place which is dark. Imagine a room totally in darkness.  Suddenly we light up the oil lamp to brighten up the room. What is the significant of this passage. The light represent. When we choose to be disciples of Christ we choose to be in the light . That light must continue to shine so that it will be a beacon of hope. Let us pray Lord Jesus you talk about the lamp that gives ...

Gospel Matthew 20:1–16a Are you envious because I am generous? Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. Going out about nine o’clock, the landowner saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’ So they went off. And he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and did likewise. Going out about five o’clock, the landowner found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’ When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the la...

Gospel Luke 8:4-15 As for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who embrace the word and bear much fruit through perseverance. When a large crowd gathered, with people from one town after another journeying to Jesus, he spoke in a parable. “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path and was trampled, and the birds of the sky ate it up. Some seed fell on rocky ground, and when it grew, it withered for lack of moisture. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some seed fell on good soil, and when it grew, it produced fruit a hundredfold.” After saying this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.”     Then his disciples asked him what the meaning of this parable might be. He answered, “Knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God has been granted to you; but to the rest, they are made known through parables so that they may look but not s...

Gospel Luke 8:1-3 Accompanying them were some women, who provided for them out of their resources. Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources. Reflection Christ went from town to town proclaiming the word of God. Following are a group who were lost but were saved. Thirdly many also donated . Today Christ expect us to share about him. There are many lost and hungry souls out there. If we cant proclaim we can help by donating our resources. Let us pray. Lord Jesus as during your time there are many lost and hungry souls. The labourers are few but the harvest is great. Grant send more labourers to ccollect the harvest. Grant also donor...

P Gospel Matthew 9:9-13 Follow me. And he got up and followed him. 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. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” Reflection Jesus said to Mathew ,come follow me. He sat with tax collectors and sinners which upset the pharisees . Jesus said no healthy people need a doctor Today this message means Jesus is still calling people to follow him. His door is always open to everyone including sinners. As witnesses we are responsible to share th...

Gospel Luke 7:31-35 We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep. Jesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance.     We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’ For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.” Reflection In this reading was talking about the generation. Firstly they are not interested in the word of God. Secondly they are very critical . Everything said and done are wrong. Today what we face is no different. We have many who do not know the wor...

Gospel Luke 7:11-17 Young man, I tell you, arise! Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. 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. When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.” This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region. Reflection The only son of the widow died . Jesus took pity and raised him from the dead. This passage shows Jesus has authority. ...

Gospel Luke 7:1-10 Not even in Israel have I found such faith. When Jesus had finished all his words to the people, he entered Capernaum. A centurion there had a slave who was ill and about to die, and he was valuable to him. When he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and save the life of his slave. They approached Jesus and strongly urged him to come, saying, “He deserves to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation and he built the synagogue for us.” And Jesus went with them, but when he was only a short distance from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof. Therefore, I did not consider myself worthy to come to you; but say the word and let my servant be healed. For I too am a person subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come here, and he comes; and to my slave,...

Gospel Matthew 18:21–35 I say to you, forgive not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. That is why the kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’ Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and star...

Gospel Luke 6:43-49 Why do you call me, “Lord, Lord,” but do not do what I command? Jesus said to his disciples: “A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For people do not pick figs from thornbushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles. A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.     “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I command? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, listens to my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when the flood came, the river burst against that house but could not shake it because it had been well built. But the one who listens and does not act is like a person who built a house on the ...

Gospel John 19:25-27 How that loving mother was pierced with grief and anguish when she saw the sufferings of her Son (Stabat Mater). Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. Reflection I can still picture there was Jesus on the cross in agony and about to die. Despite all this he was still able to ask our mother Mary to take the disciples as her sons and to the disciples her mother. To me that moment is a moment of love. When we are faced with trials and obstacles are we able to express love? If we cant, go back to this passage. Let us pray Oh Lord Jesus  by telling our Mother Mary and the disciples they are now mother and son despite suffering on the...

Gospel John 3:13-17 So the Son of Man must be lifted up. Jesus said to Nicodemus: “No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”     For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Reflection For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.This is one of the most famous quote in the bible. The most important part to me is those who believe will not perish but have eternal life. Here again the gospel stress on believe or faith. How strong is our faith? Is it strong enough for ...

Gospel Luke 6:20-26 Blessed are you who are poor. Woe to you who are rich. Raising his eyes toward his disciples Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor,     for the Kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry,     for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping,     for you will laugh. 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. 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. But woe to you who are rich,     for you have received your consolation. 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. Woe to you when all speak well o...

Gospel Luke 6:12-19 He spent the night in prayer. He chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles. Jesus departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.     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 came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and even those who were tormented by unclean spirits were cured. Everyone in the crowd sought to touch him because power came forth from him and healed them all. Do you pray before Reflection. Jesus pla...

Gospel Luke 6:6-11 The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the sabbath. On a certain sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. 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. 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. 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?” Looking around at them all, he then said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so and his hand was restored. But they became enraged and discussed together what they might do to Jesus. Reflection Jesus gave us an important lesson He has a good heart and he heal regardless of time and day. This reminds of a sh...

Gospel Matthew 18:15–20 If your brother or sister listens to you, you have won them over. Jesus said to his disciples: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that ‘every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. Amen, 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. Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Reflection Jesus talks about the i...

Gospel Luke 6:1-5 Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath? 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. Some Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Have you not read what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry? 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?” Then he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.” Reflection Jesus did two things. He stressed the importance of food as nourishment to give strength to do his work. Secondly he declare he is lord of the sabbath Jesus stress the need of food to give strength to his work. We must show our respect of the sabbath by paying homage once a week every sunday. Let us pray Oh God give us s...

Gospel Luke 5:1-11 They left everything and followed Jesus. While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that the boats were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “...

Alternative Gospel Matthew 1:18-23 For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,     and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us....

Gospel Luke 4:38-44 To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent. After Jesus left the synagogue, he entered the house of Simon. Simon’s mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever, and they interceded with him about her. He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up immediately and waited on them.     At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases brought them to him. He laid his hands on each of them and cured them. And demons also came out from many, shouting, “You are the Son of God.” But he rebuked them and did not allow them to speak because they knew that he was the Christ.     At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place. The crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him, they tried to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, “To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God, becau...

Gospel Luke 4:31-37 I know who you are–the Holy One of God! Jesus went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee. He taught them on the sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man with the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out in a loud voice, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Be quiet! Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down in front of them and came out of him without doing him any harm. They were all amazed and said to one another, “What is there about his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” And news of him spread everywhere in the surrounding region. Reflection The author of this reading wants to remind us Jesus spoke with authority . The devil recognise Jesus authority and remove th...

Gospel Luke 4:16-30 He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor. No prophet is accepted in his own native place. Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,     because he has anointed me     to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives     and recovery of sight to the blind,     to let the oppressed go free,     and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord. Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke highly of him and were amazed ...

Gospel Matthew 16:21–27 Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself. Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”     Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then h...

Gospel Matthew 25:14-30 Since you have been faithful in small matters, come, share your master’s joy. Jesus told his disciples this parable: “A man going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one– to each according to his ability. Then he went away. Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five. Likewise, the one who received two made another two. But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money. After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them. The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give y...

Gospel Matthew 24:42-51 Jesus said to his disciples: “Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.     “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so. Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is long delayed,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with drunkards, the servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely and assign him a place with ...