Gospel Luke 9:57-62 'I will follow you wherever you go' As Jesus and his disciples travelled along they met a man on the road who said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ Jesus answered, ‘Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’     Another to whom he said, ‘Follow me’, replied, ‘Let me go and bury my father first.’ But he answered, ‘Leave the dead to bury their dead; your duty is to go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.’     Another said, ‘I will follow you, sir, but first let me go and say goodbye to my people at home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Once the hand is laid on the plough, no one who looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’ This passage from Luke challenges us to consider the cost and commitment of discipleship. Jesus calls for wholehearted dedication, warning that following Him means accepting uncertainty, urgency, and an uncompromising focus on God's kingdom, without d...

Gospel Luke 9:51-56 Jesus sets out for Jerusalem As the time drew near for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely took the road for Jerusalem and sent messengers ahead of him. These set out, and they went into a Samaritan village to make preparations for him, but the people would not receive him because he was making for Jerusalem. Seeing this, the disciples James and John said, ‘Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to burn them up?’ But he turned and rebuked them, and they went off to another village. Short Reflection In this passage, Jesus shows us that mission and mercy must walk hand in hand. As He journeys toward Jerusalem—fully aware of the suffering that awaits—He remains focused, yet gentle. When the Samaritans reject Him, His disciples react with fiery indignation, but Jesus rebukes them. He chooses peace over punishment, compassion over condemnation. This moment reminds us that rejection is not a detour from our calling—it’s part of the journ...

Gospel John 1:47-51 You will see heaven laid open, and the Son of Man When Jesus saw Nathanael coming he said of him, ‘There is an Israelite who deserves the name, incapable of deceit.’ ‘How do you know me?’ said Nathanael. ‘Before Philip came to call you,’ said Jesus ‘I saw you under the fig tree.’ Nathanael answered, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel.’ Jesus replied, ‘You believe that just because I said: I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.’ And then he added ‘I tell you most solemnly, you will see heaven laid open and, above the Son of Man, the angels of God ascending and descending.’ **Reflection:**   In this Gospel passage, Jesus reveals his divine knowledge of Nathanael, recognizing his sincerity and integrity. Nathanael’s honest response and declaration of Jesus as the Son of God show how encountering Jesus can inspire us to recognize his divine nature and our own need for faith. Jesus promises that t...

Gospel Luke 16:19-31 Dives and Lazarus Jesus said to the Pharisees: ‘There was a rich man who used to dress in purple and fine linen and feast magnificently every day. And at his gate there lay a poor man called Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to fill himself with the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even came and licked his sores. Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried.     ‘In his torment in Hades he looked up and saw Abraham a long way off with Lazarus in his bosom. So he cried out, “Father Abraham, pity me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in agony in these flames.” “My son,” Abraham replied “remember that during your life good things came your way, just as bad things came the way of Lazarus. Now he is being comforted here while you are in agony. But that is not all: between us and you a great gulf has been f...

Gospel Luke 9:43-45 They were afraid to ask him what he meant At a time when everyone was full of admiration for all he did, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘For your part, you must have these words constantly in your mind: “The Son of Man is going to be handed over into the power of men.”’ But they did not understand him when he said this; it was hidden from them so that they should not see the meaning of it, and they were afraid to ask him about what he had just said. **Reflection:**   In this passage, Jesus gently prepares his disciples for the difficult path ahead, reminding them of the suffering he will endure. Despite witnessing his miracles and teachings, they struggle to grasp the full meaning of his words, often feeling fear or confusion. Sometimes, God's plans are hidden from us in the moment, calling us to trust even when we do not fully understand. Jesus encourages us to keep his words in our hearts, especially when facing challenges, trusting that God's g...

Gospel Luke 9:18-22 'You are the Christ of God' One day when Jesus was praying alone in the presence of his disciples he put this question to them, ‘Who do the crowds say I am?’ And they answered, ‘John the Baptist; others Elijah; and others say one of the ancient prophets come back to life.’ ‘But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?’ It was Peter who spoke up. ‘The Christ of God’ he said. But he gave them strict orders not to tell anyone anything about this.     ‘The Son of Man’ he said ‘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.’ **Reflection:**   In this Gospel passage, Jesus invites His disciples—and us—to reflect on His true identity. While others may have seen Him as a prophet or a miracle-worker, Peter confesses Him as the Christ of God. However, Jesus also reveals the path He must walk—a journey of suffering, rejection, and death, culmina...

Gospel Luke 9:7-9 'John? I beheaded him; so who is this?' Herod the tetrarch had heard about all that was being done by Jesus; and he was puzzled, because some people were saying that John had risen from the dead, others that Elijah had reappeared, still others that one of the ancient prophets had come back to life. But Herod said, ‘John? I beheaded him. So who is this I hear such reports about?’ And he was anxious to see Jesus. **Reflection:**   In this passage, Herod’s confusion reflects a deeper human curiosity about Jesus’ true identity. Despite his previous actions, Herod recognizes that Jesus’ presence and the reports about Him are extraordinary. It reminds us that Jesus’ identity can sometimes be misunderstood or obscured, but ultimately, His life and mission reveal who He truly is—the Son of God. Like Herod, we are invited to seek understanding and to encounter Jesus personally, allowing His truth to clarify our perceptions. **Question for reflection:**...

Gospel Luke 9:1-6 'Take nothing for the journey' Jesus called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all devils and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, ‘Take nothing for the journey: neither staff, nor haversack, nor bread, nor money; and let none of you take a spare tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there; and when you leave, let it be from there. As for those who do not welcome you, when you leave their town shake the dust from your feet as a sign to them.’ So they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the Good News and healing everywhere. **Reflection:**   In today’s Gospel, Jesus instructs His disciples to go out without relying on worldly possessions—no staff, bread, money, or spare tunic. This teaches us the importance of trusting in God's provision and focusing on the mission rather than material security. It reminds us that sharing the Good News require...

Gospel Luke 8:19-21 'My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God' The mother and the brothers of Jesus came looking for him, but they could not get to him because of the crowd. He was told, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside and want to see you.’ But he said in answer, ‘My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and put it into practice.’ **Reflection:**   In this passage, Jesus expands the understanding of family beyond biological ties, emphasizing the importance of spiritual kinship. Those who hear and practice God's word become His true family. It reminds us that our relationship with God and our commitment to His teachings define our true belonging and identity as His children. **Question for Reflection:**   How am I actively listening to and living out the word of God in my daily life? **Short Prayer:**   Heavenly Father, help me to hear Your word with an open heart and to put it into practice....

Gospel Luke 8:16-18 Anyone who has will be given more Jesus said to the crowds:     ‘No one lights a lamp to cover it with a bowl or to put it under a bed. No, he puts it on a lamp-stand so that people may see the light when they come in. For nothing is hidden but it will be made clear, nothing secret but it will be known and brought to light. So take care how you hear; for anyone who has will be given more; from anyone who has not, even what he thinks he has will be taken away.’ Reflection This passage reminds us that the truth and gifts we receive are meant to be shared and illuminated rather than hidden away. When we embrace the light of Christ in our lives, it grows brighter, guiding others and revealing what was previously concealed. Conversely, neglecting or hiding our faith and talents can lead to their diminishment. Jesus encourages us to be attentive to how we receive and respond to His word, knowing that openness and faithfulness lead to greater understan...

. Gospel Luke 16:10-13 You cannot be the slave of both God and money Jesus said to his disciples: ‘The man who can be trusted in little things can be trusted in great; the man who is dishonest in little things will be dishonest in great. If then you cannot be trusted with money, that tainted thing, who will trust you with genuine riches? And if you cannot be trusted with what is not yours, who will give you what is your very own?     ‘No servant can be the slave of two masters: he will either hate the first and love the second, or treat the first with respect and the second with scorn. You cannot be the slave both of God and of money.’ This passage reminds us of the importance of faithfulness in small matters as a foundation for greater trust, and it challenges us to choose our true master wisely—God or money. Jesus warns that divided loyalty is impossible; devoted service belongs only to one master. Reflection Are there areas in my life where I am allowing money o...

Gospel Luke 8:4-15 The parable of the sower With a large crowd gathering and people from every town finding their way to him, Jesus used this parable:     ‘A sower went out to sow his seed. As he sowed, some fell on the edge of the path and was trampled on; and the birds of the air ate it up. Some seed fell on rock, and when it came up it withered away, having no moisture. Some seed fell amongst thorns and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some seed fell into rich soil and grew and produced its crop a hundredfold.’ Saying this he cried, ‘Listen, anyone who has ears to hear!’     His disciples asked him what this parable might mean, and he said, ‘The mysteries of the kingdom of God are revealed to you; for the rest there are only parables, so that they may see but not perceive, listen but not understand. ‘This, then, is what the parable means: the seed is the word of God. Those on the edge of the path are people who have heard it, and then the dev...

Gospel Luke 8:1-3 The women who accompanied Jesus Jesus made his way through towns and villages preaching, and proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom of God. With him went the Twelve, as well as certain women who had been cured of evil spirits and ailments: Mary surnamed the Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and several others who provided for them out of their own resources. 🌿 Gospel Reflection – Luke 8:1–3 In today’s Gospel, we are reminded of the often-overlooked yet vital role of women in Jesus’ ministry. These women, once healed and transformed by Jesus, responded with love and generosity, offering their time, presence, and resources to support His mission. Their quiet service reflects deep gratitude and courage, choosing to walk closely with Jesus despite social norms. Their example invites us to consider how we respond to God's healing in our own lives. Do we follow Him not just in words, but in ...

Gospel Luke 7:36-50 Her many sins have been forgiven, or she would not have shown such great love One of the Pharisees invited Jesus to a meal. When he arrived at the Pharisee’s house and took his place at table, a woman came in, who had a bad name in the town. She had heard he was dining with the Pharisee and had brought with her an alabaster jar of ointment. She waited behind him at his feet, weeping, and her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them away with her hair; then she covered his feet with kisses and anointed them with the ointment.     When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, ‘If this man were a prophet, he would know who this woman is that is touching him and what a bad name she has.’ Then Jesus took him up and said, ‘Simon, I have something to say to you.’ ‘Speak, Master’ was the reply. ‘There was once a creditor who had two men in his debt; one owed him five hundred denarii, the other fifty. They were unable to pay, so h...

Gospel Luke 7:31-35 'We played the pipes, and you wouldn't dance' Jesus said to the people:     ‘What description can I find for the men of this generation? What are they like? They are like children shouting to one another while they sit in the market-place: ‘“We played the pipes for you, and you wouldn’t dance; we sang dirges, and you wouldn’t cry.” ‘For John the Baptist comes, not eating bread, not drinking wine, and you say, “He is possessed.” The Son of Man comes, eating and drinking, and you say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” Yet Wisdom has been proved right by all her children.’ Gospel Reflection – Luke 7:31-35 In this passage, Jesus highlights the stubbornness and fickleness of people. No matter what approach God uses—whether through the sternness of John the Baptist or the compassion and openness of Jesus—they still refuse to respond. It’s a reminder that the issue isn't always the message, but the conditi...

Gospel Luke 7:11-17 The only son of his mother, and she a widow Jesus went to a town called Nain, accompanied by his disciples and a great number of people. When he was near the gate of the town it happened that a dead man was being carried out for burial, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a considerable number of the townspeople were with her. When the Lord saw her he felt sorry for her. ‘Do not cry’ he said. Then he went up and put his hand on the bier and the bearers stood still, and he said, ‘Young man, I tell you to get up.’ And the dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Everyone was filled with awe and praised God saying, ‘A great prophet has appeared among us; God has visited his people.’ And this opinion of him spread throughout Judaea and all over the countryside. 🌿 Gospel Reflection – Luke 7:11-17 In this moving passage, Jesus meets a grieving widow who has just lost her only son. His response is not just compassio...

Israel Gospel Luke 2:33-35 'A sword will pierce your soul too' As the child’s father and mother stood there wondering at the things that were being said about him, Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected – and a sword will pierce your own soul too – so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.’ This Gospel passage from Luke reminds us that following Christ can bring both joy and suffering, not only for him but also for those closest to him. Mary’s heart will be pierced like a sword because of the challenges and sacrifices connected to Jesus’ mission. This truth encourages us to accept that faithfulness sometimes means enduring hardship, trusting that God’s purpose will ultimately reveal what is hidden and bring salvation. Reflection question: How do I respond when my faith leads me to face difficulties or misunderstandings? ...

Gospel John 3:13-17 God sent his Son so that through him the world might be saved Jesus said to Nicodemus: ‘No one has gone up to heaven except the one who came down from heaven, the Son of Man who is in heaven; and the Son of Man must be lifted up as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him. Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life. For God sent his Son into the world not to condemn the world, but so that through him the world might be saved.’ **Reflection:**   This passage reminds us of God's immense love for the world, demonstrated through the gift of His Son. Jesus came not to condemn, but to save and restore. His sacrifice on the cross is like the lifting up of the serpent in the desert—an act of salvation for all who believe. It calls us to trust in God's loving plan and to embrace the gift of eternal l...

Gospel Luke 6:43-49 Whoever hears me builds his house on a rock Jesus said to his disciples:     ‘There is no sound tree that produces rotten fruit, nor again a rotten tree that produces sound fruit. For every tree can be told by its own fruit: people do not pick figs from thorns, nor gather grapes from brambles. A good man draws what is good from the store of goodness in his heart; a bad man draws what is bad from the store of badness. For a man’s words flow out of what fills his heart.     ‘Why do you call me, “Lord, Lord” and not do what I say?     ‘Everyone who comes to me and listens to my words and acts on them – I will show you what he is like. He is like the man who when he built his house dug, and dug deep, and laid the foundations on rock; when the river was in flood it bore down on that house but could not shake it, it was so well built. But the one who listens and does nothing is like the man who built his house on soil, with no foun...

Gospel Luke 6:39-42 Can the blind lead the blind? Jesus told a parable to the disciples: ‘Can one blind man guide another? Surely both will fall into a pit? The disciple is not superior to his teacher; the fully trained disciple will always be like his teacher. Why do you observe the splinter in your brother’s eye and never notice the plank in your own? How can you say to your brother, “Brother, let me take out the splinter that is in your eye,” when you cannot see the plank in your own? Hypocrite! Take the plank out of your own eye first, and then you will see clearly enough to take out the splinter that is in your brother’s eye.’ Reflection:**   In this passage, Jesus reminds us of the importance of self-awareness and humility. Before we judge or try to correct others, we must examine our own hearts and actions. Often, we are quick to notice the faults in others while ignoring our own shortcomings. True wisdom and compassion come from humility—recognizing our own...

Gospel Luke 6:27-38 Love your enemies Jesus said to his disciples: ‘I say this to you who are listening: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who treat you badly. To the man who slaps you on one cheek, present the other cheek too; to the man who takes your cloak from you, do not refuse your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and do not ask for your property back from the man who robs you. Treat others as you would like them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what thanks can you expect? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what thanks can you expect? For even sinners do that much. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what thanks can you expect? Even sinners lend to sinners to get back the same amount. Instead, love your enemies and do good, and lend without any hope of return. You will have a great reward, and you will be sons of the ...

Gospel Luke 6:20-26 Happy are you who are poor, who are hungry, who weep Fixing his eyes on his disciples Jesus said: ‘How happy are you who are poor: yours is the kingdom of God. Happy you who are hungry now: you shall be satisfied. Happy you who weep now: you shall laugh. Happy are you when people hate you, drive you out, abuse you, denounce your name as criminal, on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice when that day comes and dance for joy, for then your reward will be great in heaven. This was the way their ancestors treated the prophets. ‘But alas for you who are rich: you are having your consolation now. Alas for you who have your fill now: you shall go hungry. Alas for you who laugh now: you shall mourn and weep. ‘Alas for you when the world speaks well of you! This was the way their ancestors treated the false prophets.’ Reflection:  In Luke 6:20-26, Jesus flips worldly values upside down, proclaiming blessings on those who suffer—poverty, hunger, weeping, and per...

Gospel Luke 6:12-19 Jesus chooses his twelve apostles Jesus went out into the hills to pray; and he spent the whole night in prayer to God. When day came he summoned his disciples and picked out twelve of them; he called them ‘apostles’: Simon whom he called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot who became a traitor.     He then came down with them and stopped at a piece of level ground where there was a large gathering of his disciples with a great crowd of people from all parts of Judaea and from Jerusalem and from the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon who had come to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. People tormented by unclean spirits were also cured, and everyone in the crowd was trying to touch him because power came out of him that cured them all. Reflection:  In Luke 6:12-19, we see Jesus’ deep reliance on prayer b...

Gospel Matthew 1:18-23 How Jesus Christ came to be born This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph; being a man of honour and wanting to spare her publicity, decided to divorce her informally. He had made up his mind to do this when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.’ Now all this took place to fulfil the words spoken by the Lord through the prophet: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son  and they will call him Emmanuel, a name which means ‘God-is-with-us.’ L Reflection God’s presence with us often comes in unexpected ways, inviting us...

Gospel Luke 14:25-33 Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple Great crowds accompanied Jesus on his way and he turned and spoke to them. ‘If any man comes to me without hating his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes and his own life too, he cannot be my disciple. Anyone who does not carry his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.     ‘And indeed, which of you here, intending to build a tower, would not first sit down and work out the cost to see if he had enough to complete it? Otherwise, if he laid the foundation and then found himself unable to finish the work, the onlookers would all start making fun of him and saying, “Here is a man who started to build and was unable to finish.” Or again, what king marching to war against another king would not first sit down and consider whether with ten thousand men he could stand up to the other who advanced against him with twenty thousand? If not, then while the o...

Gospel Luke 6:1-5 The Son of Man is master of the sabbath One sabbath Jesus happened to be taking a walk through the cornfields, and his disciples were picking ears of corn, rubbing them in their hands and eating them. Some of the Pharisees said, ‘Why are you doing something that is forbidden on the sabbath day?’ Jesus answered them, ‘So you have not read what David did when he and his followers were hungry – how he went into the house of God, took the loaves of offering and ate them and gave them to his followers, loaves which only the priests are allowed to eat?’ And he said to them, ‘The Son of Man is master of the sabbath.’ Reflection: In Luke 6:1-5, Jesus challenges the rigid interpretation of the Sabbath law by the Pharisees, emphasizing that human need and compassion take precedence over strict adherence to rules. By referencing David’s actions, Jesus shows that God’s law is meant to serve humanity, not to burden it. As the "Son of Man" and master of the Sa...

Gospel Luke 5:33-39 When the bridegroom is taken from them, then they will fast The Pharisees and the scribes said to Jesus, ‘John’s disciples are always fasting and saying prayers, and the disciples of the Pharisees too, but yours go on eating and drinking.’ Jesus replied, ‘Surely you cannot make the bridegroom’s attendants fast while the bridegroom is still with them? But the time will come, the time for the bridegroom to be taken away from them; that will be the time when they will fast.’     He also told them this parable, ‘No one tears a piece from a new cloak to put it on an old cloak; if he does, not only will he have torn the new one, but the piece taken from the new will not match the old.     ‘And nobody puts new wine into old skins; if he does, the new wine will burst the skins and then run out, and the skins will be lost. No; new wine must be put into fresh skins. And nobody who has been drinking old wine wants new. “The old is good” he says.’...

Gospel Luke 5:1-11 They left everything and followed him Jesus was standing one day by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the crowd pressing round him listening to the word of God, when he caught sight of two boats close to the bank. The fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats – it was Simon’s – and asked him to put out a little from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.     When he had finished speaking he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water and pay out your nets for a catch.’ ‘Master,’ Simon replied, ‘we worked hard all night long and caught nothing, but if you say so, I will pay out the nets.’ And when they had done this they netted such a huge number of fish that their nets began to tear, so they signalled to their companions in the other boat to come and help them; when these came, they filled the two boats to sinking point.     When Simon Peter saw this he fell at the knees of...

Gospel Luke 4:38-44 He would not allow them to speak because they knew he was the Christ Leaving the synagogue, Jesus went to Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever and they asked him to do something for her. Leaning over her he rebuked the fever and it left her. And she immediately got up and began to wait on them.     At sunset all those who had friends suffering from diseases of one kind or another brought them to him, and laying his hands on each he cured them. Devils too came out of many people, howling, ‘You are the Son of God.’ But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak because they knew that he was the Christ.     When daylight came he left the house and made his way to a lonely place. The crowds went to look for him, and when they had caught up with him they wanted to prevent him leaving them, but he answered, ‘I must proclaim the Good News of the kingdom of God to the other towns too, because that is ...

Gospel Luke 4:31-37 'I know who you are: the Holy One of God' Jesus went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath. And his teaching made a deep impression on them because he spoke with authority.     In the synagogue there was a man who was possessed by the spirit of an unclean devil, and it shouted at the top of its voice, ‘Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus said sharply, ‘Be quiet! Come out of him!’ And the devil, throwing the man down in front of everyone, went out of him without hurting him at all. Astonishment seized them and they were all saying to one another, ‘What teaching! He gives orders to unclean spirits with authority and power and they come out.’ And reports of him went all through the surrounding countryside. **Reflection:**   In this passage, Jesus demonstrates His divine authority over unclean spirits, revealing His ...