Daily Catholic Reflection: Monday, November 28, 2022, Monday of the First Week of Advent, Year A

 

Is 4:2-6

Ps 122:1-2, 3-4b, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9

Mt 8:5-11                          Full Readings

Saint James of the Marche

Lord, I am not Worthy

The gospel reading of an encounter between Jesus and the centurion makes an important statement for the start of Advent: salvation is not just for the Chosen People, children of Abraham, but for people of all nations who are prepared to go up to the Lord. The centurion can hardly have been a Jew, perhaps a Roman, perhaps an auxiliary from some other nation in the service of Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee. He knows his absolute authority over his troops, but that knowledge has taught him also that his authority has its limits and that there is an authority beyond him. It has taught him also what respect and reverence for other values are. In Capernaum, the lakeside town where Jesus seems to have taken up residence when he was hounded out of Nazareth, was he the first gentile to recognize Jesus, to submit his own military authority to a higher authority, an authority with power over life itself. What a beautiful kind of humility from a centurion?

Daily Catholic Reflection: Sunday, November 27, 2022, First Sunday of Advent, Year A

Is 2:1-5

Ps 122: 1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Rom 13:11-14

Mt 24:37-44                      Full Readings

Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani

Happy New Year!

Brethren, today we start the new liturgical year, A, the year of Saint Matthew, where all Sunday Gospels are taken from the gospel of Matthew in ordinary time of the year. We thank the Lord who has been with us, blessing us, nourishing us and helping us to grow spiritually each day of the last liturgical year. May the Lord be praised for ever and may this new year become more and more a source of spiritual nourishment and growth. Every Church's new year starts with Advent and so today, we celebrate the first Sunday of Advent.

Daily Catholic Reflection: Saturday, November 26, 2022, Saturday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time, Year C

Revelation 22:1-7,

Psalm 95: 1-2.3-5.,

Luke 21:34-36                        Full Readings

Saint Columban

And therefore, Stay Awake

Brethren, St John in the first Reading describe magnificently the city where the throne of God and of the Lamb are. The beautiful description arouses the desire to be in that city. The world in which we live today has lost the sense of reverence for God. Technology is deified and worshipped by many in place of God. Many people do not even pray, or even talk of going to church. Many Christians go to church/worship God only when they want something from God. After they get what they seek, they mind their business and leave God out. Those who serve God in Spirit and in Truth are persecuted by religious fanatics in different ways. In the midst of all this evil, one cannot but cry out Maranatha – come! Come Lord Jesus!

Daily Catholic Reflection: Friday, November 25, 2022, Friday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time, Year C

Revelation 20:1-4, 11-21:2,

Ps 84:3,4,5-6a,

Luke 21:29-33                        Full Readings

Saint Catherine of Alexandria

Jesus' Word Will Not Pass Away

Brethren, Christianity, like some other religions, strongly believe in life after death. This belief is very consoling and encouraging. It spurs us on to live good and righteous lives. Everything does not end here at our death. After our earthly life, we shall receive the reward due to us at judgement time. God is pure/holy. Hence, if we want to live eternally with God in the “new Jerusalem”. We should believe in the good news and put into practice the commandments of God and the teachings of Christ. Those who do not believe in life after death/resurrection may live carefree lives. Their adage is “Let us eat today for tomorrow we die”. Such people should remember the three last things – death, judgement, heaven or hell. After death comes judgement, then either heaven or hell.

Daily Catholic Reflection: Wednesday, November 23, 2022, Wednesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time, Year C

Apocalypse 15:1-4,

Psalm 98:1-3,7-9,

Luke 21:12-19                        Full Readings

Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro

Perseverance Will Save Our Lives

Brethren, anyone who wants to follow Christ must be ready to face persecution: from friends, family members, acquaintances, and even fellow parishioners. This is because, to truly follow Christ, especially in a society where vice is quickly becoming the norm, one must be prepared to swim against the current. People are not usually comfortable around one who thinks and acts differently, when such actions prick their conscience. There is a lot of the Christians who want to maintain the truth even when everyone else holds on to lies; who wants to be financially transparent even when others expect him/her to loot and give them a share; who wants to remain pure in word and deed even when so called friends consider these things out of fashion. Though persecuted, the Christian should remember the words of Christ, "Your endurance will win you your life”.

Daily Catholic Reflection: Sunday, November 20, 2022, The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Year C

2 Sm 5:1-3,

Ps 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5. 

Col 1:12-20,

Lk 23:35-43                        Full Readings

Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne

Jesus, Remember Me in Your Kingdom

Brethren, on this Sunday we celebrate the solemnity of Christ the King of the whole universe. This feast marks the last Sunday of the liturgical year. We have also, in the gospel reading come to the end of Jesus’ long journey to Jerusalem as he dies on the cross.  This Sunday opens us a way for the season of advent. Next Sunday is the first Sunday of advent. This Sunday also invites us to always recognize Christ as the King of all the universe, heaven and earth, and imitating the example of the good thief in today's gospel, to always pray, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Pilate had recognized Jesus as the King of the Jews as he wrote it in top of his cross, but this good thief recognized Jesus more than a king of the earth, but the King of heaven and earth.

Daily Catholic Reflection: Saturday, November 19, 2022, Saturday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time, Year C

 

Revelation 11 :4-12,

Psalm 114: 1.2.9-10,

Luke 20:27-40                   Full Readings

Saint Agnes of Assisi

In God We are Alive

Brethren, the Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the body, whereas the Pharisees did. Thus, the Sadducees asked Jesus about the resurrection of the body using an almost unheard-of example to make the resurrection look ridiculous, and meaningless to those who believed in it and in the teachings of Jesus. Jesus taught that marriage is not destined to exceed earthly existence. People are transformed when they die. He also taught that resurrection is real after this life and that God is the God of the living and not of the dead. Those who live according to the will of God will be rewarded with eternal life. Since the Sadducees did not believe in all of these, in tricking Jesus, they referred to the levirate law found in Deuteronomy 25:5ff which states that if a married man dies before having children, the brother of that man must marry his wife and provide descendants for his brother. Thus, the Sadducees presented the scenario where seven brothers die, each one subsequently taking the same wife. The question they posed was, “Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be? For all seven had been married to her.”

Daily Catholic Reflection: Friday, November 18, 2022, Friday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time, Year C

Revelation 10:8-11, 

Psalm 119:14.24.72.103.111,

Luke 19:45-48                        Full Readings

Dedication of Churches of Saints Peter and Paul

Jesus Desire to Cleanse Us

Brethren, how do we explain the only action in the Bible where Jesus uses physical force, that is, when Jesus drove out the money changers from the temple, as we see in today's Gospel?  Was it out of anger? Many church fathers say it is holy anger. But the gospel clearly states that it is out of zeal and love he has for his Father's to only turn it into the house of prayer where only God is worshipped not anyone else, a house of prayer. In justification for his audacious action Jesus quotes from the prophets Isaiah (Isaiah 56:7) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 7:11). It was the desire to make Holy the temple that made him drive the money changers from the temple.

Daily Catholic Reflection: Thursday, November 17, 2022, Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious, Year C

Reading 1: RV 5:1-10

Responsorial Psalm: PS 149:1B-2, 3-4, 5-6A AND 9B

Gospel: LK 19:41-44                                                    Full Readings

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

The Cry Over Jerusalem

Jesus' earthly ministry centers and culminates in Jerusalem. Jerusalem in the Gospel of Luke is the center of Jesus ministry, even for the Apostles because their mission started from Jerusalem towards the Gentiles nations. The Scripture describes Jerusalem as the holy city, the throne of the Lord (Jeremiah 3:17); and the place which God chose for his name to dwell there (1 Kings 11:13; 2 Kings 21:4; 2 Kings 23:27); and the holy mountain upon which God has set his king (Psalm 2:6). Jerusalem derives its name from the word "salem" which mean "peace". In Jerusalem stood the temple which was a constant reminder to the people of God's presence with them. These are the people who would receive the blessings of God before everyone else. But did they realize this and grab all the opportunities especially when Jesus came? No! Today, in the Gospel we see Jesus lamenting over Jerusalem for not accepting the visit if God through him.

Daily Catholic Reflection: Wednesday, November 16, 2022, Wednesday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time, Year C

Revelation 4:1-11,

Ps 150:1b-2.3-4.5a,

Luke 19:11-28                        Full Readings

Saint Margaret of Scotland

Talents Come with Responsibility

Jesus is still on the journey to Jerusalem, and on the way, he gives his final teachings and formation to his disciples, what they are to do, how they are to do it, when they are to do it, why they are to do it, and what benefits they are to get. These teachings were to help them in mission until the end. The church uses these teachings to help us evaluate how we are doing our part in God's mission but also to prepare us for the final coming of the Son of Man on the last day especially in these last days of the church's liturgical year. Today's Gospel, in particular, not only prepares for the last day but also puts us in the proper context for the upcoming Solemnity of Christ the King, the final Sunday of the liturgical year, and the last day before Advent begins.

Daily Catholic Reflection: Tuesday, November 15, 2022, Tuesday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time, Year C

Revelation 3: 1-6.14-22,

Psalm 115:2-3a.3bc-4ab.5,

Luke 19:1-10                        Full Readings

Saint Albert the Great

Open Up For Jesus

Brethren, Jesus’ encounter with people is mainly to restore them to life and also to friendship with God. He came to save what was lost. Hence, he does not make any distinction between class, race or religion. All are dear to him. As shown by first reading, He stands at the door and knocks. He “enters and shares a meal” with anyone who opens the door and receives him, offering salvation. The psalmist in Psalm 15 enumerates the qualities of a transformed person. These qualities can be attributed to Zacchaeus after his encounter with Jesus. Personal encounter with Jesus is very important. It brings about the needed transformation and salvation. We should learn from Zacchaeus that if we want to be saved we need to make an effort too. We need to climb the Sycamore tree and seek out Jesus. This Sycamore tree was also climbed by Jesus himself as ye hung on the cross to save us, we too need to climb out crosses and seek Jesus in order to be saved.

Daily Catholic Reflection: Monday, November 14, 2022, Monday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Revelation 1: 1-4; 2: 1-5 a,

Ps 1:1-2.3.4,

Luke 18:35-43                    Full Readings

Saint Gertrude the Great

Lord, that I May See

“Lord, that I may see,” was the simple request of the blind man in today’s Gospel. This is a prayer needed more urgently than ever in our day, for nothing describes better than “blindness” the indifference to God of people in our day. Sin and the quest for wealth and power have blinded us to things of more importance and value than those we spend our lives seeking. Today, in our selfishness, we have become blind to the needs and sufferings of our neighbors, blind to the pain our actions and inaction cause others. Ultimately, we have become blind to God, and nothing can be worse than this. Like the blind man, we therefore need to call out to him who alone has the power to make us see again. Many voices and forces try to shut us up, but he will hear us still. May we pray with the blind man today, "Lord, that I may see."

Daily Catholic Reflection: Sunday, November 13, 2022, Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Mal 3:19-20a

Ps 98:5-6, 7-8, 9

2 Thes 3:7-12

Lk 21:5-19                     Full Readings

Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini

Trials Before the Son of Man Comes Back

Brethren, many signs and trials will precede the final day, the Lord's Day, the end of time, the judgement day, the day when the Son of Man will return: wars, famine, plagues, earthquakes, persecution, division and being drawn into courts even by your own family members, and even being killed. Jesus says in today's that when we see these signs, the day of lord will be nearing. But also, Jesus warns us to take care and not to be deceived! What is the use of these signs and what are they calling us to?

Daily catholic Reflection: Saturday, November 12, 2022, Memorial of Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr, Year C

3 John 5-8,

Psalm 112: lb-2.3-4.5-6,

Luke 18:1-8                         Full Readings

Saint Josaphat

Will He Find Any Faith on Earth?

At the end of today's parable of the unjust judge and the poor widow, Jesus asks this probing question, "If the Son of Man comes back, Will he find any faith on earth? Taken on an individual level, if the Son of Man comes back now, will he find you and me with faith, the kind of faith that doesn't give up or lose hope in God but perseveres to the end of our lives - and to the end of this present age when the Lord Jesus will return in glory as Ruler and Judge of All? Jesus is still preparing us for the last judgement day, a day which will come at a time we don't know and slowly reveals to us what he expects of us when he comes back, that is, if we long for eternal life with him.

Daily Catholic Reflection: Friday, November 11, 2022, Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop, Year C

2 John 4-9,

Psalm 119: 1.2.10.11.17. I b,

Luke 17:26-37                         Full Readings

Saint Martin of Tours

What Will Happen on the Last Day?

Brethren, every year, towards the end of the liturgical year, the mother Church gives us a chance to reflect on the Readings concerning the last things, the end of times when the Son of Man will come back to judge the living and the dead. We profess this in the in the Creed every Sunday, but do we really take it seriously: “I believe in Jesus Christ…(who) is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there, he will come to judge the living and the dead."  From last Sunday, the readings are putting us in the reflection about the end of the times. These warnings are not there to frighten or instill fear in us but to help us to prepare well for the day with the knowledge of knowing what will happen on that day. On that day, there will be no I never knew. Those who will not be prepared for that day, their song will be, “had I known.” It is here and now to prepare.

Daily catholic Reflection: Thursday, November 10, 2022, Memorial of Saint Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church, Year C

PHMN 7-20

PS 146:7, 8-9A, 9BC-10

LK 17:20-25                        Full Readings

Saint Leo the Greatt Leo the Great

The Kingdom of God: Already, but Not Yet

What is the Kingdom of God and what does it entail? St Paul says the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Roman 14:17). John Cassian (360-435 AD) an early Church Father, would teach us that, living in a just, just society where we render justice in all that we do, living in righteousness (holy life), in joy, peace, love and Harmony with one another, is living in the kingdom of God. On the other hand, someone that remains in unrighteousness, conflict and the melancholy that kills the life of the spirit is already a citizen of the devil's kingdom, of hell and of death. These are the signs whether it is God's kingdom or the devil's." (Excerpt from CONFERENCE 1.13.5). Where do you and I fall?

Daily Catholic Reflection: Wednesday, November 9, 2022, Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

Ezekiel 47: 1-2, 8-9, 12,

Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9,

1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17,

John 2:13-22            Full Readings

Dedication of Saint John Lateran Basilica

Zeal for the Temple

Today we celebrate the feast of the dedication of the Lateran Basilica, the first church ever known to have been built, and the church of the Pope himself (not St Peter's Basilica). The church operated for about 300 years without any church building. Fanta, the wife of Emperor Constantine, gave her Lateran palace to Pope St Miltiades. Pope St Sylvester consecrated it on 9 November 324 AD. This was the first public consecration of a church. This Basilica was dedicated to the Saviour, to Saint John the Baptist and to Saint John the Evangelist, and is considered the mother of all the Churches. Afterwards, it became the residence of the popes and venue of many ecumenical councils.

Daily Catholic Reflection: Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Tuesday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Titus 2.1-8. 11-14,

Ps 37:3-4.18,

Luke 17:7- 10                 Full Readings

Blessed John Duns Scotus

 Humble and True Christian Service

In the first reading, the Letter to Titus, St Paul specifies two ways of how believers should live the moral life that is worthy of their Christian calling; firstly, is living by and being consistent with the sound doctrine, and secondly, to live by the good example to others. It can be rightly called “The code of Christian Conduct” for all (Men and women, old and young). This is not only a Christian teaching but also a social teaching. Women must live and show the examples while teaching and passing on values, virtues and responsibilities to the young women and girls especially as concerns the family and similarly, the men must also do the same. It is a call to live devoutly while waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Along the same line of thought, the gospel reading reminds us of the need to carry out our Christian duties even without being reminded of them. We should not expect to be praised for living our Christian life the way we ought to live it.