Daily Catholic Reflection: Friday, December 1, 2023, Friday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

Dn 7:2-14

Dn 3:75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81

Lk 21:29-33                                       Full Readings

Saint Charles de Foucauld

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 the 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: Thursday, November 30, 2023, Feast of Saint Andrew, Apostle, year A

Rom 10:9-18

PS 19:8, 9, 10, 11

Mt 4:18-22                       Full Readings

Saint Andrew, Apostle

Life Transformation

Today we celebrate the feast day of the Apostle Andrew. He gives us a perfect example of life transformation for us who think it not possible to transform our lives or our lives to be transformed. This transformation is only possible by the call and touch of Jesus Christ. Indeed, he had a life transformation by the call of Jesus and his immediate response.

Daily Catholic Reflection: Wednesday, November 29, 2023, Wednesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

Dn 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28

Ps: Dn 3:62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67

Lk 21:12-19                       Full Readings

Saint Clement

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: Monday, November 27, 2023, Monday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

Dn 1:1-6, 8-20

Psalm: Dn 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56

Lk 21:1-4                                             Full Readings

Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani

Giving From the Heart

In the gospel reading of today, Jesus sets the poverty-stricken widow as an example of a generous giver. He sees beyond the physical appearance and beyond human calculations as he noted the generosity of the poor widow. She gave all that she had to live on. Others gave out of their super abundance. What she did could only be motivated by deep faith, trust, total reliance and dependence on God. According to Mother Teresa of Kolkata, it is when we empty ourselves that God can fill us with an abundance of his blessings. It shows also that the woman in the gospel story is detached from earthly possessions. The more detached we are to worldly possessions, the lighter we are to climb the mountain of the Lord.

Daily Catholic Reflection: Sunday, November 26, 2023, The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Year A

Ez 34:11-12, 15-17

Ps 23:1-2, 2-3, 5-6

1 Cor 15:20-26, 28

Mt 25:31-46                      Full Readings

Our Lord Jesus, the King of the Universe

Christ the King and the Judge

Brethren, on this Sunday we celebrate the solemnity of Christ the King of the whole universe. This solemnity marks the last Sunday of the liturgical year. The Church liturgical year is set up in such a way that we ponder the entire life of Christ in different seasons and at different times. Advent is a preparation for the celebration of the first coming of Christ that also focuses upon the final coming. Christmas is a time to celebrate the Incarnation when the Son of God was made manifest to the world through His birth. Lent and Easter focus upon the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus, and Ordinary Time presents us with the many lessons and miracles of Jesus’ public ministry. Additionally, there are many special memorials, feasts and solemnities by which we intensely focus upon some particular person or aspect of our faith. Each feast and season is meant to help us delve more deeply into the mystery of faith that we celebrate.

Daily Catholic Reflection: Saturday, November 25, 2023, Saturday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

1 Mc 6:1-13

Ps 9:2-3, 4 and 6, 16 and 19

Lk 20:27-40                       Full Readings

Saint Catherine of Alexandria

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 24, 2023, Memorial of Saint Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs

1 Mc 4:36-37, 52-59 

Psalm: 1 Chr 29:10bcd, 11abc, 11d-12a, 12bcd

Lk 19:45-48                                                Full Readings

Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions

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 23, 2023, Thursday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

1 Mc 2:15-29

Ps 50:1b-2, 5-6, 14-15

Lk 19:41-44                         Full Readings

Saint Clement I, Blessed Miguel Agustin Pro, Saint Columban 

Lament 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 22, 2023, Memorial of Saint Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr

2 Mc 7:1, 20-31

Ps 17:1bcd, 5-6, 8b and 15

Lk 19:11-28                        Full Readings

Saint Cecilia

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 21, 2023, Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Year A

2 Mc 6:18-31

PS 3:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

Lk 19:1-10                      Full Readings

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Make an Effort 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. 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 he hung on the cross to save us, we too need to climb our crosses and seek Jesus in order to be saved.

Daily Catholic Reflection: Monday, 20, 2023, Monday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

1 Mc 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63

Ps 119:53, 61, 134, 150, 155, 158

Lk 18:35-43                 Full Readings

Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne

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 days. 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 19, 2023, Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Proverbs 31:10-13. 19-20.30-31,

Psalm 128:1-2.3.4-5,

1Thessalonians 5:1-6,

Matthew 25:14-30                  Full Readings

Saint Agnes of Assisi

The True Fear of God

Brethren, this Sunday’s readings tell us about and show us the true fear of God and its benefits. Fear in the Bible does not mean the secular meaning of an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm or being afraid of someone. Rather fear means the respect of God, observing his commandments and living according to his will. It motivates individuals to live in accordance with His standards, avoiding sin and pursuing righteousness. It encompasses a profound respect, awe, and recognition of the divine, acknowledging God's authority and holiness. It is often seen as a positive and foundational aspect of spiritual life, leading to wisdom, obedience, and a right relationship with God. God's favour indeed will always be upon such a person as Mary declared in her Magnificat (Luke 1:50) and will lack nothing as Psalm 34:9 tells us (Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing). St Paul also encourages us always to "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose (Philp 2:12-13)."

Daily Catholic Reflection: Saturday, November 18, 2023, Saturday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

Wis 18:14-16; 19:6-9

Ps 105:2-3, 36-37, 42-43

Lk 18:1-8                  Full Readings

Dedication of Churches of Saints Peter and Paul

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: Thursday, November 16, 2023, Thursday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

Wis 7:22b–8:1

Ps 119:89, 90, 91, 130, 135, 175

Lk 17:20-25                         Full Readings

Saint Margaret of Scotland

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 15, 2023, Wednesday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

Wis 6:1-11

Ps 82:3-4, 6-7

Lk 17:11-19                 Full Readings

Saint Albert the Great

Gratefulness to God

The gospel reading of today teaches us the virtues of faith and gratitude. The faith of the lepers healed them. It shows that Jesus has power over every form of disease and that his words are efficacious. But Jesus teaches us that we are indebted to be grateful when God answers or prayers or gives us his blessings. Ten lepers were healed but only one of them returned to give thanks to Jesus. The only one that returned was a Samaritan. The Samaritans were not treated well by the Jews. We should not look down on any tribe or race. We should be thankful to God and others for the good we receive every moment.