Leviticus 23:1, 4-11, 15-16,27, 31-37, Psalm 81:3-6, 10-11, Matthew 13:54-58

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Leviticus 23:1, 4-11, 15-16,27, 31-37, Psalm 81:3-6, 10-11,

Matthew 13:54-58

Leviticus 23:1, 4-11, 15-16,27, 31-37

My Beloved, if the Church celebrates feast and holy days it is because God desires it as we see in these verses. We need to set aside days in the year when we come together as God’s people and together praise, thank and worship God and celebrate Your love us and ours for God.

All that we have is given to us by You, we can claim nothing as our own and when we return to You in offering that which we have received through the work of our hands, like bread and wind, God received it from the hands of His anointed and consecrated priests and gives t back to us as Yourself in the most greatest and sublime Gift of all.  

Psalm 81:3-6, 10-11

My Beloved, we are called to make music before You in praise and thanksgiving as we come together in worship. We sing our best melodies, raising our hearts, minds and voices in a celebration of praise.  It is right that we acknowledge God who is the great I AM, the Alpha and the Omega, and worship Him alone and no other false god.

God our Father, created us and when we went astray, He sent You His Son to redeem us, You in turn sent us Your Holy Spirit to ensure that we will return safely home to God our Father as the Spirit gently prompts, leads and guides us home to Him.

Matthew 13:54-58

My Beloved, help me never to be hidebound and narrow in my thinking and never to make snap judgments or generalizations about people. May I never put people in a mold and expect them to act a certain way. May I never reject people simply because I think I know them, and from where they come, and so I reject anything good and positive they can offer simply because of prejudice and pride.

Jesus, my Beloved, meek and humble of heart, grant me the gift of humility. Help me never to be dismissive of people because I think I know them.

Exodus 2:1-15, Psalm 69:3, 14, 30-31, 33-34, Matthew 11:20-24

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Exodus 2:1-15, Psalm 69:3, 14, 30-31, 33-34, Matthew 11:20-24

Exodus 2:1-15

My Beloved, if one thinks as the world does it would have made more sense for God to use Moses while he lived under the patronage of Pharaoh in the palace where he had access to its power and resources. But this is not God's way. He has no need of our help to carry out His plans. Rather, He strips us first, removing all that will be an encumbrance. He then teaches us through weakness, humility, discipline, and obedience how to be His most effective instruments.  It is who God does it all through us, for as St. Paul rightly says, His power is made perfect in our weakness and in our total surrender to Him.

Psalm 69:3, 14, 30-31, 33-34

My Beloved, when there is no where to go except down, and no help in sight, You reach out Your hand as we cry out Your Name, and You save us. Your time is always perfect. When we embrace Your perfect will, we discover that our pray reaches Your ear even as it is being formed on our lips. Each time I call You answer. In all the circumstances of my life may I offer You praise thanksgiving and worship.  

Matthew 11:20-24

My Beloved, there is no excuse for the sinful, wretched state that the world is in today. We have received the Good News, it has been handed down to us faithfully beginning with the Apostles. Rivers of blood soaks every nation in the world, the blood of martyrs, providing the seed for the harvest of many Christians. Yet now, when it would seem that more than ever before, many nations ought to be conformed to You, the world is darker and further ever from God and truth than at any time in history.

Surely Lord, whatever punishment is visited upon us, it will not be as great as we deserve. You hear the prayers of Your remnant and so You have hold back the chastisement that would have washed over us and destroyed us.  

Thank You for Your mercy, pity, compassion and above all for Your love.

Exodus 1:8-14, 22, Psalm 124:1-8, Matthew 10: 34 -11:1

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Exodus 1:8-14, 22, Psalm 124:1-8, Matthew 10: 34 -11:1

Exodus 1:8-14, 22

My Beloved, the people of God can always expect persecution in fact it is a given. The Israelites were put under slave rule because they were deemed a threat to Pharaoh and the Egyptian authority. So afraid were they of their large numbers which continued to increase despite terrible oppression Pharaoh ordered that all infant boys be killed. Centuries later when Israel was under Roman occupation Herod perceiving a threat when he heard the news of the birth of a new king, also sent out an edict to kill all male infants two years and below. Yet, man can never thwart the plans of God. Through all the horrific suffering that the people of God endure God will continue to draw good from every evil and hopeless situation for with Him nothing is impossible.

Psalm 124:1-8

My Beloved, God is always in control, no matter how perilous circumstances may seem,  He exercises power to say, so far and no further. He will not try us beyond our ability to endure. He knows our weaknesses, He knows all our frailties and He is always tender, compassionate, loving and kind. Our help is in the Name of the Lord, our God who saves - Jesus, the Beloved; in You the Father holds all things together with the power of His Spirit. 

Matthew 10: 34 -11:1

My Beloved, we are called to stand for God and in doing so we will make enemies even among members of our own family.

Division is the work of the devil and he uses it to great effect to set us against each other. The way to the Kingdom is marked clearly and we will get there if we obey the two commandments - the first to love God above and before all else and next to love each other.

We are called to have a special care and concern for those whom God has called in a special way to serve Him in spreading the Good News - His anointed and consecrated men and women. We too have a mission to live out the Good News each day from moment to moment evangelizing with our words and actions.

Genesis 49:29-32:50:15-26, Psalm 105:1-4, 6-7, Matthew 10:24-33

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Genesis 49:29-32:50:15-26, Psalm 105:1-4, 6-7, Matthew 10:24-33

Genesis 49:29-32:50:15-26

My Beloved, Joseph's brothers are always conscious of the wrong that they once did him. The evil they plotted against him and carried out. Now that their father is dead, they who have not yet understood the true nature of Joseph, expect him to avenge the wrong that was done to him. However Joseph once more assures them with words of wisdom, consolation, mercy and forgiveness how God has used the very evil done to him to bring about great good.  

This is why we ought never to be discouraged when less than pleasant things occur in our own lives. When we are asked to endure something that is painful, we must patiently accept and forgive wrongs with faith in God, who has the power to bring good out of everything no matter how evil.

Psalm 105:1-4, 6-7

My Beloved, this is our mission here on earth to give thanks always, have a grateful heart and tell everyone how good God is and how wonderful all that He does. When we gaze on Your Adorable Countenance we are strengthened once again to pick up our cross and go on. Yoked to You my Beloved our troubles become light. You are always in control of everything and so we need never be anxious, troubled or afraid for God, our God is with us always.

Matthew 10:24-33

My Beloved every day in every way we must grow a little more in Your image and likeness this is why we were created. The more we are like You, the more readily will we hasten the coming of the Kingdom of God.

Terror can strike us when we see the deliberate persecution of Christians everywhere openly or covertly but the results are just as cruel in both cases. You ask us to be confident even in the face of evil for if they persecuted, tortured and killed the Son of God His followers can expect nothing less.  In fact, we are called to glory in the cross and in suffering endured for Your sake and for the sake of the Kingdom. In the end, judgement will come and all will be revealed. The Truth will shine forth. This is our mission to speak the Truth about You without fear of those who may kill our bodies and after than can do nothing more.

Thank You my Beloved for reminding me that I am more to You than many sparrows. May I never be too afraid, self-conscious or embarrassed to confess You before the world as my Lord, my God and my King.

Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30, Psalm 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28,39-40, Matthew 10:16-23

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30, Psalm 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28,39-40, 

Matthew 10:16-23

Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30

My Beloved, Your call is always personal and intimate. You call us by name because you know us and we belong to You. Our response like Jacob's must always be, "Here I am." The next step is to be still, quiet and listen to what You have to say to us. We must be attentive, our spirit humble, and our hearts yielding to Your will and Your purpose for our lives.  You always assure us that we need not be afraid of anything, for You our Lord and God, will remain with us, accompanying us every step of the way. When we have no strength of our own, You will carry us as Jacob was carried and You will ensure that all who belong to us will accompany us on this journey from earth to heaven. None will be lost. 

Just as Judah was sent ahead, so was St. John the Baptist sent to prepare the way for You. We too experience the same welcoming embrace that Joseph showed his family when You come to us. You forgive us and restore all we had thought we had lost through sin.

 

Psalm 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28,39-40

Wherever we are my Beloved and whatever the circumstances, we are called to trust you and always do what is right and good.  This is Your assurance to us, if You are my delight then anything I ask for I will receive. This is true. I know it for I have experienced it. You watch over Your own and all that is granted to us as children of God will never be taken from us. 

Difficulties will come but our faith will not be shaken and You will grant us all we need and we will be satisfied.  One thing to keep ever before us to avoid evil even if it may cost us our life, we must do good always and You will ensure that we live happy, fruitful lives for You Beloved are always faithful.

You are our salvation in difficult moments You come to us and provide help in our need. You rescue us from the snares of the enemy. You save us and shelter us under You wings because we place all our hope and trust in You.

Matthew 10:16-23

My Beloved, here You dispense the wisdom of God to those who belong to You. We have a mission to fulfill which we must take it seriously and not be haughty about it but gentle meek and humble as sheep among ravenous wolves. Although  innocent in the ways of sin and evil like doves, however, we are not to be naive, foolish, simpleminded rather we are called to be clever, shrewd and wise.  

You have promised that in this life we will experience persecution, attacks, imprisonment and may even face death because of You but You ask us not to worry or be afraid. We ought not to think up eloquent speeches or prepare an elaborate defense for when the time comes, the Holy Spirit Himself will be our Paraclete, and will inspire us to speak as God wills.  

When faced with persecution, we are called to leave the place and go where it is safe continuing to preach and teach by the witness of our lives so that You will be known and glorified wherever we may be.

Genesis 41:55-57, 42:5-7, 17-24, Psalm 33:2-3, 10-11,18-19, Matthew 10:1-7

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Genesis 41:55-57, 42:5-7, 17-24, 
Psalm 33:2-3, 10-11,18-19, 
Matthew 10:1-7

Genesis 41:55-57, 42:5-7, 17-24

Beloved, when we read the account of Joseph, his brothers, the people of Israel, and of all nations and understand the context in the light of revelation, we know that everything points to You and find its meaning and fulfillment in You.

The people are hungry, there is a famine, and they need to be fed; they go to Pharaoh who in turn sends them to Joseph with the words that echo Your Mama's at the Wedding Feast in Cana, "Do as he tells you." This advise is key to unlocking all the graces in God's treasury of blessings.  Just as people come from the surrounding countries also come to buy grain, so do people from all nations come to You and worship You once they know that only You can satisfy our hunger and give us all we need to live.

We often do not recognize You My Beloved, just as Joseph's brothers did not recognize him, but You know us better than we know ourselves.  They were locked up for three days in prison in the same way that the world was in darkness when You were entombed in the earth and on the third day Joseph released them as Your resurrection on the third day  releases us from death and darkness and gives us life and new hope. However, there must be restitution for the evil done and the sins committed. We have to suffer the consequences of sin just as Joseph's brother had to suffer.

Psalm 33:2-3, 10-11,18-19

My Beloved, faith in You enables us to walk in freedom from fear for we know that we are all the children of God. This is why we must be filled with joy, praise and thanksgiving for all God has done for us through You.  We live in a world that is getting increasingly oppressive because of our sins. There are wicked and powerful forces at work but we know You are victorious. The Cross has triumphed and God's plans for the world are unshakable and will continue to unfold until the end of time.

But the Lord’s eyes are upon those who fear him,

upon those who trust in his loving-kindness. Vs 18

Matthew 10:1-7

My Beloved, Jacob's sons representing the twelve tribes of Israel have their counterpart in the New Testament. The twelve Apostles were chosen by You to receive the Good News and to pass it on from generation to generation.We too receive it and  in turn are commissioned to hand it down. Every Christian is called, equipped and sent. Verse 7 Go and proclaim this message: The kingdom of heaven is near.

Genesis 32:23-33, Psalm 17:1-3, 6-8, 15, Matthew 9:32-28

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Genesis 32:23-33, Psalm 17:1-3, 6-8, 15, Matthew 9:32-28

Genesis 32:23-33

My Beloved it is only in solitude that we can get in touch with our deepest, truest self. There we wrestle with the temporal and the spiritual. We struggle between the temporal that holds us and the spiritual that desires to cling to God who is our only hope.  You allow us to prevail over You because You desire a personal relationship with us. You desire that we demand to be blessed  and You give us all we ask for and more.

Like Jacob, we too are privileged not only to look upon Your Adorable Face in the Eucharist but to even eat You and become one with you.  Thank You.

Psalm 17:1-3, 6-8, 15

My Beloved, I wish that like the psalmist I could claim there is no deceit in me, no wickedness, but I would be lying if I did, however, despite the fact that I am a sinner, You listen and hear my cry. You come to my aid, Your eyes are on me always and Your Spirit is always at work in me. Every time I call You answer Your ear is always close to my lips so you can hear even the smallest sight that escapes from my my lips. You bless those who truly desire not to sin and hide under Your shadow. You protect me as the apple of Your eye and Your wings are always extended over me.

I have this glorious hope my Beloved that one day, having been made righteous through Your grace and merit I shall see Your Face and, awakening, gaze my fill on your likeness. Verse 15

 

Matthew 9:32-28

My Beloved, as long as we permit grave sin to possess us we are struck dumb and can say nothing good, but once You set us free we are able to confess with our lips what we believe in our hearts, that You are our God.  People often attribute good deeds to evil impulses which is a contradiction, every good and perfect act is inspired by Your Spirit, however it is easy to believe lie than to commit to the  truth.

You did not get comfortable in one place, You had a mission to complete and the zeal and fire that burned within You did not permit You to rest. A true disciple is modelled on You.

Give me a heart that is always kind and compassionate and if there is nothing that I can do but pray than let me pray always. Use me Lord in whatever way You will so I can do my part to help bring in the harvest.

Genesis 28:10-22, Psalm 91:1-4, 14-15, Matthew 9:18-26

FEAST OF ST. MARIA GORETTI - VIRGIN & MARTYR

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Genesis 28:10-22, Psalm 91:1-4, 14-15, Matthew 9:18-26

Genesis 28:10-22

My Beloved, God is at work in us constantly even when we are asleep. You are the ladder which connects heaven to earth enabling us to remain in touch with the divine and for the divine to stoop down to us. We can trust in Your never failing promises and love. Verse 15 "See, I am with you and I will keep you safe wherever you go. I will bring you back to this land and not leave you until I have done what I promised.”

Beloved, keep me aware of Your Presence with me and in me always then I will never be afraid or lonely. May I never lose my awe of You for You are God and the Son of God although You love me you poor little sinful nothing so passionately and so well. May I rise up early each day to worship You giving You all the glory, honor and adoration that is due to You for You Beloved are Bethel the House of God and the Gate of Heaven.

I believe that You will remain with me all through my life until You come to take me home to Yourself. You are the Cornerstone on which You have built Your Church which is the unshakable pillar and ground of Truth . Grant O Lord that I share Your bounty with all who come into my life. 

 

Psalm 91:1-4, 14-15

Walk in my shadow,

Find ‘neath its shade,

Peace and protection,

Till sun and moon fail.

I’ll be your shelter,

In the eye of the storm,

Under my wings,

You are safe from all harm.

Verses 14-15

 “Because they cling to me, I will rescue them,”

says the Lord.

“I will protect those who know my name.

When they call to me, I will answer;

in time of trouble I will be with them;

I will deliver and honor them.

Matthew 9:18-26

My Beloved, You are the God of life. You touch us and an abundance of life is given to us. You take away our sins, our shame and we are no longer untouchable. We are no longer unclean for You remove our illness, our guilt, our pain and our shame in the most awesome Sacrament of Reconciliation.

We who are dead because of our sins You take by the hand and raise to life. You restore us to the family of God and You do not stop there Beloved, You feed us on Yourself thus You ensure that we are always strengthened at the Eucharistic table. You enable us to grow in holiness and perfection each day, even if it is ever so slightly.

Thank You!

Ezekiel 2:2-5, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Psalm 123:1-4, Mark 6:1-6

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Ezekiel 2:2-5, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Psalm 123:1-4, Mark 6:1-6

Ezekiel 2:2-5

My Beloved, Truth remains the truth even if all deny it. God sent His prophets all through the salvation history of Israel to reveal His plans to them from one generation to the next. More often than not, these prophets were not popular because they revealed their sins and warned them to stop rebelling against God. Rather than repent, they either ignored the warnings, persecuted the prophets or killed them.

People would rather live self-indulgent lives than live according to the commands of God.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

My Beloved, St. Paul was one of the great Saints. He yielded his life so completely to You and to the mission given to him that You were able to work powerfully through him.

The Holy Spirit revealed great and eternal truth and St. Paul was able to express them vividly and with great clarity. Knowing human vanity it would be easy for him to become puffed up with pride and appropriate the glory that belongs entirely to God, therefore the weakness, or the thorn in the flesh that afflicted him. Despite his best efforts he could not rid himself of it and pleaded with You to do so. It was then that he was made aware of this great truth which will serve us well too to remember always as well, "My grace is enough for you; my great strength is revealed in weakness.” And our response must always be, " So I rejoice when I suffer infirmities, humiliations, want, persecutions: all for Christ! For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Psalm 123:1-4

My Beloved, we need You we cannot do anything worthwhile on our own. We depend on You for the air we breathe and take for granted. You give us life and You sustain that life from moment to moment. Like a servant or a slave whose eyes are constantly on the master of mistress I desire to keep my gaze on You and Your Mama so she can direct my way and will in ways that are pleasing to You my Lord.

Mark 6:1-6

My Beloved, one of the more serious and common mistakes we make is the one that Your kinsmen and the people of Your hometown made. They prejudged You on what they knew of You during the 30 quiet years You lived in Nazareth as the Son of Mary and Joseph the carpenter.  After You left Nazareth they heard reports of You - the many miracles, the powerful signs and wonders. Now, You have returned with Your disciples, and instead of being eager to meet You in person and to experience the power of God for themselves, they look at You with disbelief. They have just heard You preach  and they agree that they have never heard such wisdom taught in their Synagogue before. They are amazed but instead of allowing their amazement to fuel their faith, they actually dismiss You on the basis of their own narrow preconceived notion of what they knew of You in the past.  

Beloved, before I condemn them, if I am honest, I can find several occasions when I myself have dismissed people because I have make rash judgments about them based on what I thought I knew of them.

Genesis 27:1-5, 15-29, Psalm 135:10-6, Matthew 9:14-17

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Genesis 27:1-5, 15-29, Psalm 135:10-6, Matthew 9:14-17

Genesis 27:1-5, 15-29

My Beloved, it would seem like a clear case of a mother playing favorites and through deception stealing the blessing that the father clearly wished to bestow on the older son whom he favored over the younger.  While it is duplicitous we see that God can even use our frailties to ensure that His will is accomplished. 

God Himself desired that Jacob receive the blessing of his father Isaac be granted to him. God is able to execute His plans in all circumstances so we ought never to be discouraged but place our faith and trust in God always.

You have won the victory. You have triumphed.

Psalm 135:10-6

My Beloved, these verses help us understand the above reading in its right context. We must praise You in all circumstances because You are worth of praise.  It was Jacob who was chosen and through him all his descendants were to be blessed. So while we may condemn Rebecca for her action, we must understand that God can and will always draw good from our actions no matter how reprehensible they may be.

Verse 6

6 Whatever the Lord pleases, he does – in heaven and on earth, in the seas and in their depths.

Matthew 9:14-17

My Beloved, we too can be like the disciples of John and the Pharisees who question You about why neither You or Your disciples faster. We do things for the wrong reasons even when they lose their relevance. We are too rigid and set in our ways refusing to break the mold preferring to remain stagnant. we do things because they were always done even when we no longer know why we do them.

But You teach us two important lessons. First You are the Bridegroom. The disciples would enjoy Your Presence among them for a few years only - this was the time for rejoicing sorrow would come when You would be taken from them.  With John the Baptist the old comes to an end. This was the reason for his coming to paves the way for the new. There is a new law a new commandment and the old must give way. Love is now the rule of law not fear, punishment and condemnation for breaking it.  Where there is love there is no fear for perfect casts out fear.