Hosea 11:1, 3-4, 8-9, Ephesians 3:8-12, 14-19, Isaiah 12:2-6, John 19:31-37

FEAST OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Hosea 11:1, 3-4, 8-9, Ephesians 3:8-12, 14-19, 

Isaiah 12:2-6, John 19:31-37

Hosea 11:1, 3-4, 8-9

My  Beloved, how tenderly our God and Father loves us. All though the pages of Scripture we read how He led the people He chose from slavery to freedom. It was the Lord God who taught us how to love and how to be pleasing to Him and to each other. It was He who showed us that love is the only way to live fruitful and happy lives.

He did not think it either absurd or scandalous to send You, His only beloved Son, into the world, to reveal to us that genuine love is prepared to give all, and without reserve. This is what You, my Beloved, did for us. You permitted Your heart to be pierced and Your sacred blood spilled sanctifying the earth, the world and everything in it. We were set free from sin and death so we could return to the Father's house.

Thank You Beloved. We worship, praise, adore and honor Your Sacred Heart that has loved us always beyond human comprehension.

Ephesians 3:8-12, 14-19

My Beloved, St. Paul recognizes that You chose him, the least likely of all people. He who once savagely and brutally persecuted Your Body, the Church was chosen to be the one to announce to the Gentile world Your immeasurable riches. From the dawn of creation and until You were sent into the world by the Father He was preparing us for the New Covenant that He was to make between Him and us through You. 

What was hidden and only hinted at, what was concealed in smoke and shadow, became clear once the world and those chosen to witness Your incarnation, life, public ministry, your arrest like a common criminal and the horrendous torture of the crucifixion, culminating in Your death Your glorious Resurrection and ascension into glory; the Old Testament began to take on meaning, it became luminous with understanding as we see how You fulfilled every prophecy and promise made by God. 

The Church has not exhausted the inexhaustible treasures of Wisdom as she continues to contemplate with the help of the Holy Spirit who throws light, facet by facet on the wonders of God's love for us.

Through You, my Lord, we receive all that the Father has to give, which is infinite, so we can become what God always intended His children to be for He created us in the image and likeness of the Triune God. 

Isaiah 12:2-6

My Beloved, salvation comes to us from You alone there is no other. We trust in You and though life can be hard, painful and difficult sometimes we are not afraid, for You are with us - Emmanuel. 

Thank You for Your free gift of salvation. Thank You for throwing open the gates of heaven so we can enter into glory with You and share in Your inheritance forever.

John 19:31-37

My Beloved, for those who say that You are myth and that faith is a crutch for the weak, we have here the sworn testimony of Your disciple who witnessed  Your crucifixion and who saw the soldier pierce Your sacred side with a lance. He saw the blood and water that came forth from Your Heart. This is neither myth nor legend - this is just what God intended. Love pierced the Heart of the Son of God that anyone who so desires might enter it and there find joy beyond imagining.

We continue to look on You whom we have pierced with our sins each time we lift our gaze to a Crucifix or an image of Your Sacred Heart, and we are reminded again of the length, breadth, height and depth of God's immeasurable love for us, revealed through You my Beloved, my Lord and my God.

Sacred Heart of Jesus I place all my hope and trust in You.

Acts 11:21-26, 13:1-3, Psalm 98:1-6, Matthew 10:7-13

FEAST OF ST. BARNABAS

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Acts 11:21-26, 13:1-3, Psalm 98:1-6, Matthew 10:7-13

Acts 11:21-26, 13:1-3

My Beloved, the evidence that You are with us and that we are doing Your work is the visible fruit that flourishes from the mission entrusted to us. So it is in the Church in Antioch, through the Good News preached by Your disciples according to Your command, a great number believed and were saved and a large, flourishing community was established.

The Mother Church is always watching over her members to ensure that they are not being led astray, so she sends Barnabas to see for himself, if the good reports they had heard were true. The church in Antioch would be encouraged and strengthened by his visit. 

The wonderful character reference given to Barnabas is one that should be made of all disciples. We are told that he was a good man filled with the Holy Spirit and faith this is why large crowds came to know the Lord. 

We also see here how fasting must accompany our celebration of the Eucharist. It helps us to be keenly attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit so we can discern what You desire of Your disciples. Prayer and fasting are an unbeatable combination if we truly desire to know God's will for our lives and to do it. 

Psalm 98:1-6

My Beloved, this psalm praises God for what will take place in the future. It is a prophecy of Your coming into the world. It speaks of God's awesome love and faithfulness in remembering His children. He will give us a Savior who will be victorious over evil, sin, and death, and the world and all its people will rejoice at all that He will do in order to save and redeem the people of God.

Matthew 10:7-13

My Beloved, Your command to Your disciples and the mission entrusted to them remains unchanged. Every one who believes in You, all who are baptized are called without exception. No matter who we are or what our station in life is, no matter how great or small we perceive ourselves to be, or how weak or powerful; each in their own way must shine Your light of truth in the world.

We who are called are given clear instructions and we are equipped with everything we will need to carry it out. We must proclaim the message that the Kingdom of God is here. Together with this message verses 8-10 tells us that we we are called to, "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts— no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep."

We are called to use our judgement in choosing those who will help us and once they open their homes to us we will leave Your blessings and peace on everyone who welcomes us for Your sake. 

2 Corinthians 3:4-11, Psalm 99:5-9, Matthew 5:17-19

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

2 Corinthians 3:4-11,  Psalm 99:5-9, Matthew 5:17-19

2 Corinthians 3:4-11

My Beloved, we cannot grasp in full measure what a marvellous relationship God has with His creatures through You. The commandments given to Moses, made known God's law, which if broken brought death. Now, we have a New Covenant, ratified between God and His people in Your Blood. A Covenant of Love, which brings life and hope, and is written on our hearts by Your Holy Spirit. We begin to live in glory while still on earth and we will live it in its fullness in eternity.

Psalm 99:5-9

My Beloved, during every Eucharistic celebration we ascend Your Holy Mountain to offer to the Father the worship that is acceptable and pleasing to Him. Just as God called Moses, Aaron and Samuel, He calls His anointed, our consecrated priests, to offer prayers, thanksgiving and supplication on our behalf. While the Old Covenant law brought knowledge of sin and punishment for wrongdoing, the New Covenant heals our wounds, forgives transgressions, and makes us one with the Father and the Holy Spirit through You.

Thank You Beloved.

Matthew 5:17-19

My Beloved, all was veiled and in shadow from the time of Abraham up to Your coming into the world. The sacrifice for sin, purification from sin, worship of God were done according to lengthy rituals and animal sacrifices. When You entered into human history, everything found clarity, meaning and purpose in Your life, the manner of Your death and Your glorious resurrection to heaven. You struck a deathblow to sin, triumphed over evil and gave us all hope in the resurrection and the promise of eternal life.

The only law that can condemn us or give us life if we keep it, is the commandment to love God above and before all else, and  our neighbor as ourselves. If we keep these and teach others to do the same, we will receive the inheritance that has been prepared for us in eternity.

2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Psalm 119:129-133, 135, Matthew 5:13-16

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Psalm 119:129-133, 135, 

Matthew 5:13-16

2 Corinthians 1:18-22

My Beloved there is mystery but no contradiction in the faith. Your Word is clear and those who preach must do so without compromising the truth. Your Word is either 'Yes' or 'No,' it cannot be both. We are not to sow confusion but are called to witness to the truth with clarity. 

In You my Beloved the YES and AMEN of the Father and the Holy Spirit are made visible. Anointed by the Spirit and strengthened by the Sacraments we are called to serve You wholeheartedly and without reserve. Sealed in Your Spirit through Baptism You have given us a share in Your inheritance making us co-heirs with You to the Kingdom. Thank You.

Psalm 119:129-133, 135

Truly, my Beloved, one needs an open childlike spirit to accept the wonder of Your promises. They are so glorious and so unfathomable that only one who is meek and humble will believe and obey. You are gracious and kind You do not force us to do Your will even though it is for our good, rather You desire that we freely seek to do it always. We are fully alive and happy when we keep Your commands.

Thank You for Your Holy Spirit who lives in me and guides and directs my life. Thank You for Your watchful and loving gaze on me always protecting me and keep me from all evil.

Matthew 5:13-16

My Beloved, we are called to be salt and light in the world. We are to bring the flavor or Christ in this sin laden word. We are to shine Your light in a world that is getting hideously dark through sin.  I cannot call myself Your disciple if I do not make myself available to those around me. You have given me freely of Your love and kindness these I must give to others so they too can know and love You. 

There is no greater joy than this to know and love You. This joy is made perfect when we are able to teach others to know and love You as well, so together we can all praise our Father in heaven, for the Gift of Salvation freely given to all through You, His most beloved Son.

2 Corinthians 1:1-7, Psalm 34:2-9, Mark 5:1-12

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

2 Corinthians 1:1-7, Psalm 34:2-9, Mark 5:1-12

2 Corinthians 1:1-7

My Beloved, without the grace that flows to us through the Sacraments we can never know peace. It is through them, administered to us through Your anointed in the Church, that we are encouraged and strengthened. 

All whom You call must be prepared to face hardship and persecution. We have been forewarned that if You were treated shamefully despite being the Son of Man and the Son of God we can expect no less. However, we can also expect to receive consolation that comes from knowing that You are with us. 

You love us and  in doing all You ask of us the whole Church is encouraged, consoled, and comforted. Thank You for being our ever present help in all our difficulties.

Psalm 34:2-9

Truly my Beloved, You put praise in our hearts and a song on our lips. You are the God of love and of all consolations. You alone are worthy of our praise and worship. Thank You for hearing and answering us each time we cry out to You  for help.  Thank You for consoling us and wiping away our tears. Thank You for saving us. We look at You Lord in Your sanctuary and we are radiant with joy. For the Lord our God is with us. He makes His dwelling place among us.

You keep us safe from the enemy and in You the faithful find refuge, shelter and help.

Mark 5:1-12

My Beloved, in this miracle You demonstrate Your power over the spiritual realm. This poor man was possessed by a legion of evil spirits. He was ostracised as a danger to his family and community and most of all to himself. Satan had bound him and he lived among the dead. Tormented he could do nothing to help and save himself.

Sin has this menacing power to hold us in chains and we can do nothing to break free from its fetters. Sin isolates us from You and the more isolated we become from You the more desperate and hopeless our situation becomes. 

People generally want nothing to do with those who are burdensome and a nuisance. But You my Beloved came to seek and save the sinner. You came to the region of the Gerasenes in order to set this poor man free. The evil spirits recognized You, they knew that they did not stand a chance and so they asked that you send them into the pigs. You did, and they hurled themselves headlong into the sea, setting the man totally free. 

Neither sin nor evil can remain in Your Presence and if we cling to You we will be safe.

Exodus 24:3-8, Hebrews 9:11-15, Psalm 116:12-13, 15-18, Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

FEAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI - 

THE BODY & BLOOD OF CHRIST

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Exodus 24:3-8, Hebrews 9:11-15, 

Psalm 116:12-13, 15-18, 

Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

Exodus 24:3-8

My Beloved, the Covenant of God's love for us is ratified is Your Blood. Our response to this unfathomable love of the Father, made visible in the sacrificial offering of Yourself as the perfect victim for our sins, must be one of complete obedience to Your will. 

We know Your will for You reveal it to us in the two commandments that embrace all the ten. Love for God above and before all, and love for neighbor in the measure that we love ourselves. Everything You ask of us we do because we love. Our obedience must be joyful, prompt, and total always. In this alone is perfect peace and joy.

Hebrews 9:11-15

The Son of God, the Beloved, through the power of the Holy Spirit, made the love of God visible by becoming incarnate of the Virgin Mary. Taking from her His flesh unblemished and unsullied by sin He become the willing and only acceptable Victim for the sins of us all from the first to the last.

He who is God became Man to save us poor, unworthy sinners because He loves us. Now set free from the bondage and slavery of sin, we are called to serve Him in love.

Psalm 116:12-13, 15-18

My Beloved, the Eucharistic Sacrifice is a thanksgiving meal of praise, worship, and adoration acceptable and pleasing to God. We will offer this sacrifice  for the life of the world until You come again. 

Thank You for becoming like us in order to save us. Thank You for setting us free. We offer You our lives and our obedience to Your will in gratitude for all You have done for us. Help us to shine the light of Your life and truth always and everywhere.

Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

Unbeknownst to the people of Jerusalem the true Passover Lamb was instituting the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist at the Passover Festival with unleavened bread which was to become His Body and the wine made from the crushing of grapes was to become His Blood. There were to be offered to us as food and drink for our souls.  Soon His Body would be splayed on the Altar of the Cross. It would become a holocaust through the furnace of bitter suffering and the Blood to the last drop would be poured out in expiation for our sins.

Before the Bloody sacrifice was to occur we have the unbloody Sacrifice which established the final New Covenant ratified in His Blood.  We have His promise that He will drink it anew with us once again in the Kingdom of God when He will come to claim us for Himself to remain with Him forever.

Tobit 12:1, 5-15, 20, Tobit 13:2,6-8, Mark 12:38-44

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Tobit 12:1, 5-15, 20, Tobit 13:2,6-8, Mark 12:38-44

Tobit 12:1, 5-15, 20

My Beloved, the advise that the Angel Raphael gives Tobit and Tobias is applicable to all God's people. All are called to acknowledge all the wonderful things God continually does for us and to give Him thanks both in private prayer and in public. To exalt the Name of the Lord God and give Him all the glory and honor that is due to Him. To make known His goodness, His kindness, His mercy and His saving help.

Our prayers are more effective, the Angels says, when they are accompanied by fasting and alms giving. All we do must be with a sincere heart and with honorable intentions and God will surely bless us.

Tobit13:2,6-8

My Beloved, when we sin and go astray, we need never be afraid to come back to you if we are truly repentant and contrite. God loves the sinner and there is always a welcome when a repentant sinner comes home. Thank You my Beloved for the awesome Sacrament of Reconciliation where the door to God's mercy is always open wide.

Mark 12:38-44

My Beloved, God's judgement is quite different from ours. God sees the heart, God sees the intention and God judges accordingly. We look at the outward signs. God alone can see into the soul We curry favor with the rich and the powerful, even if they are sinners. We ignore or worse excuse their hypocrisies and we laud their well publicised good deeds paraded before the world.

Our giving has to be sincere and no matter how humble our offering may be, like the widow who gave her all, God who rewards, will give us in return full measure, shaken together, and spilling over, for we cannot out our God in generosity.

http://bridegroomofmysoul.blogspot.com/search?q=True+Giving

Tobit 6:10-11, 7:1, 9-17, 8:4-9, Psalm 128:1-5, Mark 12:28-34

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Tobit 6:10-11, 7:1, 9-17, 8:4-9, Psalm 128:1-5, 

Mark 12:28-34

Tobit 6:10-11, 7:1, 9-17, 8:4-9

My Beloved, if we only approached marriage the way Tobias did the world would be a more joyful place, women would be respected and children welcomed as gifts from God. Marriage gives us reason for hope. It strengthens love and teaches wisdom. Love in marriage is never selfish but self giving. It is respectful of the other and seeks only the good of the other. All this is possible when we include You and seek Your will above our own selfish interests and desires. A husband loves his wife and prays for her and for himself and she joins in his prayer for God's blessings upon them and their lives together. Their whole lives must be an Amen to God and to each other.

Psalm 128:1-5

My Beloved, when a man fears the Lord not as one fears an enemy but as one who knows that because He loves His Creator, he dare not do anything that would cause him grief or disappointment, who knows he owes God everything beginning with his very breath, such a man will receive every good and perfect from God. He and his family will be blessed all their days and these blessing will overflow to their descendants as well. For God is good always and His mercies are everlasting.

Mark 12:28-34

My Beloved, we live to love God there is no other reason for being. In loving God we become the person God created us to be. The conviction born of faith that love of God, above and before all, with all the fervor of heart, mind, soul, body, and spirit, gives us the grace and courage needed to wake up each morning with praise on our lips, and to go to bed at night with thanksgiving in our heart. 

We are on our way to God and this life is only a passing from this world to the next. All we do and all we are flows from this truth giving meaning and purpose to everything else. Loving our neighbor is not an option. It makes visible and concrete the love for God that is in our hearts. 

I love You my Lord and my God.

Tobit 3:1-10, 16-17, Psalm 25:2-9, Mark 12:18-27

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Tobit 3:1-10, 16-17, Psalm 25:2-9, Mark 12:18-27

Tobit 3:1-10, 16-17

This we must always believe Lord, that You are just and merciful, and all that You do is prompted by love. You do not punish us for our sins, rather, taking upon Yourself our punishment You redeemed us. If we suffer it is because we have not been faithful and choose to walk in ways where You do not lead.

Here I am my Beloved, along with Tobit I say, "Do with me as You will. Do not leave me or forsake me, but remain with me always."

Just as You heard the pleadings and the cries of Tobit and Sara so also hear me when I pray and answer me.

Thank You.

Psalm 25:2-9

Jesus, my Lord and my God, teach me humility. Teach me to walk in Your ways and to be led by divine Truth. Give me the desire and the will to do what is right and pleasing to You always. Never let me stray from the path of life. Let the light of Your Word be a lamp to guide and strengthen me. I place all my hope and trust in You my Lord for I know that in You alone is my peace and joy.

Mark 12:18-27

My Beloved, it is easy to quibble about revealed truths and to bend it to suit our own interpretation or to make light of it by ridiculing it. Truth demands that it be accepted for what it reveals and to abide it. By making light of it one clearly desires not to take it seriously for if one did then it would demand that we accept it and live by it.

You certainly set the Sadducees straight when they tried to trivialise the resurrection and eternal life. Our God is a God of the living and not of the dead. when we are called from this life to the next, we will be one with You in spirit and in truth and we will have need of nothing for You will complete us in Your love.

Tobit 2:9-14, Psalm 112:1-2, 7-9, Mark 12:13-12

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Tobit 2:9-14, Psalm 112:1-2, 7-9, Mark 12:13-12

Tobit 2:9-14

My Beloved, Tobit is a good man. He lies in accordance with God's law. He is kind and givens generously event though he himself does not have much. One would think that he would be abundantly blessed however this was not the case. He gets blind and doctors cannot help him. He has to rely on his brothers to look after him and his wife has to work in order to support them.

Her bitterness becomes apparent when she throws Tobit's good deeds in his face. Instead of admiring her husband because he is a man of integrity she resents him. Poor Tobit.

When we are tried ourselves it is good to remember Tobit and understand that trials are part of life. Our faith increases and through them God teaches us much.

Psalm 112:1-2, 7-9

My Beloved, once again we are reminded today that those who love You and keep Your Word will receive blessings which will also spill over to their children. Those who trust you are not afraid for their hope rests in You. We must remember to share what we have with those less fortunate and we can count on You to repay any kindness a hundred fold for any kindness done to anyone You consider done to Yourself.

Mark 12:13-12

My Beloved, these sworn enemies of each other the Pharisees and the Herodians come together only because they hate You more and wish to destroy You. They use flattery to lull You before they ensnare You. Any answer given to their question was guaranteed to discredit You either before the Jews or the Romans and You would be condemned. However, they were unaware that they were dealing with Divine Wisdom, God Himself and once again Your answer was so clever and the logic irrefutable their jaws dropped in amazement. "Render to Caesar that which is Caesar's and to God that which belongs to God." 

It will do us all good to remember these salutary words of advise and abide by them.

Tobit 1:3, 2:1-8, Psalm 112:1-6, Mark 12:1-12

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Tobit 1:3, 2:1-8, Psalm 112:1-6, Mark 12:1-12

Tobit 1:3, 2:1-8

My Beloved, Tobit is a man who is faithful to God despite the difficulties he has to face. He fears God, he obeys the law, he is not afraid to do what he knows is right even though he is mocked by those around him. He shares what he has with the poor and has a kind, compassionate and generous heart.

The life of Tobias is one that is pleasing to God and there is much we can learn from him, especially to be faithful to our calling despite any hardships we may face.

Psalm 112:1-6

My Beloved, how wonderfully these verses describe Tobit and the Lord's never failing kindness and faithfulness to him. These are Your promises to all who keep Your commandments, are kind, loving and generous, who share gladly all they have, who fulfill their duties, and who walk in the light of truth, integrity and justice.

These verses gladden the heart and give us confidence. Your blessings will flow not only to those who trust in You and Your Word but will be poured out on their children as well.

Mark 12:1-12

My Beloved, in this parable you speak to the people and the nation that God chose, the prophets that He sent to them time and time again who were abused, persecuted, treated shamefully and killed. Finally, the Father sent You, and You prophesied to Your hearers what You would face as well - rejection and an ignominious death, at the hands of the very people and nation that God had chosen for Himself.

Coming back to the present time Beloved, nothing has changed. You and Your law of love and wisdom continue to be rejected. Those who witness to the Light of Truth are persecuted, imprisoned, silenced and even killed. They are mistreated and marginalized and discriminated against. They are denied justice and the rule of the godless prevails.

But Light cannot be put out. It will prevail and the darkness that threatens to cover the world can never extinguish Your Light. We have Your Word. The victory is won and the triumph is Yours.

Sirach 42:15-25, Psalm 33:2-9, Mark 10:46-52

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Sirach 42:15-25, Psalm 33:2-9, Mark 10:46-52

Sirach 42:15-25

My Beloved, all that God has created is good and fulfills His pupae. All things are designed according to His will and function to give Him glory. All wisdom and all knowledge are His, He commands and all obey. To do His will is the delight of His creatures for in it from the greatest to the least is found purpose, joy and fulfillment.   He has done all things well. 

Divine wisdom is imbued in all that is in the heavens, in the oceans, in the sky and on earth. All is held in His love and He gives life to all things.  He has need of no one and nothing for God is complete in Himself and yet He has willed to create us to reveal Himself to us in You and to give us a future and a hope in You and through You in Him eternally

Psalm 33:2-9

My Beloved, all praise is due to You always. To give You thanks in all things is right and fitting for You are God and You are worthy of all worship love and adoration. You created all things by Your Word and Your Word sustains all You have created from the greatest to the least. You breathe into us and give us life; take away Your breath and we return to dust. 

We are because You cause us to be and You have an eternal destination for those who love and honor You.  Praise You my Lord and my God forever.

Mark 10:46-52

My Beloved, Bartimaeus had no idea that his whole life was about to change that day. A complete metanoia was to occur once he encountered You.  

He was blind and dependent on the generosity of strangers for alms. He was sitting beside the road as usual when he heard the sound of an approaching excited crowd and when he inquired who was passing and was told it was You he began to shout as loud as he could to get Your attention. Today was his turn for a miracle and though the crowd tried to shut him up he would not be silenced. 

Verses 49-52 speak so vividly of what happened that day: "Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

This is the story of every disciple. You meet us where we are and when we desire more than the world can give You invite us into a deeper relationship with Yourself. We must articulate what it is that we want from You and the greater our faith in You the greater the the spiritual light and sight we receive. 

There is no turning back  once we have encountered You. A true disciple will go wherever You lead. 

Sirach 35:1-12, Psalm 50:5-8, 14 & 23, Mark 10:28-31

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Sirach 35:1-12, Psalm 50:5-8, 14 & 23, Mark 10:28-31

Sirach 35:1-12

My Beloved, we usually come to you with a begging bowl requesting for favors and nothing else in these verses remind us not to come before You empty handed. We are called to offer You praise, adoration, worship and thanksgiving with hearts overflowing with love and gratitude for all You do for us. 

When we are called to give let us do so cheerfully, promptly and generously for You love a cheerful giver.

Psalm 50:5-8, 14 & 23

My Beloved, it is important that we give you thanks always.. You are God and e honor You with our praise. All we have comes from You for You are kind and merciful and are mindful of our needs and our dependency on You. May I never fail my Beloved to fulfill all that You ask of me and I will be pleasing to You 

Mark 10:28-31

My  Beloved, often we give in the hope of receiving. We also keep a careful note of what we have given and remind You just in case You may have overlooked little good deed we may have done How foolishly we act. No one can outdo You in generosity even a cold glass of water given in Your Name will heap blessings on us.  

Let us not worry about what return You will make to us for doing our duty. We can trust You to open the floodgates and throw wide open the treasuries of grace heaping blessing upon blessing upon us far outweighing any of our hopes and expectations. Thank You Beloved!

Sirach 17:20-24, Psalm 32:1-2, 5-7, Mark 10:17-27

Sirach 17:20-24, Psalm 32:1-2, 5-7, Mark 10:17-27

Sirach 17:20-24

Thank You my Beloved for these words of comfort and encouragement. You look down on us and You are aware of everything we do. You will reward generously any kindness we have shown to another.  You cherish a good deed like the apple of Your eye says verse 22b.

Thank You for assuring us that every repentant sinner will be forgiven and that Your abiding love is the reason for our hope in You, despite any difficulties we may face.

Psalm 32:1-2, 5-7

Once again my Beloved I have Your loving assurance in verses 6-7

So let the faithful ones pray

to you in time of distress;

the overflowing waters will not reach them.

You are my refuge;

you protect me from distress

and surround me with songs of deliverance.

Thank You for always hearing our prayers. When we are in distress and call on You we will receive Your mighty protection. No evil will touch us, terror will not overtake us. We who take refuge in You will sing for joy hymns of thanksgiving and praise for You are our God who saves us. Thank You.

Mark 10:17-27

My Beloved, most of us are like the rich man in today's Gospel. The man was eager to live a good life, pleasing to God but he was aware that something was lacking or he would not have come looking eagerly for You. We are told that having found You he ran up to You and knelt before You. He seemed to have done everything that was required of a genuine disciple. He did not know You were God this is why You tell him that only God is good. To his question about gaining eternal life, You give him the most obvious answer follow the commandments. But the man said that he had followed them faithfully since he was a child. 

Divinity gazed steadily into the soul of the man and You knew that here before You was one who truly desired to follow God closely. You then told him that if he truly desired to commit his life completely to God he was to strip himself of all his worldly possessions of which he was well endowed giving it all away to the poor and then come and follow You.  Sadly, the man found it too much. Whatever joy he had in first approaching You with such great fervor fizzled out and dried up like dew in the sun

His wealth possessed him and in choosing not to divest himself of his riches he chose to walk sadly away from You in abject spiritual poverty. He was unable to choose God and place himself in utter dependence on His mercy and generosity.

We are so like him and instead of wagging our fingers we ought to recognize ourselves in him. Much as we would like to live for You Beloved, unless You call us and give us all the grace we need to answer Your call, we too would not be saved. Thank You for the Sacraments the conduit of all graces that save us through You.

Acts:30, 23:6-11, Psalm 17:1-2, 5, 7-11, John 17:20-26

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Acts:30, 23:6-11, Psalm 17:1-2, 5, 7-11, John 17:20-26

Acts:30, 23:6-11

My Beloved, one thing is certain those who stand for You and the Truth can expect to be arrested and hauled before the courts but You have assured us that we ought not to prepare our defense for the Holy Spirit will come to our aid. 

St. Paul was aware that if he spoke about the resurrection both the Pharisees and Sadducees would be at each others throats since the Sadducees did not believe in it, nor did they believe in angels and spirits, while the Pharisees did and so as expected a fierce and violent battle broke out between the two parties. It was always Your plan for Paul to take the message of the Good News of our salvation to the Gentiles in Rome.

Let us never become despondent when troubles come, for through it all, Your will and Your purpose for our lives will be accomplished.

Psalm 17:1-2, 5, 7-11

My Beloved, the psalmist rightly reminds us that we only need You as our Defender. You will always hear and come to our aid. You who judge rightly will hasten to protect us from the wiles of the enemy. Thank You for the grace we receive through the Sacraments which helps us to stand firm and not stumble in the face of temptation. Verse 8 assures me that You "Keep me as the apple of your eye; under the shadow of your wings hide me.""Keep me as the apple of your eye; under the shadow of your wings hide me."

I know that You are my Protector. I can trust You to hide me in the shelter of Your wings where no harm will ever come to me.

John 17:20-26

My Beloved there is no prayer more glorious and beautiful than this prayer You prayed to Your Father before You offered Yourself as the Sacrificial Lamb on the Altar of the Cross as the  perfect Victim for our sins.  Long before we who now believe in You were born You prayed for us as well as for the Apostles, disciples and all who believed, were saved and in turn handed down the faith from generation to generation.

Before the foundations of the world was laid You had a place of glory with the Father. You were eternally One with each other and You desire that we who are the Father's gift to You may share in this unity You. We who believe in Your Name will be caught up in the love and the glory of the Trinity eternally.  How great You are Beloved and how worthy of our love, praise, thanksgiving, adoration and worship. 

Acts 20:28-38, Psalm 68:29-30, 33-36, John 17:11-19

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Acts 20:28-38, Psalm 68:29-30, 33-36, John 17:11-19

Acts 20:28-38

My Beloved, the Church, Your Body, is a sacred trust given by You to Peter and the Apostles who handed it down to those who came after them. You shed Your Blood for her members and countless others, faithful to You, to Your teachings and Your Word have likewise shed their blood and so it continues to this day. The Church was purchased at a price that no one can ever hope to repay. 

Ruthless wolves  from without the Church and even from within bay for the destruction of Your Church and her teaching which she received from You. She guards and defends it faithfully and teaches without error for this is what You have guaranteed through Your Holy Spirit.

Today truth is being corrupted by those in authority and power those with an evil agenda those who seek to replace innocence, beauty, wisdom and truth with lies, ugliness, depravity and knowledge is being used to corrupt and destroy rather than to nurture and build on a foundation of love made visible through service. But we must not lose hope. You have conquered, the price is paid and the victory is won.The enemies of the Church will crushed for they are already vanquished and triumphant cries of alleluia resound everywhere even though it may seem that the power of darkness are in ascent. 

Psalm 68:29-30, 33-36

The Lord has won the victory He is triumphant. Awesome is our God who rules the heavens and the earth and blesses His children with power and strength to face the enemy and overpower the rulers of darkness in His Truth.  Our God rides on the wind and speaks in the sound of the thunder. He carries His people under His wings. Blessed be our God now and forever. Alleluia!

John 17:11-19

My Beloved, Your own are kept safe in Your Name - Jesus. To us who believe in Your Word is given the joy that comes only from knowing You. We do not belong to the world but to You and just as the world hated You, so it hates those who follow You faithfully.

You have left us Your Presence in Your Living and Eternal Word and we are consecrated in the Truth of Your Word which is Yourself.  We are called to be leaven in the world carrying Your Truth and allowing that Truth to go out from us to be diffused to those around us. We thank You Beloved for making the ultimate sacrifice for which the Father sent You.In Your death we have died to sin and in Your resurrection we are born to newness of life. Thank You.

Acts 20:17-27, Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21, John 17:1-11

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Acts 20:17-27, Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21, John 17:1-11

Acts 20:17-27

My Beloved, if any disciple can truthfully echo Paul's words as their mission comes to a close they can be at peace for they have been your good and faithful servant. Our life is the first witness of what we believe even  before we open our mouths to speak. A life lived in humility and service to ones neighbor is the mark of a true disciple. Nothing must deter us, neither trials, persecution or sorrow. The goal is clear and we must keep a steady course. This is possible only if we are completely in tune with the Holy Spirit.  We have all received the same mission to carry the Good News with us wherever we may be, You will provide all the grace we need. May I strive always to never stop to count the cost but to do all that You ask of me cheerfully, promptly and to the best of my ability.

Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21

My Beloved, You are with us always. You bless and comfort us. You feed us and strengthen us. You forgive us and are always merciful, tender and compassionate. As you deal with us grant that we deal with others. Thank You for being yoked to us and helping us carry our burdens each day.Thank You for salvation that comes to us only through You. Thank You for the promise of eternal life with You.

John 17:1-11

My Beloved, the blessed hour for which the Father sent You into the world has finally arrived. To You is given the power over all mankind. The ones chosen by the Father and entrusted to You are given the awesome  mission of establishing Your Church, preserving Your teaching and handing it down faithfully to all who will come to know you and the Father who sent You. To God is due all glory for sending us salvation and redemption through You. The Church is entrusted with the mission to ensure that Your teaching is handed down faithfully so that generation after generation will receive the truth, will come to know and believe in You and will be saved. We bear Your Name Beloved and are one in You as You are One with the Father. 

Acts 1:15-17, 20-26, Psalm 113:1-8, John 15:9-17

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Acts 1:15-17, 20-26, Psalm 113:1-8, John 15:9-17

Acts 1:15-17, 20-26

My Beloved, the Church is a community of believers with a hierarchy - there is a visible head and there is the invisible Head, Yourself. The Church receives her life from You and she is guided by the Holy Spirit, by Scripture and by the Living Tradition that the Apostles who were with You from the time of John's baptism, who lived with You for 3 years and finally were witnesses to Your resurrection.

As long as the Church abides by these three principles she will stay the course and remain true and faithful. Thus it was how the two were chosen to take Judas' place. Lots were cast for Joseph and Matthias who fit the criteria and in the end the final choice was left up to You. It was You who chose Matthias.

Psalm 113:1-8

My Beloved, You choose whoever You wish and You equip the one chosen to carry out the mission. We are to be attentive to Your voice and to accept Your choice in obedience and humility.

You are intimately involved in the life of Your Church, constantly stooping over her and granting her Your protection. We praise You Lord for Your Church, for her leaders and for all her members who form Your Body.

John 15:9-17

Me Beloved, there are no degrees to divine love as there is in human love and affection which is often flawed because we are sinners. How consoling and wonderful it is to know that You love us as much as You love the Father who returns that love in equal and infinite measure. 

Beloved, the only one way to know if my love for You is genuine is if I am willing to obey Your commands. This is how we know that Your love for Your Father is perfect, You obeyed His command to lay down Your life for us. You have revealed to us everything that the Father Himself revealed to You. In believing all that You have revealed You have made us Your friends for there are no secrets between true friends. You chose us, You have sent us to tell the world how much God loved us He sent You to save us and give us hope of everlasting life. True love makes only one demand that we make a complete self donation to one another in imitation of the Divine Lover.