9-5-2020 Gospel Lk 6:1-5

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/090520.cfm

While Jesus was going through a field of grain on a sabbath, his disciples were picking the heads of grain,rubbing them in their hands, and eating them. Some Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Have you not read what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry? How he went into the house of God, took the bread of offering, which only the priests could lawfully eat, ate of it, and shared it with his companions?” Then he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.

Jesus was telling them who He was but they did not listen. They wanted the letter of the law not the heart to be followed. They could not conceive of living for the love of the law and its creator. How well do you listen? Do you live in the love of God or reject Him as the Pharisees did? You see where it got them do you not? Cold, hard men who could not, would not, live in love but insisted the that only the rules be followed? When you live in the love of God the laws are easy to follow. Hatred is bred when love does not exist. Where are you?

Prayer: Heavenly Father with your love everything is made easier. Thank you for loving me as you do. In Jesus’ holy name Amen.

The Lord is near to all who call upon him.

5-1-2023 Gospel Mt 13:54-58

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/0501-memorial-joseph-worker.cfm

Optional Memorial of Saint Joseph the Worker

Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, “Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Are not his sisters all with us? Where did this man get all this?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.” And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.

Even in these readings, Joseph is not named. He was a humble man who took on the responsibility of raising the Son of God as his own. What a blessing and what a challenge for him. Yet, through it all he remained in the background, quietly teaching Jesus and taking care of Mary. Our men today need to follow Joseph’s example and be strong family men, teaching their children and taking care of them, without expecting glory and honor. Are you strong enough to be St. Joseph to your family? Do you respect your family or have you left them to fend for themselves? We can save the world if each man followed Joseph.

Prayer: Remember, O most chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never has it been known that anyone who asked for your help and sought your intercession was left unaided. Full of confidence in your power, I hasten to you, and beg your protection. Listen, O foster-father of the Redeemer, to my humble prayer, and in your goodness hear and answer me. Amen.

Lord, give success to the work of our hands! Alleluia!

4-28-2023 Gospel Jn 6:52-59

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042823.cfm

Friday of the Third Week of Easter

The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his Flesh to eat?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink his Blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my Flesh is true food, and my Blood is true drink. Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.” These things he said while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.

Jesus did give us His flesh to eat. It was not impossible because He is God. And God does what He choses. Jesus gave us the bread of life, the bread that is the source and summit of what we believe. And, should be what you believe. The evil one knows it is Jesus, why do you not believe?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the beautiful gift of eternal life you have give us in your body and blood. It is the center of my life and I pray for belief for those who do not believe, Amen.

Go out to all the world and tell the Good News, Alleluia!

4-25-2023 Reading 1 1 Pt 5:5b-14

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042523.cfm

Feast of Saint Mark, evangelist

Beloved: Clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for: God opposes the proud but bestows favor on the humble.

So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.

Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your brothers and sisters throughout the world undergo the same sufferings. The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ Jesus will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little. To him be dominion forever. Amen.

I write you this briefly through Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, exhorting you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Remain firm in it. The chosen one at Babylon sends you greeting, as does Mark, my son. Greet one another with a loving kiss. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

This is a letter that could be written to us today. Humility is disappearing, faith is being lost and no one wants to listen to the truth. They want “feel good” gospel, not the truth. The evil one is taking over this world and we are asleep. Are you willing to wake up and fight for your soul? Give the word “woke” and new and more meaningful definition? I am, will you join me in the fight for Christ?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to stay strong and stand for you and your truth. I pray others wake up and join in the battle, Amen.

For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord, Alleluia!

4-24-2023 Reading 1 Acts 6:8-15

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042423.cfm

Monday of the Third Week of Easter

Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyreneans, and Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and debated with Stephen, but they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Then they instigated some men to say, “We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God.” They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes,
accosted him, seized him, and brought him before the Sanhedrin. They presented false witnesses who testified, “This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law. For we have heard him claim that this Jesus the Nazorean will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.” All those who sat in the Sanhedrin looked intently at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

When you have to lie to make your position believable, you are not doing the work of the Lord, you are doing the work of the evil one. If you have the truth to back up what you say, your point will be made. Do you believe the lies of the evil one in today’s world or the truth of the Lord?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, your truth is all I need in my life. Help me Lord, to always walk in your light, Amen.

Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord! Alleluia!

4-23-2023 Gospel Lk 24:13-35

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042323.cfm

Third Sunday of Easter

That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?” And he replied to them, “What sort of things?” They said to him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of bread.

When we open our hearts and minds to Our Lord willingly, He will reveal all truths to you. Are you like the men on the road who did not believe what they grew up knowing had come true? Are you willing to have your life changed, just as these men were changed? Would you recognize Him in the breaking of the bread?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for opening my eyes and my heart to your words and your truth, Amen.

Lord, you will show us the path of life, Alleluia!

4-22-2023 Gospel Jn 6:16-21

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042223.cfm

Saturday of the Second Week of Easter

When it was evening, the disciples of Jesus went down to the sea, embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum. It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they began to be afraid. But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” They wanted to take him into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading.

When you trust in Jesus, your work may not be easier but it comes with a mission and a joy! Have you learned to trust Him yet? Try it, what do you have to lose?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I trust in you, Amen!

Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you, Alleluia!

4-21-2023 Reading 1 Acts 5:34-42

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042123.cfm

Friday of the Second Week of Easter

A Pharisee in the Sanhedrin named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people,
stood up, ordered the Apostles to be put outside for a short time, and said to the Sanhedrin, “Fellow children of Israel, be careful what you are about to do to these men. Some time ago, Theudas appeared, claiming to be someone important, and about four hundred men joined him, but he was killed, and all those who were loyal to him were disbanded and came to nothing. After him came Judas the Galilean at the time of the census. He also drew people after him, but he too perished and all who were loyal to him were scattered. So now I tell you, have nothing to do with these men, and let them go. For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him. After recalling the Apostles, they had them flogged, ordered them to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, and dismissed them. So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. And all day long, both at the temple and in their homes, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the Christ, Jesus.

Gamaliel was right. This movement came from God and has survived for over 2,000 years. Yet today, with all the knowledge we have, people refuse to believe in Him. We think we are smarter than those back in Jesus’ time, but we are not. We do not have the faith and understanding that they did. Are you smart enough to believe in Jesus or not?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray for those who do not have eyes to see or ears to hear. May they learn the truth of you before it is too late. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord, Alleluia!

4-20-2023 Reading 1 Acts 5:27-33

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042023.cfm

Thursday of the Second Week of Easter

When the court officers had brought the Apostles in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, the high priest questioned them, “We gave you strict orders did we not, to stop teaching in that name. Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and want to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the Apostles said in reply, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.”

When they heard this, they became infuriated and wanted to put them to death.

Are you going to be willing to stand up for God when the time comes? And it will. More and more today we are losing our freedoms and our faith will be called into question and we will be asked to stand for God or give Him up for the freedom of the world. What will your choice be?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the courage I will need to stand for you and turn my back on the world.

The Lord hears the cry of the poor. Alleluia!

4-19-2023 Gospel Jn 3:16-21

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041923.cfm
Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter

God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God. And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.

We see today how many sins are committed in the dark, how people try to hide their transgressions, the laws they break, the lies they tell to try and justify or redeem those sins. There are no secrets rom God, there is nothing hidden that God does not see, yet we think we can hide from Him. What is done in the dark will be brought to the light, it is only a matter of time. If you have to hide what you do, you are already condemned. If you fear the truth, you are already condemned. If you think you get away with a sin, you are already condemned, because God sees all and judges what He sees.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, if there is anything I have tried to hide, bring it to my mnd so I may confess it and be forgiven. I pray for those who think they can do what they want and not worry about you. You are the final and absolute judge, Amen.

The Lord hears the cry of the poor, Alleluia!

4-18-2023 Reading 1 Acts 4:32-37

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041823.cfm

Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter

The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the Apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the Apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.

Thus Joseph, also named by the Apostles Barnabas (which is translated “”son of encouragement””), a Levite, a Cypriot by birth, sold a piece of property that he owned, then brought the money and put it at the feet of the Apostles.

They were of one heart and mind, would it not be amazing today if all the believers in Christ were that way. We so need unity to withstand the assaults that we face every day. The evil one knows how to attack us and uses that knowledge every day. Who do you pay attention to? Jesus or the world? Do you give lip service to Jesus or are you all in?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to become one, united to serve you, Amen, Alleulia!

The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty, Alleluia!