10-21-2017 Gospel Lk 12:8-12

Link to today’s readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102117.cfm

Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God.

“Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”

When we do not follow the word of God, we are denying Him. Is it really worth the risk? An eternity in hell or an eternity with God. It is your choice.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I choose you. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

The Lord remembers his covenant forever.

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10-20-2017 Gospel Lk 12:1-7

Link to today’s readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102017.cfm

At that time: So many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples, “Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees.

“There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops. I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one. Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”

The Lord sees all that we do. We think we can hide our sins, but nothing is hidden from Him. And no matter what we try to hide, it eventually comes out in the light of day. Darkness is the absence of light and the light of the world will expose what we try to hide.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I tried for years to hide my sins but it did not work. They were always with me. When I came to you, confessed them and asked forgiveness, I learned how much you loved me. In Jesus’ name I give you all praise, glory and honor, Amen.

I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.

10-19-2017 Memorial of Saints John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, Priests, and Companions, Martyrs Reading 1 Rom 3:21-30

Learn more about Sts. john deBrebeuf & Isaac Jogues: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-isaac-jogues-jean-de-br-eacute-beuf-and-companions/

Link to today’s readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/101917.cfm

Brothers and sisters: Now righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, though testified to by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction; all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God. They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as an expiation, through faith, by his Blood, to prove his righteousness because of the forgiveness of sins previously committed, through the forbearance of God–to prove his righteousness in the present time, that he might be righteous and justify the one who has faith in Jesus.

What occasion is there then for boasting? It is ruled out. On what principle, that of works? No, rather on the principle of faith. For we consider that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Does God belong to Jews alone? Does he not belong to Gentiles, too? Yes, also to Gentiles, for God is one and will justify the circumcised on the basis of faith and the uncircumcised through faith.

Faith is vital to our salvation. Many of the Jews felt that they must obey all the laws set by God and the rulers in order to be saved. Jesus teaches that obeying the law alone does not guarantee redemption. Faith brings about works, because when we believe we want to do the work of the Lord. What do you believe?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, since I came to full faith, I try to do your work. No so that I may be saved but so that I may please you and do what you want of me. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.

10-18-2017 Feast of Saint Luke, evangelist Gospel Lk 10:1-9

Learn more about St. Luke: http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=76

Link to today’s readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/101817.cfm

The Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves payment. Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.'”

We are like lambs among wolves now. It is very hard today to preach the Gospel to those who will not listen. But Jesus knew where He was sending them and knew that they would be successful. With perseverance, we too can make a difference. Say yes to the call of the Lord and see what you can do! You may be amazed.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you constantly amaze me! The things I can do can only be done by you, certainly not me! In Jesus’ name I give you praise and honor, Amen!

Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.

10-17-2017 Gospel Lk 11:37-41 Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr

Learn more about St. Ignatius of Antioch: http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=677

Link to today’s readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/101717.cfm

After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.”

Jesus is more concerned about what is in our hearts than what we put in our mouth and the Pharisee’s could not see that. They were all about “what looks good” and how people see them. Remind you of anyone? We all know people who make a good pretense of faith and prayer, but they think they fool others. No matter who is taken in, God is not fooled. He knows your heart and sees through pretense. What does He see in your heart?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to keep my heart pure so I live and work in you, not the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

10-16-2017 Reading 1 Rom 1:1-7

Link to today’s readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/101617.cfm

Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an Apostle and set apart for the Gospel of God, which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, the Gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh, but established as Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles, among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ; to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul is reminding them (and us) that he was called by Jesus Christ to be an Apostle and bearer of His message. He acknowledges that Jesus, a descendant of David, became man and according to Scripture He is the Son of God. Paul is reminding them also, that they were called to be holy. Just as we are. Paul’s letter to the Romans is just as important a reminder for us today as it was for them. Is your life lived holy, showing that you belong to Christ?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, with your grace I remain holy and alive in you. I pray that when others look at me they see you. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen!

The Lord has made known his salvation.

10-15-2017 Gospel Mt 22:1-14

Link to today’s readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/101517.cfm

Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and elders of the people in parables, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. A second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.”‘ Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’ The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to meet the guests, he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. The king said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’ But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ Many are invited, but few are chosen.”

This sounds harsh and cruel, but the Lord is telling us we must come prepared. We cannot go about our daily life, not paying attention to the call of God and expect to be received into the Kingdom of Heaven. We are all called, but we have to answer yes and live the life we say yes to. How do you live your life? As the Lord wants or as you want?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, the day I said yes to you, you changed my life. I became not only a believer, but lived the life you asked of me. Thank you for changing my life and giving me the grace of freedom of your banquet. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.