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.

6-14-2021 Gospel Mt 5:38-42

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061421.cfm

Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.”

Jesus is not telling you to be a whimp, He is telling you to give, give everything you have to your brother/sister who needs it. Material possessions will mean absolutely nothing in the eternal life, and the Lord wants you to be willing to give them up in this life. If you are willing to give up your “stuff”, your heart becomes more willing to come to our Lord. What are you willing to give up?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, what I own belongs to you to have me dispose of as you will, in Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

The Lord has made known his salvation.

6-13-2021 Gospel Mk 4:26-34

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061321.cfm

Jesus said to the crowds: “This is how it is with the kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and through it all the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.”

He said, “To what shall we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

You plant seeds with everything you do. Every word and action plants a seed with someone. It is up to you to decide if you want to plant a good or bad seed. Whatever you plant will take root and blossom in the heart of others. So decide if you want to spread good or evil. Either way it will take root.

Prayer: Heavenly Father I offer you the seeds I have to plant and pray that they are good seeds that bear much fruit for you. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

Lord, it is good to give thanks to you.

6-12-2021 Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Gospel Lk 2:41-51

Learn more on the Immaculate Heart of Mary: https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07168a.htm

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061221.cfm

Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.

Mary’s heart held these things in her heart to be remembered all her life. Her heart is open to all her children, you and I, who come to her. She will hold you, love you and listen to you. Then she will take your needs to her Son, Jesus, just as she always tells us to do. “do as He tells you to do”. Do you go to her? She is the Mother of God, so she is our mother too.

Prayer: Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me, Amen.

The Lord is kind and merciful.

6-11-2021 Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Gospel Jn 19:31-37

Learn more about the Sacred Heart of Jesus: https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/devotion-to-sacred-heart-jesus/

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061121.cfm

Since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath, for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out. An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true; he knows that he is speaking the truth, so that you also may come to believe. For this happened so that the Scripture passage might be fulfilled: Not a bone of it will be broken. And again another passage says: They will look upon him whom they have pierced.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus holds all the love in the world and it is for us. When they pierced His heart blood and water was shed for us. No one has ever done that before or since. The love Jesus has for us is unfathomable unless you understand that only love like that allows someone to die for you. Do you understand that? Do you realize that He gave His life for YOU? What will you give Him in return? He wants your life and your heart, are you willing?

Prayer: Most Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on me a sinner, Amen.

You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

6-10-2021 Gospel Mt 5:20-26

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061021.cfm

Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.“ You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

What do you hold against your brother? Are you holding a grudge, angry for something that happened? If so, the gifts you have are clouded by that anger and hate. The Lord wants a pure gift from us and you must seek reconciliation, you must bring peace and healing to your offering. Who do you need to forgive?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that if there are any I need to beg forgiveness of your will bring them to my mind and give me the courage to face them. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

The glory of the Lord will dwell in our land.

6-9-2021 Gospel Mt 5:17-19

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/060921.cfm

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”

Heaven and earth have not passed away so that means the word of God has not passed away. The laws are being broken at a faster rate than ever and it does not seem to bother most people, in fact many are working hard to teach error and disobey God’s law. Those that do are risking the eternal life they are proclaiming to believe but teach the opposite. What do you teach? Your eternal soul depends on it.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, your word is spirit and life and the truth of my existence. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

Holy is the Lord our God.

6-8-2021 Gospel Mt 5:13-16

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/060821.cfm

Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

If you follow the Lord and not the world you will shine with His light. The world will see the good that you do, but it also means the world will hate you for shinning when they are in darkness. Shine with the light of the Lord, it is worth it and who knows, you may be the one who changes your corner of the world. It is worth it.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may you always shine from me and I pray for changed hearts because of what people see in me, in Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

Lord, let your face shine on me.

6-7-2021 Gospel Mt 5:1-12

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/060721.cfm

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
He began to teach them, saying:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.
Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

These are words for all of us to live by. Do you find it disturbing today at how many people do not live this way? So many people walk over those in their way, both figuratively and unfortunately literally in these times. People want what they do not deserve, what they do not want to work for. Stealing has become a way of life for many. Spreading lies and misinformation has become a way of life and so few question it. What do you believe in? Who do you follow? Do you place others above you, giving them the place of authority? If not, look into your heart. Jesus did not just give these to us for others to do, He wants us all to live this way. Can you?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the strength to live by these beatitudes and the knowledge to recognize when I do not, in Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

6-6-2021 Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Gospel Mk 14:12-16, 22-26

Learn more about the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ: https://www.ncronline.org/sunday-resource/june-6-2021-solemnity-most-holy-body-and-blood-christ

Link to today’s reading: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/060621.cfm

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples said to him, “Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the city and a man will meet you, carrying a jar of water. Follow him. Wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”‘ Then he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Make the preparations for us there.” The disciples then went off, entered the city, and found it just as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover. While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many. Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

When a Catholic Priest, during Mass, says the prayers of Consecration, the Holy Spirit changes the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ. This is what Christ promised, this is what happens. If you cannot believe this, how can you believe the rest of the promises of Christ? St. Paul believed it and told the Corinthian’s “For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself”. Do you know more than the Apostles of Christ? Are you ready to tell Our Lord that you do?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, your body and blood saved my life and my soul, in Jesus’ holy name I give you thanks and praise, Amen.

I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord, Alleluia!

6-5-2021 Memorial of Saint Boniface, Bishop and Martyr Gospel Mk 12:38-44

Learn more about St. Boniface: https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=29

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/060521.cfm

In the course of his teaching Jesus said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext, recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation.”

He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.”

Beware of those who do not practice what they preach! When someone preaches poverty and lives in a mansion, preaches giving until you cannot give anymore but has a lavish lifestyle, that person may be called into question what they preach. We cannot judge another because of what they do, but if someone is not willing to live what they preach it might be worth looking into what they do want. Jesus knew the scribes wanted attention, places of honor and money. What do you want? Do you listen to what Jesus teaches? Or do you live your own gospel? If so, be ready for the condemnation that Jesus talks about. Live and follow His teaching, not a man made gospel.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, following your gospel is not easy but with you I find the strength for whatever life throws my way, in Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

Blessed be God, who lives for ever.