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.

9-19-2021 Gospel Mk 9:30-37

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091921.cfm

Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it. He was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him.

They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they remained silent. They had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.”

Jesus loves children and He wants us all to come to Him as a child. But, He also wants to take the children into our hearts as we would take Him. Instead of taking in the children our world is set on destroying them. The evil one wants to destroy what Jesus loves and so he is working on destroying the children. How do you feel about these little ones? Do you take them in or do you agree with the evil one and work to destroy them?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray for all who believe abortion, child pornography and selling children will have a conversion of heart. May they turn to you and learn to love them instead of destroy them. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

The Lord upholds my life.

9-18-2021 Reading I 1 Tm 6:13-16

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091821.cfm

Beloved: I charge you before God, who give life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who gave testimony under Pontius Pilate for the noble confession, to keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ that the blessed and only ruler will make manifest at the proper time, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, and whom no human being has seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal power. Amen.

The word of Jesus was passed on to us without error, for our salvation. We are being charged to keep these same commandments faithfully and live the life that Christ handed down to us through the disciples. How well do you keep the word that God passed down to us? It really is not hard, but it does take work. But the rewards are immense. Where do you get your reward? Are you following the word passed down to us?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, your word has been my life since I woke up and paid attention to what you were saying. May I never stray again, in Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.

9-17-2021 Reading I 1 Tm 6:2c-12

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091721.cfm

Beloved: Teach and urge these things. Whoever teaches something different and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the religious teaching is conceited, understanding nothing, and has a morbid disposition for arguments and verbal disputes. From these come envy, rivalry, insults, evil suspicions, and mutual friction among people with corrupted minds, who are deprived of the truth, supposing religion to be a means of gain. Indeed, religion with contentment is a great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it. If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with that. Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains.

But you, man of God, avoid all this. Instead, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.

What a timely and important reading for this world. We have veered so far from the teachings of Christ that it is almost unrecognizable. Preaching and believing that Christ would support abortion, the insults given to people who do no believe as everyone does. They forgot the teaching of Jesus about who can cast the first stone! Preachers are so rich they need bodyguards to protect their wealth. Oh this world has strayed, and Jesus is just waiting for us to come home. What teachings have you forgotten? Which ones do you remember? Do you follow the Lord or the world?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, many times I forgot my way and believed much of the world, but the seeds were planted and your word grew in my heart changed me. My prayer is for all those that need that change, for the seed of your word to be planted and take root, in Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!

9-16-2021 Memorial of Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Saint Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs Reading I 1 Tm 4:12-16

Learn more about Sts. Cornelius & Cyprian: https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2020-09-16

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091621.cfm

Beloved: Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Until I arrive, attend to the reading, exhortation, and teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was conferred on you through the prophetic word with the imposition of hands by the presbyterate. Be diligent in these matters, be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to everyone. Attend to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in both tasks, for by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.

Everyone is given gifts by God. He des not wait until we are old and learned either! He gives us gifts at an early age and watches to see what we do with them. Just because someone is young does not mean they have no gifts. If young, use wisely and ask those more learned for guidance. If older, do the same. Use your gifts wisely and completely trust in God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you took the dreams of an old lady and made them come to fruition. May I always use them wisely, in Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

How great are the works of the Lord!

Sts. Cornelius & Cyprian, pray for us

9-15-2021 Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows Gospel Lk 2:33-35

Learn more about Our Lady of Sorrows: https://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/the-feast-of-our-lady-of-sorrows.html

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091521.cfm

Jesus’ father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

When Jesus was an infant Mary was warned that a sword would pierce her heart. She also knew scripture and that her son was the Messiah. All her adult life she knew what she was facing. Imagine the joy mixed with sorrow she experienced. Every milestone brought her son closer to His agonizing death. Every milestone twisted that knife a little deeper. Motherhood is never easy, mixed with pain, suffering and the joy of watching your child grow. Mary had that and more. She teaches us that love and faith overcome everything. She trusted in God and had the faith to see the journey to the end. She did not give up, blame others or despair. She loved and believed. Do you have the faith and love that Mary had? Are you willing to trust the Lord and see this journey through with Him at your side as she did?

Prayer: Heavenly Father I thank you for the lessons learned and the growth I experienced walking the path of life with you, Amen.

How great are the works of the Lord!

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us

9-14-2021 Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Gospel Jn 3:13-17

Learn more about the Exaltation of the Holy Cross: https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2020-09-14

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091421.cfm

Jesus said to Nicodemus: “No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”

For God so loved the world that he gave his only 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.

The Lord sent His Son to save us. Save us from the world and from ourselves. Jesus died so that we would have eternal life, so that we will live with Him forever. But we take that gift and trample it into the ground with lies, with disobedience, we reject what Jesus has for us in eternity for what the world has now. We forget eternity is forever and this life is not. What we earn in this world in riches stays here. What we bring into eternal life is the good we have done for the Lord. What will you bring to eternal life? What will you leave behind?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I have very little here on earth and I am very happy now and excited about what is to come! In Jesus’ holy name Amen.

Do not forget the works of the Lord!

9-13-2021 Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom, bishop and doctor of the Church Gospel Lk 7:1-10

Learn more about St. John Chrysostom: https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=64

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091321.cfm

When Jesus had finished all his words to the people, he entered Capernaum. A centurion there had a slave who was ill and about to die, and he was valuable to him. When he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and save the life of his slave. They approached Jesus and strongly urged him to come, saying, “He deserves to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation and he built the synagogue for us.” And Jesus went with them, but when he was only a short distance from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof. Therefore, I did not consider myself worthy to come to you; but say the word and let my servant be healed. For I too am a person subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come here, and he comes; and to my slave, Do this, and he does it.” When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him and, turning, said to the crowd following him, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” When the messengers returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.

Sometimes people who are raised in a different faith or culture can see the truth of God’s word as this man did. And he saw it through the works of Jesus. He had more faith than those whom Jesus were preaching to and healing. They saw but did not believe. Who are you? Do you see the truth of what Jesus teaches and refuse to believe? Or are you like the centurion who believed against his faith because of what he saw?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I believed before I saw and when I truly opened my eyes I never looked backed. You are life eternal, Amen.

Blessed be the Lord, for he has heard my prayer.

St. John Chrysostom, pray for us

9-12-2021 Reading II Jas 2:14-18

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091221.cfm

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well, ” but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Indeed someone might say, “You have faith and I have works.” Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works.

Do you put feet on your faith, actions to your words? How do you do it? Do you feed the hungry, visit the sick, bring the word of God to others? If you do not do that, then your faith is lacking. When we have true faith, we work to bring it to life. What are you doing to give life to your works?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that others see you when they see me, see your joy, your love and your mercy, in Jesus’ holy name I ask for all this, Amen.

I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living, Alleluia!

9-11-2021Gospel Lk 6:43-49

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091121.cfm

Jesus said to his disciples: “A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For people do not pick figs from thornbushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles. A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks. “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I command? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, listens to my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when the flood came, the river burst against that house but could not shake it because it had been well built. But the one who listens and does not act is like a person who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, it collapsed at once and was completely destroyed.”

What type of fruit do you produce? Do you live your life for the Lord or for the world? Only the Lord will produce good fruit. If you produce good fruit, you will have a firm foundation to live your life. How do you want to be remembered? A fruitful tree or a rotten one?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am working to produce the fruit of your words and love. Help me to always walk your way, in Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever.

9-10-2021 Gospel Lk 6:39-42

Link to today’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091021.cfm

Jesus told his disciples a parable: “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,’ when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.”

How blind are you? Do you accuse people of doing or saying things when you do the same thing? We have a tendency today to accuse people of false and misleading things when they are only doing something we do not like. We need to start looking at the things we rail against and see if we are the hypocrite, not the other person. Watch how you accuse, it may come back to your own eye.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me eyes to see and ears to hear others, and your word to share. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

You are my inheritance, O Lord.