Daniel 14:38, Sirach 17:20-24, Mark 10:17-27, Psalm 32:1-2, 5-7

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

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Daniel 14:38

 “You have remembered me, O God, and have not forsaken those who love you.” 

 My Beloved, You are always stooping down to me.  Your arms are ever outstretched ready to steady me should I stumble.  Ready to forgive me even before the sound of my contrition rising from my heart reaches my lips.  Your Presence is all around me.  Your awesome word encourages me and lights my path.  You are as close to me as the next breath I draw for it is Your breath I breathe that keeps me alive.  

Sirach 17:20-24

20 Their misdeeds cannot be hidden from him, all their sins are before the Lord.

22 He holds a man’s almsgiving dear as a priceless signet ring; he cherishes a good deed like the apple of his eye.

23 One day he will rise and reward them; he will place their prize on their heads.

24 He allows those who repent to return; he comforts those whose hopes are fading.

 How wonderfully comforting are Your words to me today.  It is good that my sins are always before You so I need not be afraid to confess because You already know my offenses  against You and  my neighbor.  The fact that my almsgiving pleases You is encouraging.  Grant that I may always do good so I can be the apple of Your eye.  Thank You for You promise of eternal life in You eternal embrace.

Mark 10:17-27

• 17 Just as Jesus was setting out on his jour­ney again, a man ran up, knelt before him and asked, “Good Master, what must I do to have eternal life?”

18 Jesus answered, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 19 You know the commandments: Do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not cheat, honor your father and mother.” 20 The man replied, “I have obeyed all these commandments since my childhood.”

21 Then Jesus looked steadily at him and loved him and he said, “For you, one thing is lacking. Go, sell what you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come and follow me.” 22 On hearing these words, his face fell and he went away sorrowful for he was a man of great wealth.

How hard for the rich to discover the kingdom!

• 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 The disciples were shocked at these words, but Jesus insisted, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

26 They were more astonished than ever and wondered, “Who, then, can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked steadily at them and said, “For humans it is impossible, but not for God; all things are possible with God.”

Beloved, detachment is necessary in order to follow You with an undivided heart.  You have taught me detachment from persons when I lost a child, detachment from things during the invasion when we had to leave everything behind and leave our home,  detachment from friendships when I thought I had lost a friendship and accepted it - You graciously restored it once I stopped clinging.  

Meditating on today's Gospel we see that the young man caught Jesus in time, he ran, he knelt before God in humility recognizing him and knowing that there is life in the hereafter.

In case the man had any self-delusions about his goodness, Jesus tells him, One alone is good and that is God.  The young man confirmed that he kept all the commandments which is truly impressive which of us can say the same?  Jesus acknowledges this and looks at him steadily and loved him.  The young man has done very well up to this point but since he was seeking more God was going to challenge him.  Sadly, he was not up to the challenge.  All that he had done in the past, good as it was, was not good enough.  Unless we are ready to be stripped of everything as You were Beloved and we are ready to immolate ourselves with You on the Cross - everything else is just OK, it is mediocre - it lacks the divine touch.

Psalm 32:1-2

Blessed is the one whose sin is forgiven,

whose iniquity is wiped away.

2 Blessed are those in whom the Lord sees no guilt

and in whose spirit is found no deceit.

Yes, yes and again yes!  There is true liberation when we confess our sins and experience the joy of coming home to You.  Thank You Beloved for the liberating Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Isaiah 49:14-15, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34, Psalm 62:2-3, 6-9

Daily Mass Readings:  Isaiah 49:14-15, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34, Psalm 62:2-3, 6-9

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Isaiah 49:14-15

14 But Zion said: “Yahweh has forsaken me,
my Lord has forgotten me.”
15 Can a woman forget the baby at her breast
and have no compassion on the child of her womb?
Yet though she forget, I will never forget you.

From ancient times there was the practice of contraception and abortion although not on the monstrous scale in which it is practiced today.  It is hard to imagine that the mother or father of the child in its mother's womb cannot be counted on to keep it safe there for the duration of its term..  If the arrival of the baby is inconvenient then the baby has no rights at all.  However, if it is wanted by its parents, they will go to any lengths, make any sacrifice to ensure the child is safe and healthy.  So what's the difference - in both cases it is a child created in the image and likeness of God for a purpose.

1 Corinthians 4:1-4
1 Let everyone then see us as the servants of Christ and stewards of the secret works of God. 2 Be­ing stewards, faithful­ness shall be demanded of us; 3 but I do not mind if you or any human court judges me. I do not even judge myself; 4 my conscience indeed does not accuse me of anything, but that is not enough for me to be set right with God: the Lord is the one who judges me.

Beloved, if I call myself Your servant, then I have stewardship of everything that You have left behind for me and for future generations.  I have no right to water down the faith or dilute the truth but I have to preserve it  and hand it over in its entirety.  That is why Your Church, the one You founded on Peter, the Rock, has the awesome responsibility of being the guardian of the faith.  To keep it intact and to hand over the fullness of truth, practiced by the Apostles and the Church fathers,and down through the centuries, in its pristine beauty and clarity.  

Matthew 6:24-34

• 24 No one can serve two masters; for he will either hate one and love the other, or he will be loyal to the first and look down on the second. You cannot at the same time serve God and money.

33 Set your heart first on the kingdom and justice of God and all these things will also be given to you. 34 Do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Beloved, Your Church cannot serve You and the world that clamors for it to follow the fashion mantra of the day with regard to its servitude to the body and the senses.  In matters of faith and morals, the Church cannot change an iota of the Truth as handed down by You to the Apostles in an unbroken line to the present Bishop of Rome and those who will follow. Fashions, trends, schools of thoughts come and go but Your Word remains forever.  We need not worry about anything but can trust You to supply Your Church and its faithful followers with everything we need.

Psalm 62:2-3, 6-9

2 My soul finds rest in God alone;

from him comes my salvation.

3 He alone is my rock and salvation;

with him as my stronghold,

I shall not be overcome.

Numbers 12:13, Sirach 17:1-15, Mark 10:13-16, Psalm 103:13-18

Daily Mass Readings:   Sirach 17:1-15, Mark 10:13-16, Psalm 103:13-18

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Numbers 12:13

 Then Moses cried to Yahweh, " Heal her O God, I beg You."

Beloved, we are all to pray and intercede for our brothers and sisters.  We have to carry each others burdens.  For those who have strayed we have to beg You to grant them the grace to return.  We have to feel crushing sorrow should one of them suffer the loss of their soul.  We have to pray without ceasing  even if we may not see the results.  Success is not important faithfulness is.

Sirach 1, 3, 6, 8, 12-13, 15
1 The Lord created man from the earth and let him return to earth. 3 He endowed them with a strength like his own, making them in his own image.
6 He endowed them with knowledge; he gave them tongue and eyes, ears and a mind to think with.
8 He put his own eye in their hearts so they would un­derstand the greatness of his works.
13 Human eyes saw the splendor of the Glory of God; their ears heard the grandeur of his voice.
15 Their conduct is always before the Lord; they cannot escape his sight.

Beloved we are created from dust, what makes us special is that God breathed His own life into us and blessed us with intellect and our senses to enjoy the marvels of His gifts to us in creation..  Thank You for the eternal covenant of love with which You bind us to Yourself.  Thank You for the ability to see, hear and touch You with our senses..  Thank You also for reminding us that we are always in Your loving sight.

Mark 10:13-16

13 People were bringing their little children to him to have him touch them, and the disciples rebuked them for this.  14 When Jesus noticed it, he was very angry and said, “Let the children come to me and don’t stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” 16 Then he took the children in his arms and laying his hands on them, blessed them.

Beloved, this is one of the few times in Sacred Scripture where we are told that You were not only angry but You were very angry.   The disciples tried to keep the little ones from You and You would have none of it.

May I always be a little one in Your sight so I can always count on being able to come close to You and nestle against You.

Verse 15 is a good reminder to all those whose head weight  due to their knowledge and worldly wisdom swells them to such an extent, that they think they understand You better than revealed truth through which we see You as You are.  They try to box You into an image of You that suits them for then they do not need to be challenged by the unchangeable truth.

Psalm 103: 13-14, 17

13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord pities those who fear him.

14 For he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.

Fear of the Lord is a good, healthy, positive thing my Beloved as Scripture shows us in verse after verse and yet there are those to whom the word 'fear' is outrageous and unthinkable when they speak of You.  They would rather change the word from fear to love.  Wonder what makes them so fearful of the word 'fear of the Lord?" Your word says, "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 9:10 and Psalm 111: 10 all say the same thing.  So what does it say of those who dislike this word?

Isaiah 6:8, Sirach 6:5-17, Mark 10:1-12, Psalm 119:12, 1618-27, 34, 35

Daily Mass Readings:   Sirach 6:5-17, Mark 10:1-12, Psalm 119:12, 1618-27, 34, 35

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Isaiah 6:8

8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” I answered, “Here I am. Send me!”  

Beloved, You have called me personally and I have responded to Your invitation to send me.  I ask You to purify and equip me my Lord.  Pour Your Holy Spirit upon me, set my heart on fire so that it is ablaze with love for You.  Empower my words with Your own power Eternal Word.  Take away all that holds me back - fear, lack of confidence, timidity, shyness, selfishness, self-consciousness.  You know best what holds me back from stepping out boldly and witnessing to You.  Grant that I may undertake all that You have planned for me to do in this life.

Sirach 6:14-17

14 The faithful friend is a secure refuge; whoever has found one has found a treas­ure. 15 A faithful friend is beyond all price; hold him as price­less. 16 A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy, and those who fear the Lord will find one.

17 Whoever fears the Lord will make true friends for, as a man is, such will his friend be.

Thank You Beloved for my friends, they are Your gift to me and truly a treasure.

Mark 10: 6-9

6 But in the beginning of creation God made them male and female, 7 and because of this, man has to leave father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one body. So they are no longer two but one body. 9 Therefore let no one separate what God has joined.”

Beloved, You have raised marriage to a Sacrament because You know that it takes all the grace You make available in order for marriage to reflect the spousal union between You and Your Church.  A husband pours out himself for his wife and his children and a wife in turn responds as only a woman can; with generosity, openness, tenderness and love. She receives all that is given with joy.  She looks at her spouse as the Church looks at You who are her Rock, her Stronghold, her Deliverer and Protector.

2 Samuel 11:27, Sirach 5:1-8, Mark 9:41-50, Psalm 1:1-4, 6

Daily Mass Readings: Sirach 5:1-8, Mark 9:41-50, Psalm 1:1-4, 6

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2 Samuel 11:27
27When the time of mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house and she became his wife; then she bore him a son But the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the LORD. 

 Beloved, David had not only sinned by coveting Uriah's wife but he went the whole nine yards.  He first sinned through his senses, then after entertaining the sin in his mind he planned to take the evil further.  It would have been more honest if he had slain Uriah himself, but he sneakily sent him to lead the battle in the thick of the fray where he knew he would be mowed down by the enemy and killed.  He could then pretend that his hands were not crimson with blood when he took Bathsheba for his wife.  We have to pay the price for our sins always, if not immediately, then later at a time of God's choosing, the day of reckoning will arrive as surely as dusk follows dawn.  There are always terrible consequences for grave sin;  David lost the son that Bathsheba bore him.  But God loved him anyway and sent a prophet to reveal the depth to which he had sunk.  Once David became aware of  his sin he was contrite, he repented, he made reparation and with it came forgiveness, healing and restoration.

This is how You deal with each one of us my Lord.  Thank You.

Sirach 5:4-7
4 Do not say, “I have sinned and nothing has happened!” For the Lord bides his time.
5 Do not be so sure of pardon when you are heaping sin upon sin. 6 Do not say, “His compassion is great! He will forgive the vast number of my sins!” For with him is mercy but also anger; his fury will be poured out on sin­ners.
7 Do not delay your return to the Lord, do not put it off from day to day. For suddenly the anger of the Lord will blaze forth and you will perish on the day of reckoning.

Mark 9:41-50

41 If anyone gives you a drink of water because you belong to Christ and bear his name, truly, I say to you, he will not go without reward.

• 42 If anyone should cause one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble and sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a great millstone around his neck.

43 If your hand makes you fall into sin, cut it off! It is better for you to enter life without a hand than with two hands to go to hell, to the fire that never goes out. 45 And if your foot makes you fall into sin, cut it off! It is better for you to enter life without a foot than with both feet to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye makes you fall into sin, tear it out! It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than, keeping both eyes, to be thrown into hell 48 where the worms that eat them never die, and the fire never goes out. 49 The fire itself will preserve them.

50 Salt is a good thing; but if it loses its salt­iness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another.”

Beloved, as Your brothers and sisters, we have to look out for one another and we must be the source of refreshment to the other.  You warn us of the gravity of causing another to sin and of committing sin ourselves.  Sin is offensive to You and we have to rid ourselves of the things, places, people or occasions that lead to sin.  No matter what the cost may be.

There is a heaven as there is a  hell no matter what radical liberals may say.  There is a fire that never goes out - that is the sobering truth.  In Your mercy grant that I may never lose the salt that lends savor to the world for Your glory.

Daniel 3:40, Sirach 4:11-19, Mark 9:38-40, Psalm 119:165, 168, 171-172, 174-175

Daily Mass Readings:  Sirach 4:11-19, Mark 9:38-40, Psalm 119:165, 168, 171-172, 174-175

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Daniel 3:40

May this sacrifice of ours today obtain for us your favor for we know that those who trust in you shall never be disappointed.

Beloved, each morning I am privileged to join my sisters and brothers as we celebrate the Sacrifice of the Mass.  We unite ourselves in the one, holy, perfect sacrifice You offered to the Father on Calvary when You became the Saving Victim for our sins.  May the Father find this offering so pleasing that He is moved to command His angels to pour upon Your faithful, every grace and blessing that heaven contains on all who celebrate this Mystery worthily and thus find find favor with Him. Amen!!

Sirach 4:12, 17-18
Those who rise early in the morning in search of her will be filled with joy.
17 For in the beginning she will lead him by rough paths, causing him to fear and be terrified; she will plague him with her discipline until she can count on him; and she will put him to the test by her demands.

18 Then she will lead him on a level path, give him joy and reveal her secrets to him.

My Beloved, You have been extremely gracious to me despite my short comings.  You have been faithful in Your love.  You have taken me by the hand across great difficulties and hurdles and in the end You walk with me on a level path, filling me with Your peace, confidence and joy.  Thank You. 

Mark 9:38-40

John said to him, “Master, we saw someone who drove out demons by calling upon your name, and we tried to forbid him because he does not belong to our group.” 39 Jesus answered, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in my name can soon after speak evil of me. 40 For whoever is not against us is for us.

As Catholics with the certitude that the Roman Catholic Church is the Church that You have founded on Peter the Rock, it is easy to look down on the thousands of churches that have spring like mushrooms.  Although they do not possess the fullness of truth like Your Church does, they all contain an element of the truth.  May we heed Your instructions and advice as given to us in the above Scripture passage.  True unity will come in Your time.  In the end You are the common bond that unites us.

Exodus 33:11, 1 Peter 5:1-4, Matthew 16:13-19, Psalm 23:1-6

Daily Mass Readings:  1 Peter 5:1-4, Matthew 16:13-19, Psalm 23:1-6

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Exodus 33:11

Yahweh would speak face to face to Moses, as a man speaks to his friend.

Beloved God, my King, my Savior, my Redeemer and my Lord, You speak to me everyday in personal prayer, in Your Holy Word the Scriptures, when I come before You each morning and look at You in the Blessed Sacrament, when we celebrate  the Holy Eucharist each morning  and the crown of my day when receiving You in the Eucharist - then through the day we commune.  I am more privileged than Moses was because he did not eat You and drink You and receive the life that I receive by feasting at the Banquet of Love.

1 Peter 5:2-4

2 Shepherd the flock which God has entrusted to you, guarding it not out of obligation but willingly for God’s sake; not as one looking for a reward but with a generous heart; 3 do not lord it over those in your care, rather be an ex­ample to your flock. 4 Then, when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will be given a crown of unfading glory.

Beloved, in my own way I too am a shepherd - as a mother, wife, employee, friend, colleague, catechist.  I have a holy calling to be diligent in the witness I give by my speech and actions.  Grant that I be devoted, kind, gentle and helpful always.

Matthew 16:18-19

18 And now I say to you: You are Peter (or Rock) and on this rock I will build my Church; and never will the powers of death overcome it.

19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and what you unbind on earth shall be unbound in heaven.”

Beloved, You have established Your Church and You have given us Peter to represent You, our Chief Shepherd as Your Vicar on earth.  He is Your appointed  servant empowered by Your own Holy Spirit with power given by You to bind and loose.  He is the light that shines on the mountain top.  A powerful beacon of hope drawing and guiding all he faithful and all men and women of goodwill safely to You.  Thank You for this marvelous gift to Your Holy Church, Your Bride.

Psalm 23:1-6

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD

 In the silence of my spirit,

My soul to You I raise,
Prostrate before Your Majesty,
My heart sings hymns of praise.
My inner being sweetly rests,
In pastures fresh and green,
My spirit’s thirst is satisfied,
In waters cool and clean.
The Lord is my dear Shepherd,
No evil shall come near,
I know my God walks with me,
His staff strikes down my fears.
I sup at His own table,
I feast on Bread and Wine,
His mercy, love and goodness,
Thru’ all my days are mine.

Myra D’souza / 4th June 2009

John 1:43, Sirach 1:1-10, Mark 9:14-29, Psalm 93:1, 2,5

Daily Mass Reading:  Sirach 1:1-10, Mark 9:14-29, Psalm 93:1, 2,5

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John 1:43

"Follow Me."

Beloved, when You say, "Follow Me," it means that:

1)  I go where You go no matter where it may be.  I  may not know where You will take me but even that does not matter as long as I am with You.

2)  "Follow Me," also means that I imitate You as perfectly as my sinful nature will allow me to.  I must love as You love, forgive as You forgive, understand as You do, have mercy and compassion and a largeness of mind, heart and spirit just like You.

Grant me humility Lord, combined with obedience, prompt, cheerful obedience to whatever it is that God is calling me to, in imitation of You.

Sirach 1:1, 10

All wisdom comes from the Lord and endures with Him forever.

One alone is wise and greatly to be feared.  The One who is seated upon His throne. 

9 The Lord himself created Wisdom. He looked on her and knew her value. He poured her out over all his works; 10 upon all mortal beings, in accordance with his goodness. He lavished her on those who love him.

Beloved, You pour out Your wisdom on who You will.  It is necessary to be wise in order to please You.  Grant me Your wisdom O Lord in order that I might be always pleasing to You.

Mark 9:22-24, 25, 27 & 29

......." If you can do anything, have pity on us and help us.”

23 Jesus said to him, “Why do you say: ‘If you can?’ All things are possible for one who be­lieves.” 24 Immediately the father of the boy cried out, “I do believe, but help the little faith I have.”

25........"Leave the boy and never enter him again.” 

27 .... Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him and the boy stood up.

29 And he answered, “Only prayer can drive out this kind, nothing else.”

Beloved, I can identify with everyone in this Gospel passage.

I can identify with the father and his cry to have pity on him and help him.  He had a  small faith and he pleaded with you to increase his faith. You can work miracles even with my small mustard seed sized faith.  I do believe Beloved, help me during the times of my unbelief.

I can identify with the crowds who are often there to watch the show but are not willing to participate or be part of the solution.

I can identify with the poor boy who has a dumb spirit.  How often I too am dumb when I am required to open my mouth and speak the truth but I allow the spirit of fear, timidity or ridicule to grip me.  

Lastly, I can identify with Your disciples who still don't get it despite spending so much time with You.  I can be with You and yet be distant from You if I do not allow the time spent with You to transform me and make me like You.

Leviticus 19:1, 1 Corinthians 3:16-23, Matthew 5 42, 44-45, 48, Psalm 103: 3-4, 8, 10, 13

 Daily Mass Readings: Leviticus 19:1, 1 Corinthians 3:16-23, Matthew 5 42, 44-45, 48, Psalm 103: 3-4, 8, 10, 13

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Proverbs 16:24

Kind words are like honeycomb: sweet to the spirit and healthy to the body.

Beloved, help me to remember this always.  Especially when I am annoyed and irritated and a sharp retort comes to my mind and lips.  let me hold it back and remember all the times You have been kind and merciful to me.

Leviticus 19:2, 17, 18
Be holy for I, Yahweh, Your God, am holy. Do not hate your brother in your heart. Do not seek revenge or nurture a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself.

Beloved, I am called to holiness and perfection.  The call to daily conversion and my response to the call is what pleases You.  You also remind me how to treat every person whom I encounter each day.  I am called to love as You love.

1 Corinthians 3:16-23

• 16 Do you not know that you are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit abides within you? 17 If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him. God’s tem­ple is holy, and you are this tem­ple.

• 18 Do not deceive yourselves. If anyone of you considers himself wise in the ways of the world, let him become a fool, so that he may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s eyes. To this, Scripture says: God catches the wise in their own wisdom. 20 It also says: The Lord knows the reasoning of the wise, that it is useless.

21 Because of this, let no one become an admirer of humans, for everything belongs to you, 22 Paul, Apollos, Cephas—life, death, the present and the future. Everything is yours, 23 and you, you belong to Christ, and Christ is of God.

Once again You remind me that my body is Your Holy Temple.  May I do nothing to desecrate in thought, word or deed.  Ma;y i remember that this is true of others too.  It is easy to get caught up by the wisdom of those who are considered wise by the world's standard of wisdom.  They use words cleverly to beguile or trap - but You are quite capable of ensnaring them in their own trap and expose their foolishness.  Words that lack truth however clever will disintegrate into dust.  

 Matthew 5 42, 44, 48

 42 Give when asked and do not turn your back on anyone who wants to borrow from you.

44 But this I tell you: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you,
48 For your part you shall be righteous and perfect in the way your heavenly Father is righteous and perfect.

Beloved, help me to remember always what it is that You expect from me in relation to You and to others.  If I say I love You, my words and deeds must reflect that love or else I will only be paying lip service. 

Psalm 103: 3-4, 8, 10, 13

3 he forgives all your sins and heals all your sickness; 4 he redeems your life from destruction and crowns you with love and compassion; 

8 The Lord is gracious and merciful, abounding in love and slow to anger; 

10 He does not treat us according to our sins, nor does he punish us as we deserve.

13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord pities those who fear him.

How comforting are these verses from today;s psalm.  Thank You Abba Father for Your compassionate, forgiving and merciful love.  I am called to respond to others like You.  Grant that Your Son may give me the grace to do so.

Isaiah 27:2-3

Isaiah 27-2-3

• 2 On that day, he will say, “Praise my fruitful vineyard! 3 I, Yahweh, am its keeper; I water it every moment. So that no one will harm it, day and night I guard it.”

Beloved, grant that I be Your fruitful vineyard.  Guard me as the apple of Your eye.  Pour Your Holy Spirit upon me and refresh me.  Feed me and nourish me with Your own Body and Blood for I am Yours and Yours alone.

Mark 9:7, Genesis 8:6-13, 20-22, Mark 9:22-26, Psalm 116:12-15, 18-19

DAILY MASS READINGS:  Genesis 8:6-13, 20-22, Mark 9:22-26, Psalm 116:12-15, 18-19

Mark 9:7

7 But a cloud formed, covering them in a sha­dow, and from the cloud came this word, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him.”

May the cloud of Your Presence always envelop me and all I love and may the words You have said always find a responsive echo in my  heart and soul,  "This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to Him."

May my whole life be one of listening to You and being obedient.  Doing whatever  You ask of me promptly and joyfully.

"M--- ask for the grace to love with passion and zeal and it will be granted to You."

Beloved, I do not want my love to just pay lip service to You but I want You to use me for Your glory and for the building of Your Kingdom on earth.

Genesis 8: 21-22

21 Yahweh smelled the pleasing aroma and said to himself: “Never again will I curse the earth because of man, even though his heart is set on evil from childhood; never again will I strike down every living creature as I have done.

22 As long as the earth lasts,

seed time and harvest,

cold and heat,

summer and winter,

day and night,

shall not cease to be.”

You are a God who always keeps Your promises.  We can trust You.

Mark 8:23-26

23 He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had put spittle on his eyes and laid his hands upon him, he asked, “Can you see any­thing?” 24 The man, who was beginning to see, replied, “I see people! They look like trees, but they move around.” 25 Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again and the man could see perfectly. His sight was restored and he could see everything clearly.

26 Then Jesus sent him home saying, “Do not return to the village.”

When we are doing some good work, we want the world to look on and applaud.  You were so different.  What was important to You was healing and restoring.  You did not want the world to run after the gifts with no intention of truly encountering the Giver.

I have just realized Beloved that often I confess the same sin over and over again and although I encounter You I still see dimly.  Then suddenly when I encounter You once again - grace enables me to see with perfect clarity and respond.   Thank You Beloved for all the times when grace has led me to a greater understanding of Your perfect love.

2 Kings 20:8, Genesis 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10, Mark 8:14-21, Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10

Daily Mass Readings:   Genesis 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10, Mark 8:14-21, Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10

2 Kings 20:8

 "I have heard your prayer and I have seen your tears."

Beloved, thank You for Your response to my worry.  I will not be anxious but shall trust You.  May that which You will be accomplished.

Genesis:6:6; 7-1, 5

6 Yahweh regretted having created man on the earth and his heart grieved. 

7:1 “Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I see that you are just in this generation."
5 Noah did all as Yahweh had commanded.

Abba Father, when You saw how easily man gave into his corrupt will and flesh, You wanted to annihilate him from the face of the earth.  In order to hold Yourself back from Your justifiable wrath, You gave us our wondrous Redeemer .  Now we enter the safe haven of the New Arc of the Covenant through Mary our Mother who brings us to the safe harbor of her Son, our one and only savior, Redeemer and Lord.

Mark 8:16-21 
16 And they said to one another, “He saw that we have no bread.”

17 Aware of this, Jesus asked them, “Why are you talking about the loaves you are short of? Do you not see or under­stand? Are your minds closed? 18 Have you eyes that don’t see and ears that don’t hear? And do you not remem­ber 19 when I broke the five loaves among five thousand? How many baskets full of leftovers did you collect?” They answered, “Twelve.” 20 “And having seven loaves for the four thousand, how many wicker bas­kets of leftovers did you collect?” They answered, “Seven.” 21 Then Jesus said to them, “Do you still not understand?”

My Beloved are You also often amazed at my stupidity?  Despite all You have done for me I am still blind to Your amazing love and power.  I worry foolishly like one who has not experienced Your glory and goodness in my daily life.  Forgive me Beloved, grant me the gift and grace of wisdom and understanding so I don't wound You by my foolishness.

Daniel 14:38, Genesis 4:1-15, 25, Mark 8:11-13, Psalm 50:1, 8, 16-17, 20-21

Daily Mass Readings:   Mark 8:11-13, Psalm 50:1, 8, 16-17, 20-21

Daniel 14:38

You have remembered me, O Lord, and have not forsaken those who love You.

Genesis 4:5-13

5 but towards Cain and his offering Yahweh showed no pleasure. This made Cain very angry and downcast.

6 Then Yahweh said to Cain, “Why are you angry and downcast? 7 If you do right, why do you not look up? But if you are not doing what is right, sin is lurking at the door. It is striving to get you, but you must control it.”

8 Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go to the fields.” Once there, Cain turned on his brother Abel and killed him. 9 Yahweh said to Cain, “Where is your brother, Abel?” He answered, “I don’t know; am I my brother’s keeper?”

10 Yahweh asked, “What have you done? Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. 11 Now be cursed and driven from the ground that has opened its mouth to receive your broth­er’s blood that your hand has shed. 12 When you till the soil, it will no longer yield you its produce. You will be a fugitive wandering on the earth.”

When we sin it  has a way of weighing us down.  It is hard to be joyful when darkness lurks within us.  I am my brother's keeper.  The blood of  every innocent victim especially the unborn has soaked the earth with blood and nature in revulsion and anger spews her disgust on man as if to heave them off her bosom and rid herself of their vile presence.

Sirach 15:15-20, 1Corinthians 2:6-10, Matthew 5:20-22, 27=28, 33-34, 37, Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34

Daily Mass Readings:  

Sirach 15;15-20, 1Corinthians 2:6-10, 

Matthew 5:20-22, 27-28,33-34, 37,  Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34

Sirach 15:15-20

15 If you wish, you can keep the commandments and it is in your power to remain faithful.
16 He has set fire and water before you; you stretch out your hand to whichever you prefer.
17 Life and death are set before man: whichever a man prefers will be given him.
18 How magnificent is the wisdom of the Lord! He is powerful and all-seeing.
19 His eyes are on those who fear him. He knows all the works of man.
20 He has commanded no one to be godless and has given no one permission to sin. No happiness for the wicked

Beloved, grant me the desire to always choose to do what is right.  You make grace available to me each day.  Help me use it in making the right choices.  Hole me back from displeasing You.  Let Your Face be ever before me, Your holy Presence within me.  May I always be attuned to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

1Corinthians 2:9-10

. 9 But as Scripture says: Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it dawned on the mind what God has prepared for those who love him. 10 God has revealed it to us, through his Spirit, because the Spirit probes everything, even the depth of God.

The mysteries of the divine are revealed only to those who have matured in faith.  It is a decision to give our lives over to God and allow Him to do what He wills with it for His glory.  It is then that His saints will experience the delights of heaven on earth.

Ezekiel 16:4, 6-14, Genesis 3:9-24, Mark 8:1-10, Psalm 90:2-6, 12-13

Daily Mass Readings:  Genesis 3:9-24, Mark 8:1-10, Psalm 90:2-6, 12-13

Ezekiel 16:4, 6-14

4 On the day you were born your cord was not cut, you were not bathed in water to make you clean, you were not rubbed with salt nor were you wrapped in cloth.

6 But I passed by and saw you immersed in your blood. I said to you in the midst of your blood, “Live!” 7 I made you grow like a plant of the field. 8 ...... I made a covenant with you with an oath – word of Yahweh – and you were mine. 9 Then I bathed you in water, I cleansed you of your blood and anointed you with oil. 10 I clothed you with embroidered cloth and put soft leather sandals on your feet. I dressed you in fine linen and covered you with silk. 11 I adorned you with jewelry, putting bracelets on your arms, a necklace around your neck 12 and a ring in your nose. 13 I gave you earrings and a magnificent crown for your head. You were adorned with gold and silver; your clothing was fine linen, silk and embroidered cloth. You were fed on finest flour, honey and oil; you became very beautiful and rose to be queen. 14 Your beauty was perfect and your renown spread through the nations, because of the splendor I had given you – word of Yahweh.

My Beloved, sometimes I think I am walking with just enough light to take the next step.  Although I am certain I am heaven-bound with the help of the grace You make available to me through the Sacraments. I still have my hand firmly in Yours quite in the dark of where the step ahead of the next will take me.  Then you make a revelation like the above verses to me and I am dumbfounded almost to the point of being stupefied.  Is this true?  Is this what You are doing in my life?  In the end You will take me to Yourself eternally - but the journey is a mystery and it is exciting..

Genesis 3:9-24 

(ADAM & EVE'S ENCOUNTER WITH GOD AFTER THEY ATE THE FORBIDDEN FRUIT)

Beloved, You saw me naked and You robed my in my baptismal robe.

Mark 8:1-10

(THE MIRACLE OF THE MULTIPLICATION OF THE LOAVES - JESUS FEEDS 4000 WITH SEVEN LOAVES)

You saw me hungry and You fed me with Your own Body in the Eucharist.  You did not send me away hungry but filled me until I was satisfied and  You still did not run out of blessings for me.

Psalm 90:2, 3-4, 5-6, 12-13

4 A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has passed, or like a watch in the night.

5 You sow them in their time, at dawn they peep out. 6 In the morning they blossom, but the flower fades and withers in the evening.

Deuternomy 20:3-4, Isaiah 66:10-14, John 2:1-22, Judith 13:18-19

Daily Mass Reading:  Isaiah 66:10-14, John 2:1-22, Judith 13:18-19

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES

Deuternomy 20:3-4

"Listen Israel, (M---) today you are to enter into battle against your enemies, (the world, the flesh and the devil).  Do not let your heart be discouraged or afraid or troubled, and do not tremble before them, for Yahweh, Your God is with you, to fight in your favor."

My Beloved, what more can I add to this wonderful promise?  Nothing! Thank You.

Isaiah 66:10-14

Mama dearest, I don't think any Scripture passage describes you and the super abundance of grace that flows through you from the heart of your Divine Son more eloquently than these.  It pleases Him to let the rivers of merciful love gush forth in torrents from Him through You.  Mary, Mediatrix of all graces, pour upon the Church and the whole world, streams of living grace, in order that we may be cleansed, healed and renewed. 

John 2:1-11

THE WEDDING AT CANA

Mama, you are always present in our lives and in the life of the Church just as Jesus is.  You know when we have run out of spiritual fervor, when we are spent and if we turn to you, you will come to our rescue.  You will direct our gaze to Jesus and you yourself will petition Him and HE WILL ACT because YOU asks it of Him.  We in turn have to take the empty stone jars of our life and fill them with a desire to begin anew and the Lord will bless this desire with super abundant grace that we might become flavorful to the world and to the lives around us that we touch each day.  It is the life of grace welling up in secret within us.  Often the world is unaware of the source from where our strength and grace flows.  The source of all goodness and love makes Himself present in us through the sacraments and we are always able to give the best wine.  Jesus is the New Wine and has come at the end of the age and at the beginning of a new dawn so that all who experience Him may believe that the Father sent Him.  But none of this would have been possible without your fiat Mama.  Thank you.

Judith 13:18-19

18 Uzziah said to her, “My daughter, may the Most High God bless you more than all women on earth.

And blessed be the Lord God, the Creator of heaven and earth, who has led you to behead the leader of our enemies.

19 Never will people forget the confidence you have shown; they will always remember the power of God.