Sirach 35:1-12, Psalm 50:5-8, 14 & 23, Mark 10:28-31

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS


Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom. Mt. 11:25

Sirach 35:1-12, Psalm 50:5-8, 14 & 23, Mark 10:28-31

Sirach 35:1-12

My soul's beloved, here we are given a few things we ought to keep in mind as we stand on the threshold of Lent. We are reminded to be obedient to the commandments this in itself is an offering pleasing to God. We are called to give alms, do works of charity, refrain from sin, make atonement for our offences, and to strive to be holy.  We are reminded not to come before You with empty hands when we come to worship You but to bring with us our lives and unite all our sufferings with Your great Sacrifice to God the Most High - this sweet smelling fragrance is pleasing to Him and will obtain for us His great mercy. He has blessed us most generously with all we need. He has given You to us and You have sent us the Holy Spirit. Help us never to withhold all that is due to God for He has given us without measure and without counting the cost.

Psalm 50:5-8, 14 & 23

My soul's beloved, grant that during this season of Lent I man not cease to praise You for not only is this pleasing to You but You deserve all our  praise always and everywhere. Help me to be truly sorry for my sins, to make a good confession and with Your help to resolve to avoid sin.  You have made the ultimate sacrifice in order to save me help me in turn to glorify You by all I do. Keep me safe under Your mighty protection and grant me the grace to observe this beautiful season given to us by the Church to better appreciate what God has done to save us. 

Mark 10:28-31

My soul's beloved, Peter rightly said that they had literally given up everything to follow You. What have I given up? This Lent help me to examine my life honestly and see how little I have sacrificed and yet I expect so much from You who has already given me so much more than I ever expected or deserve. It is not a matter of what I will receive for You have given me a share in Your inheritance, but what am I prepared to deny myself in order to make myself more available to You, more like You. When I am persecuted, when trials come my way, when my struggles to live a life pleasing to You get intense help me to accept it all cheerfully for if I accept a share of Your glory I must also accept a share of Your Cross.

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

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS


Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich,
so that by his poverty you might become rich. 2 Cor. 8:9



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

Sirach 17:20-24

My soul's beloved, in You alone is forgiveness of sin. Though my sins be as scarlet You have the power to cleanse me thoroughly of all my iniquities. You have the power to strengthen me so I can avoid temptations. You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life if I remain in You then You will keep be safe from all the lures of the enemy set to trap and destroy me. Grant me the grace to pray constantly, to be firm and and steadfast in faith. May I praise You constantly giving You all the glory for You sustain me, You keep me alive, You nurture me. Grant O Lord that as long as I have breath in my body I shall not cease to marvel at You great love for me and praise You for every grace and blessing that You constantly rain upon me.

Psalm 32:1-2, 5-7

My soul's beloved, in You alone is forgiveness of sin. You alone are empowered with righteous judgement and You raise up or convict. You love those who strive to live pure and holy lives. Who struggle constantly against the world, the flesh, and the devil and with Your help overcome the temptations that assail us constantly. Heaven rejoices when a sinner repents and comes home, heaven rejoices when we overcome our natural tendency to give in to sin. But frail as we are, we will fall but if we are truly sorry and confess our sins You hasten to forgive and You will forget our transgressions. You take away our guilt and You restore what was lost.

Keep me faithful Beloved, grant me the grace to pray constantly so that grace may always be available to me and no matter how deep the waters, is shall not lose my foothold for I am planted in You. Preserve me from the snares of the devils and keep me safe in the shadow of Your mighty protection.

Mark 10:17-27

My soul's beloved, I have read this passage in the gospel about the rich man often, I have heard homilies preached and I can understand how the man felt for I recognize myself in him. I may not be a person of great wealth but I have never wanted for anything and have loved my creature comforts. It is difficult to give up a life of ease, a life of catering to the senses if not wantonly, but if I am honest, often. I may not sin gravely but I have dabbled in the murky pool of sin.

Here we see a man who has heard of You, knows that You are leaving on a journey and is aware that he may perhaps not see You again. He has run all the way in case he misses You and when he finds You runs up to You and kneels down. All this is a clear indication that he is aware of who You are and he honors You.  He asks the question that anyone who desires to be Your disciple must ask at some point in their life, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" The answer You give him is clear. It is not enough to just know the commandments one must keep them. The man responds that he has kept them from his youth, which is a wonderful thing, not many of us can make that same claim. You knew he was telling the truth and we are told that You looked at him and loved him. 

The man had made progress in his spiritual journey and now had come to a crossroads in his life. He seemed to desire more, to have a deeper relationship with God and You revealed that he was right, it is not just enough to obey the commandments, to truly live the life of a radical Christian, he had to give up his wealth, his position, his family, all that tied him to his old life, and giving it all to the poor, to return and follow You.

It was time of testing. If the young man was prepared to do as You asked, perhaps You would have not required him to make that sacrifice but he would never know for he found it too hard to give up his material possessions. He went away sad. We can be attached to many things not necessarily wealth but friends, possessions, family that keep us from loving God completely. Thankfully Beloved, You assure us that with while it is impossible for us to save ourselves, with You all things are possible.

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

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

The word of God is living and effective;
discerning reflections and thoughts of the heart. Heb 4:12


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

Isaiah 49:14-15

---- Mine, never doubt even for one instant that I have forgotten you. I never will. A mother does not forget her infant. She is full of tenderness for the baby in her womb yet  even in the event that this does happen, I my precious, will never ever, forget you. I have claimed you for Myself irrevocably in time and in eternity.

Psalm 62:2-3, 6-9

My soul's beloved, I feel bruised all over and I thank You for Your words of love, assurance, and comfort. Thank You for reminding me that I can find rest for my soul in You alone. I come to You this morning and I lay my head on You. From You alone I receive strength for the journey in the wilderness of life. You are my hope and my delight. You are my rock and my salvation I shall let nothing disturb my peace for I trust in You. I take refuge in You. I hide in You. You know everything, You understand everything and You console me always.

1 Corinthians 4:1-5

---- Mine, remember that as My follower You are My servant for like Me you too are called to serve. Be trustworthy in carrying out your duties and do not become overly concerned if you are judged by men for their judgement does not matter. I have been appointed as the only righteous Judge by My Father. So do all that you are called to do in fulfilling your duties and trust Me in all things. I have the power to shed light in the darkness and to reveal the truth. Walk in My Way and you will never walk alone. For the Lord your God am with you always.

Matthew 6:24-34

My soul's beloved, thank You for all You say to me today in Your Word. You are my Master, my Lord and my God and to You alone I owe all allegiance and to You alone must I offer all my love. You remind me that I need worry for nothing but trust You to provide for all my needs. God is our Father and He will ensure that I want for nothing for I am a child of the Most High God. All that is required of me is to seek first His Kingdom, His righteousness, and I am not to worry about the future for it is in the Lord's hands. What is available to me is this present moment and I am called to sanctify the present moment with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in me. I am not alone. God is with me.

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

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom. Mt. 11:25


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


Sirach 17:1-15

My soul's beloved, it is good to be reminded from time to time that we are created in the likeness of God Himself. We were created as rational beings and we have been given gifts of understanding, knowledge to be able to discern the things of God through His Spirit alive in us. It is right that we fear God for He is awesome, good, and infinitely loving and generous and we ought to tremble lest we sin against Him who is deserving of all our love.

Thank You my Beloved, for restoring our relationship with God, for teaching us the ways of the Kingdom of Heaven and how to get there. Thank You for choosing me as Your own, for knowing me intimately and for loving me so greatly even though I am unworthy of your love.

Psalm 103:13-18

My soul's beloved, thank you for Your great love for me, your infinite compassion and kindness for You are aware of how weak I am and how much I am in need of Your ever constant help. You know that my life on earth is short and in that time there is much that I have to strive for in order to become the person You intend me to be. But I am not alone You assist me every step of the way and victory has already been won. Thank You for Your faithfulness and love toward me.

Mark 10:13-16


People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them,
but the disciples rebuked them.
When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them,
"Let the children come to me; do not prevent them,
for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Amen, I say to you,
whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child
will not enter it."
Then he embraced the children and blessed them,
placing his hands on them.

Sirach 6:5-17, Psalm 119:12, 16, 18, 27, 34-35m Mark 10:1-12

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Your word, O Lord, is truth;
consecrate us in the truth. Jn 17:17


Sirach 6:5-17, Psalm 119:12, 16, 18, 27, 34-35, Mark 10:1-12

Sirach 6:5-17

My soul's beloved, it is such a great pity that there are groups of Christians who reject the book of Sirach and know nothing about it. They would profit much from it had they read it mediated on it, and been inspired by it. Everything the writer says about friendship is true. A true friend is a great gift, often it is a rare gift as well and therefore must be appreciated for it is one You bestow. I have learned that it is important to speak kindly, to resist the haughty word and look for there is neither grace nor merit in treating another as less than they are - for we are all equal in Your sight.

Thank You for my friend. Thank You for the years of laughter, tears, sadness, silence, wisdom, truth, kindness, understanding, compassion, pain we have share through the years. My friend as been a blessing for which I am not only humbled but truly grateful for I know that such a gift is rare and not many receive it. 

A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter;

he who finds one finds a treasure.

A faithful friend is beyond price,

no sum can balance his worth.

A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy,

such as he who fears God finds;

For he who fears God behaves accordingly,

and his friend will be like himself.

Psalm 119:12, 16, 18, 27, 34-35

My soul's beloved, as today's liturgy reminds us, Your Word is truth and we are consecrated in the truth. Thank You for the Gift of Your Holy Spirit who guides us into the way of truth. Who enlightens us and who teaches us that Your commands are light and life to those who obey Your Word. It is the Holy Spirit alone who can expand our knowledge in the things of God. He grants us understanding when we like Mama Mary keep Your Word in our heart and ponder on it. He grants us the grace to obey You even when our flesh recoils from discipline, suffering and sacrifice. He also grants us discernment if we wait on Him rather than impetuously follow our own inclinations. Continue to pour grace on me so I may always delight in yielding and submitting graciously and in all circumstances to His will.

Mark 10:1-12

My soul's beloved, crowds always followed You wherever You went and You never turned them away. Filled with compassion and tenderness for each one of them You taught them; revealing the truths about the Kingdom of God and how we to receive what God so longs to give. Until You came people muddled along and the the law was tailored to suit the temper of the people although it was not what God truly desired. 

Divorce is wrong - that is the simple unvarnished truth. The world refuses to accept it because the world does not have the mind of God. While Moses may have permitted divorce, You tell the Pharisees that God, from the beginning of creation, in making us male and female, desired that once we are joined together in Holy Matrimony, making a covenant with each other, they are no longer two but one flesh. How then can one divorce oneself? Because we are sinners and we enter into this union lightly we demand divorce  for we are selfish and have not truly understood what true love is. You said it and there is no way around it and You will grant the grace to be faithful, loving, and committed to the end. Divorce is always wrong for one cannot divorce oneself:

"Therefore what God has joined together,

no human being must separate."

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

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Receive the word of God, not as the word of men,
but as it truly is, the word of God. 1 Thes 2:13

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

Sirach 5:1-8

My soul's beloved, today You remind me that I must put my hope and my trust in You and in nothing else - neither in wealth or in power. I am also reminded that I must avoid sin and if I do I ought to repent quickly. Should I sin with impunity taking for granted Your mercy and forgiveness then I will soon find out that while You are Love, You are also a just Judge. Give me a sensitive conscience so when I sin I will seek forgiveness immediately and resolve with Your help to sin no more.

Psalm 1:1-4, 6

My soul's beloved, the company we keep reveals who we are. For sinners congregate with sinners but those who desire to follow You will seek out those who are Your disciples. Keep me always beside the streams of living water, through the power of Your Spirit grant that I may put down  roots deeps into Your Body so that Your life may run through me. Only then will I bear fruit that will last. Only then will I be able to live as You desire me to live. Keep me always close to You and aware that You are always watching over me and will keep me safe in Your everlasting love.

Mark 9:41-50

My soul's beloved, help me always to be kind and generous with Your anointed. Help me always to give a good example to those who look up to me. May I be willing to do whatever it takes to keep me from grave sin that leads to eternal death. Hell is real just as heaven is real - help me never to forget it. Help me never to take my salvation for granted. You have called me from darkness to walk in Your light and You desire that I be a witness for You in the world. As long as I have Your life in me I will be able to reflect the light of truth in the world no matter how feeble. Grant that I may never lose my flavor but that I may be filled with Your life and be an instrument of peace rather than division with those around me.

1 Peter 5:1-4, Psalm 23;1-6, Matthew 16:13-19

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS


FEAST OF THE CHAIR OF ST. PETER, APOSTLE

You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church;
the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. Mt. 16:18



1 Peter 5:1-4, Psalm 23;1-6, Matthew 16:13-19

1 Peter 5:1-4

My soul's beloved, thank You for establishing Your Church with Peter at its head. Today he reminds all the successors of the Apostles their true mission as they feed and lead the sheep called by Your Name. May we in turn pray for them everyday, support them, thank them, and refrain from doing anything to make their work more difficult than it is. 

Keep them safe from all evil and fill them with Your Holy Spirit that they may always remain faithful to the authority of Peter. May their work in Your vineyard bear fruit a hundredfold so many may come to know You , love You, and believe in You.

Psalm 23;1-6

My soul's beloved, this is my favorite psalm for it assures me that I am Your sheep, I belong to Your flock and You will take care of me always. Because I belong to You who are God, the Son of God, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity I shall want for nothing for You will supply all my needs. Nothing can disturb my peace for You Yourself will take me by the hand and gently lead me beside cool waters where I can quench my thirst. I can lie in peace in the cool green promise of Your unwavering, steadfast, infinite love.

Should storms arise, should I be faced with evil, or the reports of impending evil I shall not fear for I shall cling to Your promises that nothing can harm me as long as You are by my side. You invite me daily to the banquet table and there You feed me on the finest wheat and on wine sweeter than honey from the honeycomb and I am strengthened and receive all I need to journey from this life to the next.  I have Your assurance that only Your goodness and kindness will follow me and hem me in all my days and at last when this earthly life comes to a close You will receive me in Your Kingdom there to live with You forever. 

Matthew 16:13-19

My soul's beloved, today You ask me, "But you ---- Mine, who do you say that I am?" and I respond with Peter, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Through the free gift of faith received at my baptism I make this proclamation and I believe in it. You are my Lord and my God. You are my soul's beloved, You are my delight, my hope, my song. You give me all I need. Having You I have everything and I need nothing but You always. Fill me, with Your grace to the brim, shaken together and running over and may all that You grant me spill over into every life that touches my own. Keep me faithful and true all the days of my life. Keep me close to the Church and I shall never be lost. Use me for Your glory. 

Sirach 2:1-11, Psalm 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40, Mark 9:30-37

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

May I never boast except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
through which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. Gal 6:14


Sirach 2:1-11, Psalm 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40, Mark 9:30-37 

Sirach 2:1-11

My soul's beloved, You are God and Your nature is love. The Triune God has been revealed to the world and this revelation is cause for joy and exultation for God, our God, loves us who are so unworthy of His love. All that has been made known to us assures me that no matter how hard life gets, no matter what trials, troubles, and difficulties may be my lot for a while, I need not give in to despair for You are right beside me. No cross will be granted to us that is more than we can bear. Give me patience to endure for as long as the suffering lasts. Even though it may seem that the weight of sorrow is crushing me I need to know that the time of sorrow will pass and I will be the better for having been tested - refined, and pure as gold is refined and purified by fire.

You have given us the example and You ask nothing that You Yourself have not endured. At the end of the trial comes a great reward. A resurrection and enduring joy.

Give us all patience in this time of trial and testing. Keep us faithful and humble and may we never doubt that no suffering is in vain. There is no other way to enter into the heart of God than through the doorway of suffering - were there another better way You would have taken it. While we are being tried Beloved stay close to us and grant us the grace to endure until the time of suffering has passed.

Psalm 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40

The psalmist reminds us that those who trust in You will not be disappointed. We are called to trust You, to delight in You, and to believe that You will grant us all we desire. You watch over us and have given us the hope of eternity with You. We have been saved, we have been rescued from the wiles of the devil, and You assure us that You will never forsake those who have entrusted themselves to Your care. Even if we have to suffer You will deliver us and save us because we have placed all our hope in You.

Mark 9:30-37 

My soul's beloved, You turn the values of the world on its head when You teach us the values of the King of God, for they are in direct contrast to that of the world. To be first we must be last and be prepared to serve. We must have the innocence of a child, the trust of a child, the confidence of a child that God is always faithful.  The world has never hated children as much as  it does today - they are not welcome as can be seen from the rampant phenomenon of abortions. People do not curl an eyelash even though babies by the thousands are being dismembered around the globe each day. Animals have their rights protected, babies have no rights at all and the voices of those who courageously raise them for the sake of the voiceless are ridiculed, scorned, mocked, condemned,and persecuted.

Only when the whole world welcomes children as You did, receives them and welcomes them in Your Name, only then will the world truly receive You and not only You but the Father who sent You into the world just as every little baby is sent into the world.

The world is gripped by murder, death, violence and horror because this is exactly how we treat God's precious babies when we rip them from their mother's wombs with their mother's consent. Once this horror stops then we will permit You who redeemed us to rule us and the Kingdom of God will come among us.

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

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS


Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death
and brought life to light through the Gospel. 2Tm 1:10



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

Sirach 1:1-10

My soul's beloved, God lavishes His gift of wisdom to His friends. Who  are the friends of God? They who discern His will in all things and do it. You said to Your disciples, "No longer do I call you servants, I call you friends because I have made known to You everything that I learned from My Father." This is the wisdom of God that is granted to all whom You acknowledge as friends. If I lack wisdom my most beloved, it is because I have not always been ready to give up my will to embrace Yours. It is because although I am aware of all that Your Father has revealed to You, I am not yet prepared to give up all the little, comfortable habits of self indulgence that are necessary in order to exercise the discipline necessary to purify myself.  I am like the rich young man who went away sad because he had great temporal wealth. I have no wealth beloved but I have too many weaknesses that I find unable to give up because I lack the will to do so despite knowing the many gifts that will be lavished on me if I choose to do so. 

Wisdom makes her home in the Trinity and flows from her to all whom God chooses to give her. I am a fool for although I am aware of all that You desire to give me I am too attached to my creature comforts. Unless You reach out and do for me what I am unable to do for myself I shall never fully possess this divine gift that flows from the bosom of God.

Psalm 93:1-2, 5

My soul's beloved, we are on the threshold of Lent. We are given another opportunity to align our lives to that of God. We are given an opportunity to sift through our life and get rid of the chaff that has accumulated so that divine grace may be granted to us and divine light may once again illumine our life.

You are the Lord, the King, robed in majesty and splendor - God has put all things under Your Lordship and control. To You has been given all power, all rule, all dominion, all authority for You have destroyed death forever. We have hope because You have obtained it for us. Help us Lord, we have no other help but the help that comes from You.

Mark 9:14-29

My soul's beloved, today You teach me that all sin and all attachment to sin can be overcome through  prayer. The father of the boy possessed with an evil spirit begs you, "But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." And You responded with this wonderful promise that encourages us, "'If you can!' Everything is possible to one who has faith." I cry out along with the boy's father, "I do believe, help my unbelief!"

Help me Lord this Lent to desire all that You desire for me so I may truly be the person that God created me to be, Lord Jesus, in Your tender compassion hear and answer me. Amen.

Leviticus 18:1-2, 17-18, Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13, 1 Corinthians 3:16-23, Matthew 5:38-48

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS


Whoever keeps the word of Christ,
the love of God is truly perfected in him. 1Jn 2:5



Leviticus 18:1-2, 17-18,  Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13, 1 Corinthians 3:16-23, 
Matthew 5:38-48


Leviticus 18:1-2, 17-18

My soul's beloved, today you ask me to be holy. It is not a recommendation, it is a not a suggestion, it is a command. I must be holy because I am created in the image and likeness of God who is holy.  I am called to love not hate or dislike my brothers or sisters for we all have the same Father, the same Creator, the same Redeemer, and the same Sanctifier. I am called to bear no ill will against anyone, bear no grudge, and exact no revenge for God says, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay." and there is not more just Judge than You my Lord and my God. If I am called to rightly draw the attention of another I must do so with love and mercy condemning no one for God condemns no one. I love my neighbor because God commands us and that is reason sufficient for me to do as He commands.

Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13

My soul's beloved, my most beloved Jesus, the psalmist reminds me to bless the Lord my God for all He has done for me. For saving me. For forgiving all my sins, my wicked, willful, wayward past. For healing me in heart, mind, body and spirit. For saving from eternal damnation and for dealing with me with kindness and compassion even though I did not deserve it. 

My Lord and my God, You are truly kind, gracious and merciful were You not You would have annihilated me in Your anger and I would have been lost forever. My sins have been many and often grave but You led me slowly, gently and firmly on the path that leads to life rather than judging me and punishing me as I deserved. Now, that You have saved me You have forgotten my transgressions although I have not, I know how wicked I can be if You did not provide the grace I need and how grateful I need to be that You hold me in Your Heart. Thank You loving Jesus for all You have done for me and for keeping me safe in Your love.

1 Corinthians 3:16-23

My soul's beloved, once again You remind me that I am the temple of the Holy Spirit and no one can dare destroy me because God dwells in me and I am holy. The wisdom of God is all I need to be wise in the ways that leads to life. The wisdom of the world is foolishness in the sight of God because it does not lead to God and anything that does not lead us to the Kingdom of the Father can only lead us to damnation. Today You assure me that the God of love created all things for me and that everything belongs to me and I belong to You who belong to God. I am Yours because I am grafted to You through baptism. 

Matthew 5:38-48

My soul's beloved, the holy season of Lent will commence shortly; before it does Your Word reminds me of who I am and what is required of me because I am who I am - a child of God destined for heaven. The world has a different set of principles which we must shun - the way of God is the way of life the way of the world leads to death. I am called to do more than the minimum. A child of God does not just fulfill the minimum requirement but goes above and beyond the call of duty. Love does not measure or weigh it goes all out without costing the cost, without weighing the pros and cons. I am called to use God's wisdom in dealing with human relationships. In the first reading I am called to be holy as God our Father is holy and the Gospel of the day concludes with calling me to be perfect as God our Father is perfect. For this I need Your help and Your grace and You supply both richly through the Sacraments You have instituted. Thank You Beloved.

Genesis 11:1-9, Psalm 33:10-15, Mark 8:34---9:1

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

I call you my friends, says the Lord,
for I have made known to you all that the Father has told me. Jn 15:15


Genesis 11:1-9, Psalm 33:10-15, Mark 8:34---9:1

Genesis 11:1-9

My soul's beloved, once sin had entered the world men became prideful of the gifts that were given to them by God and once we are filled with pride in ourselves then we presume that we can do anything even if it is not in keeping with God's will. We begin to attribute our accomplishments and our ability to take on all kinds of projects in different fields to ourselves and we cut God out totally from our affairs. But You know that when we do this we are bound for destruction and for hell. 

This story about the tower of Babel gives us an idea of how foolish we can be and like the devil we can be filled with arrogance. It is Your mercy that has intervened and kept us from accomplishing that which could become our downfall. Love alone has the power to unite and should unite us to You and to each other.

Psalm 33:10-15

My soul's beloved, the psalmist throws light and gives insight into the first reading today. God has the power to lift up and to cast down. Too often we believe that we are our masters but we soon find out how wrong we are for there is not much we can do when our grand plans fail, and come crashing down upon us. However, when we seek Your will, and Your plan for our lives we can be sure that we will succeed in all that we do for the power of God is granted to us and enables us to succeed. 

God has created us for Himself. We are destined for heaven. Those who are grafted into Your Body and are called by Your Name need fear nothing; for You Yourself are our shield, our armor, our protection, and our help. God, our Father Himself has given us to You and we are made co-heirs with You to the Kingdom. We have been given Your Spirit so that He might direct us in the way that leads to life and to salvation.

Mark 8:34---9:1

My soul's beloved, there can be no victory without suffering - it is the Way, the only way to life. To deny ourselves, even legitimate good helps us to exercise discipline and self-control. It enable us gain mastery over our will which is often wayward. To pick up the cross of suffering, of want, of persecution, of discrimination, of watching a loved one become ill, of losing those we love to death, all these various crosses that come too us are first weighed by You very carefully and then placed on our shoulders. We are not given burdens too difficult or heavy for us to bear and You are there right beside us, helping us every step of the way. 

In our sufferings, in our difficulties, You ask us to follow You, not our own inclinations. If we lose our lives in doing what God desires us to do then we attain eternal life. It is hard not to fall prey to the lure of the world and its many attractions that distract us from the goal which is the Kingdom of God but we do not have to struggle on our own. You have given us the Holy Spirit as our Helper, He will assist us to navigate the pitfalls and to be attentive to the voice of God. 

In a world where Christians are persecuted help us never to deny that we are Christians, we are Your followers, and let death be sweeter than fear keeping us from declaring to the whole world that You are God and that we are saved, redeemed, and purchased for God by Your most precious Blood.  

Grant O Lord, my God, that I may be counted among those who do not taste death until I have done my part in bringing about the Kingdom of God in power on earth. Amen.

Genesis 9:1-13, Psalm 102:16-21, 29, 22-23, Mark 8:27-33

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life;
you have the words of everlasting life. Jn 6:63, 68

Genesis 9:1-13, Psalm 102:16-21, 29, 22-23, Mark 8:27-33


Genesis 9:1-13

My soul's beloved, You remind me today that I am responsible for my brothers and sisters and that You have made a covenant with me and my descendants after me. You have created us in Your image and we are called to reflect God in everything.

You have given us many signs that enable us to recall that You have made an everlasting covenant with us, one You will never forget. Keep these signs ever before me so that I may be able to recall how exceedingly gracious You have always been to me.

Psalm 102:16-21, 29, 22-23

My soul's beloved, I take You at Your Word, which is eternal, and irrevocable. You have made it possible for us to come into Your holy Presence when You permitted Your flesh to be torn from Your Body and You made Your Sacred Heart accessible to us. Here we can make our refuge and home if we so desire. You refuse entry to no one. I come O Lord along with those I love, those who need Your help, and we ask beloved, that You hear our prayers. We have no one but You awesome God, and having You we have all things. You will no despise us who are needy and have recourse to You and Your power.

You will hear us. You will stoop down from the heavens, the place where You dwell and hear our cries and our mourning and You will heal, restore, and save us. I believe, I hope, and I trust in You my Lord and my God.

Mark 8:27-33

My soul's beloved, today You say to me, "---- Mine, who do you say that I am?" and with Peter I confess to the whole world, I shout it from the rooftops, and I proclaim with my whole being that You are the Christ. The Son of the Living God. My Savior, Redeemer, my hope, my joy and my all.

Words are not enough to express my gratitude for what You have done for me. Grant me a grateful heart and may I never for an instant doubt Your unfathomable and infinite love for me a miserable and unworthy sinner.

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

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
enlighten the eyes of our hearts,
that we may know what is the hope
that belongs to his call. Eph 1:17-18


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


Genesis 8:6-13, 20-22

My soul's beloved, the burnt offering that Noah offered to God as a sacrifice rose up as sweet fragrance before God.  How much more is the Sacrifice of the Lamb of God, without stain or blemish pleasing to Him and how readily He forgives us our transgressions. As long as the Blood of the Lamb covers me I will not be struck down, I shall not die, I shall live.

Psalm 116:12-15, 18-19

My soul's beloved, the only acceptable offering to the Father in expiation of the sins of the world is the raised cup of salvation filled with the Blood of the Lamb. God has made a Covenant of Love with us and He will never forget it. This is why I am called to be faithful, humble, and obedient. I am saved by His Blood, precious forever in the sight of God and I have His assurance that I will be received into eternity because You have won the victory for me.  Thank You Lord.

Mark 8:22-26

My soul's beloved, this miracle took place because the people brought the blind an to You and begged You to touch and heal him. Instead of performing the miracle before the disciples You led him out of the village and putting Your spittle on the man's eyes he recovered his vision partially. Again You lay Your hands on Him and he was able to see perfectly. Then You told the man not to return to the village. Not to return to notoriety but to go forth and proclaim what You had done for him. 

This is my mission as well. I have been led from the old ways of sin to a new path that leads to life. I have received the Sacraments and Your grace and power now flow in me. You do no wish me to return to my owl sinful way of life but You desire that I leave the past behind and become a disciple with a mission to make You known and loved everywhere so all may experience Your love and be saved.

Genesis 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10, Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10, Mark 18:14-21

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Whoever loves me will keep my word, says the Lord;

and my Father will love him

and we will come to him. Jn 14:23

Genesis 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10, Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10, Mark 18:14-21

Genesis 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10

My soul's beloved, I think that one of the saddest lines in Scripture is this, "He regretted that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was grieved." We deserved to be annihilated from the earth and yet God stayed His hand that could have just swept us all away and that would have been the end of it. We would no longer be able to defy Him, disobey Him, scorn Him, ignore His purpose for creating us and wallow in licentiousness. But God is love and so He chose Noah, a man who found favor with God, and through him and his family God started over. Thank You Father for giving us opportunities over and over again to begin anew for we fail and fall short constantly.

Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10

My soul's beloved, all that we are required to do is to give God the glory that is due to Him. He who created us, He who has blessed us, He who has sent His only beloved Son to die for us in order to redeem us, this God deserves our continuous and unending praise, love, and gratitude. Yet, all we give Him is indifference, we offer Him a lukewarm devotion, we depend on our feelings to give Him the glory and honor that is due to Him. If only we could see You as You really are enthroned in the highest heavens with the glory of God illuminating You with the light of a thousand suns, we could not bear it. Forgive me my Jesus for the times when I too have been indifferent and lukewarm. Help me never to stop striving to offer You the love You truly deserve even though I will fail constantly for I do love and adore You.

Mark 18:14-21

My soul's beloved, it is easy to ridicule the disciples for failing to grasp who You were despite the many miracles they witnessed. They can be forgiven for they did not know then what we know now. We have it all before us and yet we too fail to grasp who You are when we take You for granted, or act overly familiar with You forgetting that You are the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Enthroned in glory and majesty above the heavens.

The disciples witnessed both the miracles of the multiplication of the loaves and they themselves collected the leftovers in both instances and yet their understanding was so narrow, so unimaginative, that they believed that You were speaking of bread and the lack of it when they were in the Presence of God. I am no better my Lord. Forgive me for the many times when I have shown a marked stupidity in comprehending who You really are and the complete authority You have over all things which includes the speck that is me.

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

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS


I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord;
no one comes to the Father except through me. Jn 14:16


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

Genesis 4:1-15, 25

My soul's beloved, we are born because we have been granted the privilege of collaborating with You in bring forth new life. Each of us is given our work ordained by God and we are called to do it to the best of our ability giving thanks to Him for His bounty and goodness. Because of the sin of Adam and Eve we too are prone to sin and evil is constantly prowling at the door waiting for a foothold so it can come in and pillage, kill, and destroy. You warn us to be always on guard if not we can sin as grievously as Cain did despite God's warning.

My soul's beloved, Cain spilled Abel's blood on the soil which cried out to God for vengeance and instead of being penitent Adam tries to bluster his way out and denies wrongdoing. But our sins are not hidden from Your sight and God punished him severely so that he could not longer work the land on which he had spilled his brother's blood. But God is ever merciful. He put a mark on Cain that keeps him from being destroyed we receive a mark on our soul when we are baptized and we are claimed for God purchased at the price of the Blood of the Lamb that was spilled on the earth and removed the curse that it had received when Cain murdered his brother Abel. Thank You for the new life that we receive through the New Covenant of love that God has made with us in You.

Psalm 50:1, 8, 16-17, 20-21

My soul's beloved, sin is the legacy left to us by Adam and Eve. Death is our inheritance because of their disobedience. We are inherently sinners and we constantly err from God's ways and the path that leads to life. You tell us clearly that You do not desire the sacrifices that come from the hearts and hands of unrepentant sinners. You do not desire that we mouth Scripture while our hearts are far from You. Discipline is required if we are to be true disciples and obedience to Your Word brings life. You cannot bear us to gossip, spread tales about our brothers and sisters and generally drag them down instead of lifting them up. When we indulge in such sins You assure us that You will not hesitate in punishing us - through chastisement we are made pure. 

Mark 8:11-13

My most beloved Jesus, do I weary You too when I constantly demand that You mollycoddle me instead of me being a mature Christian and putting aside childish ways of thinking and acting? You have revealed all that is necessary for my salvation. You have given me the Sacraments so that I may be nourished daily by it and receive grace upon grace so I can live in the light of truth and choose to walk on the path that leads to life. Do not leave me, do not let me stray from You. Keep me close to You always or I will be lost forever.

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

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS


Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom. Mt. 11:25


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

Sirach 15:15-20

My soul's beloved, it is a great pity that our Christian brothers and sisters reject the Book of Sirach there is so much wisdom in it, so much guidance on living a godly life. So much to enrich. The commandments are not optional they must be kept if we are to live holy lives, avoid sin, and to be aware of what God desires us to avoid which would be detrimental to our soul. However, God cannot force us to obey, we have to willingly choose life over death, good over evil but in His infinite goodness, wisdom, and love He keeps watch over us, saves us, and desires that we live holy and blameless lives. Thank You my Beloved for making this possible for without You and Your Holy Spirit it would be impossible to please Him.

Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34

My soul's beloved, nothing delights God more than when we strive tirelessly to live holy lives. When we do, You give us all the help, the graces we need to help us. You sustain us when we are weary, You encourage us when we become discouraged, You feed us in order to strengthen us and You accompany us on our journey. No matter how narrow the road, or dark the path You keep Your hand in ours and gently lead us. We do not have to struggle on our own we have the lives of those who have gone before us to show us that it is not impossible to reach our goal which is heaven. It is not impossible to avoid sin and temptation with the help of Your Spirit. Thank You for Your Church that teaches us Your ways and assists us to stay alive in You through the graces made available to us in the Sacraments.

1 Corinthians 2:6-10

My soul's beloved, how good it is to know that those who belong to You, are grafted to You Body as its members, who are part of the Church which You established under Peter, are not left to struggle on our own. We who are baptized into Your Body have received faith and through this faith are given wisdom to understand that which the world rejects as foolish. Had the world accepted the Lord of glory, St. Paul tells us, they would not have crucified You. But for us who believe God has prepared such a wonderful destiny. We live by faith not sight and our faith in You and our hope of eternal life will be rewarded. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit dwelling in us that enables us to understand God's purpose for our lives.

Matthew 5:17-37

My soul's beloved, You summed up the 10 commandments into two - Love God above all, before all, over all, with our whole heart, mind, strength, body and spirit and love our neighbour not only as we love ourselves but as You love them. It is not always easy but nothing worth attaining has ever been easy. We struggle, we are at war, we have to attain dominion over our flesh and our will, but thanks be to God we are not left to muddle along on our own You are here right beside us helping us, strengthening us, encouraging us, healing our wounds, every step of the way. We lean on You, and when we are too weary to go on You carry us. Thank You my Beloved, for Your ever present help and Your Spirit. You will ensure that I will reach where God desires me to be.

Genesis 3:1-8, Psalm 32:1-2, 5-7, Mark 7:31-37

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Open our hearts Lord
to listen to the worlds of Your Son. Acts 16:14B


Genesis 3:1-8, Psalm 32:1-2, 5-7, Mark 7:31-37


Genesis 3:1-8


My soul's beloved, from the instant Adam and Eve disobeyed God's command they lost their innocence and they became ashamed of their nakedness. Disobedience had stripped away completely all that was once good, holy, pure, and beautiful in their sight nothing had changed but their perception of it was now altered. Everything God had created was good but sin had forever marred their relationship with God and His creation. Obedience and humility are better than knowledge for knowledge puffs up obedience and builds up. The Devil manipulated them and they allowed themselves to be manipulated because Eve was curious and gave in to the wiles of the Enemy rather than fleeing away from him. When God came looking for them they hid because they realized after they had sinned the enormity of what they had done. Sin separates us from God. 

My Beloved, You came to unite and restore.  Thank You.

Psalm 32:1-2, 5-7


 Blessed are those whose sins are forgiven.
Blessed is he whose fault is taken away,
whose sin is covered.
Blessed the man to whom the LORD imputes not guilt,
in whose spirit there is no guile. 
R. Blessed are those whose sins are forgiven.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you,
my guilt I covered not.
I said, "I confess my faults to the LORD,"
and you took away the guilt of my sin. 
R. Blessed are those whose sins are forgiven. 
For this shall every faithful man pray to you 
in time of stress.
Though deep waters overflow,
they shall not reach him. 
R. Blessed are those whose sins are forgiven.
You are my shelter; from distress you will preserve me;
with glad cries of freedom you will ring me round. 
R. Blessed are those whose sins are forgiven.

Mark 7:31-37



Jesus left the district of Tyre
and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee,
into the district of the Decapolis. 
And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment
and begged him to lay his hand on him.
He took him off by himself away from the crowd. 
He put his finger into the man's ears
and, spitting, touched his tongue;
then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him,
"Ephphatha!" (that is, "Be opened!")
And immediately the man's ears were opened,
his speech impediment was removed,
and he spoke plainly. 
He ordered them not to tell anyone. 
But the more he ordered them not to,
the more they proclaimed it. 
They were exceedingly astonished and they said,
"He has done all things well. 
He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."