Wisdom 2:1, 12-22, Psalm 34:17-21, & 23, John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

One does not live on bread alone,
but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. Mt 4:4b


Wisdom 2:1, 12-22, Psalm 34:17-21, & 23, John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30


Wisdom 2:1, 12-22

My soul's beloved, the author of these verses prophecies with such clarity how You will be treated by those who hate You virulently and with murderous intent because You are Light and You shine that light on all their devious and unholy ways. They can no longer pretend to be holier-than-thou condemning and despising the poor, the sick, the weak, the widow and the orphan. You were not afraid to charge the Scribes, and Pharisees with being less than than that which they appeared to be in public. You publicly named their sins and called them shams, hypocrites, whited sepulchers and more. You knew that this would lead to Your death and yet You would give them no quarter.

These verses tell us 50 years before any of it occurred how You would be reviled, hounded, persecuted, tortured, and put to death. In killing You they believed that they would forever put an end to the tormentor of their conscience. They thought they would rid themselves of One who threatened their power, their status, their authority and standing. How wrong they were can be seen 2000 years later. 

May we my Lord who believe, who are Your faithful remnant  be unafraid to to stand up for the Truth even if it should mean losing our life for Your sake and the sake of the Gospel.

Psalm 34:17-21, & 23

The LORD confronts the evildoers,
to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.
When the just cry out, the LORD hears them,
and from all their distress he rescues them.
R. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
Many are the troubles of the just man,
but out of them all the LORD delivers him.
R. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.
He watches over all his bones;
not one of them shall be broken.
The LORD redeems the lives of his servants;
no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him.

John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

Jesus moved about within Galilee;
he did not wish to travel in Judea,
because the Jews were trying to kill him.
But the Jewish feast of Tabernacles was near.

But when his brothers had gone up to the feast,
he himself also went up, not openly but as it were in secret.

Some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem said,
"Is he not the one they are trying to kill?
And look, he is speaking openly and they say nothing to him.
Could the authorities have realized that he is the Christ?
But we know where he is from.
When the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from."
So Jesus cried out in the temple area as he was teaching and said,
"You know me and also know where I am from.
Yet I did not come on my own,
but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true.
I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me."
So they tried to arrest him,
but no one laid a hand upon him,
because his hour had not yet come.

Ezekiel 32:7-14, Psalm 106:20-23, John 5:31-47

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS


God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life. Jn 3:16

Ezekiel 32:7-14, Psalm 106:20-23, John 5:31-47

Ezekiel 32:7-14

My soul's beloved, just as Moses stood in the breach and pleaded with God to turn aside His anger against the chosen people so too do You stand even more effectively between us and the punishment we deserve. Thank You.

Psalm 106:20-23

My soul's  beloved, the psalmist is lamenting the folly of the people of God who forgot all that He had done for them as He led them from slavery to the promised land. I too Lord am forgetful of Your great goodness. I wallow in sin. I am disobedient. Yet, You are always faithful. Thank You for standing in the breach for my sake and pleading constantly to the Father for me.

John 5:31-47

My soul's beloved, today the Gospel reminds us that our lives must be a testimony and a witness to You who are the Way the Truth and the Life. You came to reveal the Father to us. In doing so we have seen the Father testifying to You His Son whom He sent in to the world to remove the sting of death and to restore us to life. You remind us that Scripture is full of signs that point to You who are the fulfillment of everyone of God's promises and in whom the Eternal God has made an Eternal Covenant of Love with us.  We are only too eager to believe the lies that the world who wishes to deceive tells us but we are not prepared to believe in the Truth that is eternal and unchanging. How much longer Lord will  we be led bu the spirit of the flesh and the world? Grant by our grace that we may allow the scales of self imposed blindness be taken from us in order that we may believe and in believing that we live.

Isaiah 49:8-15, Psalm 145:8-9, 13-14, 17-18, John 5:17-30

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS


I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord;
whoever believes in me will never die. Jn 11:25, 26

Isaiah 49:8-15, Psalm 145:8-9, 13-14, 17-18, John 5:17-30

Isaiah 49:8-15

My soul's beloved, forgive me for all the times I have acted like a beggar when the truth is that I am adopted by God Himself and You have taught me to call Him Father. Every time I cried out to You I have been heard for You hastened to help me. You have set me free from the slavery that held me in shackles. You led me to the paths that lead to streams of refreshing and cool waters and have fed me with Yourself. You have shielded me and have kept me from destroying myself completely. I have so much to be grateful for I only need to count my blessings and I will not exhaust them, for ever since I was conceived You have been with me. You will never forsake me but shall care for me as tenderly as a mother for the babe in her womb or the nursing infant at her breast. And yet even should they forget, You assure me that You never will for you love me with a love that knows no end; You love me completely, infinitely and eternally.

Psalm 145:8-9, 13-14, 17-18

My soul's beloved, the psalmist reminds me this morning of Your goodness, Your kindness, Your merciful love, You are compassionate towards me who is so weak and so undeserving of Your faithfulness.  Despite my coldness of heart sometimes and my indifference You so generously pour grace into my soul. Each time I have called You picked me up, You set my feet on solid ground, You made sure that I could stand, You strengthened me. You have never deserted me and You never will for You have claimed me for Yourself in time and in eternity although I have done nothing to deserve such goodness and graciousness towards me.

John 5:17-30

My soul's beloved, in today's Gospel You reveal to us who believe how to attain eternal life. It is to seek always to do the will of the Father in all things. In this is the fullness of joy. 

Very often it is the truth that moves the heart of the wicked to diabolic anger. They are helpless before the power and strength of it so they use every foul means available to them to secure the destruction of it. But Truth by its very nature is indestructible it can be denied for a while but its purity and light will rise and put to shame those who sought to annihilate it.

You could not have performed the signs and wonders You did unless power were given to You from God, they knew it, but they did not want to accept it. If they did then they would have to believe in You and they loved their lives too much, they loved their power too much to give it up even if they went against God Himself. 

You are equal to God, for You are the Son of God. You do nothing but that which the Father has done. Just as You learned St. Joseph's trade, so too, did You who were with the Father from all eternity, learn from Him, to do all that He Himself did. We are invited to be amazed at the power of God and the works of God. The will of the Father was food and drink to You and if we believe that we too are His children then His will ought to be our food and drink too.

The greatest power is that that You can give the soul dead to sin, new life and a new beginning. To You who has loved the Father and us to the Cross is given the authority to judge all mankind. You who bore our sins and our afflictions have been given the right to reward or to condemn. But You assure us that You did not come to condemn but to  heal and restore in love. Thank You for grace that enables me to hear Your voice and to desire to obey You in all things. 

Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12, Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9, John 5:1-16

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

A clean heart create for me, O God;
give me back the joy of your salvation. Ps 51:12, 14


Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12, Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9, John 5:1-16

Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12

My soul's beloved, from You flow streams of Living Water. You are the Head of Your Body, Your Bride, the Church. From You, through her, grace flows out to the whole world those who desire may come freely to the waters of baptism and be plunged into the death of sin to rise anew in Your glorious Resurrection. Grant O Lord that I make my home beside You so that I may never die but live a holy, fruitful life on earth and be called to live forever with You in heaven.

Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9

My soul's beloved, You are Emmanuel, You are God with us now and for ever. You are our strength, our refuge, our ever present help in times of trouble, sorrow, anxiety and distress. You remain with us through all the storms of life and You keep us safe in the palm of Your hand. No matter how great our troubles You O Lord will keep us steady and safe. You lead us, feed us, nourish us, quench our thirst and provide all we need to live holy lives. You dwell in us and among us and we are unafraid.  Thank You for hope Lord that someday when this life comes to a close I will have a new and eternal beginning with You in heaven.

John 5:1-16

Forgive me my soul's beloved when I have been Pharisaical, when I have been too busy being self-righteous and judgmental instead of focusing on what truly matters, what is relevant, what is life affirming. Help me Lord to praise You when I see good being done no matter what the circumstance. Give me a kind, loving, and generous disposition. You have blessed me with so much. You found me and said to me, "Do you want to be well?" and You healed me of my infirmities. You warn me to keep from committing sin or I will have to suffer its consequences. Help me Lord to live my faith fearlessly unafraid of the consequences. 

Isaiah 65:17-21, Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13, John 4:43-54

DAILY  HOLY MASS READINGS


Seek good and not evil so that you may live,
and the LORD will be with you. Am 5:14



Isaiah 65:17-21, Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13, John 4:43-54


Isaiah 65:17-21

My soul's beloved, sin made us exiles we had lost forever that which God had planned for us so lovingly. Created in love He desired that we dwell in love always but we preferred to be distracted, tempted, lured, to disobedience rather than to put our trust in the Word of the Creator and we lost everything. Thrown out of paradise we were to toil for our bread and exposed to danger. But our Father who remembers His covenant forever, who never goes back on a pledge, who would not permit us who were doomed to die to perish found a way to make a new beginning. A way to lasting peace and happiness. A way to restore what was lost, destroyed, and impossible to save unless one who was pure, sinless, holy, and a man would make reparation for the sin of all men. God found a way to make a new heaven, a new earth, to wipe the slate clean and make a new start. A do over by the Son of God who became the Son of Man and  so the Word took on Flesh and dwelt among us and created a new Jerusalem, the City of Joy where He is Our Light. Weeping is no more. There is only rejoicing, and feasting at the Banquet Table where the Bridegroom delights in His Bride whom He has washed clean with His Blood and removed from her every stain and wrinkle. Thank You my Lord and my God.

Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13

My soul's beloved, I was dead and now I am alive. I had lost my inheritance and You restored it. Your anger which ought to have lasted a lifetime has lasted but a moment and You have come to my aid and saved me. You changed my mourning to rejoicing, my sorrow to joy, my tears to laughter for You O Lord reached into the pit and taking me by the hand You drew me out. You have given me Your Name. You wiped the tears from my eyes, You have pledged a Covenant with me and I walk in the freedom of a child of the Most High. You have given me the Helper who will ensure that I will, after this life is over, take the place that has been prepared for me eternally.

John 4:43-54

My soul's beloved, the first sign was at the Wedding Feast at Cana where at the behest of Your Mother You changed water into wine to spare the blushes of the bride and groom. The next sign was the healing of the son of the royal official from Capernaum who lay dying. He pleaded with You to heal his son and You assured him to go, his son would life and the man believed. 

Grant me this kind of faith O Lord. Faith that is alive. Faith that is certain that what You say will come to pass no matter how impossible the situation may appear. Lord I believe. Help my unbelief more and more each day for as long as I live.

1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10, 13, Psalm 23:1-6, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41

DAILY HOLY MASS READING

LAETARE SUNDAY


I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will have the light of life. Jn 8:12

1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10, 13, Psalm 23:1-6, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41


1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10, 13

My soul's beloved ever since original sin the Father resolved to offer You as our atoning sacrifice. We see glimpses of the Father's plan all through salvation history. It is the gleaming thread that weaves in and out of all the events that took place right from the call of Abraham until the birth of John the Baptist the precursor whom God sent to announce that the hour of our redemption had finally arrived.

In this even when God sends Samuel to anoint one of the sons of Jesse we see how God chose the David, the youngest who was a shepherd.  God reminds us that He has a way of looking at us that is in contrast with the way the world perceives for we judge by outward appearances but God looks at the heart. 

Samuel waited for the arrival of David who was in the fields and said that the sacrificial banquet would not begin until he was present. We too had to wait a long time for Your arrival in order to take sit at the sacrificial banquet at which You were both the Sacrifice and the Priest offering the Sacrifice to the Father.

God's favor rested on David and when he was was anointed in the presence of his brother the spirit of the Lord rushed upon him. When You were baptized at the river Jordan the Holy Spirit came upon You in the form of a dove and the voice of God was heard - this is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.  You are the fulfillment of every promise and every Covenant that God has made. Thank You Father.

Psalm 23:1-6

My soul's beloved, You are my Shepherd and as long as you take my right hand and hold it in Your own I shall want for nothing. I will be fed on the Bread of Angels, I shall drink from the fount of Living Water that flows from You and You will refresh my soul and strengthen my spirit.

You have granted me Your Holy Spirit who is my Guide, my Helper, my Paraclete, my Comforter to guide me along the path that leads to life. No matter what troubles may come my way, no matter the crosses that are laid upon me all the days that I may live I shall not be afraid for God, my God is at my side. He clears a path before me and destroys the enemy that would otherwise have assailed me. This knowledge give me courage, hope, and comfort.

You O Lord my God honor me even though I am a sinner and undeserving of all the blessings that You shower upon me every day. You bless me and You raise me up. I have hope because You treat me with loving kindness, You give me life, You make of me a new creation, and You assure me that I will dwell with You eternally.

Ephesians 5:8-14

My soul's beloved, evil lurks in the dark and when we consort with evil its companions are guilt and shame.  But You have called us out of darkness into Your own marvelous light. We are no longer children of the night but children of the Light that shines forth from the Son of the Most High. If I claim to be a child of light then I must cast aside the works of darkness and bear fruit that are witness to this Light that is given to me if not then I am a liar and Your Light is not in me.

Help Lord to walk always in the Light of Your Love, in the Light of Truth and to flee from those temptations that can only make me a prisoner. The world, the flesh and the works of darkness offer only a temporary and fleeting pleasure whereas the Spirit of Light brings life and freedom. 

John 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38

My soul's beloved, the Sacraments are outward signs that point to the unseen work of grace of God in the soul. You spat on the ground and made a paste with Your saliva smeared the blind man;s eyes and asked him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. The Sacraments take water, bread, wine, and oil and through this tangible things something wonderful takes place in our soul that is more real than anything we can imagine. 

Thank You for leading me from darkness to light. Thank You  for the Sacraments that assure us that all that You promise through them is granted to us.

Hosea 14:2-10, Psalm 81:6-11, 14 & 17, Mark 12:28-34

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS


Repent, says the Lord;
the Kingdom of heaven is at hand. Mt 4:17


Hosea 14:2-10, Psalm 81:6-11, 14 & 17, Mark 12:28-34

Hosea 14:2-10

My soul's beloved, I return to You with all my heart. I know that in the past I have strayed from the path of life but now O Lord by sinful wandering has come to an end. I am Yours. I belong to You. Planted in You cause me to bear abundant fruit, good fruit that will last so I may be a blessing to all who come to me. Grant my desire for the gift of prudence, self control,  fortitude,discipline, kindness, goodness, generosity of spirit and a loving disposition. Teach me patience in the midst of chaos. Forgive all my past sins and give me all the grace I need to begin anew.

You have healed me, You have restored to me all I had lost, You welcome me back into the family of good and freely You pour upon me every good and perfect gift to help me stay on the path of life. You have turned You anger away from me for You know that I am nothing, too weak to help myself, You know that You need to carry me, to life me up, to place me in Your Sacred Heart which is my refuge and my home. You will nurture me, You will cause me to grow,to send roots deep into You and to cause me to bear an abundance of good fruit.  

Grant me wisdom of heart that I am always choose to do  You will in all things.

Psalm 81:6-11, 14 & 17

My soul's beloved, You have created me for Yourself. I know I have been stubborn of heart, wayward in spirit, and a sinner. But You O Lord called from darkness in Your marvelous light, You called me by name and I heard You. You took away the burden of all y sins and You washed me and restored my soul. You are my constant companion. You have put Your own Holy Spirit in my heart. He is my Paraclete,my Guide, My Helper

You washed me and restored my soul. Grant that I may always hear His prompting and obey all He commands. You have invited me to walk in the way that leads to eternal joy.You feed me on the Eucharist and I am invited to the eternal banquet in the Kingdom of God where the wedding feast is eternal and the Bridegroom will be united with His Bride forever..

Mark 12:28-34

My soul's beloved, the Scribe approached You and asked You this question, "Which is the first of all the commandments?" You answered that we are all called to love God passionately, above and before all else, with a love that is prepared to meet all the demands that love asks of us. To have a single minded love for God  and counting nothing too much to give up for the sake of the Kingdom. The next follows on the heels of the first, We are called to love our neighbor as much as we love ourselves. These two commandments sum up all that the law demands and all that You came to teach us about the Kingdom of God.

The scribe heartily agreed with what You said and he added that fulfilling these two commandments of God is better than any sacrifice we can make and You applauded him for his insight assuring him that he was not far from the Kingdom of God because he understood the things of God.  Grant me too my Beloved the grace to understand the values of the Kingdom.

Jeremiah 7:23-28, Psalm 95:1-2,6-9, Luke 11:14-23

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS


Even now, says the LORD,
return to me with your whole heart,
for I am gracious and merciful. Jl 2:12-13


Jeremiah 7:23-28, Psalm 95:1-2,6-9, Luke 11:14-23

Jeremiah 7:23-28

My soul's beloved, despite the unwavering voice of Truth that we hear faithfully echoed by the Church sin abounds, for the world refuses to hear preferring the cacophony made by the worldly wise.  Today the Holy Spirit through the voice of the prophet urges us to listen to Your voice that we may walk in wisdom and receive God's bountiful blessings. However, we continue to follow the siren call of the world that lures us further and further away from You and from the Truth. We are prepared to go to any lengths no matter how dangerous to drink from the wells poisoned by evil but we refuse to listen to the voice of the Church that is unerring in its teaching and preaching on matters concerning our faith and our morals. We are hard of heart and hard of heart. We are are a stiff necked people who have deliberately closed our ears to Your Voice which cajoles us tenderly to return to You with all our hearts and be saved.

Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on me and help me to heart your voice, to feels the presence of Your Spirit within me and grant that I may obey You, give my life over to You, and allow You to be Lord over every area of my life.

Psalm 95:1-2,6-9

My soul's beloved, if You abandoned us, we would deserve nothing less but You are full of love and compassion slow to anger and quick to forgive all our transgressions. My whole life should be one of joyful songs of praise and thanksgiving of worship and adoration for all that You my Lord and my God have done for me. You are my good Shepherd, You are the Rock in whom I take refuge. Yours are the wings that over me and keep me safe from the terrors that stalk me in the night and the arrows that Satan lets fly to wound and destroy me. 

Grant my soul's beloved that I may always hear Your Vice and obey. Grant that I may never let go the hand that holds mine securely, grant O Lord that I may approach the Eucharistic table frequently and be strengthened and nourished with Your Body and Blood. When I sin grant that I may approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation so I may be forgiven, purified and strengthened against temptation. Thank You for being so gracious to me even though I do not deserve your love.

Luke 11:14-23

My soul's beloved, we see that which is good and instead of attributing good motives to it we attribute evil. What is it about us that is drawn to that which is negative and divisive instead of that which unites in love and affirms what is good rather than focusing on the bad. You drove out the demon from the man that was mute, something impossible to do without the power of God and while some were amazed others said that it was through the power of the devil that You drove out devils. What sense does this make? The argument is so obviously flawed and yet they would rather prefer the lie than the truth.

You have given us the greatest Sign that You are of God, from God and are God and yet the world continues to clamor for miracles. The greatest of miracles continues daily on our altars at every Eucharistic Sacrifice and yet we are blind an deaf to this glorious Presence of God who becomes our food and drink.

You say to us today, "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." Help me to remember this warning and to keep ever before me the mission entrusted to me. Grant me the grace and courage I need each day to put out into the deep trusting that You are always beside me.

Daniel 3:25, 34-43, Psalm 25:4-9, Matthew 18:21-35

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Even now, says the LORD,
return to me with your whole heart;
for I am gracious and merciful. Jl 2:12-13


Daniel 3:25, 34-43, Psalm 25:4-9, Matthew 18:21-35


Daniel 3:25, 34-43

My soul's beloved, You are the Covenant of Love, the Eternal Covenant that our Father in heaven makes with us. Because of You His mercy will always be available to us for through You we have been delivered from the power of the Enemy and set free from slavery to sin. Azariah pleaded for God's mercy for the sake of the Patriarchs of old, but we are confident of His mercy for Your Namesake. While it is true that as many as the stars in the sky and the sand on the shore of the sea are called by Your Name yet we are more more sinful, more corrupt, more evil than at any time in the past. This is why although You brought peace to the world there has never been a time where there has been greater conflict between human beings. We are weak because of our sins, our churches are empty, and those who call themselves Christians believe in a god that is made in their own image and likeness. It is an idol that they worship and this is why we are threatened by the enemy who has vowed to wipe us from the face of the earth.

But this will never happen for Your remnant continue to offer the Father the one, holy, and most pleasing sacrifice of the Holy Mass on our Altars throughout the world. It is offered with humble, contrite, and hungry hearts who come into Your Presence and receive the Bread of Angels. We are nourished and fed by the Son of the Living God and we follow You with unreservedly. We put all our faith, hope, and trust in You and we will not be vanquished for You have won the battle. You have crushed the head of Satan, and You have opened the door to heaven. You have delivered us through the Cross and You have saved and redeemed the world.

Psalm 25:4-9

My soul's beloved, at every Holy Mass we recall the work of salvation that has redeemed the world. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth. Thank You for Your Sacrifice that will forever grant us access to God's mercy and compassion. 

God of Love, thank You for sending Your Son into the world and leading us back through Him who came to take by the hand not angels but sinners like me.

My soul's beloved, meek and humble of heart make my heart like Your own. Amen.

Matthew 18:21-35

My soul's beloved, I can understand the anger of the King who forgave a debt that was impossible for the servant to pay. The King, a righteous judge could have demanded that payment be made by the sale of the debtor along with his wife, children and his property. The man was doomed to be a slave along with his household. No wonder he begged for clemency. The heart of the King, who was tender and compassionate was moved to pity and the man was forgiven the entire debt. Wow! He ought to have left the King's presence with an all encompassing joy filled with gratitude and reverence for the One who pardoned his debt and let him go free. When he met his fellow servant who owed him a trifling amount one would imagine that he would deal with him just as generously as he had been dealt with. Unfortunately, it was not so. He was mean, cruel, vicious, wicked, and unjust and when the King was made aware of his treachery it was no wonder that he was enraged and meted out a punishment fitting to his crime.

In this parable Beloved, You reveal a sobering truth. In measure that we are forgiven we ought to forgive all who have wronged us. You tell Peter that we are to forgive not seven times but seventy time seven. We are to forgive always. 

The parable of the wicked servant is directed to me. I have been forgiven a debt I can never repay and bearing this in mind I must always forgive the little transgressions against me. If I desire to live with You eternally then I must forgiven just as I have been forgiven. I must keep no account of wrongs but forgive always only then can I experience the full measure of the Father's mercy. 

Exodus 17:3-7, Psalm 95:1-2,6-9, Romans 5:1-2, 5-8, John 4:5:42

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Lord, you are truly the Savior of the world;
give me living water, that I may never thirst again. Jn  4:42, 15

Exodus 17:3-7, Psalm 95:1-2,6-9, Romans 5:1-2, 5-8, John 4:5:42


Exodus 17:3-7

My soul's beloved, You are the Rock that we struck and from You flows living water. You are the source of eternal life. You satisfy our hunger, You slake our thirst. You offer Yourself up as a willing sacrifice. You are the Lamb without,  a willing victim for the sins of all men and women. From You we receive forgiveness for all our sin.

Psalm 95:1-2,6-9

My soul's beloved, at every celebration of the Holy Eucharist we come before You singing songs of joyful praise, acclaiming all You have done for us and how You redeemed us. We are filled with thanksgiving, and awe as we worship You our Lord and God. We bow before You and we acknowledge all You have done to save us. We recall the ultimate price paid in order that all we had lost forever could be forever restored. Thank You for standing in the breech and for becoming sin and entering death in order that we may be set free from slavery to the desires of the flesh, the world and the devil and be filled with new life and grace that freely flows from You to all who believe.

Romans 5:1-2, 5-8

My soul's beloved, we are justified by our belief in You and Your saving sacrifice. We are justified by our belief that we receive the peace of the Father through You who are the Prince of Peace. Saved by You, washed in Your Blood, fed by Your Body, and drinking from the fount of Living Water that has its source in Your Heart and flows out through Your side we quench our thirst for the good, the beautiful, the holy and the pure. We stand in the grace that You have obtained for us through Your obedience to the Father. You restored our hope in life everlasting in the Kingdom of God. You have poured Your life into us and have given us a full measure of Your Holy Spirit. No longer are we orphans and slaves but we are now the sons and daughter of God for in dying  for us You restored our inheritance.

John 4:5:42

My soul's beloved, it is always You who comes to us, who seeks us and finds us. You do not look at our unworthiness but desire to give us all we lack so we might love You as we ought. You are a Teacher, a Shepherd, a Guide, a Lover, a Friend, a Brother. We believe that You are truly the Son of God who became one like us in all things. You experienced all that our human condition experiences. Hunger, cold, thirst, disappointment, anger, impatience but You did not succumb to temptation nor did You commit sin. In this passage we are told that You were tired from the journey and You sat at the well in the heat of the noonday sun. This is where the encounter takes place between God and the sinner. She was aware of her sins but she preferred her sinful way of life and so to avoid the scorn of the other women she chose a time to fill her jar when she was sure no one would see her. Their looks stirred her conscience but not enough to make her resolve to give up her sinful life.

You are not only waiting for her, You initiate the conversation and we see how step by step You lead her from awareness of her sins, to confession, to repentance, to contrition, to reconciliation, and finally to mission and evangelisation. You filled her empty heart with true joy. You took away the burden of her sins and her life took on a new purpose and meaning. You made her a new creation and she did not keep the good news to herself but joyfully proclaimed it to the people where she live so all came to see You and they believed.

Help me Lord never to be discouraged no matter how gravely I may fall into sin for You wait for me in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and You will forgive, cleanse, heal, and restore. Help me to take my mission seriously and to bring others to know and love You as I know and love You Beloved.

Micah 7:14-15, 18-20, Psalm 103:1-4, 9-12, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

I will get up and go to my father and shall say to him,

Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. Lk 15:18

Micah 7:14-15, 18-20, Psalm 103:1-4, 9-12, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Micah 7:14-15, 18-20

My soul's beloved, You are our Good Shepherd, You lead Your sheep to pasture. We are Your inheritance given to You by Your Father. We are not much my Lord for we are weak, wicked, sinful, prone to wickedness. Yet, You love us so much that You lay down Your life for us and have restored to us what we had lost forever. You continue to work great signs and wonders for us in the ordinary struggles of our daily life.

Thank You my Beloved for forgiveness of sin the the sweet Sacrament of Reconciliation. Here our sins are confessed, forgiven, and forgotten by You. You restore the sinner once more as a member of the family of God. Thank You for Your compassion and mercy in dealing with us not as we deserve but according to the rich and tender mercy of Your divine heart.

Psalm 103:1-4, 9-12

My soul's beloved, how assuring it is to know that You are kind and merciful. You love me not in the measure as I deserve for then You would not love me at all, but in the measure of Your immensely generous, and compassionate heart. Thank You for not withholding 

Your mercy from me but for readily forgiving me every time I ask for forgiveness. No sin is too great that You will not forgive it when I ask it in sorrow and repentance with a heart truly contrite. You do not grumble because I am weak, You do not scold me because I lack discipline and self-control but fall over and over again. All You desire is to love me and provide all the grace necessary to help me overcome my weaknesses which are legion. Continue to help me Lord. Carry me when I have no strength of my own. Prevent me from getting ensnared in the traps set out for me and keep me safe in Your everlasting love.

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

My soul's beloved, only God could conceive such a parable as that of the Prodigal Son. Such a story is beyond the imagination for we lack the generosity, the largeness of heart, the capacity to love as our Father in heaven loves us. He loves us best when we are at our weakest and are aware that we are helpless without His. It is only when I acknowledge how sinful I am, how far I have strayed from the father's house after wallowing in sin and finding that the fruit of sin is death, darkness, and destruction only then will I realize the extent of what my defiance in the face of love has cost me.

Thank You that the gates are always open to the sinner who resolves to sin no more and return home. Thank You for You assurance that the Father will restore all that we had renounced by deliberately walking away from the Father's house. Forgive me also if I have ever been self-righteous and pompous like the older brother - enumerating my virtues before God and demanding that He bless me because I am entitled to His blessings. For lacking in love when my sinful brothers and sister return home and God blesses them with an abundance of blessings because He rejoices at their return. Forgive my selfishness and my narrow mindedness. Help me to rejoice as much as heaven does at the return of the sinner and to weep when the sinner strays from God.

Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28, Psalm 105:16-21, Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS


God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son;
so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life. Jn. 3:16

Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28, Psalm 105:16-21, Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46


Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28

My soul's beloved, everything we read in the passage chosen for today's Liturgy is pregnant with allegory of You. All that Joseph experienced is a foreshadowing of Your own life. The passage opens with the verse, "Israel loved Joseph best of all his sons." Scripture records the Father's voice being heard, "This is my beloved Son, listen to Him." To You the Father gives all rule and authority. He sent You into the world as Joseph was sent to his brothers who were tending their flock. The chosen people of God had their priests, their rabbis, their Pharisees and Scribes to keep alive the promise given to them of the Messiah. Yet when You came into the world they rejected You. They hated You with a visceral hatred and they began to plot against You almost from the beginning of Your public ministry. They hated You for many reasons one of them being that You claimed that You were the Son of God sent into the world as the Messiah they were waiting for. You did not fit their preconceived idea of the Messiah and they were enraged at all the signs and wonders that could not be done except through the power of God. Many believed in You and they saw this as a threat to their carefully established status quo. 

As soon as the opportunity presented itself the brothers plotted to put Joseph to death just as the Jewish authorities plotted to destroy You. There were some in the Sanhedrin who wanted to prevent this atrocity that they were planning, like Reuben tried to save his brother and as Pilate's wife warned him not to have anything to do with their plan to murder You. But they were already too far gone in their sin. Evil had found a home in their heart and they were dead to reason. They orchestrated all that happened skillfully from the moment of Your arrest in the Garden and until they saw Your side pierced and they were certain their plan had succeed. The had committed Deicide. They had killed the Man, the Son of God. Joseph was one of them and rejected it and Scripture says of You, "He came unto His own and His own rejected Him."  Joseph was sold for 20 pieces of silver to the Ishmaelites and Judas sold You for 30 pieces and they gave You up to the Roman authority so Roman soldiers could do the dastardly deed that the law prevented them from doing.

Joseph's brothers agreed to the sale of their brother just as Judas, one of the 12 conspired with the Jewish authorities to sell You.

How often do I sell out on You my Beloved? Forgive me and help me try to do better every moment of every day.
  
Psalm 105:16-21

My soul's beloved the psalmist recalls the fate of Joseph who was sold as a slave and we recall that You to became a slave in order to set us free from the captivity of sin. It was God who ordained that the evil done to Joseph by his brothers rebound to their good and the good of all the people of Israel, just as God ordained to send You into the world to redeem us all. Joseph was weighed down with fetters, bound with chains, thrown into  prison until the time of God's choosing. You too were bound, shackled, imprisoned but to a far far greater  purpose - the salvation of the whole human race.  All that the law and the prophets had said was fulfilled in You, just as all Joseph's predictions came to pass. And when You were nailed to the Cross, after the barbarous, scandalous, torture You were subjected to, as You gasped painfully to breathe forth Your Spirit in Your dying breath the world was given new life. Death was dealt a final blow. Sin no longer had power to shackle and hold captive and just as Pharoah made Joseph lord of his house and ruler of all his possessions so did God exalt You above all and over all making You the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. At Your Name heaven and earth bows and worships and all who believe in the Name above every other name is saved.

Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46


Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: 
"Hear another parable.
There was a landowner who planted a vineyard,
put a hedge around it,
dug a wine press in it, and built a tower.
Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey.
When vintage time drew near,
he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce.
But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat,
another they killed, and a third they stoned.
Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones,
but they treated them in the same way.
Finally, he sent his son to them,
thinking, 'They will respect my son.'
But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another,
'This is the heir.
Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.'
They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him.
What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?"
They answered him,
"He will put those wretched men to a wretched death
and lease his vineyard to other tenants
who will give him the produce at the proper times."
Jesus said to them, "Did you never read in the Scriptures:

The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
by the Lord has this been done,
and it is wonderful in our eyes?

Therefore, I say to you,
the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you
and given to a people that will produce its fruit."
When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables,
they knew that he was speaking about them.
And although they were attempting to arrest him,
they feared the crowds, for they regarded him as a prophet.

Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1:1-4 & 6, Luke 16:19-31

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS


Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart
and yield a harvest through perseverance. Lk. 8:15

Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1:1-4 & 6, Luke 16:19-31

Jeremiah 17:5-10

My soul's beloved, the word of the prophet is clear - anyone who lives a life dictated by the world and the flesh is barren. It bears no fruit and nothing can take root in it. The grace of God continues to flow but cannot effect any change because the soul is dead. But if we place our hope and our trust in You, if we plant ourselves in You, if we allow the seed of Your Word to find a home in our heart, then living water will spring up in us through the Holy Spirit who is enthroned in our soul. No matter how we are tested we will endure because of the grace that is made available to us in abundance. We shall bear good fruit always. Thank You Father for appointing Jesus as the sole Judge for He who was tempted like us in all things but did not succumb; understands and will temper justice with mercy. 

Psalm 1:1-4 & 6

My soul's beloved, You have shown us the way in which we should go. You have given us Your Word that sustains us and directs us. You have sent Your Holy Spirit to abide in us as our Paraclete, Helper, and Guide. You have given us the Sacrament through which immense graces are granted to us so we choose good over evil. If we abide in You and Your Word abides in us we shall always be pleasing to God. Our lives will be like a fragrant incense before the Throne of Grace. Those who choose to live in the love of God will live in friendship with those who have chosen to live a life of holiness.

You assure us that if we live in the light of Truth and Love we shall have Your life coursing through us and we shall always be fruitful, alive in the life of Your Spirit. Grant O Lord that I choose to walk on the side of Truth always.

Luke 16:19-31

My soul's beloved, today's parable reminds us that the worst sin of all is that of indifference to those around us who are in need of our help. The rich man went in and out of his mansion several times a day but he was quite unaware of miserable beggar lying outside his gate. Before I point a finger of judgement at the rich man it would be better if I direct it to myself and examine my own indifference to those I encounter each day. Am I so caught up with my own selfish needs and desires that I fail to minister to those around me especially those who are closest? Have I failed to hear the suffering in the voices of those who speak to me or have I tuned them out? Have I failed to give even though I have been given so much, not because I don't want to but because I am blind to the need of others. 

For as long as today lasts, as long as life is mine this day I have an opportunity to become more alive to the needs of others and less absorbed in serving my own passions. I have been given everything that is necessary for my salvation for You have been exceedingly generous to me. When the day of reckoning comes my Lord may I not be condemned by my own coldness, and hardness of heart, by my own indifference.