Scripture: Baruch 1:15-22Luke 10:13-16 Reflection: Our Western culture, maintained by capitalism and a military establishment meant to protect it, thrives on myth of self-sufficiency. We preach to our children the importance of winning, career advancement, wealth, conformity, status, power and…
Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12Luke 10:1-12 Reflection: Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared; for today is holy to our LORD. -Nehemiah 8:10 Yet know this: the Kingdom of God…
Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi Scripture: Nehemiah 2:1-8Luke 9:57-62 Reflection: Bold Discipleship Today’s Gospel recounts Jesus inviting people to share his mission of proclaiming the Kingdom of God. Some made great professions of faith as they joined Jesus; others…
Scripture: Zechariah 8:20-23Luke 9:51-56 Reflection: The gospel today highlights the deep commitment of Jesus to the will of the Father- symbolised in the journey itself. By this I mean, that our text today highlights the determination of Jesus to stay…
Scripture: Zechariah 8:1-8Matthew 18:1-5, 10 Reflection: See that you do not despise one of these little ones,for I say to you that their angels in heavenalways look upon the face of my heavenly Father. -Matthew 18: 10 Sometimes when someone…
Scripture: Ezra 18:25-28Philippians 2:1-11Matthew 21:28-32 Reflection: Anyone who has raised, taught or just been around children can relate to today’s readings. How often have we heard children cry, “It’s just not fair!”, or had them agree to a parent’s request…
Scripture: Haggai 1:1-8Luke 9:7-9 Reflection: Cost of Discipleship! Jesus said to his disciples in relation to discipleship: “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.” “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” Today as…
Scripture: Ezra 9:5-9Luke 9:1-6 Reflection: Our readings today give us a great summary of discipleship and what it means to be church. In our first reading Ezra is overcome with the guilt of his people, and acknowledges that guilt before…
Scripture: Ezra 6:7-8, 12b, 14—20Luke 8:19-21 Reflection: My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it. Luke 8:21 Jesus praises his mother for “hearing and doing the word”. In the original Greek text,…
Scripture: Ezra 1:1-6Luke 8:16-18 Reflection: There’s an old song entitled “God Bless the Child.” I think it was first recorded by Billie Holiday and later by Blood, Sweat and Tears, among many others. I sometimes think of the lyrics when…