POINTING TO THE SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD

Send us a textThis Sunday is the 1st Sunday of Advent We move into a new liturgical year today YEAR AFriends, Advent which means coming is a season of preparations  for the the 3 comings of Christ. His coming in history, everyday and at the end of timeDuring this advent season we meditate on Jesus' first coming in history as a baby in Bethlehem how Jesus comes to us daily through various means; and finally Advent is a time where we prepare for Christ's Second Coming at the end of the world Friends, in His own words, our Blessed Lord in the gospel today cautions us to "stay awake...for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming".How do we stay awake and prepare for the coming of Christ? The great Apostle Paul tells us how, in the 2nd. He says "cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light"Friends let us pray for one another, that during this time of preparation, we will resist our evil habits and tendencies; Seek to reconcile with God and with one another.Support the show

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Send us a textAs the church year comes to a close, our Holy mother Church reminds us on this 33rd Sunday of OT C, about the things of the end times -  In 1st and Gospel readings we hear about what will happen before and at the end of time. Nation rising against nation, kingdom against kingdom, tumults, famine, earthquakes, persecution. Some will look at the wars, conflict, grief, violence, chaos, confusion in our world today, they are tempted to conclude that the end of the world is near. Our Blessed Lord has some reassuring words for such catastrophic thinking. He says, "do not be terrified". He wants us instead to use them as opportunities to bear witness to Him -  because He is the Way the truth and the Life.  Friends, Christ is speaking directly to your heart and to my heart, consoling us and encouraging us to stand up for our faith in the current difficult times and in the trying moments of our lives. And if we do this, He assures us again in his own words that "no hair on your head will perish"... By your endurance you will gain your lives.'In this November, the month of souls, let us continue to pray for our brothers and sisters who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. May God welcome them in His heavenly kingdom.Support the show

Send us a textAs the church year comes to a close, our Holy mother Church reminds us as its her custom about the things of the end times -  things about the final days of the world, things about the our own death and things about the Final Judgment. This 33rd Sunday of OT C is no different. The 1st and Gospel readings inform us about what will happen before and at the end of time. When some people look at the wars, conflict. grief, violence and aggression, chaos and confusion in our world today, they are tempted to conclude that the end of the world is near. Our Blessed Lord has some reassuring words for those who have these catastrophic thoughts. He says, "do not be terrified". Instead He wants us to use them as opportunities to bear witness  to Him - to stand up for our faith, to recycle these thoughts in prayer to fix our gaze on him and Him alone because He is the Way the truth and the Life.  Friends in Christ, Our Blessed Lord is speaking directly to your heart and to my heart, offering us all consolation and encouraging us to continue to bear witness to Him in the difficult times we find ourselves in this world, in the trying moments of our personal lives to the best of our abilities. And if we do this, He assures us again in his own words that "no hair on your head will perish... By your endurance you will gain your lives"Oh that today you would listen to His voice, Harden not your hearts.Support the show

Send us a textThis Sunday we celebrate the dedication of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, one of the most important Churches for us Catholics. Ultimately, this celebration is a celebration of the people of God- the Church,  the body of Christ. St Paul reminds us that this Church has Christ as foundation. We are part of the body- the Church. St Paul reminds us again that like the Church, we too are temples of God's, vessels of God's Spirit.Like His bride the Church, Christ loves us so much and He'll do anything to protect us. That is why in today's gospel we see him chasing money-changers, telling them, “Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade.'Friends, our mission which is similar to that of the Church is beautifully illustrated in the image by Ezekiel in the 1st resding: to be a source of life-giving water, nourishment, and healing for the world around us.Today's feast invites us to be aware of ourselves as temples of the Holy Spirit and to consider how well we are taking our mission to bring Christ to others, be a source of nourishment and healing for others Please join me to pray for Tommy who passed away years ago. Support the show

Send us a textFriends, we celebrate todays feast in honour of all the saints.Just as God took Moses to the top of the mountain to give him the 10 Commandments,in the gospel Jesus takes us all up the mountain to give us His word. He gives us the job description of becoming a saint. He tells us that if we live according to his word, we would never walk alone. That he will walk alongside us, in front of us to ensure that we join him and all the saints in heaven.Friends let us pray today that we will give him our word to follow His word, take up our crosses in this valley of tears and follow him. For the many times we haven't kept His word and our word, we ask for mercy and pardonV. Lord, have mercy.R. Lord, have mercy.V. Christ, have mercy.R. Christ, have mercy.V. Lord, have mercy.R. Lord, have mercy.Support the show

Send us a textHow do we know how to live a good Christian life? The best answer to this question is given in this Sunday's readings.  Like all good inventors, God has given us a manual to help us live a good Christian life. That manual is Holy Scripture- which St Paul tells us in the 2nd reading is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. In the first reading these same sacred writings tell us that in their fight with Amalek "Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed". Arms raised high in our Christian tradition does not only signify prayer or surrender but also a powerful image of companionship in the Christian life. . Through prayer and surrender, our help comes from God who made heaven and earth. Our Gospel tells us that God always hears our prayer and calls us to be persistent in prayer. Friends, we are invited today to rush to the holy Word of God! Read it, pray with it, and invite the Holy Spirit to speak to us through it. There, and only there can we find the wisdom needed to face every circumstance.Support the show

Send us a textFriends in Christ, the word of God,  Jesus, is life because he nourishes us not only in the Eucharist but through His word. This Sunday's readings challenge us to not only give thanks to God for his love but also to imitate this love in our dealings with one other whether people acknowledge our love or not. God is good to us, even when we're ungrateful. Likewise, let us love like God does and not withhold love for our brothers and sisters even if the don't acknowledge our love. Like Naaman the Syrian and the Foreigner, cleansed Samaritan Leper,  let us come before The Lord God today, in his Holy Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith and worship Him, giving thanks for his numerous graces in our lives. We thank God for the lives of Tarh Fuh Nkwenti Clemtnt and Anastasia Njang aka Na Gisel who passed away recently. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy rest in peace with the Lord.Support the show

Send us a textThe Gospel of Luke, the Gospel of God's compassion, the Gospel of the lowlybeing raised up, challenges us today with the parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man. Lazarus, a man in dire need, covered in sores, right outside the door of a rich man who has more than enough to provide for his own needs and those of Lazarus – but does nothing to help him. In fact, the rich man's dog shows more compassion toward Lazarus (by licking his sores) than the rich man! The story is meant to prick our consciences and move us to have the same kind of response that God has – of compassion – leading us to become champions for those in need - champions of the poor, homeles, the imigrants, the weak, the orphans, the widows, those at the margins of society. Support the show

Send us a textFriends in Christ, on this day in which we celebrate the triumph of Christ's cross, the 1st reading and the gospel give us a beautiful allegory of our Christian life. For 40 years the Israelites struggled with sin and temptation. Poisoned by snake bites they only had to look at the serpent mounted on a pole in order to be healed. Similarly, our Christian life from baptism to death is a struggle with sin and temptation. When we sin, we are poisoned. The wages of sin is death scripture tells us. But God our loving Father gives us the same solution He gave our ancestors in faith. All we need to do, is, look at the cross of Jesus, with faith, believe, repent and be healed.Friends, when we face challenging moments in our lives, rather than grumble, we are called to put our trust in his Holy cross, for through this Holy Cross we are saved and set free. Thank you for your Cross Lord, thank for the sacrifice you made for us. Have mercy on us and the whole world.Please join me to thank God for Rev Dennis, Rev Andy and Rev Ken who were ordained Permanent Deacons recently. May God bless them, their families and their ministeries We pray for healing for our brothers and sisters who are sick. We also pray for our dead - especially Celestine Ho who was buried this week. May God's face shine upon them.Support the show

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Send us a textMy Brothers and Sisters in the Lord –  the scriptures for today have much to teach us about our plans – and God's plans for us as well.They challenge us to live as true Christian disciples giving our total commitment to the will of God; putting God first in our lives. Let us pray today for the grace to commit ourselves to God's will and to put God at the centre of all we do. Support the show

Send us a textBrothers and sisters in Jesus, Christ, the common theme of today's readings is the importance of practicing humility and avoiding self-glorification or pride. 1) Humility enables us first to accept others as God's children, our brothers and sisters, redeemed by the blood of Jesus. 2) Humility also encourages us to offer them loving and sacrificial service through acts of charity, mercy and forgiveness. 3) Humility enables us to accept ourselves as we are before God, with all our defects and demerits. 4) Humility also prompts us to be thankful to God for giving us blessings, talents, and capabilities, for our own use, for serving our brothers and sisters and so for giving Him glory and for strengthening us every day by His grace. 5) It is humility which opens our eyes, ears, hearts and minds to the poor, the needy, the disadvantaged, and the marginalized people in our society, thus practicing Christ's option for the poor  in Christ. Let to pray for the grace to practice humility, putting Jesus Christ at the centre of all we do. Support the show

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Friends, welcome to PTTSOTW On this feast of two giants of our faith, Saints Peter and Paul. This is one ofthose calendar feasts that replace what would be the Sunday of the Year, in this case, the Thirteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time.When we consider St. Peter and St. Paul, we are often drawn into a reflection of their lives before they became committed apostles. We remember the lovable rogue and fisherman Simon, who tried to walk on water towards the Lord and then sank when he questioned his faith, or his denial of the Lord three times. Or we remember Saul of Tarsus whostood at the stoning of the first martyr, St. Stephen, and thought this was a good idea,and then followed this by rounding up Christians and bringing them to trial before the Jewish authorities.Friends, when we consider where they both started and where they ended up, we are indeed full of hope that we believe in a God who can turn any negative situation into positive. If they can make it to heaven, there is hope for everyone of us. But first we imitate their faith, their trust and like them put Christ at the centre of lives. Support the show

Let us start our day by giving thanks to our Loving Heavenly Father, praising Him and His Son, our brother Jesus Christ, who reigns in communion with the Holy Spirit forever and ever, Amen. 

Friends, isn't it true to state that Christianity is a religion of friendship? - Friendship between God and his people, us His children. This friendship was not initiated by us but rather by God when he first created us out of love.  The readings for this sixth Sunday of Easter speak to us about this friendship -  In the first reading, the early Christians debate about extending this friendship  to others.In the second reading we see how God because of His desire to befriend us makes Himself available to every human heart. Jesus, in the Gospel, promises the Holy Spirit to instruct us in everything and remind us, His friends of all He has revealed. Brothers and sisters, if we listen keenly to Jesus and His word in Holy scripture,we can hear this coming through: Repent, enjoy the salvation I have made available to you through my redeeming death and resurrection; Shoulder my yoke and learn from me. Be imitators of my love and my mission to the world.Friends we pray today for the grace to listen and be true ambassadors for Christ with the mission to reveal God's love and care to our brothers and sisters. Amen.

Can we really prepare our hearts and minds for the unknown? As Advent marks a time of great anticipation, join us as we unravel the significance of this sacred season and its call for active vigilance. With insights drawn from the prophet Jeremiah and St. Paul's letter to the Thessalonians, this episode promises to deepen your understanding of Advent as a proactive journey rather than just a passive waiting period. We'll explore how being watchful and alert can fortify our spiritual readiness for the Lord's return, encouraging a life lived in holiness and abundant love.Our discussion takes a captivating turn as we dive into the Gospel of Luke, examining the signs and the coming of the Son of Man. We ponder how the knowledge of future events shapes our present choices and the comfort we derive from certainty. This conversation serves as a poignant reminder to stay awake and pray, to embrace a life of faith and steadfastness in anticipation of the divine promises. Listen in to discover how these ancient scriptures speak directly to our modern lives, urging us to be ever-ready for the Lord's return in power and glory.

What if the reign of Christ as King could transform not only our spiritual lives but also bring profound peace and healing to our world? This episode invites you to explore the majestic significance of the Feast of Christ the King as we journey through the 34th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B. We promise an insightful exploration of scriptures, with readings from the Prophet Daniel, the Book of the Apocalypse, and the Gospel of Mark. Together, we'll ponder the eternal sovereignty of Christ and His profound dialogue with Pilate, revealing a kingdom that transcends earthly realms.Join us in reflection as we honor the truth of Jesus' kingdom and embrace His love as a guiding force in our lives. We extend our heartfelt prayers for healing to our friends and loved ones, including Claire, Karen, Charlotte, Alex, and Thomas, and remember those who have recently passed, such as Mary Neves, Ajummeh, and Rebecca. This episode calls us to serve as witnesses of Christ's enduring love, urging us to welcome His presence into every facet of our existence, ultimately enthroning Him as the King of our hearts and lives.

Ever pondered what financial gifts Christ might expect upon His return, or is it our actions that truly matter? Today, our exploration takes us through profound themes of darkness, distress, and hope, drawing wisdom from the readings of Prophet Daniel, Hebrews, and the Gospel of Mark. As we reflect on the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, the pressing reality of our temporary earthly existence becomes evident. Through the story of a man who left money to Jesus, we challenge the notion of material possessions as the ultimate offering and instead emphasize the importance of living a life rich in kindness and compassion. Join us as we pray for our loved ones who have passed and those enduring sickness, wrapping them in hope and faith amidst the unknowns of our time.In a sacred space of prayerful reflection, we invite you to experience the power of communal worship through the Hail Mary and the Lord's Prayer. Together, we seek grace, forgiveness, peace, and salvation, invoking blessings for protection and eternal life. Community support and gratitude take center stage as we encourage engagement through liking, sharing, and subscribing, fostering a world bound by love and faith. As we close, receive a peaceful blessing for the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B, and join us in our devotion to the Holy Trinity. This episode promises a heartfelt journey of reflection, faith, and community, leaving you inspired to live each day with purpose and grace.

What happens when the story of Bartimaeus' healing meets the challenges of modern society's obsession with instant gratification? Explore the profound impact of God's enduring love and the transformative power of faith as we celebrate the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B. Journey with us through the insightful scripture readings from Jeremiah, the letter to the Hebrews, and the Gospel of Mark, which illuminate themes of mercy, compassion, and the divine kindness. We'll reflect on how these ancient teachings resonate in today's world, providing a spiritual anchor in a fast-paced life.Our episode invites you into a heartfelt moment of prayer and contemplation. Experience the spiritual depth as we seek Mary's intercession, asking for strength and courage to spread the good news and to work together towards building God's kingdom. We also honor the memories of those who've passed and keep our ailing brothers and sisters in our prayers. As we invoke the Holy Trinity, let us embrace gratitude for our supportive community and encourage each other to continue this spiritual journey by sharing and subscribing. Together, let's find peace and hope in faith and community.

Can embracing a servant's heart truly lead to greatness? This episode promises to challenge your understanding of leadership through the lens of humble service and self-sacrifice, grounded in the teachings of Jesus and the scripture readings for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time. We unpack the wisdom of the prophet Isaiah, the letter to the Hebrews, and the Gospel of Mark, revealing how these texts guide us towards true happiness by serving others. Drawing inspiration from Rabindranath Tagore, we explore the joy found in service, even amidst life's challenges, and how facing adversity can become a testament to one's character.Join us in a heartfelt moment of prayer and gratitude, as we acknowledge the power of community in spreading the good news and express our appreciation for your unwavering support. This episode isn't just about learning; it's about sharing and living the teachings that can transform our lives. As we gear up for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, we send our warmest wishes for a meaningful celebration. Let's gather in spirit, reinforcing our faith and commitment to a life of service, as we close with a prayer that encapsulates the essence of our journey together.

What if the quest for eternal life is not about living forever but about prioritizing the things that truly matter? Join us for a reflection on the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, year B, as we explore the compelling call to put God's kingdom above material wealth. Inspired by the spiritual insights from the Book of Wisdom, Hebrews, and the Gospel of Mark, we delve into Jesus's radical challenge to a wealthy young man, urging him—and us—to rethink our attachments to worldly possessions. As we unfold this message, we draw parallels with historical figures like Alexander the Great and Emperor Qin, who sought immortality, and consider modern efforts like cryogenics that attempt to extend life. This episode invites listeners to ponder their own spiritual journey and the divine wisdom that leads to a life beyond material constraints.Amidst this thoughtful exploration, we embrace a moment of prayer and gratitude, celebrating God's immeasurable love and seeking forgiveness for our flaws. Emphasizing the importance of living in God's peace and seeking His guidance, we express heartfelt thanks to you, our audience, for your ongoing support and engagement. Let us come together in faith, share this transformative message, and grow our community. We extend our warmest wishes for a peaceful celebration of the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, closing with a reverent invocation in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

What does it truly mean to follow Jesus in today's world? Join us in our latest episode of "Pointing to the Saviour of the World" as we explore the profound essence of Christian faith. We tackle the importance of embracing Jesus as the Christ and the Son of the Living God, while accentuating the necessity of living out that faith through self-denial and taking up one's cross. Our discussion draws richly from the potent readings of Isaiah, the Psalms, St. James, and the Gospel of Mark, illuminating the indispensable blend of faith and good works. As we navigate these scriptures, we also reflect on Pope Francis's compelling view that faith without practical application remains lifeless, urging believers to let their faith manifest in their daily actions.As we close this meaningful episode, join us in a heartfelt prayer session, seeking the Lord's blessings and expressing our gratitude for our faith community. We invite you to share this spiritual journey with others by liking, sharing, and subscribing to our content, ensuring you stay connected with our latest reflections. Celebrating the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, we wish you a peaceful and joyous time, closing our prayers in unity and love, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Tune in to deepen your connection with your faith and the supportive community around you.

What if the true essence of worship isn't found in rituals and traditions, but in the purity of our hearts? Join us this 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, as we explore deeper meanings behind the laws and rituals that guide our faith. We reflect on readings from Deuteronomy, the Psalms, the letter of Saint James, and the Gospel of Mark, as Jesus challenges the Pharisees and scribes, urging us to align our actions with genuine intentions. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to authenticity and integrity, as we remember our beloved departed, James Lucong and Barbara Kennedy, whose lives remind us of the importance of inner cleanliness and true devotion.We also offer moments of prayer and blessing, inviting you to connect more deeply with God and each other. From opening prayers to concluding blessings, we seek God's protection and grace. Support our community by liking, sharing, and subscribing to our channel as we share warm wishes for a peaceful celebration of the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B. Let's close this episode with a spiritual note as we recite the final prayer together, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, aspiring to live lives of authenticity and integrity.

Discover the transformative power of love as we reflect on the sixth Sunday of Easter, where Jesus's teachings take center stage, guiding us to live in the fullness of God's love and acceptance. This episode uncovers the heartfelt notion that God's love isn't a prize to be won, but a presence to dwell in, revealed through our selfless actions and compassionate interactions. Through a deep look at the readings, particularly from Acts of the Apostles, we tackle the enduring challenges of racism and prejudice, urging all to embrace the all-encompassing reach of the Holy Spirit. As we explore this powerful message, prepare to see the world through the lens of love, as we're all the cherished children of God, called to act as such.Amidst our heartfelt discussion, we honor the Virgin Mary with a prayer and blessings, seeking her intercession to help us embody Christ's commandment to live in truth and love. We extend our gratitude to you, our cherished community, for walking alongside us in faith and fellowship. Your presence amplifies our collective journey, and we invite you to engage with us further as we continue to share messages of hope and unity. Closing with a special blessing for your protection, this episode is a sanctuary for the soul, promising guidance towards the eternal light of life.

Discover how a man named Saul evolved from a feared persecutor to a fervent apostle, a testament to the transformative power of union with God, as we delve into the readings of the fifth Sunday of Easter. Saul's journey is just one of the profound narratives we explore, illustrating the boundless strength we can harness from our divine connection. Alongside this, we absorb the wisdom of Saint John, who teaches us to align our actions with our faith, ensuring our deeds embody the love of God. As branches of Jesus, the true vine, we are reminded of the importance of our bond with Him, a relationship that enables us to bear abundant fruit. Embrace this episode as an invitation to introspect, to align your daily life with the profound messages of Christ, so that in every interaction and community engagement, you may be a living testament to the faith you profess.Gather with me in a spiritual embrace as we lift our hearts in prayer, seeking Jesus' guidance and comfort during our most challenging moments. Join in as we invoke blessings for strength against adversity, protection from evil, and the promise of eternal peace that awaits us. I express my heartfelt gratitude for your companionship on this sacred journey, and I am truly honored to share these blessings with you. Together, we conclude our time of reflection and worship by invoking the Holy Trinity, carrying forth the wisdom and grace we have received into our daily lives. This episode is a shared pilgrimage in prayer and purpose, and your presence here enriches our collective exploration of faith. Amen.

Discover the life-altering power of resurrection as we share stories of transformation and redemption, reflecting on the third Sunday of Easter. Witness the journey of Peter, from his denials to becoming a courageous herald of Christ, and how this mirrors our own potential for change when embracing the truth of the Gospel. Our exploration delves into the fulfillment of divine promises and the call to live boldly, while also addressing the reality of Jesus's physical resurrection and its profound implications for our spiritual and corporeal existence. Each chapter of this episode invites you into a deeper understanding of how the risen Christ impacts our lives, urging us to act upon God's infinite love and mercy.Join us in a moment of communal prayer and thanksgiving, echoing through heartfelt proclamations of "O Sacrament most holy, o Sacrament divine." Feel uplifted as we praise the Lord for His boundless grace and invite you to become an integral part of spreading this message of hope. Our shared faith journey continues beyond the podcast, as we encourage engagement through liking, sharing, and subscribing, reinforcing our connection as a community of believers. May this episode serve as a beacon of light for your path, and may the peace and joy of the Easter season fill your heart.

Dear friends in Christ, On this  Divine Mercy Sunday we remember especially Maureen and all of our brothers and sisters who have requested to be prayed for. May God grant them all they need. May God grant eternal rest to Imelda Lum Che, Brothers and sisters in Christ, in the readings today, we see Mercy, Divine Mercy in action.You've often heard it said,that "it doesn't matter how deep you fall. What matters is how high you bounce back". Thomas and Judas both betrayed Jesus by their words & actions but one of them shows us Christians what matters after we wonder away from God's path - What a perfect confession looks like. Imagine the look in Thomas' face when Jesus spoke to him – the joyful tears in his eyes reflecting God's awe and wonder. Thomas' most amazing proclamation in the gospel today “My Lord and my God” reflects and demonstrates not only his understanding of Christ's divinity, his humility to change for the better but also his conviction that God is faithful, that God is loving, and that God is merciful.  In the 1st reading, the early Christian communities with their hearts and minds seemed to have translated these convictions in their every day actions and lived these well, happily sharing their possessions and selling what they didn't need. Not because they had been forced to, but as we are told in the 2nd reading that they realised and demonstrated "what loving God is – keeping his commandments; and his commandments are not difficult,” for those who love Him. Dearly beloved, God loved us first, and by his grace, and his mercy, we are commanded and empowered to love one another.

No one likes to suffer.  But as humans, we know that pain is inevitable; emotional, physical, psychological, spiritual pain etc. The way we deal with our suffering and pain says a great deal about our maturity as someone created by God! The readings this Sunday talk to us about how to deal with suffering. The first reading, from the Prophet Jeremiah, explains how God will replace the Old Covenant of Judgment with a New Covenant of Forgiveness of sins.This New Covenant was established we told on the letter to the Hebrews by Jesus' suffering and death, in obedience to the Father's will. The Gospel hints at the inner struggle of Jesus in accepting the cup of suffering to inaugurate the New and Eternal Covenant. Dear friends  the readings today challenge us to make difference in the lives of others like Jesus did, by accepting suffering and sacrificing our lives to the people around us in the family, in the workplace, and in a wider society, being the grain that died, sprouted and bringing forth new life. 

Dear Friends in Christ,All of us dear friends have habits. Some of these habits are good – and some bad. Generally speak, good habits, are often, hard to acquire – Whereas, bad ones are very easy to learn –  Sin is something that can become habitual. And unfortunately for us many sinful things are accepted in our culture and society today. Consequently, it takes great courage and resolve to break with that culture and to eliminate ingrained habits of sin! All the scriptures for today have much to say about cultural – and habitual – sin in our society and in ourselves. The central theme of today's readings is that our salvation is the free gift of a merciful God, given to us sinners through Jesus, His Son. The readings stress God's mercy and compassion and remind us of the great love, kindness, and grace extended to us in Christ.In the first reading,  from the Second Book of Chronicles (chapter 36:14-16,19-23,) we see the compassion and patience of God. God chose Cyrus the Great, a pagan conqueror, to become the instrument of His mercy to, and salvation of, His chosen people exiled in Babylon. In the second reading, St Paul in his letter to the Ephesians (2:4-10) tells us that God is so rich in mercy that He has granted us eternal salvation and eternal life as a free gift through Christ Jesus.  .  Today's Gospel tells us how a perfect God sent  His perfect Son, Jesus, in order to save an imperfect world and an imperfect people - a people whose lives is filled with mistakes, sin, and helplessness but we are still precious  – so precious that He sacrificed his Son to save them. Brothers and Sisters, God did not send His Son into the world to condemn us – but to save us. Jesus is the revelation of God's Light and Love. But to live in this Light and Love, we must break with the darkness that sinful habits always bring.May God's Love inflame our hearts and souls – so that we may strive daily to live each moment according to whatever God is asking of us!

Today's readings from Holy Scripture teach us that Lent is the ideal time to clean out the Temple of our own hearts and to offer to God proper Divine worship by obeying His Commandments. Today's first reading teaches us that the Ten Commandments are the basis of our religious and spiritual life. Instead of restricting our freedom, the Commandments really help us to love and respect our God and our neighbour.The second reading reminds us that we must appreciate the Divine “foolishness” of the crucified Christ and obey His commandment of love as our expression of Divine worship. The Gospel gives us the dramatic account of Jesus' cleansing the Temple of its merchants and moneychangers, followed by a prediction of his death and Resurrection. Today's readings challenge us to keep our Covenant agreement with Jesus Christ, just as the Israelites tried to keep the agreements of the Old Testament Covenant with Yahweh by promising to obey the Ten Commandments. We become people of the New Covenant by loving others as Jesus did

Friends in Christ,We were not born to be isolated from others. We need close connections with loved ones, family, and friends – And we will suffer if we are cut off. Isolation can lead to loneliness, leading to anxiety and depression and general mental decline. The readings this Sunday talk to us about faith, and about love. In the Gospel, the leper who was isolated, cut off from his family, possibly depresed, anxious and lonely, showed great faith that Jesus could heal him, and the great love of Jesus for this man moved Jesus to go against mosaic law to touch and to heal him.As the First Reading makes clear, the scaly skin condition was not just another physical ailment. The colouring and condition of the skin reminded people of death and so was subject to a taboo that caused people, irrationally, to treat a person with the condition as a social outcast. When we read the Scriptures, we are reminded over and over again how much God loves us. As God's children baptized into the Body of Christ, Let us allow this knowledge to sink into our hearts and change us. Let us root everything we do in faith so that all of our actions point to God and to building his kingdom.  How do we do this? It's hard to say it much better than Paul does in his letter to the Corinthians today: “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” Give it a try: Love as Jesus loves.

Brothers and sisters, We can all can recount experiences in which we had our hearts broken; whether it was the untimely death of a loved one, the break in a relationship, the loss of a job we love, failing our exams, severe illnesd etc. One very common reaction to suffering is the use of these 2 words "WHY ME?The readings today talk about suffering and how to best respond to it. In the first reading Job states that human life is "no better than hired drudgery" and laments that his  "eyes will never again see joy".In the second reading St Paul offers some words of wisdom as to how we approaches suffering. He says that to "the weak I made myself weak"In the Gospel, we see Jesus curing Simon Peter's mother-in-law of her illness, healing and driving out demons but many of us don't have our prayers answered like that. Instead, we may relate more to Job in today's first reading.Brothers and sisters, when we are tempted to feel like Job, what should we do? What should our reaction be? Why is Job's reaction not desirable to God? 

Nowadays, everywhere we turn people are competing for our attention. Advertisers, politicians, youtubers, influencers, celebrities, sellers of all sorts, even religious leaders. We are often torn, we find it difficult to discern what is true and best and most worthwhile for ourselves. What comes from God and what is from the evil one.The readings reassure us and urge us to take comfort in the fact that God is more powerful than anything that may demand our attention or worry us. And that we should give all our undivided attention to God. In today's Second Reading, Paul, inspired by God, encourages the Corinthians, and us, to understand the importance of an undivided devotion to God, to care for him above all things – no matter if we are married or single – so that our whole life is devoted to holiness.In today's first reading, Moses promises the people that the Lord will raise up for them, from among their own kin, a prophet who will speak God's own words and to whom the people will listen.In the gospel, we witness, Jesus, Son of God, embodiment of wisdom and truth, grabbing the attention of the people because he spoke with authority.  Friends, we all are invited to recognize and submit to the authority of Jesus Christ - the ultimate Prophet, the Son of God. May we always listen to, follow his commandments, and allow him to free us from the power of sin because He only has the authority to transform our lives and lead us to eternal life with him.