POINTING TO THE SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD

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.

Brothers and sisters,No one wants to be criticized, not especially if it is with my acid tongue. But now and again we all need a Jonah in our lives, someone who will come along and shake things up; someone who will nudge us and say, hey, you're doing it wrong! I fell foul to this this recently.The three readings today are doing exactly that. They all underline our absolute need of repentance and our immediate need for a prompt response to God's call to change our ways - To repent .In the 1st reading we hear how God converts Jonah and gives him the unpleasant task of pointing out to the people of Nineveh their failings.The wicked people of Nineveh, accepted Jonah's message, and promptly responded to God's call to change their ways.In the second reading, Paul urges the Christian community in Corinth to lose no time in accepting the message of the Gospel and in renewing their lives with repentance because Jesus' second coming may occur at any moment. In today's Gospel according to St Mark, Jesus arrives in Galilee after John the Baptist's arrest and began preaching and telling the people "The time has come' and challenging them to "Repent, and believe the Good News.'  Who has God our Creator placed in your lives/ in my life in the role of Jonah?Do we have the grace of open ears and hearts to receive the message? Are we redeemable? What is your response? Oh that today you would listen to his voice, harden not your hearts. 

Dear friends,Meeting someone for the first time or after a long time, conjures all sorts of emotions in us. Do you remember the feelings and reactions after meeting a boyfriend or girlfriend, a never-seen sibling, a long lost family member, a primary school mate, a work colleague who appears as a stranger and reveal their identity?Today in the readings, God reveals himself to the world. And this revelation triggered all sorts of reactions. The prophet Isaiah in the 1st reading prophesies the unbelievable scenes when the glory of the Lord is reveal on his Holy city Jerusalem-The nations come to your lightand kings to your dawning brightness.all are assembling and coming towards youDaughter being tenderly carried,people grow radianteveryone in Sheba will come,bringing gold and incenseand singing the praise of the LordIn his 2nd letter to those in Corinth St Paul reminds them what God's revelation means that pagans now share the same inheritance, that they are parts of the same body, and that the same promise has been made to them, in Jesus Christ, through the gospel. In the Gospel God's revelation to the Magi – foreigners and pagans –triggered enquiry, adoration, respect, gift-giving. But triggered bewilderment from the scribes and Pharisees and violence violence from King Herod. What is your reaction to Gods revelation to you?

Dear Friends,On the last Sunday of the year, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. Some of you, like myself, have been brave enough to enter into a relationship with the hope of having a family and thank God, we have been blessed with one. Others have found themselves unable to do so, or the relationship did not continue and you have been left disappointed. Others have had children but suffer the hurt of having their family broken for reasons over which you have little or no control. Others for religious or personal reasons have been unable have families and so have no children of their own. Family can be the place where we experience our deepest joys and also our most profound and lasting hurts.The scriptures today teach us about all things family life. They remind us that not only are we members of our biological family but that we are also members of an extended family , the human family, brothers and sisters, children of God. And that God our Father has a plan for each and every one of us.In the first reading we hear God's promise of numerous descendants to Abraham and its fulfillment when Abraham's wife, Sarah, gave birth to Isaac. In the letter to the Hebrews (2nd reading) we are shown the trusting faith of Abraham in 3 ways,  1st in his willingness to move his whole family; 2nd, in the way Abraham and Sarah trusted God's power  and finally, in his obedience, without hesitation, to sacrifice his only son.Today, the Gospel of Luke teaches us how important it is to honor God's plan for our children. As we celebrate this feast, let us offer all the members of our own families on the altar for God's blessing and ask forgiveness for the many times we have made life difficult for them. And sovresolve to try our best to make life pleasant for them from today.

Dear Friends All of us here AT PTTSOTW WISH YOU ALL A VERY MERRY AND A BLESSED CHRISTMAS.But it won't be a merry Christmas for many people and families in these dark and difficult times we live in, where warfare is rampant; War in Cameroon, DRC, YEMEN, UKRAINE, PALESTINE and orher partsoftheworld. It won't be a merry Christmas for the victims and their families of the Mass shootings in Prague and needless deaths from gang violence. It won't be a Merry Christmas for the many victims and the families of the ever -increasing deaths from suicide of young and the older generations. What about the homeless, the drug and alcohol addicts on our streets, what about – our severely polarized nations? – where there are demonstrations of ethnic hatred in many cities – people so poor they can't even feed their own families? People are upset and very unhappy – But the darkness in our world – and in our hearts and spirits – can never be the last word. Because God cares about us. And those who have faith can survive and overcome the power of this darkness. That is the message in the scripture readings today. In the first reading Isaiah spoke words of hope to the Chosen People, he told them "shout for joy...for the Lord is consoling his people, the one who brings good news, heralds peace, brings happiness ...returns to Zion"In the letter to the Hebrews, we hear some soothing words and assurances that through his Son, Jesus, the radiant light of of his glory, God has destroyed the defilement of sin. And in the gospel, we bear witness to a beautiful gift-giving, gift-sharing, gift exchange between God and Man. God taking on our humanity so that He could give us His divinity. God becoming Man. John tells us; "In the beginning was the Word: and the Word was with God and the Word was God.The Word was made flesh, he lived among us"Friends, in these dark and difficult times, God gives us His Word, the Light, to brighten our darkness. God assures us that He is among us because He cares. In honour of God's self- giving, let us bring Him to the world by not only our  gift-giving but by giving ourselves to others. Amen

Dear friends,One can understand the Holy Bible between two poles: promise and fulfillment. God makes promises and then he fulfills them. God is not like us. We make promises but often don't fulfill them. God, on the other hand, always fulfills his promises.We see this promise and fulfillment in today's readings.In the 1st reading, God makes an extraordinary promise to King David. "I will give you fame as great as the fame of the greatest... Your House and your sovereignty will always stand secure before me and your throne be established for ever.”' Our Psalm reiterates this promise "  I have sworn to David my servant: I will establish your dynasty for ever"St Paul in the 2nd reading asks us to give  glory to this God who is able do gift us with his grace to live according to his promise. We see the promise of God in today's Gospel being fulfilled.The angel Gabriel tells a Jewish maiden that she will conceive a son - by the overshadowing of the Most High. That child, he says, will receive "the throne of his ancestor David."Friends, we are called to be like David, like Mary who opened themselves to the power of God, his mercy, and promises so that He can work his wonders through us. God never fails to deliver on His promise. For him nothing is impossible. Amen.

Dear Friends,To all those who are poor, have nowhere to go, cannot see their way, feel oppressed, burdened, and have lost hope, Jesus is the good news of God's love, source of joy. This is the feeling that pervades all today's readings. In the first reading we hear Isaiah reminding us that God is the source of our joy:‘I exult for joy in the Lord, my soul rejoices in my God,In the Second Reading Paul, too, calls on the Christian community in Thessalonika to ‘be happy at all times', living constantly in the presence of God and thanking God for the many blessings they have received through God's love. Today's Gospel tells us that John the Baptizer came as a witness to testify to the Light, i.e., Jesus. The coming of Jesus, the Light, into the world is cause for rejoicing as Light removes darkness from the world. We should be glad and rejoice also because, like John the Baptizer, we, too, are chosen to bear witness to Christ Jesus, the Light of the world. We are to reflect Jesus' Light in our lives so that we may radiate it and illuminate the dark lives of others around us.  Friends, this Sunday we are invited to intensify the interior pace of our pilgrimage to the Lord who comes to save us. Jesus, source of our peace, is coming. For this reason, despite difficulties and problems we face, we are invited to be full of holy optimism and joy.  

Dear Friends in Christ,Last Sunday we were reminded about waiting in hope for the unexpected coming of Jesus. This Sunday, the readings tell us how to wait in hope. They say CHANGE is what has to happen, even though we don't like it, dread and resent it at times. St John Henry Newman said, "to live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often". We are Not talking here of external kind of change that we see, hear and touch around us at this time. No.The readings this 2nd Sunday of Advent call us to a change from within, - a change that “transforms” and enables us to make Christ's presence known and felt by all those we meet.  In today's gospel in particular, we find the unique example of that radically changed heart, that of John the Baptist. A man called to “announce” the coming of Christ. Like him we too are called to “proclaim” the Good News by our lives; to encourage our brothers and sisters to “Prepare in the wilderness a way for the Lord!”Dear friends, let us pray that we "will be brought to change" our ways as St Peter cautions us in the 2nd reading and that the outward changes of the Advent season that we see ariund us, will continually remind us of how we are called to “change” within us,  those aspects of our lives that do not “announce” or “proclaim” Christ in our world. 

The readings this Sunday offer us a diagnosis of our spiritual ill-health and the ills of our society, the contradictions within us and how these could be resolved.In the first reading we see human wretchedness in action. The Prophet Isaiah tells us that we have become like unclean people, all our good deeds are polluted rages, our guilt carries us away like the wind.But along with wretchedness the 2nd reading also describe our greatness. St Paul speaks about the grace given to us by Christ Jesus. He has enriched us with discourse, knowledge, spiritual gifts.So we find ourselves stretched between extremes: wretchedness and glory, misery and magnificence. What should we do? Two things: First, recognize that the very fact we know our wretchedness shows our greatness. The second thing is what Jesus tells us in today's Gospel: Be watchful! Be alert because God can come for us at any time; in our death, at the final judgment at the end of the world, in everything He has created, in every person, in every interpersonal encounter.  Jesus alone can resolve our inner contradictions. In Jesus God has humbled himself to lift us up. He wants us during this season of Advent to use those gifts to lift Him up and to lift up others.He wants us to help those who carry heavy burdens. As we begin the season of Advent we ask for the grace to stay alert and watchful.

Desr friends in Christ,Today we celebrate the last Sunday of the liturgical year. Next Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent and so we begin a new year by preparing once again for the great feast of the Incarnation: the feast of Christmas. We dedicate this Sunday to Christ the King. In the first reading, the prophet Ezekiel tells us that God himself would seek out his lost sheep and take them home to Himself. In today's Second Reading St Paul encourages us to look ahead to the final goal of our life and reminds us that we are made by love and for love and that it is God's will that everyone enjoy full communion in love with him and so with each other and the whole of the created universe. The Gospel focuses on the coming of the Son of Man, the Messiah-King, Christ the King, our judge who sits ‘on the throne of his glory' to judge us, based on how we have shared our love and blessings with others through genuine acts of charity in our lives.Jesus is present to us now, not only as our Good Shepherd, leading, feeding, and healing his sheep, but also as dwelling in those for whom we care.Today, the Church is inviting us to recall the powerful presence of Jesus' love in our world, to open our hearts to this love and our mission as a Church is to do all we can to ensure the reign of Jesus' love. We are invited to look back over the past year and to recall the ways in which we have strayed and felt lost but have experienced the guiding hand and the love of God leading us into ever closer communion with him. 

Dear friends, The month of November is dedicated to praying for our loved ones who have died. Most people don't want to think about the dying process and their own deaths. We are too busy trying to live, that we don't make time to consider our own death. And the most wonderful thing about death is that one gets a great opportunity to meet Jesus.  But first we will be judged as to how we used all the gifts, talents, and graces that God has given us. Fortunately for us, the scriptures can serve to help us prepare for that moment whenever it comes.In the gospel today Jesus tells us about someone who out of fear buries his talent. He calls him "lazy" and takes away his talent. On the other hand, Jesus praises the ones who use and increase their talents and gives them a threefold blessing ;  "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy." He tells us that if we recognize where our gifts have come from, talents of music, hospitality, heart for the poor, encouragement, healing, empathy, love of learning, teaching and much more and use them for the glory of the Creator, we receive these three blessings, 1) we become grateful servants 2) we give, to receive even more and finally our retirement is guaranteed, but until then, we are never too old to invest our  talents. The master seem to unfairly  chastise the servant who buried his talent in the ground. By this Jesus is speaking to something deep in our human psychology. Each one of us can tend to hold back because we compare ourselves to others. Rather than being scared of using our little talent or comparing ourselves to those who have got more, we should develop an attitude of gratitude. Give thanks to God for our gifts and talents, and ask his help to invest them as best you can. 

All three readings today teach us a great deal about the gift of wisdom and find some unity around the theme of the right attitude to adopt towards the future. The first reading which speaks of Wisdom as a personification of God,  describes how the spirit of Wisdom is eager to enter into our lives. She is always close by, sitting at our gates, waiting for us to greet her, so that she may richly bless our lives.! What better response could we make to the promise of Wisdom than that in the responsorial psalm "My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God." St Paul in the 2nd reading tells the Thessalonians to prepare themselves for the Kingdom and that only the alert and the vigilant, those with wisdom can experience God coming in their lives. In St. Matthew's Gospel, Jesus gives us a classic example of wisdom – and the lack of it. He uses a cautionary yet humorous parable to stress the importance of remaining prepared and hopeful for the coming of the Lord into our lives (Gospel). Dear friends, we are all invited to the banquet of the Lord, and yet we can become complacent about the abundant richness that our faith can bring. So, let us pray this week, for true wisdom and a spirit of hopeful, joyful longing for the Lord, so that we may be fully ready to greet him when he comes into our life. And may His Divine Wisdom light our way to the Eternal Wedding Celebration to which we are all called.

Dear Friends in Christ,The central theme of today's readings is a strong invitation and challenge to render humble, selfless, diligent, committed, loving service to others in the community without expecting honour or rewards in return. The readings also warn us against the triple vices of pride, idolatry and hypocrisy.In the first reading the prophet Malachi condemns the irresponsible, proud, lazy priests of his day and warns them about their failures to give proper instructions/teachings/example which consequently led many to stumble. In the 2nd reading, St. Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians presents himself as an ideal example of servant leadership in a serving Christian community.And in the gospel, Jesus uses dramatic language to warn against all forms of idolatry - including making a person into an idol. And he reminds teachers, doctors, fathers that our purpose is to lead others to the one Teacher, the one Doctor, the one Father.Let us pray that religious leaders, parents, teachers or politicians will take as their model humble, Christ-like leadership and be more concerned about service to others rather than self-promotion. That their leadership would be full of integrity and honesty with no double standards.

Dear Friends in Christ, Today, Jesus gives us the two great commandments: Love of God and love of neighbour. But what does love really look like in a Christian life? A non-Christian named Aristides once wrote to the Emperor Hadrian about a new group of people called Christians. He said, “Christians love one another. They never fail to help widows; they save orphans from those who would hurt them. If one of them has something, he gives freely to those who have nothing. If they see a stranger, Christians take him home and are as happy as though he were a real brother. They don't consider themselves brothers in the usual sense, but brothers through the Spirit, in God. And if they hear that one of them is in jail or persecuted for professing the name of their Redeemer, they give him all he needs. This is really a new kind of person. There is something Divine in them.”Friends, we can't be commanded to love just anything, but we can be commanded to love God and our neighbour.  Let us pray that as Christ poured out his life as a sacrifice for us, that we too may pour out our lives for each other in loving service.

Dear Friends We all have experiences of these two groups of people. On the one hand, people who are not who – or what – they appear to be! These people live lives of pretence. On the other hand people who are the same both on the outside and the inside. Who always seem to do the right thing.The scriptures this Sunday present us with the two types of people considered above. In the 1st reading, from the Prophet Isaiah, God gave His grace to Cyrus, a man who seems to belong to the second group above. A man who always seemed to do the right thing. Even though he did not know God, he co-operated with God's Grace. In contrast we see the priests, the scribes, and the Pharisees in the gospel, who were not who or what they appeared to be. Externally religious but hypocrites. They tried to entrap Jesus, who was the perfect model of what it means to be religious on the outside and spiritual in the inside. Something the disciples and saints became. Something we must strive every day to become. St Paul in the 2nd reading educates us on how to do this. He tells the Thessalonians that we need much more than words. We need the power of the Holy Spirit – And we need conviction! Words can fall on deaf ears and closed minds – Words cannot penetrate hardened hearts – But the power of God's Holy Spirit can enable us to become what we must be for God, for others, and for ourselves!So, dear friends, let us pray that we will become the whole and integrated persons that God created us to be. May we reject all those things which stand between us and God – And may we always bring out the best in others, by being the best we can be ourselves!

Dear FriendsWe all live in a very uncertain and unsettling times,  in world where many people worry about their finances and only the very wealthy are not concerned about their income due to the terrible inflation. The scripture readings this Sunday present us with direction as we try to live with diminishing resources.  Isaiah in the 1st reading spoke to the chosen few in Israel who had remained faithful in those uncertain times that a new world and a new life would soon emerge from the difficult times they were experiencing. But they must remain hopeful and keep the faith. In the Gospel, Jesus continues his attempts to bring the priests, Pharisees,  Sadducees and the elders to a change of heart. He tells them the parable of the wedding banquet in which all are invited. However, there are tragic consequences for those who either ignored or rejected the invitation!And in the 2nd reading St. Paul tells us how he continued to live in both good times and bad – in times of plenty – and more tellingly what kept him going during bad, troubling and difficult times.Dear friends, in these uncertain and unsettling times, we have been called to something far better – and far richer. We have been called to the Eternal Wedding Banquet of God! We have each received an invitation – So what will it be? Let us pray today friends that we can respond positively and wholeheartedly. And may we wear the wedding garment of change, repentance and love at every opportunity!

Dear Friends The readings this Sunday enlighten us about how to deal with trouble in our lives. In the first reading, Isaiah prophesies the imminent destruction of the vineyard, that is, "the house of Israel." In the Gospel, Jesus talks about a vineyard under terrible mismanagement. Rather than care for the vineyard, the tenants get involved in greed, betrayal - and finally, murder. Both readings describe different kinds of trouble, a cause for worry. But in the second reading, we hear a different tone from St. Paul who says "there is no need to worry" when trouble comes our way: " We know St Paul was no naive optimist. He was no stranger to trouble himself. Throughout his life he faced tons of them; public floggings, shipwrecks, snake bites, imprisonment, and bodily ailments, you name it, he had it.But how did St. Paul, a man plagued with troubles himself overcome his anxiety and worry? In his own words he tells us  "if there is anything you need, pray for it, asking God for it, with prayer and thanksgiving." Friends, this is our prayer today -

Dear Friends The the readings this Sunday continue with the theme of sin and forgiveness. In the Responsorial Psalm we recall God's mercy and steadfast love. God feels for us the way a mother feels for the child in her womb: feelings of tenderness, protective care, hope and love. The Gospel reminds us that the most important thing for us is to do the will of God. This is not a matter only of words or of good intentions. It is a matter of decision. Jesus could say of himself that he always did what was pleasing to his Father. Let us watch Jesus, let us follow him, and let us pray that his Spirit will so inform our minds and hearts that we too will want only what God wants and find our pleasure in doing God's will.READINGS READINGS READINGS

Dear Friends The readings this Sunday focus on the amazing love of God, the amazing grace. They encourage us to take stock of how we are responding to this amazing love. The Responsorial Psalm reminds us that God is near, but we must call to him and mean it. God is love, so he will not force himself upon us, but wait to be invited. In the First Reading, Isaiah picks up this theme, encouraging us to seek our gracious God while he may be found, to call on God while he is near. We need God's mercy and we are in great need of God's forgiveness. God is near. Let us not take this closeness for granted but cry out to him, now. While this life continues, God will continue to come to us and to invite us into the vineyard, whether it be early morning, noon, or just an hour away from nightfall. But, as Jesus reminds us in the Gospel, the time will come when it is too late. Furthermore, why would we want to spend much of the day living a half-life or a double-life? Why not live to the full in communion with this loving and life-giving God? Why not follow Paul's advice in the Second Reading and ‘live your life in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ'?

Dear Friends The readings this Sunday focus on the theme of forgiveness - a word which comes from ‘for-give' meaning "to give and to keep giving". Everyday, wittingly or unwittingly we hurt others and we too have been hurt ourselves. So in the Gospel when Peter asks the question about how often we should forgive, Jesus answered, ‘Not seven, I tell you, but seventy-seven times. It is God's forgiveness that liberates us to grow in love. If we can only allow ourselves to be moved by grace and our hearts to become the heart of Jesus, we will find that by forgiving others we willbbe freed from so much of the hurt that they have caused us. 

Dear Friends Becoming financially debt free is something we all crave. Not owing a bank or loan company or indeed anyone anything especially in the current economy climate is some achievement, something to be truly proud of. As Christians, we will never become totakky debt-free. The readings this Sunday, remind us that we will always be in debt with others. St Paul in the 2nd reading tells us that we owe our brothers and sisters love.Like Ezekiel in the first Reading, we will be held accountable for their souls if we fail to speak out and try to correct them if we on the receiving end of wrongdoing. Jesus in the Gospel gives us practical advice on how to do this. We should never correct out of anger or a desire to punish. Instead, our message must be that of today's Psalm—urging the sinner to hear God's voice, not to harden their hearts. 

Dear Friends God always gives us hope. The hope that comes from today's Gospel is this: that which is difficult can also  be good. When Jesus says to his disciples that they must take up their cross and follow him, he is not assigning them a punishment. He is offering  the assurance that when they take up a difficult part of life and carry it as a cross after Him, it need not destroy them. In fact it can have the power to strengthen them and open them more to life.