LOVE YOUR GOD. LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR.
“You shall not molest or oppress an alien, for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt.
You shall not wrong any widow or orphan." (Exodus 22: 20).
Sunday 25th October 2026, 30th Week in Ordinary Time.
In the Gospel for this Sunday from Matthew 22: 34 - 40, the Pharisees asked Jesus which commandment is the greatest.
Jesus went beyond their narrow standard in His answer: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’
This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22: 34 - 40).
The first Reading today is from Exodus 22: 20 - 26.
We read of the magna carta of love of neighbor: the poor, the weak, the sick, the homeless, the hungry. All these are represented by the immigrants, orphans and widows.
God commands: Do not oppress or molest them. To oppress or molest them is to break all the laws in the Decalogue.
If we consider this law oppressive, then God reminds us:
"You were once aliens residing in the land of Egypt." Right?
What is the incontestable reason for pardoning someone who has offended you?
You were forgiven a debt of $500,000.
Our Father in Heaven, increase our faith, hope and love.
Make us love the immigrants, the orphans and widows as You command us,
so that we may merit what you promise.
October is the Holy Rosary Month.
"The greatest saints, those richest in grace and virtue will be the most assiduous in praying to the most blessed virgin, looking up to her as the perfect model to imitate and as a powerful helper to assist them."
• (Saint Louis Marie de Montfort)
Say the Holy Rosary every day in October.
For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:
THE FEAST OF ST ANTHONY MARY CLARET. MISSIONARY BISHOP.
WHEN THE FIG TREE IS BARREN.
"And Jesus told them this parable:
“There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?’
"He said to him in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.’” (Luke 13: 1 - 9).
Saturday 24th October 2026 in the 29th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Anthony Mary CLARET.
(1807 - 1870).
Spanish missionary and Archbishop of Santiago, Cuba. He founded the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians).
St Anthony Mary Claret was no stranger to the type of cruelty inflicted on the poor and marginalized people in most countries of the world.
Saint Anthony Mary Claret (1807–1870) was a Spanish missionary, archbishop, writer, and founder whose life was devoted to bringing souls to Christ.
Born in Sallent, Spain, he worked as a weaver before answering God’s call to the priesthood.
Ordained in 1835, he preached throughout Catalonia and the Canary Islands, encouraging repentance, prayer, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In 1849, he founded the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, known as the Claretians. As Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba, he promoted education, renewed parish life, and served the poor, persevering despite opposition and an assassination attempt.
Recalled to Spain in 1857, he became confessor to Queen Isabella II while continuing his preaching and publishing apostolate. His love for the Eucharist and Mary sustained his tireless ministry.
He fought for the rights of these people in Cuba and at the end of his life, he wrote: “I have fulfilled my mission, I have preached the Gospel, I have kept holy poverty.”
He died in exile in France on October 24, 1870. Canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1950, he remains an inspiring example of missionary courage. His feast day is October 24.
Our key Scripture is the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree. This is an allegory for the People of Israel. The People of Israel is the Vineyard of the Lord. The Vineyard of the Lord is the Church.
God wants a good return on His investment in Israel, in the Church and in you and me.
How do we bear much fruit in the Church, which is the seed of the Kingdom of God on earth?
We remain in Jesus. What is the principle of productivity in the Church? We abide in Christ. How do we abide in Christ?
We live in Jesus through His word, the Sacraments, particularly the Eucharist.
The Eucharist is a holy exchange of gift. Through it, Jesus shares with us His divine life. Another word for God's divine life in us is sanctifying grace.
Our fruitfulness depends therefore on this dynamic relationship with Christ living inside us.
"Remain in me, as I remain in you, says the Lord;
whoever remains in me will bear much fruit." (John 15: 14, 15).
Fruitfulness is not addiction to activity. It is believing God. It is knowing the will of God for you and doing it. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. He will accomplish the work.
"I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord, but rather in his conversion that he may live." (Ezekiel 33: 11).
"I am the source of all fruitfulness in the vineyard that is My Church. Apart from Me, you can do nothing. Come to Me, then. Remain with Me. Act for Me, guided by My Holy Spirit, and return to Me with thanksgiving. This is the secret of a priestly life that will be pleasing to Me, will build up My Church, and will glorify My Father." (IN SINU JESU page 103).
October is the Holy Rosary Month.
“From Mary we learn to surrender to God's Will in all things. From Mary we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone. From Mary we learn to love Christ her Son and the Son of God!” “As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.” (St John Paul II).
Say the Holy Rosary every day in October.
For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:
FEAST OF ST JOHN CAPISTRANO, OFM.
READ THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
STARK AND CLEAR SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
"Jesus said to the crowds,
“When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain —and so it does;
and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot—and so it is.
"You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?
If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way;
otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison.
I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.” (Luke 12: 54 - 59).
Friday 23rd October 2026 in the 29th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St John CAPISTRANO, OFM.
St John Capistrano was an Italian Franciscan Priest.
St John was a successful lawyer before he became a Franciscan priest. He brought his natural gifts as a lawyer into his preaching ministry and brought about great revivals in various countries of Eastern Europe.
St John Capistrano was one of the few clerics in history who led an army into battle. He did so to defend Europe against the menacing advances of the Turks and died a few years later.
In the Gospel of today, we learn of the necessity of interpreting intelligently the signs of the times.
What are the Signs of the Times today? Consider a few of these:
1. Divisions in the Body of Christ.
2. Fragmentation of the Catholic Church into conservatives and liberals.
3. Denial of Climate change.
4. Effects of Climate change especially in Europe and everywhere.
4. War in Ukraine.
5. War in the Holy Land.
5. Rise in migration and refugees worldwide.
6. Global fear of economic recession.
7. Deep anxiety about election outcomes.
Jesus says to us today: "You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?"
Authentic signs of the times come from the mind of Christ. To know the mind of Christ is a gift of prophecy.
St Paul urges Christians:
"Pray for the higher gifts. Pray for the gift of prophecy." (Cf 1 Corinthians 14: 1).
This injunction is for everyone. We must ask the Lord Jesus to give us this gift here and now and without delay lest we perish.
Then we must abide in Christ Jesus through:
1. Abiding daily in His word.
2. Abiding In fervent prayer.
3. Abiding in the Communion of the Saints through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the Saints.
King David consulted Architophel because he knew the signs of the times. (Cf 1 Chronicles 12: 32).
Emperors consulted St Jerome, the Scripture guru in Rome because St Jerome was able to interpret the signs of the times for them.
What can we do about these signs of the times we identified above?
First, understand that these signs are clear and present dangers.
If you are in litigation and you decide that the outcome will not be favorable to you, you sue for peace. "If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison."
Wise counsel from Jesus.
Let us hurry to do something about these grim signs of the times.
If you hear His voice today, harden not your hearts. Do not say: I have tomorrow. I will make peace with God tomorrow. "You fool, this night, you face your Judge.
October is the Holy Rosary Month.
“From Mary we learn to surrender to God's Will in all things. From Mary we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone. From Mary we learn to love Christ her Son and the Son of God!” “As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.” (St John Paul II).
The Holy Rosary has divine power to demolish strongholds. Use it.
Say the Holy Rosary every day in October.
For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:
THE FEAST OF ST JOHN PAUL II. PONTIFF.
A Baptism I must be baptized.
"Jesus said to his disciples:
“I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!
"There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!
"Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth?
No, I tell you, but rather division.
From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three;
a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” (Luke 12: 49 - 53).
Thursday October 22nd in the 29th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St John Paul II, Supreme Pontiff.
St John Paul II lived from 1920 to 2005. He was Polish and the first non-Italian Pope in 455 years.
John Paul was beatified on May 1st, 2011 and canonized April 27, 2014.
Pope Francis performed both liturgies.
John Paul was an accomplished writer.
He traveled all over the world to promote understanding between nations and between different cultures and religions.
Pope John Paul II and President Ronald Regan contributed to the peaceful dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
John Paul II wrote many important encyclicals. His enduring legacy is the Catechism of the Catholic Church which he promulgated in 1992.
Some people think that the Gospel of today from Luke 12: 49 - 53 is a hyperbole, that is, great exaggeration. Do you think so? Then look at a Crucifix. Is Jesus nailed to the Cross wearing a crown of thorns a hyperbole?
Jesus proclaimed: "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!" Jesus said in another passage that the purpose of His life is to proclaim the truth. If you belong to the truth, you will listen to His voice, He further said. If you do not belong to the truth, you will oppose Him.
Falsehood always opposes the truth. Cain murdered Abel. Esau hated his brother Jacob and would have killed him if he had the opportunity. The brothers of Joseph sold him into slavery. Judas, intimate companion of Jesus betrayed Him for 30 pieces of silver. This tug of War still plays out relentlessly in families everywhere.
Do not be afraid of those who oppose you because you have responded to the call of Jesus. Be rather afraid of failing to acknowledge Jesus before men.
Jesus wants us to love our families and friends but never make idols of them.
Do you remember how David slew Goliath? Now see what weapons God has given us for the inevitable struggle of the present time:
"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10: 4 - 5).
Our God is a consuming fire!
October is the Holy Rosary Month.
Three Quotes from Pope John Paul II on the Holy Rosary.
1. His personal testimony:
“The Rosary is my favourite prayer. A marvellous prayer! Marvellous in its simplicity and its depth.”
— St. John Paul II, Rosarium Virginis Mariae, 2, recalling his words of October 29, 1978.
2. Its essential purpose:
“To recite the Rosary is nothing other than to contemplate with Mary the face of Christ.”
— St. John Paul II, Rosarium Virginis Mariae.
3. Its Christ-centered heart
“The Rosary, though clearly Marian in character, is at heart a Christocentric prayer.”
— St. John Paul II, Rosarium Virginis Mariae.
Say the Holy Rosary every day in October.
For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:
THE FAITHFUL AND PRUDENT SERVANT.
THE GOODNEWS:
"Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be sure of this:
if the master of the house had known the hour
when the thief was coming,
he would not have let his house be broken into.
You also must be prepared,
for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”
Then Peter said,
“Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?”
And the Lord replied,
“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward
whom the master will put in charge of his servants
to distribute the food allowance at the proper time?
Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so.
Truly, I say to you, he will put him
in charge of all his property.
But if that servant says to himself,
‘My master is delayed in coming,’
and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants,
to eat and drink and get drunk,
then that servant’s master will come
on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour
and will punish the servant severely
and assign him a place with the unfaithful.
That servant who knew his master’s will
but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will
shall be beaten severely;
and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will
but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating
shall be beaten only lightly.
Much will be required of the person entrusted with much,
and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” (Luke 12: 39 - 48).
My friend, has God given you much in life? To answer the question truthfully and comprehensively, consider the following areas of your life:
1. Family.
2. Health.
3. Money.
4. Job.
5. Tools.
6. Food.
7. Future.
When I did a similar reflection several years ago, I was astonished.
"Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”
When I read the above, I knew I was in trouble.
God is merciful. I threw myself into the merciful love of God. That was many years ago.
Today I commit myself to make up for lost time and ground.
Everyday, I engage myself to grow to know Jesus more through:
1. Daily Prayer.
2. Daily Bible Verse.
3. Communion.
4. Confession.
5. Daily Examination of conscience.
6. Daily Spiritual Reading.
7. Sharing my faith through Blogs.
"Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”
Lord Jesus, I trust in Your merciful love. I cling tightly to this love. I surrender myself completely to You. Take care of everything Your way according to Your Plan for my life.
What do you do if you can not negotiate your final moment or place of transition from this world?
Pray always. Pray everywhere. Pray for everything.
Read the word of God every day.
Receive the Eucharist as often as you can.
Jesus Christ, the Leader of our Faith has bestowed a lot to His Church.
"Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”
"You did the right thing in coming to Me with your feelings of aloneness. I am here for you, and you, you are here for Me, only for Me, and for no other. Do you think that I will not honour the sacrifice you made in coming to live here for Me, with Me, close to Me by day and by night? Understand just a little the sorrow of My Eucharistic Heart that is utterly forsaken in countless tabernacles all over the world. Why do I multiply My glorious presence in so real and miraculous a way, if not to be close to the souls whom I love with a burning passion and with a consummate tenderness? And I am left alone. Often I am forgotten from one week to the next or, worse yet, I am treated like a thing, like a commodity kept in reserve in case of need. This was not My intention in instituting this Sacrament of My redeeming love." (IN SINU JESU, Sunday, October 19, 2008 Saint Paul of the Cross).
October is the Month the Church honors the Most Holy Rosary.
“Go to the Madonna. Love her! Always say the Rosary. Say it well. Say it as often as you can! Be souls of prayer. Never tire of praying, it is what is essential. Prayer shakes the Heart of God, it obtains necessary graces!” (St. Padre Pio).
Say the Holy Rosary every day in October.
For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:
FEAST OF ST PAUL OF THE CROSS. PRIEST AND FOUNDER.
How to wait for the big Moment.
"Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning,
and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the marriage feast,
so that they may open to him at once when he comes and knocks.
Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes;
truly, I say to you, he will gird himself and have them sit at table,
and he will come and serve them.
If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them so, blessed are those servants!" (Luke 12: 35 - 38).
Tuesday, October 20th, 2026 in the 29th week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Paul of the Cross. (1694 - 1775).
St Paul of the Cross was Italian, priest, Mystic and Founder of the Passionists.
The charism of St Paul of the Cross is a profound understanding of the mystery of the Cross and translating this understanding into a plan of life.
The Passionists founded by St Paul of the Cross were noted and still noted for preaching and retreat ministry. I have been blessed to attend a Parish Mission preached by a Passionist Priest.
Today's reflection invites us to consider: How to wait for the big moment.
Everyone on earth is waiting for something. Some are kicking, waiting to be born, others are in excruciating pain waiting to die. Christians are waiting for the 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ.
Whatever you may be waiting for, Jesus gives us infallible rule on how to wait successfully for anything.
"Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to stand with confidence before the Son of Man." (Luke 21: 36).
You must be vigilant at all times and use prayer as a means to maintain your vigilance.
In His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus warned the three disciples who accompanied Him to the Garden that unless they are awake and pray, they will be unable to resist the temptation of the devil. We know what happened.
Maybe you are waiting for God to fulfill a promise to you.
Is there an infallible rule to follow so that you do not miss your promise? Abraham and Sarah, Hannah, David teach us how to wait in an active mode.
The servant who waits like this is "ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks." That servant is praised by his boss:
"Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.
And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants." (Luke 12: 37 - 38).
He who is faithful in little things will be faithful in great things.
If you have mastered the principle of waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast, then you may be sure that you you can wait for the Return of Jesus.
We are still in October when it pays big to honor Mary the Virgin with a Rosary every day.
"The Rosary is a long chain that links heaven and earth." РSt. Th̩r̬se of Lisieux.
Say the Holy Rosary every day in October.
For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:
MEMORIAL OF ISAAC JOQUES & JOHN DE BROBEUF & CO MARTYRS.
THE GOODNEWS:
"Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.”
"He replied to him, “Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?”
Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”
"Then he told them a parable.
“There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest.
He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’ And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones.
There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself,
“Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’
"But God said to him,
‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’
"Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.” (Luke 12: 13 - 21).
Monday 19 October 2026, 29th Week in Ordinary Time is the Memorial of the North American Martyrs: John de Brebeuf (1593 - 1649, Isaac Jogues (1607 - 1646) and Companion Martyrs.
All of them were French and all of the Society of Jesus. They were 8 in all, 6 priests and 2 lay brothers. They labored day and night under harsh conditions with almost the certainty of martyrdom to bring Jesus Christ to the Native Americans.
In faith these martyrs believed Jesus that He came to found an everlasting Kingdom of peace, joy and happiness for ever and ever. It is God's will for all people to be saved.
These Brethren in religion lost their lives in bringing this message to Native Americans.
Our key Scripture for today is the Parable of the self congratulatory words of the foolish rich man whose land produced abundant harvest.
He did not give thanks to God. He did not share his bounty with the poor.
He received a jolting message from God who is our Divine Providence:
"You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?" (Luke 12: 20).
From the beginning of salvation history, God has taught man to trust in Him for all his needs. Below are a few relevant Scriptures on this:
#1. Gather the manna you need for one day. The next day, "I the Lord Your God will supply fresh manna for the new day." (Cf Exodus 16: 21 - 35).
Hoarding is idolatry. Deal with the cause of this insecurity with prayer.
#2. "Give us today the food we need." (Matthew 6: 11).
God who is our Providence knows exactly what we need and when we need it.
#3. "Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil." (Matthew 6 : 34).
God says: My Name is: I AM. My Name is not I WAS. My Name is not I WILL BE.
Learn from God's Name that He is always Emmanuel, God with us always. He is in control everywhere, in everything and always.
Do not be fooled by what you consider accidents or coincidences.
Jesus promises that if we seek first the kingdom of God and His holiness, God who knows what we need and when we need it will never fail to provide adequately for us.
Do not allow wealth to be a snare for you. Rather make your wealth the trusting of God's promises.
God wants His faithful promises to be our protection and armor in every situation. (Cf Psalm 94: 4). Not even a single one of God's promises has failed.
October is the Month of the Holy Rosary.
“Those who say the Rosary frequently and fervently will gradually grow in grace and holiness and will enjoy the special protection of Our Lady and the abiding friendship of God.”
-Bishop Hugh Boyle.
Say the Holy Rosary every day in October.
For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:
