SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 29TH 2024 IN THE 26TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME.
"At that time, John said to Jesus,
"Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us."
"Jesus replied, "Do not prevent him.
There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me.
"For whoever is not against us is for us.
"Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.
"Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.
"If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off.
It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire.
"And if your foot causes you to sin, cut if off.
It is better for you to enter into life crippled than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna.
"And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out.
Better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna, where 'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched." (Mark 9: 38 - 43, 47 - 48).
Tough talk in today's Gospel message. What caught your attention?
This is what caught my attention:
"Jesus said to his disciples: “Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward."
Jesus says to us that there are many little things we can do everyday that have eternal consequences. A bottle of cold water given to a laborer, a salesman, a Boys Scout will merit reward in heaven.
In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us mercies from her Son Jesus.
For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:
SAINTS LAWRENCE RUIZ & CO, MARTYRS & ST WENCESLAUS, MARTYR.
"While they were all amazed at his every deed, Jesus said to his disciples,
“Pay attention to what I am telling you.
"The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.”
“But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying." (Luke 9: 43 - 45).
Saturday 28th September 2024 of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Lawrence Ruiz and Companion Martyrs. Today is also the feast of St Wenceslaus, Martyr.
Our short Gospel for today is the Second Prediction of the Passion of Jesus. Jesus instructs us to pay attention to the predictions of His Passion. "The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.”
Here are other renditions of this text:
"Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.” (NIV).
“Listen to me and remember what I say. The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies.” (NLT).
"Let these words sink into your ears: the Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men [whose conduct is opposed to God]." (AMPC).
Did the Apostles heed Jesus advice? They did not and this is the reason why they all took to flight at Gethsemane.
Note carefully that the Father allowed His Son to be delivered into the hands of wicked men. Why? The Father had decided that the Cross is the Means of Salvation for all mankind.
The Cross is the Way to glory.
The Cross is the Way to freedom.
No Cross, No crown. No Salvation.
The absolute necessity of the Cross is the Full Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
How does the message of the Cross seat with the 21st century Christians? The Cross contradicts totally all prosperity gospels. All wishful thinking about how we want the kingdom of God to be. The Cross is at the Center of the Salvation Drama.
God the Father wills that All men should be saved. How? Through the Cross.
Take up your cross and follow me, Jesus pleads. Our daily cross may relate to health, family, job, money, children, house, car, etc.
All the myriad of issues that trouble and deplete us are our blessed crosses.
No cross is an accident.
Every cross is preordained; tailored to fit the individual. The Holy Spirit helps us to understand the mystery of the Cross in our lives. He assists us to bear the gentle yoke of Christ.
The Blessed Virgin Mary whom we honor each day of September understands the Cross very intimately. She is the only human being that knows Jesus from womb to tomb. For that, she deserves our profound respect and gratitude.
"Yes, my beloved little son, the eighth sorrow of my maternal and Immaculate Heart is that my Son is so offended in the Sacrament of His love. This sorrow of mine will endure until the end of time, when the real presence of my Son in the Most Holy Sacrament will give way to the sight of His divine majesty. Then will faith give way to vision, and hope to possession. Then will love be secure and everlasting for all who will have died in the embrace of His divine friendship." (IN SINU JESU, Thursday, September 15, 2011).
In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us mercies from her Son Jesus.
For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:
THE MEMORIAL OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL, PRIEST AND FOUNDER.
"Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’” Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.” He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.
"He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.” (Luke 9: 18 - 22).
Friday 27th September 2024 in the 25th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Vincent de Paul. Priest and Founder of a Religious Congregation.
St Vincent de Paul was a French priest, born in 1581 and died in 1660.
For many people around the world, St Vincent de Paul needs no introduction. His name and prestige blesses the world-wide charitable organization that ministers spiritually and materially to the needs of the poor, the homeless and the very needy.
St Vincent de Paul is known in history for his love of the Poor and for deep humility. He also had great interest in the formation of priests.
St Vincent de Paul founded the Daughters of Charity with St Louise de Marillac. After this, he founded the Congregation of the Mission.
St Vincent de Paul discerned after his ordination to the priesthood that the greatest need of the Church in France was the training and formation of the clergy. He threw himself into preparation for this ministry.
Imagine his dismay when his Bishop sent him hundreds of miles from Paris to the provinces to the home of a prince, the Gondi family, a friend of the king of France. Vincent de Paul remained in the castle for several years teaching the two young sons of the prince.
St Vincent de Paul went to this mission in obedience. For the years he spent in the castle trying to teach the boys who did not want to learn anything, he wondered the strange ways of Divine Providence. He was soon to learn on his return to Paris.
St Vincent de Paul soon learned that in the eyes of God, true greatness is: humility, a loving concern for the little ones, the poor and the needy and homeless. This became the new ministry of St Vincent de Paul in Paris. Because of the connection with the Prince and his family, St Vincent de Paul got to know who is who in the court of the king of France.
These nobles later provided the funds for the ministry of St Vincent de Paul to the poor and downtrodden of Paris. St Vincent de Paul did not forget the second love of his life: the formation of the clergy.
Throughout his life, Vincent marveled and then trusted God's mighty, merciful and mysterious Providence. St Vincent de Paul is the patron saint of the St Vincent de Paul Society founded in 1833 by Frederic Ozanam.
"Then Jesus said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.”
How do you know that you really know who Jesus is?
By demonstrating trust and obedience to Jesus again and again.
Where do you need to trust and obey Jesus?
For many people today in money and health issues.
Jesus said to St Paul: "My grace is sufficient for you. For power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Jesus was saying to the Apostle Paul: My Provision and Protection which can never fail will follow you everywhere.
Confident trust in Divine Providence is the great lesson that St Vincent de Paul learned when his Bishop sent him to teach the Gondi boys.
To help us learn and trust in Divine Providence, meditate on the first Reading of today: (Ecclesiastes 3: 1 - 11).
In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us mercies from her Son Jesus.
For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:
STS COSMAS & DAMIAN. TWIN BROTHERS AND GREAT MEDICAL DOCTORS.
"Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, “John has been raised from the dead”; others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.”
"But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see him.." (Luke 9: 7 - 9).
Thursday September 26th in the 25th week of Ordinary Time. Feast of Saints Cosmas and Damian.
Cosmas and Damian are biological twins. Both distinguished themselves as great Physicians.
Cosmas and Damian combined a supernatural gift of healing with sound medical training and practice. What is extraordinary about these two doctors is that they offered their services completely free of charge. Because they did so, it pleased Christ, the Divine Physician to work through them. He crowned their life with a martyr's crown and raised them to eternal glory.
Cosmas and Damian were martyred under Emperor Diocletian +305.
Faith comes from what you hear.
Hearing and believing the testimony of a faithful and credible witness is God's plan for transmission of faith.
"Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen." (Mark 16: 14).
Those who have desperate needs come to faith much easily than people with no problems. I thank God for my desperate needs.
King Herod heard about the miracles of Jesus and was greatly perplexed. He did not believe that something supernatural was happening in his backyard. Why? He felt he had no necessities that Jesus could relieve. See below people who heard about Jesus and believed. They all have desperate needs:
#1. Syrophoenician woman: The woman heard about Jesus from neighbors or friends and went in search of Jesus. (Mark 7: 26, Matthew 15: 22).
#2. Zacchaeus: The diminutive and very wealthy Tax collector Zacchaeus heard about the miracles and teaching of Jesus and cast aside all self respect, climbed a sycamore tree to get a good view of Jesus. (Luke 19: 1 - 2 10)
#3. Timaeus: Timaeus the blind man heard so much talk about Jesus probably from his family members. He prayed earnestly that Jesus would pass by his way. His prayer was answered. (Mark 10: 46 - 52).
#4. Father of the Demoniac: The father of the Demoniac heard about Jesus, walked a long way to see Jesus. He believed that where the disciples failed, Jesus will certainly succeed. (Matthew 17: 14 - 20, Mark 9: 14 - 29, Luke 9: 37 - 43).
#5. Jairius: Jarius, the civil servant heard about the miracles of Jesus and hastened to meet Jesus. (Mark 5: 21 - 43, Matthew 9: 18 - 26, Luke 8: 40 - 56).
#6. "The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant." (Luke 7: 3 NIV).
All these people heard about Jesus and believed because they had desperate needs and they trusted the people who witnessed to them about Jesus. Faith comes from hearing.
Principle: These people had serious needs. They heard about the miracles of Jesus. They believed. They sought out Jesus. They obtained their miracle. Jesus is still in the business of miracles. How desperate are your needs?
"Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, “John has been raised from the dead”; others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.”
Herod heard and did nothing and died in his sins.
In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us mercies from her Son Jesus.
For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:
JESUS GAVE THE TWELVE AUTHORITY TO HEAL AND CAST OUT DEMONS.
"Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them,
“Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic.
"Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there.
"And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.”
"Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere." (Luke 9: 1 - 6).
Wednesday 25th September 2024 in the 25th Week of Ordinary Time.
"Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick."
Why did Jesus send His disciples to their first mission work and commanded them: “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic."
Because to succeed in the work of evangelizing, healing the sick and casting out demons, they need a solid and well tested faith. Absolute faith in God's promise of Provision and Protection.
Weakness of this type of faith today is the main reason for the lack of numerous miracles of healing and casting out evil spirits in the Church. Many pastors may even be afraid to preach on the so many incidents of healing in the Gospels because they may be challenged by parishioners to explain why there are no healings in the parish.
Parishioners themselves are called upon to read and believe the word of God and go out to evangelize, heal the sick and cast out demons.
In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us mercies from her Son Jesus.
For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:
THE WORD OF GOD CREATES A NEW FAMILY.
"The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd.
"He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.”
"He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” (Luke 8: 19 - 21).
Tuesday 24th September 2024 in the 25th Week in Ordinary Time.
In the Gospel of today (Luke 9: 19 - 21), we hear:
“My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it."
What is the word of God?
#1. The word of God is the written word of God in the Sacred Scriptures.
#2. The word of God is decrees of God through the Sacred Tradition.
#3. The living word of God comes to us through the living and Sacred Magisterium, that is the teaching authority of the Church.
In the Scriptures, the word of God is also called the promise, will, command, precepts, ordinances law and decrees of God.
Our Responsorial Psalm for today Psalm 119:1, 27, 30, 34, 35, 44 (the longest chapter in the Bible) is a beautiful hymn to the wonders of the word of God.
In the Gospel for today, Jesus teaches that those who hear the word of God and observe it belong to a new family. A new family where blood is thicker than water. Jesus gives power to those who listen to His voice and accepts His teaching the power to become the children of God.
Do we have an example of where the word of God forms close and tight families or communities?
From the beginning of the Church, this divine teaching of Jesus has been vindicated in the early Christian communities of the Desert Fathers and Mothers.
Today we have several religious communities, viz: Benedictines, Dominicans, Franciscans, the Poor Clares, etc. The members of these communities love and cherish one another and are closely knit as a family more than most families in the world.
In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us mercies from her Son Jesus.
For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:
MEMORIAL OF ST PADRE PIO, CAPUCHIN PRIEST. MYSTIC AND STIGMATIST.
Believe & Share the Word of God.
"Jesus said to the crowd:
“No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light.
"For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light.
"Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.” (Luke 8: 16 - 18).
Monday 23rd September 2024 of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Pio Pietrelchina better known as Padre Pio. (1887 - 1968).
Padre Pio was an Italian Capuchin Priest. A mystic and stigmatist. He was a highly gifted confessor and counseling guru. Padre Pio died in 1968 and was canonized in 2002 by Pope St John Paul II in the lifetime of many people reading this.
Padre Pio entered the Capuchin Monastery at the age of 15. A mere boy, he had little in the way of this world's goods, education or spiritual riches. He soon showed immense appetite for genuine riches or spiritual treasures. And in accordance with the spiritual law laid down by Jesus, Padre Pio grew into a giant.
"To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.” (Luke 8: 18).
“The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.” (Luke 9: 22).
Padre Pio knew what it is to suffer. He suffered almost constantly from ill-health throughout his long life. He was maligned by some members of the Church hierarchy and even by his confreres.
In all these sufferings, Padre Pio never doubted for a moment his faith in Divine Providence. His devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Rosary sustained him in the many crisis of his life. He describes himself as "a priest who prays." St Padre Pio is one of the most popular saints in the Roman calendar.
"PRAYER IS THE BEST WEAPON WE HAVE; IT IS THE KEY TO GOD'S HEART." (ST PADRE PIO).
Pray for the grace of Perseverance especially in Prayer.
"My way is one of gentleness, of mercy, and of compassion. I offer My Cross to souls, but I never impose it, and when a soul begins to say “Yes” to the sweet and terrible exigencies of My love, I fit My Cross to her shoulders, and then help her to carry it step by step, increasing its weight only as that soul grows in love and in the fortitude that comes from the Holy Spirit." (IN SINU JESU, September 23, 2011, Feast of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina).
The word of God is the Light of the Soul. The word of God should be the light of your house.
You are the Salt and the Light of the world. You carry this Light with you wherever you go: work, school, hospital, shopping mall, etc.
The Seed (Jesus) is the word of God.
Believe in the word of God.
Share the word of God.
Practice what you believe.
"To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.” (Luke 8: 18).
In our Baptism, we receive the light of Christ and a variety of supernatural graces. If we show ourselves good managers of this treasure, they grow like a mustard seed. Slowly slowly and steadily. If we neglect these gifts, they shrivel until one day, they die. Look! People do not suddenly stop believing or stop coming to Church. Their faith has been dying slowly long before that mortuary day. What are the signs of dying faith?
#1 Doubts of the truths of faith.
#2 Critical attitude of things of God.
#3 Severe and critical attitude of the Church.
#4 Hostility against sacred Ministers.
#5 Witholding contributions to the Church.
These are just a few. When you notice these signs in family members or friends, you are obligated under the Spiritual Works of Mercy to:
#1 Instruct the ignorant.
#2 Counsel the doubtful.
Do not forget to apply the universal remedy of prayer. St Monica prayed for St Augustine for many years before his conversion. See what St Augustine turned out to be.
In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us mercies from her Son Jesus.
For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:
