Complacency

Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is only despised in his own country and in his own house’, and he did not work many miracles there because of their lack of faith.
Mt.13:58

Jesus is teaching and ministering in his home town. The people question his authority, seeing Jesus only as "the carpenter's son".

Familiarity breeds contempt. This saying probably comes from this event the the Bible. It can be applied to the miracle of the Eucharist that occurs at every Mass. I've heard a Protestant say if he really believed Jesus was present in the Eucharist he would crawl over broken glass to receive him.

It would be good to get to Mass today.

Lord Jesus, forgive my complacency. I do believe. Help me in my unbelief.
Little Flower please pray for me.

The Life Raft

'The Son of Man will send his angels and they will gather out of his kingdom all things that provoke offences and all who do evil, and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth. Then the virtuous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Listen, anyone who has ears!’
Mt.13:31-43

Jesus is explaining the meaning of the parable about the weeds among the wheat. It is a warning to all of what is to happen at the end of time.

Today's psalm is Psalm 103, one of my favourites, describing God's mercy and love for us. Yet here in the Gospel we have a very clear picture of Hell and what is to happen to those banished there. It's not a popular gospel, yet Jesus is insistent.

This throws into strong relief what God's love and mercy is calling us back from, eternal flames and weeping and grinding of teeth.

I'm greatful for this reminder, not only for myself but for my loved ones. Our Church isn't just a fluffy feel-good club. It's a life raft. I want to make sure we are all on board when the angels are sent out. We don't know when that will be. Maybe today....

Thank you Jesus for your great mercy and love. Thank you for the Barque of Peter, our life raft. Help me pull more souls onboard today.
Little Flower, please pray for us.

Soften my Heart

You will listen and listen again, but not understand, see and see again, but not perceive. For the heart of this nation has grown coarse.
Mt. 10:14,15

The disciples have asked Jesus why he talks in parables to the people. Jesus says it is because they have no knowledge and that they have no knowledge because of their hard hearts.

Listening and not understanding. Seeing and not perceiving. Nothing has changed in two thousand years. The hardness of heart disease still exists today. This is why a non-believer can attend Mass and walk out saying "What a load of mumbo jumbo", while a believer can leave having experienced the  shekinah glory of God.

The antidote? A softening of the heart. Those disciples who picked up their crosses and followed Jesus had heart surgery and were changed. Those who came to have their ears tickled or to judge went away in the same condition they arrived, with hard hearts and deaf and blind.

I will only help a person see Jesus if I first soften his heart. This is an inside job that comes about through relationship. It takes time and it costs but it works. That's how my heart was softened, by friends and family entering into relationship with me, where I was at.

Lord Jesus, my heart starts to re-calcify at times. Help me keep a soft heart towards others so they see and hear you in me.
Little Flower, please pray for me.

Bread from Heaven

Alleluia, alleluia!
The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to him will live for ever.
Alleluia!
Gospel Acclamation

Today's first reading tells how God provided manna to feed the fleeing sons of Israel in the desert. The Gospel is Jesus telling the parable of the sower. Both highlight how God feeds his people, both physicaly and spiritually.

All nourishment for my healthy living is provided by God. His most precious food is that which I am now consuming. His Word. Jesus says if the soil of my heart is fertile, Gods Word will produce a bountiful crop., today.

Lord Jesus, thank you feeding me this morning. May I produce a crop worthy of you.
Little Flower please pray for me.

Earthenware Jar

We are only the earthenware jars that hold this treasure, to make it clear that such an overwhelming power comes from God and not from us.
2Cor.4:7

Saint Paul writes to the fledgling Church of Corinth, describing how the Christian life is not to be judged on temporal appearance but on spiritual truth that comes from God.

The world and all its tinsel constantly tries to seduce me. From my receding hair line to the latest IT toy, they all call for my pampering. My abilities and gifts strain to be noticed and stroked, screeching "look at me, look at me!".

This clamour crowds out God. I am reminded I am simply an earthenware jar, any abilities are from God, all trinkets are reconstituted dust. What a relief! I don't have to constantly worry and strain about appearances. My true treasure is from heaven, freely given out of love. My true worth is revealed in the eyes of God.

There is a peace in knowing the only opinion about me that matters comes from God and that he is head-over-heals in love with me.

Thank you Jesus that I do contain treasure. My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Help me see others in the same light today.
Saint James, please pray for me.

He is Alive!

I found him whom my heart loves.
Song of Songs 3:4


Feast of Saint Mary Magdalen

The anguished yearning of the the seeker in the Song of Songs is consummated when she finds him whom her heart loves.

This seeking of a lover for her beloved beautifully represents Mary Magdalen outside the tomb. Finding the tomb of Jesus empty, she is distraught until she meets and recognises him as risen from the dead. She had followed his brutal killing. She knew he had truly died. Now she knew he had truly risen.

Then, as it is with great joy, she had to share the good news with the disciples. She could not contain it.

Joy is contagious. That is its great power. I contain the same good news that Mary had . "Jesus is alive!". I can spread that Good News with those I meet today. How? By being joyful. I have the best of reasons to be so.

Lord  Jesus. You died. You rose. You will come again. Alleluia!
Saint Mary Magdalen, please pray for me. 

Rest for my Soul

Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’
Mt.11:28-30

Jesus has just condemned the crowds for not listening to John the Baptist and the towns for remaining unrepentant. He then softens and invites the wearied and the labored to come to him for relief.

This is one of the most read verses in the Bible, and for good reason. We've all been wearied and labored, I'm feeling a bit that way now. Jesus himself must have been feeling that way after dealing with the obstinacy of the people.

Jesus knows what we are suffering and so he offers the solution, himself. He doesn't remove my yoke, he puts it in perspective by replacing it with his one that is light and easy. His gentleness and humbleness gives rest for my soul, today....

Thank you Jesus for understanding my burden and offering to exchange it for your easy yoke. I accept your offer and claim rest for my soul.