Season of the Glorious Birth of Jesus
Season of the Glorious Birth of Jesus
The Season of the Glorious Birth of Jesus in the Maronite Church marks the beginning of the Liturgical Year.
The Sundays in honour of the Church initiate the Maronite Liturgical Year.
If November 1 falls on either a Monday or Tuesday, only the feast of the Consecration of the Church is observed.
If November 1 falls on a day other than Monday or Tuesday, both the Consecration and the Renewal of the Church Sundays are observed.
These Sundays, with their focus on the Church, teach us that the entire saving mission of Christ today takes place through His Church.
The Season of the Glorious Birth of Jesus extends from the Sundays of the Church to the Feast of the Epiphany. During the weeks leading up to Christmas Day, we prepare ourselves to celebrate the Incarnation of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
The Season of the Glorious Birth of Jesus in the Maronite Church marks the beginning of the Liturgical Year.
The Sundays in honour of the Church initiate the Maronite Liturgical Year.
If November 1 falls on either a Monday or Tuesday, only the feast of the Consecration of the Church is observed.
If November 1 falls on a day other than Monday or Tuesday, both the Consecration and the Renewal of the Church Sundays are observed.
These Sundays, with their focus on the Church, teach us that the entire saving mission of Christ today takes place through His Church.
The Season of the Glorious Birth of Jesus extends from the Sundays of the Church to the Feast of the Epiphany. During the weeks leading up to Christmas Day, we prepare ourselves to celebrate the Incarnation of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Consecration of the Church
Matthew 16:13-20
Reflection 1
The Consecration of the Church Sunday-The Building of the Church
In Matthew 16:13-20, Jesus asks His disciples who they believe He is, and Peter boldly proclaims Him as the Messiah. Jesus declared Peter the rock upon which He will build His Church, with the promise that it will withstand all challenges. This passage invites us to reflect on our own personal faith journeys and challenges us to actively share our faith in a world that seeks truth.
This Sunday invites us to renew our personal consecration to the Lord and His Church. This passage reminds us of the mission entrusted to the Church, to proclaim the Gospel and serve others. We are all invited to reflect on how we can actively participate in this mission throughout the year.
Transforming Hearts and minds: Becoming a Rock of Faith
To be a rock of faith, we must first undergo a profound transformation in our thinking and our hearts. This process begins with humility—recognising that our understanding of faith may need to shift. We often cling to old beliefs or ways of perceiving the world that may not align with God’s grace.
Embracing this transformation means inviting God’s grace into our lives, allowing it to reshape our perspectives and attitudes. It calls for an openness to learning, growth and change. This transformation enables us to stand firm in our beliefs, not just for ourselves but also as a source of strength for our community.
I Love You, My Church
You are my spiritual home, a place where my faith is nurtured and my spirit uplifted.
In you, I find strength and solace—a refuge amidst the chaos of the world. When life becomes overwhelming, I turn to you, confident that I will discover peace within your walls.
I can visit you anytime, and in your sacred spaces, I pour out my thoughts, worries, and gratitude.
You are my shelter, offering protection and a profound sense of belonging.
You embrace me as I am, reflecting the unconditional love of God in every interaction.
Thank you for helping me grow in faith and love.
Thought of the week
Let us contemplate on how our faith in the living God can inspire and guide our actions and decisions and how it can deepen and grow during the upcoming year.
Reflection 2
"You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."
In this passage, Jesus asks His disciples, "Who do you say I am?" and Peter responds, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." In return, Jesus blesses Peter and says, "You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church." This exchange is a critical moment in Christian history as it signifies the foundation of the Church and the authority given to Peter, who became the first Pope.
This Sunday invites us to renew our personal consecration to the Lord and His Church. This passage reminds us of the mission entrusted to the Church, to proclaim the Gospel and serve others. We are all invited to reflect on how we can actively participate in this mission throughout the year.
Let us contemplate on how our faith in the living God can inspire and guide our actions and decisions and how it can deepen and grow during the upcoming year.
Faith is a gift that needs nourishing
Peter's faith, like ours, is a gift. His belief in Jesus has been revealed from above. Faith in God is the rock on which the rest of Jesus' community will stand, and this rock is what our faith stands on. Peter, and now the church, opens the door of the revelation of God to God's people and to the world. During our lives, our faith can grow, develop or get stuck. Faith is a gift that needs nourishing. The God of Jesus Christ is the living God and the God who loves all that lives, the One we meet in prayer. Ref: Sacred Space
Thought of the week
The Church that frees the living from the power of sin and that prevails against whatever temptations the devil and the other demonic powers of hell bring against, it is the church that endures to the end.
Reflection 3
The Sunday of the Consecration of the Church marks the beginning of our Maronite liturgical year.
This Sunday invites individual Christians to renew their personal consecration to the Lord and His Church, and to strive to realize God’s Kingdom on earth. The physical church structure is a symbol of the spiritual realities of Christ's redemptive act. Through the outpouring of the Spirit of Christ, the Church has come into being and continues the mission of Christ in the world.
In today’s gospel, we read the proclamation of the faith of the Church represented by Peter.
Jesus is the only foundation of the Church, but Peter will hold a special place in the Church. On the new rock, Peter, the new temple of Jesus' Church will be built.
"Who do people say I am?" "And what are you saying?"
These questions penetrate deeply into our hearts and test our commitment. "And what are you saying?" is key to everything in our faith. Are we ready to say with Peter, "You are the Christ, the chosen one, the son of the living God"?
Jesus recognizes in Peter's proclamation a special grace and revelation from His Father.
When we do make that proclamation of faith and claim our discipleship, we are part of this church of community of disciples throughout the whole world on who the church depends as the rock.
To be a rock of faith, we need to change our thinking
Even though Peter is the first disciple among all the disciples and is the beginning of this rock on which the whole church is built, he finds it difficult to accept the way of Jesus.
and just as that was very hard for Peter to accept -- and probably the other disciples, too, although Peter was the one who spoke out -- it's very hard for us to accept. But if we're really going to be that rock of faith that is the foundation of the whole church, we should try to let ourselves be changed in our thinking.
Thought of the week-A Day for God
Each day is to be a day for God. May we live each day knowing that we have a part to play in the coming of God's kingdom on earth. Gwen Simon
Challenge for this week
Try to make a special effort in prayer to come to know Christ better.
O Lord, we pray that you sanctify us so that we sanctify our parishes, our schools and our children. We thank you because you allowed us to do so with your Word and the Eucharist despite our sins.
Matthew 16:13-20
Reflection 1
The Consecration of the Church Sunday-The Building of the Church
In Matthew 16:13-20, Jesus asks His disciples who they believe He is, and Peter boldly proclaims Him as the Messiah. Jesus declared Peter the rock upon which He will build His Church, with the promise that it will withstand all challenges. This passage invites us to reflect on our own personal faith journeys and challenges us to actively share our faith in a world that seeks truth.
This Sunday invites us to renew our personal consecration to the Lord and His Church. This passage reminds us of the mission entrusted to the Church, to proclaim the Gospel and serve others. We are all invited to reflect on how we can actively participate in this mission throughout the year.
Transforming Hearts and minds: Becoming a Rock of Faith
To be a rock of faith, we must first undergo a profound transformation in our thinking and our hearts. This process begins with humility—recognising that our understanding of faith may need to shift. We often cling to old beliefs or ways of perceiving the world that may not align with God’s grace.
Embracing this transformation means inviting God’s grace into our lives, allowing it to reshape our perspectives and attitudes. It calls for an openness to learning, growth and change. This transformation enables us to stand firm in our beliefs, not just for ourselves but also as a source of strength for our community.
I Love You, My Church
You are my spiritual home, a place where my faith is nurtured and my spirit uplifted.
In you, I find strength and solace—a refuge amidst the chaos of the world. When life becomes overwhelming, I turn to you, confident that I will discover peace within your walls.
I can visit you anytime, and in your sacred spaces, I pour out my thoughts, worries, and gratitude.
You are my shelter, offering protection and a profound sense of belonging.
You embrace me as I am, reflecting the unconditional love of God in every interaction.
Thank you for helping me grow in faith and love.
Thought of the week
Let us contemplate on how our faith in the living God can inspire and guide our actions and decisions and how it can deepen and grow during the upcoming year.
Reflection 2
"You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."
In this passage, Jesus asks His disciples, "Who do you say I am?" and Peter responds, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." In return, Jesus blesses Peter and says, "You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church." This exchange is a critical moment in Christian history as it signifies the foundation of the Church and the authority given to Peter, who became the first Pope.
This Sunday invites us to renew our personal consecration to the Lord and His Church. This passage reminds us of the mission entrusted to the Church, to proclaim the Gospel and serve others. We are all invited to reflect on how we can actively participate in this mission throughout the year.
Let us contemplate on how our faith in the living God can inspire and guide our actions and decisions and how it can deepen and grow during the upcoming year.
Faith is a gift that needs nourishing
Peter's faith, like ours, is a gift. His belief in Jesus has been revealed from above. Faith in God is the rock on which the rest of Jesus' community will stand, and this rock is what our faith stands on. Peter, and now the church, opens the door of the revelation of God to God's people and to the world. During our lives, our faith can grow, develop or get stuck. Faith is a gift that needs nourishing. The God of Jesus Christ is the living God and the God who loves all that lives, the One we meet in prayer. Ref: Sacred Space
Thought of the week
The Church that frees the living from the power of sin and that prevails against whatever temptations the devil and the other demonic powers of hell bring against, it is the church that endures to the end.
Reflection 3
The Sunday of the Consecration of the Church marks the beginning of our Maronite liturgical year.
This Sunday invites individual Christians to renew their personal consecration to the Lord and His Church, and to strive to realize God’s Kingdom on earth. The physical church structure is a symbol of the spiritual realities of Christ's redemptive act. Through the outpouring of the Spirit of Christ, the Church has come into being and continues the mission of Christ in the world.
In today’s gospel, we read the proclamation of the faith of the Church represented by Peter.
Jesus is the only foundation of the Church, but Peter will hold a special place in the Church. On the new rock, Peter, the new temple of Jesus' Church will be built.
"Who do people say I am?" "And what are you saying?"
These questions penetrate deeply into our hearts and test our commitment. "And what are you saying?" is key to everything in our faith. Are we ready to say with Peter, "You are the Christ, the chosen one, the son of the living God"?
Jesus recognizes in Peter's proclamation a special grace and revelation from His Father.
When we do make that proclamation of faith and claim our discipleship, we are part of this church of community of disciples throughout the whole world on who the church depends as the rock.
To be a rock of faith, we need to change our thinking
Even though Peter is the first disciple among all the disciples and is the beginning of this rock on which the whole church is built, he finds it difficult to accept the way of Jesus.
and just as that was very hard for Peter to accept -- and probably the other disciples, too, although Peter was the one who spoke out -- it's very hard for us to accept. But if we're really going to be that rock of faith that is the foundation of the whole church, we should try to let ourselves be changed in our thinking.
Thought of the week-A Day for God
Each day is to be a day for God. May we live each day knowing that we have a part to play in the coming of God's kingdom on earth. Gwen Simon
Challenge for this week
Try to make a special effort in prayer to come to know Christ better.
O Lord, we pray that you sanctify us so that we sanctify our parishes, our schools and our children. We thank you because you allowed us to do so with your Word and the Eucharist despite our sins.
Renewal of the Church
Gospel John 10:22-42
Reflection 1
Renewal in faith
Today is the second Sunday of the season of the Glorious Birth of Jesus, known as the Sunday of the Renewal of the Church.
The Church invites us to renew our souls, hearts, thoughts, and purify our consciences.
To renew ourselves marks the commencement of a journey aiming for a spiritual union with God—the very source of our existence. This union is attained through the church, through prayer, the sacraments, and repentance.
The feast of Renewal is a return to the truth that we are sheep in the flock of Christ. There is no meaning to our existence as Christians if we reject the reality of our identity as individuals in a family called the Church—the body of Christ working in the world for the salvation of the world.
This Sunday invites us to renewal our faith, which requires walking in the path of Christ who said about Himself: "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). He is the way for humanity towards the truth that enlightens, liberates, and unites; and the way to life, that rescues from the death of sin. Without the way of Jesus, humanity is lost; without His truth, humanity is in darkness; and without His life, humanity is in a state of death.
Christ’s flock
To be sheep in the flock of the Church means to be men and women of freedom. With our freedom, we follow Christ not out of fear but because we have personally experienced His love in our lives.
The One who came to eliminate the violence of the world cannot use force to transform us. To be part of Christ's flock means to listen to His voice, trust and obey Him. Our obedience is not driven by fear, for we cannot fear a God who has loved us unto death.
Thought of the week
So many voices are competing for our attention, and many of those offer false messages.
The only voice that we need to hear is the voice of Jesus.
Reflection 2
"The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they shall never perish" (John 10:27-28)
Jesus presents Himself as the Good Shepherd and shows to His own, the threefold attitude they should adopt to their pastor: they should believe in Him who is their life; place their trust in Him who watches over them; and since He and the Father are One, follow Him in order to be brought into Divine Communion.
The voice of the Shepherd
God breaks through the loud, confused noise of our world to speak words of hope, trust, forgiveness, and truth. And as we hear the voice of the Shepherd, we are called to echo that voice. We are called to speak words of hope, trust, forgiveness, and truth. We are called to be his sheep and hear his voice.
The Immensity of God's Love
Each one of us is a lost sheep when we stray from God because of destructive behaviour, rebellion or lack of faith. Not only does God welcome us back after we turn from him, he goes out to find us and volunteers to carry us back to his graces.
Key Points
-We need to hear the shepherd’s voice and trust Him.
-So many voices in our world today speak of fear but our Shepherd casts out fear from our lives.
-Listening and doing what He says, means we are His sheep.
-A shepherd knows his sheep – each and every one of them.
-The shepherd's love is a sacrificial love. He is willing to lay down his own life for them.
-Every one of us is known by God and loved by Him.
Thought of the week- The voice of God
There are many competing voices that compete for our attention each day. But the voice of God speaks to us in many ways. What do we hear that voice say to us?
Challenge for this week
As his followers, we share the same concerns as he has, and show our love in very practical ways, as Jesus did. It may be inconvenient to offer assistance, it may cost us time, effort and money, but love demands that this be done.
Gospel John 10:22-42
Reflection 1
Renewal in faith
Today is the second Sunday of the season of the Glorious Birth of Jesus, known as the Sunday of the Renewal of the Church.
The Church invites us to renew our souls, hearts, thoughts, and purify our consciences.
To renew ourselves marks the commencement of a journey aiming for a spiritual union with God—the very source of our existence. This union is attained through the church, through prayer, the sacraments, and repentance.
The feast of Renewal is a return to the truth that we are sheep in the flock of Christ. There is no meaning to our existence as Christians if we reject the reality of our identity as individuals in a family called the Church—the body of Christ working in the world for the salvation of the world.
This Sunday invites us to renewal our faith, which requires walking in the path of Christ who said about Himself: "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). He is the way for humanity towards the truth that enlightens, liberates, and unites; and the way to life, that rescues from the death of sin. Without the way of Jesus, humanity is lost; without His truth, humanity is in darkness; and without His life, humanity is in a state of death.
Christ’s flock
To be sheep in the flock of the Church means to be men and women of freedom. With our freedom, we follow Christ not out of fear but because we have personally experienced His love in our lives.
The One who came to eliminate the violence of the world cannot use force to transform us. To be part of Christ's flock means to listen to His voice, trust and obey Him. Our obedience is not driven by fear, for we cannot fear a God who has loved us unto death.
Thought of the week
So many voices are competing for our attention, and many of those offer false messages.
The only voice that we need to hear is the voice of Jesus.
Reflection 2
"The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they shall never perish" (John 10:27-28)
Jesus presents Himself as the Good Shepherd and shows to His own, the threefold attitude they should adopt to their pastor: they should believe in Him who is their life; place their trust in Him who watches over them; and since He and the Father are One, follow Him in order to be brought into Divine Communion.
The voice of the Shepherd
God breaks through the loud, confused noise of our world to speak words of hope, trust, forgiveness, and truth. And as we hear the voice of the Shepherd, we are called to echo that voice. We are called to speak words of hope, trust, forgiveness, and truth. We are called to be his sheep and hear his voice.
The Immensity of God's Love
Each one of us is a lost sheep when we stray from God because of destructive behaviour, rebellion or lack of faith. Not only does God welcome us back after we turn from him, he goes out to find us and volunteers to carry us back to his graces.
Key Points
-We need to hear the shepherd’s voice and trust Him.
-So many voices in our world today speak of fear but our Shepherd casts out fear from our lives.
-Listening and doing what He says, means we are His sheep.
-A shepherd knows his sheep – each and every one of them.
-The shepherd's love is a sacrificial love. He is willing to lay down his own life for them.
-Every one of us is known by God and loved by Him.
Thought of the week- The voice of God
There are many competing voices that compete for our attention each day. But the voice of God speaks to us in many ways. What do we hear that voice say to us?
Challenge for this week
As his followers, we share the same concerns as he has, and show our love in very practical ways, as Jesus did. It may be inconvenient to offer assistance, it may cost us time, effort and money, but love demands that this be done.
Announcement to Zechariah
Gospel Luke 1:1-25
Reflection 1
A new beginning, a new covenant
Luke the physician, as described by the Apostle Paul begins his gospel with the mission of introducing us to a new era, the era of Jesus Christ, starting from the announcement to Zechariah. The face of the world started to change with this announcement.
With the announcement to Zechariah, the old covenant of harshness, the covenant that sacrifices the lamb, comes to an end, making way for a new covenant. This new covenant is marked by the sacrifice of Christ, through whom alone salvation comes.
With Zechariah, who represents the old covenant, the Lord closes the mouth but opens the heart—not for punishment, but as a sign of faith. This sign given to Zechariah is intended for all of us. John the Forerunner is the link between the Old and New Covenants. With the coming of the Saviour, the Old Covenant will be silenced and the New will be proclaimed.
This Gospel invites us to embrace moments of silence and engage in contemplation, allowing ourselves to marvel at the wonders of God and bear witness to the fulfillment of His saving promise to humanity.
Unwavering faith
Despite faithfully adhering to God's commandments, living blamelessly, and obediently following God, Elizabeth and Zechariah faced the challenge of not having a child. The inability to conceive was perceived as a significant source of shame, and barrenness often carried the weight of both humiliation and divine punishment. Yet, faced with this adversity, how did Elizabeth and Zechariah respond? Their reaction was marked by unwavering faithfulness to God.
In a world where societal expectations and opinions pressure us to turn away from God or even to reject the Church, we find inspiration in the steadfastness of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Their example encourages us to remain firm in our commitment to God's providence, even in the face of humiliations.
God is in control
The ‘barren woman’ appears regularly in the Bible story; the mothers of Isaac, Jacob, Samson and Samuel. The point is that everything that happens is the plan of God.
This reminds us that God is in control of the human story, and intervenes graciously in favour of the helpless and despised.
Beware of the Danger of Commercialism
The Church faces challenges in maintaining this season as a dedicated time for prayer, aiming to center our focus on Jesus Christ. The irony lies in the fact that the commercialised world surrounding us often hinders our ability to engage in prayer due to the hectic pace it creates in the lead-up to Christmas.
Thought of the week
“While we sing, remembering to sing is to doubly pray. At once in our hearts and our tongues we offer double prayer send heavenward on winged notes to praise God dwelling there.” Saint Cecilia
Reflection on Prayer
Praying is showing that we trust in God. Through prayer, we build a relationship with the invisible God. If we do not take the time to build a relationship with God through prayer, we will eventually find a void and emptiness within ourselves. Some people say, "Isn't it enough to show concern for our needy brothers and sisters? We don't need to pray." The truth is if we pray honestly, God will send us out to those in need with greater strength, with greater love, with greater generosity, and with greater faith. Gwen Simon
Reflection 2
God’s ways are not our ways
This Gospel calls for silence and contemplation of God’s wonders and to testify to the fulfilment of God’s saving promise to humanity.
Today we read about the annunciation to Zechariah, about the birth of a son to his elderly wife, already past child-bearing age. To be unable to produce children was a terrible shame and barrenness was considered a humiliation and even God's punishment. Elizabeth was barren and God intervened to show his power.
Zechariah had been chosen by lot from the hundreds of available priests, to offer incense for the Jewish nation. His childlessness, the great grief of his life, would have been on his mind as he prayed. The revelation that he would be the father of a special child was such an answer to prayer as to strike him speechless.
Although he knew that nothing is impossible for God, Zechariah doubted the message. Zachariah was given a sign to be silent until the birth of John. God gave Zachariah a chance to be silent in order to open his heart. This sign given to Zechariah is intended for all of us. John the Forerunner is the link between the Old and New Covenants. With the coming of the Saviour, the Old Covenant will be silenced and the New will be proclaimed.
God is in control
The ‘barren woman’ appears regularly in the Bible story; the mothers of Isaac, Jacob, Samson and Samuel. The point is that everything that happens is the plan of God. This reminds us that God is in control of the human story, and intervenes graciously in favour of the helpless and despised.
The announcement to Zechariah is intended to all of us
We can be Zachariah but we are called by God to believe, to enter into a personal relationship with Him, to transform our prayer from a mere duty and habit to an encounter of love and trust.
We can be Elizabeth and the Lord tells us that he is able to transform our reality from a reality of despair and death to a reality of life and hope.
We can be John too who was the joy for many and who came to prepare the way for the Lord. God calls us to prepare others to accept Christ in their lives.
Key points
-God’s ways are not our ways.
-In our life, everything is the fruit of prayer.
-God has timing which we do not comprehend.
-Everything that happens is the plan of God.
-Zechariah and Elizabeth did not give up their faith even though they were childless and disgraced in front of the society.
Thought of the week
Societal expectations and opinions pressure us to turn away from God or to turn against Christ’s Church. We must be strong to follow God’s providence despite humiliations.
Challenge for this week-Take some time this week to be silent.
Silence brings us back to ourselves, to the depths of our hearts. It is the inner silence that allows us to meet our Creator and renew our faith.
Gospel Luke 1:1-25
Reflection 1
A new beginning, a new covenant
Luke the physician, as described by the Apostle Paul begins his gospel with the mission of introducing us to a new era, the era of Jesus Christ, starting from the announcement to Zechariah. The face of the world started to change with this announcement.
With the announcement to Zechariah, the old covenant of harshness, the covenant that sacrifices the lamb, comes to an end, making way for a new covenant. This new covenant is marked by the sacrifice of Christ, through whom alone salvation comes.
With Zechariah, who represents the old covenant, the Lord closes the mouth but opens the heart—not for punishment, but as a sign of faith. This sign given to Zechariah is intended for all of us. John the Forerunner is the link between the Old and New Covenants. With the coming of the Saviour, the Old Covenant will be silenced and the New will be proclaimed.
This Gospel invites us to embrace moments of silence and engage in contemplation, allowing ourselves to marvel at the wonders of God and bear witness to the fulfillment of His saving promise to humanity.
Unwavering faith
Despite faithfully adhering to God's commandments, living blamelessly, and obediently following God, Elizabeth and Zechariah faced the challenge of not having a child. The inability to conceive was perceived as a significant source of shame, and barrenness often carried the weight of both humiliation and divine punishment. Yet, faced with this adversity, how did Elizabeth and Zechariah respond? Their reaction was marked by unwavering faithfulness to God.
In a world where societal expectations and opinions pressure us to turn away from God or even to reject the Church, we find inspiration in the steadfastness of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Their example encourages us to remain firm in our commitment to God's providence, even in the face of humiliations.
God is in control
The ‘barren woman’ appears regularly in the Bible story; the mothers of Isaac, Jacob, Samson and Samuel. The point is that everything that happens is the plan of God.
This reminds us that God is in control of the human story, and intervenes graciously in favour of the helpless and despised.
Beware of the Danger of Commercialism
The Church faces challenges in maintaining this season as a dedicated time for prayer, aiming to center our focus on Jesus Christ. The irony lies in the fact that the commercialised world surrounding us often hinders our ability to engage in prayer due to the hectic pace it creates in the lead-up to Christmas.
Thought of the week
“While we sing, remembering to sing is to doubly pray. At once in our hearts and our tongues we offer double prayer send heavenward on winged notes to praise God dwelling there.” Saint Cecilia
Reflection on Prayer
Praying is showing that we trust in God. Through prayer, we build a relationship with the invisible God. If we do not take the time to build a relationship with God through prayer, we will eventually find a void and emptiness within ourselves. Some people say, "Isn't it enough to show concern for our needy brothers and sisters? We don't need to pray." The truth is if we pray honestly, God will send us out to those in need with greater strength, with greater love, with greater generosity, and with greater faith. Gwen Simon
Reflection 2
God’s ways are not our ways
This Gospel calls for silence and contemplation of God’s wonders and to testify to the fulfilment of God’s saving promise to humanity.
Today we read about the annunciation to Zechariah, about the birth of a son to his elderly wife, already past child-bearing age. To be unable to produce children was a terrible shame and barrenness was considered a humiliation and even God's punishment. Elizabeth was barren and God intervened to show his power.
Zechariah had been chosen by lot from the hundreds of available priests, to offer incense for the Jewish nation. His childlessness, the great grief of his life, would have been on his mind as he prayed. The revelation that he would be the father of a special child was such an answer to prayer as to strike him speechless.
Although he knew that nothing is impossible for God, Zechariah doubted the message. Zachariah was given a sign to be silent until the birth of John. God gave Zachariah a chance to be silent in order to open his heart. This sign given to Zechariah is intended for all of us. John the Forerunner is the link between the Old and New Covenants. With the coming of the Saviour, the Old Covenant will be silenced and the New will be proclaimed.
God is in control
The ‘barren woman’ appears regularly in the Bible story; the mothers of Isaac, Jacob, Samson and Samuel. The point is that everything that happens is the plan of God. This reminds us that God is in control of the human story, and intervenes graciously in favour of the helpless and despised.
The announcement to Zechariah is intended to all of us
We can be Zachariah but we are called by God to believe, to enter into a personal relationship with Him, to transform our prayer from a mere duty and habit to an encounter of love and trust.
We can be Elizabeth and the Lord tells us that he is able to transform our reality from a reality of despair and death to a reality of life and hope.
We can be John too who was the joy for many and who came to prepare the way for the Lord. God calls us to prepare others to accept Christ in their lives.
Key points
-God’s ways are not our ways.
-In our life, everything is the fruit of prayer.
-God has timing which we do not comprehend.
-Everything that happens is the plan of God.
-Zechariah and Elizabeth did not give up their faith even though they were childless and disgraced in front of the society.
Thought of the week
Societal expectations and opinions pressure us to turn away from God or to turn against Christ’s Church. We must be strong to follow God’s providence despite humiliations.
Challenge for this week-Take some time this week to be silent.
Silence brings us back to ourselves, to the depths of our hearts. It is the inner silence that allows us to meet our Creator and renew our faith.
Annunciation to the Virgin Mary
Gospel Luke 1:26-38
Reflection 1
A New Beginning: Mary’s Role in God's Salvation Plan
Luke 1:26-38 is not just a story about the past; it speaks powerfully to our present reality. This passage is central to Christian faith as it highlights Mary's role in salvation history and her profound "yes" to God's will.
Through Mary's example, we are invited to embrace God’s unexpected plans, trust in His timing, and say "yes" to His call in our own lives. The Annunciation challenges us to reconsider what true freedom, greatness, and purpose look like in a world often obsessed with success and control, while inviting us to become living vessels of Christ’s love and presence in the world today.
Mary is unique and important for us. She is “full of grace” (Lk. 1:28), “blessed among women” and “the mother of the Lord” (Lk. 1:42–43) and the mother of the church.
The Role of "Nothing Is Impossible with God"
In the Annunciation, Gabriel tells Mary "nothing will be impossible for God" (Luke 1:37). This message is not just about the miraculous conception of Jesus, but also speaks to the way God works in our own lives, often in unexpected ways.
Gabriel’s words invite us to open our hearts to the possibility of God's action in ways that go beyond human understanding. Today, this could mean being open to unexpected changes in life and trusting that God’s plans for us are greater than our own.
Mary’s example: In a world that thrives on control, certainty, and plans, we may find it difficult to trust in God's timing and ways. However, the example of Mary shows us that faith involves accepting that sometimes, God's plan is different from what we might expect, but it is always for our good.
Mary’s "Fiat" as a Model of Discipleship
Mary’s response to Gabriel, “Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38), is often highlighted as an example of obedience. However, it can also be understood as an act of trust and freedom.
In saying "yes" to God, Mary demonstrates an active participation in God's plan. Her "fiat" is not just a response to a divine command; it is a willing, free, and active participation in the unfolding of God's will in history.
Mary’s example reveals that true freedom is found in saying "yes" to God’s will, even when it may lead us into unknown and sometimes challenging situations.
God’s Choice of Mary-The Power of Humility
Mary was not a queen or a wealthy noblewoman; she was a humble, young woman living in a small village. God’s choice for bringing about the greatest event in human history was not based on worldly power or status.
In an age that celebrates fame, wealth, and power, the Annunciation calls us to reevaluate what truly matters in God's eyes. Humility, openness to God's will, and a willingness to serve are qualities that are often overlooked but are central to God's plan of salvation.
Mary’s example encourages us to seek humility and simplicity in our lives, recognising that true greatness in God's eyes often lies in selfless service and trust in His will.
Challenge for this week- The Holy Spirit in our lives
In the busyness of modern life, it can be easy to forget that God desires to dwell within us, just as He did in Mary. Reflecting on this passage can be a call to invite the Holy Spirit into our daily lives more fully, allowing the Spirit to guide us in our decisions, relationships, and work.
Thought of the week
So great was her humility, that she desired nothing more upon earth than to remain unknown to herself and to others, and to be known only to God. St. Louis de Montfort
Gospel Luke 1:26-38
Reflection 1
A New Beginning: Mary’s Role in God's Salvation Plan
Luke 1:26-38 is not just a story about the past; it speaks powerfully to our present reality. This passage is central to Christian faith as it highlights Mary's role in salvation history and her profound "yes" to God's will.
Through Mary's example, we are invited to embrace God’s unexpected plans, trust in His timing, and say "yes" to His call in our own lives. The Annunciation challenges us to reconsider what true freedom, greatness, and purpose look like in a world often obsessed with success and control, while inviting us to become living vessels of Christ’s love and presence in the world today.
Mary is unique and important for us. She is “full of grace” (Lk. 1:28), “blessed among women” and “the mother of the Lord” (Lk. 1:42–43) and the mother of the church.
The Role of "Nothing Is Impossible with God"
In the Annunciation, Gabriel tells Mary "nothing will be impossible for God" (Luke 1:37). This message is not just about the miraculous conception of Jesus, but also speaks to the way God works in our own lives, often in unexpected ways.
Gabriel’s words invite us to open our hearts to the possibility of God's action in ways that go beyond human understanding. Today, this could mean being open to unexpected changes in life and trusting that God’s plans for us are greater than our own.
Mary’s example: In a world that thrives on control, certainty, and plans, we may find it difficult to trust in God's timing and ways. However, the example of Mary shows us that faith involves accepting that sometimes, God's plan is different from what we might expect, but it is always for our good.
Mary’s "Fiat" as a Model of Discipleship
Mary’s response to Gabriel, “Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38), is often highlighted as an example of obedience. However, it can also be understood as an act of trust and freedom.
In saying "yes" to God, Mary demonstrates an active participation in God's plan. Her "fiat" is not just a response to a divine command; it is a willing, free, and active participation in the unfolding of God's will in history.
Mary’s example reveals that true freedom is found in saying "yes" to God’s will, even when it may lead us into unknown and sometimes challenging situations.
God’s Choice of Mary-The Power of Humility
Mary was not a queen or a wealthy noblewoman; she was a humble, young woman living in a small village. God’s choice for bringing about the greatest event in human history was not based on worldly power or status.
In an age that celebrates fame, wealth, and power, the Annunciation calls us to reevaluate what truly matters in God's eyes. Humility, openness to God's will, and a willingness to serve are qualities that are often overlooked but are central to God's plan of salvation.
Mary’s example encourages us to seek humility and simplicity in our lives, recognising that true greatness in God's eyes often lies in selfless service and trust in His will.
Challenge for this week- The Holy Spirit in our lives
In the busyness of modern life, it can be easy to forget that God desires to dwell within us, just as He did in Mary. Reflecting on this passage can be a call to invite the Holy Spirit into our daily lives more fully, allowing the Spirit to guide us in our decisions, relationships, and work.
Thought of the week
So great was her humility, that she desired nothing more upon earth than to remain unknown to herself and to others, and to be known only to God. St. Louis de Montfort
Reflection 2
Mary’s unconditional yes changed the world
With the Annunciation to Mary begins a new covenant, as the Word of God enters into the core of the human family, taking on a human nature from the Virgin Mary.
Today’s Gospel reveals the importance of the role that Mary played in God’s plan.
This young ordinary girl, weak, poor and humble became the vessel for God’s greatest treasure and gift to the world and she said yes: “I am the servant of the Lord”. For us Christians, the moment of that ‘Yes’ is a turning point in the history of the world.
Mary is unique and important for us. She is “full of grace” (Lk. 1:28), “blessed among women” and “the mother of the Lord” (Lk. 1:42–43) and the mother of the church.
Mary in our lives
"Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God": There are many favors and graces that have been given to us: baptism, the sacraments, the Church, and the Holy Scriptures. In moments of challenge and obstacles in our lives ,do we turn to the graces that God has generously bestowed upon us?
Our God is ever-present with us: His constant companionship is our solace. Do we listen attentively to His guidance?
Nothing is impossible with God: Confronting life's difficulties, whether at work or at home-do we maintain our hope?
Surrendering to God: Mary stands as the epitome of true faith and obedience, embodying the path every believer should traverse with trust, willingness, humility, and a commitment to working in harmony with God's will. As we reflect on our actions, do we mirror Mary's example in our lives?
Let us express our gratitude to Mary today for her unwavering 'Yes,' and let us seek her assistance in affirming our own 'Yes' to God, not just for today but throughout our lives. Mary's resounding "yes" acted as a counterpoint to Eve's initial "no," and it paved the way for Christ to overturn the consequences of Adam's fall. Likewise, , when God disrupts our lives, responding with our own "yes" can resonate with Mary's obedience, creating more room for Christ in this broken world. Let us learn from Mary to trust and love Christ, and to give him to others, as she gave Him to us.
Challenge for the week
Repeating a phrase in prayer may make it go deep within us. It's like a favourite piece of music which we can hum over and over again. 'I am the servant of the Lord' was such a phrase for Mary. In dry times of prayer, a sentence like that can occupy mind and heart and raise us close to God.
Thought of the week
‘I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let what you have said be done to me’ (Lk 1:38). With these words, Mary shows herself the true daughter of Abraham, and she becomes the Mother of Christ and Mother of all believers.” Saint Pope John Paul 11
Mary welcomes God's word and with great simplicity commits herself to it with her whole heart. She did not know how it would work out. Nor did she ask for any assurances for the future. She was willing to accept God's plan, wherever it led her. Mary gave herself totally to God - and God gave himself totally to her. Are we prepared to do the same? Gwen Simon
Reflection 3
‘I am the handmaid of the Lord'
In a world where it is very easy to question God, we must look to the Virgin Mary- the epitome of a faithful and obedient servant.
This young girl, weak and poor, low and unimportant, became the vessel for God’s greatest treasure and gift to the world and she said yes: “I am the servant of the Lord”. For us Christians, the moment of that ‘Yes’ is a turning point in the history of the world.
Today’s Gospel reveals the importance of the role that Mary played in God’s plan.
Mary is unique and important for us. She is “full of grace” (Lk. 1:28), “blessed among women” and “the mother of the Lord” (Lk. 1:42–43) and the mother of the church.
Let us thank Mary today for her unconditional ‘Yes’ and let us ask her to help us to say our ‘Yes’ to God, today and for the rest of our lives. Mary’s “yes” reversed Eve’s “no,” and paved the way for Christ’s undoing of Adam’s fall. Likewise, when God disrupts our lives, our “yes” can echo Mary’s and make more room for Christ in this fallen world.
Key points
-Mary is our primary example of holiness, humbleness and discipleship.
-Mary teaches us what it means to live by faith, and how to respond when God's call.
-Mary did not say yes because she fully understood or had all her questions answered. She said yes in faith and trust.
Thought of the week
‘I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let what you have said be done to me’ (Lk 1:38). With these words, Mary shows herself the true daughter of Abraham, and she becomes the Mother of Christ and Mother of all believers.” Saint Pope John Paul 11
Challenge for the week
Repeating a phrase in prayer may make it go deep within us. It's like a favourite piece of music which we can hum over and over again. 'I am the servant of the Lord' was such a phrase for Mary. In dry times of prayer, a sentence like that can occupy mind and heart and raise us close to God.
All alone, Mary gives her reply. She consults no one. She is alone in her assent. When the Spirit gives her Jesus, He wishes to mould her spirit and transform her life personally and directly. There is nothing to see, nothing to intellectualize, but there is much to believe, to hope, to love. Gwen Simon
Mary’s unconditional yes changed the world
With the Annunciation to Mary begins a new covenant, as the Word of God enters into the core of the human family, taking on a human nature from the Virgin Mary.
Today’s Gospel reveals the importance of the role that Mary played in God’s plan.
This young ordinary girl, weak, poor and humble became the vessel for God’s greatest treasure and gift to the world and she said yes: “I am the servant of the Lord”. For us Christians, the moment of that ‘Yes’ is a turning point in the history of the world.
Mary is unique and important for us. She is “full of grace” (Lk. 1:28), “blessed among women” and “the mother of the Lord” (Lk. 1:42–43) and the mother of the church.
Mary in our lives
"Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God": There are many favors and graces that have been given to us: baptism, the sacraments, the Church, and the Holy Scriptures. In moments of challenge and obstacles in our lives ,do we turn to the graces that God has generously bestowed upon us?
Our God is ever-present with us: His constant companionship is our solace. Do we listen attentively to His guidance?
Nothing is impossible with God: Confronting life's difficulties, whether at work or at home-do we maintain our hope?
Surrendering to God: Mary stands as the epitome of true faith and obedience, embodying the path every believer should traverse with trust, willingness, humility, and a commitment to working in harmony with God's will. As we reflect on our actions, do we mirror Mary's example in our lives?
Let us express our gratitude to Mary today for her unwavering 'Yes,' and let us seek her assistance in affirming our own 'Yes' to God, not just for today but throughout our lives. Mary's resounding "yes" acted as a counterpoint to Eve's initial "no," and it paved the way for Christ to overturn the consequences of Adam's fall. Likewise, , when God disrupts our lives, responding with our own "yes" can resonate with Mary's obedience, creating more room for Christ in this broken world. Let us learn from Mary to trust and love Christ, and to give him to others, as she gave Him to us.
Challenge for the week
Repeating a phrase in prayer may make it go deep within us. It's like a favourite piece of music which we can hum over and over again. 'I am the servant of the Lord' was such a phrase for Mary. In dry times of prayer, a sentence like that can occupy mind and heart and raise us close to God.
Thought of the week
‘I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let what you have said be done to me’ (Lk 1:38). With these words, Mary shows herself the true daughter of Abraham, and she becomes the Mother of Christ and Mother of all believers.” Saint Pope John Paul 11
Mary welcomes God's word and with great simplicity commits herself to it with her whole heart. She did not know how it would work out. Nor did she ask for any assurances for the future. She was willing to accept God's plan, wherever it led her. Mary gave herself totally to God - and God gave himself totally to her. Are we prepared to do the same? Gwen Simon
Reflection 3
‘I am the handmaid of the Lord'
In a world where it is very easy to question God, we must look to the Virgin Mary- the epitome of a faithful and obedient servant.
This young girl, weak and poor, low and unimportant, became the vessel for God’s greatest treasure and gift to the world and she said yes: “I am the servant of the Lord”. For us Christians, the moment of that ‘Yes’ is a turning point in the history of the world.
Today’s Gospel reveals the importance of the role that Mary played in God’s plan.
Mary is unique and important for us. She is “full of grace” (Lk. 1:28), “blessed among women” and “the mother of the Lord” (Lk. 1:42–43) and the mother of the church.
Let us thank Mary today for her unconditional ‘Yes’ and let us ask her to help us to say our ‘Yes’ to God, today and for the rest of our lives. Mary’s “yes” reversed Eve’s “no,” and paved the way for Christ’s undoing of Adam’s fall. Likewise, when God disrupts our lives, our “yes” can echo Mary’s and make more room for Christ in this fallen world.
Key points
-Mary is our primary example of holiness, humbleness and discipleship.
-Mary teaches us what it means to live by faith, and how to respond when God's call.
-Mary did not say yes because she fully understood or had all her questions answered. She said yes in faith and trust.
Thought of the week
‘I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let what you have said be done to me’ (Lk 1:38). With these words, Mary shows herself the true daughter of Abraham, and she becomes the Mother of Christ and Mother of all believers.” Saint Pope John Paul 11
Challenge for the week
Repeating a phrase in prayer may make it go deep within us. It's like a favourite piece of music which we can hum over and over again. 'I am the servant of the Lord' was such a phrase for Mary. In dry times of prayer, a sentence like that can occupy mind and heart and raise us close to God.
All alone, Mary gives her reply. She consults no one. She is alone in her assent. When the Spirit gives her Jesus, He wishes to mould her spirit and transform her life personally and directly. There is nothing to see, nothing to intellectualize, but there is much to believe, to hope, to love. Gwen Simon
Visitation of the Virgin Mary to Elizabeth
Gospel Luke 1:39-45
Reflection 1
Mary became a temple of God
As a first-century historian, Luke investigated every aspect of Jesus's life, aiming to convey the truth about Jesus to the community by drawing on both oral and written sources.
Mary embarks on a journey to visit her relative Elizabeth, who resides in a hill town in Judea—an area extending from Emmaus in the West to the Jordan River in the East, enveloping the surroundings of Jerusalem.
The Visitation not only completes and confirms the angel's message but also testifies to the dynamic power of the Spirit. God’s Word takes on flesh in response to Mary's yes; Mary then hastens to share the Word with her cousin and her family. In this way, Mary becomes the messenger of God’s salvation.
In his message for World Youth Day 2022-2023, Pope Francis emphasized, “Mary became a temple of God, an image of the pilgrim Church, a Church that goes forth for service, a Church that brings the good news to all!”
Humility
In a world that often dismisses humility as a sign of weakness, our desires are often centered around power, wealth, and attention—anything that can elevate us to the top.
Yet, as we embark on the Christmas journey to Bethlehem, we are reminded that our Lord was born in humility. This humility served as the very foundation for saving us from our own arrogance.
Let us strive to imitate Mary, approaching others with humility and genuine care. May we become instruments of authentic love and peace, recognising the transformative power of humility in our interactions with the world.
Message of his holiness Pope Francis for the world youth day 2022-2023
My message for you, dear young people, the great message entrusted to the Church, is Jesus! Yes, Jesus himself, in his infinite love for each of us, his salvation and the new life he has bestowed upon us. Mary is our model; she shows us how to welcome this immense gift into our lives, to share it with others, and thus to bring Christ, his compassionate love and his generous service to our deeply wounded humanity.
Challenge for this week: Are we attentive in our conversations?
Mary and Elizabeth invite us to embrace a spirit of spiritual dialogue. Let us commit, not just for this week but every week, to be mindful of our conversations. Let us engage in discussions about God and share the transformative work He is doing in our lives.
Reflection 2
Mary, the First Evangelizer
It is the Gospel of Saint Luke that recounts for us so many details of Mary’s life that otherwise remain untold. The Visitation is the first time that Mary publicly exercises her role as Mediator of the Son of God.
Mary generously accepted to mediate the Incarnation, placing her body at God’s disposition. She, the Mother of the Church, carries the entire Church in her womb.
The Visitation completes and confirms the angel's message and bears witness to the dynamic power of the Spirit. God’s Word becomes flesh in response to her “Yes”; Mary then hastens to take the Word to her cousin and her family. Mary becomes the messenger of God’s salvation.
The Holy Spirit is active here and in a moment of inspiration, Elizabeth acknowledges Mary’s role as mother of the Messiah and John leapt for joy in the presence of the Lord.
Mary teaches us what it means to live by faith and how to trust God despite fear and confusion.
Humility
We do not live in a world that values humility. To most of us, humility means weakness. We hunger for power, for money, for attention--anything to keep us on top.
Christmas is our journey to Bethlehem where we remember that our Lord was born in humility so that he might save us from our arrogance.
May we imitate Mary and touch the lives of people we encounter with humility and care and may we become instruments of true love and peace.
Key Points
-In Mary, the New Testament reaches out to the Old, transforms it, and gives it its ultimate significance.
-Mary brings salvation and joy to Elizabeth's house.
-With her admiring exclamation, Elizabeth invites us to appreciate all that the Virgin's presence brings as a gift to the life of every believer.
-Christians should reach out to others like Mary; otherwise, they are not fully Christians.
-Mary was so humble because she was all for God. Mary always praised God for what he had done for her.
Thought of the week
The mysteries of the rosary are based on important events in the life of Christ, including the Visitation. Through this Gospel, we are offered the opportunity to reflect on the account every time we pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary.
Challenge for the week - Do we pay attention to our conversations?
Mary and Elizabeth call us to be people of spiritual conversation.
Let us try this week and every week to pay attention to our conversions and talk about God and what He doing in our lives.
Lord, make me aware of the needs of others – I am so often preoccupied with my own. Teach me to look for You as you pass my way, and to recognize You in my neighbour. In all appearances, may I see You. Help me open my doors wide, and stand aside to allow a burdened passer-by to rest a while, and perhaps leave his or her sorrows and burdens there. Grant Lord, that in the depth of my soul he or she will find You, as Elizabeth found You in Mary’s womb. Amen. Gwen Simon
Mary became a temple of God
As a first-century historian, Luke investigated every aspect of Jesus's life, aiming to convey the truth about Jesus to the community by drawing on both oral and written sources.
Mary embarks on a journey to visit her relative Elizabeth, who resides in a hill town in Judea—an area extending from Emmaus in the West to the Jordan River in the East, enveloping the surroundings of Jerusalem.
The Visitation not only completes and confirms the angel's message but also testifies to the dynamic power of the Spirit. God’s Word takes on flesh in response to Mary's yes; Mary then hastens to share the Word with her cousin and her family. In this way, Mary becomes the messenger of God’s salvation.
In his message for World Youth Day 2022-2023, Pope Francis emphasized, “Mary became a temple of God, an image of the pilgrim Church, a Church that goes forth for service, a Church that brings the good news to all!”
Humility
In a world that often dismisses humility as a sign of weakness, our desires are often centered around power, wealth, and attention—anything that can elevate us to the top.
Yet, as we embark on the Christmas journey to Bethlehem, we are reminded that our Lord was born in humility. This humility served as the very foundation for saving us from our own arrogance.
Let us strive to imitate Mary, approaching others with humility and genuine care. May we become instruments of authentic love and peace, recognising the transformative power of humility in our interactions with the world.
Message of his holiness Pope Francis for the world youth day 2022-2023
My message for you, dear young people, the great message entrusted to the Church, is Jesus! Yes, Jesus himself, in his infinite love for each of us, his salvation and the new life he has bestowed upon us. Mary is our model; she shows us how to welcome this immense gift into our lives, to share it with others, and thus to bring Christ, his compassionate love and his generous service to our deeply wounded humanity.
Challenge for this week: Are we attentive in our conversations?
Mary and Elizabeth invite us to embrace a spirit of spiritual dialogue. Let us commit, not just for this week but every week, to be mindful of our conversations. Let us engage in discussions about God and share the transformative work He is doing in our lives.
Reflection 2
Mary, the First Evangelizer
It is the Gospel of Saint Luke that recounts for us so many details of Mary’s life that otherwise remain untold. The Visitation is the first time that Mary publicly exercises her role as Mediator of the Son of God.
Mary generously accepted to mediate the Incarnation, placing her body at God’s disposition. She, the Mother of the Church, carries the entire Church in her womb.
The Visitation completes and confirms the angel's message and bears witness to the dynamic power of the Spirit. God’s Word becomes flesh in response to her “Yes”; Mary then hastens to take the Word to her cousin and her family. Mary becomes the messenger of God’s salvation.
The Holy Spirit is active here and in a moment of inspiration, Elizabeth acknowledges Mary’s role as mother of the Messiah and John leapt for joy in the presence of the Lord.
Mary teaches us what it means to live by faith and how to trust God despite fear and confusion.
Humility
We do not live in a world that values humility. To most of us, humility means weakness. We hunger for power, for money, for attention--anything to keep us on top.
Christmas is our journey to Bethlehem where we remember that our Lord was born in humility so that he might save us from our arrogance.
May we imitate Mary and touch the lives of people we encounter with humility and care and may we become instruments of true love and peace.
Key Points
-In Mary, the New Testament reaches out to the Old, transforms it, and gives it its ultimate significance.
-Mary brings salvation and joy to Elizabeth's house.
-With her admiring exclamation, Elizabeth invites us to appreciate all that the Virgin's presence brings as a gift to the life of every believer.
-Christians should reach out to others like Mary; otherwise, they are not fully Christians.
-Mary was so humble because she was all for God. Mary always praised God for what he had done for her.
Thought of the week
The mysteries of the rosary are based on important events in the life of Christ, including the Visitation. Through this Gospel, we are offered the opportunity to reflect on the account every time we pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary.
Challenge for the week - Do we pay attention to our conversations?
Mary and Elizabeth call us to be people of spiritual conversation.
Let us try this week and every week to pay attention to our conversions and talk about God and what He doing in our lives.
Lord, make me aware of the needs of others – I am so often preoccupied with my own. Teach me to look for You as you pass my way, and to recognize You in my neighbour. In all appearances, may I see You. Help me open my doors wide, and stand aside to allow a burdened passer-by to rest a while, and perhaps leave his or her sorrows and burdens there. Grant Lord, that in the depth of my soul he or she will find You, as Elizabeth found You in Mary’s womb. Amen. Gwen Simon
The Birth of John the Baptist
Gospel Luke 1:57-66
Reflection 1
Heaven's Answer: The Miracle of John's Birth
John’s birth marks the beginning of a new era, an era where God's salvation is becoming a reality. This new beginning is not only for Zechariah and Elizabeth but also for the entire world.
Apart from Jesus and Mary, John is the only person whose birth we celebrate. He is given a new name, because God has a special mission for him. Jesus told his disciples “among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist” (Mt 11:11).
The birth of John invites us to reflect on our own humility and how we live out our faith, how we interpret God’s timing, and how we might be called to break the social expectations and follow God’s will.
Like John, we are called to point beyond ourselves and prepare the way for the work God wants to do in and through us.
The Role of Silence in Spiritual Change
Zechariah’s silence can be seen not just as punishment but also as a moment of spiritual renewal. In today’s fast-paced world, we often overlook the importance of silence in our spiritual lives. Zechariah’s silence becomes a form of prayer, a contemplative space where his heart and mind are open to God’s mysterious ways.
What about us? This invites us to embrace moments of silence in our lives—not as punishment but as spaces for growth and change.
The Power of Naming and calling
In Zechariah’s time, names held significant meaning and were closely tied to one's purpose in life.
What about us? What does it mean to name ourselves, our community, or our actions in light of God’s grace? When we choose names or titles rooted in Scripture or spiritual significance, we acknowledge the power of God’s presence in our lives and commit to living out His calling.
Formed by the Hand of the Lord
We honor the great saints, in part, because they give us an example of how to live. For that reason, we must see in each of their lives the model to which we must conform. The primary witness set by Saint John the Baptist is that he was unwaveringly obedient to God and to being formed by His hand. The result was the glorious fulfillment of his unique mission in life, all the way to giving his life as a martyr. Reference: catholic-daily-reflections
Thought for the week
God’s ways are often surprising and transcends human expectations.
Challenge for the week
This week try to identify one area in your life where you feel "silent" or uncertain. Instead of pushing through or trying to control the outcome, surrender that area to God. Trust in His timing and allow Him to work in that space.
Reflection 2
A model for all of us-The one who points us to Jesus
The birth of a long-awaited child to older parents is an occasion of great joy. The unexpected has happened. We celebrate the birth of a promised child. Apart from Jesus and Mary, John is the only person whose birth we celebrate as well as the close of his life. He is given a new name, because God has a special mission for him. Jesus told his disciples that “among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist” (Mt 11:11).
John the Baptist was known as the forerunner of Christ. He was the last of the Old Testament prophets and experienced “martyrdom” while witnessing for the Truth.
John announced the presence of the Word and pointed Him out to others. His proclamation contrasted with the silence of his father, Zechariah, before his birth. John would speak out courageously in his prophetic way. He prepared for his mission in the wilderness and became a bridge between the old and the new.
John's birth marks the beginning of the realization of God's plan for the salvation of humanity.
He knew that his life was not for his own glorification, but to bring others to Jesus.
Let us pray to be able to recognise that the gifts and graces we receive are meant to serve and glorify Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Intercessory prayer to John in The Way of Saints, by Tom Cowan
John, give me the strength to overcome my fear of “disappearing” – of not being recognized, admired, fawned over, the center of attention. We are so addicted to the attention we crave from others that to be quiet, humble, and unassuming can hold great terror. Help me to truly believe that others must increase and I must decrease, that God’s will must be done even if it means putting my own will on hold. Amen
Challenge for the week
Each day of the week, take a few moments for quiet reflection on the life and message of Saint John. Consider his humility, his call to repentance, his courage and his role as the precursor to Jesus.
Thought of the week
In a world where the truth is hidden, we need someone to reveal it. We need your voice Saint John to draw people close to Jesus.
Humility is a word that is tossed around a lot. We hear it and use it in Church but forget about it completely when someone barges ahead of us in the church carpark. How often do we let the other person go first? How often do we rejoice at someone’s success rather than feel jealous? How often do we take pleasure at someone’s failure as it makes us feel superior to them? As humility is central to the life of the Christian, we do well to reflect on where humility is working in our lives now and where it is absent.
Gwen Simon
Reflection 3
The one who points us to Jesus
The birth of a long-awaited child to older parents is an occasion of great joy. The unexpected has happened. We celebrate the birth of a promised child. Apart from Jesus and Mary, John is the only person whose birth we celebrate as well as the close of his life. He is given a new name, because God has a special mission for him.
John announced the presence of the Word and pointed Him out to others. His proclamation contrasted with the silence of his father, Zechariah, before his birth. John would speak out courageously in his prophetic way. He prepared for his mission in the wilderness and became a bridge between the old and the new.
His mission was to make straight the way of the Lord. This is our mission too.
Humility is a word that is tossed around a lot. We hear it and use it in Church but forget about it completely when someone barges ahead of us in the church carpark. How often do we let the other person go first? How often do we rejoice at someone’s success rather than feel jealous? How often do we take pleasure at someone’s failure as it makes us feel superior to them? As humility is central to the life of the Christian, we do well to reflect on where humility is working in our lives now and where it is absent? Gwen Simon
A model for all of us
Our baptism imposes on us an obligation to share our faith and to give witness to the Way of Jesus, both in word and action. There is no other way by which the average person can come to know and experience the love of Christ.
We are all called to be “preachers”. Our lives individually and collectively are meant to send out a message and an invitation. If we are honest, we know that we do not do that nearly enough and often give an opposite message altogether. The signals we send out as individuals, as families, as parish are really the only way that people who are searching for meaning in their lives may be led to find that meaning in the Gospel. Reference: Living Space
Key Points-What do we learn from the birth of John the Baptist?
-We see in the life of John the Baptist humility at its best.
-Truth was the hallmark of John’s ministry. He came to bear witness to the truth.
-We, like John the Baptist are called to point to one greater than ourselves, the one by whom all things were made.
- Like John the Baptist, every one of us has a mission in life.
-Names reveal an essential character or destiny of the bearer.
-We are called to testify as to what Jesus has done for the world by promoting His message of salvation.
Thought of the week
In a world where the truth is hidden, we need someone to reveal it. We need your voice Saint John to draw people close to Jesus.
Heaven's Answer: The Miracle of John's Birth
John’s birth marks the beginning of a new era, an era where God's salvation is becoming a reality. This new beginning is not only for Zechariah and Elizabeth but also for the entire world.
Apart from Jesus and Mary, John is the only person whose birth we celebrate. He is given a new name, because God has a special mission for him. Jesus told his disciples “among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist” (Mt 11:11).
The birth of John invites us to reflect on our own humility and how we live out our faith, how we interpret God’s timing, and how we might be called to break the social expectations and follow God’s will.
Like John, we are called to point beyond ourselves and prepare the way for the work God wants to do in and through us.
The Role of Silence in Spiritual Change
Zechariah’s silence can be seen not just as punishment but also as a moment of spiritual renewal. In today’s fast-paced world, we often overlook the importance of silence in our spiritual lives. Zechariah’s silence becomes a form of prayer, a contemplative space where his heart and mind are open to God’s mysterious ways.
What about us? This invites us to embrace moments of silence in our lives—not as punishment but as spaces for growth and change.
The Power of Naming and calling
In Zechariah’s time, names held significant meaning and were closely tied to one's purpose in life.
What about us? What does it mean to name ourselves, our community, or our actions in light of God’s grace? When we choose names or titles rooted in Scripture or spiritual significance, we acknowledge the power of God’s presence in our lives and commit to living out His calling.
Formed by the Hand of the Lord
We honor the great saints, in part, because they give us an example of how to live. For that reason, we must see in each of their lives the model to which we must conform. The primary witness set by Saint John the Baptist is that he was unwaveringly obedient to God and to being formed by His hand. The result was the glorious fulfillment of his unique mission in life, all the way to giving his life as a martyr. Reference: catholic-daily-reflections
Thought for the week
God’s ways are often surprising and transcends human expectations.
Challenge for the week
This week try to identify one area in your life where you feel "silent" or uncertain. Instead of pushing through or trying to control the outcome, surrender that area to God. Trust in His timing and allow Him to work in that space.
Reflection 2
A model for all of us-The one who points us to Jesus
The birth of a long-awaited child to older parents is an occasion of great joy. The unexpected has happened. We celebrate the birth of a promised child. Apart from Jesus and Mary, John is the only person whose birth we celebrate as well as the close of his life. He is given a new name, because God has a special mission for him. Jesus told his disciples that “among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist” (Mt 11:11).
John the Baptist was known as the forerunner of Christ. He was the last of the Old Testament prophets and experienced “martyrdom” while witnessing for the Truth.
John announced the presence of the Word and pointed Him out to others. His proclamation contrasted with the silence of his father, Zechariah, before his birth. John would speak out courageously in his prophetic way. He prepared for his mission in the wilderness and became a bridge between the old and the new.
John's birth marks the beginning of the realization of God's plan for the salvation of humanity.
He knew that his life was not for his own glorification, but to bring others to Jesus.
Let us pray to be able to recognise that the gifts and graces we receive are meant to serve and glorify Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Intercessory prayer to John in The Way of Saints, by Tom Cowan
John, give me the strength to overcome my fear of “disappearing” – of not being recognized, admired, fawned over, the center of attention. We are so addicted to the attention we crave from others that to be quiet, humble, and unassuming can hold great terror. Help me to truly believe that others must increase and I must decrease, that God’s will must be done even if it means putting my own will on hold. Amen
Challenge for the week
Each day of the week, take a few moments for quiet reflection on the life and message of Saint John. Consider his humility, his call to repentance, his courage and his role as the precursor to Jesus.
Thought of the week
In a world where the truth is hidden, we need someone to reveal it. We need your voice Saint John to draw people close to Jesus.
Humility is a word that is tossed around a lot. We hear it and use it in Church but forget about it completely when someone barges ahead of us in the church carpark. How often do we let the other person go first? How often do we rejoice at someone’s success rather than feel jealous? How often do we take pleasure at someone’s failure as it makes us feel superior to them? As humility is central to the life of the Christian, we do well to reflect on where humility is working in our lives now and where it is absent.
Gwen Simon
Reflection 3
The one who points us to Jesus
The birth of a long-awaited child to older parents is an occasion of great joy. The unexpected has happened. We celebrate the birth of a promised child. Apart from Jesus and Mary, John is the only person whose birth we celebrate as well as the close of his life. He is given a new name, because God has a special mission for him.
John announced the presence of the Word and pointed Him out to others. His proclamation contrasted with the silence of his father, Zechariah, before his birth. John would speak out courageously in his prophetic way. He prepared for his mission in the wilderness and became a bridge between the old and the new.
His mission was to make straight the way of the Lord. This is our mission too.
Humility is a word that is tossed around a lot. We hear it and use it in Church but forget about it completely when someone barges ahead of us in the church carpark. How often do we let the other person go first? How often do we rejoice at someone’s success rather than feel jealous? How often do we take pleasure at someone’s failure as it makes us feel superior to them? As humility is central to the life of the Christian, we do well to reflect on where humility is working in our lives now and where it is absent? Gwen Simon
A model for all of us
Our baptism imposes on us an obligation to share our faith and to give witness to the Way of Jesus, both in word and action. There is no other way by which the average person can come to know and experience the love of Christ.
We are all called to be “preachers”. Our lives individually and collectively are meant to send out a message and an invitation. If we are honest, we know that we do not do that nearly enough and often give an opposite message altogether. The signals we send out as individuals, as families, as parish are really the only way that people who are searching for meaning in their lives may be led to find that meaning in the Gospel. Reference: Living Space
Key Points-What do we learn from the birth of John the Baptist?
-We see in the life of John the Baptist humility at its best.
-Truth was the hallmark of John’s ministry. He came to bear witness to the truth.
-We, like John the Baptist are called to point to one greater than ourselves, the one by whom all things were made.
- Like John the Baptist, every one of us has a mission in life.
-Names reveal an essential character or destiny of the bearer.
-We are called to testify as to what Jesus has done for the world by promoting His message of salvation.
Thought of the week
In a world where the truth is hidden, we need someone to reveal it. We need your voice Saint John to draw people close to Jesus.
Revelation to Joseph
Gospel Matthew 1:18-25
Reflection 1
Discerning God’s will
Little is known about St. Joseph. No memorable words have come down to us from this man, and yet we sense his strength in silent acceptance of the Word of God. Within the Gospels, St. Joseph has no recorded words, but he is portrayed as a pious and righteous man who refused to expose Mary to shame when he discovered she was pregnant.
As Joseph contemplated his situation, the angel of the Lord appeared to him. Matthew highlights the difference between human thought and divine thought. Joseph initially sought a solution using his own abilities and human logic. However, his solution, grounded in his humanity, compassion and mercy, did not align with God’s plan. Therefore, God intervened in his life to incorporate him into His plan.
When Joseph woke up from the dream, he did everything the angel told him to do: he moved from a state of faith to a state of action, he put faith into practice.
It is easy to say “I believe,” but faith is expressed when we put it into action. By taking Mary into his home, Joseph entered into the heart of God’s plan of salvation.
How many times in our lives do we live this same experience, finding ourselves torn between our own will and what God asks of us, between desire and duty, between our plans and the courage to follow God. Joseph did not hesitate about God’s intervention in his life. He is a man of faith, and faith does not need many explanations. Rather, it needs the courage to trust God and surrender to Him.
Another virtue of Saint Joseph
Saint Joseph's virtues are numerous. Another virtue that distinguished Saint Joseph was his ability to discern God's will, effectively differentiating between dreams and reality.
Joseph’s dreams were different. They were clear communications from God.
St. Joseph was able to discern God’s will and to deal with the new reality by making himself available to God’s plan with the entirety of his heart—believing, trusting, hoping, and loving despite the difficulties he faced.
Joseph as an earthly father
The role Joseph plays in the life of Jesus is quite substantial. He scarcely appears throughout the New Testament. His main contributions are those of service. He thus exemplifies the earthly qualities expected of an earthly father, that is, service, humility, obedience to God and so on. The overarching temperament of Joseph is one which ought to be admired as a figure worth modelling. To live our lives following the example of Joseph is to stay true to our Christianity. By M.A
Challenge of the week
I should try like St. Joseph to take my daily trials and problems without complaint and in silence if possible, so that I may be the only one to suffer from them.
Thought of the week
Teach us Saint Joseph to leave the field open for God’s action in our lives.
Prepare the Way of the Lord
This season, let us commit ourselves to the Lord; in our prayer, in the choices we make in our day to day living, in our openness to let something new come into our lives and transform us. The more we come to know Jesus, the more we understand why it is right to choose Him as the One to follow. Gwen Simon
Reflection 2
The Way of St. Joseph
Little is known about St. Joseph. No memorable word has come down to us form this man, and yet we sense him to be strong in silent acceptance of the Word of God. Within the Gospels, St. Joseph has no recorded words but he is presented to us as a pious man and blameless, who refused to expose Mary to shame.
St Joseph did not understand what was happening but God explained it to him in a dream. He was open to a mystery beyond his imagination and was obedient to God’s call. His deep faith made him change his plan in response to the message from God.
St Joseph had an essential role in the Incarnation, just like Our Lady. His ‘yes’ to God’s call was essential, just like Our Lady’s.
Joseph as an earthly father
The role Joseph plays in the life of Jesus is quite substantial. He scarcely appears throughout the New Testament. His main contributions are those of service. He thus exemplifies the earthly qualities expected of an earthly father, that is, service, humility, obedience to God and so on. The overarching temperament of Joseph is one which ought to be admired as a figure worth modelling. To live our lives following the example of Joseph is to stay true to our Christianity.
Reflection by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge
Joseph committed himself to God, and he expressed his commitment through his actions. Interestingly, Joseph is never quoted in Scripture. We are only told of his actions. This too is a reflection of his humility and his obedience to God. His silent works exemplify that God reveals Himself in both words and deeds, and the deeds of Joseph speak volumes. Truly, Joseph’s actions at the beginning of Jesus’ life were the instruments through which God fulfilled in Christ the prophecies of old: naming Jesus, protecting Jesus and Mary in their exile in Egypt, and taking them to Nazareth.
When the angel appeared to Joseph, he was asked to make difficult decisions, but Joseph did not seek guarantees for his actions or answers to his questions, rather, he simply accepted and believed in the Word of God and acted upon it. May we be granted the wisdom to know God's will in our lives and to become like St. Joseph by believing and trusting in God's Word. Gwen Simon
Key Points
-God took a poor, humble carpenter and used him to carry out an important heavenly mission.
-St. Joseph was a just and obedient man who did exactly what the Lord wanted him to do.
-We should accept and trust in the Word of God and not allow ourselves to critically judge others as St Joseph did.
-When faced with difficult decisions we should rely on God.
-To live our lives following the example of Joseph is to stay true to our Christianity.
-As fathers and husbands you are called to develop the virtues and the integrity that saint joseph have.
-God is looking for people who will take of the tasks He assigns them to do like Saint Joseph. He is looking for people who possess the right kind of testimony and who will go with Him until their task is accomplished.
Thought of the Week
The person of hope lives in the moment, with the knowledge and trust that all of life is in good hands.
Challenge of the week
I should try like St. Joseph to take my daily trials and problems like he did without complaint and in silence if possible, so that I may be the only one to suffer from them.
Discerning God’s will
Little is known about St. Joseph. No memorable words have come down to us from this man, and yet we sense his strength in silent acceptance of the Word of God. Within the Gospels, St. Joseph has no recorded words, but he is portrayed as a pious and righteous man who refused to expose Mary to shame when he discovered she was pregnant.
As Joseph contemplated his situation, the angel of the Lord appeared to him. Matthew highlights the difference between human thought and divine thought. Joseph initially sought a solution using his own abilities and human logic. However, his solution, grounded in his humanity, compassion and mercy, did not align with God’s plan. Therefore, God intervened in his life to incorporate him into His plan.
When Joseph woke up from the dream, he did everything the angel told him to do: he moved from a state of faith to a state of action, he put faith into practice.
It is easy to say “I believe,” but faith is expressed when we put it into action. By taking Mary into his home, Joseph entered into the heart of God’s plan of salvation.
How many times in our lives do we live this same experience, finding ourselves torn between our own will and what God asks of us, between desire and duty, between our plans and the courage to follow God. Joseph did not hesitate about God’s intervention in his life. He is a man of faith, and faith does not need many explanations. Rather, it needs the courage to trust God and surrender to Him.
Another virtue of Saint Joseph
Saint Joseph's virtues are numerous. Another virtue that distinguished Saint Joseph was his ability to discern God's will, effectively differentiating between dreams and reality.
Joseph’s dreams were different. They were clear communications from God.
St. Joseph was able to discern God’s will and to deal with the new reality by making himself available to God’s plan with the entirety of his heart—believing, trusting, hoping, and loving despite the difficulties he faced.
Joseph as an earthly father
The role Joseph plays in the life of Jesus is quite substantial. He scarcely appears throughout the New Testament. His main contributions are those of service. He thus exemplifies the earthly qualities expected of an earthly father, that is, service, humility, obedience to God and so on. The overarching temperament of Joseph is one which ought to be admired as a figure worth modelling. To live our lives following the example of Joseph is to stay true to our Christianity. By M.A
Challenge of the week
I should try like St. Joseph to take my daily trials and problems without complaint and in silence if possible, so that I may be the only one to suffer from them.
Thought of the week
Teach us Saint Joseph to leave the field open for God’s action in our lives.
Prepare the Way of the Lord
This season, let us commit ourselves to the Lord; in our prayer, in the choices we make in our day to day living, in our openness to let something new come into our lives and transform us. The more we come to know Jesus, the more we understand why it is right to choose Him as the One to follow. Gwen Simon
Reflection 2
The Way of St. Joseph
Little is known about St. Joseph. No memorable word has come down to us form this man, and yet we sense him to be strong in silent acceptance of the Word of God. Within the Gospels, St. Joseph has no recorded words but he is presented to us as a pious man and blameless, who refused to expose Mary to shame.
St Joseph did not understand what was happening but God explained it to him in a dream. He was open to a mystery beyond his imagination and was obedient to God’s call. His deep faith made him change his plan in response to the message from God.
St Joseph had an essential role in the Incarnation, just like Our Lady. His ‘yes’ to God’s call was essential, just like Our Lady’s.
Joseph as an earthly father
The role Joseph plays in the life of Jesus is quite substantial. He scarcely appears throughout the New Testament. His main contributions are those of service. He thus exemplifies the earthly qualities expected of an earthly father, that is, service, humility, obedience to God and so on. The overarching temperament of Joseph is one which ought to be admired as a figure worth modelling. To live our lives following the example of Joseph is to stay true to our Christianity.
Reflection by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge
Joseph committed himself to God, and he expressed his commitment through his actions. Interestingly, Joseph is never quoted in Scripture. We are only told of his actions. This too is a reflection of his humility and his obedience to God. His silent works exemplify that God reveals Himself in both words and deeds, and the deeds of Joseph speak volumes. Truly, Joseph’s actions at the beginning of Jesus’ life were the instruments through which God fulfilled in Christ the prophecies of old: naming Jesus, protecting Jesus and Mary in their exile in Egypt, and taking them to Nazareth.
When the angel appeared to Joseph, he was asked to make difficult decisions, but Joseph did not seek guarantees for his actions or answers to his questions, rather, he simply accepted and believed in the Word of God and acted upon it. May we be granted the wisdom to know God's will in our lives and to become like St. Joseph by believing and trusting in God's Word. Gwen Simon
Key Points
-God took a poor, humble carpenter and used him to carry out an important heavenly mission.
-St. Joseph was a just and obedient man who did exactly what the Lord wanted him to do.
-We should accept and trust in the Word of God and not allow ourselves to critically judge others as St Joseph did.
-When faced with difficult decisions we should rely on God.
-To live our lives following the example of Joseph is to stay true to our Christianity.
-As fathers and husbands you are called to develop the virtues and the integrity that saint joseph have.
-God is looking for people who will take of the tasks He assigns them to do like Saint Joseph. He is looking for people who possess the right kind of testimony and who will go with Him until their task is accomplished.
Thought of the Week
The person of hope lives in the moment, with the knowledge and trust that all of life is in good hands.
Challenge of the week
I should try like St. Joseph to take my daily trials and problems like he did without complaint and in silence if possible, so that I may be the only one to suffer from them.
Ancestry of Jesus
Gospel Matthew 1:1-17
Reflection 1
As Matthew is the first book of the New Testament, it is the beginning of the presentation of Jesus Christ as Messiah, as the word becoming flesh, to the world. Many of us might wish to skip through the genealogy, or perhaps not invest much time into its meaning. However Matthew is doing much more than illustrating Jesus’ ancestry. If we were to highlight many of the ancestors listed by Matthew, we would come to find varying stories and experiences (both good and bad) which are heavily related to us, and yet God still wanted them all part of His family. Let us look at Jacob, a stern believer in the Lord, but also a man who wrestled with the idea of the almighty, someone who found trouble in worship. Many of us are often like Jacob. We can be confused, or hesitant towards God, or feel that God’s providence is not being fulfilled. But Christ was pleased to have Jacob as part of His family, just as He is pleased to have those among us who wrestle with the idea of the Lord as part of His family. Let us also consider another of Jesus’ ancestors, Rahab. Rahab was a prostitute who protected the Israelite spies. Was Jesus unapprovingly including Rahab amongst his ancestors? By no means, and this is illustrated through Matthew. Are there those among us who feel that there is no way back, that we are too far gone for the Lord’s mercy? Well God is always waiting for us to come back, and still wants us as part of His family. Many of these ancestral figures illustrate the Lord’s willingness to accept all kinds of people amongst His spiritual family, and be pleased with them as such. Through the genealogy, Matthew truly indicates what “the word became flesh” (John 1) really looks and feels like. Jesus became a part of a dysfunctional family, and was pleased to do so.
The genealogy of Jesus
The genealogy of Jesus Christ is the very first thing we read in not only the book of Matthew, but also in the New Testament. This genealogy establishes the Messianic ancestry of Jesus, it illustrates his lineage with the Abrahamic and Davidic tradition. Matthew’s Gospel is one which is knee deep with Old Testament references. Unlike the other Gospels, Matthew primarily devoted his Gospel to Jewish readers, so that they may witness the fulfilment of the Old Testament, so that they may witness the King of the Jews triumph over evil. In order to establish Jesus’ authenticity amongst the Jews, Matthew had to establish this royal lineage. The Genealogy also illustrates that Jesus Himself was a part of this earthly family. Jesus had earthly relatives and earthly ancestors, thus sharing a lineage with earthly sinners. Jesus became a part of the earthly dysfunction through this ancestry. This is crucial to recognise, as God is no longer this heavenly force working apart from the world, He is now so deeply entrenched in the world that he has become a part of our dysfunction. By M.A
Key Points
-Jesus is the Christ of the New Testament, the one raised and glorified by God through an anointing of the Holy Spirit.
-Jesus was the awaited Christ of the Old Testament, the descendant of David, the first King of Israel, and of the off-spring of Abraham, the founder of Israel as God's people.
-In the genealogy of Jesus, we not only see the lineage that connects Jesus to the line of King David, we see a picture of God working in the midst of a fallen people like us.
-Jesus is looking to reshape our lives so that the dysfunctions of our past and present do not determine how we chose to function and define our future.
- Jesus is truly the friend of sinners who came to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance.
Thought of the week
When you are engrossed in the world around you, pause a while and pray in the words of the psalm (24:v1-2) "To You I lift up my soul, O Lord, my God, In You I trust."
As Matthew is the first book of the New Testament, it is the beginning of the presentation of Jesus Christ as Messiah, as the word becoming flesh, to the world. Many of us might wish to skip through the genealogy, or perhaps not invest much time into its meaning. However Matthew is doing much more than illustrating Jesus’ ancestry. If we were to highlight many of the ancestors listed by Matthew, we would come to find varying stories and experiences (both good and bad) which are heavily related to us, and yet God still wanted them all part of His family. Let us look at Jacob, a stern believer in the Lord, but also a man who wrestled with the idea of the almighty, someone who found trouble in worship. Many of us are often like Jacob. We can be confused, or hesitant towards God, or feel that God’s providence is not being fulfilled. But Christ was pleased to have Jacob as part of His family, just as He is pleased to have those among us who wrestle with the idea of the Lord as part of His family. Let us also consider another of Jesus’ ancestors, Rahab. Rahab was a prostitute who protected the Israelite spies. Was Jesus unapprovingly including Rahab amongst his ancestors? By no means, and this is illustrated through Matthew. Are there those among us who feel that there is no way back, that we are too far gone for the Lord’s mercy? Well God is always waiting for us to come back, and still wants us as part of His family. Many of these ancestral figures illustrate the Lord’s willingness to accept all kinds of people amongst His spiritual family, and be pleased with them as such. Through the genealogy, Matthew truly indicates what “the word became flesh” (John 1) really looks and feels like. Jesus became a part of a dysfunctional family, and was pleased to do so.
The genealogy of Jesus
The genealogy of Jesus Christ is the very first thing we read in not only the book of Matthew, but also in the New Testament. This genealogy establishes the Messianic ancestry of Jesus, it illustrates his lineage with the Abrahamic and Davidic tradition. Matthew’s Gospel is one which is knee deep with Old Testament references. Unlike the other Gospels, Matthew primarily devoted his Gospel to Jewish readers, so that they may witness the fulfilment of the Old Testament, so that they may witness the King of the Jews triumph over evil. In order to establish Jesus’ authenticity amongst the Jews, Matthew had to establish this royal lineage. The Genealogy also illustrates that Jesus Himself was a part of this earthly family. Jesus had earthly relatives and earthly ancestors, thus sharing a lineage with earthly sinners. Jesus became a part of the earthly dysfunction through this ancestry. This is crucial to recognise, as God is no longer this heavenly force working apart from the world, He is now so deeply entrenched in the world that he has become a part of our dysfunction. By M.A
Key Points
-Jesus is the Christ of the New Testament, the one raised and glorified by God through an anointing of the Holy Spirit.
-Jesus was the awaited Christ of the Old Testament, the descendant of David, the first King of Israel, and of the off-spring of Abraham, the founder of Israel as God's people.
-In the genealogy of Jesus, we not only see the lineage that connects Jesus to the line of King David, we see a picture of God working in the midst of a fallen people like us.
-Jesus is looking to reshape our lives so that the dysfunctions of our past and present do not determine how we chose to function and define our future.
- Jesus is truly the friend of sinners who came to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance.
Thought of the week
When you are engrossed in the world around you, pause a while and pray in the words of the psalm (24:v1-2) "To You I lift up my soul, O Lord, my God, In You I trust."
The Glorious Birth of our Lord Jesus
Gospel Luke 2:1-20
If Christmas falls on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday, one Sunday falls between Christmas and Epiphany. That Sunday would be Finding of the Lord in the Temple.
If Christmas falls on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday, two Sundays fall between Christmas and Epiphany. The second Sunday would be Finding of the Lord in the Temple.
If Christmas falls on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday, two Sundays fall between Christmas and Epiphany. The second Sunday would be Finding of the Lord in the Temple.
Reflection 1
For Luke, the Gospel of salvation begins on the day of Jesus' birth. Jesus is presented as the true saviour and the one who brings true peace. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem is the fulfillment of the royal messianic promises made to David, and Mary's child is to be the One who will achieve the ultimate deliverance of God's people.
Today a new era in the story of mankind begins. It is now for the lowly, the poor, the little, to proclaim the good news they had received. And the faith of Mary anticipates the faith of the Church in meditating on the mystery of her Son.
Today we meditate on the mystery of the incarnation acknowledging that the more we know about it, the more we know how little we actually know and understand. But our humble realization is the first step to a deeper understanding of what we are celebrating on this day.
Today we contemplate on the mystery of love that was incarnated for us.
Born in a manger
Today we are invited to feel and touch the poverty that the Son of God chose for himself in his incarnation. It is an invitation to follow him on the path of humility, poverty and detachment that leads us from the manger of Bethlehem to the cross. It is an invitation to meet him and serve him with works of mercy for our brothers and sisters, who are most in need.
From the poverty of the manager, we learn that the possession of material wealth, with all its attending comforts, is not as important as the possession of God.
Christ's Message
The message of love that Christ brought is always important, always relevant. It is not difficult to see how today's world, despite its beauty and grandeur, despite the conquests of science and technology, despite the refined and abundant material good that it offers, is yearning for more truth, for more love, for more joy. And all of this is found in Christ and His way of life. (Pope John Paul II - Address at Boston, 1979)
Thought of the week
What else in this world do we need if we truly have the light?
For Luke, the Gospel of salvation begins on the day of Jesus' birth. Jesus is presented as the true saviour and the one who brings true peace. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem is the fulfillment of the royal messianic promises made to David, and Mary's child is to be the One who will achieve the ultimate deliverance of God's people.
Today a new era in the story of mankind begins. It is now for the lowly, the poor, the little, to proclaim the good news they had received. And the faith of Mary anticipates the faith of the Church in meditating on the mystery of her Son.
Today we meditate on the mystery of the incarnation acknowledging that the more we know about it, the more we know how little we actually know and understand. But our humble realization is the first step to a deeper understanding of what we are celebrating on this day.
Today we contemplate on the mystery of love that was incarnated for us.
Born in a manger
Today we are invited to feel and touch the poverty that the Son of God chose for himself in his incarnation. It is an invitation to follow him on the path of humility, poverty and detachment that leads us from the manger of Bethlehem to the cross. It is an invitation to meet him and serve him with works of mercy for our brothers and sisters, who are most in need.
From the poverty of the manager, we learn that the possession of material wealth, with all its attending comforts, is not as important as the possession of God.
Christ's Message
The message of love that Christ brought is always important, always relevant. It is not difficult to see how today's world, despite its beauty and grandeur, despite the conquests of science and technology, despite the refined and abundant material good that it offers, is yearning for more truth, for more love, for more joy. And all of this is found in Christ and His way of life. (Pope John Paul II - Address at Boston, 1979)
Thought of the week
What else in this world do we need if we truly have the light?
The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
Gospel Luke 2:41-52
Reflection 1
My Father’s house
Today the church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple, which marks the end of the Glorious Birth of Jesus Season.
Luke’s Gospel is famous for being the only one to recount an event in the life of Jesus when He was a boy, specifically at the age of twelve. In this passage, Jesus openly utters His first words questioning why Mary and Joseph were searching for him. He said to them, 'Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?’
This passage also marks the final mention of Joseph in the biblical narrative.
As Jesus appears in the temple, He takes on the roles of a teacher who astonishes the scholars and the Son of the heavenly Father. Joined by Mary and Joseph, we attempt to delve into the mystery of God, contemplating it in reverent silence and wonder. Despite growing up like other children of his time, Jesus, in the temple, reveals himself as the Son of God, teaching the scholars rather than being taught, leaving them in amazement. He is the heavenly Son of God who has put the Father at the center of His world and who submits to His Father’s will.
On this occasion, we are invited to meditate on this event, which concludes the Gospel of Jesus’ childhood according to Luke and signals the commencement of His public ministry.
In the spirit of Mary, who lived reflectively, storing these profound moments in her heart, we are also called to adopt a contemplative approach.
Today, Jesus extends an invitation to guide and nurture us on our journey into His Father's house. It is within the Father's house that we come to understand ourselves as His beloved children.
The search for God
The search for God in our world today is a long and hard journey that requires a costly self-forgetfulness. Therefore, we are called to search for Him in the Holy Scripture, in prayer and within ourselves in the depths of own hearts and souls. At that point, we can only repeat what Saint Augustine said, who struggled with the grace of God for a long time before surrendering to it “Late and very late, I loved you, O Lord.”
Jesus grew in wisdom
Luke tells us that Jesus grew in wisdom. If Jesus needed to grow, we certainly need to grow. For some of us, the riskiest thing we can do is stay as we are.
Humility of heart makes us more able to grow into the people whom God wants us to be, rather than being limited to our plans and expectations.
Thought for the week
Jesus is always with us, but we, in difficult circumstances, do not allow ourselves to feel His presence. Gwen Simon
My Father’s house
Today the church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple, which marks the end of the Glorious Birth of Jesus Season.
Luke’s Gospel is famous for being the only one to recount an event in the life of Jesus when He was a boy, specifically at the age of twelve. In this passage, Jesus openly utters His first words questioning why Mary and Joseph were searching for him. He said to them, 'Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?’
This passage also marks the final mention of Joseph in the biblical narrative.
As Jesus appears in the temple, He takes on the roles of a teacher who astonishes the scholars and the Son of the heavenly Father. Joined by Mary and Joseph, we attempt to delve into the mystery of God, contemplating it in reverent silence and wonder. Despite growing up like other children of his time, Jesus, in the temple, reveals himself as the Son of God, teaching the scholars rather than being taught, leaving them in amazement. He is the heavenly Son of God who has put the Father at the center of His world and who submits to His Father’s will.
On this occasion, we are invited to meditate on this event, which concludes the Gospel of Jesus’ childhood according to Luke and signals the commencement of His public ministry.
In the spirit of Mary, who lived reflectively, storing these profound moments in her heart, we are also called to adopt a contemplative approach.
Today, Jesus extends an invitation to guide and nurture us on our journey into His Father's house. It is within the Father's house that we come to understand ourselves as His beloved children.
The search for God
The search for God in our world today is a long and hard journey that requires a costly self-forgetfulness. Therefore, we are called to search for Him in the Holy Scripture, in prayer and within ourselves in the depths of own hearts and souls. At that point, we can only repeat what Saint Augustine said, who struggled with the grace of God for a long time before surrendering to it “Late and very late, I loved you, O Lord.”
Jesus grew in wisdom
Luke tells us that Jesus grew in wisdom. If Jesus needed to grow, we certainly need to grow. For some of us, the riskiest thing we can do is stay as we are.
Humility of heart makes us more able to grow into the people whom God wants us to be, rather than being limited to our plans and expectations.
Thought for the week
Jesus is always with us, but we, in difficult circumstances, do not allow ourselves to feel His presence. Gwen Simon
Reflection 2
The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple
The Gospel of finding the boy Jesus at the Temple is the only passage we have which shows Jesus as a child. In today’s Gospel, we learn of the first of the many absences of Jesus, as he will journey on his mission throughout the region around Jerusalem.
Jesus was 12 and in Jerusalem. It was Passover and He was in debate with the leaders of the temple. He was lost for three days before being found.
Even at 12, Jesus knew his role in the world. From the very beginning he is reflecting on the will of God and starts revealing himself.
The Gospel makes it clear that at the time Joseph and Mary still did not understand what he was saying to them. However, Mary ‘treasured all these things in her heart’.
1st of January - New Year's Day
In 1968, Pope Paul VI declared the first day of the year, a day of peace. It is vital to reflect on the birth of Jesus who is the light of the world, the foundation of love and affection. Jesus is the source of all peace. He is the paraclete, that is, the Counsellor - the giver of inner peace. Let us ask Jesus to penetrate our hearts today and grant us that peace and serenity which cannot be measured, so that we can flood the world with his astounding peace.
Growing up spiritually means moving from our own little space to a bigger place, to the Father’s place... Jesus is inviting us to move to the Father’s house. It doesn’t mean we have to leave our physical home though sometimes it might.
We can be in the Father’s house even when we are still living in our physical home, when our whole life is aimed towards the Father’s house.
Thought for the week
Lord, help me to trust You in the dark times, even when I don’t understand.
Live in the fullness of Christ
"Our lives to be fruitful, must be full of Christ; to be able to bring his peace, joy and love we must have it ourselves, for we cannot give what we have not got…" ( Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta)
The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple
The Gospel of finding the boy Jesus at the Temple is the only passage we have which shows Jesus as a child. In today’s Gospel, we learn of the first of the many absences of Jesus, as he will journey on his mission throughout the region around Jerusalem.
Jesus was 12 and in Jerusalem. It was Passover and He was in debate with the leaders of the temple. He was lost for three days before being found.
Even at 12, Jesus knew his role in the world. From the very beginning he is reflecting on the will of God and starts revealing himself.
The Gospel makes it clear that at the time Joseph and Mary still did not understand what he was saying to them. However, Mary ‘treasured all these things in her heart’.
1st of January - New Year's Day
In 1968, Pope Paul VI declared the first day of the year, a day of peace. It is vital to reflect on the birth of Jesus who is the light of the world, the foundation of love and affection. Jesus is the source of all peace. He is the paraclete, that is, the Counsellor - the giver of inner peace. Let us ask Jesus to penetrate our hearts today and grant us that peace and serenity which cannot be measured, so that we can flood the world with his astounding peace.
Growing up spiritually means moving from our own little space to a bigger place, to the Father’s place... Jesus is inviting us to move to the Father’s house. It doesn’t mean we have to leave our physical home though sometimes it might.
We can be in the Father’s house even when we are still living in our physical home, when our whole life is aimed towards the Father’s house.
Thought for the week
Lord, help me to trust You in the dark times, even when I don’t understand.
Live in the fullness of Christ
"Our lives to be fruitful, must be full of Christ; to be able to bring his peace, joy and love we must have it ourselves, for we cannot give what we have not got…" ( Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta)
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