Entering the Joy: Easter Antiphon Series: Monday 5th Week of Eastertide

Entering the Joy: Easter Entrance Antiphon Series.

He Is Not Here: He Is Risen.

 Monday Week 5 of Eastertide

Entrance Antiphon:  “The Good Shepherd has risen, who laid down his life for his sheep and willingly died for his flock, alleluia.” (cf. John 10:11, 15)

Today’s Entrance Antiphon brings us back to the heart of Easter: the Risen Christ.

He is not just any shepherd; He is the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep intimately and lays down His life for them. But the story doesn't end with sacrifice. He has risen, conquering death, and continues to guide and protect His flock.

This image reassures us that we are never alone. The Risen Shepherd walks with us, leading us through the challenges of life, offering comfort, guidance, and unwavering love.

Spirituality in Action  

How can I carry this antiphon into my day?

• Trust in His guidance: When faced with decisions, remember that the Good Shepherd is leading you.
• Offer care to others: Reflect His shepherding by being attentive and compassionate to those around you.
• Embrace hope: Let the reality of the Resurrection fill you with hope, especially in moments of doubt or fear.

 Short Prayer

God Shepherd,
You laid down Your life for me and rose again in glory.
Lead me today with Your gentle guidance.
Help me to hear Your voice and follow where You lead.
May I find comfort in Your presence and share Your love with others.
Amen.

 

Collect Series: Fifth Sunday Eastertide Year C

Collect Series

The Mass: Collect Series icon.

 COLLECT

Almighty ever- living God, constantly accomplish the Pascal Mystery within us,

That those You were pleased to make new in Holy Baptism

may, under Your protective care, bear much fruit and come to the joys of life eternal.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,

who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God for ever and ever.

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

In making this prayer tangible, the following reflection questions emerged:

1. What is the Pascal Mystery and what does it mean to me?

2.How can living the Pascal Mystery be accomplished within me this coming week?

3. What does my Baptism mean to me? If you have any photos/mementos of your Baptism, look at them as a means of being in that moment of Baptism.

4.If possible, visit the Church in which you were baptised- go to Mass there or make a visit/light a candle and say a prayer that your Baptism will be made new your life this coming week. If it is not possible to visit, google the place on the internet and enter into the moment of prayer to make your Baptism new this coming week.

5.How can I bear much fruit with God’s protective care this coming week?

6. How will I live the joy of Eastertide this coming week?

7. What preparations will I make this coming week to receive the joys of life eternal (reach Heaven)? Am I ready to die at a moment’s notice and enter into Heaven?

GOSPEL REFLECTION.

The Gospel is from John 13:31-33a, 34-35.  Jesus said ‘’I lay down my life for my friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.  What I command is that you love one another.’’ Would we pass the test that Christ himself lays down for deciding who are his true followers? 

 Today’s Gospel begins with the phrase ‘’when Judas had gone’’. Why is this little phrase important?  Jesus knew that Judas was to betray him and yet, He did stop Him before he went. He knew the suffering He would endure and He also knew that this was His mission and purpose for the world- to suffer, to die and on the third day rise again. 

 When we meet with the various forms of betrayal- the various types of Judas in our lives, are we like Jesus and get on with living out the purpose and mission that Christ has given us, or do we try to stop the betrayer, confront the betrayer and get caught up in his/her agenda not the mission and purpose that Christ has given us?

 The remainder of the Gospel is the giving of the commandment of love by Jesus. ‘’Love one another as I have loved you’’.  Simple to say and incredibly challenging to live- why because Jesus is commanding us to love with His love just as He has loved us.  We must be clear in our mind and heart how Jesus has/does love us first, otherwise how can we emulate His love?

Yes, we are human, but with God’s help and love, we can achieve a greater capacity to love and to love one another.  Knowing the love of Christ personally is key here because with that conviction and inner strength, we can face the difficult times, the difficult people and situations and still, with God’s help love one another.

 Many of us in prayer tell God our problems. It is good to be honest in prayer with God.  However, He knows before the thought is in our mind. Many of us tell God our problems but do not go further and remind God of His promises. God is always faithful to His promises. 

In this instance, we may have a person who is giving us grief, talking behind our backs, sullying our reputation personally and/or professionally. Can we love them?  Probably we do not feel like it.  However, we can say: Jesus, this person ( put in the name)  is giving me grief, talking behind my back, sullying my reputation. I do not feel like loving them. You love me so with your help, I will love ( put in the name of the person) with Your love just as you have loved me.
Praying like this in faith, for as long as it needs to take since the change in myself and the other person may take time ( or may only occur in one person if God chooses). Standing on the promises of God is vital in our prayer and not just pray the problem. Tell God the problem, but remind Him of His promises since it will nurture our faith in the process and God never fails on His promises. The promise here is that Jesus has told us that I have loved you. The command is to love another with that same love- the same love He gives us.

 If you do not know the promises of God from Scripture in relation to the problem you are currently experiencing, spend 15 minutes and google it. There are scriptures for every problem faced in some form or another. Write them down, have them in your phone, in your computer, in your handbag/purse- wherever these promises are convenient for you to use and to have on hand ready when you need them most.  Memorise them so that you can pray them in your heart at the time you need them. Pray them every day. Stand of the promises of God in your problem not just the problem.

 Key to this of course is really knowing and appreciating the great love Jesus has for every person. We have to really know and believe in the love Jesus has for us personally. 

 We can look at this commandment to love in another way.  In the Cadbury advertisement (chocolate), the tag line and message is ‘’ there is a glass and half in everyone’’.

As secular as the advertisement and sentiment is in relation to the product, it may be a useful consideration to keep in mind because in fact, with Jesus we, ourselves can be a glass and a half and with a generous heart, we too can look at others as the glass and a half too. This is particularly useful in times of betrayal and when we are not inclined to love.  There is always a glass and a half in everyone.

 May you love one another as I have loved you this coming week?

 

 

 

 

 

Come Holy Spirit Series: The Gift of Knowledge- Learning to See what Matters.

Come Holy Spirit Series

Come Holy Spirit.

Week 4 — The Gift of Knowledge: 
“Seeing the World Through God’s Eyes”

Welcome back to Come Holy Spirit, our series of rediscovering the gifts given at Confirmation, allowing them to breathe fresh life into us.  We have already walked with Wisdom, Understanding, and Counsel. Now we pause to explore the Gift of Knowledge.

This gift may surprise you—it’s not about knowing facts or data, but about seeing all creation, ourselves, and the world in relation to God.

 

What Does the Catechism Say About Knowledge?

Q. 389. What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are permanent dispositions which make man docile in following the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

They are: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

(CCC 1830–1831)

 

What Is the Gift of Knowledge?

The Gift of Knowledge is not about knowing more—it’s about knowing rightly.

It allows us to:

• See the world as God sees it.
• Recognize the Creator behind creation.
• Understand the passing nature of earthly things.
• Keep perspective, knowing what truly matters.

This gift opens our eyes to the deep truth that everything good in the world comes from God—and that all creation is meant to lead us back to Him, not to become an idol or distraction.

It’s the gift that gently whispers:

“This is beautiful—but it is not God.

Enjoy it—but do not cling to it.

Let it point you back to the Giver.”

 

Why Do We Need the Gift of Knowledge?

Because we live in a world that is obsessed with knowing more, having more, experiencing more.  Yet, often we feel emptier.

Knowledge as a gift of the Spirit helps us:

• Keep God at the centre of all things.
• Use the things of this world without becoming possessed by them.
• Avoid attachments that pull us away from God.
• See everything in its proper light.

This gift brings freedom and balance.

 

How Can We Refresh, Renew, and Use the Gift of Knowledge?

1. Spend time in nature or beauty.

Let it lift your heart to God, the Creator—not just to the creation itself.

2. Examine attachments.

Is something taking too much place in your heart? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see it clearly.

3. Pray with gratitude.

Thank God for the good things in your life—but hold them lightly, knowing they are gifts, not gods.

4. Read Scripture slowly.

Let passages that speak of creation, stewardship, and humility reawaken the gift.

5. Offer the gift for others.

When someone is struggling with materialism, discouragement, or fear, pray that they too may receive the Gift of Knowledge.

 

Scriptures That Reflect the Gift of Knowledge

“The earth is the Lord’s and all it contains,

the world, and those who dwell in it.”

— Psalm 24:1

“Whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ.”

— Philippians 3:7

“For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”

— 1 Timothy 6:7

 

Reflection Question for the Week

Where am I being invited to see the world, my work, my possessions, and even my struggles through God’s eyes?

What is God gently asking me to hold more lightly—or more gratefully?

 

Daily Soul Moments: Knowledge Week

• Sunday: Reflect on something beautiful in your day. Let it lead you to praise God.
• Monday: Pray: “Holy Spirit, show me what really matters today.”
• Tuesday: Read Psalm 24. Where is God reminding you that He is the true Owner of all?
• Wednesday: Reflect on your attachments. What might you need to let go of?
• Thursday: Offer thanks for one earthly blessing—but release it back to God.
• Friday: Ask: Where have I been blind to God’s presence in the ordinary?
• Saturday: Review the week. How has the Spirit helped you see more clearly?

 

Closing Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit, Gift of Knowledge,
Open my eyes to the things that truly matter.
Let me enjoy the good things of this life, but never lose sight of You, the Giver of all.
Help me to see the world, others, and myself through Your eyes.
Free me from false attachments, and teach me the joy of loving You above all things.

 

Entering the Joy: Easter Entrance Antiphon: Feast of ST Matthias.

Entering The Joy: Easter Entrance Antiphon Series.

He Is Not Here; He Is Risen.

Entering the Joy – Wednesday Week 4 of Eastertide Feast of St. Matthias.

Entrance Antiphon:

 “It was not you who chose me, says the Lord, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, alleluia.” (John 15:16)

 Chosen and Sent

Today’s Entrance Antiphon is personal.  It’s not a generic invitation, but rather it is Jesus speaking directly to each of us.  He was not of the original Twelve in the sense of being called by Jesus in a similar way to Peter or the other disciples, but rather he was chosen after Judas’ betrayal, through prayer, discernment, and trust in the Spirit. However, Jesus’ words apply to him just as much as to the others: Chosen. Appointed. Sent.

Though he was chosen to join the Twelve after Judas’ betrayal, the Acts of the Apostles tells us that he had already been with the disciples from the beginning — from Jesus’ baptism to His Ascension.  Matthias was not a newcomer; he was a faithful follower, quietly present, ready when the call came.  “It was not you who chose me…”It reminds us that our discipleship, our call, our very place in the Church is not our own achievement, but rather it is God’s initiative, God’s gift.

St Matthias lived this in a unique way.. And the fruit?  Not flashy success — but fruit that will last.  Fruit born of faithfulness, service, witness.

  Spirituality in Action

How can I carry this antiphon into my day?

• Whisper to yourself: “I am chosen by the Lord.”

• Let that truth ground you today.

• Reflect on what lasting fruit might look like in your life — in relationships, service, prayer.

• Like Matthias, step forward into the task at hand today — not because you feel ready, but because God has called you.

 

Short Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You have chosen me — not because of what I’ve done,
but because of who You are.
Help me to bear fruit that will last.
Let my life today reflect Your love, Your calling, Your joy.
Amen.

 

Entering the Joy: Easter Entrance Antiphon Series: Monday Fourth Week of Eastertide Year C

Entering the Joy: Easter Entrance Antiphon Series

He Is Not Here: He Is Risen.

Monday, Week 4 of Eastertide

Entrance Antiphon:

“Christ, having risen from the dead, dies now no more; death will no longer have dominion over him, alleluia.”(Romans 6:9)

 He Dies No More

We begin this week not with advice or instruction, but with a fact —

“Christ, having risen from the dead, dies now no more.”

It’s a quiet but unshakable line of hope.  The victory of Jesus wasn’t momentary.
Death no longer has any dominion over Him.  This is the deep Easter joy:  It’s not just that Christ rose — but that He stays risen.  His life is now uninterruptible, eternal, offered to us.   In Him, we are promised the same:Resurrection that holds, healing that endures, mercy that cannot be buried again.

 Spirituality in Action

How can I carry this antiphon into my day?

• Say aloud: “Christ dies no more.” Let it settle into our thinking.
• In moments of fear, remember: Death no longer holds the final word.
• Do something today that aligns with life — a kind word, a choice for hope, a refusal to let despair reign.
• Rejoice that we too will experience Resurrection because of all that Christ has won for us.

 Short Prayer

Risen Lord,

You died once for all, and now You live forever.

Let that truth steady me today.

When I am tempted by fear, help me remember:

You reign, and You die no more.

Amen.

 

Collect Series: Fourth Sunday Eastertide Year C

Collect Series

The Mass: Collect Series Icon.

Collect

Almighty ever-living God, lead us to share in the joys of Heaven,

So that the humble flock may reach where the brave Shepherd has gone before. 

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

One God, for ever and ever.

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

In making this prayer tangible, the following reflection questions emerged:

1. What are the joys of Heaven and what does this mean to me? 
2. How can I experience the joys of Heaven now on earth every day?
3. Make a list of the Joys of Heaven and pray for them this coming week. 
4. What does the image of the being part of a flock evoke in me? 
5. What does the term ‘’brave Shepherd’’ mean? 
6.How will I live the joy of Eastertide this coming week?

GOSPEL REFLECTION.

The Gospel is from John 10:27-30. This Sunday is often called "Good Shepherd Sunday." Jesus intended the beautiful parable of the Good Shepherd with its many consoling truths and promises for men of every century, including our own century. We can evaluate the words in an exclusively historical sense. This can be helpful to give a perspective.  However, the liturgy's primary aim is to portray the present, not the past, to give grace and life along with history. You must, therefore, give the parable a present-day context, apply it personally. After each sentence why not stop and say: Christ is helping me by doing this today. The parable brings to our attention three consoling truths: Christ gives His life for His sheep; He remains with them constantly through the bond of grace; He will not rest content until there be but one flock and one shepherd.

How do you relate to Jesus as Good Shepherd? 

The Church highlights on this fourth Sunday of Easter known as 'Good Shepherd Sunday' Vocations to the Priesthood and religious life.  All the baptized have a vocation. We are all called to holiness.  For those called by Christ to the Priesthood and religious life, they are called in a special way and need our love and support for them to carry out the work Christ has asked of them. After all, it is through our pastor's ministry and example along with our efforts that we can grow in love for God, and our souls can ''safely graze''.

 On the Fourth Sunday of Easter, the Church highlights Christ as the Good Shepherd.  The Pope and the Bishops are the shepherds of the flock of Christ. It is fitting to acknowledge their special teaching and Pastoral ministry. You may like to

1. Pray for the Pope and Bishops of the Church, especially the Bishop of your diocese.
   
   
2. Send a card to acknowledge and thank the Bishop for his ministry.  If you know a bishop personally, this is indeed fitting. If not, then why not send a card or do something nice for your parish priest. I like to bake a cake.
   
   
3. Examine how we relate to our Pastor. Give him support and acknowledgement of all he does in the name of Jesus the Good Shepherd.  He is Jesus for us as he ministers the sacraments and the one who gives us support in the highs and lows of living.  What do you do for him? 
   
   
4. Encourage those who are thinking of a vocation to priesthood or religious life to pursue it.
   
   
5. Encourage those who are in formation in priesthood.  They are our ''intending good shepherds'' so need our love and support to reach ordination day and beyond in ministry.

6.    

  I   I also think that it is good to remember on this Good Shepherd Sunday that the Good news of the angels that Christ was to be born in Bethlehem was delivered by the angels to shepherds in the fields on that first Christmas night.  We are all familiar with the carol ‘'While shepherds watched their flock by night''.  God could have had the message of salvation delivered to anyone He chose.  He chose shepherds that first Christmas night.

7.      Then there are many references in the Bible which provide more compelling imagery for us of Jesus as Good Shepherd.  My favourite is from Ezekiel 34:11-20, but particularly   

'' I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed,
 and I will bind up the crippled, 
 and I will strengthen the weak,
and the fat and the strong I will watch over; 
I will feed them in justice.''[Ezek 34:16]

May Christ the Good Shepherd encourage and embrace us,

May we listen to the sound of His voice,

Hear His call and follow Him.

not rest content until there be but one flock and one shepherd.

 

 

Entering The Joy: Easter Entrance Antiphon Series: Thursday Third Week Eastertide Year C

 Entering The Joy: Easter Entrance Antiphon Series:

He Is Not Here. He Is Risen

Entering the Joy – Thursday, Week 3 of Eastertide

Entrance Antiphon:
“Let us sing to the Lord, for he has gloriously triumphed. The Lord is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation, alleluia.”
(cf. Exodus 15:1–2)

 

A Song of Triumph, Born in the Waters

Today’s Entrance Antiphon comes from the ancient song of Moses and the Israelites after they crossed the Red Sea.
They had just passed through water — from slavery to freedom — and what came next?

A song.
A song of triumph, of joy, of relief, of awe.

“The Lord is my strength and my might; He has become my salvation.”

This is not just victory for the sake of power — it is salvation grounded in a God who rescues His people with love.
It’s no coincidence this passage is echoed in Eastertide — for we, too, have passed through water in baptism, from death to life.

And we sing — not because life is easy, but because God has already triumphed.

 

Spirituality in Action

How can I carry this antiphon into my day?

• Recall a moment where God has brought you through something — and let that become a quiet song of praise.
• Reflect on your baptism — perhaps even make the sign of the cross slowly, remembering who you are.
• Offer your strength today to someone else — as a small echo of the strength God has shared with you.

 

Short Prayer

God of Triumph,
You are my strength, my might, and my salvation.
Let me sing today — with my words, my choices, my heart.
Lead me through the waters again, and remind me that You have already triumphed.
Amen.

.

 

Entering the Joy: Easter Entrance Antiphon Series; Wednesday Third Week of Easter

 Entering the Joy:
Easter Entrance Antiphon Series.

He Is Not Here; He Is Risen.

Entrance Antiphon:
“Let my mouth be filled with your praise, that I may sing aloud; my lips shall shout for joy, when I sing to you, alleluia.”
(cf. Psalm 71:8, 23)

 

A Mouth Filled with Praise

This antiphon is a heartfelt prayer:

“Let my mouth be filled with your praise…”

It is a plea for our words to be soaked with gratitude and reverence. In the context of the joy of Eastertide. It reminds us that our lips should echo the joy of the Resurrection.

The psalmist continues: “my lips shall shout for joy…” This is not mere happiness; it's a profound jubilation rooted in the triumph over death. It's an invitation to let our voices reflect the victory and hope that Easter brings.

Many people think that they cannot sing and that they are tone deaf. This is true for 4%of the population. For the other 96%, many people carry hurt memories of what people said when they sang. Having a background in music  and having taught for over 50 years, I can confidently say that many people can sing, they just need to be taught and receive healing for past memories.

If you are one of these people who think you cannot sing, then  joyfully hum.  There is a good trick to humming- do not press your lips tightly together and better still, to feel the vibration of the humming, just start to hum with lips closed and then slightly open the mouth. You will find that with the mouth slightly open, that vibration is likely to occur.

Spirituality in Action

How can I carry this antiphon into my day?

• Begin with praise: Start your day by vocalizing gratitude, setting a tone of joy.
• Mindful speech: Let your conversations be uplifting, reflecting the joy of the Resurrection.
• Sing aloud: Whether in private or with others, let your voice be an instrument of praise.
• Vibrate with Humming: Feel the vibration of Easter joy as you hum your favourite hymn

 

Short Prayer

Lord of Life,
Fill my mouth with your praise.
Let my words and songs today be a testament to your Resurrection.
May my lips shout for joy, and my heart be ever grateful.
Amen.

 

Come Holy Spirit Series: The Gift of Counsel

 Come Holy Spirit Series.

Come Holy Spirit

Come Holy Spirit Series: Week 3 — The Gift of Counsel

“When the Spirit Whispers: Learning to Trust the Gift of Counsel”

Welcome back to Come Holy Spirit, a weekly journey to rediscover the presence, power, and friendship of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

This week, we continue exploring the beautiful gifts we were given at Confirmation—perhaps long ago, perhaps barely remembered. But they are still there. Still alive. Still waiting to be unwrapped.

So far, we have reflected on Wisdom and Understanding—gifts that help us see and grasp God's truth.

Now we turn to something deeply personal:
the Gift of Counsel.

 

What Does the Catechism Say About Counsel?

The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches:

Q. 389. What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are permanent dispositions which make man docile in following the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
They are: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.
(CCC 1830–1831)

 

What Is the Gift of Counsel?

The Gift of Counsel is the Holy Spirit guiding our conscience.
It is the voice that helps us know which path to take.
It is the divine nudge that says “this is the way—walk in it.”
It is the gift that helps us discern and decide rightly.

Where Wisdom lets us see, and Understanding helps us grasp,
Counsel helps us choose in light of God's will.

Counsel is not guesswork or overthinking—it’s the gentle clarity of God’s Spirit speaking to the heart. Especially when we listen.

 

Why Do We Need the Gift of Counsel?

Because life is filled with choices—big and small.
And while the world offers opinions, the Holy Spirit offers guidance.

Counsel helps us:

• Choose good over evil.
• Make wise decisions aligned with God’s will.
• Speak truth when needed—and remain silent when love requires it.
• Avoid temptation and moral confusion.
• Offer wise advice when others turn to us.

The Spirit guides not through fear, but through peace.

 

How Can We Renew and Use the Gift of Counsel?

1. Practice Silence

Create space to hear the Spirit. Counsel is often a whisper, not a shout.

2. Ask for Guidance

In any decision, pray:

“Holy Spirit, guide me. Show me what pleases You.”

3. Pay Attention to Peace

Counsel often comes with an inner clarity or calm that can’t be explained.

4. Seek Godly Advice

Sometimes Counsel comes through others—wise, prayerful friends or mentors.

5. Let the Spirit Speak Through You

When someone seeks your advice, pause first. Ask the Spirit to help you speak only what they need—not just your opinion.

 

Scriptures That Reflect the Gift of Counsel

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
— Psalm 119:105

“When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say;
what you are to say will be given to you at that time.”
— Matthew 10:19

“He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.”
— Psalm 25:9

 

Reflection Question for the Week

Where in my life am I being invited to listen more carefully for the Holy Spirit’s guidance rather than relying only on my own thoughts?

 

Daily Soul Moments: Counsel Week

• Sunday: Reflect: Was there a moment this week when I clearly felt the Spirit guide me?
• Monday: Pause before a small decision today and ask: “Holy Spirit, what do You want?”
• Tuesday: Read Psalm 25 slowly. Which verse speaks to your need for guidance?
• Wednesday: Journal about a decision you're facing. Invite the Holy Spirit into it.
• Thursday: Think of someone who sought your advice. Ask: Did I let the Spirit speak through me?
• Friday: Practice listening more than speaking. See what rises in the silence.
• Saturday: Thank the Spirit for a time you were guided—even when you didn’t realize it right away.

·         Let this be a week of learning to trust the whisper of the Spirit. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just need to say each day:
“Come, Holy Spirit. I’m listening.”

 

Closing Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit, Gift of Counsel,
Be the compass of my heart.
Guide me in small things and great.
Teach me to pause and listen.
Help me speak when I should,
And be silent when You are working in the stillness.
Walk beside me in every choice,
So that I may choose not just what is good,
But what is holy, wise, and pleasing to You.

 

.