About the Mass: Opening Prayer Solemnity of Christ the King Year A

The Opening Prayer for the Solemnity of Christ the King reads as follows:

Let us pray,

(that all people will acclaim Jesus as Lord)

Almighty and merciful God,

You break the power of evil

and make all things new

in Your Son Jesus Christ, the King of the universe.

May all in Heaven and earth acclaim Your glory

and never cease to praise You. 

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

1. How do I acclaim Jesus as Lord in my life?
2. How do I encourage others to acclaim Jesus as Lord in their lives?
3. Name one area of my life which I will endeavour to place Jesus as Lord during this coming week?
4. What does it mean to me to acclaim the glory of Christ?
5. How can I never cease to praise You in my life this coming week?

In today's Gospel, Jesus gives us the blueprint for what we should do and why we should do it in order to be placed on His right at the end of time.  Jesus makes it clear that our motivation for helping others is not self gratification or feeling good about ourselves.  No, the purpose of our action is to remember that when we help others, we are to see the face of Christ in those we help, and our actions therefore is done out of love for Christ.

We may think that we do not have opportunities to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick or imprisoned. In fact we do have many opportunites given to us provided we are alert enough and willing to act upon it.  For example, we may think that we cannot help others who are suffering from some natural diaster because we are not physically present to them.  However, we can pray for these people and also provide according to our means, financial assistance.

We may be able to clothe the naked very well if we 

• look into our wardropes and choose outfits that we like to give to charity.  
• choose to buy a simple new outfit to give to charity.

We may feed the hungry when if we:

• prepare soup/casserole/dessert to a family who is grieving in our parish.
• make a cake/slice for a parish cake stall in aid of charity.
• give appropriate advice to someone confused and worried.
• give a hug to someone in need of love and support.
• Help brainstorm with a work colleague on their new project.

Likewise when we visit the sick or imprisoned, we may not be able to visit those in hospital or in prison as such, but there are many in our communities that are sick or imprisoned in some way.

This gospel therefore is one of action, but unless we have first contemplated the face of Christ, we will fail to see the face of Christ in our brothers/sisters- those whom Jesus says are the 'least of my brothers''.

As we come to the end of this liturgical year, we may wish to reflect on how we have grown  spiritually and what areas of our lives need further growth.  We may wish to consider carefully this week devising a plan for the coming liturgical year and set some simple and achievable goals.  As we look back on the year, we may become discouraged in what we have not done or achieved this year.  We can ask God's forgiveness and  make amends where possible. Let us not waste this precious week.  Let us sing in our hearts this coming week:

''Whatsoever you do to the least of my people,

that you do unto ME. ''

About the Mass Series: 33rd Sunday of Year A

The Opening Prayer for the 33rd Sunday of Year A reads as follows:

Let us pray

(that God will help us to be faithful)

Father of all that is good,

keep us faithful in serving You

for to serve You is our lasting joy.

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

1. What is being faithful to God?
2. What is being faithful to God in my life this coming week?
3. Name one area that I will endeavour to be faithful to God this coming week?
4. What does it mean to serve God?
5. How can I serve God in my life this coming week?
6. What does it mean to me 'for to serve You is our lasting joy'?

In today's Gospel, Jesus requires His disciples to use the talents that He has given to each of us.  Jesus makes it quite clear in the parable that the master gave the servants talents 'each in proportion to his ability'.  Jesus does not expect to be better than what we are- in the sense of expecting us to do better than our ability. However, when much is given, much is expected and as faithful servants we are required not to be lazy like the servant who had one talent and buried it out of fear.  Jesus, in the parable explained to him that he could have deposited in the bank and gained interest given the fact that he was afraid- at least the master would have gained interest.

So what about us?  What is our talent/s?  How do we build up the kingdom of God according to our talent and ability?  As we approach the end of the liturgical year, let us reflect on how we have built up the kingdom during this yea.  After all, we should not emulate the good for nothing servant. If we have buried our talent, let us make a concious effort to unearth it and use it according to our ability whilst there is still time.

Opening Prayer Series: Thirty Second Sunday Year A

The Opening Prayer for the 32nd Sunday of Year A reads as follows:

Let us pray

(for health of mind and body)

God of power and mercy,

protect us from all harm.

Give us freedom of spirit

and health in mind and body 

to do Your work on earth

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

1. Why should I pray to God for health and mind and body?
2. What sorts of harm in my life do I need God's protection?
3. What does freedom of spirit mean to me?
4. How do I relate to a person who has a mental illness or is elderely with some form of dementia?
5. What is God's work on earth for me-what is my calling/vocation?
6. How have I grown spiritually during this last week and how might I continue this growth this coming week- what is my plan?

As we get closer to the end of the liturgical year, the focus shifts to the end times and we are invited to consider to think about our own mortality. The Church is not asking us to think of it in a morbid manner- no, but to ignore that death is a reality for us is like the foolish bridesmaids who were not ready.We need to live our life in readiness, since we do not know the hour or the day.  It might be useful to

• consider and discuss your wishes with family about arrangements or desires that you may have about your death and keep them updated of any changes.
• prepare the readings and hymns that you might like is a great help to family members.
• think about tying up any loose ends financially for the family.
• consider making a will or revisiting your current one.
• consider a pre-paid funeral plan.

However, apart from the practicalities, the liturgy is really asking us to consider our readiness spiritually. Remember people in your life who have died suddenly either through accident or through sudden illness. Remember how you felt when you heard of their passing.Perhaps you remember what others said at that time in their surprise or shock.

We have to live each day and do our best since God may decide to call us home today.

If you died in your sleep today or were in a tragic accident, are you ready to go home to God? 

Let us prepare physically, emotionally, spiritually and be ready when we get the call.

Opening Prayer Series: 30th Sunday of Year A

The Opening Prayer for the 30th Sunday of Year A reads as follows:

Let us pray,

(for the strength to do God's will)

Almighty and ever-living God,

strengthen our faith, hope and love.

May we do with loving hearts, 

what you ask of us 

and come to share the life You promise.

In making this prayer tangible, the following reflection questions emerged

1. What is God's will?
2. What is God's will for me?
3. What changes do I need to make to live according to God's will for me?
4. How can I strengthen my faith, hope and love during this coming week?
5. What does God ask of me?
6. What are the areas of my heart that need more of God's love?
7. What changes will I make to these areas of my heart?
8. What is the life God promises me?

In today's Gospel, the following aspects caught my attention.  Firstly, both the Pharisees and the Sadducees  were out to get Jesus at any cost.  They banded together to bring Jesus down, even though each group disliked each other. The common thread of motive here seems to be power and revenge, and if each group had to 'sacrifice' a certain amount of pride to get the job done, then it seemed to them that the outcome would be worth it, especially as they had safety in numbers.  This to me is a Gospel example of our modern day work place bullying of employer vs employee and/or employer vs trade union members. The same motive is at work even if the method is more seemingly sophisticated. Unfortunately, the same method is being used by young children at primary school when they bully another child in their class.

The reply Jesus gave them outwitted them because He reminded them of the commandment of love which they would have been familiar from Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19.18. In essence, He reminded them to love God first and then to love God by loving one's neighbour. Throughout the Gospel we hear the commandment to love, and in the Church we hear many homilies exhorting us to do that. 

However, it seems to me that often a vital ingredient of this commandment is overlooked or downplayed- the commandment to love God by loving ourselves in a healthy manner. If we do not love ourselves appropriately, then it is difficult to love our neighbour, because we cannot give what we do not have on our own.  With the help of God , we can all learn to love ourselves in a healthy manner. God will provide the missing elements especially when we ask Him in prayer.

The Pharisees and Sadducees most likely missed the point of the reply of Jesus.  In essence Jesus is saying to love God with your whole heart, soul and mind  and to treat others as you would like to be treated yourself out of love for God. Therefore, loving God also means to love yourself out of love for God, since it God who created you out of love, and then out of love for God, you will love your neighbour.

Let's see what we can do to put this commandment into practice this coming week in our family, workplace and parish.

Opening Prayer Series: Twenty Seventh Sunday of Year A

The Opening Prayer for the Twenty Seventh Sunday of Year A reads as follows:

Let us pray

(that God will forgive our failings and bring us peace)

Father,

Your love for us surpasses all our hopes and desires.

Forgive our failings,

keep us in Your peace 

and lead us in the way of salvation. 

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

1. What does the gift of God's forgiveness mean to me?
2. What are the failings that I wish God to forgive in my life?
3. What difference would God's gift of peace make in my life?
4. How does God's love surpass your hopes and desires?
5. What value do I place on the sacrament of Reconciliation in my life?
6. What commitment am I prepared to make this coming week to ask God's forgiveness in the sacrament of Reconciliation?
7. What is the way of salvation and how do I walk in this way during this coming week?

Today's Gospel may not speak to us immediately especially if we have no connection to wine growing. The closest we may become to it may be the produce as we share a drink with friends and family.
However, let us not wipe this gospel as one that does not concern us since  the words of Jesus at the end of the gospel are most telling 

' I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken from you 

and given to a people who will produce its fruit'. 

Our lives are busy and we are governed by the world's demands on us  Providing for our families is getting more difficult in this global financial crisis. Finding time to place our focus on God when we are worried about our daily lives is a challenge.


So the questions we need to ask ourselves are 

• What is the fruit of the kingdom?
• How do I produce the fruit of the kingdom in my daily life?
• How would I feel if the kingdom of God was taken away from me?

 
Even though my life is in such a muddle at the moment,  I still want to live for God and eventually get to Heaven.

What about you? What is your priority?

Opening Prayer Series: Twenty Fifth Sunday of Year A

The Opening Prayer for the 25th Sunday of the Year A reads as follows:

Let us pray

( that we will grow in the love of God and of one another)

Father,

Guide us, as You guide creation

according to Your law of love.

May we love one another, 

and come to perfection in the eternal life prepared for us.

1. What is the love of God like for me?
2. What hinders me from loving God with my whole heart, soul and mind?
3. What hinders me from loving God in one another?
4. How does God guide creation?
5. How does this prayer give me hope when I fail to love another?

Today's gospel would not be a blueprint for trade union leaders but perhaps it may be a hint of work place agreement. We might be tempted to feel sorry for those workers who worked hard in the day's heat. 
Those workers agreed to the terms and conditions, and after all they were unemployed at the beginning of the day.

However Jesus is telling us quite clearly is not be envious of others and beware of the sin of greed/avarice.
God is generous with everyone. God gives and gives and gives. We will receive when we are in need since God looks after our needs.  We must never become jealous or envious when God is generous with other people. Let us try to have a big heart like God and be generous in heart, mind and spirit this coming week.

Opening Prayer Series: 23rd Sunday of Year A

The Opening Prayer for the Twenty Third Sunday of Year A reads as follows:

Let us pray

(that we may realise the freedom God has given us

in making us His sons and daughters) 

God Our Father,

You redeem us and make us Your Children in Christ,

Look upon us,

give us true freedom

and bring us to the inheritance You promised.

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

1. What is the freedom that God has given me?
2. What does it mean to me to be a son/daughter of God?
3. What does it mean to me to be redeemed by God?
4. What is the true freedom that God is offering me?
5.  What is hindering me from experiencing God's true freedom in my life?
6. How will I experience God's freedom in my life this coming week?
7. Am I ready to receive the inheritance God has promised me? What do I need to change to be ready?

Opening Prayer Series: Twentieth Sunday of Year A

The Opening Prayer for the twentieth Sunday of Year A reads as follows:

Let us pray

(that the love of God may raise us beyond what we see 

to the unseen glory of His kingdom)

God our Father,

may we love You in all things and above all things 

and reach the joy You have prepared for us 

beyond all our imagining.

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

1. What do I see in my life that shows the love of God?
2. What might I see as God's anticipatory love for this coming week?
3. Am I ready for the unseen glory of His Kingdom?
4. What do I need to do or be on an ongoing basis to be ready for God's kingdom?
5. Is God first in my life- are there any other things that get top priority rather than God?
6. What might Heaven be like? What does scripture tell us about the afterlife?

On a personal note, I have to say that being ready for God's Kingdom is clearly in my mind and heart since my mum died 13 days ago. Although elderly and with various health concerns, she was fine one minute, but a quick heart attack changed everything instantly. She was in hospital less than 24 hours before God (hopefully) called her to His unseen glory of His Kingdom.

Today's Gospel encourages us to persevere and never give up.  The woman was in need, not for herself as such, but for her daughter who was 'tormented by a devil'. In today's language, one might interpret that as some kind of mental illness. Jesus does not answer her first request, which may seem strange.  However, as the woman does not give up, Jesus finally grants her request.  Today's gospel is about helping out faith to grow in times of trial and the necessity of the grace of perseverance.

We may wish to think of a trial that we have experienced in our lives.  What was our reaction?  Did we pray more during that time or did we give up hope that God would answer our need?  Has our way of dealing with trials and difficulties changed over the years, or do we adopt the same approach when they come our way?  It is not that God is deaf or uncaring. He knows what we need most. 


During this week, let us thank God for our lives and many blessings He has provided for us.  When we are in difficulty, let us remember that God does not ignore us, but is ready to assist as we intercede for our need and persevere in asking. 

Opening Prayer Series: Seventeenth Sunday of Year

The Opening Prayer for the Seventeenth Sunday of Year A reads as follows:

Let us pray

( that we will make use of the gifts that God has given us)

God our Father and protector,

without You nothing is holy,

nothing has value.

Guide us to everalasting life 

by help us to use wisely 

the blessing you have given to the world. 

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

1. What gifts has God given to me?
2. How doe I presently use these gifts?
3. What gifts would I like to receive to enhance the gifts already given?
4. What is my relationship with Father God like?
5. How may I improve this relationship this coming week?
6. What are the blessings that God has given to the world?
7. How might I use these blessings more wisely this coming week?

In case we stayed lukewarm after reading/hearing last's week's gospel, the same message is reiterated,which is

'the angels will separate the wicked from the just to throw them into the blazing furnace where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth'   Obviously,  there will be no advantage to anyone (except perhaps dentists!!) being placed with the wicked. We must live our lives according to the gospel so that when the end times come, we will be placed with the just.

With these three parables in today's gospel, Jesus is telling us that we must place our goal of Heaven as our top priority. We must consider it a pearl of great price and worth selling everything to buy it.  Obviously we cannot buy Heaven, but we need to consider it as the ultimate goal for our lives, and want to place all our worldly wealth in their rightful place- second not first in our lives.

This gospel could also be helpful to those of us who have a tendency to hoard. We need to sit down and sort out what is good and what we need as compared to what used to be good and no longer has any use to us.

We need to do this with our physical environment as well as our emotional and spiritual environment.

When we let go of our attachments either on a material, emotional or spiritual level, then there is room for something new  to come in.  Let us not however throw out the baby with the bath water in our 'spring clean'.  We need to use wisdom and discernment to know what to respectfully hold and to use. Both new and old are both good in themselves.  It is up to use to make sure that we keep them in their rightful place.

During this week, let us keep this gospel in mind, and live our lives as justly as we can. Let us keep our goal of Heaven firmly in our minds and hearts since Heaven is our ultimate goal.

 

Opening Prayer Series: 16th Sunday of Year A

The Opening Prayer for the 16th Sunday of Year A reads as follows:

Let us pray

(to be kept faithful to the service of God)

Lord,

be merciful to Your people.

Fill us with your gifts 

and make us always eager to serve You 

in faith, hope and love. 

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

1. What does it mean to be me to be faithful in the service  of God?
2. How can I be more faithful this coming week?
3. Why do I need God's mercy to be faithful to His service?
4. What are the gifts God has given me?
5. What gifts can I enhance with God's help?
6. What gifts would I like to receive from God should it be His will for me?
7. Why is the quality of eagerness required to serve God?
8. How can I serve God in faith, hope and love.

There is no doubt about what Jesus is telling us in today's Gospel, whether we want to hear it or not.

There is the battle for us pilgrims on the journey to follow Him. If we do, then we can hope that we will be gathered into the kingdom with all those who have been virtuous.  Those who do evil will suffer the punishment that they themselves have deserved.  God does not want to send anyone to Hell.  We are told in scripture that God wants to save everyone.  God gives us free will.  We need to choose to do good not evil.

So if we have lost some of our spiritual zest and vigor, then perhaps this gospel will motivate you to review your spiritual journey.   We are now almost half way through the ordinary Sundays of the Year.  If your spiritual life has been 'ordinary' up to now, then why not get it back into shape.  We only need the faith of a mustard seed to get started/started afresh. Let us grow to the best of our ability whilst we have the time, since we do not know when the time nor the hour may be.   I sure want to be gathered into the kingdom. 

What about You?

Opening Prayer 15th Sunday of Year A

The Opening Prayer for the 15th Sunday of Year A reads as follows:

Let us pray

(that the gospel may be our rule of life)

God our Father,

Your light of truth guides us to the way of Christ.

May all who follow Him

reject what is contrary to the gospel. 

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

1. What does the gospel teach me?
2. What does it mean for me to have the gospel as my rule of life?
3. How will the gospel be my rule of life this coming week at work, family, parishioners. strangers?
4. What is your light of truth?
5. How does your light of truth guide me to the way of Christ?
6. What is the way of Christ?
7. How can I follow Christ more closely this coming week?
8. What areas in my life are presently contrary to the gospel and how will I reject them?

May your week be blessed as you sow the seed in rich soil and yield a worthy harvest .

Opening Prayer Series: Fourteenth Sunday Year A

The Opening Prayer for the Fourteenth Sunday of Year A reads as follows:

Let us pray

(for forgiveness through the grace of Jesus Christ)

Father, 

through the obedience of Jesus,

Your servant and Your Son,

You have raised a fallen world.

Free us for sin 

and bring us the joy that last for ever. 

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

1. What does the forgiveness of Christ mean to me?
2. What is my attitude towards the sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation and how can I improve it?
3. What is the sin that I need to be freed from this coming week?
4. What is my attitude towards the afterlife/Heaven?
5. Name one aspect of my life will I attempt to change/transform/improve this coming week?

Today's Gospel tells us two important aspects for our lives.  The first is that we need to become like little children- not childish but childlike. We need to think about this aspect and observe the wonderment of children, the trusting attitude and the innocent joy that children enjoy.

Then as we observe these child like characteristics, we  need to apply them to our spiritual lives.

The second aspect of the Gospel is a reminder for us adults who get overwhelmed with the burdens of life. Jesus tells us that we need to come to Him and He will give us rest. We need not become overburdened if we follow the instructions of Jesus and become gentle and humble of heart. This is the exact opposite of what the world tells us to be successful- aggressive, self righteous and proud.  Are the successful at peace in their souls?

Let us come to Jesus especially when we are overburdened and allow Him to minister to us.  Jesus knows what we need most and is happy to supply it to us.  We need to trust in Him and enjoy the wonderment of God's life that He has given us.

Opening Prayer Series: Corpus Christi Year A (Feast of Body and Blood of Christ)

The Opening Prayer for the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) Year A reads as follows:

Let us pray

(to the Lord who gives Himself in the Eucharist 

that this sacrament may bring us salvation and peace)

Lord Jesus Christ,

You gave us the Eucharist as the memorial of Your suffering and death.

May our worship of this sacrament of Your Body and Blood

help to to experience the salvation You won for us 

and the peace of the kingdom 

where You live with the Father and the Holy Spirit 

one God, for ever and ever.

In making this prayer tangible the following reflection questions emerged.

1. What is our belief towards the Eucharist- do we truly believe in the real presence of Christ?
2. Why is the Eucharist a memorial of Christ's suffering and death?
3. How does Jesus in the Eucharist bring us salvation and peace?
4. How might we strengthen our belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist this coming week?
5. Why was this Solemnity instituted and what difference does it make in my life?
6. How can I make present in my world the love of Christ shown to me in the Eucharist this coming week?

The teaching of the real presence of  Jesus in the Eucharist is just as difficult to teach and learn as it was for the Jews and the disciples to understand and comprehend.  Jesus tells us that my flesh is real food and my blood real drink.  He tells us also by feeding on Him, we will draw life from Him. 

Receiving Jesus in the Eucharist is not an optional extra in our faith.  Our souls need nourishment just as bodies need food to live.  If we receive Jesus occasionally,  we are starving our souls from vital life blood that it needs.  If we receive Jesus in the Eucharist regularly but casually, we are not giving Jesus full respect, nor are we gaining the full graces which He wants to give us.  We must always receive Jesus longingly and lovingly. We want Him to take up residence in our souls. We must want to receive healing for our souls and bodies. We must receive Holy Communion with love.

My parish is celebrating with exposition during the afternoon and having Solemn Vespers in the evening before the Blessed Sacrament. I hope that you will be able to spend some extra time with Jesus to reflect on this wonderful gift of Himself to each of us personally.  

On this Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, let us take this opportunity to reflect on the place of the Eucharist in our lives and how we approach Jesus in this sacrament.  Let us make Jesus a commitment to receive Him as worthily as we can and to receive Him frequently with love and longing hearts.

Opening Prayer Series: Trinity Sunday Year A

The Opening Prayer for the Solemnity of Trinity Sunday Year A reads as follows:

Let us pray

(to the one God Father. Son and Spirit

that our lives may bear witness to our faith)

Father,

You sent Your Word to bring us truth

and Your Spirit to make us holy,

Through them we come to know the mystery of Your life.

Help us to worship You our God in three Persons

by proclaiming and living our faith in You.

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

1. What is my relationship with God- Father, Son and Spirit?
2. How might I bear witness in my life  to my faith this coming week?
3. What is the truth that Jesus the Word gives to me?
4. How can I spread that truth in my life?
5. What does being holy mean to me?
6. How does the Holy Spirit make me holy?
7. How might I live my faith and proclaim it in worship and in my life this coming week?

In today's Gospel Jesus speaks to Nicodemus.  It is a powerful gospel, but if we just listen to it as if it refers to Nicodemus only, then we have lost out badly.  Either at Mass or during the week, why not read this Gospel again, using your own name and making it quite personal.  Then see how you react to this Gospel.

'Jesus said to me

God loved me so much that He sent His only Son,

so that I who believe in Him may not be lost,

but may eternal life.

For God sent His Son into my world

not to condemn my world,

but so that through Him my world may be saved.

No one who believe in Him will be condemned

but  I who refuse to believe in Him is condemned already,

because I have refused to believe in the name of God's only Son.'

May your faith grow in the love of Father, Son and Spirit.

 

Opening Prayer Series: Pentecost Sunday Year A

The Opening Prayer for Pentecost Sunday for Year A (Mass during the day) reads as follows:

Let us pray

( that the Spirit will work through our lives to bring Christ to the world)

God our Father,

let the Spirit You sent on Your Church 

to begin the teaching of the gospel

continue to work in the world through the hearts of all who believe.

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

1. What is my relationship with the Holy Spirit?
2. How might I continue to nurture this relationship for the remainder of 2011?
3. How has the Spirit worked in my life? ( recall some examples where the Spirit was at work)
4. How might the Spirit work in my life in the future ( ask the Holy Spirit for the help He can provide in specific areas of my life)
5. How might I cooperate with the Holy Spirit to bring Christ to the world?
6. How might I encourage believers that I know to be a powerful instrument by which the Holy Spirit may work ( eg form a small group of parishioners/believers to bring the gospel of Christ to others)

When a person needs mouth to mouth resuscitation,  the person trying to save the person in need, uses his/her own breath to bring them back to life. In other words, he/she breathes on  them. If our own breath can bring life to others, imagine the power of the breath of the Spirit.

In today's gospel, Jesus breathes the breath of the Spirit on His disciples to give them His power to forgive sins. When we participate in the sacrament of reconciliation, the priest says the words of absolution, but it is indeed God who forgives us. The priest uses his breath to utter the words of absolution, but by the nature of his ministry, he is working in the name of God-Father, Son and Spirit and it is the breath of the Spirit which transforms our souls.

Most of us are not called to ministry in the Church as an ordained minster, but we can breathe the breath of the Spirit to others, as we offer a comforting word to someone grieving,  a word of hope to someone in depression,  a warm compassion to someone in need of our forgiveness. Of course the Spirit is not limited, nor should we be as He lives in us. 

On this Pentecost Sunday, let us be renewed again with a fresh indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Opening Prayer Series: Ascension of the Lord- A feast of hope.

The Opening Prayer for the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord Year A reads as follows:

Let us pray

(that the risen Christ will lead us to eternal life)

God our Father,

make us joyful in the ascension of Your Son, Jesus Christ .

May we follow Him into the new creation, 

for His ascension is our glory and our hope.

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

1. Why is the ascension a feast of hope for me?
2. How does this feast impact on my life this coming week?
3. What are my understandings from scripture about eternal life?
4. Why should I be joyful in the feast of the Ascension of the Lord?
5. What do I understand by the term 'new creation' and how does my understanding correlate to the term in scripture?
6. What is my attitude towards death-eg If I was to die today, would I be ready to greet the Risen Christ?
7. What changes will I make towards spiritual progress this week in the light of my attitude towards being ready for death?

 The ascension is a feast of hope since we can look forward to eternal life. Of course we need to live lives worthy and enter through the narrow gate.  However, Christ's four fold command gives us a mission-a focus.
The four fold command of Christ to His disciples is a command to us-

• Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations,
• baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
• Teach them to observe all the commands I gave you
• Know that I am with you until the end of time.

  So how can we make disciples of all the nations.  Most of us can evangelize others by not even saying a word- it is by example of the lives we lead.  However, we need to be ready with our answer should someone asks us for our reason for our belief.  

Evangelization  is not difficult if we live good Christian lives since others will be attracted to it. Then when a casual question or conversation occurs, it may be our time to speak.  More importantly is is a time to listen, since it is the question of the enquirer that is important.As the journey unfolds, then there will be a time for them to want to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Spirit.  This will be God's timing, not ours since it is God who is leading the person to Himself.  Then as their journey continues, it is time for learning and teaching ( RCIA for example is part of the process), and as catholic pilgrims on the journey, we need to remember and encourage each other in our struggles knowing that Jesus is with us always.

So yes, the feast of the Ascension is a feast of hope of future glory. We must however not sit on our hands and wait. Christ has given us His command.  

What will we do with this command this coming week in our family, parish, workplace and neighbourhood?

Opening Prayer Series: Sixth Sunday of Eastertide Year A

The Opening Prayer for the Sixth Sunday of Easter Year A reads as follows:

Let us pray

(that we may practise in our lives the faith we profess)

Ever-living God,

help us to celebrate our joy in the resurrection of the Lord

and to express in our lives the love we celebrate.

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

1. What is the faith I profess?
2. How does this faith that I profess impact on my life this coming week?
3. How will I continue to celebrate my joy in the resurrection of the Lord this coming week?
4. How will I express in my life  the love I celebrate this coming week?
5. What difference has the season of Easter been to me this last 5 weeks?
6. How can I begin to prepare for the feast of Pentecost?

May this reflection questions be a fruitful source of meditation for you during this coming week 

Opening Prayer Series: Fifth Sunday of Eastertide Year A

The Opening Prayer for the fifth Sunday of Easter Year A reads as follows:

Let us pray

(that we may enjoy true freedom)

God our Father,

look upon us with love.

You redeem us and make us your children in Christ.

Give us true freedom, 

and bring us to the inheritance You promised. 

In making this prayer tangible for during the week, the following reflection questions emerged

1. What is true freedom?
2. What are the areas of my life that are trapped by slavery?
3. What steps will I take this week to free myself from this slavery?
4. What does it mean to me for God to look upon me with love?
5. How will God's look of love impact on my life this week?
6. What does it mean to me to be a child of God in Christ?
7. What does it mean to me to be promised my inheritance with God in Heaven?

Today's Gospel from St John gives us all hope that when we die, that God has prepared a place for us. It should fill us with great joy, and indeed we do know the way since Jesus is the way, truth and life.

However, there is a lighter side to what could be considered a theological gospel. The responses of both Thomas and Phillip (and perhaps ourselves at times) seems so practical and human. Thomas wanted his confusion cleared up- 'Lord we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?'

Perfectly normal query for both him and us. For example, we do not know where Jesus is in our lives sometimes, since He may seem absent, so how do we find him again in our prayer life?

Phillip is also practical. He is not concerned on directions like Thomas, rather he wants the lot now.
'Lord let us see the Father and then we shall be satisfied'. Perhaps we can be like Phillip and want results now too.We are not interested in waiting or the experience of the journey..

Of course the spiritual journey with Jesus is about believing, hoping and being in relationship with Him.  We cannot have the complete joys of Heaven now, but we can hope for them. We can order our lives so that we are union with Jesus and journey towards our heavenly home. Most importantly, we can journey with Jesus throughout our life and allow Him to be our greatest friend. We may not understand how the Father is in Jesus and He is in the Father, but Jesus asks us to believe.

Let us ask God to strengthen our faith, hope and love in Him this week.

Opening Prayer Series: 4th Sunday of Eastertide Year A

The Opening Prayer for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A reads as follows:

Let us pray

(that Christ our Shepherd will lead us through the difficulties of this life) 

Almighty and ever-living God,

give us new strength,

from the courage of Christ our Shepherd,

and lead us to join the saints in Heaven,

where He lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,

one God for ever and ever.

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

1. How does the image of Christ the Good Shepherd  impact in my life?
2. What do I know of the image of Christ as Shepherd and how does it relate to me?
3. What is the courage of Christ the Good Shepherd?
4. How can Christ the Good Shepherd give me courage this coming week?
5. What desire do I have to join the saints in Heaven?
6. Why should Heaven be my ultimate and primary goal?

In today's Gospel we read of some the characteristics of the Good Shepherd such as:

• the Shepherd lets his sheep through the gate
• the sheep listen to His voice.
• He calls each sheep by name.
• He goes ahead of the sheep and they follow Him.
• The sheep know His voice.

Sheep are often considered to be dumb animals,and we, can be indeed by like sheep following the leader, even if the leader is not leading us to where we need to be.  Each of the characteristics of Christ as Good shepherd can be most comforting for us who struggle with our lives.  Christ knows each of us by name and we know His voice when we listen to Him. He goes ahead of us and we follow Him. 

However, when we have Christ as our Good Shepherd who loves us and knows us by name, we definitely need to listen to His voice and follow Him, so that He will lead us to greener pastures.  

So let us not be dumb sheep, but follow Christ as our Shepherd. Let us listen to His voice and respond to Him as He calls us each by name. Let us discern and listen to the voice of the Shepherd that Christ has given us in our pastor. Let us pray for him on this special day, and ask that Christ may give many more vocations.

May Christ the Good Shepherd guide you.

 

Opening Prayer Series: Third Sunday of Eastertide Year A

The Opening Prayer for the Third Sunday of Eastertide reads as follows:

Let us pray,

( that Christ will give us a share in the glory of His unending life)

God our Father,

may we look forward with hope to our resurrection,

for You have made us for Your sons and daughters,

and restored the joy of our youth.

In making this prayer tangible for this coming week, the following reflection questions emerged.

1. Why do I want to have a share in God's glory?
2. How can I contribute to sharing God's glory to others in my work, home and parish?
3. Why is it important to look forward with hope to my own resurrection?
4. What does it mean to me to be a son/daughter of God?
5. What does it mean for God to have restored the joy of my youth?
6. How can I become the person God wants me to be this coming week?
7. What is my spiritual plan/agenda for this coming week to love and know God better?

Today's Gospel is the familiar story of the disciples on the way to Emmaus.  In it, Jesus allows the disciples to share their disappointment, sadness and their own personal hope before He gave them some teaching about Himself through the Scriptures. It was not until they were at table that He revealed Himself to them, and then the 'light bulb' experience occurred ' Their eyes were opened and they recognized Him' and 'did not our hearts burn within us as He talked to us on the road and explained the scriptures to us'..

So what about us? Do we spend time with Christ to be able to share our disappointment and sadness of our lives and our personal hope. Like the disciples in our gospel, He listens to us uninterrupted. God is God, and yet humble enough and respectful of us to listen to us uninterrupted. God is amazing.  Then we too need to pass Him the same courtesy- be silent before Him as He teaches us what we need to know.  We too can have a 'light bulb' experience when our eyes are opened by Him and we recognize Him. We too long for our hearts to burn within us as He talks to us.  

In spending time with Jesus, we must remember that we have two ears and one tongue- let us use both ears to listen to Him speak to us and our tongue to share the intricacies of our lives. God is ready to listen to us, but are we ready this coming week to listen to Him and have a 'light bulb' experience.

Let our hearts burn within us this coming week, not with indigestion of life, but with the love and companionship of God.