Tuesday 31 July 2018

Audio reflections of Wednesday, August 1, 2018

To hear the Audio reflections of Wednesday, August 1, 2018 click HERE

Wednesday, August 1, 2018 - What would you give in exchange for your life?


To read the texts click on the texts: Jer 15:10,16-21; Mt 13:44-46

The parables of the hidden treasure (13:44) and the fine pearls (13:45-46) are found only in the Gospel of Matthew. In both the parables the one who finds, goes and sells all he has for the sake of what he has found. 

However, the one who finds the treasure in the field finds it by accident and is not actively looking for it, whereas the merchant is in search of fine pearls. This is probably why the one in the field is filled with joy whereas the merchant knowing that he has found what he is looking for is not filled with joy, but is willing to give up everything for the sake of the pearl that he has found. 

Though some may find the action of the man in the field who hides the treasure questionable, it must be noted that the parable does not legitimise the man’s action of hiding, but focuses on his action of selling all that he had. The point of the parables seems to be that the dawning of the kingdom calls for reflection on one’s values and leads to action that brings on a new set of values.

We might become so used to doing things in a particular way that we are unwilling to change even if someone shows us a better way of doing the same thing. These parables are calling us to Newness and to sacrifice what we are for what we can become.

Wednesday, August 1, 2018 - Jer 15:10,16-21; Mt 13:44-46

Wednesday, August 1, 2018 - Jer 15:10,16-21; Mt 13:44-46


  1. What does the one who finds the treasure first do?

  2. He tells everyone that he has found it
    He hides it
    He throws a party

  3. Besides being like waters that fail, like what else does Jeremiah say the Lord is?

  4. Flowing streams
    A deceitful brook
    Swollen rivers

  5. Where does Jesus is the treasure hidden?

  6. One's heart
    A field
    A forest

  7. What did Jeremiah do to the words of God?

  8. He gave them away
    He spoke them
    He ate them

  9. How many pearls of great value does the merchant find?

  10. Ten
    One
    Three

  11. What will Jeremiah be made by the Lord?

  12. A new Jerusalem
    A fortified wall of bronze
    A fortified city

  13. What does the man who finds the treasure do after he hides it?

  14. He forgets about it
    He keeps it in the ground
    He sells all he has and buys the field

  15. What is the merchant in search of?

  16. A good bargain
    Customers for his goods
    Fine pearls

  17. When will Jeremiah serve at the Lord's mouth?

  18. If he utters what is worthless
    If he utters what is precious
    If he opens his mouth

  19. What is the message of the readings of today?

  20. We must be ready for the unexpected
    Sometimes we have to actively search for the treasure
    Most times, the treasure is hidden within us

Thanks for taking the Quiz. I hope it makes the word of God more relevant. Let me know on errolsj@gmail.com. Suggestions are always welcome.

Monday 30 July 2018

Tuesday, July 31, 2018 - St. Ignatius of Loyola - Will you like Ignatius be one-pointed in your love for Jesus?


To read the texts click on the texts: Jer 20:7-9;1 Cor 10:31-11:1; Lk 14:25-33

If St. Francis Xavier is known as “A Saint in a hurry” and one who wanted to set the world on fire with the love of God, St. Ignatius of Loyola may be seen as the one who sparked in Francis Xavier that flame and caused that hurry. In more ways than one Ignatius influenced the life of Francis Xavier and numerous Jesuits after him to make a difference in the world, to be that “fire that kindles other fires.”

While the conversion of Ignatius from soldier to saint has been attributed largely to the profound experience when lying in his convalescent bed after the canon ball struck his leg and injured it, there are other experiences that Ignatius had after his convalescence that are also important and which set the tone for this transformation.

Three of these experiences may be highlighted. The first of these was the experience in a cave in the city of Manresa. In a monastery in Manresa, he practised the most rigorous asceticism with frequent confessions and masses and the performance of the most disagreeable and menial tasks. It was here that the phrase “Quid hoc ad aeternitatem”, which asks "How does this compare to eternity?" led to experience of the discernment of spirits. Ignatius experienced here a conversion from aggressiveness to assertiveness and from impulsiveness to discernment. This experience also led to the transformation of the recluse and ascetic into an apostle and missionary.  It was in Manresa that he produced the now famous “Spiritual Exercises” which were to exert a potent influence on numerous people all over the world and which continues to inspire and influence people even today.

The second experience that Ignatius had was on the banks of the river Cardoner. Here he had a vision which is regarded as the most significant in his life. The vision was more of a kind of enlightenment, about which he later said that he learned more on that one occasion than he did in the rest of his life. Ignatius never revealed exactly what the vision was, but it seems to have been an encounter with God as God really is so that he was able to see all of creation in a new light. It acquired a new meaning and relevance which translated into an experience that enabled Ignatius to find God in all things and all things in God.

What God impressed upon his heart and mind we do not know, but God branded him as if with a red-hot iron, because after even these visions had ceased, their effects lasted. The vision strengthened him so much and gave him such conviction that he would later say that even if there were no scriptures to teach us in matters of faith, he would be resolved to die for his faith because of what he had seen. This clarity was so great that in the whole course in his life, that he would often say that even if he were to gather all the help he had received from God and all the many things he knew, and added them altogether, he does not think that they would equal what he received at that one time. And thus, his understanding became enlightened in so great a manner that it seemed to him that he was a different man and that he had a different intellect from the one he had had before.

The third experience that led to the deep transformation was at La Storta. Here he seemed to see the Eternal Father associating him with Jesus, who spoke the words: Ego vobis Romaepropitiusero (“I will be favourable to you in Rome”). Though many interpreted this promise to mean the subsequent success of the Society of Jesus in Rome, Ignatius' own interpretation was characteristic: "I do not know whether we shall be crucified in Rome; but Jesus will be propitious."

What is the significance of these experiences for us today?

The experience of Manresa points to the fact that the world in which we live is temporary and passing. This is precisely why we must live each day as if it were our last. In doing so we must avoid giving into the negative which has the tendency to drag us down and look at every person, thing and situation as positively as we can. We must realize that “there is nothing in all creation that is only profane for those who know how to look”. (Teilhard de Chardin)

From the Cardoner experience we learn that God is present in each and every situation and at each and every moment of our lives. This presence is not a hidden presence but a very visible presence if only we open our eyes and hearts to see. This experience also invites us to look at the newness that each day brings and to impress on us that the past is over and gone and cannot be changed. All the wrongs have been forgotten and erased and we must start anew and afresh.

Finally the constant presence of God in the world and in our lives does not mean that things will go the way we want them to go. As a matter of fact though Ignatius heard that Jesus would be favourable to him in Rome, he had most of his problems in Rome. The point, however, is that despite these numerous problems Ignatius continued to believe that God was working in his life. Thus even when all our plans go awry and we find it difficult to find the hand of God or feel God’s presence, the fact of the matter is that God is always there.

The Gospel text for the feast is from Jesus’ words to the crowds that accompany him on his journey. They set forth three conditions of discipleship, uncompromising demands made of those who would follow him: the willingness to leave family ties, the willingness to face radical self-denial, and the willingness to give up one’s material possessions. In addition, he casts these conditions of discipleship in a demand for serious consideration and no-nonsense, prior deliberation about the costs of such following. The engagement is not to be undertaken lightly.

The first condition (v. 26) calls for a willingness to put parents, family, relatives, even one’s own life, in subordination to discipleship. In effect, it asks the Christian disciple how much he/she esteems Jesus to whom allegiance is being given. All human and natural relations must be set behind the connection with Jesus.

The second condition (v. 27) calls for the disciple to carry his/her cross and walk behind Jesus. The Lucan Jesus here makes it one of the three conditions. In its own way it clarifies Luke’s addition to the first condition, the hating of one’s “own life,” for it may even lead to a destiny similar to that which Jesus will face. The carrying of one’s cross without regarding it as a burden is possible only if the first condition is met. A person who regards him/herself as nothing is the one who will be able to persevere in carrying the cross.

The third condition (v. 33) calls for a radical renunciation of all one’s material possessions. It needs no explanation, but one should recall the Lucan theme into which it fits.

The seriousness demanded by the three conditions is then presented in the twin parables (vv. 28–32) that follow. Jesus counsels his followers not to decide on discipleship without advance, mature self-probing. One must consider not only the demands to be made but also the consequences of what may only be begun and be left half-done because of a lack of follow-through and perseverance. Ridicule or surrender to unconditional terms should deter one from rash and unreflective decisions.

In these parables Jesus counsels the disciple to consider seriously what forces and resources the would-be disciple has. But the added condition in 14:33 counsels renunciation of all the material possessions that one has.

Ignatius clearly lived out the demands made by the Lucan Jesus in these verses. Once he had decided to follow Jesus, he was willing to give up everything and persevere. He had found the pearl of great price and was willing to go to any lengths to acquire it.

St. Ignatius of Loyola - Jer 20:7-9; 1 Cor 10:31-11:1; Lk 14:25-33

July 31, 2018 - St. Ignatius of Loyola - Jer 20:7-9; 1 Cor 10:31-11:1; Lk 14:25-33


  1. Besides Jews and the church of God who else must not be offended?

  2. Pharisees
    Greeks
    Herodians

  3. How many soldiers does the first king have?

  4. Twenty thousand
    Ten thousand
    Five thousand

  5. What does Jeremiah say he must proclaim when he speaks?

  6. The word of the Lord
    The kingdom of God
    Violence and destruction

  7. What does the person intend to build in the first parable that Jesus tells?

  8. A Palace
    A house
    A tower

  9. What does Jeremiah say he has become in the eyes of people?

  10. A prophet
    A laughing stock
    A seer

  11. What was the name of the Society that St. Ignatius founded?

  12. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul
    The Ignatians
    The Society of Jesus

  13. In which year was St. Ignatius born?

  14. 1492
    1491
    1591

  15. Which famous saint did Ignatius convince to join him?

  16. St. Gregory the great
    St. Augustine
    St. Francis Xavier

  17. How many chapters does the first letter to the Corinthians contain?

  18. Fifteen
    Sixteen
    Seventeen

  19. What is the message of the readings of today?

  20. Well begun is half done
    We must be careful of beginning with a bang else we might end with a whimper
    We begin slow and keep persevering

Thanks for taking the Quiz. I hope it makes the word of God more relevant. Let me know on errolsj@gmail.com. Suggestions are always welcome.

Novena to St. Ignatius - Day Nine - July 30, 2018

Lord, teach us to be generous. Teach us to love you and serve you as you deserve. To give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labour and not to look for reward, save that of knowing that we do your most holy will. 

Tomorrow, we will celebrate the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus or the Jesuits. For the last eight days, we have been praying that through his intercession we might obtain various graces to live more fully our own lives as individuals and as a community. Today, on the last day of the Novena, we make our own, the last meditation of the Spiritual Exercises which is titled The Contemplation to Obtain love.
In this meditation we are encouraged to see and witness God working for us and for our good, indeed for the good of all creation. We are exhorted therefore to find God in all things and all things in God. It is easy to see God’s hand when things go the way we want them to go, but when our plans go awry and our world in turned upside down, God is present in that situation as well.
Through the intercession of St. Ignatius, we pray for the grace know this. Amen.

Take Lord, receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, my entire will. You have given them to me, to you I return them. Give me only your love and your grace that is enough for me. 

Sunday 29 July 2018

Audio Reflections of Monday, July 30, 2018

To hear the Audio Reflections of Monday, July 30, 2018 click HERE

Monday, July 30, 2018 - Small beginnings will have great endings. Well begun is half-done.


To read the texts click on the texts: Jer 13:1-11; Mt 13:31-35

There are three parts to the text of today. The first is the parable of the mustard seed (13:31-32) then is the parable of the yeast (13:33) and finally the reason why Jesus speaks in parables (13:34-35).

While the parable of the Mustard seed is found also in Mark 4:30-32, Matthew follows the Q version more closely. While in Mark, the mustard seed becomes more correctly a shrub which puts forth large branches (Mk 4:32) and the birds of the air make nests in the shade of the shrub (Mk 4:32), in Matthew, the mustard seed becomes a tree (13:32) and the birds of the air makes nests in its branches (13:32). The tree motif probably has references to the symbol of the imperial tree mentioned in Ezekiel 17:23 and 31:6. The point, however seems to be to contrast the present lowliness of the kingdom with its ultimate greatness.

In the parable of the yeast, we are told about the act of a specific woman in hiding the yeast in three measures of flour, just as the mustard seed had spoken about the act of a specific man in sowing the seed. Yeast, here is used in the positive sense, whereas generally it has negative overtones. The reason for the use of yeast as a symbol for the kingdom is to probably shock the listeners. The quantity of flour into which the yeast is hid is three measures, which would produce enough bread to feed about 150 people, and is indeed a large amount, brings out the aspects abundance and extravagance. The kingdom at present seems small and insignificant, as is the yeast, but it will be revealed in its fullness later.

Though Mt 13:34 parallels the conclusion of Mark’s parable discourse (Mk 4:33-34), which states that Jesus spoke to the crowds only in parables, Matthew has added in 13:35 the eighth of his formula or fulfilment quotations. The quotation is from Ps 78:2 and Matthew probably uses it because of the word “parable” found in it, though the context in the Psalm is not about hiding but about revelation.

We might tend to get discouraged sometimes when we cannot see clearly the results of our actions. We have striven hard and at times all that we have to show for our hard work seems negligible in comparison. The parables of the mustard seed and yeast are calling us to continue to sow and mix or in other words to do what is required of us to the best of our ability.

Monday, July 30, 2018 - Jer 13:1-11; Mt 13:31-35

Monday, July 30, 2018 - Jer 13:1-11; Mt 13:31-35


  1. How many measures of flour are leavened?

  2. One
    Three
    Two

  3. How many chapters does the book of Jeremiah contain?

  4. Fifty one
    Fifty two
    Fifty

  5. To which river was Jeremiah asked to go wearing the loincloth?

  6. Tiber
    Euphrates
    Jordan

  7. To what is the ruined loincloth compared?

  8. Israel and Samaria
    Judah and Jerusalem
    Egypt and Cairo

  9. What kind of loincloth was Jeremiah asked to buy?

  10. Silk
    Linen
    Cotton

  11. Which prophet does Jesus quote in the Gospel of today?

  12. Isaiah
    Jeremiah
    Ezekiel

  13. What seed does Jesus speak about in today's Gospel?

  14. Wheat
    Rice
    Mustard

  15. Where did Jeremiah hide the loincloth?

  16. Under a boulder
    In a corner of his house
    In a cleft of a rock

  17. What was Jeremiah asked not to do with the loin cloth?

  18. Not to wear it
    Not to dip it in water
    Not to drop it on the ground

  19. What is the message of the readings of today?

  20. Small beginnings have great endings
    Perseverance like the leaven is what we are called to
    We may think that our efforts are insignificant, but God does not think so.

Thanks for taking the Quiz. I hope it makes the word of God more relevant. Let me know on errolsj@gmail.com. Suggestions are always welcome.

Novena to St. Ignatius - Day Eight - July 29, 2018

Lord, teach us to be generous. Teach us to love you and serve you as you deserve. To give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labour and not to look for reward, save that of knowing that we do your most holy will. 

EVER SEARCHING FOR THE MAGIS: The entire life of St. Ignatius was a pilgrim search for the Magis, the ever-greater glory of God, the ever-fuller service of men and women, the more universal good, the more effective apostolic means. The Magis was not simply one among others in a list of the qualities of St. Ignatius - it permeated them all.

God of all creation, we often tend to let things slide and so become complacent and self-satisfied. We give in to the sin of mediocrity and are content with the status quo. We prefer the tried and tested ways and are afraid to try the new. We are afraid to make changes because of the fear of change. Give us the grace to strive always to make the good, better; the better, better still and the better still, still better. This we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Take Lord, receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, my entire will. You have given them to me, to you I return them. Give me only your love and your grace that is enough for me. 

Saturday 28 July 2018

Sunday, July 29, 2018 - From little to much


To read the texts click on the texts: 2 Kings4:42-44; Eph4:1-6; Jn 6:1-15


The miracle of the feeding of the five thousand with five loaves and two fish in which twelve baskets are gathered and which is the Gospel text of today is the only miracle that Jesus worked that is found in all four Gospels (Mt 14:13-21; Mk 6:35-44; Lk 9:10-17). While each evangelist narrates it slightly different from the others, the numbers that are used are the same in all four Gospels.

A variety of explanations have been offered as to what really happened. While some think that there was a miraculous multiplication of the loaves and fish, though it cannot be explained how, others think that when people saw Jesus and disciples sharing the little they had, they were also motivated to share their own food with others. Still others give a sacramental explanation to the miracle. There is no need to deny the historicity of the miracle, simply because we have never witnessed a miraculous multiplication of food. At the same time, however, the literal, historical miracle of Jesus on this occasion is full of ongoing and important significance for John’s community and for us, and thus it is necessary to go beyond what happened to understand the import and meaning of the miracle.

There are several aspects of the miracle that are exclusive to John and these serve to bring out clearly the meaning as John may have intended. It is only in the Gospel of John that there is a reference to the Passover and this serves to bring to mind the Exodus. This is made even more explicit when Jesus instructs his disciples to gather up the fragments so that nothing may be lost, much like Moses asked the people not to leave any manna around after they had eaten. While in the Synoptic Gospels Jesus says the blessing over the bread; in John he “gives thanks”. This serves to emphasize the Eucharistic element of the miracle and the discourse on the Bread of Life that follows.

Although it may be seen as the supernatural provision for the physical hunger of a large crowd on a specific occasion, the miracle is much more than just that. Indeed, it is a deed filled with symbolism at more than one level. The primary symbolism is that of messianic provision, which both points to the reality of present fulfillment and foreshadows the blessings that will continue to flow in the future. This provision takes place in the wilderness, just as manna was provided in the wilderness. Jesus is the messianic provider. He is the Bread of Life. People go away from his presence healed and filled. The miracle typifies the full and complete blessing of humanity in the meeting of human need and the experience of ultimate well-being, universal shalom or wholeness.

The feeding of the multitude is thus the harbinger of good news for people of every era. God is not far away and aloof from us. God is not simply a God up there in heaven. Jesus shows us that God is right here with us, beside us in our broken and troubled and suffering world. It is an indication to all peoples who dare to see and experience that the Messiah is in their midst.

Not only will God offer bread but also the choicest of gifts and these will be given freely and gratuitously. These will be in abundance just as at the feeding of the five thousand. There will be enough and more. God gives them freely because of his unconditional love, shown in a variety of ways to the people of Israel. As he provided manna to them in the desert, he also provided bread to them through the prophets as narrated in the first reading of today. However, this love was shown in the most perfect way in and through the sending of his Son, Jesus Christ. In doing so he provided not only for their physical needs, but ensured that every human need was sated in Jesus Christ.

This does not mean, of course, that those who believe in Jesus will have no problems or needs. But it does mean that God will give us the grace and aid to bear whatever load may befall us. Ours is not a faith of easy answers and unrealistic solutions, but Jesus lived and died for us, showing us that in whatever we experience, in whatever may trouble us, in whatever distress or threat we feel, we need not fear, because God is in it with us. God will give us what we need to make it through.

This is the perseverance and courage to which the second reading of today calls the Ephesians and us. Like the disciples of Jesus we sometimes find that our care and compassion is limited to prayer and good wishes. Like the disciples we wish people well but have no intention of taking positive action to actually help them. And, again like the disciples, what prevents us from taking positive action is often the realistic assessment that the little we are able to do is not really going to make any big difference.

But in the gospel we are challenged to see that when we translate our care and compassion into positive action, the little we are able to do is multiplied by God’s grace in such a way that it becomes more than sufficient for the need. In whatever crisis or issue we face in life, in whatever trouble may come our way, the power of God’s love will provide what we need.

Sunday, July 29, 2018 - 2 Kings 4:42-44; Eph4:1-6; Jn 6:1-15

Sunday, July 29, 2018 - 2 Kings 4:42-44; Eph4:1-6; Jn 6:1-15


  1. How many people were fed by Jesus?

  2. Four thousand
    Five thousand
    One hundred

  3. How many baskets were gathered after the feeding?

  4. Seven
    Twelve
    Eleven

  5. Which festival is mentioned in the Gospel text of today?

  6. Tabernacles
    Passover
    Pentecost

  7. How many barley loaves and fish did the boy have?

  8. Seven and few respectively
    Five and two respectively
    Four and three respectively

  9. What was another name for the Sea of Galilee?

  10. The Red Sea
    The Dead Sea
    The Sea of Tiberias

  11. Which disciple brought the boy to Jesus?

  12. James
    Peter
    Andrew

  13. How many people were fed by Elisha?

  14. Four thousand
    Five thousand
    One hundred

  15. How many loaves of barley did the man bring to Elisha?

  16. Five
    Seven
    Twenty

  17. Whom did Jesus ask from where they could buy food?

  18. Thomas
    Peter
    Philip

  19. What is the message of the readings of today?

  20. Jesus is the bread of life and can satisfy our hunger
    If we give even our meager resources to Jesus he can multiply them
    Sharing is an intrinsic part of discipleship

Thanks for taking the Quiz. I hope it makes the word of God more relevant. Let me know on errolsj@gmail.com. Suggestions are always welcome.

Novena to St. Ignatius - Day seven - July 28, 2018

Lord, teach us to be generous. Teach us to love you and serve you as you deserve. To give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labour and not to look for reward, save that of knowing that we do your most holy will. 

IGNATIAN INDIFFERENCE: For Ignatius, indifference was a means to reach the higher goal or the greater good, and so Ignatius would be indifferent to success or failure, riches or poverty, good health or sickness in order to achieve the greater good, which was always the greater glory of God. 

Father, we often get disappointed when things do not go our way. We sometimes give in to despair and lose hope. Gift us with the gift of Ignatian indifference so that we may be able to accept everything that happens to us as your will in our lives. Let us learn to be content in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, all the days of our lives. This we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Take Lord, receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, my entire will. You have given them to me, to you I return them. Give me only your love and your grace that is enough for me. 

Friday 27 July 2018

Audio Reflections of Saturday, July 28, 2018

To hear the Audio Reflections of Saturday, July 28, 2018 click HERE

Saturday, July 28, 2018 - Are there some whom you deliberately exclude from your circle of friends? Why?


To read the texts click on the texts: Jer 7:1-11; Mt 13:24-30

This is a parable found exclusively in the Gospel of Matthew. It is not clear whether this parable existed independently as a parable or whether it was conceived as an allegory from the beginning. Those who think that the parable existed independently interpret the parable to mean a statement against building of boundaries and so excluding some. The building of boundaries and forming exclusive communities is not the business of human beings, but is God’s task.


The point seems to be that even though the kingdom of God has been “sown,” evil continues to be real and effective, and it attempts to understand the interim period with its challenges on the basis of the beginning and especially the completion of the kingdom. In other words, the sowing is all important. Once the seed (wheat) is sown, no matter what the obstacles, there will be growth. The task of the disciple is therefore not to concentrate too much on the darnel (though they are aware of its presence), but to rest firm in the knowledge that since the sowing has been done, the gathering is assured.

Like the field in the parable there is good seed and there are weeds even in the world in which we live. There is both good and evil. We are called to take only what is good and not focus too much on the evil or bad. This does not mean passivity in the face of evil but a call for a discerning mind and heart.

Saturday, July 28, 2018 - Jer 7:1-11; Mt 13:24-30

Saturday, July 28, 2018 - Jer 7:1-11; Mt 13:24-30


  1. What will happen to the weeds after they are gathered?

  2. They will be used as manure
    They will be burned
    They will be used as chicken feed

  3. What did the enemy sow in the field?

  4. Rice
    Wheat
    Weeds

  5. What will happen to the wheat?

  6. It will be tied in bundles and burned
    It will be gathered in the barn
    It will sold in the market

  7. What has the house of the Lord become in the sight of the people?

  8. A place where true worship is seen
    A holy and quiet place
    A den of robbers

  9. What will be gathered first at harvest time?

  10. The wheat
    The weeds
    Both will be gathered together

  11. Where was Jeremiah asked to stand?

  12. In a field where wheat was growing
    In the gate of the Lord's house
    On the street corner

  13. To whom was Jeremiah asked to proclaim the word?

  14. The people of Nineveh
    The people of Judah
    The people of Chorazin

  15. In what does the people trust instead of in the Lord?

  16. The word of the Lord
    Deceptive words
    The words of Jeremiah

  17. What did the householder sow in his field?

  18. Weeds
    Wheat
    Rice

  19. What is the message of the readings of today?

  20. There is evil in our world, yet we are challenged not to be influenced by it.
    We are not to judge others. The Lord alone is the judge.
    Our task as disciples of Jesus is to keep sowing wheat

Thanks for taking the Quiz. I hope it makes the word of God more relevant. Let me know on errolsj@gmail.com. Suggestions are always welcome.

Novena to St. Ignatius - Day six - July 27, 2018

Lord, teach us to be generous. Teach us to love you and serve you as you deserve. To give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labour and not to look for reward, save that of knowing that we do your most holy will. 

CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT: “Laudato Si” of Pope Francis has made us aware that our mother earth is very much in need of healing. Each one of us is as responsible as the other for the care of our world. There is too much of waste all around us and we are as responsible for it as anyone. Let us resolve to use less of everything. It is amazing to note that if we reflect and try we can make-do with less than half the things that we normally use. This is true of water, soap, paper, electricity, food, clothes and so many other things.

Father, Son and Spirit, when you first created our world you wanted that all creation live in harmony. Our selfishness has resulted in in abuse of our mother. Give us the grace to use what we need as true trustees of your gift of Creation. We ask this of you our Triune God, Amen.

Take Lord, receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, my entire will. You have given them to me, to you I return them. Give me only your love and your grace that is enough for me. 

Thursday 26 July 2018

Audio reflections of Friday, July 27, 2018

To hear the Audio reflections of Friday, July 27, 2018 click HERE

Friday, July 27, 2018 - What prevents you from listening to what God is calling you to do? What will you do about it today?


To read the texts click on the texts: Jer 3:14-17; Mt 13:18-23

These verses contain what is known as the allegory of the parable of 13:10-17. Unlike Mark who does not give it a name, Matthew names it the Parable of the Sower (13:18), and in doing so concentrates attention on the Sower. 

While in the Marcan interpretation there is confusion as to whether the seed is the word (as in Mark 4:14) or the hearers (as in Mark 4:16,18,20), Matthew rewrites Mark to avoid this confusion but does not succeed fully in this endeavour. Matthew also specifies that the word that is sown is the word of the kingdom. While in Mark collective nouns are used focussing on a group of people, Matthew emphasises individual responsibility by changing the nouns to the singular. Despite these changes, Matthew essentially adopts the interpretation of the Parable as in Mark 4:13-20 where it is understood as the Church’s reflection on its bearing witness to the Gospel that Christ inaugurated.

Christianity is both an individual and communitarian religion. Each sacrament has both the individual and communitarian dimensions. This means that while on the one hand we are each responsible for the other, we are also responsible for ourselves and need to make our commitment individually. We cannot disown this responsibility or thrust it on the community.

Friday, July 27, 2018 - Jer 3:14-17; Mt 13:18-23

Friday, July 27, 2018 - Jer 3:14-17; Mt 13:18-23


  1. Who snatches what is sown in the heart?

  2. The thief
    The evil one
    The brigand

  3. What does the seed sown in good soil produce?

  4. Thirty, sixty, a hundredfold
    A hundredfold, sixty, and thirty.
    A hundredfold

  5. What will not be remembered or missed?

  6. The riches of the people
    The ark of the covenant of the Lord
    the poverty of the people

  7. What does the Lord say Jerusalem will be called?

  8. The house of the Lord
    The ark of the covenant
    The throne of the Lord

  9. What does the lure of wealth do to the word?

  10. It diverts it
    It chokes it
    It enables it to flourish

  11. Whom does the Lord invite to return?

  12. Faithful children
    Faithless children
    Faithful adults

  13. Who will the Lord give to the people to guide them?

  14. Seers
    Prophets
    Shepherds

  15. With what will the shepherds of the Lord feed the people?

  16. With green grass
    With the choicest of fruits
    With knowledge and understanding

  17. Where will the Lord bring the faithless children?

  18. Galilee
    Zion
    Hebron

  19. What is the message of the readings of today?

  20. The word of God must be lived if it to become present
    The word of God is alive and active
    To bear fruit is to hear the word of God

Thanks for taking the Quiz. I hope it makes the word of God more relevant. Let me know on errolsj@gmail.com. Suggestions are always welcome.

Novena to St. Ignatius - Day five - July 26, 2018

Lord, teach us to be generous. Teach us to love you and serve you as you deserve. To give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labour and not to look for reward, save that of knowing that we do your most holy will. 

IN SOLIDARITY WITH THOSE MOST IN NEED: One of the most painful experiences of the last year was the refugee crisis in many parts of the world. Refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries fled to Europe to escape from conflict and violence. While some countries were welcoming, other closed their doors because they did not want to be disturbed. Pope Francis took the initiative to encourage all to welcome refugees and showed this in action by transporting three families to live in Rome.

God of the poor and marginalised, Mary and Joseph were refugees themselves when they sought a place to bring their child into the world. Jesus was a migrant who had “nowhere to lay his head.” We pray for those in authority all over the world that they be given the grace to open their hearts and minds to the reality of displacement and be generous with accommodating as many as possible. This we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Take Lord, receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, my entire will. You have given them to me, to you I return them. Give me only your love and your grace that is enough for me. 

Wednesday 25 July 2018

Audio Reflections of Wednesday, July 25, 2018

To hear the Audio Reflections of Wednesday, July 25, 2018 click HERE

Thursday, July 26, 2018 - Do you consider yourself a disciple or are you an outsider? How does your discipleship show in your life?


To read the texts click on the texts: Jer 2:1-3,7-8,12-13; Mt 13:10-17
This text concerns the reason for Jesus’ speaking in parables. While in Mark (4:10-12) a larger group asks about the parables, in Matthew, it is the disciples who ask Jesus why he speaks to “them” in parables. 

Understanding the parables of Jesus is not simply a matter of using one’s intellect, but a grace given by God himself. It is given to those who acknowledge their dependence on God. Only those who have committed themselves to follow Jesus are given an insight into the mysteries of the kingdom. Since they have Jesus as their teacher, they will be able to understand all there is to know. The closed attitude of those who do not wish to follow is what is responsible for their lack of understanding. 

Matthew quotes Isaiah 6:9-10 completely here, and regards the lack of understanding as a fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy. Since the disciples are open and receptive they are indeed blessed. They are able to see and hear and understand what mere human knowledge can never hope to understand.

Humanity has taken great strides in the areas of science and technology, and yet there are many things that we still do not understand. We can use technology to communicate with someone who is thousands of miles away, but technology cannot explain to us why we cannot communicate with a neighbour who lives by our side. This must lead to the realisation that when all is said and done we will still fall short of understanding all the mysteries there are and have to depend on God.

Thursday, July 26, 2018 - Jer 2:1-3,7-8,12-13; Mt 13:10-17

Thursday, July 26, 2018 - Jer 2:1-3,7-8,12-13; Mt 13:10-17


  1. What have the people dug out for themselves?

  2. Deep wells full of water
    Cracked cisterns that can hold no water
    Oil fields to get rich

  3. Who asked Jesus why he spoke in parables?

  4. The crowds
    His disciples
    The Pharisees

  5. How many evils have the people committed?

  6. Several
    Two
    Three

  7. Which prophet does Jesus quote?

  8. Isaiah
    Jeremiah
    Ezekiel

  9. Whom does the Lord say the prophets prophesied?

  10. Elohim
    Yahweh
    Baal

  11. What did the people make the Lord's heritage?

  12. A scandal
    An abomination
    An enemy

  13. Whom does the Lord ask to be appalled?

  14. The people
    The earth
    The heavens

  15. In whose hearing was Jeremiah asked to proclaim?

  16. Samaria
    Assyria
    Jerusalem

  17. Why does Isaiah say the people cannot see?

  18. Because they are blind
    Because they have shut their eyes
    Because they do not want to see

  19. What is the message of the readings of today?

  20. To understand the parables of Jesus requires an open heart
    The parables of Jesus communicate deep truths
    The parables of Jesus are practical

Thanks for taking the Quiz. I hope it makes the word of God more relevant. Let me know on errolsj@gmail.com. Suggestions are always welcome.

Novena to St. Ignatius - Day four - July 25, 2018

OPENING PRAYER:  Lord, teach us to be generous. Teach us to love you and serve you as you deserve. To give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labour and not to look for reward, save that of knowing that we do your most holy will.

THE EUCHARIST, THE SOURCE OF LIFE: St. Ignatius was often moved to tears when he celebrated the Eucharist as he contemplated the great mystery of God’s love. This celebration was for him the primary source of strength. The Eucharist was not merely a ritual but a Sacrament in and through which he experienced the tangible love of the Trinity.

Triune God, Father, Son and Spirit we pray that the unity that you share may be the same unity that we feel. Give us all the grace to know that we are all parts of one body, the Body of Christ. May our concern for others be genuine and our love for the poor tangible. This we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Take Lord, receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, my entire will. You have given them to me, to you I return them. Give me only your love and your grace that is enough for me. 

Tuesday 24 July 2018

Audio Reflections of Wednesday, July 25, 2018 the Feast of St. James, Apostle

To hear the Audio Reflections of Wednesday, July 25, 2018 the Feast of St. James, Apostle, click HERE

Wednesday, July 25, 2018 - St. James, Apostle - James was willing to live and die for his Lord. Are you willing to live for Jesus?


To read the texts click on the texts: 2 Cor 4:7-15; Mt. 20:20-28
St. James is described as one of the first disciples along with his brother John to join Jesus (Mk 1:19-20). He was one of the three whom Jesus took with him when he raised Jairus daughter from the dead (Mk 5:35-43), on the mountain of transfiguration (Mk 9:2-9) and at Gethsemane (Mk 14:32-42). The Acts of the Apostles 12:1 records that Herod had James executed by sword. He is the only apostle whose martyrdom is recorded in the New Testament.

The Gospel text chosen for the feast of St. James is from the Gospel of Matthew.  In order to spare the disciples, whom Matthew usually represents as understanding, Matthew replaces the disciples’ own request with one represented by their mother and does not name the “sons of Zebedee” here.

The request for seats at the “right hand and left hand” reflects the rule of the Son of Man from his throne. In his reply to the request the Matthean Jesus focuses on the image of the cup which is used as a symbol for suffering, testing, rejection, judgement and even violent death. Though they express confidence that they are able to drink the cup, Jesus knows better. However, even martyrdom will not gain the disciples special places. That is God’s prerogative and grace. Jesus then takes the disciples to another level and perspective of leadership where to be a leader is not to dominate or dictate but to serve. Christian leadership may be defined as service.

James understood this after the death and resurrection of Jesus as was evident in his martyrdom. He followed his Lord and Master to the end and did indeed drink the cup courageously.

Wednesday, July 25, 2018 - 2 Cor 4:7-15; Mt. 20:20-28

Wednesday, July 25, 2018 - 2 Cor 4:7-15; Mt. 20:20-28


  1. Though Paul is perplexed what will not happen to him?

  2. He will not be forsaken
    He will not be driven to despair
    He will not be crushed

  3. How many chapters does the second letter to the Corinthians contain?

  4. Fifteen
    Thirteen
    Twelve

  5. In what does Paul say we have the treasure now?

  6. In golden jars
    In clay jars
    In steel jars

  7. Who came to Jesus with a request for her sons?

  8. Zebedee
    The mother of the sons of Zebedee
    James and John

  9. How many letters did Paul write to the Community at Corinth?

  10. One
    Three
    Two

  11. What does Paul say increases thanksgiving?

  12. Merit
    Grace
    Our good deeds

  13. Who will grant the places and the right and left of Jesus?

  14. Jesus
    The Father
    The Spirit

  15. Even though Paul may be afflicted what will not happen to him?

  16. He will not be driven to despair
    He will not be crushed
    He will not lose hope

  17. Though Paul may be struck down what will not happen to him?

  18. He will not be forsaken
    He will not be crushed
    He will not be destroyed

  19. What is the message of the readings of today?

  20. Authority in the kingdom means service
    If we want to be No 1 we must we willing to be No one
    Desire for power has no place in the kingdom of Jesus

Thanks for taking the Quiz. I hope it makes the word of God more relevant. Let me know on errolsj@gmail.com. Suggestions are always welcome.

Novena to St. Ignatius - Day three - July 24, 2018

OPENING PRAYER:  Lord, teach us to be generous. Teach us to love you and serve you as you deserve. To give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labour and not to look for reward, save that of knowing that we do your most holy will. 

LISTENING TO AND WAITING FOR THE LORD:   Though Ignatius was in constant and close touch with the Lord, he never presumed to tell the Lord what to do. Rather, like an attentive student before his Master, he was always listening and discerning what the Lord wanted him to do. 

Lord, sometimes we get impatient and want today’s answers yesterday and tomorrow’s answers today.  You ask us to be patient, because our ways are not your ways and our time is not your time. Gift us with patience and the ability to listen to your voice. This we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

CLOSING PRAYER: Take Lord, receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, my entire will. You have given them to me, to you I return them. Give me only your love and your grace that is enough for me. 

Monday 23 July 2018

Audio Reflections of Tuesday, July 24, 2018

To hear the Audio Reflections of Tuesday, July 24, 2018 click HERE

Tuesday, July 24, 2018 - Is Jesus pointing to you as his brother/sister? If yes, Why? If no, why not?


To read the texts click on the texts: Micah 7:14-15,18-20; Mt 12:46-50
The text of today contains a pointer as to who make up the true family of Jesus. Unlike in Mark, where the “crowd” is pointed out to as the true family of Jesus, in Matthew, it is the community of disciples who make up the true family. 

The point being made in this text is not so much about the mother or brothers and sisters of Jesus, but about who will be regarded as true members of Jesus’ family. 

The action of stretching out his hand has been used earlier to portray Jesus as compassionate (8:3) and also an act, which will be used later to show him as the great deliverer who comes to the aid of his disciples (14:31). In the concluding statement, the Matthean Jesus makes clear that discipleship and being a member of his family is not merely a matter of verbal profession even proclamation, but doing the will of God. This aspect makes anyone a brother or sister of Jesus.

We may imagine that because we have been baptised into the faith we can take for granted that we are members of Jesus’ family. This need not be so, since we need to keep renewing our commitment to Jesus and his cause every day. While verbal proclamation does have its place, it alone is not enough. We must show through our deeds whom we believe in.

Tuesday, July 24, 2018 - Micah 7:14-15,18-20; Mt 12:46-50

Tuesday, July 24, 2018 - Micah 7:14-15,18-20; Mt 12:46-50


  1. Where was the family of Jesus standing when they called to him?

  2. Inside the house
    Outside the house
    Among the crowd

  3. Where will the Lord cast the sins of the people?

  4. Into Gehenna
    Into the depths of the sea
    Into the netherworld

  5. To whom did Jesus point to indicate his family?

  6. The crowd
    His disciples
    His mother

  7. With what is the prophet asked to shepherd the people?

  8. His voice
    His staff
    His words

  9. To whom has the Lord shown unswerving loyalty?

  10. Jacob
    Joseph
    Abraham

  11. Besides Bashan where else will the flock feed?

  12. Egypt
    Gilead
    Assyria

  13. What does the Lord delight in showing?

  14. Anger
    Clemency
    Wrath

  15. What will happen to the iniquities of the people?

  16. They will be thrown into the sea
    They will be trod underfoot
    They will be passed over

  17. To whom has the Lord shown faithfulness?

  18. Abraham
    Jacob
    Joseph

  19. What is the message of the readings of today?

  20. Baptism must be lived out to be related to Jesus
    We become related to Jesus when we do God's will
    We cannot take for granted that we are related to Jesus

Thanks for taking the Quiz. I hope it makes the word of God more relevant. Let me know on errolsj@gmail.com. Suggestions are always welcome.