Thursday 31 January 2019

Audio Reflections of Friday, February 1, 2019

To hear the Audio Reflections of Friday, February 1, 2019 click HERE

Friday, February 2, 2019 - Do you more often than not focus on the present or the future? Do you focus on the now or on the later?


To read the texts click on the texts: Heb 10:32-39; Mk 4:26-34

The text of today contains two parables. The first of these (4:26-29) is known as the Parable of the seed growing secretly, and is found only in the Gospel of Mark. The second (4:30-32), known as the Parable of the Mustard seed is also found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.

In the first parable the point that is being made is that the one who scatters the seed only does so and then goes about his routine, not worried about the outcome of his effort. The seed continues to grow, simply because he has first scattered it. He knows that by worrying the seed will not grow faster, and so he lets it be.

In the Parable of the Mustard seed, the point that is made is that from little, there will be much. Small beginnings have great endings. The parable is a call to begin what one has to do without worrying about how small or big the outcome will be. The growth is sure and definite.

When Mark says in 4:33 that Jesus did not speak to the people without a parable, he is in effect saying that there was a parabolic character about all of Jesus’ teaching. This means that all of Jesus’ teaching involved the listener and it was the listener who supplied the lesson to the teaching and not Jesus. This indicates a freedom of choice that every listener was given at the time of Jesus. They were the ones to decide for or against. Jesus would never force them to accept his point of view.

It is sometimes the case that we spend much of our time worrying about the outcome of our actions even before we can do them. This attitude does not allow us to be in the present moment and so the action that we do is not done to the best of our ability. We do not put ourselves fully into the action that we do. At other times, we do not act at all but only worry. While the first of today’s parable is calling us to act and then relax rather than worry, the second is assuring us that our actions will indeed bear fruit.

Friday, February 1, 2019 - Heb 10:32-39; Mk 4:26-34

Friday, February 1, 2019 - Heb 10:32-39; Mk 4:26-34


  1. How many parables does Matthew Chapter 13 contain?

  2. Seven
    Six
    Thirteen

  3. What did the Hebrews joyfully accept?

  4. The persecutions they faced
    The plundering of their property
    The insults they faced

  5. In which other Gospel is the parable of the seed growing secretly also found?

  6. No other Gospel
    Matthew
    Luke

  7. What must the Hebrews not throw away?

  8. Their possessions
    Their confidence
    Their riches

  9. What does the earth produce first according to the parable?

  10. The ear
    The blade
    The full grain

  11. Where do the birds of the air make their nests?

  12. In the branches of the mustard shrub
    In the shade of the mustard shrub
    In the mustard shrub

  13. How will the righteous live?

  14. By their merit
    By their works
    By their faith

  15. With what kind of seed is the kingdom of God compared?

  16. Wheat
    Rice
    Mustard

  17. In which other Gospel is the parable of the mustard seed also found?

  18. Matthew and Luke
    Matthew
    Luke

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

  20. We must sow, God will make it grow
    We must do our best, God will do the rest
    We must act and not worry about the results

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.

Wednesday 30 January 2019

Audio Reflections of Thursday, January 31, 2019

To hear the Audio Reflections of Thursday, January 31, 2019 click HERE

Thursday, January 31, 2019 - How would you define the WORD OF GOD? Have you assimilated this WORD?


To read the texts click on the texts: Heb 10:19-25; Mk 4:21-25
The text of today follows immediately after the interpretation of the Parable of the Sower and the seed and contains two similes: that of the lamp and the measure. In Mark they seem to be connected with the response that a person makes to the Word spoken by Jesus. This Word is not an esoteric or secret Word. It is a Word that is to be make known, to be revealed, like a lamp is to be on a lamp stand. If one is open and receptive to this Word (the Measure of one’s openness) one will receive from God not only the ability to understand it but also to assimilate it.

Sometimes our closed attitudes and minds and our reluctance to accept change and newness may result in our missing out on all the revelations of the glory of God taking place around us. If we only open the eyes of our heart to see and the ears of our hearts to hear, we will be able to find God in all things and all things in him.

Thursday, January 31, 2019 - Heb 10:19-25; Mk 4:21-25

Thursday, January 31, 2019 - Heb 10:19-25; Mk 4:21-25


  1. Which letter of Paul in longest?

  2. Romans
    Galatians
    Philippians

  3. How many chapters does the letter to the Hebrews contain?

  4. Thirteen
    Fourteen
    Sixteen

  5. To what does Hebrews compare the curtain?

  6. The veil
    The flesh of Jesus
    The blood of Jesus

  7. How many letters did Paul write to Timothy?

  8. One
    Two
    Three

  9. How much will a person receive?

  10. According to the measure decided by God
    According to the measure he/she gives
    According to God's will

  11. What are our hearts clean from?

  12. Evil deeds
    Dirt from outside
    An evil conscience

  13. Where does Jesus say a lamp is to be put?

  14. Under a bed
    Under a bushel
    On a lampstand

  15. How do we enter the sanctuary?

  16. By the blood of Jesus
    By our own merit
    By our good works

  17. To whom is the letter to the Hebrews mainly addressed?

  18. Jewish Christians
    Gentile Christians
    Everyone

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

  20. As disciples of Jesus we must shine like stars
    We must be the salt that the world needs
    We must add taste and illumine wherever we go

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.

How to read the Gospel of John

If you are interested in my session on How to read the Gospel conducted at Salvation Church, Dadar on January 26, 2019 click on the link below:


Tuesday 29 January 2019

Audio Reflections of Wednesday, January 30, 2019

To hear the Audio Reflections of Wednesday, January 30, 2019 click HERE

Wednesday, January 30, 2019 -How often have you given into despair and lost hope? Will you continue to hope today?


To read the texts click on the texts: Heb 10:11-18; Mk 4:1-20

The text of today is taken from what is known as The Parable Discourse in the Gospel of Mark. The text contains an introduction to the Discourse (4:1-2), the parable of the Sower (4:3-9), a saying on the kingdom and its secret (4:10-12) and the interpretation of the parable (4:13-20). It is important that while it is likely that Jesus uttered the parable, in all probability the interpretation is the work of the early church. This is why; the interpretation of these texts must be done separately.

The parable of the Sower seems to point out that of the four types of soil in which the seed falls, it is LOST in three types and bears fruit in only one type. This indicates that while three quarters of the effort are lost, only a quarter is gain. However, the focus of the parable is not on the loss but on the gain, which even that one-quarter brings. The Parable is pointing out to the fact that this is how life often is. Three quarters of our efforts seem to be wasted and it is possible that when this happens we may give in to despair. However, we are called to focus not on this but on the enormous gain that the one-quarter of our effort will indeed bring.

We may tend to lose heart when we see that most of our efforts do not seem to be bearing fruit. At times like these the Parable of the Sower offers hope that even though much of our effort may seem to be lost, the gain that will arise from it will be enormous. It invites us not to ever lose heart but to keep on doing our part and leave the rest to God. It is calling us to sow and rest confident in the hope that God will make it grow.

Wednesday, January 30, 2019 - Heb 10:11-18; Mk 4:1-20

Wednesday, January 30, 2019 - Heb 10:11-18; Mk 4:1-20


  1. What happens to the seed sown on the path?

  2. It withers away
    The birds eat it up
    It gets chocked

  3. In how many types of soil is the seed lost?

  4. Two
    Three
    Four

  5. In which other Gospel/s does the parable of the sower appear?

  6. Matthew
    Matthew and Luke
    Luke

  7. How many types of soil does Jesus mention?

  8. Three
    Four
    One

  9. What happened to the seed sown on rocky ground?

  10. The birds ate them up
    It withered away
    It was eaten by insects

  11. From where did Jesus teach?

  12. From a boat
    From a ship
    From the shore

  13. What does every priest offer daily?

  14. A new sacrifice
    The same sacrifice
    A great sacrifice

  15. What happened to seed sown among thornd?

  16. They withered away
    They were chocked
    They were blown away

  17. What kind of yield did the grain sown in good soil give?

  18. A hundredfold
    Thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold
    Hundredfold and sixtyfold and thirtyfold

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

  20. We should focus on the action more than the result
    If we sow God will make it grow
    If we do our best God will do the rest

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 28 January 2019

Audio Reflections of Tuesday, January 29, 2019

To hear the Audio Reflections of Tuesday, January 29, 2019 click HERE

Tuesday, January 29, 2019 - If Jesus were to point to his family today, would you be counted as a member?


To read the texts click on the texts: Heb 10:1-10; Mk 3:31-35

The text of today forms the second part of the “sandwich” construction that Mark has used here. He introduced the family of Jesus in 3:20-21, interrupted this with the text on the Beelzebul controversy (3:22-30) and returns to the family of Jesus is today’s text 3:31-35. By using such a structure, Mark indicates that the family of Jesus are also hostile to Jesus. Also, Mark places them “outside” while Jesus is “inside” the house. This too indicates that they are not disciples. Jesus then defines family in terms of those who do the will of God. Some also think that by not mentioning the father of Jesus, Mark wants to assert that for Jesus and his disciples, only God is Father.

We may imagine that because we have been baptised are bear the name Christian we are automatically counted as members of Jesus’ family. However, baptism alone will not make us members of Jesus’ family, but the living out of the baptismal promises in our lives. This means that we must each do what we are called to do, namely our best at every given moment. 

Tuesday, January 29, 2019 - Heb 10:1-10; Mk 3:31-35

Tuesday, January 29, 2019 - Heb 10:1-10; Mk 3:31-35


  1. From which Old Testament book does Hebrews quote?

  2. Proverbs
    Psalms
    Lamentations

  3. The healing of ten lepers is found in only the Gospel of?

  4. Matthew
    Luke
    Mark

  5. How does Hebrews say we have been sanctified?

  6. Through the blood of the sacrifice
    Through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ
    Through the blood of bulls and goats

  7. How many chapters does the Gospel of Matthew contain?

  8. Twenty-eight
    Twenty-seven
    Twenty-six

  9. What does the law have of the good things to come?

  10. A replica
    A shadow
    The reality

  11. Who was sitting around Jesus when his family called him?

  12. His relatives
    His disciples
    A crowd

  13. Who does Jesus say are his mother and brethren?

  14. Those who follow him
    Those who do the will of God
    Those who are good

  15. Where did Jesus' family stand when they sent to him and called him?

  16. Inside the house
    Outside the house
    On the street

  17. The miracle of turning water into wine is found only in the Gospel of?

  18. Matthew
    John
    Luke

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

  20. True relations with Jesus consist in doing God's will
    To be related to Jesus one must act from love
    The fact of Baptism alone is not enough to be 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.

Sunday 27 January 2019

Audio Reflections of Monday, January 28, 2019

To hear the Audio Reflections of Monday, January 28, 2019 click HERE

Monday, January 28, 2019 - Is your general attitude to life positive or negative? Will you make an attempt to interpret every incident positively today?


To read the texts click on the texts: Heb 9:15,24-28; Mk 3:22-30

The text of today is known as the Beelzebul controversy. Scribes who come from Jerusalem accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the prince of demons. Jesus refutes their claim by showing how absurd it would be for Satan to cast himself out. The strong man whom Jesus talks about is Satan and the one who binds up the strong man is Jesus himself. Rather than accuse Jesus, the scribes must be able to see that with the coming of Jesus the reign of Satan is at an end.

The sin, which cannot be forgiven, is the sin against the Holy Spirit. Since there is the danger of looking at this sin as a specific sin, Mark clarifies that the reason why Jesus says this is because they accused him of having an unclean spirit. This means that the sin spoken of here is an attitude rather than a specific sin. It refers to the attitude of being closed to the revelation that God is making of himself in Jesus. It is an attitude of closing one’s eyes and refusing to see.

Today the sin against the Holy Spirit is to refuse to believe that the Spirit can transform me. Practically this means to give up even before one can begin. It means to give in or throw in the towel. It means not to give the Spirit a chance to work in our lives. It means a refusal to persevere and keep on keeping on.

Monday, January 28, 2019 - Heb 9:15,24-28; Mk 3:22-30

Monday, January 28, 2019 - Heb 9:15,24-28; Mk 3:22-30


  1. In which other Gospels does the Be-el′zebul controversy appear?

  2. Matthew
    Matthew and Luke
    Luke

  3. From which place did those who opposed Jesus come?

  4. Galilee
    Jerusalem
    Samaria

  5. Where does the High Priest enter with blood not his own?

  6. The Tabernacle
    The Holy Place
    The Tent

  7. Who accused Jesus of being possessed by Be-el′zebul?

  8. The Pharisees
    The scribes
    The Herodians

  9. With which does Jesus begin his response?

  10. Kingdom
    House
    Satan

  11. Of what kind of covenant is Christ the mediator?

  12. An Old Covenant
    A New Covenant
    His own Covenant

  13. Why will Christ appear again?

  14. To judge
    To save
    To deal with sin

  15. Where does Hebrews say Christ entered?

  16. Into a sanctuary made with hands
    Into heaven
    Into the underworld

  17. How did Christ put away sin?

  18. By the sacrifice of the fatted calf
    By the sacrifice of himself
    By the blood of bulls and goats

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

  20. The sin against the Holy Spirit is to no longer believe that the Holy Spirit can transform me
    The sin against the Holy Spirit is to doubt
    The sin against the Holy Spirit is to set limits to what God can do

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.

Saturday 26 January 2019

Sunday, January 27, 2019 - To proclaim good news to the poor


To read the texts click on the texts: Neh 8:2-4, 5-6,8-10; 1 Cor 12:12-30; Lk 1:1-4, 4:14-21

The beginning of the Gospel of Luke is unique because Luke is the only one of the four evangelists who states the purpose of his writing. It seems, from what he states, that his intention is to supply an orderly account, a doctrinal truth, and an assurance about the meaning of the whole Christ-event, to Theophilus – for whom he is writing. Thus, his intention is not merely historical. He will also narrate the things “that have been fulfilled” so that Theophilus may know the “truth”.

A summary of the Christ-event is given in the inaugural act of Jesus when he comes to the synagogue at Nazareth and reads from the scroll of Isaiah. Jesus, in all probability, chose the passage that he would read. Even as he read from this chosen text, he made subtle changes in his reading. The chosen passage, and the changes he made, brings out what his intentions are for all those whose lives he will touch. In his reading, the Lucan Jesus omits the phrase from Isaiah “to bind up the broken hearted” and adds instead, from Isa 58:6, “He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free”. Also, he omits, from Isa 61:2, “and the day of vengeance of our God” and ends, instead, by proclaiming the “favourable year of the Lord”.

What could be the possible reasons for the choice of this reading in his inaugural discourse? Why would he make the changes he made? One important reason for the choice seems to be the mention of the Spirit. The Spirit plays an important role in the Gospel of Luke and, right at the beginning, Luke shows that Jesus’ ministry, which he will soon begin, is empowered by the Spirit by whom Jesus was anointed at his baptism. Second, the poor are given special prominence in the Gospel of Luke, and so, the Lucan Jesus begins with an option for the poor. While the rich are not excluded, it is very clearly the poor who will have preference. “Poor” in Luke primarily means the economically poor, but also includes here, captives, the blind, and the oppressed. In a word, Jesus has come primarily for the marginalized, the scum of society, and those who are on its fringes.

What has Jesus come to proclaim to these? What are the implications of his proclamation for us today? Jesus has come to proclaim a year of God’s favour. He has come to show, through his word and deeds, that the God he will reveal is a God whose intention is to liberate the impoverished and the oppressed and, in that respect, fulfil the ideal and social concern of the Jubilee year. Jesus has come to announce God’s promise of liberation for all the poor and oppressed, regardless of nationality, gender, or race. The radical inclusiveness of his message was not easy for all to accept. Many preferred to be exclusive. They wanted a Messiah who would fit in with the categories they had set. Thus, not only was the message of Jesus scandalous, he was himself a scandal. Since they closed their minds and hearts to his inclusive message of God’s unconditional love, they were unable to receive it.

The implications of the proclamation of Jesus for us today are, first; the kingdom that Jesus proclaimed, and that we must continue to proclaim, must be a kingdom that has the poor at its very centre. The rich are not excluded because the kingdom is all inclusive. Yet, there can be no doubt that the preference must always be for the poor, the marginalized, the impoverished, and those of no consequence. Even as we work for the kingdom, we must keep in mind that others, too, are called to the same task and responsibility. Thus, as Paul reminds the Corinthians, and us, we must remember always that we are one body made up of many parts. We must be able to accept, not only unity in diversity but unity, even in diversity. This means that the work being done by those of other religions, other faiths, and other orientations, as long as it results in furthering God’s kingdom, is good and to be commended. We must learn to work, not only for others, but with others, as well. God’s word is a word that cannot be restricted to any particular group or community. It is a word that is freely given to all who are willing to understand and to accept it.  In the first reading of today, Ezra, the priest, exposes the word of God to the people and tells them to not be sad and to not weep. We, too, need to understand that the word is not a word that causes sorrow or brings tears. It is not a word that causes division or strife. Rather, it is a word that builds up because the Lord is, indeed, our strength and our hope.

Because this is the case, and even though we realize that, despite our very best efforts, the kingdom will always remain beyond our grasp, we keep striving, never giving up, never giving in. We keep as our model and inspiration the mission and person of Jesus who, even on the Cross, continued to say “Amen, Amen”.

Sunday, January 27, 2019 - Neh 8:2-4, 5-6,8-10; 1 Cor 12:12-30; Lk 1:1-4, 4:14-21

Sunday, January 27, 2019 - Neh 8:2-4, 5-6,8-10; 1 Cor 12:12-30; Lk 1:1-4, 4:14-21


  1. To whom did Jesus give the book after he finished reading?

  2. Peter
    The attendant
    James

  3. Whom does Paul say God has appointed in the Church first?

  4. Teachers
    Apostles
    Prophets

  5. For whom did Luke write an orderly account?

  6. Theoph′ilus
    Felix
    Justus

  7. From which prophet did Jesus read?

  8. Ezekiel
    Nehemiah
    Isaiah

  9. What is the name of the governor mentioned in the first reading of today?

  10. Ezra
    Nehemi′ah
    Ezekiel

  11. Where did Jesus return in the power of the Spirit?

  12. Jerusalem
    Samaria
    Galilee

  13. What was the name of the priest who brought the law before the assembly?

  14. Ezekiel
    Ezra
    Eraz

  15. Where does Luke say Jesus had been brought up?

  16. Jerusalem
    Galilee
    Nazareth

  17. On what kind of pulpit did the priest stand?

  18. Iron
    Steel
    Wooden

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

  20. All of us together make up the body of Christ
    The Church is an inclusive Institution
    The Church shows through its actions that Jesus is Lord

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.

Friday 25 January 2019

Audio Reflections of Saturday, January 26, 2019

To hear the Audio Reflections of Saturday, January 26, 2019 click HERE

Saturday, January 26, 2019 - Would Jesus point to you as member of his family? Why?

To read the texts click on the texts:Heb 9:2-3,11-14; Mk 3:20-21
This text is part of a larger text, which ends at 3:35. It is about the family of Jesus. In 3:20-21 (our text for today) the family of Jesus is introduced in a negative manner. They think that Jesus has gone out of his mind and want to restrain him. One possible reason why his family would have thought that he was “out of his mind” was because he was working miracles and this could have been seen as associated with magic and such persons could either be banned or even executed. His family thus come to take him away by force.

This episode is followed by the Beelzebul controversy (3:22-30) in which Jesus is accused of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul, by the scribes who come from Jerusalem. Mark then forms a "sandwich construction" by taking up in 3:31-35 a text concerning the family of Jesus. Here, however, Jesus makes clear that his true family are not those related to him by blood only, but by the will of God.

There are times when because we do not understand the actions of another person, we may tend to condemn them or look down on them or sometimes label them. We need to realise that because of our lack of understanding we may need to be open rather than closed and judgemental. 

Saturday, January 26, 2019 - Heb 9:2-3,11-14; Mk 3:20-21

Saturday, January 26, 2019 - Heb 9:2-3,11-14; Mk 3:20-21


  1. Besides the lamp stand and table what else was in the outer tent?

  2. The bread of the Presence
    The Presence of bread
    The Table

  3. How did Christ appear?

  4. As a Chief Priest
    As a high priest
    As a Priest

  5. How many chapters does the letter to the Hebrews contain?

  6. Fourteen
    Thirteen
    Twelve

  7. Of what is the greater and more perfect tent not made?

  8. Hands
    Bricks
    Cement

  9. Whose blood did Christ take to enter the Holy Place?

  10. Bulls
    Goats
    His own

  11. How many chapters does the Gospel of Mark contain?

  12. Sixteen
    Fifteen
    Fourteen

  13. What was the tent called that stood behind the second curtain?

  14. The Holy Place
    The Holy of Holies
    The Holiest place

  15. Who went to seize Jesus?

  16. His enemies
    The soldiers
    His friends

  17. Why did the friends of Jesus want to seize him?

  18. Because they said, "he is beside himself"
    Because they said,"he is not himself"
    Because they said, "he is God's son"

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

  20. When we cannot understand someone or something we tend to reject
    Openness is required to understand God's revelation
    God is love

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.

Thursday 24 January 2019

Audio Reflections of Thursday, January 25, 2019 the Conversion of St. Paul

To hear the Audio Reflections of Thursday, January 25, 2019 the Conversion of St. Paul click HERE

Friday, January 25, 2019 - Conversion of St. Paul - Saul changed his name to Paul after his conversion. What will you do as a result of having met Jesus Christ?


To read the texts click on the texts: Acts 22:3-16; Mk 16:15-18

Paul’s entire life can be explained in terms of one experience—his meeting with Jesus on the road to Damascus. In that instant he saw what he could become through grace and not law. It was a revelation to him that no matter how low a person may have fallen; God’s grace could always lift him/her up. It was also a revelation of the heights of mysticism one could reach if one opened oneself to God’s unlimited and unconditional grace.

The story of Paul’s conversion is narrated twice in the Acts of the Apostles (Chapters 9 and 22) and Paul himself makes reference to it in some of his letters (Gal 1:13-14; 1 Cor 9:1-2; 15:3-8).

The conversion of Saul to Paul was the conversion and transformation of a person who lived out the letter of the law, but forgot its spirit. However, once he allowed God’s grace to enter his heart, all that mattered to him was Christ and through Christ divine, gratuitous love. From the moment of his transformation, the focus of his preaching was that salvation was FOR ALL and that no amount of merit could save, because salvation was a free gift of God.

The first reading for the Feast speaks of his conversion and the Gospel text is from the longer ending of Mark and is an apt description of Paul’s power and actions after his transformation. He did indeed proclaim the Gospel to all creation and today invites us to do the same.
His Gospel may be summarised in one sentence, “God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself” (2 Cor 5:19)

Friday, January 25, 2019 - Acts 23:3-16; Mk 16:15-18

Friday, January 25, 2019 - Acts 23:3-16; Mk 16:15-18


  1. How many chapters does the Acts of the Apostles contain?

  2. Twenty-six
    Twenty-eight
    Twenty-seven

  3. What are we celebrating today?

  4. The Conversion of St. Paul
    The Change of name of Saul
    The birthday of St. Paul

  5. At what time did Paul witness the light from heaven?

  6. Early morning
    Around noon
    In the evening

  7. Where was Paul born?

  8. In Galilee
    In Tarsus
    In Jerusalem

  9. To whom is the gospel to be preached?

  10. The whole creation
    The whole of Jerusalem
    The whole of Galilee

  11. Who was Paul's teacher

  12. The Holy Spirit
    Gama′li-el
    God

  13. Which group did Paul belong to?

  14. Pharisees
    Herodians
    Sad′ducees

  15. Where was Paul journeying to capture and bind Christians?

  16. Damascus
    Galilee
    Samaria

  17. Who helped Paul recover his sight?

  18. An angel
    Anani′as
    Michael

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

  20. Faith can move mountains
    Faith is required for any healing
    Faith means to believe without seeing

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.

Wednesday 23 January 2019

Audio Reflections of Thursday, January 24, 2019

To hear the Audio Reflections of Thursday, January 24, 2019 click HERE

Thursday, January 24, 2019 - If you were to choose one word to describe your relationship with Jesus what word would you choose?

To read the texts click on the texts: Heb 7:25-8:6; Mk 3:7-12

Mark gives in these verses a summary account of the themes that have appeared from the beginning of the Gospel. Jesus' popularity increases and he cannot appear in public without being pressured by great multitudes seeking to he healed. Jesus' reputation has spread even to those towns where he did not go personally. The use of the term multitude here and the mention of the names of places as far as the region around Tyre and Sidon are an indication that Jesus’ authority is much greater than that of John the Baptist to whom in Mark people came from only the Judean countryside and Jerusalem (1:5). These multitudes are not necessarily disciples, and could have come to see Jesus out of curiosity or even to receive healing.

Mark once again has the command to silence, which is where Jesus commands the demons not to make him known. While some interpret this command as belonging to the rite of exorcism, others see it as Mark's desire to reject the testimony of the demons as evidence for Jesus' identity.

It is possible that we relate to God or Jesus as we would relate to the local grocer and go to him only when we need something. The text of today challenges us to review our relationship with Jesus and ask ourselves what he really means to us.

Thursday, January 24, 2019 - Heb 7:25-8:6; Mk 3:7-12

Thursday, January 24, 2019 - Heb 7:25-8:6; Mk 3:7-12


  1. What did the word of oath do?

  2. Appointed a High Priest
    Appointed a son who has been made perfect
    Appointed a Chief Priest

  3. What did the unclean spirits cry when they beheld Jesus?

  4. "Have mercy on us"
    “You are the Son of God.”
    "Do not cast us out"

  5. On what is the new covenant enacted?

  6. Better promises
    God's law
    God's rightesousness

  7. What did Jesus ask his disciples to have ready for him?

  8. His clothes
    His food
    A boat

  9. Where did Jesus withdraw with his disciples?

  10. To the land
    To the sea
    To his home

  11. Where is our high priest seated?

  12. At the left hand of the throne
    At the right hand of the throne
    At the centre of the throne

  13. When did the word of oath come?

  14. Before the law
    Later than the law
    At the same time as the law

  15. Who was instructed to make the tent?

  16. Abraham
    Moses
    Jacob

  17. How many chapters does the Gospel of Matthew contain?

  18. Twenty-six
    Twenty-seven
    Twenty-eight

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

  20. Jesus has come to make all people whole
    Jesus in Universal Saviour
    Jesus is lord of lords

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.

Tuesday 22 January 2019

Audio Reflections of Wednesday, January 23, 2019

To hear the Audio Reflections of Wednesday, January 23, 2019 click HERE

Wednesday, January 23, 2019 - Is there a synchrony between your words and your actions?

To read the texts click on the texts: Heb 7:1-3,15-17; Mk 3:1-6
The Gospel text of today concerns a Sabbath controversy. Though Mark does not specify at the beginning of this episode who it was that was watching Jesus for a reason to accuse him, at the end of the episode they are named as Pharisees and Herodians. While Pharisees had no political authority at the time of Jesus, they were influential. Herodians were a group of wealthy people who were partisans of Herod Antipas.

It is important to note that Jesus does nothing to break the Sabbath rest, but his question is the reason for the hostility. The response to Jesus' question is silence which here may be interpreted as an indication of the hostility of his opponents and of their intention to destroy him.

Anyone who truly cares about the law will agree with Jesus and rejoice that a man has been made whole again. Though the man in this case is not in any way near death, Jesus adds to the second part of his question the words "to save life or to kill?" This seems to be Mark's way of anticipating the intentions of Jesus' opponents. The point he seems to be making is that they object to someone being made whole on the Sabbath because they are concerned about the law, yet on the same Sabbath, they will not hesitate to plot the destruction of someone else. The contrast between their words and their deeds is strongly brought out.

Often in our lives there is a dichotomy between what we say and what we do. Our actions do not always match our words. There are also times when we say one thing and do another. The call of the text of today is to be as consistent as we possibly can. One way of doing this is to avoid judging others too easily. Another way would be to avoid promising what we know we will not be able to deliver and to think carefully before we speak and commit. 

Wednesday, January 23, 2019 - Heb 7:1-3,15-17; Mk 3:1-6

Wednesday, January 23, 2019 - Heb 7:1-3,15-17; Mk 3:1-6


  1. What day was it when Jesus healed the man?

  2. A feast day
    The sabbath
    A Sunday

  3. From which Psal is this verse “Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchiz′edek” taken?

  4. Ps 109
    Ps 110
    Ps 111

  5. How many chapters does the letter to the Hebrews contain?

  6. Fourteen
    Thirteen
    Twelve

  7. Where did Jesus enter in today's Gospel reading?

  8. A synagogue
    A temple
    His own home

  9. With whom did the Pharisees plot to destroy Jesus?

  10. The scribes
    The Herodians
    The Chief priests

  11. Whom did Melchiz′edek meet and bless?

  12. Isaac
    Jacob
    Abraham

  13. What was the ailment of the man whom Jesus encountered?

  14. He was blind
    He had a withered arm
    He had a withered foot

  15. Of which place was Melchiz′edek king?

  16. Jerusalem
    Salem
    Rome

  17. What did Abraham give to Melchiz′edek?

  18. All his possessions
    A tenth part of everything
    Ten Camels

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

  20. Human need is above any rule
    Rules are subservient to human need
    Rules are not important as reaching out in love

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 21 January 2019

Audio Reflections of Tuesday, January 22, 2019

To hear the Audio Reflections of Tuesday, January 22, 2019 click HERE

Tuesday, January 22, 2019 - How often in your life have rules and regulations become more important than love? What will you do about it today?

To read the texts click on the texts: Heb 6:10-20; Mk 2:23-28
Today’s text is a pronouncement story. In such a story, the saying of Jesus is of central importance. In this story, it appears at the end where after Jesus pronounces that it was the Sabbath (rules and regulations) that was made for the human person and not the other way around, he identifies The Son of Man as Lord even of the Sabbath.

The Gospel of Mark does not explicate what the Pharisees are complaining about. They surely could not be complaining that the disciples of Jesus were stealing because they were plucking ears of corn, since Deut. 23:25 permitted a person to pluck ears of grain when he/she went into a neighbour’s field. Luke 6:1 seems to indicate that the objection of the Pharisees was that the disciples of Jesus were rubbing the heads of grain they had plucked in their hands which could be considered as threshing and therefore work, which was prohibited on the Sabbath (Exod 34:21). 

As he often does in his responses, Jesus takes the objectors beyond the immediate objection to a higher level. Here, he focuses not just on the question of work on the Sabbath or the incident that is questioned, but beyond: to the Sabbath itself. The Sabbath is at the service of the human person and not the human person at the service of the Sabbath. In other words, human needs take precedence over any rules and regulations. This must be the primary focus.

There are times in our lives when we treat rules as ends in themselves. One reason why we do this is because we have an image of God as a policeman who will catch and punish us if we do not follow the rules, as we ought to.

 Another reason could be that we expect that God will be gracious to us and bless us if we are faithful in following the rules. It is possible that sometimes we are so focussed on following the rules that we believe God has set for us that we might lose sight of human persons whose needs we must respond to first.

Tuesday, January 22, 2019 - Heb 6:10-20; Mk 2:23-28

Tuesday, January 22, 2019 - Heb 6:10-20; Mk 2:23-28


  1. By whom does Hebrews say God swore when he made a promise?

  2. By the hair of his head
    By himself
    By his footstool

  3. Who was high priest when David went into the house of God?

  4. Caiphas
    Abi′athar
    Annas

  5. Who is the forerunner on our behalf?

  6. Paul
    Peter
    Jesus

  7. On what day was Jesus going through the grainfields?

  8. On the Sabbath
    On the feast of Yom Kippur
    On the feast of the Tabernacles

  9. Which patriarch does Hebrews mention?

  10. Isaac
    Abraham
    Jacob

  11. Who complained to Jesus about his disciples?

  12. The Pharisees
    The people
    The Scribes

  13. What bread did David eat in the house of God?

  14. Fresh bread
    The bread of presence
    Stale bread

  15. Who does Jesus say is lord of the Sabbath?

  16. The Son of God
    The Son of Man
    Jesus

  17. After the order of which priest has Jesus become high priest?

  18. Zadok
    Melchiz′edek
    Aaron

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

  20. Rules are made for order
    Rules can never become ends in themselves
    The rule must serve

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.

Sunday 20 January 2019

Audio Reflections of Monday, January 21, 2019

To hear the Audio Reflections of Monday, January 21, 2019 click HERE

Monday, January 21, 2019 - How often have your actions been motivated out of fear rather than love? Will you perform at least one action from love today?


To read the texts click on the texts: Heb 5:1-10; Mk 2:18-22

The text of today is a controversy story, and concerns one of the three important traditions of the Jews: fasting, the other two being alms giving and prayer. The question of the people compares the behaviour of Jesus’ disciples with that of John’s disciples and the Pharisees. The latter fast whereas the disciples of Jesus do not. The law required that people fast only on the Day of Atonement (Lev 16:1-34; 23:26-32; Num 29:7-11), though there were other reasons why a person might fast including as a personal expression of sorrow or repentance (1 Kgs 21:27; 2 Samuel 3:35). The Pharisees were said to fast twice a week (Lk 18:12). Since the people considered Jesus as a prophet or religious teacher, they would have expected his disciples to fast as other sects did. 

In his response to the people, Jesus clarifies that with his coming the new age has dawned, which is an age of freedom. He does this first by using the analogy of the bridegroom, and states that those who fast at the wedding are seriously insulting the host or bridegroom. However, even though there is the element of celebration in the analogy of the bridegroom, there is also a sombre note, which speaks of the bridegroom being taken away, and seems to refer to the death of Jesus, which will be an appropriate time to fast. 

The unshrunk cloth and the new wine refer to this new age, whereas the old cloak and the old wine skins refer to the old age. The two are incompatible. An attempt to patch an old garment using a new or unshrunk cloth will result in a worse tear; just as to put new wine into old skins will result in a great loss. The conclusion of the saying of Jesus emphasises that the presence of Jesus brings newness and to understand him one will need to give up the old categories that one has.

If we can talk of a rule or regulation that Jesus gave his disciples, it would only be the rule of love. All the actions of Jesus’ disciples must be motivated by love. This means that one may or may not fast, but that one will always and every time only love.

Monday, January 21, 2019 - Heb 5:1-10; Mk 2:18-22

Monday, January 21, 2019 - Heb 5:1-10; Mk 2:18-22


  1. Where must new wine be put?

  2. Into old wine skins
    Into new wine skins
    Into special wine skins

  3. Who asked Jesus why his disciples were not fasting?

  4. The Pharisees
    The scribes
    The people

  5. Which other Old Testament Priest besides Aaron is mentioned in the reading of today?

  6. Zadok
    Melchiz′edek
    Caiphas

  7. How did Jesus offer up prayers and supplications?

  8. With loud cries and tears
    With a soft voice
    With no emotion at all

  9. In which Psalm do we find the words, “Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchiz′edek"

  10. Ps 111
    Ps 110
    Ps 112

  11. Which priest does Hebrews say was called by God like Jesus?

  12. Moses
    Aaron
    Abraham

  13. In which Psalm do we find the words, “Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee”?

  14. Ps 2
    Ps 8
    Ps 3

  15. On what is a piece of unshrunk cloth not sewn?

  16. A new garment
    An old garment
    A faded garment

  17. When does Jesus say his disciples will fast?

  18. When they feel the need
    When the bridegroom is taken away
    When they have no food

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

  20. Rules are never meant to be ends in themselves
    The rules must serve us
    We cannot be slaves to rules

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.