Wednesday 31 July 2019

Monday, August 1, 2019 - You Tube Reflections


There is no sorting out of the fish at the time of their being caught. It is only after the net is full and drawn ashore that the sorting takes place. The good fish are kept and the bad are thrown away.

In the parable of the householder, both the new and old are affirmed. However, the old, which is valuable, is presented in a new light and therefore seen in a new way. The fact that the order of the words is “new” and “old” is an indication that the new is to be used to interpret the old and not the other way around.

If the sorting were to take place now, would you be kept or thrown away? What will you do to ensure that you are kept?

Thursday, August 1, 2019 - If the sorting were to take place now, would you be kept or thrown away? What will you do to ensure that you are kept?

To read the texts click on the texts: Ex 40:16-21, 34-38; Mt 13:47-53
The parable of the Net (13:47-48) its interpretation (13:49-50) and the parable of the householder (13:51-52) are found only in the Gospel of Matthew.

In the parable of the Net, a large net is used to catch fish of every kind. There is no sorting out of the fish at the time of their being caught. It is only after the net is full and drawn ashore that the sorting takes place. The good fish are kept and the bad are thrown away.

The interpretation focuses on the fate of the evil (bad fish), which will be thrown into the furnace of fire. It does not speak about the fate of the righteous except to say that the evil will be separated from them.

In the parable of the householder, both the new and old are affirmed. However, the old, which is valuable, is presented in a new light and therefore seen in a new way.

The fact that the order of the words is “new” and “old” is an indication that the new is to be used to interpret the old and not the other way around.

Thursday, August 1, 2019 - Ex 40:16-21, 34-38; Mt 13:47-53

Thursday, August 1, 2019 - Ex 40:16-21, 34-38; Mt 13:47-53


  1. Where did Moses put the covenant?

  2. By the side of the ark
    On the left of the ark
    Into the ark

  3. What kind of fish was put into baskets?

  4. The bad fish
    The good fish
    Both kinds of fish

  5. What did Jesus do when he finished the parables?

  6. He remained there
    He left the place
    He waited for his disciples

  7. What covered the tent of meeting?

  8. A shadow
    A cloud
    A rainbow

  9. What did Moses spread over the tabernacle?

  10. His cloak
    A linen cloth
    The tent

  11. What does the master of the household bring out?

  12. What is old and what is new
    What is new and what is old
    Only the new

  13. On which day of the month was the tabernacle set up?

  14. First
    Second
    Third

  15. What did Moses set up for screening?

  16. A cloth
    A curtain
    A wall

  17. In which year was the tabernacle set up?

  18. The first year
    The second year
    The third year

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

  20. The old must always be seen in a new light
    We must learn from the past not dwell on it
    The past must serve as a lesson

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, July 31, 2019 - The feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus - You Tube Reflections


St. Ignatius of Loyola - The Founder of the Society of Jesus
One quality that characterized the life above all others was his deep personal life for the person of Jesus Christ. Ignatius was so taken up with Christ that he was willing to do anything, go anywhere, and be anyone as long as he could imitate Christ. As a matter of fact, the first years of his conversion were spent only in imitating Christ in all his poverty and humility.  For Ignatius, Jesus Christ was the way, which leads all people to life. This personal love for Christ was not merely theoretical in the life of Ignatius, but characterized his whole being. 

He showed this tangibly by naming the Society he founded, the Society of Jesus.

Tuesday 30 July 2019

Wednesday, July 31, 2019 - St. Ignatius of Loyola - The Founder of the Society of Jesus - A transformed and transforming life


To read the texts click on the texts: Dt30:15-20; 1 Tim 1:12-17; Lk 9:18-26


The readings of today set the tone for the celebration of the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus or the Jesuits. In the first reading of today, Moses makes a strong plea to the Israelites to choose life. Ignatius did precisely that when he was convalescing after the injury he suffered at the battle of Pamplona in 1520. His reflections during this time became the turning point of his life. It was when lying in his sick bed and contemplating the life of Christ that he decided that everything was refuse when compared with the knowledge of Christ.

This deep and intimate knowledge of Christ which was not merely intellectual but knowledge of the heart, led him to love Christ with all his heart and mind and to follow him unconditionally.

It was this intimate knowledge of Christ which sustained him all through his life and especially during the tremendous challenges that he faced. Like Paul, he too believed that he received mercy from the Lord. One important reason for receiving this mercy in such large measure was because he recognised that he was a sinner and in need of God’s grace made available freely in Christ. Like Paul, Ignatius became an example to many. One of these whom he converted through Christ’s grace was the now famous Francis Xavier.
The Gospel text from Luke serves as an apt description of how Ignatius perceived his master and Lord Jesus. Though Luke depends on Mark for this scene of Peter’s confession, he has made some significant changes in order to bring out his meaning of the text. The first is that unlike Mark, Luke does not give the geographical location (Caesarea Philippi), but gives instead the context of the prayer of Jesus. Through this change, Luke makes the confession a spiritual experience. Luke also changes Marks, “one of the prophets” to “one of the old prophets has risen.” Though the difference does not appear to be great, it is for Luke. In the Gospel of Luke, before Jesus everything is old. Jesus makes all things new. Luke has also eliminated Peter’s refusal to accept Jesus as the suffering Messiah and the rebuke of Peter by Jesus. Luke avoids narrating Marcan texts that show Peter and even the disciples in a bad light.

The second question to the disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” shows on the one hand that the answers given of the crowd’s understanding of Jesus are inadequate, and on the other that Jesus wants to know their understanding of him. In all the Synoptic Gospels it is Peter who answers, but here too Luke adds to Mark’s, “You are the Christ”, the words “of God”. The Greek word “Christos” means in English “the anointed” and this conveys the meaning of royalty. However, by his addition, Luke also brings in the prophetical dimension of Jesus’ person and mission. This prophetical dimension is explicated in the verses, which follow the confession of Peter, in which Jesus explains the kind of Christ/Messiah/Anointed One that he will be. The reason for the rebuke or “stern order” not to tell anyone is because Jesus wanted to avoid any misunderstanding of the term which could be understood only in the glorious sense. Jesus as “the Christ of God” will come in glory, but only after he has gone to the cross, died, been buried and then raised.

Taken together the five sayings on discipleship show clearly that  discipleship to Jesus requires a total commitment of life, taking the cross, giving one’s life in obedience to Jesus’ direction, forsaking the pursuit of wealth, and living out one’s discipleship publicly before others.

This is what Ignatius did and taught others to do. Today more than 450 years after his death, his legacy still remains. The Society of Jesus that he founded remains a Society that has at its core the following of the Crucified Christ.

Wednesday, July 31, 2019 - What would you give in exchange for your life?


To read the texts click on the texts: Ex 34:29-35; 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, July 31, 2019 - St. Ignatius of Loyola - Dt 30:15-20; 1 Tim 1:12-17; Lk 9:18-26

Wednesday, July 31, 2019 - St. Ignatius of Loyola - Dt 30:15-20; 1 Tim 1:12-17; Lk 9:18-26


  1. Which river is mentioned by Moses?

  2. Tiber
    Nile
    Jordan

  3. What did Paul receive because he acted ignorantly in unbelief?

  4. Grace
    Mercy
    Love

  5. What must a disciple of Jesus do before taking up the cross?

  6. Show his/her strength
    Make a conscious decision not to give up
    Deny him/herself

  7. Besides adversity what has Moses set before the people?

  8. Death
    Poverty
    Riches

  9. Besides Abraham and Isaac, which other ancestor is mentioned?

  10. Joshua
    Joseph
    Jacob

  11. Who did Christ Jesus come into the world to save?

  12. His disciples
    The righteous
    Sinners

  13. Which prophet besides John the Baptist is mentioned in the Gospel?

  14. Elisha
    Elijah
    Ezekiel

  15. Besides life what has Moses set before the people?

  16. Prosperity
    Abundance
    Poverty

  17. Who answered that Jesus was the Messiah of God?

  18. James
    Peter
    John

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

  20. Ignatius invites us to be men and women for others
    The Ignatian MAGIS means never becoming complacent
    To keep striving to do God's will is the Ignatian way

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, July 31, 2019 - Ex 34:29-35; Mt 13:44-46

Wednesday, July 31, 2019 - Ex 34:29-35; Mt 13:44-46


  1. What did Moses put on his face because it was shining?

  2. A cloth
    A scarf
    A veil

  3. Besides the Israelites who else was afraid to come before Moses?

  4. Joshua
    Miriam
    Aaron

  5. What does Jesus say is hidden in a field?

  6. Wheat
    Treasure
    Corn

  7. Who does Jesus say is in search of fine pearls?

  8. A thief
    A merchant
    A farmer

  9. With whom was Moses talking because of which his face shone?

  10. Jesus
    God
    Aaron

  11. How many tablets did Moses have in his hand?

  12. Ten
    One
    Two

  13. How many pearls does the merchant find?

  14. Many
    Few
    One

  15. From which Mount did Moses come down?

  16. Tabor
    Galilee
    Sinai

  17. What did the merchant do when he found a pearl of great value?

  18. He stole it
    He sold all he had and bought it
    He buried it in the ground

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

  20. There is a treasure hidden in each of us
    Our treasure is where our heart is
    What motivates us is our treasure

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 29 July 2019

Tuesday, July 30, 2019 - You Tube Reflections


We sometimes wonder why “evil” people seem to be thriving. When we do this we are already making a judgement about a person or about something, which we might not fully know. If we avoid comparing ourselves with others and stop labelling them especially when we are not fully aware of the facts, we can concentrate better on what we are called to do and be.

Are you too quick to condemn others merely by what you notice externally? Will you reserve your judgement today?

Tuesday, July 30, 2019 - Are you too quick to condemn others merely by what you notice externally? Will you reserve your judgement today?


To read the texts click on the texts: Ex 33:7-11; 34:5-9,28; Mt 13:36-43
These verses contain the interpretation or allegory of the parable of the weeds and are found only in the Gospel of Matthew. Since Jesus speaks to the crowds only in parables, Matthew has Jesus go into the house after leaving the crowds and explain privately the meaning of the parable to his disciples. In the interpretation, the attention is on the weeds and so on the final judgement. The Son of Man has indeed sowed good seed in the field, which is the world and not merely the church, but the devil who is responsible for the second sowing has sown weeds. Though this is the case, it is not the believers who represent the good seed who will pass judgement on the unbelievers who represent the weeds Judgement will be passed by God through the Son of Man.

We sometimes wonder why “evil” people seem to be thriving. When we do this we are already making a judgement about a person or about something, which we might not fully know. If we avoid comparing ourselves with others and stop labelling them especially when we are not fully aware of the facts, we can concentrate better on what we are called to do and be.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019 - Ex 33:7-11; 34:5-9,28; Mt 13:36-43

Tuesday, July 30, 2019 - Ex 33:7-11; 34:5-9,28; Mt 13:36-43


  1. What would descend when Moses entered the tent?

  2. Tongues of fire
    The pillar of cloud
    The breath of the spirit

  3. Where did Jesus go after leaving the crowds?

  4. To the sea
    Into the house
    Into the synagogue

  5. What does Jesus say happens to the weeds?

  6. They are gathered into the barn
    They are collected and burned
    They are stored in a grannary

  7. Who would not leave the tent even when Moses returned to the camp?

  8. Aaron
    Joshua
    Nun

  9. For how many days did Moses neither eat bread nor drink water?

  10. Thirty-nine
    Forty
    Seven

  11. Who was Joshua's father?

  12. Jehoshphat
    Nun
    Zedekiah

  13. Who does Jesus say sows the good seed?

  14. The Son of God
    The Son of Man
    The Sower

  15. Where would Moses pitch the tent?

  16. Inside the camp
    Outside the camp
    Near the camp

  17. How does Jesus say the righteous will shine?

  18. Like the sun
    Like the moon
    Like the stars

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

  20. We must be slow to judge
    If we are to judge we must give the benefit of the doubt
    Things are not always what they seem to be

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 28 July 2019

Monday, July 29, 2019 - You Tube Reflections - St. Martha


There are times when we do things not because we are convinced that they have to be done but because we want the approval of others or we want others to know how hard we are working. These are selfish acts and do not bring grace. The act that does bring grace is when we do what has to be done simply because it has to be done and expect nothing in return.

Will you like Martha, presume to tell Jesus what he ought to do, or will you like Mary listen to what he would like you to do?

Monday, July 29, 2019 - Will you like Martha, presume to tell Jesus what he ought to do, or will you like Mary listen to what he would like you to do?


To read the texts click on the texts:1 Jn 4:7-16; Lk 10:38-42
St. Martha whose feast is celebrated today is mentioned in the Gospels of Luke and John. She is the sister of Mary and Lazarus. She comes across in the Gospel of Luke as a doer.

This text, which speaks of the encounter of Martha and Mary with Jesus, takes the form of a pronouncement story (a story in which a saying of Jesus stands out and is the focus of the story). While the Gospel of Luke explicitly mentions women disciples of Jesus, here Mary is even sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to his teaching, something unthinkable at the time of Jesus. By sitting at his feet, Mary is acting like a male, and in doing so neglects her duty of helping to prepare the meal. This action of Mary also results in bringing shame upon her house. Though justified Martha’s protest is put negatively by her. It is clear that her focus is not the Lord, but herself. She is concerned not with her service of the Lord, but the trouble that it is causing her because she is left alone to serve. The response of Jesus to Martha is the main point of the story and the pronouncement. The repetition of her name is a mild rebuke. Her “cares” have prevented her from unhindered devotion and attention to the Lord. Mary has chosen the one thing necessary and that is the Lord. Martha presumes to tell Jesus what he should do; Mary lets Jesus tell her what to do.

There are times when we do things not because we are convinced that they have to be done but because we want the approval of others or we want others to know how hard we are working. These are selfish acts and do not bring grace. The act that does bring grace is when we do what has to be done simply because it has to be done and expect nothing in return.

Monday, July 29, 2019 - 1 Jn 4:7-16; Lk 10:38-42

Monday, July 29, 2019 - 1 Jn 4:7-16; Lk 10:38-42


  1. What did Mary do when the Lord came to her home?

  2. She welcomed him with a garland
    She sat at his feet and listened to him
    She went to the well to fetch water for him to drink

  3. What was Martha distracted by?

  4. The noise being made by her neighbours
    Her many tasks
    Her face in the mirror

  5. How many things did Jesus say were needed?

  6. Many things
    One thing
    Nothing

  7. Who does John say has seen God?

  8. Everyone
    No one
    Some people

  9. How did the Father send his son?

  10. As Saviour of the world
    As a wonder worker
    As a story teller

  11. From whom does John say love is?

  12. From our hearts
    From God
    From Jesus

  13. In what does John say is love?

  14. That we loved God
    That God loved us first
    The we loved God first

  15. What was Martha's sister's name?

  16. Salome
    Mary Magdalene
    Mary

  17. Why do we love one another?

  18. Because we do not want to sin
    Because God will be angry if we do not
    Because God loved us

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

  20. We have to listen to what the Lord will have us do
    Sometimes silence is action
    Our actions must be focussed and not distracted

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, July 28, 2019 - You Tube Reflections


This is what prayer means: We petition God with confidence and persistence, free our minds and hearts of every negative and unforgiveness that will prevent us from receiving his bountiful grace and believe that every prayer of ours will be answered. Our prayer like that of Jesus must fortify us and prepare us to face the realities of the world.

Prayer is Action

Saturday 27 July 2019

Sunday, July 28, 2019 - Prayer is Action


To read the texts click on the texts: Gn18:20-32; Col 2:12-14; Lk11:1-13


What is prayer? If all the books that could be written to answer this question were written, it would be difficult for the world itself to contain the books that could be written.

There is an old story of a monk who was bothered by mice playing around him when he prayed. To stop it, he got a cat and kept it in his prayer room so the mice would be scared away. But he never explained to his disciples why he had the cat. One day, the monk walked down the corridors of the monastery and noticed that each of his disciples had a cat in their prayer room. After seeing their master with a cat, they thought having a cat was the secret to powerful praying.

Prayer had been defined as “talking with God”, “listening to God”, “petioning God” “intimate communion and communication with the Lord” and so on. However, a definition that makes the most sense to me is “Prayer is action”. This is because all too often Prayer has been relegated to theory and verbosity. It has often been understood to be sterile. Not too many of us who pray believe that our prayers will be answered and this is proved when we are often surprised and even astounded when we get what we pray for. However, in Jesus’ definition, prayer is not the last but the first resort. When we need something we go first to our Heavenly father who is the primary cause.

The Gospels contain only one instance of Jesus’ teaching his disciples on Prayer. While the text of today’s Gospel is also found in Matthew and is known popularly as the “Our Father”, it must be noted that there is no “Our” in Luke’s version of the prayer which seems to fit the historical context better than Matthew’s version. It is more likely that Jesus taught his disciples the meaning of prayer and how to pray when he was praying.

There are many aspects to the Lord’s Prayer in Luke which contains five petitions. The first and second petitions concern God directly. They are both a petition for God’s sovereignty to be established. They petition for the full coming of God’s kingdom and for the time when all creation will acknowledge and celebrate the holiness of God. The term “Father” is not static but dynamic and indicates an endearing relationship, a relationship of trust and confidence.  It is imperative that one approach God with confidence and conviction much like a trusting child approaches its trustworthy parents. The third petition is for bread, for sustenance in our everyday life. This is an indication that God in concerned with even the mundane, ordinary things our daily lives. Fourthly the prayer is for forgiveness of our sins in the same way in which we forgive others their sins against us. One who will not forgive cannot receive forgiveness; mercy flows through the same channel, whether being given or received. There is no quid pro quo here; however, the ability to forgive and to be forgiven is part of the same gift. We stand in need not only of daily sustenance but also of continual forgiveness. The final petition is a climactic one that underscores our relationship to God as a Father to whom we can appeal for protection from any circumstances that might threaten our lives or our relationship to and for protection during the trials or tests accompanying the full manifestation of God’s kingdom.

Though not part of the prayer that Jesus taught, the instructions that follow the prayer in Luke are as important as the prayer itself and must be seen along with it. The core of these instructions is that God does answer all prayer. What is required is perseverance and persistence. This is the kind of persistence shown by Abraham in the first reading of today when he keeps petioning God who finally grants him what he asks for. Indeed, God exhibits no disapproval even as Abraham is direct and resolute. As Abraham continues to keep petioning, God responds in a consistently positive way. Abraham’s concerns are matched by God’s. God will go to any extent to save the righteous. God’s will to save outweighs God’s will to judge. God does take Abraham’s thinking and petitions into account before deciding what the final outcome will be. God does take prayer seriously.

This is shown in the last part of the Gospel text for today when Jesus assures his disciples that God does answer prayer. To be sure, the answer may not be as we expect or even want, but God does listen and God does answer and without a doubt, what God gives will be infinitely better than what we want for ourselves. A striking example of this is Jesus’ own prayer in Gethsemane. As persistent as Jesus was that the cup be taken away from him so he was that God’s will be done. While the first part of the prayer was not answered and God did not take the cup away from Jesus, the second part that God’s will be done was certainly answered. Though he did not “hear” his Father respond, Jesus rose fortified from his prayer. He was ready now for action, he was ready to face the cross. It is evident today two thousand years later that this was infinitely the better answer. It is very likely that if God had taken the cup away, Jesus would have lived for a few more years. However, if this were the case, then Jesus would not go to the Cross, there would be no resurrection and Jesus would have been remembered as yet another good and holy man. The fact that God’s will was done is the reason why Jesus died and was raised and lives even today.

Paul speaks of this fact in the second reading of today when he reminds the Colossian community of believers of who they have become through the death and resurrection of Jesus. They who were dead have become alive to God through the forgiveness they have received in Jesus’ resurrection.

This is thus what prayer means: We petition God with confidence and persistence, free our minds and hearts of every negative and unforgiveness that will prevent us from receiving his bountiful grace and believe that every prayer of ours will be answered. Our prayer like that of Jesus must fortify us and prepare us to face the realities of the world.

Sunday, July 28, 2019 - Gn 18:20-32; Col 2:12-14; Lk11:1-13

Sunday, July 28, 2019 - Gn 18:20-32; Col 2:12-14; Lk11:1-13


  1. With how many righteous people did Abraham start his petition?

  2. Ten
    Twenty
    Fifty

  3. Who asked Jesus to teach them to pray?

  4. Simon Peter
    One of his disciples
    James and John

  5. Which version of the Lord's prayer has more petitions?

  6. Matthew's
    Luke's
    Mark's

  7. With how many righteous people did Abraham end his petition?

  8. Twenty
    Ten
    Five

  9. How many loaves does the friend ask the other friend for?

  10. Five
    Three
    Two

  11. Who remained standing before the Lord?

  12. Moses
    Abraham
    Aaron

  13. In which other Gospel is the Lord's prayer also found?

  14. Matthew
    Mark
    John

  15. Against whom was the outcry great?

  16. Samaria
    Sodom and Gamorrah
    Israel and Judah

  17. What will the parent not give the child instead of a fish?

  18. A snake
    A scorpion
    An egg

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

  20. Prayer is action
    Prayer is not merely verbal proclamation but to be shown in deeds
    Prayer means listening to 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

Friday 26 July 2019

Saturday, July 28, 2019 - You Tube Reflections


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.

Are you too quick to judge others ONLY by their external actions? Will you refrain from ALL judgement today?

Saturday, July 27, 2019 - Are there some whom you deliberately exclude from your circle of friends? Why?


To read the texts click on the texts: Ex 24:3-8; 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.

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 27, 2019 - Ex 24:3-8; Mt 13:24-30

Saturday, July 27, 2019 - Ex 24:3-8; Mt 13:24-30


  1. Which book did Moses read in the hearing of the people?

  2. The Book of the Covenant
    The Book of the law
    The Book of life

  3. What will be the fate of the wheat?

  4. It will be tied into bundles and burned
    It will be gathered into the barn
    It will be given to the people

  5. What did a person sow in his field?

  6. Weeds
    Good seed
    Good fruit

  7. Whom did Moses send to offer burnt offerings?

  8. The young men
    The leaders of the tribes
    The swiftest men

  9. What did the enemy sow?

  10. Wheat
    Weeds
    Corn

  11. What will be the fate of the weeds?

  12. They will be gathered
    They will be burned
    They will be distributed among the people

  13. How many pillars did Moses set up?

  14. Ten
    Twelve
    Seven

  15. Who did the householder say sowed the weeds?

  16. His friends
    His enemy
    An unknown person

  17. When would the weeds be uprooted?

  18. Immediately
    At harvest time
    When the opportune time comes

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

  20. It is no easy to live an honest life
    Each of us has both weeds and wheat in our hearts
    Our hearts contain both the desire for good and evil

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 25 July 2019

Friday, July 26, 2019 - You Tube Reflections


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.

What prevents you from listening to what God is calling you to do? What will you do about it today?

Thursday, July 25, 2019 - The Feast of St. James, Apostle - You Tube Reflections


In his response to the request of the mother of the sons of Zebedee for places on the right and left of Jesus, Jesus 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.

Will you like St. James drink your cup of suffering courageously?

Friday, July 26, 2019 - 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: Ex 20:1-17; 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 Mk 4:14) or the hearers (as in Mk 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 Mk 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 26, 2019 - Ex 20:1-17; Mt 13:18-23

Friday, July 26, 2019 - Ex 20:1-17; Mt 13:18-23


  1. Which commandment says that one must not commit adultery?

  2. Sixth
    Seventh
    Eighth

  3. Which is the fourth commandment?

  4. Keep the Sabbath holy
    One should not murder
    One should not steal

  5. Which commandment says that one must not commit murder?

  6. Sixth
    Fifth
    Fourth

  7. In how many days does Genesis say the Lord made heaven and earth?

  8. Seven days
    Six days
    Eight days

  9. How many kinds of soil are mentioned in the parable of the sower?

  10. Three
    Four
    One

  11. Which commandment says one must not steal?

  12. Eighth
    Ninth
    Seventh

  13. Which commandment says that one must honour father and mother?

  14. Fifth
    Fourth
    Sixth

  15. Which day does the Lord say is the Sabbath day?

  16. The sixth day
    The seventh day
    The eighth day

  17. Who does Jesus say snatches what is sown in the heart?

  18. The evil one
    A thief
    A brigand

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

  20. We must both hear and assimilate
    We must show that we have heard through our actions
    God's word is alive and active

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 24 July 2019

Wednesday, July 24, 2019 - You Tube Reflections


In the words of St. Ignatius of Loyola, when we work, we must work as if everything depends only on us and when we pray, we must pray as if everything depends only on God.

Will you keep on keeping on even when your expectations are not fulfilled?

Thursday, July 25, 2019 - St. James, Apostle - Will you like St. James drink your cup courageously?


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 Marcan 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.

Thursday, July 25, 2019 - St. James, Apostle - 2 Cor 4:7-15; Mt 20:20-28

Thursday, July 25, 2019 - St. James, Apostle - 2 Cor 4:7-15; Mt 20:20-28


  1. What does Jesus ask if the sons of Zebedee can do?

  2. Write down faithfully what Jesus has said
    Drink the cup that Jesus drinks
    Tell their mother not to ask for favours

  3. Who were angry with the two brothers?

  4. Peter and Andrew
    Philip and Bartholomew
    The other ten

  5. Though Paul is persecuted what is he not?

  6. Perplexed
    Forsaken
    Destroyed

  7. Why does Jesus say the son of man came?

  8. To serve
    To be served
    To serve and be served

  9. Even though Paul is struck down what is he not?

  10. Destroyed
    Perplexed
    Confused

  11. Who came with a request to Jesus for places of honour?

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

  13. Even though Paul is perplexed what is he not?

  14. Driven to despair
    Destroyed
    Confused

  15. Where does Paul say we have the treasure?

  16. In heaven
    In clay jars
    In golden vessels

  17. Even though Paul is afflicted what is he not?

  18. Destroyed
    Crushed
    Confused

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

  20. To be a disciple of Jesus is not easy
    Discipleship requires courage
    Discipleship means denying self

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 23 July 2019

Wednesday, July 24, 2019 - Ex 16:1-5,9-15; Mt 13:1-9

Wednesday, July 24, 2019 - Ex 16:1-5,9-15; Mt 13:1-9


  1. What did the Lord tell Moses he would rain from heaven?

  2. Rain
    Bread
    Fire

  3. Where did the glory of the lord appear in the wilderness?

  4. The mountain
    The cloud
    The forest

  5. Where was the crowd standing when Jesus spoke in parables?

  6. On the beach
    In the water
    Close to the boat

  7. What covered the camp in the evening?

  8. Frost
    Snow
    Quails

  9. From where did the whole congregation of Israel set out?

  10. Edom
    Elim
    Emil

  11. On which day would the bread be twice as much as on the other days?

  12. Seventh
    First
    Sixth

  13. What did the Lord say the people would eat at twilight?

  14. Bread
    Meat
    Corn

  15. Besides Moses against whom did the people complain?

  16. Miriam
    God
    Aaron

  17. Where did Jesus sit when he went out of the house?

  18. Beside the lake
    Beside the mountain
    Beside his disciples

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

  20. We must sow the Lord will make it grow
    We do our best the Lord will do the rest
    We must focus on the action not the result

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, July 23, 2019 - You Tube Reflections


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.

Is Jesus pointing to you as his brother/sister? If yes, Why? If no, why not?

Wednesday, July 24, 2019 - Will you keep on keeping on even when your expectations are not fulfilled?


To read the texts click on the texts: Ex 16:1-5,9-15; Mt 13:1-9
We begin reading today from Chapter 13 of the Gospel of Matthew. This Chapter is known as “The Parable Discourse” of Matthew, because in it we find seven parables. Two of these parables have been allegorised {The Parable of the Sower (13:18-23) and the parable of the Weeds and the Wheat (13:36-43)}. 

The first parable in the Parable Discourse is the one that is known as the parable of the Sower. Though often it is the allegory that has been interpreted instead of the parable where the different types of soil are compared to different types of persons and their reception of the word, this does not seem to be the point of the parable. 

In the parable, in three types of soil (the path, the rocky ground and among the thorns), the seed is lost, and it is only in one type of soil (good soil) that there is gain. Yet, the gain is enormous. The point seems to be that one must not give in to despair even if it seems that most of the good that we do seems to bear no fruit. In God’s time and in God’s own way it will bear even more fruit than we can ever imagine. We need to keep on keeping on.

In the words of St. Ignatius of Loyola, when we work, we must work as if everything depends only on us and when we pray, we must pray as if everything depends only on God.

Wednesday, July 31, 2019 - St. Ignatius of Loyola, Founder of the Society of Jesus - A transformed and transforming life


To read the texts click on the texts: Dt30:15-20; 1 Tim 1:12-17; Lk 9:18-26


The readings of today set the tone for the celebration of the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus or the Jesuits. In the first reading of today, Moses makes a strong plea to the Israelites to choose life. Ignatius did precisely that when he was convalescing after the injury he suffered at the battle of Pamplona in 1520. His reflections during this time became the turning point of his life. It was when lying in his sick bed and contemplating the life of Christ that he decided that everything was refuse when compared with the knowledge of Christ.

This deep and intimate knowledge of Christ which was not merely intellectual but knowledge of the heart, led him to love Christ with all his heart and mind and to follow him unconditionally.

It was this intimate knowledge of Christ which sustained him all through his life and especially during the tremendous challenges that he faced. Like Paul, he too believed that he received mercy from the Lord. One important reason for receiving this mercy in such large measure was because he recognised that he was a sinner and in need of God’s grace made available freely in Christ. Like Paul, Ignatius became an example to many. One of these whom he converted through Christ’s grace was the now famous Francis Xavier.
The Gospel text from Luke serves as an apt description of how Ignatius perceived his master and Lord Jesus. Though Luke depends on Mark for this scene of Peter’s confession, he has made some significant changes in order to bring out his meaning of the text. The first is that unlike Mark, Luke does not give the geographical location (Caesarea Philippi), but gives instead the context of the prayer of Jesus. Through this change, Luke makes the confession a spiritual experience. Luke also changes Marks, “one of the prophets” to “one of the old prophets has risen.” Though the difference does not appear to be great, it is for Luke. In the Gospel of Luke, before Jesus everything is old. Jesus makes all things new. Luke has also eliminated Peter’s refusal to accept Jesus as the suffering Messiah and the rebuke of Peter by Jesus. Luke avoids narrating Marcan texts that show Peter and even the disciples in a bad light.

The second question to the disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” shows on the one hand that the answers given of the crowd’s understanding of Jesus are inadequate, and on the other that Jesus wants to know their understanding of him. In all the Synoptic Gospels it is Peter who answers, but here too Luke adds to Mark’s, “You are the Christ”, the words “of God”. The Greek word “Christos” means in English “the anointed” and this conveys the meaning of royalty. However, by his addition, Luke also brings in the prophetical dimension of Jesus’ person and mission. This prophetical dimension is explicated in the verses, which follow the confession of Peter, in which Jesus explains the kind of Christ/Messiah/Anointed One that he will be. The reason for the rebuke or “stern order” not to tell anyone is because Jesus wanted to avoid any misunderstanding of the term which could be understood only in the glorious sense. Jesus as “the Christ of God” will come in glory, but only after he has gone to the cross, died, been buried and then raised.

Taken together the five sayings on discipleship show clearly that  discipleship to Jesus requires a total commitment of life, taking the cross, giving one’s life in obedience to Jesus’ direction, forsaking the pursuit of wealth, and living out one’s discipleship publicly before others.

This is what Ignatius did and taught others to do. Today more than 450 years after his death, his legacy still remains. The Society of Jesus that he founded remains a Society that has at its core the following of the Crucified Christ.