Tuesday, October 1, 2019 - St. Therese of the Child Jesus - You Tube Reflections

St. Therese of the Child Jesus - The Little Flower

Though St. Therese was often sick and often plagued with doubts, she remained faithful and received the ability to find God in all things and all things in God. Her focus was not on doing great things but on doing all that she did with unconditional love. She would do even the most ordinary tasks with extraordinary love.

Tuesday, October 1, 2019 - St. Therese of the Child Jesus - The Little Flower

To read the texts click on the texts: Isa66:10-14; 1 Cor 13:4-13; Mt 18:1-4

St. Therese of the Child Jesus is one of my most favourite saints. I admire and am inspired by her for a number of reasons, but one of the most important reasons for this is her response to life. She had more challenges than most of us will ever have, yet her response was always positive no matter what the challenge she faced. In this regard she teaches us how we too must be able to see the hand of God in everything that happens to us.

She was born in 1873 and died very young at the age of 24 (1897). At the age of 14, she had an experience that transformed her life. She decided to give her whole life to God and entered the Carmelite convent in Lisieux. Though she was often sick and often plagued with doubts, she remained faithful and received the ability to find God in all things and all things in God. Her focus was not on doing great things but on doing all that she did with unconditional love. She would do even the most ordinary tasks with extraordinary love.

The Gospel text for the feast  is taken from what is termed by as Matthew’s “Community Discourse” (18:1-35). It is the fourth of the long discourses in Matthew. Some see the discourse as divided clearly into two parts (18:1-14 and 18:15-35), with various indications, which point to such a division. Some of these indications are as follows: Both sections end with a parable (18:12-13 and 18:23-34), after the parable is a concluding statement of Jesus, which begins with the word “So” (18:14.35), there is also in the sayings, a reference to the heavenly Father and the saying is about the subject of the preceding section (“little ones” and “brother/sister”).

The discourse begins with a question about the disciples regarding greatness. In his response, Jesus makes clear that being in the kingdom or coming into it, is not a matter of one’s talents or qualities, but “becoming like a child”. In first-century Judaism, children were often regarded as inferior and were treated as property rather than as persons. The point Jesus makes here is that one must acknowledge dependence on the Father. The reception of a child is an indication that one has accepted the values of the kingdom and one is no longer concerned about being greatest.

This was the attitude of St. Therese to life and she lived as a child of God all through her life. She inspires and invites us to the same.

Tuesday, October 1, 2019 - Isa 66:10-14; 1 Cor 13:4-13; Mt 18:1-4

Tuesday, October 1, 2019 - Isa 66:10-14; 1 Cor 13:4-13; Mt 18:1-4

1. What does Paul say will come to an end?

Love
Prophecies
Tongues


2. How does Paul say we see now?

Brightly
Dimly
Clearly


3. Whom did Jesus use to explain greatness?

His mother
His father
A child


4. What does Paul say will cease?

Love
Prophecies
Tongues


5. How does Paul say he knows now?

Completely
In part
Fully


6. How will the Lord extend prosperity to Jerusalem?

Like a river
Like a sea
Like a mountain


7. Of faith, hope and love which does Paul say is the greatest?

Faith
Hope
Love


8. For whom does Isaiah call to be glad?

Judah
Jerusalem
Galilee


9. Who asked Jesus the question about greatness?

The crowds
The disciples
The scribes


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

We must become like children to enter the kingdom
We must acknowledge our dependence on God
A child is not only innocent and spontaneous but dependent

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, September 30, 2019 - You Tube Reflections

The approach of Jesus was an inclusive approach. He excluded no one. All who were open to receive his radical message were welcome to be part of his community. We need to be constantly aware of this especially when we make such clear distinctions between those of other faiths and ourselves. They are also called in their own way.

How will you show through your actions that you belong to the kingdom?

Monday, September 30, 2019 - How will you show through your actions that you belong to the kingdom?

To read the texts click on the texts: Zech 8:1-8; Lk 9:46-50

This scene shows the disciples debating among themselves as to which of them was the greatest. The fact that this episode occurs immediately after Jesus has predicted his passion, death and resurrection for the second time, shows that the disciples have not understood the meaning of Jesus’ predictions. In his response to their argument, Jesus puts a child by his side as an example of what it means to be the greatest. The one who like a child acknowledges total dependence on God, the one who does not have any visible means of support, is the one who is greatest.

The second scene in this section is the last one before Jesus turns towards Jerusalem, and also shows the disciples of Jesus in a poor light. This is the only scene in which the apostle John appears alone in the Synoptic Gospels. Here he acts as the spokesman for the group. The reason why they try to stop the unnamed exorcist is because he does not belong to the “inner circle”. The irony is that they as disciples were not able earlier to cast out a demon (9,40), and now someone who is not even part of their group is able to do so. Jesus’ response calls for openness and tolerance. Jesus also seems to say that one’s actions will determine who belongs and does not belong to the kingdom.

Even two thousand years after Jesus, we do not seem to have understood the meaning of what it takes to belong to the kingdom. We keep associating greatness with possessing things or having authority to dominate. Authority for anyone who belongs to the kingdom can only be translated as service.

Though the Gospels do seem to indicate that Jesus came primarily for the Jews, his was an inclusive approach. He excluded no one. All who were open to receive his radical message were welcome to be part of his community. We need to be constantly aware of this especially when we make such clear distinctions between those of other faiths and ourselves. They are also called in their own way.

Monday, September 30, 2019 - Zech 8:1-8; Lk 9:46-50

Monday, September 30, 2019 - Zech 8:1-8; Lk 9:46-50

1. Where will the Lord bring his people to live?

Egypt
Jerusalem
Babylon


2. What will the old people have in their hands?

All their belongings
A staff
A sword


3. Whom did Jesus put by his side?

His mother
His disciples
A child


4. What will the mountain of the Lord of hosts be called?

The high mountain
The great mountain
The holy mountain


5. Who told Jesus that he tried to stop an exorcist?

James
John
Andrew


6. For whom is the Lord jealous?

Zechariah
Zion
Joseph


7. To whom does what the Lord says seem impossible?

To the enemies
To the remnant
To the people


8. Who will play in the streets?

Boys and girls
Merchants and Vendors
The young and the old


9. What will Jerusalem be called?

Sinless city
Faithful city
Grateful city


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

Actions speak louder than words
It is more difficult to serve than be served
If we want to be first we must be prepared to 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, September 29, 2019 - You Tube Reflections

Can I be accused of sins of lack of concern, inability to assess the reality of situations, closing my eyes and ears to the injustices around me, being caught up in my own small world? Does my reflection on sin include “sins of omission”?

Is my attitude towards those less fortunate than I one of condescension? Do I regard them as persons, like myself?

Is my faith mere “lip service”? What prevents me from “acting” out my faith?

Sunday, September 29, 2019 - Is my faith mere “lip service”? What prevents me from “acting” out my faith?

To read the texts click on the texts:Am6:1, 4-7; 1 Tim 6:11-16; Lk 16:19-31

While at first reading, both the text from Amos and the Gospel text of today might seem to indicate that riches are bad, or that luxury is to be shunned, or that one must live an ascetic life. A deeper reading however, indicates that the core question of these texts is “Am I my brother/sister’s keeper?” (Gen 4:9). Riches and luxury are a problem when they are gained at the expense of others’ misery.  They are a problem when they deaden the mind and the senses to responsibility. They are a problem when they become ends in themselves or when those who possess them become insensitive and unfeeling to the needs of others around them.

This is what the readings of today seem to point to. The Gospel parable of today has often been titled as the parable of “Dives and Lazarus”. It may be seen to be divided into three parts. In the first part, the focus is on rich man’s opulence and wealth.  The rich man is not named. The Latin term “dives” means “rich”.  In the second part, the focus is on the rich man’s death and burial. In the third part, which is the longest, there is, for the first time in the story, a dialogue. It is between the rich man and Abraham and this is the climax of the story.

 

The story begins by describing the rich man and his dress and food. The “purple and fine linen” may signify that he was a high ranking official, since the Romans had set standards regarding who could wear purple and how much purple they could wear. In contrast to the rich man, there is a poor man, named Lazarus. It is significant that Lazarus is the only character in any of Jesus’ parables who is given a name. The name Lazarus means “God helps”. The fact that he is at the gate of the rich man’s house signifies that, though the rich man could see Lazarus, he was not aware of his existence. He was so caught up in his world of material things; he was so caught up in his luxuries and personal enjoyment, that he was unable to see reality right before him. The problem was not so much the riches or luxuries that the rich man was enjoying but that they had blinded him from the reality around him.  They had made him immune to the suffering of those whom he could see.

Amos speaks, in the first reading of today, of this same callous attitude on the part of the rich. These are the ones who, like the rich man of the parable, have lived lives of ease and eaten their fill, without being concerned about the numerous poor and their unmet needs. This is why they are the ones who will be the first to suffer exile and punishment. They have not been their brother/sister’s keepers.

God, however, is the keeper of the poor as is made explicit in the detail found in the Gospel.   Lazarus was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man may have deliberately ignored Lazarus and pretended that he did not exist, but God is aware of Lazarus. God indeed came to Lazarus’ help.  The death of the rich man, in contrast, is described in a short sentence: “The rich man also died and was buried.” This indicates both that he was forgotten soon after his death and strikingly, how transient is his opulence and wealth. His riches are of no consequence now. He has to leave all that he has behind. He can take nothing with him. No matter how rich he was, or how much he possessed, he had to let go when his time was up.

None of us knows when that time will be, but all know that we can take nothing with us.  Paul exhorts Timothy, in the second reading of today, to shun riches which can be as shown, in the case of the rich man and to the people of Amos’ time, as the root of many evils. He must pursue instead that which remains, even when all else has gone, namely, concern for others manifested in unconditional love. It is love alone which is eternal and which does not die. It is love alone which remains forever. This is the love that was manifested by Jesus from the beginning of his ministry right to the time that he stood, witnessed before Pilate, and was put to death. Jesus lived a life that showed that every human being was his brother or sister and he was indeed, their keeper. As disciples of Jesus, we have to realize that each one of us, like Jesus, is indeed, our brother or sister’s keeper.

A number of questions to which there are no easy answers are raised by this parable and we must reflect on them constantly if we are not to lose touch with reality.

Ø Can I be accused of sins of lack of concern, inability to assess the reality of situations, closing my eyes and ears to the injustices around me, being caught up in my own small world? Does my reflection on sin include “sins of omission”?

Ø Is my attitude towards those less fortunate than I one of condescension? Do I regard them as persons, like myself?

Ø Did the brothers of the rich man get the message?

Ø How would you like to conclude the story? Place yourself in the position of the rich man’s brothers and write down what you would do to ensure that you do not suffer the same fate as the rich man.

Sunday, September 29, 2019 - Am 6:1, 4-7; 1 Tim 6:11-16; Lk 16:19-31

Sunday, September 29, 2019 - Am 6:1, 4-7; 1 Tim 6:11-16; Lk 16:19-31

1. What fight must Timothy fight?

The fight of righteousness
The fight of sin
The fight of faith


2. Where did the rich man go when he died?

Hades
Heaven
Purgatory


3. How was the rich man dressed?

In flowing garments
In fine linen
In fine silk


4. From where do the idle drink wine?

From goblets
From bowls
From cups


5. What was the name of the poor man?

Dives
Lazarus
Lazuras


6. On what kind of beds do some lie?

Stone
Gold
Ivory


7. By whose side was the poor man?

Jacob's
Abraham's
Isaac's


8. On which Mount do some feel secure?

Olives
Samaria
Tabor


9. Who did Abraham say the rich man's brothers had to warn them?

Elijah and the prophets
Moses and the prophets
Elisha and the prophets


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

Faith is not only lip service
We must act out our faith
We must show in action what we believe

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, September 28, 2019 - You Tube Reflections

It is not easy for us to give up control. Most of us like to be in control of every situation so that we do not need to depend on someone else. These verses are calling us to understand that this is not always possible or even necessary. There may be times when we need to give up control and especially to God acting through humans if we are to be faithful to his will.

Saturday, September 28, 2019 - Does it make sense to proclaim a “Suffering Messiah” today? How will you do it if it does?

To read the texts click on the texts: Zech 2:5-9,14-15; Lk 9:43-45

The second Passion prediction in the Gospel, which is our text for today, follows immediately after Jesus’ mighty work in exorcising the demon in the previous scene. It is only in Luke that Jesus announces his passion and death while “all were marvelling at everything he did.” Only Luke adds the phrase, “Let these words sink into your ears;” in order to bring out the gravity of the pronouncement. He abbreviates the Passion prediction of Mark, so that his passion prediction simply has “the Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men.” Through this shortening, Luke focuses on Jesus’ “being handed over” or “delivered”, and omits any reference to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Like in Mark, here too the disciples’ are not able to understand. However, Luke gives a reason for this, namely “it was concealed from them”, though he does not say by whom.

It is not easy for us to give up control. Most of us like to be in control of every situation so that we do not need to depend on someone else. These verses are calling us to understand that this is not always possible or even necessary. There may be times when we need to give up control and especially to God acting through humans if we are to be faithful to his will.

Saturday, September 28, 2019 - Zech 2:5-9,14-15; Lk 9:43-45

Saturday, September 28, 2019 - Zech 2:5-9,14-15; Lk 9:43-45

1. Though the disciples did not understand Jesus, why did they not ask him?

They were afraid
They were confused
They did not want to seem ignorant


2. Where does the Lord tell Zion he will dwell?

On the mountains
In their midst
In the heavens


3. What did Zechariah see in the man's hand?

A measuring line
A sharp sword
A sharp sickle


4. What does the Lord say he will be around Jerusalem?

A wall of brick and mortar
A wall of fire
A wall of stone


5. How many chapters does the book of Zechariah contain?

14
3
6


6. Where does the Lord ask the exiles to escape?

Zion
Judah
Babylon


7. Who does Jesus say will be betrayed into human hands?

The Son of God
The Son of Man
The Disciples


8. From which land does the Lord ask the exiles to flee?

The land of the south
The land of the north
The land of the east


9. What did the man tell Zechariah he was going to measure?

A big field
Jerusalem
The size of his orchard


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

Jesus is the Messiah who became victorious through suffering
Jesus saves and keeps saving
The name Jesus means Saviour

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, September 27, 2019 - You Tube Reflections

Who Jesus is cannot be captured by a title and we must not attempt to do so or imagine that this is possible. Any title we may use for Jesus will always be inadequate and this leads us to the realisation that while we may encounter him in different situations, he will always be bigger than anything we can ever imagine.

Friday, September 27, 2019 - Can you identify with a “Suffering Messiah”? Would you have preferred that Jesus not go to the Cross? What kind of death would have preferred Jesus to die?

To read the texts click on the texts: Haggai 2:1-9; Lk 9:18-22

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.

Who Jesus is cannot be captured by a title and we must not attempt to do so or imagine that this is possible. Any title we may use for Jesus will always be inadequate and this leads us to the realisation that while we may encounter him in different situations, he will always be bigger than anything we can imagine.

Friday, September 27, 2019 -Haggai 2:1-9; Lk 9:18-22

Friday, September 27, 2019 -Haggai 2:1-9; Lk 9:18-22

1. What will the Lord fill the house with?

Gold
Silver
Splendour


2. What was the name of the high priest?

Joshua
Jehozadak
Haggai


3. Whose is the silver?

The People's
The Lord's
The King's


4. Who was Shealtiel's son?

Haggai
Zerubabbel
Joshua


5. Through which prophet did the word of God come?

Zerubabbel
Haggai
Joshua


6. Who answered that Jesus was the Christ of God?

James
Peter
John


7. Which splendour will be greater?

The latter
The former
Both will be the same


8. What was Jesus doing alone?

He was sleeping
He was praying
He was relaxing


9. On which day of the seventy month did the Lord speak top the prophet?

Twentieth
Twenty-first
Twenty-second


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

Jesus came to save
Jesus loves unconditionally
Jesus is not restricted to a few but available to all

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, September 26, 2019 - You Tube Reflections

The intention behind wanting to meet Jesus is extremely important. If one’s approach is curiosity that will be the level at which one will see him. If one’s approach is faith, then one will encounter him as he is.

You know a great deal about Jesus, but do you really know him? When did you last meet him personally?

Thursday, September 26, 2019 - You know a great deal about Jesus, but do you really know him? When did you last meet him personally?

To read the Texts click on the texts: Haggai 1:1-8; Lk 9:7-9

This text (9:7-9) forms the meat of the sandwich formed by the sending out of the Twelve (9:1-6) and their return (9:10-17). In a sandwich construction, an event is begun, interrupted by another event and the first event is continued and completed. In this instance, the disciples are sent on mission (9:1-6), the return is interrupted by the question of Herod (9:7-9) and the event of the sending out of the disciples is continued and completed by their return (9:10-17). In such a construction, the first and the third events throw light on the event in the middle or the meat of the sandwich. 

The first and third events here, narrate the sending and successful return, and it is in this light that the question of Herod, “Who is this?” which is the second event or in the centre, must be read. Herod’s desire to see Jesus foreshadows coming events. When Herod did meet Jesus, his desire to see Jesus was fulfilled, but he wanted only to see Jesus perform a sign. He never really grasped the answer to his own question.

Though John the Baptist has been beheaded and Jesus will also be killed, yet the violence of the wicked will be no match for God’s grace. The success of the disciples’ in mission is only a shadow of the success that Jesus will experience in mission.

The intention behind wanting to meet Jesus is extremely important. If one’s approach is curiosity that will be the level at which one will see him. If one’s approach is faith, then one will encounter him as he is.

Thursday, September 26, 2019 - Haggai 1:1-8; Lk 9:7-9

Thursday, September 26, 2019 - Haggai 1:1-8; Lk 9:7-9

1. How much does the Lord say the people harvested?

Much
Plenty
Little


2. Who beheaded John?

Pilate
Herod
Annas


3. Where does the Lord say wages are put?

In the bank
In a bag with holes
Buried in the ground


4. Who was Zerubabbel's father?

Haggai
Shealtiel
Darius


5. Where are the people to go to bring wood?

To the hills
To the market
To the mountains


6. Who was Jehozadak's son?

Haggai
Shealtiel
Joshua


7. How much does the Lord say the people have sown?

Little
Plenty
Much


8. In which year of the reign of Darius did the word of God come to Zerubabbel?

First
Second
Third


9. Who was the governor of Judah?

Zerubabbel
Shealtiel
Haggai


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

To be engaged in Mission takes courage
One has to be prepared to suffer for Mission
Mission is not only to say but also to 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.

Wednesday, September 25, 2019 - You Tube Reflections

We are called to continue to the Mission inaugurated by Jesus and put into motion by his first disciples. It is a mission, which includes every aspect of life and involves all persons. This means that we are called not to be part-time missionaries or disciples, but on mission always and everywhere.

Wednesday, September 25, 2019 - What does mission mean for you today? How and where will you proclaim it?

To read the texts click on the texts: Ezra 9:5-9; Lk 9:1-6

This passage may be seen as the culmination of the entire section Lk. 7:1 – 8:56. In this section, we were shown the nature of Jesus’ Kingdom mission. The Twelve now share in that same mission. These verses may be termed as the Mission Discourse according to Luke. 

Though Luke has taken much material from the Mission Discourse of Mark (see Mk. 6:6b-13), he has also made changes, which bring out his meaning of mission more clearly. Before Jesus instructs his disciples on how they must go about their mission, he gives them not only authority as in Mark, but power and authority. This power and authority is given not only over the unclean spirits as in Mark, but over all demons and to cure diseases. Only in Luke are they also sent to “preach the Kingdom of God”. This indicates that for Luke, mission is inclusive and includes both doing as well as saying, both action as well as word.

Besides power and authority, Jesus also gives the disciples a strategy for mission. This may be summed up as detachment from things (take nothing for your journey), persons (stay there and from there depart) and from events (and wherever they do not receive you, when you leave shake off the dust from your feet). Dependence ought to be only on the Providence of God. The rejection shown Jesus is also in store for those sent by Jesus. The last verse in today’s text, underscores the disciples’ obedience to the commands of Jesus by reiterating the principal features of mission: preaching the good news and healing the sick. That mission is universal is made clear in the last word, “everywhere”.

As missionaries today, we are called to continue to the Mission inaugurated by Jesus and put into motion by his first disciples. It is a mission, which includes every aspect of life and involves all persons. This means that we are called not to be part-time missionaries or disciples, but on mission always and everywhere. 

Wednesday, September 25, 2019 - Ezra 9:5-9; Lk 9:1-6

Wednesday, September 25, 2019 - Ezra 9:5-9; Lk 9:1-6

1. Before whom has the Lord extended his steadfast love?

The kings of Egypt
The kings of Persia
The kings of Judah


2. What were the missionaries asked to take for their journey?

Many things
All that they needed
Nothing


3. Whom did Jesus call together?

The Eleven
The Twelve
His disciples


4. What does Ezra say the Lord has left?

A rod and staff
A remnant
A sickle and spear


5. What does Ezra say has been shown by the Lord for a brief moment?

Favour
Love
Mercy


6. Till where does Ezra say the guilt has mounted?

Higher than the heads
Over the mountains
Up to the heavens


7. Over whom did Jesus give the Twelve authority?

The whole world
All demons
His possessions


8. When did Ezra get up from fasting?

In the morning
At the evening sacrifice
Afternoon


9. In what has the Lord not forsaken his people?

In their distress
In their slavery
In their poverty


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

Everyone is called to Mission
Mission is to say and do
Mission is not only spiritual it is also 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.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019 - You Tube Reflections

We might possess the name Christian because of our baptism, but this does not necessarily mean that we belong to the family of Jesus. In order to belong what is also necessary is putting into action what Jesus has taught.

Would Jesus point to you as a member of his family? Why?

Tuesday, September 24, 2019 - Would Jesus point to you as a member of his family? Why?

To read the texts click on the texts: Ezra 6:7-8,12,14-20; Lk 8:19-21

Though this text, which concerns the mother and brothers of Jesus, is found also in Mark 3:21-22 and 3:31-35 and Matthew 12:46-50, Luke narrates it quite differently from both. In Mark 3:33 and Matthew 12:48 Jesus asks who his mother and brothers are. In Luke, however, Jesus does not ask this question, but says simply when told that his mother and brothers desire to see him, that his mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it. Luke thus gives a positive thrust to the scene unlike Mark and Matthew. 

It might be said that while in Mark and Matthew Jesus seems to reject his physical family and choose instead the crowd (so Mark) or his disciples (so Matthew), in Luke he does not do so. This means that though family relations with Jesus are not based on physical relations but on the word of God, his physical family does indeed hear the word of God and acts on it.

We might possess the name Christian because of our baptism, but this does not necessarily mean that we belong to the family of Jesus. In order to belong what is also necessary is putting into action what Jesus has taught.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019 - Ezra 6:7-8,12,14-20; Lk 8:19-21

Tuesday, September 24, 2019 - Ezra 6:7-8,12,14-20; Lk 8:19-21

1. In which year of the reign of King Darius was the house of God finished?

Seventh
Sixth
Fifth


2. Why could the mother and brothers of Jesus not reach him?

Because they were late
Because of the crowd
Because Jesus hid himself


3. How many male goats were offered?

One hundred
Twelve
Four hundred


4. How many bulls were offered at the dedication?

Two hundred
One hundred
Three hundred


5. In which month was the house of God finished?

Shevar
Adar
Tevet


6. On which day of the first month did the exiles keep the Passover?

Fourteenth
Fifteenth
Twelfth


7. How many lambs were offered at the dedication?

Four hundred
Two hundred
One hundred


8. Through the prophesying of which prophets did the people prosper?

Haggai and Zephaniah
Haggai and Zechariah
Haggai and Zebedee


9. How many rams were offered at the dedication?

One hundred
Two hundred
Three hundred


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

We must act out our faith to be related to Jesus
Baptism alone does not make us Christians
Faith must be shown in action

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, September 23, 2019 - You Tube Reflections

Hearing is an active process. It calls for a commitment. Those who are open to that word are like a lamp, which gives light to all. An attentive hearing of the word of God can result in the transformation of one’s life and the living out of that word can lead to transformation in the lives of others.

Monday, September 23, 2019 - What is the Good News according to you? Will you share it with others today? How?

To read the texts click on the texts: Ezra 1:1-6; Lk 8:16-18

These verses in Luke are a commentary on the Parable of the Sower, which in Luke appears in 8:5-8. Just as a farmer sows the seed so that all of it may bear fruit, so also a lamp is lit so that it may give light. Like seed is sown not to be trampled on, eaten by birds, to wither or to be chocked, so a lamp is lit not to be hid under a jar or under a bed. 

Knowledge of the kingdom is not esoteric or secret, reserved for a particular group alone, but must be made known to all. It is knowledge, which must be shared openly with others. It is indeed the Good News, since it is a communication of love, and therefore it must not only be heard, but also experienced. By adding, “Then pay attention to how you listen”, the Lucan Jesus reminds listeners that they can choose and control how they will listen to the word of God. A total openness to the word of God results in an appropriate response to it.

Hearing is an active process. It calls for a commitment. Those who are open to that word are like a lamp, which gives light to all. An attentive hearing of the word of God can result in the transformation of one’s life and the living out of that word can lead to transformation in the lives of others.

Monday, September 23, 2019 - Ezra 1:1-6; Lk 8:16-18

Monday, September 23, 2019 - Ezra 1:1-6; Lk 8:16-18

1. Where is a lamp placed?

On a lampstand
Under a jar
Under a bushel


2. Which families heads got ready to go to Jerusalem?

Judah and Joseph
Judah and Benjamin
Judah and Jacob


3. Where did the Lord charge Cyrus to build a house?

Jerusalem
Persia
Babylon


4. What will happen to those who have?

Less will be given
More will be given
Nothing will be given


5. Where does a person not hide a lamp?

Under a bushel
Under a jar
Under a tub


6. Of which country was Cyrus king?

Babylon
Persia
Greece


7. What will happen to those who do not have?

They will be given
More will be given
Even what they seem to have will be taken away


8. Which king's spirit did the Lord stir up?

King Nebuchadnezzar
King Cyrus
King David


9. How many chapters does the book of Ezra contain?

Ten
Twenty-eight
Twelve


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

The Good News is meant for all
The Good News is not exclusive
The Good News must be shared

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, September 22, 2019 - You Tube Reflections

The kingdom of God is indeed in our midst and in us and this is why we who are called to focus on permanence and eternalness have to act in the present moment. How is this focus attained? What changes must we make in order to get back this focus?

Sunday, September 22, 2019 - How do you attain the focus in your life?

To read the texts click on the texts: Am8:4-7; 1 Tim 2:1-8; Lk16:1-13

The story is told of a man who was caught stealing. He was ordered by the king to be hanged. On the way to the gallows, he said to the governor that he knew a wonderful secret and it would be a pity to allow it to die with him. He wanted to disclose it only to the king and so, he was taken to the king. He told the king that he would put a seed of a mango into the ground and, through a secret taught to him by his father, he would make it grow and bear fruit overnight. There would be no need to wait for the mango season or for years; the result would be almost immediate. The king was intrigued.

The next day, the thief, accompanied by the king and several ministers and officers of high ranking, was taken to a field. There, the thief dug a hole in the ground and spoke out the secret saying, “For this seed to grow overnight, it must be put into the ground only by a man who has never stolen or taken anything which did not belong to him. That man must be a totally honest man. Since it will only grow if this condition is fulfilled, I cannot do it since I am a thief. One of you will have to plant the seed.” The thief turned to the Vizier who, frightened, said that in his younger days he had retained something which did not belong to him. The treasurer said that dealing with such large sums, he might have entered too much or too little and even the king owned that he had kept a necklace of his father’s without permission. The thief then looked at all of them and smiled. The king, pleased with the ruse of the thief, pardoned him.

On the one hand, a story like this might lend itself to being interpreted to mean that dishonesty or thievery is all right. It might be taken to mean that, though the man had done something wrong, he got away with subterfuge and cunning. However, the point is not so much that, as the fact that, when faced with death, the thief uses all his ingenuity, creativity, and inventiveness to save his life. He uses all his skill to get out of an extremely difficult situation.

This is also the point that Jesus makes in the parable that forms the Gospel text for today. Jesus is not praising dishonesty or even the dishonest steward. His focus in the parable is on the prompt and speedy action that the steward takes. He takes control of a terrible situation and acts decisively because his livelihood and therefore, his life are at stake. He casts caution to the winds, seizes an opportunity and makes provisions for his future.

More importantly, the focus of Jesus is on the contrast between the steps that a person takes for things that are temporary and the lethargy that is shown by most when it comes to things that are eternal. This is what Jesus means when he says,” … for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light.”

This lethargic attitude regarding things that are eternal is the attitude that Amos berates in the first reading of today. The people imagined that the good fortune that they were presently enjoying would continue forever and so, concentrated only on earthly, temporary realities. They would not repent, or seize the opportunity to make amends. They would continue to carry on with the evil they were doing. They would continue to “practice deceit with false balances” “trample on the needy and bring to ruin the poor of the land”. They would continue to cheat the poor and downtrodden and be concerned only with how much they can earn for themselves and that, through unfair and unjust means. Their belly has become their god.

Yet, now is the time of salvation, now is the appointed hour and so, decisions as important as these cannot be left for tomorrow or even later. The kingdom of God is indeed in our midst and in us and this is why we who are called to focus on permanence and eternalness have to act in the present moment. How is this focus attained? What changes must we make in order to get back this focus?

Paul gives us an indication in the second reading of today when he calls Timothy, and us, to supplications and prayers for a peaceable life.

This is a life where each person will live in dignity. This is a life where no one will be in need because there will be equitable distribution and each will have what he/she needs.

This is a life in which none will show the greed and selfishness that has become so much part of our culture and way of living.

This is a life in which “Christ Jesus, himself human,” who dared to give himself as a ransom for all, is the inspiration that, if followed, will make that life a reality.

This is a life in which each one is determined to live for the values of love and justice – everlasting values of the kingdom of God.

Sunday, September 22, 2019 - Am 8:4-7; 1 Tim 2:1-8; Lk16:1-13

Sunday, September 22, 2019 - Am 8:4-7; 1 Tim 2:1-8; Lk16:1-13

1. How does Amos say the dishonest pratice deceit?

By not keeping their word
By telling lies
With false balances


2. Whom does Paul say he was appointed a teacher of?

The Christians
The Jews
The Gentiles


3. What does Amos say the dishonest make great?

The ephah
The shekel
The denarius


4. How much olive oil was owed by the first debtor?

A hundred jugs
Eighty jugs
Fifty jugs


5. What was owe by the second debtor?

A hundred containers of wheat
Eighty containers of wheat
Fifty containers of wheat


6. What does Amos say the dishonest make small?

The shekel
The ephah
The denarius


7. By whose pride has the Lord sworn?

Jerusalem
Jacob
Isaac


8. How many masters can a slave serve?

One
Two
Many


9. Which are the two masters Jesus talks about?

God and the devil
God and wealth
God and Jesus


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

Creativity is the need of the hour
We must be prepared to take risks
Sometimes we must cast caution to the winds

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, September 21, 2019 - You Tube Reflections

There are times when we judge people too easily and many of these times our judgement of them is negative. This is also how we often look at the whole of creation and because we put labels on things, people and all else in creation, we may miss out on the uniqueness that each possesses.

Saturday, September 21, 2019 - St. Matthew, Evangelist - Matthew wrote a Gospel to share his experience of the Lord. What will you do to share your experience of Him?

To read the texts click on the texts: Eph 4:1-7,11-13; Mt 9:9-13

Most scholars hold today that the Gospel of Matthew was written after Mark. Matthew’s Gospel was the one that was used most often in the early Church and so it has been placed before Mark in the Bible.

It is known as the Ecclesial Gospel or the Gospel of the Church. One reason for this is that Matthew’s thesis seems to be that since Israel for whom Jesus came rejected Jesus as Messiah, the Church has become now the new and true Israel. Also Matthew is the only one of the four Evangelists who uses the word “Ekklesia” translated “Church” in his Gospel (16:18;18:17). There is however, throughout the Gospel the tension between Particularism on the one hand and Universalism on the other. The Jesus of the Gospel of Matthew is sent “only to the lost sheep of Israel” (15:24; see also 10:6) and the same Jesus can tell Israel “the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing the fruits of it” (21:43).

Matthew’s Gospel begins with the genealogy of Jesus, which goes back to Abraham. Joseph is not called the father of Jesus but the husband of Mary (1:16) since Matthew is clear that Joseph was not the biological father of Jesus. The birth of Jesus is then narrated, followed by the visit of the wise men to Bethlehem and Herod’s plan to kill Jesus. This leads the family to go to Egypt where they remain till Herod’s death and then return to Nazareth. The birth, flight into Egypt and return to Nazareth all fulfil scripture. Matthew then goes on to narrate the Baptism of Jesus by John and Jesus’ temptations and his overcoming them. Jesus then begins his public ministry in Galilee after calling the first four disciples. Unlike Mark, which is a story, Matthew intersperses his narrative with long discourses. The first of these is the Sermon on the Mount (5:1-7,29). There are four other discourses in the Gospel. These are The Mission Discourse (10:1-11:1), The parable Discourse (13:1-53), The Community Discourse (18:1-19:1) and the Eschatological Discourse (24:1-26:1). Each of these discourses ends in a similar manner with the words, “and when Jesus had finished (7:28; 11:1; 13:53; 19:1; 26:1). This is also Matthew’s way of focussing on the teaching of Jesus and giving it as much if not more importance that the deeds of Jesus. Like in Mark, Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly, but soon encounters opposition, which grows and leads to his arrest, passion and death. The Gospel ends with accounts of the resurrection appearances of Jesus to his disciples and what is known as the Great Commission, in which the disciples are commanded to go to all nations and make disciples of them and assured of the presence of the ever present Lord to whom all authority in heaven and earth has been given (28:16-20).

The text chosen for the feast contains the call of Matthew, and Jesus’ fellowship with tax collectors and sinners. It is only in the Gospel of Matthew that the tax collector is called Matthew. In Mark and Luke he is called Levi. However, in the lists of the Twelve in both Mark and Luke, the disciple is named Matthew and Levi does not appear. It is unlikely that Matthew and Levi refer to the same person. It was rare for Jews to have two different Jewish names. The reason for the author choosing the name Matthew remains unknown. However, in the text what strikes one is that whereas most people who passed by the tax office would see a corrupt official; Jesus was able to see a potential disciple. It was Jesus’ way of looking that led to the transformation and the response of Matthew to the call. In his response to the objection of the Pharisees, Jesus responds with a common proverb about the sick needing a doctor, and also quotes from Hoses 6:6, which here is interpreted to mean that the mercy of God in Jesus is extended to all humanity and takes precedence over everything else. All else must be understood in this light.

There are times when we judge people too easily and many of these times our judgement of them is negative. This is also how we often look at the whole of creation and because we put labels on things, people and all else in creation, we may miss out on the uniqueness that each possesses.