Thursday 31 October 2019

Friday, November 1, 2019 - All Saints Day - YouTube Reflections


The elder who invited John to identify those robed in white continues to invite us not only to identify them today, but also to have the confidence that, if we dare to live as Jesus has lived and shown us and as the Saints who have gone before us have lived, then we too can be counted in that number.

Friday, November 1, 2019 - All Saints Day - THE SAINTS COULD, WE TOO CAN.


To read the texts click on the texts:Rev 7:2-4,9-14; 1 Jn 3:1-3; Mt 5:1-12
“I want to be in that number when the Saints go marching in”. These words from the popular spiritual song “When the Saints Go Marching In” can be regarded as one of the two important reasons why we celebrate the feast of All Saints.

In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III consecrated a new chapel in the Basilica of St. Peter to all saints on November 1, and he fixed the anniversary of this dedication as the date of the feast. In the ninth century, Pope Gregory IV extended the celebration of All Saints for the entire Church and since then, the Church celebrates the feast of all Saints on this date.

While the celebration of this solemnity may be seen on the one hand as a remembrance or memorial of the numerous courageous men and women who lived lives of selfless love, it may also be seen as an event which makes each of us aware that we, too, as those who have gone before, are capable of living such lives. It is a celebration of possibilities, potential and promise. They could, we also can.

This possibility and potential is brought out vividly in the first reading from the Book of Revelation. While on the one hand there are the chosen one hundred and forty four thousand made up of twelve thousand each from the twelve tribes of Israel, there is also the great multitude from every nation and tribe and language. This great multitude is a demonstration that the possibility of being included is a very real one and that everyone who desires it can receive it. While it is true that the choice is made by God, we as humans can desire it by being willing to be washed in the blood of the lamb. This means the willingness to undergo persecution, trials and tribulations and resisting the pressure to conform to values of the “world” which include selfishness and self centeredness.

This willingness not to conform is precisely the reason why, in the Gospel text of today, Jesus can declare as “blessed”, those who in the eyes of the world might seem as those who are cursed. This declaration is a confident assertion of the reality that is now and here. The beatitudes are not a “wish list” nor a projection of the future state of what is to come. They are not conditions for discipleship or preliminary requirements for an initiate. Rather, they describe those who belong to the community of the Lord. They describe the Saints.

The nine pronouncements, or declarations, are thus not statements about general human virtues. Rather, they pronounce blessing on authentic disciples in the Christian community. All the beatitudes apply to one group of people. They do not describe nine different kinds of good people who get to go to heaven, but are nine declarations about the blessedness, contrary to all appearances, of the eschatological community living in anticipation of God’s reign.
“Poor in spirit” definitely includes being economically poor, but goes further than literal poverty. It refers also to an absence of arrogance and the presence of dependence. It refers to an absence of ego and a presence of awareness that one’s true identity is found only in God.

The “mourning” of disciples is not because of the loss of something personal or because of the death of a loved one. It is a mourning that is outward in that the mourning is because things are the way they are. The mourning is because God’s will is not being done and represents also a desire to do it. It is mourning because of what is not and also because of what can be.

 Meekness in the third beatitude represents not a passive attitude of endurance or as is sometimes understood: gullibility. Rather it is an active disposition that will refuse to use violent means. This refusal does not represent inability, weakness or impotence. It represents instead a deliberate choice of one’s way of proceeding.

This is also what is meant by the desire or hunger for righteousness or justice. It is the courage to do God’s will here and now with the confidence and optimism that the kingdom is indeed now and here.
The disciples are pure in heart or have a single minded devotion to God and will not be swayed by things that are temporary and passing. They will not be divided or serve two masters. They will serve the Lord and the Lord alone.

This single minded service of the Lord will also enable them to work for peace and reconciliation. They will bring together people of different experiences, races, religions, and languages not through any kind of coercion or force, but through the example of consecrated and selfless lives. All this they will do with a deep sense of joy, because they know that this is really the only way to live fully and completely the life that God in his graciousness has bestowed.

It is the same God who calls them his children and to whom he is Father. The disciples know that this is indeed what they are because they live lives that are in keeping with their call.

The elder who invited John to identify those robed in white continues to invite us not only to identify them today, but also to have the confidence that, if we dare to live as Jesus has lived and shown us and as the Saints who have gone before us have lived, then we too can be counted in that number.

Friday, November 1, 2019 - Rev 7:2-4,9-14; 1 Jn 3:1-3; Mt 5:1-12

Friday, November 1, 2019 - Rev 7:2-4,9-14; 1 Jn 3:1-3; Mt 5:1-12


  1. What was the number of those who were sealed?

  2. One hundred fifty four thousand
    One hundred twelve thousand
    One hundred forty four thousand

  3. Type your question2 here.

  4. choice1
    choice2
    choice3

  5. With what colour robes were the great multitude robed?

  6. White
    Red
    Purple

  7. How many angels has been given power to damage earth and sea?

  8. Three
    Six
    Four

  9. What does John say we are now?

  10. Strangers
    God's children
    Sinners

  11. How have those who have come out of the great ordeal washed their robes?

  12. In the waters of the river
    In the blood of the lamb
    In the waters of Meribah

  13. How many living creatures fell on their faces?

  14. Two
    Three
    Four

  15. What did the angel rising from the sun have?

  16. A flaming arrow
    The seal of the living God
    A shield of bronze

  17. Where would the servants of God be marked with the seal?

  18. On their heads
    On their foreheads
    On their shoulders

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

  20. We are all called to be Saints
    To be a Saint means to live in the present moment
    Sainthood is a challenge to all

  21. Where did Jesus go when he saw the crowds?

  22. He hid himself
    On the mountain
    By the sea

  23. Which is the fourth beatitude?

  24. Blessed are the meek
    Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
    Blessed are the poor in spirit

  25. Which is the sixth beatitude?

  26. Blessed are the pure in heart
    Blessed are the merciful
    Blessed are those who mourn

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 October 2019

Thursday, October 31, 2019 - YouTube Reflections

To be faithful to what we begin and see its completion even in the face of adversity requires perseverance and courage. It also requires openness to the grace of God. When things get difficult in life, do you like Jesus continue to persevere or do you cave in?

Thursday, October 31, 2019 - When things get difficult in life, do you like Jesus continue to persevere or do you cave in?


To read the texts click on the texts:Rom 8:31-39; Lk 13:31-35
The text of today begins with the Pharisees informing Jesus of Herod’s plan to kill him. In his response to this information Jesus makes clear that he will not die out of season just as another victim of Herod, but that he will finish the work that has been given to him by God. In his reference to Herod as “that fox’, Jesus indicates that Herod is sly and cunning and seeks only destruction. His demonstration of the fact that the kingdom is present is found in his acts of making people whole. The reference to three days may refer to the death of Jesus in Jerusalem when he completes the work given to him.

The second part of this pericope (13:34-35) has a parallel in Matthew (Mt 23:37-39) and contains Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem. He wanted to gather Jerusalem as a hen gathers her brood. In other words he wanted to offer her his love and protection, but she refused and rejected him. Since this is the case, they are responsible for their own fate, which for those who reject God is destruction.

To be faithful to what we begin and see its completion even in the face of adversity requires perseverance and courage. It also requires openness to the grace of God.

Thursday, October 31, 2019 - Rom 8:31-39; Lk 13:31-35

Thursday, October 31, 2019 - Rom 8:31-39; Lk 13:31-35


  1. On which day does Jesus say he finishes his work?

  2. The last day
    The third day
    The second last day

  3. Who asked Jesus to get away?

  4. Herodians
    Scribes
    Pharisees

  5. What did God not withhold?

  6. His Grace
    His Son
    His Peace

  7. Away from where is it impossible for a prophet to be killed?

  8. Galilee
    Bethlehem
    Jerusalem

  9. Who does Paul say justifies?

  10. Our faith
    Our works
    God

  11. Who was wanting to kill Jesus?

  12. Herod
    Pilate
    The High Priest

  13. How did Jesus wish to gather Jerusalem?

  14. As a hen gathers her brood
    As a cat gathers her kittens
    As a gardener tends the garden

  15. What does Jerusalem do to the prophets?

  16. She listens to them
    She stones them
    She kills them

  17. What does Jerusalem do to the ones who are sent to her?

  18. She stones them
    She kills them
    She respects them

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

  20. When challenges come our way we must not give up
    Perseverance wins the day
    If we persevere we are rewarded

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 29 October 2019

Wednesday, October 30, 2019 - YouTube Reflections

We are all exhorted to do what we have to do. We must not take for granted that salvation is assured and especially if we are not wiling to receive it.

Wednesday, October 30, 2019 - Will you take the road “less travelled”?


To read the texts click on the texts: Rom 8:26-30; Lk 13:22-30
The first verse of today’s text 13:22, reintroduces the journey motif which began in 9:51, where we were told that Jesus set out resolutely for Jerusalem. 

In response to a question of whether only a few will be saved, Jesus responds not with a direct answer, but by placing the onus of entry into the kingdom on each individual’s shoulders. This is because while the door is open it does not necessarily mean that anyone will enter it. God will not force a person to enter if he/she does not want to do so. 

While Jesus does not explicate what striving to enter through the narrow door entails, he states clearly that once the door has been shut, it will not be opened to those who presume that the Lord knows them. This means that the believer is challenged to do what he/she has to do and not presume or take for granted that salvation is assured and especially if one is not willing to receive it. God’s grace is abundant but can only be received by those who want to receive it.

“Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and I …. I took the one less travelled by and that has made all the difference” (Robert Frost)

Wednesday, October 30, 2019 - Rom 8:26-30; Lk 13:22-30

Wednesday, October 30, 2019 - Rom 8:26-30; Lk 13:22-30


  1. What does Paul say happened to those who were justified?

  2. They were called
    They were chosen
    They were glorified

  3. Besides gnashing of teeth what else will also be there?

  4. Wailing
    Weeping
    Sobbing

  5. Besides Abraham and Jacob which other patriarch is mentioned?

  6. Joseph
    Judah
    Isaac

  7. Through which door does Jesus ask his followers to strive to enter?

  8. The broad door
    The narrow door
    The open door

  9. What does Paul say happened to those who were called?

  10. They were ordained
    They were justified
    They were chosen

  11. To which place was Jesus making his way?

  12. Galilee
    Jerusalem
    Samaria

  13. In what does Paul say the Spirit helps us?

  14. In our strength
    In our weakness
    When the Spirit feels like

  15. What does Jesus say first will be?

  16. Second
    Third
    Last

  17. What does Paul say happened to those whom God predestined?

  18. He also chose
    He also called
    He also ordained

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

  20. We must dare to take the narrow road
    The narrow is a challenge
    Life is always about choices

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 October 2019

Tuesday, October 29, 2019 - YouTube Reflections


When we realise that with the motley crew that Jesus chose he could achieve so much in the world, then we realise that his words in the parable are indeed true. The kingdom does have insignificant beginnings, but even this insignificant or small beginning has resulted and will continue to result in great endings.
Have you sometimes been tempted to give in to despair when you look at the injustice, corruption and negatives around you? Will these parables help give you hope?

Tuesday, October 29, 2019 - Have you sometimes been tempted to give in to despair when you look at the injustice, corruption and negatives around you? Will these parables help give you hope?


To read the texts click on the texts: Rom 8:18-25; Lk 13:18-21
In the two parables that make up the text of today, we once again find the mention of a man and a woman. While in the first parable of the mustard seed, it is a “man” who sows, in the second parable of the yeast; it is a “woman” who mixes it. 

The parable of the mustard seed is found also in Mark and Matthew, whereas the parable of the yeast is in Matthew but not in Mark.

The Lukan version of the parable of the mustard seed is the shortest of the three. It lacks the description of the mustard seed as the smallest of all seeds (Mt 13:31; Mk 4:31) or the mature plant as “the greatest of all shrubs” (Mt 13:32; Mk 4:32). The point that Luke seems to be making by omitting these details is that rather than compare the kingdom to a mighty cedar, be describes it is terms of an insignificant seed. The emphasis is not on future glory, but on the present sign of its presence, even though it cannot be seen as clearly as some would like to. In Luke, it is a parable of the beginnings of the kingdom and not on its final manifestation. The people expected a spectacular, extra-ordinary cedar, but Jesus preferred to bring the kingdom as insignificantly as a mustard seed.

The point of the parable of the yeast in Luke is not the same as the point being made in the parable of the mustard seed. In this parable it is a clearly a case of small beginnings contrasted with great endings. While the quantity of yeast is not specified, the use of the word “hid’ indicates that it is an extremely small quantity. In contrast the three measures of flour that are leavened are the equivalent of fifty pounds of flour, enough to make bread for about One hundred fifty people. The kingdom like the yeast will eventually leaven the whole of humanity.

While the parable of the mustard seed dramatises the presence of the kingdom in its insignificant beginnings, the parable of the yeast reminds us that even small beginnings are powerful and eventually change the character of the whole.

When we realise that with the motley crew that Jesus chose he could achieve so much in the world, then we realise that his words in the parable are indeed true. The kingdom does have insignificant beginnings, but even this insignificant or small beginning has resulted and will continue to result in great endings.

Sunday 27 October 2019

Monday, October 28, 2019 - YouTube Reflections


We can follow Jesus only when we see clearly who is and Jesus is the love of God made incarnate and visible. This love is not restricted to a few, but available to all. The call to follow Jesus is a call to imitate him.
How will you show that you are imitating the Lord?

Monday, October 28, 2019 - Saints Simon and Jude


To read the texts click on the texts: Eph 2:19-22; Lk 6:12-19
Jude is one of the twelve Apostles in the list of Luke (and also Acts of the Apostles). Some think that since Jude is not mentioned by Matthew and Mark but Thaddeus is, that Jude and Thaddeus are the same person. Besides mention in the list of the Twelve, he is not well known.

Simon is mentioned in all four lists of the apostles. In two of them he is called "the Zealot." The title probably indicates that he belonged to a Jewish sect that represented an extreme of Jewish nationalism. For them, the messianic promise of the Old Testament meant that the Jews were to be a free and independent nation. God alone was their king, and any payment of taxes to the Romans—the very domination of the Romans—was a blasphemy against God. Nothing in the scriptures speaks of his activities as a Zealot.

The Gospel text chosen for the feast of these Saints is The naming of the twelve apostles. By placing the appointment of the Twelve immediately after the controversies with the Pharisees—and the dramatic distinction between old and new that these controversies exposed—Luke presents the appointment of the Twelve as the constitution of a new nucleus for the people of God, perhaps in deliberate succession to the twelve tribes of Israel. The conflicts between Jesus and the scribes and Pharisees have already shown that they represent the old and that, therefore, they are no more fit for leadership in the kingdom than old wineskins are fit for new wine. The events at this juncture of the Gospel foreshadow the opposition that will lead to Jesus’ death and the witness of the apostles in Acts.

Luke again signals the introduction of a new scene by means of “Now it came to pass” and a temporal phrase: “Now during those days.” The significance of the coming scene is indicated both by its setting on a mountain and the report that Jesus spent the night in prayer. The only other time Jesus goes up on a mountain to pray in Luke is the occasion of the transfiguration (9:28), just prior to the start of his journey to Jerusalem. Prayer is a regular feature of Luke’s account of the ministry of Jesus and the growth of the church, and references to prayer often occur in connection with significant turning points in this history (Luke 3:21, the coming of the Spirit upon Jesus; 9:18, Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Messiah; 9:28, the transfiguration; 11:1, the Lord’s prayer; and 22:40-46, Gethsemane). It is not surprising, therefore, that Luke adds a reference to prayer at this point.

In one verse, Luke refers to “the disciples,” “the Twelve,” and “apostles,” but the terms are not synonymous and do not refer to the same groups. In Luke’s account, in contrast to Mark and Matthew, the Twelve are distinct from the larger group of disciples: “He called his disciples and chose twelve of them.” In the next scene Jesus is still surrounded by “a great crowd of his disciples” (6:17). Luke states that Jesus named the twelve “apostles,” thereby characterizing their role as witnesses. The references to apostles in the early church in Acts and in the rest of the New Testament make it clear that many who were not among the Twelve were still called apostles.

The points being made by this text of the naming of the Twelve in Luke may be summarized as under:
1.   God calls those whom God wants. The individual’s merit or talent is not a necessary condition for the call. God graces those who are called and equips them for Mission. The initiative is always with God, but the response is from the human.

2.   Like God called Israel and then Jesus called the Twelve to continue the Mission that was given to Israel to be that Contrast Community, so God continues to call even today. Consequently, blessing and mission are vital aspects of God’s purpose for the community of faith, whether it be Israel or the church.

3.   Particularly in Luke, the call to follow Jesus is a call to imitate him, and in Acts we see the disciples continuing to do what Jesus began during his ministry. Jesus blessed the poor and the outcast; he ate with the excluded and defended them against the religious authorities. Jesus showed compassion on the weak, the sick, and the small, and in these matters the disciples had a particularly hard time in following Jesus’ example. Nevertheless, if discipleship and lordship are directly related, then the Gospel’s portrayal of Jesus is vital for the church. We can follow Jesus in the Lukan sense only when we see clearly who he is. Ultimately, of course, the Gospel challenges each reader to respond to the call to discipleship and join the Twelve as followers of Jesus.

Saturday 26 October 2019

Sunday, October 28, 2019 - You Tube Reflections


In Christianity and in the following of Jesus, there is no room for arrogance. We are all limited human beings with weaknesses that can trip us up if we are not vigilant. We are all poor and lowly, in need of the protection and strength that come to us from God. We are all sinners, dependent on divine mercy. It is indeed foolish and vain to think that we are better than others. It does no good whatsoever to treat others with disrespect or disdain.

Sunday, October 27, 2019 - How do you pray?


To read the texts click on the texts:Sir 35:15-17,20-22; 2 Tim 4:6-8; Lk 18:9-14
The Parable in today’s Gospel is popularly known as that of the Pharisee and Tax Collector. However, it is not so much about these persons as it is about the disposition for prayer in any person. This parable is exclusive to Luke and is addressed, not to the Pharisees but to those who “trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt.” This could be a description of any self-righteous person. There is a great difference between being righteous and being self-righteous. The righteous person knows that he / she is dependent on God and can do nothing without God’s help. The self-righteous person, on the other hand, is so filled with self importance and pride that he / she cannot see beyond his / her own nose. These self-righteous assume that God is dependent on them.

The defect of the Pharisee in the Parable is not that he gives thanks for what God has done for him. This is laudable. The defect is in his prideful disdain for others. He contrasts himself to a rash of unsavoury people – the greedy, the dishonest, adulterers – but saves the tax collector for the end. His very position of prayer betrays his pride. He steps apart from the crowd, as if God could not notice him wherever he is. The tax collector, however, simply stands at a distance and will not even raise his eyes to heaven. His bodily posture is itself a prayer. His plea to God, “O God, be merciful to me a sinner!” confirms this.

He goes home, made just in God’s eyes. The justice of God accepts the unjust and the ungodly. The parable summons us to a prayer of love and trust in God’s mercy. It frees us from the need to tell God who is a sinner and who is not. It summons us to realize that, even when we are righteous, it is because of God’s grace that we can be so. Only those who can acknowledge their own weaknesses feel the need to turn to God in prayer with sentiments of humility. But those who stand before God and others with an attitude of “Look what I have made of myself” will hardly realize the need to ask for God’s help in doing good. They presume that they can manage it by themselves. These are the ones who do not realize that their ability to be good and to do good is itself a reward from God.

The Pharisee in today’s Gospel very likely did live a life devoid of greed, dishonesty, and adultery. He probably did fast and tithe. But he did not realize that it was the goodness of God that lifted him up so that he could act in this righteous manner. He believed instead, that it was his own goodness that raised him up above others. On the other hand, in order to gain a livelihood, the tax collector likely did extort money from taxpayers. He was a sinner, and knew he was a sinner. But, he also knew that only God could lift him up. It was the tax collector’s humble demeanour that earned God’s grace.

The second reading of today shows that, in some ways, Paul resembles both the Pharisee and the tax collector. Like the Pharisee, he boasts of his accomplishments. He has competed well; he has finished the race; he has kept the faith; he has earned a crown of righteousness. Paul never denies the character of his commitment or the extent of his ministerial success. But, like the tax collector, he knows the source of his ability to accomplish these things. He says, “The Lord stood by me and gave me strength.” For Paul, all the glory belongs to God. Paul believes that he will receive “a crown of righteousness.” However, his attitude is radically different from that of the Pharisees in the Gospel. Paul knows of, and realizes, his nothingness. All the good that he is able to do to “fight the good fight” and to “run the race to the finish”, has been made possible by God’s help. Although he seems sure of being rewarded, he recognizes the reward as coming from God, not from himself. His affirmation at the end of the reading summarises this attitude. It is the Lord, and not his own accomplishments, who will give to him the crown of righteousness.

In Christianity and in the following of Jesus, there is no room for arrogance. We are all limited human beings with weaknesses that can trip us up if we are not vigilant. We are all poor and lowly, in need of the protection and strength that come to us from God. We are all sinners, dependent on divine mercy. It is indeed foolish and vain to think that we are better than others. It does no good whatsoever to treat others with disrespect or disdain.

Those who exalt themselves will be humbled. Those who humble themselves will be exalted. Therefore, persons who exalt themselves over others and boast of their virtue before God will discover that they have cut themselves off from both. Persons who are aware of their need for grace and forgiveness will be unable to disrespect or despise other people.

Sunday, October 27, 2019 - Sir 35:15-17,20-22; 2 Tim 4:6-8; Lk 18:9-14

Sunday, October 27, 2019 - Sir 35:15-17,20-22; 2 Tim 4:6-8; Lk 18:9-14


  1. What does the prayer of the humble pierce?

  2. The heart of God
    The clouds
    The heavens

  3. How much of his income did the Pharisee give?

  4. Half
    One third
    One tenth

  5. Whose loins will the Lord crush?

  6. The proud
    The unmerciful
    The humble

  7. How many times did the Pharisee say he fasted?

  8. Three times a week
    Twice a week
    Once a week

  9. Whose supplication will the Lord not ignore?

  10. The righteous
    The orphan
    The childless

  11. How is Paul being poured out?

  12. As strong wine
    A libation
    Spring water

  13. What does Paul say is reserved for him?

  14. The crown of thorns
    The crown of righteousness
    The crown of gold

  15. To whose prayer will the Lord listen?

  16. The one who is wronged
    The one who prays fervently
    The one who prays everyday

  17. Besides the Pharisee who else went up to pray?

  18. A Samaritan
    A tax-collector
    A farmer

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

  20. Humility is a key to the heart of God
    The sin of pride block us from grace
    Our prayer must show that we are dependent on 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 25 October 2019

Saturday, October 26, 2019 - YouTube Reflections


Each new day brings with it new hope and a new opportunity to right the wrongs that we may have done, to say the kind word that we ought to have said and to do the good that we ought to have done.

If you were given only one more day to live, what are the things that you would do? What is preventing you from doing these today?

Saturday, October 26, 2019 - If you were given only one more day to live, what are the things that you would do? What is preventing you from doing these today?


To read the texts click on the texts:Rom 8:1-11; Lk 13:1-9
The warnings and admonitions regarding the coming judgement that began in 12:1, reach their conclusion here with a call to repentance. Jesus uses two sayings to make the same point. The first is about the calamity that occurred when Pilate slaughtered a group of Galileans and when the tower of Siloam fell and killed eighteen people. Though no other historical reports narrate these incidents, there may be some historical background to the first one, Josephus the Jewish historian does narrate many incidents, which confirm that Pilate shed much blood. In the incidents that Jesus narrates, however, he makes clear that what is required on the part of the human person is not the focus on sin and its consequences but on repentance, which means the acquisition of a new mind, a new heart and a new vision.

Near Eastern wisdom literature contains stories of unfruitful trees and the story of the barren fig tree is similar to the stories found there. While in the story as told by the Lucan Jesus there is mercy, it is still a warning of the urgency of repentance.

Each new day brings with it new hope and a new opportunity to right the wrongs that we may have done, to say the kind word that we ought to have said and to do the good that we ought to have done.

Saturday, October 26, 2019 - Rom 8:1-11; Lk 13:1-9

Saturday, October 26, 2019 - Rom 8:1-11; Lk 13:1-9


  1. What kind of tree did the man plant in his vineyard?

  2. Sycamore tree
    Fig tree
    Mustard tree

  3. Whose Spirit does Paul say dwells in the Romans?

  4. The Spirit of God
    The Spirit of their ancestors
    The Spirit of the Prophets

  5. For how many years had the man come looking for fruit?

  6. One
    Two
    Three

  7. Because of what is the Spirit alive?

  8. Grace
    Righteousness
    Merit

  9. For how many years did the gardener ask that it be let alone?

  10. One
    Two
    Three

  11. What is the consequence of setting the mind on the spirit?

  12. Sin and death
    Life and peace
    Grace and merit

  13. Because of what is the body dead?

  14. Old age
    Sickness
    Sin

  15. How many were killed when the tower of Siloam fell?

  16. Twelve
    Fifteen
    Eighteen

  17. What is the consequence of setting the mind on the flesh?

  18. Sin
    Death
    Life

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

  20. The call by the Lord can come at any time
    We must be prepared at all times
    Preparation must be constant

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 October 2019

Friday, October 25, 2019 - YouTube Reflections


While we must keep in touch with what is happening around us so that our responses to different situations can be adequate, it is also important to keep in touch with what is happening in us. This means that while we need to take good care of our physical and material well being, we must not do it at the cost of our spiritual well being.

Compromise is often better than confrontation. When it is not a matter of one’s principles or when one is not called to do something against one’s conscience then it is better to compromise when some conflict arises. This approach saves energy, time and money.

Friday, October 25, 2019 - Where in the scale of “attention to detail” does your devotion to the teachings of the Lord rank?


To read the texts click on the texts: Rom 7:18-25; Lk 12:54-59
The warnings about the coming judgement continue in the Gospel reading of today. The text contains two clusters of sayings addressed to the crowds. They are charged with hypocrisy in the first of the two clusters for not being as observant of the signs of the coming judgement as they are of the weather. If they pay attention to the slightest sign of change in the weather, then they must also pay attention to the present time, which is the time of Jesus and his works and words.

In the second they are warned to make every effort to settle accounts so that they may be blameless when they are brought to court.

While we must keep in touch with what is happening around us so that our responses to different situations can be adequate, it is also important to keep in touch with what is happening in us. This means that while we need to take good care of our physical and material well being, we must not do it at the cost of our spiritual well being.

Compromise is often better than confrontation. When it is not a matter of one’s principles or when one is not called to do something against one’s conscience then it is better to compromise when some conflict arises. This approach saves energy, time and money.

Friday, October 25, 2019 - Rom 7:18-25; Lk 12:54-59

Friday, October 25, 2019 - Rom 7:18-25; Lk 12:54-59


  1. Before whom does a person go with his/her accuser?

  2. King
    Emperor
    Magistrate

  3. What is Paul a slave to with his mind?

  4. The law of sin
    The law of God
    The law of the land

  5. To whom will the judge hand the accused over?

  6. The Magistrate
    The officer
    Another judge

  7. What does Paul say he knows?

  8. That only good dwells in him
    That nothing good dwells in him
    The whole law

  9. When they see which wind will there be scorching heat?

  10. South wind
    East wind
    North wind

  11. What will the officer do to the accused?

  12. Hand him/her over to the judge
    Throw him/her in prison
    Hand him/her over to the Magistrate

  13. Where does Paul say evil lies?

  14. Close at hand
    Far away
    In Hades

  15. When do the crowds say it is going to rain?

  16. When they see a cloud rising in the east
    When they see a cloud rising in the west
    When they see a cloud rising in the south

  17. What is Paul a slave to with his flesh?

  18. The law of God
    The law of sin
    The law of grace

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

  20. We must be attentive to the instructions of the Lord
    We must be prepared at all times
    We must also be able to read the signs which the Lord gives

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 October 2019

Thursday, October 24, 2019 - YouTube Reflections


The reason why the announcement of the kingdom brings division is because it calls for a radical change of heart and mind. It overturns our value system and calls us to a life that is challenging and if lived fully also challenges others. It calls for decision and commitment at every moment.
Will you do good today even in the face of opposition? How?

Thursday, October 24, 2019 - Will you do good today even in the face of opposition? How?


To read the texts click on the texts: Rom 6:19-23; Lk 12:49-53
The verses of today contain three pronouncements regarding the nature of Jesus’ mission. The first is that he has come to cast fire on the earth. Fire is used as an image of God’s judgement, but ironically when it comes on the disciples at Pentecost (Acts, 2:3), it is the purifying fire of the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless, the crisis of judgement is never far away.

The second is about his own baptism, which may be an allusion to his death or to the conflict and distress in which he would be immersed. This governs his whole life. Until he completes his mission, he will not be satisfied.

The third is about the division that his mission will cause. Although the kingdom of God is characterised by reconciliation and peace, the announcement of that kingdom is always divisive because it requires decision and commitment. Though this announcement will indeed cause stress and division, Jesus will not shy away from it because it is the Mission given to him by his Father. Anyone who commits him/herself to Jesus must also then be prepared for the opposition that they will face.

The reason why the announcement of the kingdom brings division is because it calls for a radical change of heart and mind. It overturns our value system and calls us to a life that is challenging and if lived fully also challenges others. It calls for decision and commitment at every moment.

Thursday, October 24, 2019 - Rom 6:19-23; Lk 12:49-53

Thursday, October 24, 2019 - Rom 6:19-23; Lk 12:49-53


  1. What does Paul say is the end?

  2. Internal life
    Eternal life
    External life

  3. How many in one household will be divided?

  4. Five
    Four
    Three

  5. To what must the Romans present their members as slaves now?

  6. To Impurity
    To Righteousness
    To sin

  7. Whom will the father be divided against?

  8. Mother
    Son
    Daughter

  9. What is the advantage the Romans get now?

  10. Merit
    Reward
    Sanctification

  11. What does Paul say are the wages of sin?

  12. Riches
    Death
    Life

  13. To what did the Romans present their members as slaves before?

  14. To Righteousness
    To impurity
    To Grace

  15. What does Jesus say he come to bring on earth?

  16. Peace
    Fire
    Grace

  17. Has Jesus come to bring peace or division on earth?

  18. Peace
    Division
    Both

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

  20. To follow Jesus is challenging
    If one is true to Jesus' word, it can cause division
    Fidelity to the Lord is not easy

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 October 2019

Wednesday, October 23, 2019 - YouTube Reflections


Each of us has a specific role to play in the world, which is confirmed by the fact that we are unique and that there is not one else exactly like us anywhere. Since this is the case, we have to be faithful to that to which we are called. If we do not do what we have to do, no one else will do it and it will remain undone. Besides this it will also mean that we have been negligent in our duty and not appreciated enough the uniqueness of our creation.

Are you good because of fear of punishment or hope of reward, or are you good because it is good to be good?

Wednesday, October 23, 2019 - Are you good because of fear of punishment or hope of reward, or are you good because it is good to be good?


To read the texts click on the texts: Rom 6:12-18; Lk 12:39-48
The text of today is the one immediately after Jesus has begun to exhort his disciples’ to watchfulness (12:35-38). Based on instructions given in earlier contexts, however, readiness here means trust in God as a heavenly Father, putting away all hypocrisy, handling one’s material possessions faithfully, obeying the ethic of the kingdom, and making life a matter of constant prayer. Peter’s question regarding whether this “parable” was for the disciples alone or for everyone, does not receive a direct answer from Jesus. However, in his response to the question, Jesus responds with another “parable”, which is about the faithful and unfaithful servant/slave. While there will be a reward for the faithful servant, there will be punishment for the unfaithful servant. God will seek much from those to whom he has given much, because everything has been given in trust.

Each of us has a specific role to play in the world, which is confirmed by the fact that we are unique and that there is not one else exactly like us anywhere. Since this is the case, we have to be faithful to that to which we are called. If we do not do what we have to do, no one else will do it and it will remain undone. Besides this it will also mean that we have been negligent in our duty and not appreciated enough the uniqueness of our creation.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019 - Rom 6:12-18; Lk 12:39-48

Wednesday, October 23, 2019 - Rom 6:12-18; Lk 12:39-48


  1. To what does Paul say sin leads?

  2. More sin
    Death
    Life

  3. When is the Son of Man coming?

  4. At a particular hour
    At an unexpected hour
    Late at night

  5. With whom will the unfaithful slave be put?

  6. With the faithful
    With the unfaithful
    With the just

  7. To what does obedience lead?

  8. Grace
    Righteousness
    Love

  9. Who asked the Lord if the parable was for everyone?

  10. James
    Peter
    John

  11. What are we under law or grace?

  12. Law
    Grace
    Both

  13. Of what have the Romans become slaves?

  14. Righteousness
    Love
    Grace

  15. What must we not let exercise dominion?

  16. Grace
    Love
    Sin

  17. What were the Romans once slaves of?

  18. Earthly masters
    Sin
    Caesar

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

  20. We must not be afraid of God
    It is good to be good
    We must not expect reward for being good

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 October 2019

Tuesday, October 22, 2019 - You Tube Reflections


The time of the coming of the master is not known and he may come at any time, but if the servant/disciple is always ready, he/she will be blessed. The master will become salve of the slaves.

It is not difficult for us as Christians to relate to this reversal of roles, simply because our God in Jesus has already become slave. It is now left to us as servants to be ready at all times.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019 - Do you live one moment of one day at a time or are you living only in the future?


To read the texts click on the texts: Rom 5:12,17-21; Lk 12:35-38
The sayings in these verses are a call to watchfulness and readiness. The call to be dressed for action would mean literally to draw up the longer outer garment and tuck it into the sash around one’s waist so as to be prepared for strenuous activity. If the servants/disciples are so ready, they will be able to be prompt in responding to the master’s knock, and will be blessed. This blessing will take the form of a reversal of roles. The master will become servant/slave. 

The time of the coming of the master is not known and he may come at any time, but if the servant/disciple is always ready, he/she will be blessed.

It is not difficult for us as Christians to relate to this reversal of roles, simply because our God in Jesus has already become slave. It is now left to us as servants to be ready at all times.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019 - Rom 5:12,17-21; Lk 12:35-38

Tuesday, October 22, 2019 - Rom 5:12,17-21; Lk 12:35-38


  1. What did one man's righteousness lead to?

  2. Condemnation
    Justification
    Sanctification

  3. What did sin exercise in death?

  4. Dominion
    Sinfulness
    Grace

  5. Whom will the master serve?

  6. The servants who are kind
    The servants who are ready
    The servants who are first

  7. What did one's man's trespasses lead to?

  8. Justification
    Salvation
    Condemnation

  9. What does Jesus ask to have lit?

  10. Lamps
    Torches
    Candles

  11. From where is the master returning?

  12. A journey
    A wedding banquet
    A foreign trip

  13. How does Paul say sin came into the world?

  14. Through many sins
    Through one man
    Because of Satan

  15. What times are mentioned by Jesus in the parable?

  16. Middle of the day and near evening
    Middle of the night and near dawn
    Middle of the evening and near night

  17. How did grace exercise dominion?

  18. Through justification
    Through merit
    Through sin

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

  20. The best way to live is in the present
    We must live in the now
    The past is over the future is yet 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.