Saturday 30 November 2019

Sunday, December 1, 2019 - YouTube Reflections - First Sunday of Advent


Being good and doing good are not be looked upon as a burden but something that comes naturally to the Christian who has experienced the move from darkness to light and from fear to love through what Christ has done through his life, mission, death and resurrection. We must show through this kind of positive and fearless living that we are indeed children of the light and have as inspiration the person and message of Christ.

Sunday, December 1, 2019 - First Sunday in Advent - “Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday”


To read the texts click on the texts:Isaiah 2:1-5; Rom. 13:11-14; Mt 24:37-44
In this oracle of salvation Isaiah speaks of the elevation or exaltation of Zion, the mountain of the Temple of the Lord. This elevation will result in the establishment of peace and justice among all nations. The people will make a pilgrimage to Zion to learn the Lord’s ways and walk in his paths. They will go to God’s holy mountain to learn from him. This instruction will result in the instruments of war being turned into farming tools. Peace will reign and so there will be no need to train for war.

In this part of his letter to the Romans, Paul exhorts his readers because of the urgency of the times to wake up and live in the light rather than darkness. This is done by giving up things done under the cover of the dark and daring to appear in the light. Christians must express through their words and actions the very presence of Christ.

The text from Matthew is part of his Eschatological Discourse (24-25). To the question “When will Christ return?” Matthew’s answer is “No one knows” (24:36). As in the time of Noah life went on as usual with no sign that judgement was going to come, so will it be at the Parousia (literally “presence” but taken to mean the second coming of Christ). However, this lack of knowledge about the exactness of the hour instead of becoming a cause for concern must be the motivating factor to be ready at all times. In the metaphor of the thief who breaks and enters the house, the point being made is that it is the one who knows that the exact hour is unknown will be the one who will remain vigilant and awake.

Many of us live in the future rather than in the present. We want to know what will happen tomorrow and in the process do not live fully today. This obsession with the future is because basically we are frightened. We are frightened of what the future holds for us, we are frightened of whether we will be able to cope with what the future brings and we are frightened of whether the future will be better than or worse than our present. The Gospel text of today is calling for exactly the opposite of this way of living. It is calling for a total living in the present and doing what we have to do in the now, with no useless worry about what the morrow will bring. This is what it means to be ready at all times. A story is told of St. John Berchmans {a young Jesuit who died when he was  22 years old} who when  asked what he would do if he was told that he was going to be called by the Lord at the moment when he was playing football is said to have replied, “I will continue playing football.” The Latin phrase “Age quod agis” “Do what you are doing” sums up his attitude and the attitude expected of each of us who profess to be followers of Christ.

However, we will only be able to have such a kind of confidence to continue doing what we are doing,  if we give up the negative things that we might be doing and the negative attitudes that we might carry and substitute them instead with everything that enhances, builds up  and is positive. Being good and doing good are not be looked upon as a burden but something that comes naturally to the Christian who has experienced the move from darkness to light and from fear to love through what Christ has done through his life, mission, death and resurrection. We must show through this kind of positive and fearless living that we are indeed children of the light and have as inspiration the person and message of Christ.

If we dare to live in this manner then the prophecy of Isaiah which was fulfilled in the coming of Jesus 2000 years ago will also become a reality once again today. We will become that mountain of the Temple of the Lord to which everyone will look and learn the Lord’s ways. They will learn that to live in the future is futile, that to be obsessed with what is not yet is to fail to appreciate fully the present moment. They will realize that it is better to be positive than negative, to enhance and build up rather than pull down and destroy, to live fully and completely rather than die without ever having lived.

Sunday, December 1, 2019 - Isaiah 2:1-5; Rom. 13:11-14; Mt 24:37-44

Sunday, December 1, 2019 - Isaiah 2:1-5; Rom. 13:11-14; Mt 24:37-44


  1. From where will instruction go forth?

  2. Tabor
    Zion
    Galilee

  3. At what hour is the Son of Man coming?

  4. At an expected hour
    At an unexpected hour
    At a known hour

  5. What will the spears be turned into?

  6. Plowshares
    Pruning hooks
    Fishing hooks

  7. From where will the word of the Lord go forth?

  8. Zion
    Jerusalem
    Tabor

  9. Whose days does Matthew speak about?

  10. Jesus' days
    Noah's days
    Isaiah's days

  11. What will the swords be turned into?

  12. Fishing hooks
    Plowshares
    Sickles

  13. How many will be in the field when one is taken?.

  14. Many
    Two
    None

  15. Who was the father of Isaiah?

  16. Jeremiah
    Amoz
    Jacob

  17. How many women will be grinding meal together?

  18. Three
    Two
    Four

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

  20. Tomorrow is another day
    Today is all that matters
    Today is the tomorrow we worried about yesterday

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 29 November 2019

Saturday, November 30, 2019 - St. Andrew, Apostle - YouTube Reflections


What does it mean to follow Jesus and accept his invitation to follow? It means that one is willing to accept the challenge to see God in all things and all things in God. It therefore means continuing to follow when everything is going the way we want it to  and also when our plans go awry and we cannot understand why things happen the way they do. It means trusting at every moment that we have to continue to what is required of us and leave everything else (including the worrying) to God. It means trusting that God will never let us down and that all that happens to us is for God’s glory and our good. challenge to see God in all things and all things in God. It therefore means continuing to follow when everything is going the way we want it to and also when our plans go awry. It means trusting at every moment that we have to continue to what is required of us and leave everything else (including the worrying) to God.

Saturday, November 30, 2019 - St. Andrew, Apostle - Andrew left everything to follow the Lord. How will you follow the Lord today?


To read the texts click on the texts: Rom 10:9-18; Mt 4:18-22
Andrew was the brother of Simon Peter (Mt 4:18; Mk 1:16; Jn 1:40; 6:8) and along with his brother was a fisherman. According to the Gospel of John, Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist and was one of the first to follow Jesus. The Gospels of Matthew and Mark state that Andrew and his brother were the disciples to be called by Jesus to become “fishers of men”; a phrase which was used to probably link it with their trade.

Though not in the group of the three disciples (Peter, James and John) who seemed to have a special place in the ministry of Jesus, it was Andrew who brought the boy who had five barley loaves to Jesus in the Gospel of John (Jn 6:8) and who along with Philip told Jesus about the gentiles (Greeks) who wished to meet Jesus (Jn 12:22).

Andrew is said to have been martyred by crucifixion at the city of Patras. His crucifixion is believed to have been on Cross that was shaped like the alphabet X. This Cross is commonly known as “Saint Andrew’s Cross” today.

The Gospel text for the Feast is the call of the first four disciples as narrated by Matthew. It is Jesus who takes the initiative in this story and come to the brothers, Simon and Andrew. Jesus’ invitation is also a promise. The invitation which is “to follow” him, will result in the brothers becoming ‘fishers of men and women’. It is an invitation to participate in the saving work of Jesus.

The response of the brothers is immediate. They leave everything to follow Jesus. While it was surely a risk to act in such a manner, it is also true that the call of Jesus was so compelling, that they simply could not refuse.

What does it mean to follow Jesus and accept his invitation to follow? It means that one is willing to accept the challenge to see God in all things and all things in God. It therefore means continuing to follow when everything is going the way we want it to  and also when our plans go awry and we cannot understand why things happen the way they do. It means trusting at every moment that we have to continue to what is required of us and leave everything else (including the worrying) to God. It means trusting that God will never let us down and that all that happens to us is for God’s glory and our good.

Saturday, November 30, 2019 - Rom 10:9-18; Mt 4:18-22

Saturday, November 30, 2019 - Rom 10:9-18; Mt 4:18-22


  1. From which OPsalm are the words “Their voice has gone out to all the earth,and their words to

  2. Psalm 16
    Psalm 19
    Psalm 22

  3. With what must one believe to be justified?

  4. With the mind
    With the lips
    With the heart

  5. Who was the father of James and John?

  6. Zechariah
    Zebedee
    Simeon

  7. From where are the words “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

  8. Isaiah 52
    Psalm 42
    Amos 4

  9. What were James and John doing?

  10. Casting their nets
    Mending their nets
    Folding their nets

  11. Between whom does Paul say there is no distinction?

  12. Between male and female
    Between Jew and Greek
    Between saint and sinner

  13. Which prophet does Paul quote?

  14. Jeremiah
    Isaiah
    Ezekiel

  15. What were Simon and his brother doing?

  16. Mending their nets
    Casting their nets
    Repairing their nets

  17. Which sea was Jesus passing by?

  18. Red sea
    Sea of Jordan
    Sea of Galilee

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

  20. St. Andrew inspires us to follow Jesus unconditionally
    St. Andrew was courageous in his following
    In John's Gospel Andrew was the first disciple

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 28 November 2019

Friday, November 29, 2019 - YouTube Reflections - Will you live today as if it were your last day on earth?


Our job as Christians is not to bother about when the end will be but to live fully in the present moment. If we do so then no matter when the end comes we will always be ready.

Friday, November 29, 2019 - Will you live today as if it were your last day on earth?


To read the texts click on the texts: Dan 7:2-14; Lk 21:29-33
The parable of the fig tree found in these verses is the last parable that Jesus tells in the Gospel of Luke. This parable is found also in Mark 13:28-29 and Matthew 24:32-33, but whereas Mark and Matthew speak only of the fig tree, Luke speaks of “the fig tree and all the trees” (21:29). 

When people can see for themselves that these trees have come out in leaf they know for themselves that summer is near, so when they see the Son of Man coming in a cloud (21:27) they will know that the kingdom is near. Since Luke probably thought that the end would come soon, he has added the last two sayings about what will not pass away until “these things” have taken place. They are “this generation” and the “words” of Jesus. These pronouncements must serve as a reminder of the assurance of redemption for the believer.

Our job as Christians is not to bother about when the end will be but to live fully in the present moment. If we do so then no matter when the end comes we will always be ready.

Friday, November 29, 2019 - Dan 7:2-14; Lk 21:29-33

Friday, November 29, 2019 - Dan 7:2-14; Lk 21:29-33


  1. What did the second beast look like?

  2. A lion
    A tiger
    A bear

  3. How many horns were plucked from the roots to make room for the little one?

  4. Three
    Seven
    Five

  5. What colour was the clothing of the Ancient One?

  6. Red as blood
    White as snow
    Green as the trees

  7. What wings did the one like a lion have?

  8. Eagle's wings
    Pigeon's wings
    Dove's wings

  9. How many horns did the fourth beast have?

  10. Five
    Three
    Ten

  11. How many great beasts came up out of the sea?

  12. Many
    Four
    Numerous

  13. How many tusks did the beast which looked like a bear have?

  14. None
    Three
    One

  15. How many winds of heaven did Daniel see?

  16. Four
    Five
    Two

  17. What did the third beast look like?

  18. A lion
    A bear
    A leopard

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

  20. We must live every moment as if was our last
    We must live constantly in the now
    The present is all that matters

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 27 November 2019

Thursday, November 28, 2019 - YouTube Reflections

As Jerusalem was faced with a crisis when Jesus appeared to teach there, so will the world be faced when he comes as the Son of Man. In contrast to the judgment to be passed on the world, Christian disciples will then realize that their deliverance is near. 

Thursday, November 28, 2019 - If the end were to come today would you be able to hold your heal high fearlessly? If No, what will you do about it today?


To read the texts click on the texts: Dan 6:12-18; Lk 21:20-28
The text of today, continues the Eschatological Discourse, but speaks now of the destruction of Jerusalem and other cosmological signs which announce the coming of the Son of Man. 

Josephus the Jewish historian recorded the horrors of the Jewish war, which lasted from April until August of the year 70 C.E. It was a terrible for all the inhabitants and many were killed during it. The Romans razed the whole city to the ground. 

Once this happens and the other signs have come to pass signalling the end that is at hand, the Son of Man will appear in a cloud, with great power and glory. When this happens others might faint from fear, but the disciples are asked to hold their heads up high, because their salvation has indeed come.

Thursday, November 28, 2019 - Dan 6:12-18; Lk 21:20-28

Thursday, November 28, 2019 - Dan 6:12-18; Lk 21:20-28


  1. Who did the conspirators say paid no attention to the interdict?

  2. Azariah
    Abednego
    Daniel

  3. Where must those in Judea flee?

  4. To the hills
    To the mountains
    To the desert

  5. How did the king spend the night in his palace?

  6. Feasting
    Fasting
    Asleep

  7. Which place will be surrounded by armies?

  8. Judah
    Jerusalem
    Samaria

  9. What was laid on the mouth of the den?

  10. A stone
    A pillar of fire
    A statue of bronze

  11. Where will there be signs?

  12. In the four corners of the earth
    In the sun, moon and stars
    In the north and south

  13. How many times a day was Daniel saying his prayers?

  14. Once
    Three times
    Five times

  15. Where would the one would betrayed the interdict of the king be thrown?

  16. From a high mountain
    Into a den of thieves
    Into a den of lions

  17. Till when did the king make an effort to save Daniel?

  18. Until the end of the year
    Until the sun went down
    Until dawn

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

  20. We must live in the present moment and not worry about the future
    The now determines the later
    We must learn to live one moment at a time

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 26 November 2019

Wednesday, November 27, 2019 - YouTube Reflections


The gospel offers not a way of predicting the end of the world but the spiritual resources to cope with the challenges of life. In times of distress the disciples of Jesus are called not to throw their hands up in despair, but to be unafraid. It is a fact that following Jesus who is The Truth will have repercussions and consequences, some of which may be disastrous. However, it is in these circumstances that perseverance and endurance is called for. This is the test of our faith and courage in the promises of the Lord.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019 - If someone witnessed your actions all through today, would they conclude that you are a disciple of Jesus?


To read the texts click on the texts: Dan 5:1-6,13-14,16-17,23-28; Lk 21:12-19
These verses are part of Luke’s Eschatological Discourse. The Greek word “Eschaton” is translated as “the last things”, “the things of the next life”. The main point of these verses is to prepare the disciples for the coming trial by exhorting them to regard trials as an occasion for bearing witness. 

The text begins by telling the disciples what they (the persecutors) will do namely arrest you, persecute you etc. It then goes on to advise the disciples what they must do in the face of this persecution, namely that they must bear witness but not be obsessed with the anxiety of preparing their defence. The reason for this is because of what Jesus will do, namely, give the disciples wisdom to counter any argument of the opponents. 

The text ends with an assurance of God’s support and protection on those who endure.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019 - Dan 5:1-6,13-14,16-17,23-28; Lk 21:12-19

Wednesday, November 27, 2019 - Dan 5:1-6,13-14,16-17,23-28; Lk 21:12-19


  1. What vessels did the king ask to be brought in?

  2. Bronze
    Silver
    Gold and silver

  3. Who was brought in before the king?

  4. A slave
    Melchoir
    Daniel

  5. Who made a festival for his lords?

  6. King Darius
    King Belshazzar
    King Nebuchadnezzar

  7. What appeared and began writing?

  8. An angel
    A human hand
    A demon

  9. Besides governors who else would the disciples be brought before?

  10. Princes
    Kings
    Lords

  11. From where did the king say Daniel was brought?

  12. His home
    Judah
    Egypt

  13. For hos many lords was the festival made?

  14. One thousand
    Two thousand
    Three thousand

  15. What rank did the king promise Daniel?

  16. First
    Second
    Third

  17. Besides the Medes to whom else would the kingdom be given?

  18. Egyptians
    Persians
    Assyrians

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

  20. We must show our discipleship in deeds
    We must preach in action
    Actions speak louder than words

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 25 November 2019

Tuesday, November 26, 2019 - YouTube Reflections


In times of great danger, stress, and hardship it is natural for persons and communities of faith to turn to God and to the future for hope, for the promise of deliverance. However, idle preoccupation and speculation of what will happen at the end times is not called for. It is a distortion of the Gospel message of Jesus who asks that we concern ourselves not with gossip and guesswork, but in how we must do what we have to do in the present. 

Tuesday, November 26, 2019 - Are you so concerned about the next life that you are not living fully this life?


To read the texts click on the texts: Dan 2:31-45; Lk 21:5-11
Luke follows Mark 13:1-8 quite closely in these verses, though he also makes some changes. While in Mark 13:1 Jesus comes out of the Temple and predicts its destruction when his disciples point to it magnificence, in Luke, Jesus is within the Temple when he predicts its destruction when some (not the disciples) speak of its magnificence (21:5-6). This is why unlike in Mark 13:3 he is not on the Mount of Olives opposite the Temple, but within its precincts when he is asked about when this will take place (21:7). 

Mark 13:3 has Peter, James, John and Andrew who ask this question; Luke has the people pose the question. Jesus responds by stating not the hour when this will take place, but by issuing a set of three warnings. 

The first warning is not to allow oneself to be led astray and be led into believing that the ones’ who come in his name are the Messiah. 
The second warning follows the first: they must go after these false Messiahs. 
The third warning is not to be terrified when they hear of wars and insurrections, because they are part of God’s plan in bringing about the kingdom and must out of necessity happen before the final coming.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019 - Dan 2:31-45; Lk 21:5-11

Tuesday, November 26, 2019 - Dan 2:31-45; Lk 21:5-11


  1. What did the stone that struck the statue become?

  2. A great mountain
    A great demon
    A great dragon

  3. How strong will the fourth kingdom be?

  4. As strong as gold
    As strong as iron
    As strong as bronze

  5. What were the legs of the statue made of?

  6. Iron
    Bronze
    Steel

  7. What were people speaking about that was beautiful?

  8. The Synagogue
    The Temple
    The Palace

  9. What were the middle and thighs of the statute made of?

  10. Gold
    Silver
    Bronze

  11. What will the third kingdom be?

  12. Bronze
    Silver
    Iron

  13. What was the chest and arms of the statue made of?

  14. Gold
    Silver
    Bronze

  15. What were the feet of the statue made of?

  16. Partly iron and partly clay
    Partly iron and partly bronze
    Partly gold and partly silver

  17. What was the head of the statue made of?

  18. Fine silver
    Fine gold
    Fine bronze

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

  20. We must live fully this life
    We must learn to live in the present
    The present will determine the future

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 24 November 2019

Monday, November 25, 2019 - YouTube Reflections


The true measure of gifts is not how much is given but how one gives.
It is not the amount that one gives but the spirit in which the gift is given.
The true gift is to give everything one has.

Monday, November 25, 2019 - Will you forego one meal this week and give what you save to someone less fortunate than you?

To read the texts click on the texts: Dan 1:1-6,8-20; Lk 21:1-4
Jesus’ comment on the widow’s offering follows immediately after his condemnation of the scribes, who “devour widow’s houses”. Luke omits most of Mark’s introduction to the widow’s offering (see Mark 12:41).

In the new scene, which Luke brings about by his comment that “He (Jesus) looked up and saw”, Luke introduces two sets of characters: the rich contributors and a poor widow. The action of both is the same. However, the size or amount of the gifts of the rich contributors is not mentioned, but it is explicitly stated that the widow put in two lepta, the smallest copper coins then in use. 

It would have taken 128 lepta to make one denarius, which was a day’s wage. Two lepta would therefore have been worthless. In a twist reminiscent of many of Jesus’ parables, Jesus states that the widow who put in what seems like a worthless amount has put in more than any of the rich contributors. 

The following statement clarifies how this could be. They contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty. They contributed gifts she contributed herself

Monday, November 25, 2019 - Dan 1:1-6,8-20; Lk 21:1-4

Monday, November 25, 2019 - Dan 1:1-6,8-20; Lk 21:1-4


  1. For how many years were those chosen from the royal family to be educated?

  2. Five years
    Three years
    Two years

  3. How many copper coins did the poor widow put?

  4. Three
    Two
    Five

  5. Besides Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah who else was chosen?

  6. Ezekiel
    Daniel
    Joel

  7. What was the name of the kings palace master?

  8. Asphnaze
    Ashpenaz
    Ahspenaz

  9. How many times better were Daniel and his companions than the magicians of the kingdom?

  10. Eight times
    Ten times
    Three times

  11. Which king besieged Jerusalem?

  12. King Cyrus of Persia
    King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon
    King Antiocohus of Greece

  13. What were Daniel and his companions given instead of royal rations?

  14. Meat
    Vegetables
    Spices

  15. In which year of King Jehoiakim was Jerusalem besieged?

  16. The first year
    The third year
    The sixth year

  17. After how many days did Daniel ask to be tested?

  18. Ten
    Five
    Three

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

  20. Generosity comes from within
    Generosity is not easy
    We prefer to be selfish than generous

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 23 November 2019

Sunday, November 24, 2019 - Christ the Universal King - YouTube Reflections


We can welcome Christ the King by removing from our minds and hearts anything that will prevent us from receiving and accepting him. We can do this by removing selfishness and self-centeredness that makes us seek only our own good rather than the good of others. We can do this by reaching out in love and forgiveness as he did, even when on the Cross. Will we ready our minds and hearts to receive our King?

Sunday, November 24, 2019 - CHRIST THE UNIVERSAL AND ETERNAL KING - What one action will you do today to show that you are readying to receive Christ the King?


To read the texts click on the texts: 2Sam 5:1-3; Col 1:12-20; Lk 23:35-43


The feast of Christ the Eternal King was introduced through the encyclical Quas Primas – (“In the first”) of Pope Pius XI on December 11, 1925.  One main purpose of the encyclical was to communicate hope to a world which seemed to be giving into despair.  Another purpose was to give the world a whole new idea of kingship, dominion and authority. There could be no better model of kingship which the Church could put before the world than Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, the servant king.

This feast is celebrated every year on the last Sunday in Ordinary time. It brings to a close the Ordinary time of the liturgical year and it begins the preparation for Advent and the coming of the redeemer child at Christmas.

The readings for today all speak of Kingship. The first reading tells of the kingship of David who had been anointed king over Judah and now, over the northern tribes of Israel. Thus, David becomes king over all of Israel. However, even as he is anointed king, he is reminded of the kind of king that the Lord wants him to be, namely a Shepherd king. He began life as a shepherd of the flocks of his father.  Now, he is shepherd over the people. Like the shepherd looks after his flock and leads them, so David will look after his people and lead them. The anointing of David as king is not something done on a mere whim. It is the Lord who ordained it.  It is the Lord who said that David would be shepherd and rule over Israel. David had shown his care for his people when he led them out and brought them to the glory that they now experience.

The kingdom that God established in David promised newness. The shape of power in this kingdom will be governed by shepherding and covenant making. Israel’s future hope has, for the moment, become its present hope. This present hope was made even more visible when God chose and anointed Jesus to be king, not only over Israel but over the whole of humanity. Like David before him, Jesus would also be a shepherd of the people.  The covenant that he made with God would be a covenant on the Cross. It would be an eternal covenant, one that no amount of negatives could ever erase.

The Gospel text of today brings out this truth powerfully. Through the irony of the taunts of the leaders and soldiers, Luke highlights both Jesus’ real identity and the true meaning of his death. The leaders and soldiers think that they are ridiculing Jesus. They think that they are making fun of him.  However, even as they do this, they are unaware that this is exactly the kind of king that he has come to be.  Just as Jesus had taught that those who lose their lives for his sake would save them, so now he is willing to lose his life so that all might be saved. Jesus’ death did not contradict the Christological claims; it confirmed them. For him to have saved himself would have been a denial of his salvific role in the purposes of God. Both what is said and what is done at the cross, therefore, confirm the truth about the one who is crucified: He is the Christ, the King of the Jews, the Saviour of the World.

This salvation that Jesus effected on the Cross is made even more visible and more tangible in the response of Jesus to those crucified with him. Though rebuked by one of the thieves, Jesus does not react negatively. He is willing to accept even this taunt. The pronouncement that Jesus makes to the thief who asks for remembrance is solemn. It is the last of the six “Amen” sayings in Luke and the only one addressed to a person. It is also the last of the “Today” pronouncements. That “Amen” and “Today” have been used together is an indication that the pronouncement is emphatic and that there is to be no delay.  What Jesus promises will happen now.

The salvation pronounced to one of the thieves on the Cross is also the salvation being pronounced to each of us who are willing to receive it. This is because, through his passion and death, Jesus has rescued us, as the letter to the Colossians points out.  He has rescued us from the power of darkness and sin.  He has transferred us into the kingdom of light and all that is good. It is therefore, in the visible image of Jesus Christ that we can comprehend who God is and what God wants to do for each of us. God wants the whole of creation to be reconciled in Jesus. God wants all of creation to be saved in the shepherd and self-sacrificing king.

As we come to the close of another liturgical year, and as we prepare to welcome Christ our eternal king, we need to realize that our king can come only if we are willing to open our hearts and minds wide to receive him. We can do this by removing from our minds and hearts anything that will prevent us from receiving and accepting him. We can do this by removing selfishness and self-centeredness that makes us seek only our own good rather than the good of others. We can do this by reaching out in love and forgiveness as he did, even when on the Cross. Will we ready our minds and hearts to receive our King?

Friday 22 November 2019

Saturday, November 23, 2019 - YouTube Reflections


Jesus’ words can thus be approached from a positive side. The God who created human life, including the institution of marriage, has also provided for life after death for those who have cultivated the capacity to respond to God’s love. The biblical teaching is that life comes from God. There is nothing in or of the human being that is naturally or inherently immortal. If there is life beyond death, it is God’s gift to those who have accepted God’s love and entered into relationship with God in this life: They “are children of God, being children of the resurrection”

Saturday, November 23, 2019 - If you were told that your life after death would be determined by the life you live now, what changes would you make in this life?


To read the texts click on the texts: 1 Mac 6:1-13; Lk 20:27-40
The Sadducees were a group of Jews who did not believe in the resurrection. The question they ask Jesus assumes the practice of levirate marriage, where according to Deut 25:5, the brother of a deceased man was to take his brother’s widow as his wife. The Sadducees extend the situation to the point of ridicule by speaking of seven brothers who marry the same woman. The question is whose wife she would be in the resurrection. While in Mark, Jesus first rebukes the Sadducees, in Luke he begins to teach them immediately. Jesus’ response is that life in the resurrection will not simply be a continuation of the life, as we know it now. In the second part of his response, Jesus calls the attention of the Sadducees to the familiar story of the burning bush, in which the point is that God is not God of the dead but of the living.

Jesus’ words can thus be approached from a positive side. The God who created human life, including the institution of marriage, has also provided for life after death for those who have cultivated the capacity to respond to God’s love. The biblical teaching is that life comes from God. There is nothing in or of the human being that is naturally or inherently immortal. If there is life beyond death, it is God’s gift to those who have accepted God’s love and entered into relationship with God in this life: They “are children of God, being children of the resurrection”

Monday, December 23, 2019 - Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Lk 1:57-66

Monday, December 23, 2019 - Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Lk 1:57-66


  1. What kind of fire is the messenger of the Lord?

  2. Burning
    Refiner's
    Scorching

  3. What was with the child?

  4. The staff of the Lord
    The hand of the Lord
    The spirit of the Lord

  5. How did Zechariah communicate the name of his child?

  6. He spoke aloud
    He sang in the sanctuary
    He wrote on a tablet

  7. Where will the Lord suddenly come?

  8. To the sanctuary
    To the temple
    To the synagogue

  9. Whom will the messenger purify?

  10. The descendants of Able
    The descendants of Cain
    The descendants of Levi

  11. On what day did they come to circumcise the child that Elizabeth bore?

  12. Tenth
    Eighth
    Sixth

  13. What were they going to name the child that Elizabeth bore?

  14. Zechariah
    John
    Jesus

  15. Who does Malachi say is being sent before the Lord?

  16. Jesus
    A messenger
    A prophet

  17. How will offerings be presented to the Lord?

  18. In righteousness
    In peace
    In love

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

  20. John was the precursor
    John knew his role and did it well
    John had no Ego

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, November 24, 2019 - 2 Sam 5:1-3; Col 1:12-20; Lk 23:35-43

Sunday, November 24, 2019 - 2 Sam 5:1-3; Col 1:12-20; Lk 23:35-43


  1. What is the body of Jesus?

  2. His physical attributes
    His disciples
    The Church

  3. Who scoffed at Jesus?

  4. The people
    The leaders
    His enemies

  5. Of what is Jesus the image?

  6. The visible God
    The invisible God
    Th God who can be seen

  7. How did Jesus make peace?

  8. By bringing it from heaven
    By offering his cheek
    Through the blood of his cross

  9. What was pleased to dwell in Jesus?

  10. His spirit
    The fullness of God
    His love and concern

  11. From what has God rescued the Colossians?

  12. The kingdom of light
    The power of darkness
    The power of light

  13. What did the soldiers offer Jesus?

  14. Some water
    A handkerchief
    Sour wine

  15. Where did the tribes of Israel come to David?

  16. Zion
    Hebron
    Tabor

  17. When did Jesus tell the thief he would be with him in Paradise?

  18. Today
    Tomorrow
    At the end of time

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

  20. We must open our hearts wide to receive the King
    Our king comes in humility
    Our king comes 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.

Saturday, November 23, 2019 - 1 Mac 6:1-13; Lk 20:27-40

Saturday, November 23, 2019 - 1 Mac 6:1-13; Lk 20:27-40


  1. How many brothers married the same woman?

  2. Six
    Seven
    Three

  3. Over whom did Alexander the Macedonian king reign?

  4. The Greeks
    The Jews
    The Egyptians

  5. Which city in Persia was famed for its silver and gold?

  6. Emylais
    Elymais
    Eyliasm

  7. In which place had Antiochus done wrong?

  8. Jerusalem
    Galilee
    Samaria

  9. Who does Jesus say shows that the dead are raised to life?

  10. Abraham
    Moses
    Isaac

  11. Who was Alexander's father?

  12. Antiochus
    Philip
    Barnabbas

  13. Which group says that there is no resurrection?

  14. Sadducees
    Pharisees
    Herodians

  15. To where did King Antiochus flee in disappointment?

  16. Tarsus
    Babylon
    Antioch

  17. Besides Abraham and Isaac which other patriarch is mentioned?

  18. Jacon
    Joseph
    Jacob

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

  20. This life will determine the next
    Life now is more important that life after
    Today is the tomorrow we worried about yesterday

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 21 November 2019

Friday, November 22, 2019 - YouTube Reflections

The related scenes of Jesus weeping over the city and driving out the merchants from the Temple speak poignantly of God’s judgment on human sinfulness. These are passages heavy with pathos and tragedy. Jesus weeps, laments, and sounds warnings that fall on deaf ears.

If the Lord were to come to the Temple of your heart, would he find selling and buying or would he find himself there?

Friday, November 22, 2019 - If the Lord were to come to the Temple of your heart, would he find selling and buying or would he find himself there?


To read the texts click on the texts: 1 Mac 4:36-37,52-59; Lk 19:45-48
The cleansing of the temple is one of the few incidents that are narrated by all four Gospels. However, the distinctiveness of Luke’s account stands out more clearly when it is compared with Mark. 

In Marks account, Jesus enters Jerusalem and the temple, and then withdraws for the night to Bethany. In contrast, Luke has Jesus proceed directly to the Temple. The cleansing in Luke is greatly abbreviated, omitting Mark’s references to those who were buying, overturning the tables, selling doves and forbidding anyone to carry anything through the Temple. While in Mark Jesus’ action is part of his prophetic announcement of the destruction of the temple, in Luke, the cleansing prepares his “father’s house” to serve as the site for Jesus’ teaching in the following section (19:47 – 21:38). 

While in Mark Jesus leaves the Temple definitively after the cleansing, in Luke, Jesus continues to teach in the Temple even after the incident. Since the people were spellbound by the words of Jesus, the chief priests, scribes and the leaders could do nothing to him.

Friday, November 22, 2019 - 1 Mac 4:36-37,52-59; Lk 19:45-48

Friday, November 22, 2019 - 1 Mac 4:36-37,52-59; Lk 19:45-48


  1. For how many days did they celebrate the dedication of the altar?

  2. Ten
    Eight
    Seven

  3. From which Old Testament prophet are the words "My house shall be a house of prayer”?

  4. Isaiah
    Jeremiah
    Ezekiel

  5. Besides golden crowns what other decoration was put at the front of the temple?

  6. Silver crowns
    Small shields
    Bronze statutes

  7. Whom did Jesus drive out from the Temple?

  8. Those who were not praying
    Those who were selling things there
    Those who were singing

  9. What was the response of the people to the teaching of Jesus?

  10. They were spellbound
    They were distracted
    They were silent

  11. On which day of the ninth month did they offer sacrifice?

  12. Twentieth
    Twenty-fifth
    Twenty-first

  13. From which prophet are the words "but you have made it a den of robbers"?

  14. Isaiah
    Jeremiah
    Ezekiel

  15. To which Mount did the army assemble and go?

  16. Mount Tabor
    Mount Zion
    Mount Zor

  17. Who said to his brothers that their enemies had been crushed?

  18. Jacob
    Judas
    Joseph

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

  20. Our hearts are temples of God
    We mus cleanse our hearts of idols
    God searches the heart

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 20 November 2019

Thursday, November 21, 2019 - YouTube Reflections

There are times in our lives when we 'conveniently' believe what suits us and reject many other truths. In doing so we are like the people of the city of Jerusalem who have closed ourselves to the revelation that God continually makes. We must develop the ability to find God in all things and all things in God.

Thursday, November 21, 2019 - What keeps you from recognising the Messiah?

To read the texts click on the texts:1 Mac 2:15-29; Lk 19:41-44
The text of today dwells on the theme of Jesus’ rejection by the religious elders. The city Jerusalem, whose name contains the word peace, does not recognise the King of Peace, Jesus Christ. Jesus’ tears for Jerusalem are because she did not recognise that if she accepted him as Messiah, true peace would indeed reign. The numerous attempts of Jesus to win over the people were met with stiff resistance. They had closed their minds and hearts to anything that he had to say because it did not fit in with what they had already set their minds to believe.

There are times in our lives when we 'conveniently' believe what suits us and reject many other truths. In doing so we are like the people of the city of Jerusalem who have closed ourselves to the revelation that God continually makes. We must develop the ability to find God in all things and all things in God

Thursday, November 21, 2019 - 1 Mac 2:15-29; Lk 19:41-44

Thursday, November 21, 2019 - 1 Mac 2:15-29; Lk 19:41-44


  1. Like whom did Mattathias burn with zeal for the law?

  2. Judas
    Phinehas
    Jacob

  3. By what did Mattathias say he would continue to live?

  4. By the kings decree
    By the covenant
    By the kings command

  5. What did Jesus do when he came near the city?

  6. He bowed low
    He wept
    He went to the Temple

  7. Who came forward to offer sacrifice according to the king's command?

  8. A Gentile
    A Greek
    A Jew

  9. What will the enemies set up around the city?

  10. Ramparts
    A fortress
    A big wall

  11. Who was told that he was a leader and honoured?

  12. Judas
    Mattathias
    Judah

  13. Over which city did Jesus weep?

  14. Jerusalem
    Sodom
    Gamorrah

  15. To which tone did the king's officers come?

  16. Modem
    Modein
    Modern

  17. With what did the king's officers say would Mattathias be honoured?

  18. A wonderful home
    Silver and gold
    Peace and prosperity

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

  20. Openness is not easy
    An open mind is a gift of God
    If we are open we can learn

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.