30th Sunday of Ordinary Time – Year C

‘The tax collector beat his breast and said “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”’  The Lord presents to us today an image of two people praying in the temple.  The pharisees stands in prayer, his mind focused on how loyal he is to the temple, always keeping to the rules of fasting and almsgiving twice a week.  He is pleased with his outstanding level of piety and religion, oozing with pride and a sense of great security in his own uprightness. 

The tax collector, who is a social outcast, and conscious of his wrongdoing humbly confesses his sinfulness and asks for God’s mercy.  This humble prayer touches the tender heart of God, and he receives forgiveness.

Many of us, will be able to relate to the tax collector’s sheer state of sorrowfulness of heart.  Possible that he was on his knees, unable to raise his eyes to heaven, in total shamefulness of his sins.  Being desperate to receive the God’s love and mercy, he poured out his heart and soul to the Lord.  How many of us, have done the same throughout the years, in total desperation, pouring out our hearts to the Lord?  Knowing that God is the only person we can turn to.  God is our final hope.    

In the psalms we read “The lowly one called, and the Lord heard him.”  In the most desperate of times, when we are at our lowest, the Lord is always there. 

He is waiting at your side, knocking at the door to your heart, so, let us have the courage, to open that door and invite him in.

The words in the poem ‘Footprints in the sand’ seems appropriate:

 “I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life there was only one set of footprints.  I don’t understand why, when I needed you the most, you would leave me.  The Lord whispered, my precious child, I love you and will never leave you, when you saw only one set of footprints, it was when I was carrying you.” 

In our first reading we hear that ‘The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds.”  In our humbleness and total desperation, it is like pressing a red button, to turbo-boost our prayer past all other prayers, piercing through the clouds, and going straight to the altar of the Lord.  In the Lord’s loving kindness, he answers our prayers immediately, giving us instant comfort and consolation through his grace.  The Holy Spirit covering us in his presence, giving us peace in mind, heart and soul.

During our Mass today, when I offer up the gifts of bread and wine placed on the altar, you can also place all your troubles and concerns through prayer, and together, we will offer everything up to the Lord, to his Holy Altar in Heaven.

We are members the Body of Christ, a community who serves the Lord, as humble servants.  May we lose our pridefulness that eats away at the core of our heart. 

May we empty ourselves of all pride, so that, we can rely solely upon the Lord Jesus, who guides our daily thoughts.

Prayer comes from a sincere and humble heart.  If we want it to be heard, let us imitate the tax collector’s humbleness, during our next recitation of the penitential prayer of the ‘I confess’ remembering to beat our breasts at the words, “through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault,” and the Lord will hear you and give you mercy through his loving kindness.  

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C

Today’s readings speak powerfully to us about perseverance, especially in prayer, in faith, and in our mission as disciples.  In a world that often demands instant results and quick fixes, the Word of God invites us to a deeper, and a more enduring trust in the Lord.

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow who keeps coming to the unjust judge, pleading for justice.  Though the judge neither fears God nor respects people, he eventually gives in, not because he is righteous, but because the widow refuses not to give up.  Jesus uses this image to teach us about the power of persistent prayer.  “Will not God grant justice to His chosen ones who cry to Him day and night?”  The answer is clear: Yes, God hears us. But yet, Jesus adds a sad and tender question, asking whether:  “When the Son of Man comes, will He find any faith on earth?”

This question shifts the focus from God’s faithfulness to our own faith.  Will we remain faithful?  Will we keep praying, even when answers to our prayers seem delayed?  Will we trust in God’s justice, even when the world seems unjust?

In our First Reading from Exodus, it gives us a vivid image of perseverance in action.  As Israel battles Amalek, Moses stands on the hill with the staff of God raised in his hands.  As long as his hands are raised up, Israel prevails. But when he grows tired, the tide turns.  So Aaron and Hur support his arms, helping him to remain steadfast.

This is a beautiful image of intercessory prayer and community support.  We are not called to persevere alone.  We need one another, to lift up each other, to hold each other in prayer, and to stand together in faith.

The Second Reading, from St Paul’s letter to Timothy, reinforces this call to perseverance. St Paul urges Timothy to remain faithful to the Scriptures, which are “inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” He exhorts  him to “proclaim the word, in season and out of season.” This is the mission of every Christian: to be rooted in the Word, to live it boldly, and to share it patiently, even when it’s difficult or unpopular.

So what does this mean for us today?

First, it means we must be a people of prayer.  Not just occasional prayer, but persistent, daily prayer, the kind that shapes our hearts and opens us to God’s will.

Prayer is not about changing God’s mind; it’s about aligning our hearts with His.  Like the widow, we must keep coming to the Lord, trusting that He hears us and will act in His time.

Second, we must be people of faith.  Faith is not just belief, it is trust, even when we don’t see results.  It is the conviction that God is good, that He is working, and that His justice will prevail.  

In times of trial, when we feel weary like Moses, we must allow others to support us, and be willing to support them in turn.

Third, we must be people of the Word.  Scripture is our foundation.  It teaches us who God is, how He acts, and how we are to live.  In a culture that often distorts the truth, we must be rooted in the truth of the Gospel, proclaiming it with love and courage.

Finally, we are reminded that God is not like the unjust judge.  He is our loving Father, who knows our needs and desires justice for His children.  However, He also desires our hearts:  Hearts that trust Him, hearts that persevere, and hearts that will remain faithful.

So let us take courage from today’s readings.  Let us be persistent in prayer, steadfast in faith, and bold in proclaiming the Word of God. And when the Son of Man comes, may He find in us, a faith that endures forever.

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C

“Finding himself cured, one of them turned back praising God and thanked him.”  Today’s theme is about giving gratitude to God, and allows us to ask the question:  are we grateful to God for what he has done in our lives? 

It is so easy to take things for granted.  Good health, good friends, good food.  All these have been given by God as a gift, and it only takes a second to say a meaningful ‘thank you’.

I should have been more grateful when I was studying in seminary college.  Good company of friends, cheap beer in the bar, and sausages every Sunday for breakfast, with the customary HP Sauce.  Ah, the good old days.  In parish life it is lucky if I have time for toast and a coffee before the phone rings or the door-bell sounds.  I didn’t appreciate the timetable I had, time set aside for prayer, study and relaxation.  The only thing on seminarians minds was the date to leave college, in order to be ordained and start parish ministry.      

Ingratitude is probably the most common of all human failings.  Being taken for granted without a word of thanks can be so hurtful.  What causes most pain is the neglect and coldness of those, for whom we have done our best for.  I remember when I was a young boy, at Christmas my Mum would say to me, make sure you note down everybody’s names who had given you these Christmas presents, so you can write to them and say thank you. 

Even though it was time consuming and slightly boring, I did write those letters of thanks, saying how grateful I was to receive my gift.

If neglect and ingratitude are painful to our own friends and family, how much more is it painful to the Lord, who has given us everything? 

In the Gospel ten lepers in their misery, cried out for mercy to the Lord.  These lepers were treated as outcasts and isolated from their community.  So, Jesus answered their prayers and all ten were cleansed, but only one came back to say thank you … only one. 

Jesus expressed genuine disappointment towards the attitude of the other nine, they missed the great richness and inner joy that comes from giving thanks.  The Samaritan man returned glorifying God, who Jesus refers to as being a foreigner.  By doing this Jesus is overcoming the barrier between Jews and non-Jews, thus fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy:

“Foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, will be brought to my holy mountain.  They will be joyful, for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.”

Jesus said to the Samaritan, your faith has saved you.  Suggesting that the Samaritan received more than a physical healing, like the other nine lepers, but for the Samaritan who returned, his faith in the Lord Jesus led him to Salvation.

In our first reading today, we heard about Naaman an Aramean officer who also suffered from leprosy.  He was instructed by his King to see the prophet, Elisha.  When he arrived at an unimpressive location, Naaman half-heartedly agrees to bathe in the river Jordan.  However, his efforts were rewarded, and he was cured. 

In gratitude Naaman returns to the prophet now convinced in Israel’s God is the One true God and asks Elisha if he could take back some Israeli soil, so he could offer sacrifices to God on Holy Land, while he was back at home. 

God has brought us out of darkness into his most wonderful light.  Jesus as conquered Sin for all humanity, by His Death, Resurrection and Ascension into Heaven.  That is more than enough to be grateful for. 

We are God’s Holy people, he has done so much for every one of us.  Let us take the Samaritan’s example today, by returning to the Lord, giving praise and glory for his steadfastness of love and mercy towards us, especially in our time of need. 

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C

Today’s readings speak to us of faith, a faith that endures, a faith that trusts, and a faith that serves.  In a world where uncertainty often clouds our vision and where suffering can shake our confidence, the ‘Word of God’ invites us to rediscover the power and necessity of faith in our lives.  The disciples ask for an increase in faith, they consider the faith they already have to be too weak.  Jesus’ reply indicates that even a little faith, small as a mustard seed, has great power, that can do the impossible.

However, we first begin with the prophet Habakkuk, who cries out to God in anguish: “How long, O Lord, must I cry for help and you do not listen?” His words echo the cries of many hearts today, those who suffer injustice, those who feel abandoned, those who wait for healing, for peace, for answers.  Habakkuk’s lament is not a lack of faith, but rather a raw and honest expression of it.  He dares to bring his pain before God, trusting that God hears him and will respond.

This is the heart of our readings today:  faith as the foundation of our lives.  Not just belief in doctrines or creeds, but a living faith, a breathing trust in God’s promises, even when they seem distant.  Faith is not a passive waiting, but an active endurance.  It is the courage to keep walking when the road is dark, to keep sowing seeds even when the harvest seems so far away.

In the second reading, St. Paul writes to Timothy, urging him to “fan into a flame, for the gift of God”.  St Paul knows that faith can grow cold if left unattended.  Like a fire, it needs to be fed, fanned, and protected.  He reminds Timothy, and us, that we have not been given a spirit of cowardice, but of “power, love and self-control.”  These are the fruits of living the faith.

Then we come to the Gospel, where the apostles make a simple but profound request: “Increase our faith.”  It’s a prayer we can all relate to.  We want more faith, especially when life is hard, when prayers seem unanswered, when we feel inadequate.  Jesus responds not by giving them a formula or a lecture, but by referencing to a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds.  In other words, it’s not about the quantity of faith, but its quality.  Even the smallest amount of genuine faith can move mountains, or uproot a mulberry tree and plant it in the sea.

So, what can we receive from today’s readings?

Firstly, like Habakkuk, we are invited to bring our questions and toils to God.  Faith does not mean pretending everything is fine.  It means trusting that God hears us, even in the silence of our hearts.

Secondly, like Timothy, we are called to rekindle our faith.  Perhaps we’ve grown weary or discouraged.  Perhaps we’ve let fear or doubt creep in.  But the Spirit within us, is not one of fear, it is one of power, love, and self-control.

And thirdly, like the apostles, we are reminded that even a little faith, when placed in the hands of God, can do great things.  We are not called to be heroes, but to be faithful servants, doing our duty with love and trust, even when we cannot see it.

Let us pray with the apostles, asking the Lord to increase our faith.  Let us allow our prayer, by trusting God in our trials, to rekindle the flame of faith within our hearts, and serve him with humility and love.

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C

Abraham replied, “remember that during your life good things came your way, just as bad things came the way of Lazarus.”  Today this gospel speaks to us about brotherly love.  If we love someone, we share our possessions and our time with them.  But greed gets the better of us and we become selfish to our neighbour. 

We hear the rich man enjoying a life of luxury, eating and drinking the best foods.  However, he was not being reprimanded for this.  We can live comfortably and enjoy good food and drink, there’s no problem with that. 

The problem the Lord is addressing is that Lazarus was ignored, he was not given any support.  There was no charity towards him.  The sin is that the rich man, did nothing, nothing at all.  It is similar to the parable of the Good Samaritan.  When the Priests and Levites crossed over to walk on the other side, ignoring the beaten man.  How often do we ignore our neighbour in need?  Is it something we need to address ourselves in our daily life? 

The story of Lazarus is providing us today, with an opportunity to exercise charity, to overcome selfishness in order to attain eternal salvation. 

We hear the rich man wanting to send down a message to his five brothers, so they won’t fall into the same fate. 

We can also see this in ourselves, being like the ‘five brothers.’  We have been told the Good News, through the Church, at School and possibly through further studies.  However, do we accept it, do we allow it to change and mould our lives.  Nobody is exempt from the responsibilities that we have been given through Baptism to help the less fortunate.  As Christians we have an obligation to help the poor and the needy.

Times are stuff at the minute with financial pressures.  Many people are wondering how to pay the bills and also how to provide food for the table.  This is causing grieve and anxiety around the UK.  Supporting local charities like food banks will always help people who are like Lazarus needing that extra bit of support.  May we could be outreaching in our generosity. 

We have all one common vocation in life.  There is only one reason why we are here on earth.  Through God’s love, he gives us life, a free gift, in order for us to be united with him forever.  Our common vocation is Sainthood.  We are all called to become Saints, united with the Trinity.  In our second reading today, we have heard “O man of God, pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness.”  We can only do this with God’s grace.  Through prayer and receiving the Sacraments of the Church.  Jesus Christ, the Word of God, is the source of Our Good News.

We, as human beings are unique, we are all different, in one way or another.  We are all priceless in God’s eyes, and we should also see our neighbour as being priceless in our eyes too.  People are more precious than any job or money that is earnt.  When something is priceless, we look after it well.  May we do the same with the poor and disadvantaged in our world.  As a disciple of Christ we are asked to be an example to others to follow. 

If you ever get struck and unsure what you should do in a situation, ask yourself what would Jesus do, and the Holy Spirit will guide you along the right path. 

May God’s Word, penetrate your hearts, in Hope, Love and Charity.  May we never deviate our focus on doing what is right, looking forward towards Jesus Christ, for the Glory of the Kingdom of Heaven. 

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C

“You cannot be the slave both of God and money.”  In this passage Jesus highlights the importance of being ‘trustworthy & faithful.’  ‘The man who can be trusted in little things, can be trusted in great.’  The parable tries to explain how God expects his disciples to use wealth, as to receiving a true reward in heaven.  One’s own wealth really belongs to another, namely God.  By treating money as your own, ends up by trusting in wealth, rather in the God who allowed you to have that money.    

The manager’s behaviour in the parable seems to be dishonest and self-centred at first, always thinking about himself, asking the question ‘What shall I do?’  But the manager was trying to change his ways.  He was basically the ‘middle man’ for his masters business.  He would add on a lump sum, on top of item prices, to make a nice bonus of the sale item.  When the manager was told, he was getting the sack, he started to panic and decided to contact his masters customers, telling them of the reduce price as he removed his additional bonus from their bill.  I guess, it is like going to an expensive restaurant and when it is time to pay, you notice a ‘service charge’ that has been automatically added, and we start to grumble and moan, wondering if we have to pay this unreasonable extra amount.   

There is a link here to our first reading in the Book of Amos.  God is warning the Israelites who were trampling on the needy, by raising up the shekel and tampering with the weights on the weighing scales. 

God said he will bring judgement to the Israelites since they have failed to love their neighbour because they were abusing the poor.  They failed to love God since they were worshipping false gods in their money and wealth.

What can we take away from the Gospel parable today?  Jesus wants us to use the same effort on building up heavenly things as we would normally do towards earthly materials.  If we use the same zeal into the affairs of our soul, we would then become strong and trustworthy in faith for the Lord.

Jesus explains that God is a merciful father, and even when we are being a slave to money, we can change our ways, by repenting and practicing the virtues of the faith.  As we know, striving to help the poor in almsgiving or giving to other charitable organisations is so important.  This was the case for Zacchaeus the Chief Tax Collector, who undertook to restore fourfold anything he had unjustly taken, he also gave half his wealth to the poor.  The Lord declared on that day, salvation had come to that house.    

So, how should we behave?  We have been told the answer within our second reading.  St Paul says: ‘First of all, there should be prayers offered for everyone.  So that we may be able to live religious and reverent lives.’ 

These prayers will allow us to see that everything is a gift from God, and the Holy Spirit will guide our hearts towards works of charity.

Our service to the Lord Jesus requires us, to direct all our daily efforts and actions towards him.  As Christians we shouldn’t divide our time between God and money.  Everything we do should be to the service of God and to our neighbour, in faithfulness and right conduct. 

It is only through the grace of the Holy Spirit that we can give our total commitment to God and have a healthy detachment from material goods.  With prayer and thanksgiving, we can see the bigger picture, enabling us to focus on our heavenly rewards, building up our relationship with the Lord. 

We do it, because we love Him, unconditionally, with all our hearts, for the Glory of God the Father and through His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, to the praise and honour of His Holy Name.

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, a day that invites us to gaze upon the Cross not as a symbol of defeat, but as the very throne of victory, the instrument of our salvation, and the deepest revelation of God’s love for us.

In our first reading from the book of Numbers, it states that through Israel’s disobedience, God sent poisonous snakes as a judgement against the Israelites.  The Israelites failed to understand the deeper meaning of their sins, and their unwillingness to trust in God. 

God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole.  Whoever is bitten shall look at the ‘bronze serpent’ and live.  This shows confession being both a community and an individual responsibility, the raising of the bronze serpent reminded the people of the need to turn and repent to God for his healing power and forgiveness.  

In our Gospel we read “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”  This is the first of three occasions in the Gospels where Jesus refers to his death on the cross as being ‘lifted up’. 

The verb ‘lifted up’ has a twofold meaning.  It can mean being physically ‘lifted up’ from the ground.  Or being ‘lifted up’ in the sense of being exalted. 

For Jesus both these meanings are valid.  Jesus was ‘lifted up’ from the ground on the cross because His hour had come. 

And He was also ‘lifted up’ to be Exultated and Glorified, showing God’s love to the world. 

The book of Numbers reminds us that healing comes through looking upon the source of salvation.  In the desert, the Israelites were healed by gazing upon the bronze serpent; now after the Passion, we are healed by gazing upon Jesus Christ himself, being lifted high and Glorified for all the world to see.

The Cross shows us a God who enters into our pain, who does not shy away from the brokenness of the world, but embraces it fully.  Jesus did not merely teach love, He lived it to the end, stretching out His arms in a total self-gift.

We exalt the Cross today, not because we glorify in suffering, no, but because we see in it, the depth of divine love.  The Cross is not just a historical event, it is a living reality.  Every time we suffer, every time we carry burdens, we are invited to unite ourselves with Christ crucified, knowing that He is always walking by our side.

As we know, the act of crucifixion was recognised as the lowest point of humiliation given to criminals by the Roman empire.  This humiliation of the cross was undone by His ‘Own Divine Majesty.’  It was Jesus’ finest ‘hour’, conquering death forever, saving his people from their sins, and opening up for us the gates of Heaven.

The Cross is not the end, far from it, it is the beginning of the birth of the Church, where the grace of the Sacraments flow in abundance, from the pierced side of Jesus’ heart, that gives us eternal life.  The Cross is the place where mercy and justice meet, where sin is conquered, and where death is defeated.

So, as we celebrate this feast day, let us renew our devotion to the Cross.  When we make the sign of the Cross do it with reverence, wear it with pride around our necks, and live it with courage.

Never forget that in every Mass, we are brought to the foot of the Cross, where heaven and earth touch, during the Eucharistic prayer.  We see the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ being raised high above the altar.  We are looking at Jesus at Golgotha being Exalted & Glorified, during his ‘finest hour,’ his only Sacrifice, to save the world from all sin and evil, in order that we may enter paradise with Him, for all eternity. 

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C

There are many wishful thinkers in the world today, who talk a good talk, but never do anything.  They are unprepared to take that next step, make the leap of faith, to look forward and to succeed.  Whether worldly or spirituality. 

In the gospel today, Jesus is addressing a large crowd who are super eager to join him, and become his disciples.  However, Jesus bluntly dampers their enthusiasm by challenging them in a way that is off-putting.  Jesus is looking for total commitment, he is basically saying:  If you want to be my disciples, you have to think seriously first.  Do not act on the spur of the moment, or on an impulse.  It is important to give careful consideration to what it is going to cost you.  Jesus is not inviting us for a day’s or a month’s worth of commitment, but a lifetime’s worth of service.

In any big decision in life, either buying a house, a car, going on holiday, we take time to consider to options, what is it going to cost, either financially of emotionally.   The same to for discernment.  Looking into the Priesthood, Religious, or Married life, we take time to consider if it’s the right thing to do.  We talk about it to others, we reflect upon it, meditate and more importantly pray about it.  But in the end, we have to push ourselves through, in taking the next steps, that can be difficult and scary to complete.

For marriage, it’s the big step of proposing, with bended knee, with a possible fear of rejection.  Knowing that marriage is a life long commitment of caring for each other, in sickness and in health.

For men and women looking into Religious life, then it’s the solemn vows and promises you make to the Lord, in a life time of service to his Holy Church.

When I was discerning for the Priesthood, it took years for me to get the ball rolling.  In 2010, Pope Benedict came to the UK for the Beatification of Cardinal Henry Newman.  I went down, with a group from my local parish to Birmingham for the event.  It was such a wonderful occasion, and at the end of that day, I said to myself: ‘enough time thinking about the priesthood, it is now time to get the ball rolling.’  So, the next week I contacted the vocations director and started my monthly meetings.  

When the time arrived for me to sell my possessions when leaving for Oscott college, it was very difficult.  The thought of being a student again after many years, made me nervous.  Resigning from my job at Preston Hospital, giving notice for my flat, selling my furniture and being left with minimal possessions, felt very uncomfortable.  I remember the final night in my flat, I was sitting on a single stool listing to the radio on my mobile phone.  Since my TV, sofa and chairs were already sold, and my room was extremely empty.  I said to myself, with an intake of breath and a large sigh from the heart:  I hope I am doing the right thing, in the eyes of God.

I can honestly say, joining the Priesthood is the best thing I’ve ever done.  True, the training lasted for seven years in total, it had many ups and downs, but it was all part of God’s divine plan.  I heard his call and I answered, openly and honestly. 

As you know, a Priest’s main role is to administer the Sacraments of the Church and to help people in their Spiritual lives.  Focusing on saving souls, and bringing the Lord Jesus to God’s faithful people.

A priest is there throughout all the stages of ones life.  Shortly after birth, at their baptism. 

In primary school, teaching them the importance of the Sacraments of Confession and Holy Communion. 

In secondary school, teaching them to carry on with their faith themselves through the Sacrament of Confirmation. 

In Marriage, teaching them of God’s love and grace within the family home, to treat each other with respect, because we are made in the image and likeness of God. 

In Sickness, through the Sacrament of the sick and the anointing with sacred oils. 

In death and dying, through the Last Rights, before they die, asking the Lord for the remission of all their sins, through the prayer of the Apostolic pardon.

So, let us today, take the next step in our lives, by saying ‘yes’ to God’s plan, like Mary did, and we can then follow the Lord Jesus, faithfully and honestly in a lifetime of service and steadfast commitment to the building up of the Kingdom of Heaven.

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C

Today, Jesus instructs the guests at the Wedding celebration meal to do the opposite of what they would normally.  They were told to give up their places, so a more distinguished guest could take them.  And sit themselves at the lowest place at table.  By doing this first, they may be invited to move higher later by the host.

This is good advice for us all, especially when we go out for meals at restaurants or maybe at people’s homes. 

I remember when I was on placement as a Seminarian, when having big festive Christmas party in the presbytery in Carlisle, loads of people were invited, and I would stay towards the back of the line, heading towards the dining room, to wait for my turn to be seated.  99% of the time I would remain at the bottom end of the table, which suited me fine, away from the lime light.  But sometimes at other events, if I wasn’t concentrating, I would walk in first, and then I would get a long hard stare from the Parish Priest hosting the party to move aside for the other guests.      

The gospel message today is teaching us that reversal is better.  The last will be first, and the first last.  Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted. 

We see this happen at Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth.  During Mary’s Magnificat she said, ‘the Lord looks on his servant in her lowliness, henceforth all ages will call me blessed.’ and later on she continues ‘He casts the mighty from their thrones and raises the lowly.’ 

The reason Jesus preached this message, is because he also lived it.  He humbled himself by accepting death, death on a cross.  The most humiliating and cruel means for execution in the Roman Empire.  But God the Father allowed him to be greatly exalted.  ‘When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself.’  Jesus being raised up on the cross was his Exaltation and Glorification for all the world to see. 

At every Mass, we are brought back to this very moment, transported back in time and space to the first and only Sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross at Golgotha. 

When the Eucharist is raised up by the priest in a short while, we are seeing Jesus’ Exaltation and Glorification on the cross at Golgotha.  A great sacrifice and most sacred free gift from God for the remission of our sins, that conquers all evil and wipes away our sadness from our lives.

As you know, the Mass is a foretaste of our heavenly banquet.  In the Gospel, Jesus uses the setting of a wedding to explain how we can enter the heavenly banquet ourselves in God’s Kingdom.  When we are told to humble ourselves and to help others, who can’t return the favour.  In a time with increasing food and fuel bills, many people are finding it difficult to put food on the table.  Let us all help each other, over the next few months, in this time of uncertainty, with charity and loving kindness. 

Maybe we could invite someone for a meal who are finding life tough at the minute.

We are all unworthy of the great gift of Salvation, and it is only through God’s will and love for us, that we are able to receive this sacred gift of everlasting life in Heaven.

To eat at the Lord’s heavenly banquet is ours if we truly want it, but we must trust in the Lord’s commands and humble ourselves to become last of all, to receive our eternal reward.

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C

The disciples asked “Lord, will those who are saved be few?”  Today is a hard Gospel teaching.  Many people will have mixed feelings and emotions, but do not be dishearten. 

I wonder why they asked Jesus this question?  Maybe, it was because after spending so much time listening to Jesus’ teachings and then realising what he was asking them to do, many of them might have thought it would be too difficult and for others impossible to follow. 

On their own, it would be very difficult, but with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, being at their side, anything is possible.  We can all be saved.  However, unfortunately, it is not under our own terms, there are rules and commandments to follow. 

In this secular world of ours today, people are probably thinking all I need to do, to go to heaven, is to ‘be nice.’ …  Just – ‘be nice’.  However, the bible is not saying that.  The bible is warning us.  The Good news is that we can all be saved, and inherit eternal life.  But the Bad news is that not everybody in the world is going down that path, that the Lord has given them, out of their own free will.

Jesus says to the disciples, ‘Try your best to enter by the narrow door, many will try to enter and will not succeed.’  Jesus gives us today a very serious dose of reality.  There are those who will make it, and those who will not.

Pope Francis explained during one of his Papal audience addresses, that the ‘narrow door’ is Jesus himself.  He is he door, He is the gateway to Salvation.  The ‘narrow door’ is made up of our responses of obedience to Jesus’ teachings.  So, the easiest way to ensure salvation is to know what Jesus is teaching, and to put it into practice, in full trust and fidelity.  To analyse our personal responses to his call, and see if our reply is good enough, if not, then we have work to do, to remedy the situation.

Life is such a wonderful gift of love from the Lord, so valuable.   Being with Jesus forever in heaven is so precious, that there is nothing on earth that is worth sacrificing and taking a chance upon.  Keep our gaze, our goal, firmly on our eternal reward. 

So, let us today seek out the ‘narrow door’ with all our hearts.  Let us obey Jesus’ commands and continue to proclaim the Good News to the world.  Rooted in the Sacraments of the Church, may our hearts and minds be ready, focused on the ultimate goal of Eternal joy of Righteousness in the Glory of Heaven, with all the Angels and Saints, celebrating in one chorus of exultant praise in the Heavenly banquet of the Lord. 

Eternal Paradise is ours if we truly want it, by following the Lord closely in Word and deed.  

So, ‘enter by the narrow door, and recline at table, in the Kingdom of God.’