3, 10 and 17 December 2023 First, Second and Third Sunday in Advent
First Sunday of Advent (Mark 13:33-37)
Today’s reading is from the speech of Jesus about waiting for the return of the Lord. This is the most prominent theme in the first weeks of Advent. With the coming of the Lord, we are forced to wait. We need to grow in maturity and generosity, in wisdom and love, in order to be ready for our encounter with the One who is wisdom and love made flesh. We are encouraged to be watchful for the Lord’s coming.
Do I wait in joyful hope for the coming of the Lord?
What do the words ‘stay awake’ mean in my life?
Let us welcome this liturgical time of waiting which will teach us how to wait for the Lord.
Let us welcome the good news again as we begin to read from the Gospel of Mark
Second Sunday of Advent (Mark 1:1-8)
These opening verses deal with the preaching of John the Baptist and culminate in the encounter of Jesus and John at the Jordan. John’s call is like that of the prophets. He urges a change of heart among the people. His preaching is accompanied with a ritual washing, a ‘baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins’. The climax is John’s proclamation that one who is ‘more powerful’ is coming, one whose sandal-straps John is unworthy to undo. It is He who will baptise with the Holy Spirit.
Am I ready to hear the good news again?
What does the message of John the Baptist mean to me?
Let us pray for readiness to change our minds and hearts.
Let us pray that like John we will have the right priorities and make the right choices.
Third Sunday of Advent (John 1: 6-8, 19-28)
In this gospel reading it is made quite clear that John was a witness. He was not the Word-Light himself, but only ‘a witness to speak for the Light’.
His whole ministry is to prepare the way, by baptising with a baptism of repentance, and by proclaiming the coming of the one who truly is the Messiah. To bear witness is the task of every Christian. We bear the name of Christ. Bearing witness to him means bringing his light and truth to those in darkness.
In what ways should I be imitating the self-effacing humility of the Baptist?
What does it mean to be a witness?
Let us pray for those called to martyrdom in today’s world, that they may have the necessary courage and wisdom.
Let us welcome the Light, as John did.
Fr Adrian Graffy
30th, 31st and 32 Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) 29 October, 5 and 12 November 2023
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 22:34-40)
If we return to the ancient expression of the law of God in the Ten Commandments we find no explicit reference to love of God and love of neighbour. Jesus draws together all the commandments under these two headings. What does Jesus mean by love? Love of God is our grateful response to the love shown by God throughout the history of salvation.
Do I attempt to follow Christ’s commands of love in my daily life?
Do I endeavour to imitate in some way the self-giving love of Christ?
We thank God for the new law of love.
We pray for all Christians whose example gives us encouragement.
Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 23:1-12)
In every age, and probably in every religion, religious leadership has gone astray and failed to live up to high ideals. We need religious leaders to guide and direct us, but, as in the days of Jesus, religious leaders can be seduced by status. They can covet places of honour and elaborate vestments. Chrisitan leaders can lose sight of the example of Christ.
Jesus’ example is one of humble service. He is the true rabbi, teacher, and master. All of us are called to follow in humility the one who came to serve and to make our journey with him towards the fulness of God’s life.
Do I take inappropriate pride in the trappings of my Christian life?
Am I ready to humble myself, and is my spirit truly dedicated to Christ?
We pray for religious leaders that they may behave with sincerity and integrity at all times.
We pray for those who are led astray by tatus and pomposity.
Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 25:1-13)
Jesus is described as the bridegroom repeatedly in the four gospels. We take on the task to accompany and serve Jesus from the time of our baptism. But will we be ready when the bridegroom appears?
The symbol of the lamp brings a clear allusion to Christian life and to the sacrament of baptism. We receive the light of Christ when we are baptised, and we are constantly challenged to keep the light burning brightly. This responsibility is reflected in the determination of the sensible bridesmaids not to let their lamps go out. The foolish bridesmaids, on the other hand, have allowed themselves tom be distracted from what is really important in their lives.
Do I see my life mas a preparation to meet the Lord?
Do I nourish my life with prayer and the sacraments?
We pray form those who have lost their way on the journey of life.
We ask for a deeper appreciation of the gifts the Lord bestows on us.
Fr Adrian Graffy
Twenty-Seventh, Twenty Eighth and Twenty-Ninth Sundays of the Year (A) 8, 15 and 22 October 2023
Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 21:33-43)
Jesus directs his words to those in authority, who, like many of their forefathers, do not heed the messengers of God and fail to produce a harvest of good works for God. This parable tells us to listen and to respond to ‘produce the fruit of the kingdom’. The Church of Christ welcomes all those who heed the message, both Jew and Gentile.
Do I endeavour to bear fruit in response to the gospel message?
Do I treasure the traditions of my faith, both its Jewish roots and Christian fulfilment?
We pray for wisdom and humility among the leaders of our faith.
We pray that the mission of the Church may prosper throughout the world.
Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 21:1-14)
The parable we hear today takes up the image of the feast of the kingdom of heaven. The theme of the banquet of life runs through our readings today. The reluctance of so many to come to the wedding speaks of people who are immersed in the things of the world and have no time for the things of God. We need to respond to God’s invitation and make changes in our lives. Why is the man without the wedding garment thrown out? To be carried along with the crowd without understanding where we are going is as bad as refusing the invitation in the first place!
Do I allow my daily preoccupations to take precedence over the search to find God?
Do I take my faith for granted without rally trying to grow in knowledge and love of God?
We thank God for inviting us into communion with him.
We thank God for the sacraments, particularly the Holy Eucharist.
Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 22:15-21)
In this reading there is an atmosphere of foreboding. There are plots against Jesus in order to bring charges against him. As Christians, we cannot cut ourselves off from the affairs of the world, but we should never compromise our beliefs and values. Our decisions and loyalties must be decided by what furthers the ‘common good’.
Do I have the patience to reflet on complex questions so that my actions may be for the good of all?
Am I willing to listen to he teachings of Jesus, especially when my actions are challenged?
We pray that we may always show honesty and truth in our dealings with others.
We pray that our lives will be full of faith, hope, and love.
Fr Adrian Graffy
Twenty-Fifth and Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) 24 September and 1 October
Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 20:1-16)
Today’s gospel reading is one of the parables of Jesus found only in the Gospel of Matthew. The parable of the Labourers in the Vineyard may give rise to some perplexity. Why does the landowner not pay the labourers according to the hours they have worked?
The parable is an invitation to understand that the ways of God are not bound or limited by human standards. The first reading, from the second part of the Book of Isaiah, is very well chosen to assist our understanding. God says: ‘for my thoughts are not your thoughts, my ways not your ways’. God does not act according to the principles of human justice; whereby human beings are repaid according to their actions. God’s loving generosity puts such considerations to one side.
The point of the parable is that we cannot demand rewards from God. The gifts which God bestows are always far greater than anything we can merit. We are saved not by our own efforts but by the boundless kindness of God which we gratefully welcome into our lives.
When has God taught you that the ways of God are different?
Is it appropriate to speak of the ‘justice’ of God?
We pray for openness to the things of God, which are beyond our full comprehension.
We pray for a spirit of forgiveness and acceptance of others.
Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 21:28-32)
Matthew’s parable about two sons is our gospel reading today. It is addressed to the chief priests and the elders. Jesus points out that many religious people pledge their loyalty in words, but do not follow this up with actions. Such people are contrasted with the tax collectors and prostitutes in the parable, who, after initially refusing to respond, change their lives for the better.
The first reading from the prophet Ezekiel makes clear that we are asked to do God’s will and persevere in it. It may take a long time for us to accept the truth and challenge of the gospel, but God is patient and seems to prefer to await our free response rather than endure pious words which are not backed up by acts.
Jesus also reprimands the religious leaders for their blindness. Even when they saw the tax collectors and sinners responding to the preaching of John the Baptist, they still refused to change themselves. Jesus will later accuse the religious leaders of blindness and hypocrisy: ‘Alas for you, blind guides!’(23:16)
Am I blind to the example of those I consider to be not as good as I am?
Am I willing to turn over a new leaf despite past failings?
We pray that we may respect the efforts of others even if they fail.
We pray for insight and understanding of ourselves and of our neighbour.
Fr Adrian Graffy
Twenty-Second, Twenty-Third and Twenty-Fourth Sundays in Ordinary Time 3, 10 and 17 September 2023
Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 16:21-27)
Jesus speaks for the first time of his approaching suffering, death and resurrection. The suffering and death of Jesus will cast a shadow over the rest of the gospel. The Christian is not called toa position and prosperity in this world but to self-sacrifice in the service of others. We face this reality knowing Jesus has trodden the path before us, and that this road leads to the fulness of life.
Am I open to the unexpected ways of God?
What are the crosses in my life that I refuse to carry willingly?
Let us pray for the courage and endurance we need in our Christian lives.
Let us pray for all those who seek to alleviate the sufferings of others..
Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 18:15-20)
This Chapter contains the ‘community discourse’, which deals with issues relevant to the daily life of the church. The question of correction of those who do wrong cannot be avoided. It is the responsibility of fellow-Christians to challenge and correct.
Finally, Jesus tells us of his presence when even two or three gather in his name.
How can you know if and how to correct someone who has done wrong?
Can love of neighbour become an excuse for collusion?
Let us pray for wisdom and courage to confront difficult situations with both love and truth.
Let us pray for a deeper awareness of the presence of Christ when we gather in his name.
Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 18:21-35)
What does it mean to forgive? The saying ‘forgive and forget’ is easily spoken but so difficult to implement. This is the hard challenge to follow Jesus in forgiving as he forgave as he hung on the cross. It is the challenge to behave not as human beings do but in imitation of the very mercy of God.
Is it possible to forgive and forget when the hurt is la Fr Adrian Graffy sting and deep?
Is there someone to whom I can offer forgiveness in my heart today?
Let us pray for wisdom to understand that we are called to imitate God’s compassion.
Let us pray for those whose lives are ruined by bitterness.
Fr Adrian Graffy
19, 20 and 21 Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) 13, 20 and 27 August 2023
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 14:22-33)
Peter is overcome with doubt and is upheld by Jesus. The gospel in which Peter is entrusted with authority also testifies to his vulnerability. The story ends with a declaration of faith by the disciples.
How do I react when my faith is tested by the storms of life?
Do I trust in the helping hand of the Lord when I am out of my depth?
We pray for confidence and serenity amid the trials of life.
We pray for the Jewish people that they may remain faithful to God’s covenant.
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 15:21-28)
The good news of the Kingdom is to be preached by all, but the initial priority of Jesus is to bring the gospel to his own people. It will be the mission of the Church to teach all nations.
Is my faith resilient when I am faced with trials?
Do I rejoice in the faith of the nations which is displayed in the Catholic Church?
We pray that Christ’s message of hope may reach all people.
We pray for the Jewish people that they may know the fulness of God’s mercy
Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time (Matthew 16:12-20)
In the synoptic gospels a point of climax is reached when Jesus asks his disciples the question: ‘Who do you say I am?’ It is a question all Christians must answer. Peter’s profession of faith leads to mission.
What is the role of Jesus the Messiah in my understanding?
What does it mean to say that Jesus founded the Church?
Pray for the Pope that he may show the wisdom and love of Christ in all his actions.
We pray that the Church may be a place of welcome, hope and encouragement for all.
Fr Adrian Graffy