Thank you Father!

3RD SUNDAY OF LENT, YR A. THEME: THIRST KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES. Water is life for those who are dying of thirst. In the first reading of today, God gave the complaining Israelites water from the rock. The same thirst and parched throat drove Jesus to break the age-long boundary that existed between the Jews and Samaritans. No wonder the woman was in shock that Jesus, a Jew, would ask her, a Samaritan for a drink. She took Jesus for a common Jew, consequently, denied Him water. However, Jesus did not shy away. He rather sustained the discussion by suggesting that if she knew His real identity, she would ask Him for living water. Although the conversation expanded beyond the topic of water to many other matters, such as: Her track record with men and her endless search for MR RIGHT. The right and proper place to worship God, Jesus led the conversation back to where it was, promising her the water that leads to eternal life. Dear friends in Christ, Jesus wants to make inroads into our lives. In life, we sometimes experience aridity and fatigue. What are our own stories of difficulties in life, and how often have we complained against God? Let us trust in Jesus who can quench our thirst with His Word that gives eternal life. Amen.

28th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C. Theme: The Grateful and the Ungrateful Lepers. The first reading and the Gospel of today share a similar leprosy narrative; namely, the healing that took place and the responses/reaction of the Lepers. The account of the first reading begins with Elisha's cure of Naaman. Naaman was cured, not only of the leprosy, but he was converted from paganism to the worship of the true God. Rather than return to Syria, the commander sought out the prophet to express his gratitude and offer him a reward. This noteworthy expression of faith and thanksgiving by Naaman captured Luke's attention (c/f Lk 4:27). So, when Luke tells the story of the ten Lepers as heard in today's Gospel, it isn't surprising that the only one who showed gratitude was a foreigner, the Samaritan. Like Naaman, it is the outsider who expressed his faith in God and his gratitude to God's servant. The shabby response and the ingratitude of the nine made Jesus to wonder: "Were not all ten made clean?" Like the Lepers, sometimes we are reluctant to say THANK YOU. Maybe, it is because we resent the fact that we needed help in the first place. Sometimes too, we are even suspicious of good Samaritans and wonder about their motives Dear friends, let us learn to be grateful to people who have graced us with their help. Let our thanks find concrete expression. Let us all surprise someone this week with a note that is long overdue and which says "THANKS". I wish you all a splendid week!

SECOND SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME, YR A THEME: LIKE JOHN THE BAPTIST, WE TOO ARE WITNESSES. In today's Gospel, we hear John the Baptist's testimony about Jesus. The context of this passage falls within the confines of the Baptism of Jesus. In asserting the true identity of Jesus, John made very emphatic testimonies, referring to Jesus as "...the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world". John the Baptist also referred to Jesus as the"Son of God ". Later in the Gospel, Jesus would tell His disciples that when they receive the Spirit of truth, YOU TOO WILL BE MY WITNESSES (c/f Jn 15:27). That charge is given to each of us. We have been called to witness to Jesus. We are invited to point away from ourselves to Jesus. We are challenged to lead others to Christ. We should take courage to share what we believe. In a world where many lights have been so dimmed that truth and falsehood are beginning to appear identical, we are to be witnesses to the truth. Just as the wig of a lantern gets burnt, as witnesses to the truth, we will suffer much. Let us confess our faith with John the Baptist publicly and unequivocally as we say: YES I HAVE SEEN AND I AM THE WITNESS THAT HE IS THE CHOSEN ONE OF GOD. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE ONCE AGAIN.

27th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Yr C. Theme: Lord, increase our faith. Dear friends in Christ, one of the things that really strikes me about the lives of Jesus' disciples is that they were balanced human beings; and the evangelists/authors who reported their weak/negative sides (such as the struggle for recognition or power tussle when they argued among themselves who is the greatest), also presented their positive/spiritual side - 'And the apostles said to the Lord: 'Increase our Faith'. It may interest us to know that this was not the only time the apostles demonstrated humility/spirituality. If you read Lk 11:1-4, Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, 'Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.' Like the disciples, let us dispose ourselves for Jesus to remodel our lives to be true people of prayer. The month of October is a very good opportunity to deepen our relationship with God through prayer. I wish you all a happy new month.

Amen Hallelujah

25th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Yr C. Theme: We are mere stewards of all resources. In the liturgy of the Word today, we are reminded not to be ignorant of the fact that God has a long memory. He can easily forget the sins of the repentant sinner, as we heard in the parable of the forgiving father and his prodigal son, last week. But God will never forget the sins of those who exploit the poor. In the first reading (Amos 8:4-7), Amos confronted the concrete problem of social injustice in the Northern kingdom of Israel. He was deeply unimpressed with the greed of the traders and the rich, the exploitation of the poor, the luxury of the wealthy, the bribery and corruption of the judges. Thus, injustice was flourishing and was celebrated in the society. As the Northern Kingdom was sharply divided between the rich and the poor, we are not exempt from such social inequality in the various sectors of our national and social life. Amos, therefore, warns that those who refuse to listen because they feel comfortable, will soon be afflicted. They will long to hear a word of consolation from God, but it will not come. This sense of responsible use of wealth is the same point Jesus seemed to buttress in the Gospel. In the parable presented by Jesus in the Gospel, Jesus presents to us our Christian responsibility towards money (or wealth in general). In a nutshell, both Amos and Jesus voiced God's concern by reminding us of the social injustice in our society and our personal responsibility. The worship of God has to influence the way we behave. Now is the time to give a thought to the fact that we shall all come before God empty handed on the last day. Have a lovely new week!

3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YR A. THEME: REJOICE, FOR OUR SALVATION IS NEAR. The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called GAUDETE Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin word for REJOICE. This Sunday is called so, because "REJOICE" is the introductory word in the entrance antiphon for today's Mass, which is taken from Phillipians 4:4,5. The first reading alludes to this joy the coming of the Messiah ushers into the world. Hence, Isaiah uses the various nuances to reflect this joy: EXULT, REJOICE, BLOOM, JOYFUL, JOY, GLADNESS, etc. For our eyes to be open to see this salvation, to enjoy this salvation, to appropriate this salvation, we will do well to take to heart the exhortation of James in the second reading of today: "Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. ... Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another, that you may not be judged". The question then is: do we see Jesus in others? Even when we recognize Him in others, do we celebrate them or are we judgmental of them? Are we hopeful and joyful or are we doubtful like John the Baptist who questioned Jesus: "Are you the Christ or are we to expect another"? Jesus is in our midst. He is with us daily. So, having re-identified Him, let us rejoice, let us exult and be glad, for our salvation is near. Happy new week to you all!

4TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME, YR A. THEME: LET THE BEATITUDES BE OUR ATTITUDE. In today's three readings, we hear of God's preference for the nobodies of this world. In the first reading, the Prophet Zephaniah speaks of the humble and the lowly, those who find refuge and shelter in the Lord. In the second reading, Paul warned the Corinthians not to bluff or become puffed up with their own wisdom because God has a habit of choosing what is weak and foolish by human standards. He uses those who are nothing at all to show up those who are everything. In the Gospel, Matthew gives us the Beatitudes which celebrate the little people whose lives illumine the truth of the Gospel. Paradoxically, those who are called BLESSED/HAPPY/FORTUNATE in these beatitudes can hardly be described as fortunate or lucky people in the eyes of the world. In summary, the Beatitudes speak of a variety of experiences that might appear to the world as senseless suffering. However, let us keep in mind that in structuring the Beatitudes, Matthew is not offering an unusual programme to happiness. In the spirit of the Beatitudes, let our attitude this week and in the new month, be that of thirsting for righteousness, seeking justice, accepting to be persecuted for the cause of right, being meek and humble of heart. May we people who will show mercy to others, people who are peacemakers because our reward awaits us in heaven. Happy new week, folks!

1ST SUNDAY OF LENT, YR A THEME: CHRIST'S OBEDIENCE TO GOD'S WORD OUTWEIGHS ADAM'S DISOBEDIENCE TO GOD'S WORD. Dear friends in Christ. Welcome to the season of grace, the season of reconciliation, the season of Lent. The author of the first reading of today x-rays the ambition of human beings to be like God and decide for themselves what is good and what is bad, as the root cause of everything that has gone wrong in the world. On the one hand, where Adam and Eve were deceived, despite being in a garden of abundance, the garden of bliss, Jesus triumphed. On the other hand, Jesus' temptation in the desert was to abandon power, prestige and public display. But in rejecting Satan, Jesus chose the road to Calvary. As Christians, we share in Christ's struggle against evil: 1. In Eden, Adam and Eve were tempted. In the desert, Christ was tempted. Similarly, whether we experience comfort or difficulty, pleasure or hardship, temptation meets us. So, never complain or prefer one situation (Eden or Desert) to another. 2. In Eden, when Adam and Eve were expelled after yielding to temptation, the angels were sorrowful. But in the desert, after Christ conquered, the angels rejoiced. 3. Christ is seen to face temptation with the power of the Word of God. He used the Scriptures and made fidelity to that Word the mark of His mission. Nevertheless, obedience to that Word took Him through trials and temptation, even to the cross. 4. In Adam's disobedience to the Word of God, we were condemned. But in Christ's obedience to the Word of God, we are saved. Thus, as the second reading makes us to understand that the disaster that Adam brought into the world and its effects, were cancelled out by Christ. The grace that Christ brought is far more important than the sin Adam introduced. Dear friends in Christ, we are invited, during this season of Lent, to let God find us where we are. We are invited to let Him get close to who we are and how we are. We pray that God's Word may find us, so that we can emerge from our hiding places into the peace of His presence. Amen.

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER, YR A. (DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY) THEME: THE SOLIDARITY OF THE EARLY CHURCH. In the first reading of today, four key elements of the Christian life are enumerated; and these provide the basis for worship. They are as follows: 1. The apostles' teaching 2. Communal life 3. The breaking of bread, and 4. Prayers. At the heart of the early Church was the teaching of the apostles about Jesus. They received it, kept it, and acted on its principles as they devoted themselves. This created solidarity which was manifested in pragmatic ways such as caring for each other, and sharing with each other so that no one was in want. Their love for each other and the cause they had adopted was greater than their love of money and possessions. They sharing testified that they considered men and women of higher value than earthly possessions. In having all things in common, they demonstrated that the call to solidarity is a call that recognized all people as social beings with the rights and responsibilities of interdependent members of one body, the Church. As we mark the Mercy of God made manifest in the person of Jesus, let us be merciful to others as we also are beneficiaries of God's love and mercy. Jesus, I TRUST IN YOU!

32ND SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME YR C. THEME: TO GOD, ALL PEOPLE ARE ALIVE. The passage of the the first reading begins with the introduction: "There were seven brothers who were arrested with their mum". To arrest depicts Loss of Freedom; Powerlessness; Helplessness; and Defencelessness before the authority or powers that be. Since they were faultless as a family, the law had to be twisted so that they could not escape torture. The torture was so humiliating and dehumanizing (cutting of the tongue, amputation of hands and limps) so that they bled to death. After losing their family freedom, or prestige, would any compensation from the king restore absolute happiness and all that they had lost? In various ways, our faith as individuals, families, believers, Christians is being tried. We are provoked to anger, retaliation, revenge, denial of God. Even Jesus'faith concerning the resurrection from the dead in today's Gospel was being challenged. Our declaration of faith/public profession of it will not necessarily save us/prevent us from being attacked/persecuted. Thus relationship with God does not end in death. To God all people are alive!

1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR A THEME: STAY ALERT! BE READY! The key message of advent often remains the same: Stay Alert! Be Ready! Maranatha: Come Lord Jesus! In the Gospel passage of today, Jesus used the typology of Noah to interpret the Parousia - His second coming. Typology is a method of interpretation in which persons, places, things or events are seen as patterns for similar persons, places, things, or events in God's plan of salvation. In the days of Noah, everyone was busy about the normal: eating and drinking, making new relationships and holding on to old ones, etc. But in the midst of all this normal business, there was an old man, Noah, who was busy with his family building a boat. In the end, Noah was the only one who was ready because he was alert to something others were doing nothing about: namely the coming catastrophe. We all know today that the catastrophe we face is not a flood, but nuclear war. Noah built an ark to sail out of the disaster of the flood. But no one can sail out of a nuclear disaster. In reference to the tale of Noah, we are not being advised to run out and build a boat, or construct an air-raid shelter. We are being asked to listen to the Lord so that, as Isaiah says in the first reading of today: "...he may instruct us in His ways and we may walk in His paths...". We are encouraged to be alert to the future coming of the Son of Man. Happy new week to you all!

PENTECOST SUNDAY. THEME: WE TOO ARE CALLED TO EVANGELIZE. Dear friends in Christ, courtesy of Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit to the apostles, the Church has always celebrated its birthday today because the first pentecost marked the Church's start in announcing the Gospel to all peoples through the various languages. The languages signify the multiplicity and variety of peoples. Through a language intelligible to the world, humankind was reunified through the work of the Spirit. This unity is what should keep gifted individuals together in one faith because just as 'a human body is one, though it has many parts, is a single unit' (c/f R2 of today). Paul acknowledged that there are many gifts. These gifts are distinguished by their conformity to the Christian faith. Diverse as they are in operation and manifestation, all the gifts are directed to the one aim of promoting the well-being of the Church. Therefore, the Church is a sign and instrument of unity and communion of men and women of all races, culture and creed. This sign of the Church's mission to proclaim the Goodnews to all peoples and unite them in one fellowship bears witness to the impact and work of the Holy Spirit. It is our prayer that through our continuous witnessing, the Holy Spirit may, through each and every one of us, continually renew the face of the earth. Happy Pentecost to you all.

SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD, YEAR A THEME: OUR HUMANITY IS RESTORED WITH THE DIVINE. The first reading of today, taken from the Acts of the Apostles, tells us the story of Jesus' return to His Father. At the same time, His return marks the beginning of a new age with the evangelical imperative as seen in the Gospel: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations..." Simply put, and as the first reading alludes as well, the ascension commemorates the end of Jesus' physical presence and His post-resurrection appearances in the world. The ascension therefore has some significance for us as Christians: 1. Jesus assumed our nature in it's fullness. He came without a body, but took a body in the womb of Mary. Consequently, He brought divinity down to humanity. 2. In the second glorious mystery of rosary, we often pray meditating on the ascension of Jesus into heaven. In His ascension, Jesus showed us that we came from God. So, He reaffirmed the truth as recorded in the account of creation that we are a people created in the image and likeness of God. Through His ascension, He took a body with Him and returned to the Father, thus blessing the corporality of our nature and presenting it to the Father - taking humanity to divinity. The cycle is completed. And so, dear friends, as Jesus came from the Father and returned to the Father, in like manner, we come from God through baptism, we will return to God through Christian funeral. Let us live to actualize the fullness of the plan of God for us in this world and prepare ourselves for the eternal life. Only then will we have a fulfilled cycle from divinity to humanity to death and back to divinity. Do have a lovely week ahead.

2ND SUNDAY OF LENT, YR A THEME: TO BE TRANSFIGURED, THERE HAS TO BE A TRANSLOCATION. The account of the Transfiguration of Jesus in today's Gospel takes off with the introductory words: ", Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain....There in their presence He was transfigured..." The first point to note here is that there was a translocation - the location was not just a regular mountain or a mountain with an average height, but a HIGH mountain. The second point to note in this passage is that, this trio were among the first disciples whom Jesus called. They will still be the same set Jesus will invite to accompany Him to the garden of Gethsemane before His arrest. In addition, the appearance of Moses and Elijah on the mountain connects this story with God's relationship to the Israelites. So, Moses and Elijah represent the Law and the Prophets. Together with Jesus, they represent God's complete Word. Just as Abram in the first reading of today, who listened to the Word of God and obeyed accordingly, we pray that the Word of God may be a guide unto our steps and a light for our path. Happy new week to you all!

3RD SUNDAY OF EASTER, YR A. THEME: TELL JESUS THE STORIES OF THE PAST. HE'LL RENEW YOUR HOPE. Today's Gospel according to Luke's account is another independent testimony of the fact of Jesus' resurrection. This time around, it is not from Mary Magdalene, or from Peter and John who ran to the tomb themselves. In the passage, we hear the narrated experience of the disappointed disciples of Jesus who were so heart broken, and so were enroute to Emmaus to resume their normal daily activities. While not making their journey a boring one with their discussion of the recent events in Jerusalem, Jesus joined them. It was only when they finished their own story that Jesus began His own. He took them through memory lane, inviting them to look at the past again in the light of Scripture. He gave them a totally different interpretation of the same event, as the death was necessary for glory. As Jesus helped the two disciples to make sense of the past in a new way, they responded by inviting Him to spend the night with them. At dinner, they had a transforming experience that drove them back to Jerusalem that night. Dear friends in Christ, our own stories may sound different. We too have our stories of disappointment. Hence, we are invited to tell our stories to the Lord, to listen to Him as He speaks His word, and recognize Him in the breaking of the bread. Only then can we understand the past and look with hope to the future with confidence.

5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YR A THEME: JESUS, THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. Today's Gospel takes us back in time to an event in Jesus' life before His passion. In this passage, Jesus told His disciples that He is going to prepare a place for them in His Father's house. He promised that where He is going, His disciples will rejoin Him. This statement presupposes that Jesus was preparing the minds of the apostles about His return to the Father. Jesus' presumption of the apostles' knowledge of the way prompted the question from Thomas: "Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Thomas seemed to say: Hey, wait a minute - Tell us your destination, then we shall figure out how to get there. Jesus explained that He Himself is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Dear friends in Christ, Jesus is not somebody who has learnt the way to the Father, He is the Way to the Father. Again, Jesus made another 'presumptuous' statement: "if you know me, you know my Father too. From this moment you know Him, and have seen Him." I can imagine the apostles murmuring among themselves accusing Jesus of never showing them what the Father is like. So, Philip, following the bold footstep of his colleague, Thomas, said: "Lord, let us see the Father, and we shall be satisfied". In other words, Philip seems to say: we have heard you made reference to this Father quite a number of times. In the prayer you taught us, you began by saying: OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN... Just satisfy our curiosity by revealing Him to us. Dear friends in Christ, similarly, the Catholic faith/teachings are not a closed-ended dogma. If the apostles who had Jesus first-hand, heard His teaching, witnessed His miracles, could ask for clarification once in a while, then our faith should not be a blind followership kind of faith. Our faith should not be based on religion of gullibility. In the apostles' time, they had, saw and touched Jesus, yet they still wanted to see the Father. In our time, we cannot even see Jesus physically, let alone ask Him to show us the Father or the Holy Spirit. May our encounter of Jesus in the Scriptures, the Eucharist, the ministers of the Church help us to experience Him who is Way to the Father, the Truth He teaches us through the Church, and the Life He gives us through the Holy Spirit. Do have a blessed week ahead.

Thank you Farher!!

2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YR A THEME: REPENTANCE NEVER AGES. In today's Gospel, Matthew tells us that John the Baptist preached in the wilderness, and that all the people in Judea and Jerusalem made their way to him. The wilderness was the traditional place associated with Israel's growth in faith. It was in the wilderness that Israel first met God. While ministering in the wilderness, John was conscious of his mission to call Israel to repentance. Those who were moved by his message, confessed their sins and were baptized by him. Dear friends in Christ, just as John called everyone to a change of heart, we should be moved into a change of heart because repentance is never obsolete. Repentance never ages. Just as John challenged the entire kingdom of Israel to have a change of heart, so I call on all of us during this period of Advent to have a change of heart, and to cultivate new attitudes that others can make positive reference about. We don't need to look for any wilderness to journey to, to hear the Word of God. We hear it here and now. Hearing it and acting on it is the best preparation for the One who is to come soon. Until then, let us pray for the grace to live a faithful and worthy life as Christians. Happy new month to you all!

34TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME, YR C (SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING OF THE UNIVERSE. THEME: HE TRANSFERRED US FROM THE KINGDOM OF DARKNESS TO THE KINGDOM OF HIS BELOVED SON. Although the story of the Kingship of Jesus is often cast against the backdrop of the Davidic dynasty, Jesus' Kingdom knows no end. Today's Gospel passage is the passage often read on Good Friday. The story of the Kingship of Jesus as portrayed in today's Gospel passage is not a glamorous or ceremonious Kingship. It is a Kingship with its throne on the Cross. From the Cross, He governs humanity. Instead of a gold crown, He wears a crown of thorns. Instead of a royal garment, He is even stripped of all His clothes. Instead of drinking costly wine such as Champagne, He is given vinegar to drink. The Jews rejected Him as King, He became the King of thieves as He was placed in their middle. Instead of a royal staff in His hand, His hands are rather extended on the Cross and fastened with nails. The extended hands on the Cross signifies open-handedness; meaning that His Kingship is one that looks out for people who are ignored in every other kingdom - the poor, the marginalized and the broken-hearted. The clearest demonstration of this, is His grace shared with the repentant thief who hung on the cross. Let us pray that we will be delivered from the power of darkness and be transferred to the kingdom of God's beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

23 rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Ur C. Theme: Price Conscious or Prize Conscious? In today's Gospel, Jesus notified the people that they have to work out for themselves if they are equal to the demands of discipleship. By implication, they have to figure out the cost of discipleship, then consider if they have the charism and disposition to meet that cost. Counting the cost before hand and making sure we can meet the demands, is human prudence and Christian wisdom. The cost of being a Christian in everyday life is often heavy. Jesus Himself "counted the cost" when He accepted the Cross and to die an undignified death. Little wonder then, that in the culture of shame and honour, people want to avoid the PRICE and focus on the PRIZE. Let us not rush headlong, uninformed and make a blind decision. Let us not engage in instant commitment while ignoring the cost of our own capabilities. This however, is wisdom of heart, which, according to the Psalmist of today, enables the Lord to give success to the work of our hands.

MOST HOLY TRINITY SUNDAY, YR A THEME: WE SHARE THE DIVINE ESSENCE OF THE TRINITY. Dear friends in Christ, it may interest us to know that it is not accidental that we are celebrating the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity the Sunday immediately after Pentecost Sunday. In Catholic Theology, we teach that the Father, Son and Spirit are THREE PERSONS in ONE GOD. One of the consequences of their unity in their Divine essence is that all the Divine Persons are Co-equal. This means that the Father is not greater than the Son, neither is the Spirit the least in the Persons of the Godhead. Between the Father, Son and the Spirit, there is a perfect unity and community. They are one in their Divine essence. This is the life of God in which we participate and we are supposed to share. Today's Solemnity should therefore, help us amend our ways, attitudes and characters; and just as Paul admonished us in the second reading of today, we should encourage one another. We should agree with one another, we should live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with us all. We pray for the grace of a deeper understanding of/for one another so that the peace and unity which we crave for, will become a reality.

Thank you Fr. Emmanuel!

30TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME YR C/WORLD MISSION SUNDAY. On this World Mission Sunday, we join as a Church to pray for missionaries - priests, religious Sisters and Brothers - and those they serve. We pray for their protection, guidance and inspiration. In the second Reading of today, Paul confidently proclaimed his unique ministry to the Gentiles. He said:"Beloved: I am already being poured out like a libation...so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it". Paul was among the greatest of the Church's early missionaries. Reflecting on the theme for this day - YOU SHALL BE MY WITNESSES, taken from Acts 1:8, Pope Francis in his message said: "the task of the proclamation of the Kingdom and evangelization is not the task of missionaries alone. Every Christian is called to be a missionary and witness to Christ. Each baptized person is called to mission, in the Church and by the mandate of the Church." Since the Church is missionary by nature, and since to evangelize is the very identity of the Church, Pope Francis noted : "Indeed, would that all of us in the Church were what we already are by virtue of baptism: prophets, witnesses, missionaries of the Lord, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to the ends of the earth". Let us pray that we will be true missionaries in word and deed, and welcome people of other geographical locations into our fold. Our Lady, Queen of the Missions, pray for us!

Welcome! back!! Father Emmanuel, I hope you enjoyed Your Family and Friends. God is good!!!!! Glory to God the Father, he will make our Burdens light, Trust him that love thee, with all thine mind Heart and Soul. Jesus is with you Father on your Journey at St. Anne De Bauepre, we all must! Love 1st and have Patience, all things work together for those who Love the Lord. God bless you Father. Glad you had a Safe! Trip back to the USA.

5TH SUNDAY OF LENT, YR A. THEME: JESUS RAISED LAZARUS FROM THE DEAD As our catechumens draw closer to the celebration of their Baptisms at the Triduum, today's reading invites us to reflect upon what it means to call Jesus the Resurrection and the life. Today's Gospel reading recounts the raising of Lazarus. The context for this story was the illness and eventual death of Lazarus. Moved with pity at the brokenness of Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus, Jesus asked to be brought to the tomb where Lazarus was buried. He prayed and called Lazarus out of the tomb. By letting Lazarus die, God is to be glorified through Lazarus' resurrection. More so, in raising Lazarus, Jesus showed His power over death. Thus, Lazarus'resurrection is a sign of the life-giving ministry of Jesus. The raising of Lazarus foreshadowed the good news of Jesus'own resurrection. Just as Jesus called for the stone to be rolled away from Lazarus' tomb, so too we should roll away the stones that prevent us from experiencing newness of life, fullness of life and the joys of a new life. With Mary and Martha, we are called to profess our belief that Jesus is indeed the Resurrection and the life. Let us join ourselves with Christ, who conquered death once and for all, so that we who believe in Him may have eternal life. Amen.

6TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME, YR A. THEME: JESUS IS THE FULFILLMENT OF THE LAW. From the tone of Jesus in the Gospel of today, we can feel the pulse of Jesus, His emotions and His temperament. Today, He is not speaking in parables, which was His customary style of teaching. No, today, He speaks plainly. To have a better grasp of today's passage, it is pertinent to note that Matthew wrote at a time when the Christian community was facing heavy criticism from the official Jewish leadership. They claimed that the teaching of Jesus was destructive of all that was cherished in Judaism. So, when Matthew wrote his gospel, he was anxious to show that Jesus did not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets. Rather, he showed continuity with the ancient tradition. Dear friends, Jesus is the fulfillment of these old laws. He is the final interpreter of the Law. Let us therefore ask Jesus to grant us the Spirit of Wisdom to judge people and situations wisely, and also grant us the spirit of self control. Happy weekend to you all!

7TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME, YR A. THEME: LOVE CONQUERS HATRED In the first reading of today, taken from Chapter 19 of Leviticus, we have a collection of prescriptions regarding daily life. The thing that these precepts have in common is the continuous reference to God and His Holiness. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches that forgiveness is the only way of breaking up the devilish cycle of offence-violence. This model of universal love which He proposes to us is that the Father makes no distinction among people; for we are all His children. With these words, Jesus pulled down all barriers. In today's Gospel, Jesus tells His disciples and us, how we should conduct ourselves when we are faced with hurt and hatred. Jesus confirmed the ancient law that we should love our neighbours, but rejected any interpretation of the law that permitted people to hate their enemies. The law enjoined the Israelite to love his neighbour, but a neighbour was understood as a fellow Israelite. Jesus rejected this limitation of love. In asking His disciples to love their enemies, He lifted all limitations to love. Jesus hereby argued that the love we show people is not related to the love we receive from others. It is not a social contract or a fair bargain. The love is offered, not because Jesus thought it will transform the enemy, wicked man or woman, into a better person; because Jesus does not believe that love automatically transforms enemies into instant friends. Love should be our way, habit, attitude, no matter what appears on the agenda - no matter who is involved. The principle of revenge is radically restricted by Jesus. The teaching on non-violence is clear and binding. Forgiveness, even for one's enemies, was a way of showing generosity.

3RD SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME YR A. THEME: FACTIONS, CLIQUES AND CAMPS BREWS DIVISION IN THE BODY OF CHRIST. In the second reading of today, Paul addressed the community at Corinth, treating the sensitive topic of division among Christians. It is sad to note that the Church in Corinth was divided into factions - not over doctrinal differences, but over personalities. Some were disciples of Apollos, who was an eloquent and enthusiastic teacher, who attracted the well-educated to the Christian faith. Some, mainly Jewish Christians, rallied to the name of Peter. While others stayed loyal to the memory of Paul, preferring his passion and bluntness. It is against this backdrop that Paul warned the Corinthians not to idolize their leaders. Paul therefore argued for unity under Christ, noting that it was Christ who died for our sins and the sins of the world, and we are all baptized in His name. Paul never boasted that he founded the Corinthian Church. Thus, he was genuinely interested in the unity of the Church and wanted the community at Corinth to be a Christian community, not a collection of factions or slaves to personality cults or camps. Hence, religious leadership is about leading others to Christ. It should not be reduced to smiles and styles. Just as Jesus prayed for the unity of Christians (may they all be one, as You and I are one c/f Jn 17), we pray for the unity of the universal Church, for Christians everywhere and for unity in our parish. Happy new week to you all!

Have a blessed day

5TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME, YR A THEME: PRAGMATIC CHRISTIANITY. Helping those who are in any kind of need is practical religion. Without that, all religious observances are deceit and mere formalism. This is what informs the background to the first reading of today. In the preceding verses of today's first reading passage, the exiles have returned and regained their freedom. Instead of being grateful to God, they have complaints against God - 'why have we fasted if you did not see, why mortify ourselves if you never notice?' (Is. 58:4). In response, the prophet tells them that genuine fasting is related not only to God but to their neighbour. "Thus says the Lord: 'Share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, cover him...If you take away from the midst of you the yoke, ...and speaking wickedness, then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, Here I am." That same pragmatic Christianity is reiterated in the Gospel as Jesus continued to instruct His disciples. The imagery of salt and light that Jesus spoke about implies that the Kingdom of God must show itself in the society and the world. In using the image of light, Jesus is confident that His disciples have something which is worth showing and sharing. Light is not a private energy. It is not for hoarding. Thus, discipleship is not only about right relationship with God, but also about right relationship with other people. Remember, when we share our light with others, another Christian is born. Happy new month to you all!

For unto us a child is born. A Son is given. His name is EMMANUEL: GOD WITH US! Merry Christmas to you dear parishioners of St Anne De Beaupre.

6TH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YR A. THEME: DEFENDING THE CHRISTIAN FAITH The first reading of today gives us the account of Philip's pastoral ministry in Samaria. Let us keep in mind that the opening up of Christianity towards the whole universe came through a 'seemingly tragic' event: namely the persecution that took place in Jerusalem after the death of Stephen. From then on, the Church was no longer exclusively linked to the people of Israel. It is against this backdrop therefore, that when the Christians were scattered far and wide, Philip arrived at Samaria; and there he preached. In the second reading, the early Christians were told that their conduct should be such that their persecutors will be put to shame. In this passage, Peter urged Christians to give a defense to their faith and this defense must be given with reverence and a clear conscience, even if we suffer for it, "for it is better to suffer doing good, if that be the will of God, than to do evil". Such conduct will silence the slanderers. Jesus Himself knew that such moments of difficulty will come. Persecution for the sake of His name will happen, that was why He said to His disciples, as today's Gospel tell us: "I will not leave you orphans. I will come back to you. I will ask the Father and He will give you another advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth..." Dear friends in Christ, the power of the Spirit is the help of Christians. Let us call on Jesus to renew our hearts which will in turn help us to renew the face of the earth. Happy Mothers' Day to all the mothers and women of our Parish! You are great treasures that are irreplaceable. May God bless you now and always. Amen.

33RD SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME, YR C. THEME: A FAITH THAT FACES DISASTER. Curiosity often drives us to quest for the clarification of things beyond our reach or control. It is this curiosity and fear of the unknown about the end of the world that causes us to panic. Even Jesus Himself said He does not know the day or the hour. He never gave any indication of when the world will end. In today's Gospel, Luke gives us the collected sayings of Jesus on the subject of the future. This discourse was prompted by the prediction of the destruction of the Temple. As to the signs of the end, Luke described three phenomena: 1. The appearance of impostors claiming that the time is here. 2. Wars, tumults and conflicts. 3. Natural disasters that will happen with cosmic terror. We know that disasters such as these do mean the end for millions of people, even though they do not signify the end of the world. In an age of anxiety, it is more difficult to follow Jesus' advice not to be frightened by wars and nations fighting each other. At the end of this catalogue of disaster, you might wonder where to turn for comfort, or consolation, when misfortune has become part of the air we breathe. Jesus is trying to make faith face the reality of suffering in the world. We must not wait passively for the world to be set right when Jesus will come again. We have to fight now to make the world more Christian by our lives! I wish you all a pleasant new week.

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4TH SUNDAY EASTER, YR A GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY THEME: LET US BE GOOD SHEEP WHO FOLLOWS THE GOOD SHEPHERD. The Shepherd image has become a model for Christian ministry. Those who have the heart of a true shepherd have just one principle - namely their love for the sheep and this love knows no limits, it takes risks and is ready to suffer for the flock. Since Jesus is the shepherd, He is also the "gate" of the sheep. Thus, Jesus' role as "gate" provides access to fullness of life with the Father. In these images, Jesus portrays Himself as both guardian and liberator of the flock, protecting them by night and leading them to pasture by day. The Responsorial Psalm of today says it all. This Psalm represents the entirety of who of who Jesus is to us and what He does as the Good Shepherd. The Psalm speaks of Pasture which signifies the spiritual nourishment which the Lord provides for us. It speaks of water which quemches thirst and washes away our sins. It speaks of Walking which shows how our life is moving towards a goal. It speaks of Valley of darkness which represents the various difficulties we encounter. The Psalm speaks of banquet which signifies the abundance offered us by Communion with the Lord. It speaks of oil which has reference to warm hospitality. It speaks of overflowing cup as the Lord's magnanimity and generosity with us. And so dear friends, we must strengthen our bonds with Christ, the Good Shepherd, whether we are near restful waters or whether we find ourselves in valley of darkness. Let us be the good sheep that hears the voice of Jesus and follow him because He has come so that we "may have life and have it more abundantly".