MONDAY- 26^th  WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –B

Gospel: Luke 9:46-50: The least among you all, that is the one who is great.

I Reading: Job 1:6-22: The Lord gave, the Lord has taken back. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

The Way of Greatness: Humility, 9:46-50

Jesus teaches the way of greatness is the humility in life. People crave for greater recognition, privilege, respect, honour, power, position and wealth in the society and some time they abuse, misuse and mislead people by exploitation, corruption, injustice and inequality. A true greatness must be based on humility and total commitment for the kingdom of God.

1. The desire for greatness: Wanting position, recognition and power (v.46)

2. The picture of greatness (v.47)

a. Jesus took a child

b. Jesus held the child

3. The right concept of greatness (v.48)

a. Welcoming a child in Jesus’ name

b. Reward

          1) Will receive Jesus

          2) Will receive God

          3) Will be the greatest

4. The right to greatness: Not an exclusive right (v.49-50)

Thought: It is difficult to admit that we are full of self, that is, self-centredness and selfish. The fact hurts; we revolt against it. But the truth has to be faced before we can become what we should be.

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SUNDAY- 26^th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –B

Gospel: Mark 9:38-43,45,47-48

I Reading: Number 11:25-29

II Reading: James 5:1-6

There are different types of histories. Today’s first reading and the gospel reading talk about the salvation history of the humankind. God saved the Israelites through patriarchs, his messengers like Moses and the seventy elders, prophets, kings so on in the Old Testament.

Jesus being the New Moses in the New Testament appointed the twelve disciples to be with him and to be sent out to proclaim the good news and gave them his power and authority to cast out devils, and sent out the seventy others and many followers to continue his mission to establish the kingdom of God to save the humankind.

The salvation history of Jesus still carries on through the succession of the Pope, bishops, priests, and the catechists and the believers. The spirit of God can be given to anyone apart from his disciples or followers; so let us not feel jealousy of others’ inspiring work whereas Joshua in the first reading and John in the gospel were not able to accept the power and spirit of God working through other people. So the power of God is not only in the church but also to anyone whom God endows him/her.

God wants everyone to be saved so He sent His own beloved Son Jesus Christ to save us all from sin and death. St James warns against the rich for their greediness which becomes the obstacle to enter the kingdom of God.  Jesus is very harsh to the sinful acts in today’s gospel which prevent a person to enter into heaven. Being the baptised Christians, believers and followers of Jesus Christ let us try to commit ourselves totally for the salvation of humankind doing good works and glorification of God on this earth.

Thought: we should not abuse the power, authority, position, wisdom, wealth and riches for our selfishness and worldly life. God endows us with His power and wisdom to save the people of God.

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SATURDAY- 25^th  WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –B

Gospel: Luke 9:43-45: The Son of Man is going to be handed over. They were afraid to ask him about what he had said.

I Reading: Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:8: Remember your creator in the days of your youth, before the dust returns to the earth, and the breath to God.

The Second Prediction of Death: A Rebuke of Present Generation, 9:37-45

Jesus was rebuking his generation because of their unbelief and a perverse heart.

1. The next day after the transfiguration (v.37-40)

2. Rebuke 1: Ubelief and a perverse heart (v.40)

3. Rebuke 2: A lack of God’s power (v.42-43)

a. Jesus rebuked the disciples’ lack of power by his own act of healing

b. The people were amazed

4. Rebuke 3: A slowness/dullness to grasp the Messiah’s death (v.44-45)

Thought: Powerlessness is inexcusable. Why? Because Christ has revealed how the believer can possess the power and strength of God (Mt 17:20; Jn 3:27; 5:15; 2Cor 3:5; Acts 1:8; Rom 8:1-17).

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FRIDAY- 25^th  WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –B

Gospel: Luke 9:18-22: You are the Christ of God, The Son of Man is destined to suffer grievously.

I Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-11: There is a time for every occupation under heaven.

The First Prediction of Death: Who Jesus Really is, 9:18-22

Who is Jesus? The most critical time in a man’s life is when he answers this question.

1. Jesus was alone praying (v.18)

2. The people’s belief: Jesus was only a great man (v.18-19

3. The disciples’ conviction: Jesus was Messiah (v.20)

4. The full meaning of the conviction (v.21-22)

a. The full meaning: was not yet grasped

b. The full meaning: Jesus was the suffering and conquering Saviour

Thought: There will be the same false confession about Jesus Christ exist in every generation (Mk 6:3; Jn 1:10-11; 1Jn 2:22-23; 4:3).

 

 

THURSDAY- 25^th  WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –B

Gospel: Luke 9:7-9: I beheaded John, so who is this I hear such reports about?

I Reading: Ecclesiastes 1:2-11: There is nothing new under the sun.

Jesus Commissions His Disciples, 9:7-9

Jesus sent out his disciples for the first time with commission to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

1. Their effect (v.7-9)

a. Herod was disturbed by their message

b. The people speculated about Jesus’ identity

c. Herod desired to know Jesus’ identity

Thought: The Most ideal from of evangelism is probably this method given by Christ : a selected home and family serving as the centre of witness within a community or town. The early church was definitely centred in the homes of committed believers (Acts 5:42; 12:12; 16:40; 20:20; 1Cor 16:19; Col 4:15; Philemon 2).

WEDNESDAY- 25^th  WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –B

Gospel: Luke 9:1-6: Jesus sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.

I Reading: Proverbs 30:5-9: Give me neither poverty nor riches, grant me only my share of bread to eat.

Jesus Commissions His Disciples, 9:1-9

Jesus sent out his disciples for the first time with commission to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

1. Their call: To come together for ministry (v.1)

2. Their equipment: Power and authority (v.1)

3. Their mission: To preach and minister (v.2)

4. Their method (v.3-5)

a. Not to seek success through personal appearance and materialism

b. To minister in the homes, to the interested and the hospitable

c. To warn rejecters

5. Their obedience: They went forth preaching and ministering (v.6)

6. Their effect (v.7-9)

a. Herod was disturbed by their message

b. The people speculated about Jesus’ identity

c. Herod desired to know Jesus’ identity

Thought: The Most ideal from of evangelism is probably this method given by Christ : a selected home and family serving as the centre of witness within a community or town. The early church was definitely centred in the homes of committed believers (Acts 5:42; 12:12; 16:40; 20:20; 1Cor 16:19; Col 4:15; Philemon 2).

 

TUESDAY- 25^th  WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –B

Gospel: Luke 8:19-21: My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and put it into practice.

I Reading: Proverbs 21:1-6.10-13: Various proverbs

Jesus Teaches the True Kinship, 8:19-21

Jesus teaches there is a closer tie than the family, the tie that binds him and his followers together.

1. Jesus’ family sought him (v.19)

2. True kinship is not based upon relationships (v.20)

3. True kinship is based upon the Word of God: Hearing and doing it

Thought: True kinship is not based upon human relationships but those who do the Will of God obeying and listening to the Word of God.

 

MONDAY- 25^th  WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –B

Gospel: Luke 8:16-18: A lamp I put on a lamp-stand so that people may see the light when they come in.

I Reading: Proverbs 3:27-34: The wilful wrong-doer is abhorrent to the Lord.

Jesus Teaches Three Fundamental Principles of Life, 8:16-18

Jesus gives three fundamental principles of life to all believers both layperson and preacher.

1. A lamp (life) is for the purpose of giving light (v.16)

a. it is not covered, not hid

b. it is made conspicuous

2. Secrecy is impossible: All things shall be found out (v.17)

3. Truth is very narrow (v.18)

a. a person must watch how he/she hears

b. the reason: truth shall be rewarded; but the seemingly true shall be stripped away.

Thought: It is great encouragement to the faithful and a realistic and understandable threat to the lazy and close-minded.

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SUNDAY- 25^th  WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –B

Gospel: Mark 9:30-37: The Son of Man will be delivered. If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself servant of all.

I Reading: Wisdom 2:12.17-20: Let us condemn him to a shameful death.

II Reading: James 3:16-4:3: Peacemakers, when they work for peace, saw the seeds which will bear fruit in holiness.

The Second Prediction of Death: Intensive Training in the Death of Christ, 9:30-32

The thrust of this passage is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus drilled the truth of His death and resurrection into His disciples. It is absolutely essential that every person grasp the death and resurrection of Jesus.

1. The preparation: Jesus got along his disciples (v.30)

2. The lesson: Jesus taught his disciples that he was to die and arise (v.31)

3. The response: The disciples rejected what they did not wish to see

The Disciples’ Terrible Ignorance of Messiahship:

A Problem of Ambition, 9:33-37

The disciples were thinking that who would hold the highest position (for recognition and position) in the kingdom of Jesus. It is nice to have a good ambition for the highest gifts or good or service.

1. Jesus returned to Capernaum (v.33)

a. The disciples argued

b. Jesus questioned what they were arguing about

2. Ambition can shame (v.34)

3. Ambition needs instruction (v.35)

4. Ambition is a virtue, but it must be directed toward the right goal: to serve (v.35)

5. Ambition for service proves a person’s discipleship (36-37)

a. The Illustration: welcoming a child

b. The lesson: proves one’s discipleship

          1) Proves one has received Christ

          2) proves one has received God

Thought: Ambition that leads to argument and division is wrong. It must be based on service and highest gifts.

SATURDAY- 24^th  WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –B

Gospel: Luke 8:1-3: With Jesus went several women who provided for him out of their own resources.

I Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20: If Christ has not been raised then your faith is useless.

Jesus and the Women who Supported Him, 8:1-3

This is an interesting passage. It shows that Jesus received financial support for his ministry. There were some women, apparently well-off financially, who supported Him.

1. They supported a ministry of preaching (v.1)

a. It reached out

b. It was true to the gospel: the kingdom of God

2. They supported a ministry of discipleship (v.1)

a. Mary Magdalene: A dark past

b. Joanna: A lady of the king’s court

c. Susanna: An unnoticed follower

d. Many others: unknown

Thought: The women supported a ministry of discipleship. Although Jesus appointed the twelve disciples and later on it was soon to be the Great Commission to all His followers.

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FRIDAY- 24^th  WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –B

Gospel: Luke 8:1-3: With Jesus went several women who provided for him out of their own resources.

I Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20: If Christ has not been raised then your faith is useless.

Jesus and the Women who Supported Him, 8:1-3

This is an interesting passage. It shows that Jesus received financial support for his ministry. There were some women, apparently well-off financially, who supported Him.

1. They supported a ministry of preaching (v.1)

a. It reached out

b. It was true to the gospel: the kingdom of God

2. They supported a ministry of discipleship (v.1)

a. Mary Magdalene: A dark past

b. Joanna: A lady of the king’s court

c. Susanna: An unnoticed follower

d. Many others: unknown

Thought: The women supported a ministry of discipleship. Although Jesus appointed the twelve disciples and later on it was soon to be the Great Commission to all His followers.

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THURSDAY- 24^th  WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –B

Gospel: Luke 7:36-50: Her many sins must have been forgiven her, or she would not have shown such great love.

I Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-15: I preached and you believed.

Jesus Contrasts the Attitudes of the Repentant and Self-Righteousness, 7:36-50

The present passage contrasts the attitudes of the sinful (repentant) and the self-righteous. Self-righteousness is a serious sin. It is both common and damning.

1. Simon, a Pharisee, invited Jesus to dinner and Jesus accepted (v.36)

2. The attitude of the repentant: A woman prostitute (v.37-38)

a. She sensed a desperate need

b. She approached the Lord despite all

c. She surrendered to the Lord in utter humility

d. She loved much giving her most precious possession

3. The attitude of the self-righteous (v.39)

a. He was a considerate man, but self-righteous

b. He considered himself better than others

c. He sensed no need for forgiveness

4. The two attitudes illustrated: The parable of two debtors (v.40-43)

a. One debtor owed much; the other little

b. A free forgiveness of both debtors

c. A piercing question: who appreciated and loved the most?

d. A begrudging answer

5. The need of the self-righteous: To really see Jesus, who the repentant say He is (v.44-50)

a. He is the one who deserves more than common courtesies

1) common vs. worshipful respect

2) common vs. humble greeting

3) common vs. sacrificial gift

b. He is the One who has the power to forgive sins

c. He is the One who people need to  ask about

d. He is the One who saves the repentant

Thought: The person who comes to Jesus Christ must come with a broken and contrite heart.

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WEDNESDAY- 24^th  WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –B

Gospel: Luke 7:31-35: We played the pipes for you, and you wouldn’t dance; we sang dirges, and you wouldn’t cry.

I Reading: 1 Corinthians 12: 31-13:13: There are three things that last: faith, hope and love; and the greatness of these is love.

Jesus Reveals God’s Verdict Upon This Generation and Age, 7:29-35

Jesus gave the verdict upon His generation and every generation of people.

1. Reactions to John (v.29-31)

a. The people and tax collectors who were baptised: vindicated John

b. The religionists who were not baptised: rejected God’s purpose

c. Jesus warned His generation and age

2. An age of childishness (v.32)

3. An age of escapism: seeking to escape responsibility (v.33-34)

a. Accused John of conservatism: too denying

b. Accused Jesus of license: too loose

4. An age with only a few wise toward God (v.35)

Thought: The wise (children of wisdom) who accept the ministry of both John and Jesus, both of whom fulfilled the Prophetic Word of God.

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TUESDAY- 24^th  WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –B

Gospel: Luke 7:11-17: Young man, I tell you to get up.

I Reading: 1 Corinthians 12: 12-14.27-31: You together are Christ’s body; but each of you is a different part of it.

Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son: Great Compassion and Power, 7:11-17

The most phenomenal event in all history is the resurrection of the dead. In this event Luke shared the great compassion and power of Jesus to raise the dead.

1. Jesus entered Nain-many were present to witness the conquest of death (v.11)

2. The great compassion of Jesus: He was touched (v.12-13)

a. by death, a dead man

b. by a broken heart

c. by a loving, caring and beloved woman

d. The Lord saw: had compassion and spoke, giving assurance

3. The great power of Jesus (v.14-15)

a. to bypass traditional beliefs

b. to stop the death processional

c. to raise the dead

4. The great awe of the people (v.16-17)

a. they glorified God

b. they believed him to be a prophet

c. they acknowledged God’s dealing with them again

d. they bore witness

Thought: It was the Lord who saw her, had compassion upon her and spoke and gave great assurance.

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MONDAY- 24^th  WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –B

Gospel: Luke 7:1-10: Not even in Israel have I found faith like this.

I Reading: 1 Corinthians 11: 17-26.33: If there are separates factions among you, it is not the Lord’s Supper that you are eating.

Jesus Finds Great Faith in a Soldier: Great Faith, What it Is, 7:1-10

Jesus Christ meets the needs of every one-Gentile or Jew, rich or poor, leader or follower, ruler or slaves. He bridges the gaps, prejudices and divisions between people. The one essential for securing His help is faith. A person must have faith in Christ and His power which is demonstrated what happened between the soldier and Jesus in this passage.

1. Jesus returned to Capernaum (v.1)

2. Great faith cares deeply for people (v.2)

3. Great faith feels unworthy in approaching Jesus Christ (v.3)

4. Great faith seeks God in Jesus Christ (v.4-5)

5. Great faith is centred in Jesus Christ (v.6-8)

a. In Jesus as Sovereign Lord

b. In Jesus supreme power and Word

6. Great faith stirs the great power of Jesus Christ (v.9-8)

a. Jesus marvelled

b. Jesus commanded the soldier

c. Jesus healed the servant

Thought: Willingness, obedience and great faith were essential for Jesus to raise the dead son.

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SUNDAY- 24^th  WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –B

Gospel: Mark 8:27-35: You are the Christ. The Son of Man is  destined to suffer grievously.

I Reading: Isaiah 50:5-9: I offered my back to those who struck me.

II Reading: James 2:14-18: If good works do not go with faith, it is quite dead.

The Great Confession of Peter: Who Jesus is, Mk 8:27-30

Jesus deliberately set out to make sure that the disciples saw Him as God’s Messiah and not man’s Messiah and a way of power and pleasure. He had to make sure they understood God’s way of salvation and plan that God was after victory over death and a life that lasted eternally, not just for seventy or so years.

The present passage is one of the most dramatic  revelations ever made and the most demanding questions ever asked. The answer given determines one’s eternal destiny and requires a single answer: “You are the Christ.”

1. Jesus in Caesarea Philipi (v.27):

The Greek God of nature is PAN, the God being called PANIAS. Herod the great had built the temple in worship of Caesar. Herod’s son Philip who adorned the temple with the magnificence for which it was known world-wide. It was Philip who changed the name of the city from Panias to Caesarea and added his own name calling the city Caesarea Philipi. It was against this background of religion Jesus asked the question, “who do people say I am? Who do you say I am?” and Peter made is great discovery  and confession: Jesus is the Christ, the real Messiah.

a. He visited the village

b. He questioned the people’s belief about himself

2. The confession of men: He is a great man like: John the Baptist, Elijah and one of the prophets (v.28)

3. The confession of his disciples: He is the Christ, the true Messiah, Son of the living God (v.29)

4. The need: To learn about God’s Messiah (v.30)

Thought: Confession is just the beginning of our spiritual journey. We must be accurate in what we study and we must we accurate in what we share, making certain that we share the truth.

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