Mass Reflection: Sunday - 6th September 2026

 

EZ 33:7-9; PS 95:1-2, 6-9; ROM 13:8-10; MT 18:15-20

Today's readings remind us of the importance of our relationships. God created us to live in communion with Him and with one another. Our families, neighbors, friends, and parish community need us, and we need them as we encourage one another on the journey toward heaven.

Our First Reading from Ezekiel shows us that each of us has a responsibility for one another. God tells the prophet, "I have appointed you watchman for the house of Israel; when you hear me say anything, you shall warn them for me." Through our Baptism, we too are called to be "watchmen" for one another. We have received the gift of the Catholic faith, and we are called to share that gift with love, humility, and generosity wherever God places us.

At first, this responsibility can seem intimidating. Does God expect us to preach a sermon wherever we go? Not at all.

Instead, St. Paul gives us a simple guide in today's Second Reading: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Love is the guiding principle that helps us become good stewards of every relationship God has entrusted to us.

Authentic love always seeks the good of the other. Sometimes that means speaking the truth with charity when it would be easier to remain silent. At other times, love calls us to remain silent when we are tempted to speak in anger.

In today's Gospel, Jesus shows us what that love looks like, even when relationships become strained. He tells His disciples, "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother."

Those words are especially relevant today. Our first instinct can be to complain to others, vent publicly, or avoid the difficult conversation altogether. Jesus points us toward a better way. He teaches us to approach one another directly, with humility, charity, and a sincere desire for reconciliation. This is faithful stewardship of our relationships.

Near the end of the passage, Jesus reminds us of the strength found in Christian community: "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

God never intended us to journey to heaven alone. May we care for the relationships He has entrusted to us and help one another grow as faithful disciples.

Mass Reading: Sunday - 6th September 2026

First reading
Ezekiel 33:7-9
If you do not speak to the wicked man, I will hold you responsible for his death

    The word of the Lord was addressed to me as follows: ‘Son of man, I have appointed you as sentry to the House of Israel. When you hear a word from my mouth, warn them in my name. If I say to a wicked man: Wicked wretch, you are to die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked man to renounce his ways, then he shall die for his sin, but I will hold you responsible for his death. If, however, you do warn a wicked man to renounce his ways and repent, and he does not repent, then he shall die for his sin, but you yourself will have saved your life.’

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 94(95):1-2,6-9

O that today you would listen to his voice! ‘Harden not your hearts.’

Come, ring out our joy to the Lord;
    hail the rock who saves us.
Let us come before him, giving thanks,
    with songs let us hail the Lord.

O that today you would listen to his voice! ‘Harden not your hearts.’

Come in; let us bow and bend low;
    let us kneel before the God who made us:
for he is our God and we
    the people who belong to his pasture,
    the flock that is led by his hand.

O that today you would listen to his voice! ‘Harden not your hearts.’

O that today you would listen to his voice!
    ‘Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,
    as on that day at Massah in the desert
when your fathers put me to the test;
    when they tried me, though they saw my work.’

O that today you would listen to his voice! ‘Harden not your hearts.’

________

Second reading
Romans 13:8-10
Your only debt should be the debt of mutual love

    Avoid getting into debt, except the debt of mutual love. If you love your fellow men you have carried out your obligations. All the commandments: You shall not commit adultery, you shall not kill, you shall not steal, you shall not covet, and so on, are summed up in this single command: You must love your neighbour as yourself. Love is the one thing that cannot hurt your neighbour; that is why it is the answer to every one of the commandments.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
Jn17:17

Alleluia, alleluia!

Your word is truth, O Lord:
consecrate us in the truth.

Alleluia!

Or:
2Co5:19

Alleluia, alleluia!

God in Christ was reconciling the world to himself,
and he has entrusted to us the news that they are reconciled.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Matthew 18:15-20
If your brother listens to you, you have won back your brother

    Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If your brother does something wrong, go and have it out with him alone, between your two selves. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you: the evidence of two or three witnesses is required to sustain any charge. But if he refuses to listen to these, report it to the community; and if he refuses to listen to the community, treat him like a pagan or a tax collector.

    ‘I tell you solemnly, whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven.

    ‘I tell you solemnly once again, if two of you on earth agree to ask anything at all, it will be granted to you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three meet in my name, I shall be there with them.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

Mass Reading: Sunday - 30th August 2026

First reading
Jeremiah 20:7-9
The word of the Lord has meant insult for me

You have seduced me, Lord, and I have let myself be seduced;
you have overpowered me: you were the stronger.
I am a daily laughing-stock,
everybody’s butt.
Each time I speak the word, I have to howl
and proclaim: ‘Violence and ruin!’
The word of the Lord has meant for me
insult, derision, all day long.
I used to say, ‘I will not think about him,
I will not speak in his name any more.’
Then there seemed to be a fire burning in my heart,
imprisoned in my bones.
The effort to restrain it wearied me,
I could not bear it.

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 62(63):2-6,8-9

For you my soul is thirsting, O Lord my God.

O God, you are my God, for you I long;
    for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
    like a dry, weary land without water.

For you my soul is thirsting, O Lord my God.

So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
    to see your strength and your glory.
For your love is better than life,
    my lips will speak your praise.

For you my soul is thirsting, O Lord my God.

So I will bless you all my life,
    in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
    my mouth shall praise you with joy.

For you my soul is thirsting, O Lord my God.

For you have been my help;
    in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you;
    your right hand holds me fast.

For you my soul is thirsting, O Lord my God.

________

Second reading
Romans 12:1-2
Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice

    Think of God’s mercy, my brothers, and worship him, I beg you, in a way that is worthy of thinking beings, by offering your living bodies as a holy sacrifice, truly pleasing to God. Do not model yourselves on the behaviour of the world around you, but let your behaviour change, modelled by your new mind. This is the only way to discover the will of God and know what is good, what it is that God wants, what is the perfect thing to do.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
cf.Ep1:17,18

Alleluia, alleluia!

May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
enlighten the eyes of our mind,
so that we can see what hope his call holds for us.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Matthew 16:21-27
'Get behind me, Satan!'

    Jesus began to make it clear to his disciples that he was destined to go to Jerusalem and suffer grievously at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, to be put to death and to be raised up on the third day. Then, taking him aside, Peter started to remonstrate with him. ‘Heaven preserve you, Lord;’ he said ‘this must not happen to you.’ But he turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle in my path, because the way you think is not God’s way but man’s.’

    Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it. What, then, will a man gain if he wins the whole world and ruins his life? Or what has a man to offer in exchange for his life?

    ‘For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and, when he does, he will reward each one according to his behaviour.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

 

Mass Reflection: Sunday - 30th August 2026

 

JER 20:7-9; PS 63:2-6, 8-9; ROM 12:1-2; MT 16:21-27

Living the stewardship way of life is not easy. Dying to self and living for Christ and others requires sacrifice. It is the work of a lifetime. Yet it is also the only work that truly matters and the only life that ultimately satisfies. Today's readings remind us that faithful discipleship is demanding, but always worthwhile.

In our First Reading, the prophet Jeremiah expresses the struggle that every disciple experiences at times. After enduring rejection and hardship while proclaiming God's message, he is tempted to remain silent: "I will not mention him, I will speak in his name no more." Yet God's call burns within him "like fire burning in my heart... I grow weary holding it in."

Many of us have experienced similar moments. We may become discouraged in ministry, weary of doing the right thing, or hesitant to live our Catholic faith openly. Yet God's goodness and faithfulness continue to draw us back to Him. Like Jeremiah, we discover that we cannot turn away from the One who has given us everything.

St. Paul shows us how to persevere in today's Second Reading. He urges us to "offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God," and reminds us, "Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind."

For today's Christian steward, this means intentionally shaping our lives through prayer, the sacraments, ongoing formation in our Catholic faith, and the daily effort to set aside anything that draws us away from God. Left to ourselves, this would be impossible. But God's grace is always available to strengthen us whenever we ask for it.

In today's Gospel, Jesus continues this same theme of sacrificial discipleship. He tells His followers, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me." Those words are challenging, but Jesus immediately explains why they are worth embracing: "Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

Everything comes down to love. Jesus loved us completely, giving Himself for us on the Cross. He continues to give Himself to us through His Word and, most especially, in the Eucharist.

Each day we are faced with a choice: to live for ourselves or to live for God and for others. The second path is more demanding, but it leads to lasting joy and the promise of eternal life. Christ assures us that He "will come with his angels in his Father's glory, and then he will repay all according to his conduct."

May we choose each day to lose our lives for Christ's sake, offering them back to Him in grateful response to His immeasurable love.

Mass Reading: Sunday - 23rd August 2026

First reading
Isaiah 22:19-23
I place the key of the House of David on my servant's shoulder

Thus says the Lord of Hosts to Shebna, the master of the palace:

I dismiss you from your office,
I remove you from your post,
and the same day I call on my servant
Eliakim son of Hilkiah.
I invest him with your robe,
gird him with your sash,
entrust him with your authority;
and he shall be a father
to the inhabitants of Jerusalem
and to the House of Judah.
I place the key of the House of David
on his shoulder;
should he open, no one shall close,
should he close, no one shall open.
I drive him like a peg
into a firm place;
he will become a throne of glory
for his father’s house.

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 137(138):1-3,6,8

Your love, O Lord, is eternal: discard not the work of your hands.

I thank you, Lord, with all my heart:
    you have heard the words of my mouth.
In the presence of the angels I will bless you.
    I will adore before your holy temple.

Your love, O Lord, is eternal: discard not the work of your hands.

I thank you for your faithfulness and love,
    which excel all we ever knew of you.
On the day I called, you answered;
    you increased the strength of my soul.

Your love, O Lord, is eternal: discard not the work of your hands.

The Lord is high yet he looks on the lowly
    and the haughty he knows from afar.
Your love, O Lord, is eternal,
    discard not the work of your hands.

Your love, O Lord, is eternal: discard not the work of your hands.

________

Second reading
Romans 11:33-36
All that exists comes from him; all is by him and from him.

    How rich are the depths of God – how deep his wisdom and knowledge – and how impossible to penetrate his motives or understand his methods! Who could ever know the mind of the Lord? Who could ever be his counsellor? Who could ever give him anything or lend him anything? All that exists comes from him; all is by him and for him. To him be glory for ever! Amen.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
2Co5:19

Alleluia, alleluia!

God in Christ was reconciling the world to himself,
and he has entrusted to us the news that they are reconciled.

Alleluia!

Or:
Mt16:18

Alleluia, alleluia!

You are Peter 
and on this rock I will build my Church.
And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Matthew 16:13-20
You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church

    When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi he put this question to his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say he is John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ ‘But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?’ Then Simon Peter spoke up, ‘You are the Christ,’ he said, ‘the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘Simon son of Jonah, you are a happy man! Because it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. So I now say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church. And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven.’ Then he gave the disciples strict orders not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.

The Gospel of the Lord.

 

Mass Reflection: Sunday - 23rd August 2026

 

IS 22:19-23; PS 138:1-3, 6, 8; ROM 11:33-36; MT 16:13-20

Today's readings reveal beautiful truths about God while inviting us to examine the truth about ourselves.

In today's Second Reading, St. Paul marvels at the greatness of God: "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways!" His words naturally lead us to praise the Lord. Paul concludes with a magnificent profession of faith: "For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen."

Those words deserve more than our admiration. They call us to respond. We give God glory not only through our prayers and praise but by offering Him our very lives. A life of grateful discipleship is our most fitting response to the God from whom all blessings come.

Today's Gospel from Matthew invites us to examine whether our lives truly give God the glory He deserves. It begins with a question Jesus asks His disciples. First He asks, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" They offer several responses. Then Jesus makes the question personal: "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answers without hesitation: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Jesus asks each of us that same question today. As Christian stewards and disciples, we would likely answer just as Peter did. We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

But does the way we live reflect that profession of faith? If we truly believe Christ came to save us from our sins and lead us to heaven, then our lives should proclaim that truth as clearly as our words. Do my priorities and ambitions reflect that Christ is my Savior? Does my family life, the way I spend my money, my use of time, and my daily choices show that I am His disciple?

Every blessing God has entrusted to us is meant to be used for His glory. Our time, our talents, and our treasure are gifts to be offered back to Him in gratitude. The greatest praise we can offer the Lord is a life lived in grateful response to His unfathomable love. That is the beauty and power of the stewardship way of life.

Mass Reflection: Sunday - 16th August 2026

 

IS 56:1, 6-7; PS 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; ROM 11:13-15, 29-32; MT 15:21-28

Today's readings remind us that God is always faithful, even when we are not. They challenge us as Christian stewards to respond to His faithful love through grateful discipleship and to trust Him even when it seems our prayers go unanswered.

In our First Reading from Isaiah, we hear that God's invitation extends to all people. But accepting that invitation requires more than simply hearing His call. It requires living as His disciples. "Observe what is right, do what is just... All who keep the sabbath free from profanation and hold to my covenant, them I will bring to my holy mountain... for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples."

Our parish is not an exclusive club. It is the family of God, where people from every background are welcomed to worship, grow in faith, and serve the Lord together.

God knows we will not always live this calling perfectly. At times we will choose selfishness over generosity or comfort over discipleship. Yet He never withdraws His love from us.

St. Paul reminds us of this in today's Second Reading: "For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable." God remains patient and merciful even when we stumble. He can bring good even from our failures if we continue striving to follow Him. As Paul concludes, "For God delivered all to disobedience that he might have mercy upon all."

Because God is so faithful and merciful, His desire is to lead us to the joy of heaven and eternal life with Him. To prepare us for that day, He calls us to grow in faith and to live each day as a grateful response to His goodness. In other words, He is forming us into saints. This is what the stewardship way of life is meant to accomplish. At times that process is difficult. Often, it stretches us beyond our comfort.

Jesus certainly challenged the Canaanite woman in today's Gospel. She cried out to Him on behalf of her daughter, who was tormented by a demon. At first, Jesus "did not say a word in answer to her." Yet she refused to give up. Even when the disciples urged Jesus to send her away, she remained steadfast in her faith.

Jesus continued to test her trust, and she responded with such humility and confidence that He proclaimed, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." Imagine hearing those words spoken to us by our Lord. There could be no greater affirmation of a life lived in faithful discipleship.

The stewardship way of life will test our trust in God at times. But those are often the moments when He is doing His greatest work within us. Let us persevere in faith, trusting that His plan is always leading us toward the joy He has prepared for us — a gift He desires every one of His children to receive.

Mass Reading: Sunday - 16th August 2026

First reading
Isaiah 56:1,6-7
I will bring foreigners to my holy mountain

    Thus says the Lord: Have a care for justice, act with integrity, for soon my salvation will come and my integrity be manifest.

    Foreigners who have attached themselves to the Lord to serve him and to love his name and be his servants – all who observe the sabbath, not profaning it, and cling to my covenant – these I will bring to my holy mountain. I will make them joyful in my house of prayer. Their holocausts and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar, for my house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples.

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 66(67):2-3,5-6,8

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

O God, be gracious and bless us
    and let your face shed its light upon us.
So will your ways be known upon earth
    and all nations learn your saving help.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

Let the nations be glad and exult
    for you rule the world with justice.
With fairness you rule the peoples,
    you guide the nations on earth.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

Let the peoples praise you, O God;
    let all the peoples praise you.
May God still give us his blessing
    till the ends of the earth revere him.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

________

Second reading
Romans 11:13-15,29-32
With Israel, God never takes back his gifts or revokes his choice

    Let me tell you pagans this: I have been sent to the pagans as their apostle, and I am proud of being sent, but the purpose of it is to make my own people envious of you, and in this way save some of them. Since their rejection meant the reconciliation of the world, do you know what their admission will mean? Nothing less than a resurrection from the dead! God never takes back his gifts or revokes his choice.

    Just as you changed from being disobedient to God, and now enjoy mercy because of their disobedience, so those who are disobedient now – and only because of the mercy shown to you – will also enjoy mercy eventually. God has imprisoned all men in their own disobedience only to show mercy to all mankind.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
Jn10:27

Alleluia, alleluia!

The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice, 
says the Lord, 
I know them and they follow me.

Alleluia!

Or:
cf.Mt4:23

Alleluia, alleluia!

Jesus proclaimed the Good News of the kingdom
and cured all kinds of sickness among the people.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Matthew 15:21-28
The Canaanite woman debates with Jesus and saves her daughter

    Jesus left Gennesaret and withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. Then out came a Canaanite woman from that district and started shouting, ‘Sir, Son of David, take pity on me. My daughter is tormented by a devil.’ But he answered her not a word. And his disciples went and pleaded with him. ‘Give her what she wants,’ they said ‘because she is shouting after us.’ He said in reply, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the House of Israel.’ But the woman had come up and was kneeling at his feet. ‘Lord,’ she said ‘help me.’ He replied, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the house-dogs.’ She retorted, ‘Ah yes, sir; but even house-dogs can eat the scraps that fall from their master’s table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, you have great faith. Let your wish be granted.’ And from that moment her daughter was well again.

The Gospel of the Lord.

 

Mass Reading: Sunday - 09th August 2026

First reading
1 Kings 19:9,11-13
The Lord was not in the wind, or the earthquake, or the fire

    When Elijah reached Horeb, the mountain of God, he went into the cave and spent the night in it. Then he was told, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord.’ Then the Lord himself went by. There came a mighty wind, so strong it tore the mountains and shattered the rocks before the Lord. But the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind came an earthquake. But the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire. But the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there came the sound of a gentle breeze. And when Elijah heard this, he covered his face with his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 84(85):9-14

Let us see, O Lord, your mercy, and give us your saving help.

I will hear what the Lord God has to say,
    a voice that speaks of peace.
His help is near for those who fear him
    and his glory will dwell in our land.

Let us see, O Lord, your mercy, and give us your saving help.

Mercy and faithfulness have met;
    justice and peace have embraced.
Faithfulness shall spring from the earth
    and justice look down from heaven.

Let us see, O Lord, your mercy, and give us your saving help.

The Lord will make us prosper
    and our earth shall yield its fruit.
Justice shall march before him
    and peace shall follow his steps.

Let us see, O Lord, your mercy, and give us your saving help.

________

Second reading
Romans 9:1-5
I would willingly be condemned if it could help my brothers

    What I want to say now is no pretence; I say it in union with Christ – it is the truth – my conscience in union with the Holy Spirit assures me of it too. What I want to say is this: my sorrow is so great, my mental anguish so endless, I would willingly be condemned and be cut off from Christ if it could help my brothers of Israel, my own flesh and blood. They were adopted as sons, they were given the glory and the covenants; the Law and the ritual were drawn up for them, and the promises were made to them. They are descended from the patriarchs and from their flesh and blood came Christ who is above all, God for ever blessed! Amen.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
cf.Lk19:38,2:14

Alleluia, alleluia!

Blessings on the King who comes,
in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven
and glory in the highest heavens!

Alleluia!

Or:
cf.Ps129:5

Alleluia, alleluia!

My soul is waiting for the Lord,
I count on his word.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Matthew 14:22-33
Jesus walks on the water

    Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he would send the crowds away. After sending the crowds away he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, while the boat, by now far out on the lake, was battling with a heavy sea, for there was a head-wind. In the fourth watch of the night he went towards them, walking on the lake, and when the disciples saw him walking on the lake they were terrified. ‘It is a ghost’ they said, and cried out in fear. But at once Jesus called out to them, saying, ‘Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.’ It was Peter who answered. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘if it is you, tell me to come to you across the water.’ ‘Come’ said Jesus. Then Peter got out of the boat and started walking towards Jesus across the water, but as soon as he felt the force of the wind, he took fright and began to sink. ‘Lord! Save me!’ he cried. Jesus put out his hand at once and held him. ‘Man of little faith,’ he said ‘why did you doubt?’ And as they got into the boat the wind dropped. The men in the boat bowed down before him and said, ‘Truly, you are the Son of God.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

 

Mass Reflection: Sunday - 09th August 2026

 

1 KGS 19:9A, 11-13A; PS 85:9-14; ROM 9:1-5; MT 14:22-33

Stewardship spirituality invites us to surrender control of our lives to God in grateful recognition that everything we have is a gift from Him.

Today's readings remind us that God is always in control of His creation and His people. They also reveal what can happen when we fully entrust our lives to Him — in other words, when we embrace the stewardship way of life.

In our First Reading from the First Book of Kings, the prophet Elijah is instructed to go outside and wait for the Lord. A powerful wind tears through the mountains, followed by an earthquake and then a fire. Yet the Lord is found in none of these dramatic events. Instead, God reveals Himself in "a tiny whispering sound." How fitting for our wonderfully mysterious God, who often comes to us quietly and unexpectedly. Are we attentive enough to recognize His presence and receive the guidance and gifts He continually offers us?

It is all too easy to overlook His presence in our daily lives. Taking our family, friends, work, material blessings, and even God Himself for granted is a temptation we all face. St. Paul speaks of this in today's Second Reading. He grieves that many of his fellow Israelites, despite receiving so many gifts from God — the covenants, the law, the promises, and the patriarchs — failed to recognize the gift of Christ.

The same temptation exists today. We have been entrusted with the riches of Sacred Scripture, the teachings of the Church, and the abundant grace of the sacraments, especially the gift of Christ Himself in the Eucharist. Our family, our parish, our work, and our many blessings are gifts as well. When we take our eyes off God, we lose sight of these gifts, our trust begins to weaken, and our lives no longer become a grateful response to His generosity.

Peter experiences this in today's Gospel from Matthew. Immediately after the multiplication of the loaves and fish, Jesus sends the disciples ahead of Him by boat. Later that evening, Jesus comes to them walking on the water. Peter responds, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." Jesus simply says, "Come." Peter steps out of the boat and begins walking toward the Lord.

But when he notices the strong wind instead of keeping his eyes on Christ, he becomes frightened and begins to sink.

Imagine if Peter had never looked away from Jesus. What an extraordinary adventure he would have experienced walking on the water with his Lord. The same is true for us. When we take our eyes off Christ, His countless blessings, and His faithful love for us, we begin to sink as well.

But when we embrace the stewardship way of life, loosening our grip on our time, talents, and treasure and placing our trust in God, life becomes a great adventure rooted firmly in the One who never fails us.

Mass Reflection: Sunday - 02nd August 2026

 

IS 55:1-3; PS 145:8-9, 15-18; ROM 8:35, 37-39; MT 14:13-21



Today’s readings should inspire the Christian steward with deepened gratitude for our God, who loves us with both fierce and tender love. We must make an intentional response each day, returning love for Love.

In our First Reading from Isaiah, we hear God calling us — even inviting us — to come and be filled with the spiritual nourishment He longs to give us. "Come, receive grain and eat; Come, without paying and without cost, drink wine and milk!" Then He continues, "Heed me, and you shall eat well, you shall delight in rich fare." Notice that He uses the word "heed" and immediately repeats the invitation: "Come to me heedfully, listen, that you may have life."

God never forces Himself upon us. We must intentionally seek Him through prayer, the sacraments, and a life of discipleship. We must choose Him over our own selfishness and the distractions of the world. When we do, He remains faithful to His promise: "I will renew with you the everlasting covenant, the benefits assured to David."

We can have complete confidence in that promise. In our Second Reading from Romans, St. Paul reminds us that nothing and no one can separate us from the love of Christ. No anguish, distress, persecution, famine — and we might add illness, financial hardship, family struggles, or uncertainty about the future — nothing can keep our God from loving us. His love is so powerful that, as St. Paul tells us, "in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly." God truly holds us in the palm of His hand.

And yet, this assurance is only the beginning of His gifts. Today's Gospel recounts the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fish, a miracle that foreshadows the gift of the Eucharist, where Christ feeds us not simply with bread, but with His own Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. It is such an extraordinary gift that it is easy to focus only on the miracle itself. But the opening verses reveal something equally beautiful — the compassionate heart of Jesus.

The Gospel begins by telling us that Jesus withdrew by boat to a deserted place after learning of the death of His cousin, John the Baptist. Seeking a moment of solitude, He instead found crowds waiting for Him. Yet rather than turning them away, "his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick."

What generous and compassionate love our Lord shows. But even that is not enough for Him. He remains with the people, teaching and ministering to them until evening. When the disciples suggest sending the crowds away to find food, Jesus instead invites them to become part of His plan. He tells them to feed the people, then miraculously multiplies the few loaves and fish they are able to offer.

What a privilege it was for those disciples to participate in Christ's work. That same privilege is ours as Christian stewards. Let us respond with grateful hearts to such amazing love.

Mass Reading: Sunday - 02nd August 2026

First reading
Isaiah 55:1-3
Come and eat

Thus says the Lord:

Oh, come to the water all you who are thirsty;
though you have no money, come!
Buy corn without money, and eat,
and, at no cost, wine and milk.
Why spend money on what is not bread,
your wages on what fails to satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and you will have good things to eat
and rich food to enjoy.
Pay attention, come to me;
listen, and your soul will live.
With you I will make an everlasting covenant
out of the favours promised to David.

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 144(145):8-9,15-18

You open wide your hand, O Lord; you grant our desires.

The Lord is kind and full of compassion,
    slow to anger, abounding in love.
How good is the Lord to all,
    compassionate to all his creatures.

You open wide your hand, O Lord; you grant our desires.

The eyes of all creatures look to you
    and you give them their food in due time.
You open wide your hand,
    grant the desires of all who live.

You open wide your hand, O Lord; you grant our desires.

The Lord is just in all his ways
    and loving in all his deeds.
He is close to all who call him,
    who call on him from their hearts.

You open wide your hand, O Lord; you grant our desires.

________

Second reading
Romans 8:35,37-39
No created thing can ever come between us and the love of God made visible in Christ

    Nothing can come between us and the love of Christ, even if we are troubled or worried, or being persecuted, or lacking food or clothes, or being threatened or even attacked. These are the trials through which we triumph, by the power of him who loved us.

    For I am certain of this: neither death nor life, no angel, no prince, nothing that exists, nothing still to come, not any power, or height or depth, nor any created thing, can ever come between us and the love of God made visible in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
cf.Lk19:38,2:14

Alleluia, alleluia!

Blessings on the King who comes,
in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven
and glory in the highest heavens!

Alleluia!

Or:
Mt4:4

Alleluia, alleluia!

Man does not live on bread alone,
but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Matthew 14:13-21
The feeding of the five thousand

    When Jesus received the news of John the Baptist’s death he withdrew by boat to a lonely place where they could be by themselves. But the people heard of this and, leaving the towns, went after him on foot. So as he stepped ashore he saw a large crowd; and he took pity on them and healed their sick.

    When evening came, the disciples went to him and said, ‘This is a lonely place, and the time has slipped by; so send the people away, and they can go to the villages to buy themselves some food.’ Jesus replied, ‘There is no need for them to go: give them something to eat yourselves.’ But they answered ‘All we have with us is five loaves and two fish.’ ‘Bring them here to me’ he said. He gave orders that the people were to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, raised his eyes to heaven and said the blessing. And breaking the loaves handed them to his disciples who gave them to the crowds. They all ate as much as they wanted, and they collected the scraps remaining; twelve baskets full. Those who ate numbered about five thousand men, to say nothing of women and children.

The Gospel of the Lord.

 

Mass Reading: Sunday - 26th July 2026

First reading
1 Kings 3:5,7-12
Solomon chooses the gift of wisdom

    The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, ‘Ask what you would like me to give you.’ Solomon replied, ‘O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in succession to David my father. But I am a very young man, unskilled in leadership. Your servant finds himself in the midst of this people of yours that you have chosen, a people so many its number cannot be counted or reckoned. Give your servant a heart to understand how to discern between good and evil, for who could govern this people of yours that is so great?’ It pleased the Lord that Solomon should have asked for this. ‘Since you have asked for this’ the Lord said ‘and not asked for long life for yourself or riches or the lives of your enemies, but have asked for a discerning judgement for yourself, here and now I do what you ask. I give you a heart wise and shrewd as none before you has had and none will have after you.’

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 118(119):57,72,76-77,127-130

Lord, how I love your law!

My part, I have resolved, O Lord,
    is to obey your word.
The law from your mouth means more to me
    than silver and gold.

Lord, how I love your law!

Let your love be ready to console me
    by your promise to your servant.
Let your love come and I shall live
    for your law is my delight.

Lord, how I love your law!

That is why I love your commands
    more than finest gold,
why I rule my life by your precepts,
    and hate false ways.

Lord, how I love your law!

Your will is wonderful indeed;
    therefore I obey it.
The unfolding of your word gives light
    and teaches the simple.

Lord, how I love your law!

________

Second reading
Romans 8:28-30
Those he called, he justified

    We know that by turning everything to their good, God co-operates with all those who love him, with all those he has called according to his purpose. They are the ones he chose specially long ago and intended to become true images of his Son, so that his Son might be the eldest of many brothers. He called those he intended for this; those he called he justified, and with those he justified he shared his glory.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
Jn15:15

Alleluia, alleluia!

I call you friends, says the Lord,
because I have made known to you
everything I have learnt from my Father.

Alleluia!

Or:
Mt11:25

Alleluia, alleluia!

Blessed are you, Father, 
Lord of heaven and earth,
for revealing the mysteries of the kingdom
to mere children.kingdom.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Matthew 13:44-52
He sells everything he owns and buys the field

    Jesus said to the crowds, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field which someone has found; he hides it again, goes off happy, sells everything he owns and buys the field.

    ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls; when he finds one of great value he goes and sells everything he owns and buys it.

    ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea that brings in a haul of all kinds. When it is full, the fishermen haul it ashore; then, sitting down, they collect the good ones in a basket and throw away those that are no use. This is how it will be at the end of time: the angels will appear and separate the wicked from the just to throw them into the blazing furnace where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.

    ‘Have you understood all this?’ They said, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Well then, every scribe who becomes a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out from his storeroom things both new and old.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

 

Mass Reflection: Sunday - 26th July 2026

 

1 KGS 3:5, 7-12; PS 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-130; ROM 8:28-30; MT 13:44-52 OR 13:44-46


The stewardship way of life could be described as a daily pursuit of the Kingdom of Heaven. Today’s readings remind us of the importance of recognizing that Kingdom in our midst and ordering our lives around what truly matters.

In our first reading from the First Book of Kings, God appears to Solomon in a dream and invites him to ask for whatever he desires. Rather than requesting riches, power, or long life, Solomon asks for “an understanding heart” to distinguish right from wrong. In other words, he asks for wisdom — the ability to recognize what is true and valuable and to live accordingly.

It is no surprise that God is pleased with Solomon’s request. In fact, Solomon becomes known throughout history for his wisdom. The same gift is available to us if we ask for it sincerely. We need wisdom to live the stewardship way of life because stewardship requires us to make choices every day about how we will use the gifts God has entrusted to us.

When our priorities are aligned with God’s will rather than the values of the world, we can live with confidence and peace. As St. Paul reminds us in today’s second reading, “all things work for good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose.” This promise applies not only to life’s major decisions, but also to the countless daily choices we make as disciples striving to serve the Lord and advance His Kingdom.

In today’s Gospel, we arrive at the conclusion of three weeks of Jesus’ teaching on the Kingdom of Heaven. Through a series of brief but powerful parables, He reveals the extraordinary value of that Kingdom.

First, Jesus compares it to a treasure hidden in a field. The man who discovers it joyfully sells everything he has in order to obtain it. Next, He describes a merchant who finds a pearl of great price and willingly gives up all he possesses to make it his own.

These images remind us that life in Christ is worth any sacrifice. The Kingdom is not merely one priority among many. It is the greatest treasure we can possess.

Notice, too, that in both stories the treasure is initially hidden. We must actively seek it. We need the wisdom of Solomon to recognize the presence of God’s Kingdom amid the noise, distractions, and competing priorities of daily life.

Jesus then compares the Kingdom to a net cast into the sea that gathers fish of every kind. The invitation to the Kingdom is universal. God desires all people to share in His life and His love.

Yet the Lord concludes with a sobering reminder that each person will ultimately be judged. The angels “will separate the wicked from the righteous.” Jesus wants us to understand that our response to His invitation matters.

Let us pray for the wisdom to recognize the Kingdom of Heaven in our midst and to pursue it with all our hearts. There is no greater treasure, no greater source of joy, and no greater purpose than living as faithful stewards and disciples of Jesus Christ.

Mass Reading: Sunday - 19th July 2026

First reading
Wisdom 12:13,16-19
You will grant repentance after sin

There is no god, other than you, who cares for every thing,
to whom you might have to prove that you never judged unjustly.
Your justice has its source in strength,
your sovereignty over all makes you lenient to all.
You show your strength when your sovereign power is questioned
and you expose the insolence of those who know it;
but, disposing of such strength, you are mild in judgement,
you govern us with great lenience,
for you have only to will, and your power is there.
By acting thus you have taught a lesson to your people
how the virtuous man must be kindly to his fellow men,
and you have given your sons the good hope
that after sin you will grant repentance.

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 85(86):5-6,9-10,15-16

O Lord, you are good and forgiving.

O Lord, you are good and forgiving,
    full of love to all who call.
Give heed, O Lord, to my prayer
    and attend to the sound of my voice.

O Lord, you are good and forgiving.

All the nations shall come to adore you
    and glorify your name, O Lord:
for you are great and do marvellous deeds,
    you who alone are God.

O Lord, you are good and forgiving.

But you, God of mercy and compassion,
    slow to anger, O Lord,
abounding in love and truth,
    turn and take pity on me.

O Lord, you are good and forgiving.

________

Second reading
Romans 8:26-27
The Spirit himself expresses our plea in a way that could never be put into words

    The Spirit comes to help us in our weakness. For when we cannot choose words in order to pray properly, the Spirit himself expresses our plea in a way that could never be put into words, and God who knows everything in our hearts knows perfectly well what he means, and that the pleas of the saints expressed by the Spirit are according to the mind of God.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
cf.Ep1:17,18

Alleluia, alleluia!

May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
enlighten the eyes of our mind,
so that we can see what hope his call holds for us.

Alleluia!

Or:
Mt11:25

Alleluia, alleluia!

Blessed are you, Father, 
Lord of heaven and earth,
for revealing the mysteries of the kingdom
to mere children.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Matthew 13:24-43
Let them both grow till the harvest

    Jesus put another parable before the crowds: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. While everybody was asleep his enemy came, sowed darnel all among the wheat, and made off. When the new wheat sprouted and ripened, the darnel appeared as well. The owner’s servants went to him and said, “Sir, was it not good seed that you sowed in your field? If so, where does the darnel come from?” “Some enemy has done this” he answered. And the servants said, “Do you want us to go and weed it out?” But he said, “No, because when you weed out the darnel you might pull up the wheat with it. Let them both grow till the harvest; and at harvest time I shall say to the reapers: First collect the darnel and tie it in bundles to be burnt, then gather the wheat into my barn.”’

    He put another parable before them: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the biggest shrub of all and becomes a tree so that the birds of the air come and shelter in its branches.’

    He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like the yeast a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour till it was leavened all through.’

    In all this Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables; indeed, he would never speak to them except in parables. This was to fulfil the prophecy:

I will speak to you in parables
and expound things hidden since the foundation of the world.

    Then, leaving the crowds, he went to the house; and his disciples came to him and said, ‘Explain the parable about the darnel in the field to us.’ He said in reply, ‘The sower of the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world; the good seed is the subjects of the kingdom; the darnel, the subjects of the evil one; the enemy who sowed them, the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; the reapers are the angels. Well then, just as the darnel is gathered up and burnt in the fire, so it will be at the end of time. The Son of Man will send his angels and they will gather out of his kingdom all things that provoke offences and all who do evil, and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth. Then the virtuous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Listen, anyone who has ears!’

The Gospel of the Lord.

 

Mass Reflection: Sunday - 19th July 2026

 

WIS 12:13, 16-19; PS 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16; ROM 8:26-27; MT 13:24-43 OR 13:24-30

Today’s readings offer both encouragement and challenge for the Christian steward. They remind us of God’s justice and mercy, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the often hidden yet powerful growth of God’s Kingdom.

Our first reading from the Book of Wisdom reminds us that God is both all-powerful and infinitely merciful. “Though you are master of might, you judge with clemency.” God’s justice is perfect because it is always joined to His love. As Christian stewards, this is an important reminder. A day will come when each of us will give an account of how we used the gifts God entrusted to us — our time, our talent, and our treasure. We will answer for the role we played in building up His Kingdom and serving His people.

At the same time, we can take comfort in knowing that God judges with mercy. He desires our salvation and continually offers us opportunities to grow closer to Him and to become more faithful disciples.

In our second reading, St. Paul reminds us that we are not left to accomplish this mission on our own. “The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness.” How reassuring those words are. The Holy Spirit dwells within us, guiding us, strengthening us, and interceding for us even when we do not know how to pray as we ought.

Christian stewardship is not merely a human effort. It is a response to God’s grace. The Holy Spirit reveals the unique mission God has entrusted to each of us and provides the wisdom and strength necessary to carry it out. The more we rely on Him, the more fruitful our lives become.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus uses several parables to describe the Kingdom of Heaven. First, He compares it to a field where both wheat and weeds grow together until the harvest. Only then are they separated. It is a sobering reminder that our choices matter and that God, in His justice, will ultimately judge all things.

Yet the Gospel is also filled with hope. Jesus compares the Kingdom to a mustard seed, the smallest of seeds, which grows into a large plant. He compares it to yeast that quietly works its way through the dough until the whole batch is transformed.

These images are especially encouraging for Christian stewards. So often, our efforts can seem small compared to the immense needs around us. The prayers we offer, the ministries we serve in, the sacrifices we make, and the gifts we share may appear insignificant in the moment.

But Jesus assures us that God is at work in ways we cannot always see. He takes our small offerings and uses them to accomplish far more than we could imagine. What seems small in our eyes can bear tremendous fruit in His hands.

God sees every act of generosity, every sacrifice made in love, and every effort to serve Him faithfully. Nothing offered to Him is ever wasted.

In gratitude for all He has given us, let us remain faithful to the mission entrusted to our care. Trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the power of God at work within us, let us continue building His Kingdom one faithful act of stewardship at a time.

Mass Reading: Sunday - 12th July 2026

First reading
Isaiah 55:10-11
The word that goes out from my mouth does not return to me empty

    Thus says the Lord: ‘As the rain and the snow come down from the heavens and do not return without watering the earth, making it yield and giving growth to provide seed for the sower and bread for the eating, so the word that goes from my mouth does not return to me empty, without carrying out my will and succeeding in what it was sent to do.’

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 64(65):10-14

Some seed fell into rich soil and produced its crop.

You care for the earth, give it water,
    you fill it with riches.
Your river in heaven brims over
    to provide its grain.

Some seed fell into rich soil and produced its crop.

And thus you provide for the earth;
    you drench its furrows;
you level it, soften it with showers;
    you bless its growth.

Some seed fell into rich soil and produced its crop.

You crown the year with your goodness.
    Abundance flows in your steps,
    in the pastures of the wilderness it flows.

Some seed fell into rich soil and produced its crop.

The hills are girded with joy,
    the meadows covered with flocks,
the valleys are decked with wheat.
    They shout for joy, yes, they sing.

Some seed fell into rich soil and produced its crop.

________

Second reading
Romans 8:18-23
The whole creation is eagerly waiting for God to reveal his sons

    I think that what we suffer in this life can never be compared to the glory, as yet unrevealed, which is waiting for us. The whole creation is eagerly waiting for God to reveal his sons. It was not for any fault on the part of creation that it was made unable to attain its purpose, it was made so by God; but creation still retains the hope of being freed, like us, from its slavery to decadence, to enjoy the same freedom and glory as the children of God. From the beginning till now the entire creation, as we know, has been groaning in one great act of giving birth; and not only creation, but all of us who possess the first-fruits of the Spirit, we too groan inwardly as we wait for our bodies to be set free.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
1S3:9,Jn6:68

Alleluia, alleluia!

Speak, Lord, your servant is listening:
you have the message of eternal life.

Alleluia!

Or:

Alleluia, alleluia!

The seed is the word of God, Christ the sower;
whoever finds this seed will remain for ever.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Matthew 13:1-23
A sower went out to sow

    Jesus left the house and sat by the lakeside, but such large crowds gathered round him that he got into a boat and sat there. The people all stood on the beach, and he told them many things in parables.

    He said, ‘Imagine a sower going out to sow. As he sowed, some seeds fell on the edge of the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Others fell on patches of rock where they found little soil and sprang up straight away, because there was no depth of earth; but as soon as the sun came up they were scorched and, not having any roots, they withered away. Others fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Others fell on rich soil and produced their crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Listen, anyone who has ears!’

    Then the disciples went up to him and asked, ‘Why do you talk to them in parables?’ ‘Because’ he replied, ‘the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven are revealed to you, but they are not revealed to them. For anyone who has will be given more, and he will have more than enough; but from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. The reason I talk to them in parables is that they look without seeing and listen without hearing or understanding. So in their case this prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled:

You will listen and listen again, but not understand,

see and see again, but not perceive.

For the heart of this nation has grown coarse,

their ears are dull of hearing, and they have shut their eyes,

for fear they should see with their eyes,

hear with their ears,

understand with their heart,

and be converted

and be healed by me.

    ‘But happy are your eyes because they see, your ears because they hear! I tell you solemnly, many prophets and holy men longed to see what you see, and never saw it; to hear what you hear, and never heard it.

    ‘You, therefore, are to hear the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom without understanding, the evil one comes and carries off what was sown in his heart: this is the man who received the seed on the edge of the path. The one who received it on patches of rock is the man who hears the word and welcomes it at once with joy. But he has no root in him, he does not last; let some trial come, or some persecution on account of the word, and he falls away at once. The one who received the seed in thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this world and the lure of riches choke the word and so he produces nothing. And the one who received the seed in rich soil is the man who hears the word and understands it; he is the one who yields a harvest and produces now a hundredfold, now sixty, now thirty.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

 

Mass Reflection: Sunday - 12th July 2026

 

IS 55:10-11; PS 65:10-14; ROM 8:18-23; MT 13:1-23 OR 13:1-9

Today’s readings are filled with images that illuminate the stewardship way of life, demonstrating the gradual yet powerful effect this lifestyle has on those who fully embrace it.

In our first reading from Isaiah, the Lord speaks of the gentle but unstoppable power of His Word, comparing it to the rain and snow that water the earth, “making it fertile and fruitful, giving seed to the one who sows and bread to the one who eats.” God reminds us that His Word never returns to Him empty. It always accomplishes His purpose. It gives life, nourishes the soul, and sustains us on our journey of discipleship.

Christian stewards understand the importance of drawing daily nourishment from God’s Word. When we commit ourselves to prayerfully reading and reflecting on Scripture, we can be confident that God is at work within us, slowly transforming our hearts and shaping us into the people He calls us to be.

The image of fertile and fruitful growth in Isaiah prepares us for the well-known Gospel parable that follows. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus describes a sower scattering seed on different kinds of soil.

Some seed falls on the path and is quickly carried away by birds before it can take root. Some fall on rocky ground where they sprout quickly but cannot survive because their roots are shallow. Other seed falls among thorns that choke the young plants before they can mature.

Finally, some seed falls on rich soil and produces an abundant harvest.

Jesus explains that the seed is the Word of God and that the various soils represent the different ways people receive it. The sower scatters generously, offering the seed to everyone. Yet only a portion of it finds the kind of soil where it can flourish and bear fruit. This is where the stewardship way of life comes in. When we generously offer our time, talent, and treasure in service to God and others, we help cultivate the “good soil” necessary for God’s Word to take root and thrive within us.

Stewardship helps remove the “rocks” of mistrust as we grow in confidence that God will provide for our needs. It clears away the “thorns” of worldly ambition, self-centeredness, and anxiety that can distract us from what matters most. Through prayer, the sacraments, and generous service, the soil of our lives is continually nourished and enriched.

As St. Paul reminds us in today’s second reading, all creation longs for the fullness of what God intends. We, too, await that fulfillment as we strive to live as faithful disciples. The stewardship way of life prepares us for that day by helping us grow steadily in holiness and fruitfulness.

Let us deepen our commitment to this way of life, allowing the Divine Sower to do His work within us. If we remain open to His grace, the Master Gardener will surely produce an abundant harvest through our lives.

Mass Reflection: Sunday - 05th July 2026

 

ZEC 9:9-10; PS 145:1-2, 8-11, 13-14; ROM 8:9, 11-13; MT 11:25-30

The theme of humility is central to our readings today. God Himself is a humble God, so if we wish to follow Him as Christian stewards, we too, must be humble. In fact, humility is key to the stewardship way of life, and to a peaceful and fulfilling life.

Our first reading from Zechariah foretells the unexpected way in which the Lord, the Savior of the world, will arrive. “See, your king shall come to you; a just savior is he, meek and riding on an ass… and he shall proclaim peace to the nations.” It is almost unfathomable that our almighty, all-powerful God would humble Himself to live among us as one of our own, let alone to contemplate the unassuming way in which He arrived — born as a helpless baby, growing up under the care of human parents and finally making his entrance as savior on a lowly colt. Christ has given us a clear and compelling model of humility. We dare not pursue any other path for ourselves if we wish to follow Him.

But this kind of humility goes against our natural, worldly bent which says we must insist on hav-ing our own way, assert our rights at all costs, and put ourselves first so as to get ahead. How can we live the radical way Christ is calling us to live?

As St. Paul tells us in the letter to the Romans, our second reading today, “Brothers and sisters: You are not in the flesh; on the contrary, you are in the spirit.” Because of the gifts of our Baptism and Confirmation, we have a “superpower” right within us — the Holy Spirit — Who gives us every spiritual gift and all the strength we need to follow Christ. We must awaken to the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives, leaning into Him to increase virtue in us, especially this key virtue of humility. Paul reminds us that this is for our own good after all — “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”

In our Gospel passage from Matthew, Jesus Himself speaks to the Father of the privileged role that humble souls play in God’s plan of salvation. “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones.”

What does it mean to be a “little one”? It means that we acknowledge we don’t have it all figured out, but that we are very much in need of a savior. It means we recognize that all we are and all we have been given is a gift from God. It means we embrace the stewardship way of life.

It is not easy, but deep peace and consolation come with this way of life. Jesus offers these warm and encouraging words to entice us to embrace it. “Come to me all you who labor and are bur-dened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

Let us resolve to follow in the footsteps of our Savior, embracing the humble path of stewardship. It is the path that leads to peace here and now, and ultimately leads us to heaven.

Mass Reading: Sunday - 05th July 2026

First reading
Zechariah 9:9-10
See now, your king comes humbly to you

The Lord says this:

Rejoice heart and soul, daughter of Zion!
Shout with gladness, daughter of Jerusalem!
See now, your king comes to you;
he is victorious, he is triumphant,
humble and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
He will banish chariots from Ephraim
and horses from Jerusalem;
the bow of war will be banished.
He will proclaim peace for the nations.
His empire shall stretch from sea to sea,
from the River to the ends of the earth.

The word of the Lord.

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Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 144(145):1-2,8-11,13b-14

I will bless your name for ever, O God my King.

I will give you glory, O God my king,
    I will bless your name for ever.
I will bless you day after day
    and praise your name for ever.

I will bless your name for ever, O God my King. 

The Lord is kind and full of compassion,
    slow to anger, abounding in love.
How good is the Lord to all,
    compassionate to all his creatures.

I will bless your name for ever, O God my King. 

All your creatures shall thank you, O Lord,
    and your friends shall repeat their blessing.
They shall speak of the glory of your reign
    and declare your might, O God.

I will bless your name for ever, O God my King. 

The Lord is faithful in all his words
    and loving in all his deeds.
The Lord supports all who fall
    and raises all who are bowed down.

I will bless your name for ever, O God my King.

 

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Second reading
Romans 8:9,11-13
If by the Spirit you put an end to the misdeeds of the body, you will live

    Your interests are not in the unspiritual, but in the spiritual, since the Spirit of God has made his home in you. In fact, unless you possessed the Spirit of Christ you would not belong to him, and if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, then he who raised Jesus from the dead will give life to your own mortal bodies through his Spirit living in you.

    So then, my brothers, there is no necessity for us to obey our unspiritual selves or to live unspiritual lives. If you do live in that way, you are doomed to die; but if by the Spirit you put an end to the misdeeds of the body you will live.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
Mt11:25

Alleluia, alleluia!

Blessed are you, Father, 
Lord of heaven and earth,
for revealing the mysteries of the kingdom
to mere children.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Matthew 11:25-30
You have hidden these things from the wise and revealed them to little children

    Jesus exclaimed, ‘I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children. Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do. Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, just as no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

    ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’

The Gospel of the Lord.