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.

________

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.

 

________

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.

Mass Reflection: Sunday - 28th June 2026

 

2 KGS 4:8-11, 14-16A; PS 89:2-3, 16-19; ROM 6:3-4, 8-11; MT 10:37-42

Today’s readings take us back to some basics of stewardship living. The First Reading shows us the necessity and power of hospitality. The Second Reading reminds us what it is that makes us disciples and Christian stewards in the first place (hint: it’s our Baptism). Finally, in today’s Gospel, Christ teaches us how to live daily life as His stewards.

Our First Reading, from 2 Kings, tells the story of a woman who showed loving hospitality to a visitor, inviting him to dinner with her family and arranging a room for him in their home so that he would have a comfortable place to stay during his travels through her town. She reached out to the man in a simple and practical manner to make him feel welcome. That is the essence of Christian hospitality. As it turns out, this man was none other than the prophet Elisha. He rewarded her kindness by interceding with God to obtain for her the miracle of a baby boy after long years of infertility.

In our Second Reading, from the Letter to the Romans, St. Paul reminds us of the power of our Baptism and how it is that this sacrament makes us disciples and therefore stewards. He says that through Baptism “into Christ Jesus” we were both buried with Christ and now are alive in Christ. We are literally new creations, marked for all eternity as one of His own. What does that mean for us here and now? St. Paul tells us very clearly: “You too must think of yourselves as dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus.” We must live for Christ! Nothing less will do.

Our Lord Himself proclaims this same instruction in a rather shocking way in our Gospel passage from Matthew: “Whoever loves father or mother… son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” And, “Whoever finds his life [by living for oneself] will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” How can an all-loving Lord say such things? Precisely because He is the source of all love — He is love incarnate. We can only love others, and even ourselves truly, if we allow ourselves to be emptied of self-love and filled with God’s love.

This is why our Lord tells us we must “lose our lives.” Putting ourselves or others — even those dearest to us — above God simply cannot give us the ultimate fulfillment and peace of soul that we all want. Only God can do that. Only loving God first and living for Christ — “losing our life” — can do that.

But how do we know if we love God more than “father or mother or son or daughter”? Jesus tells us in the next verses. And the fascinating genius of it all is that it is precisely through loving actions towards others, loving them as if they were Christ, that we demonstrate our love for Christ! “Whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because the little one is a disciple… he will surely not lose his reward.”

So, we have come full circle to the importance of hospitality, and to putting God first in our lives because we have become disciples of Christ through our Baptism. We put God first by serving others as if we were serving Christ Himself, thus losing a self-centered life and finding our true fulfillment.

Mass Reading: Sunday - 28th June 2026

First reading
2 Kings 4:8-11,13-16
This is a holy man of God; let him rest here

    One day as Elisha was on his way to Shunem, a woman of rank who lived there pressed him to stay and eat there. After this he always broke his journey for a meal when he passed that way. She said to her husband, ‘Look, I am sure the man who is constantly passing our way must be a holy man of God. Let us build him a small room on the roof, and put him a bed in it, and a table and chair and lamp; whenever he comes to us he can rest there.’ One day when he came, he retired to the upper room and lay down. He said to his servant Gehazi, ‘Call our Shunammitess. Tell her this: “Look, you have gone to all this trouble for us, what can we do for you? Is there anything you would like said for you to the king or to the commander of the army?”’ But she replied, ‘I live with my own people about me.’ ‘What can be done for her then?’ he asked. Gehazi answered, ‘Well, she has no son and her husband is old.’ Elisha said, ‘Call her.’ The servant called her and she stood at the door. This time next year,’ he said ‘you will hold a son in your arms.’

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 88(89):2-3,16-19

I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.

I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord;
    through all ages my mouth will proclaim your truth.
Of this I am sure, that your love lasts for ever,
    that your truth is firmly established as the heavens.

I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.

Happy the people who acclaim such a king,
    who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face,
who find their joy every day in your name,
    who make your justice the source of their bliss.

I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.

For it is you, O Lord, who are the glory of their strength;
    by your favour it is that our might is exalted;
for our ruler is in the keeping of the Lord;
    our king in the keeping of the Holy One of Israel.

I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.

________

Second reading
Romans 6:3-4,8-11
When we were baptised we went into the tomb with Christ, so that we too might live a new life

    When we were baptised in Christ Jesus we were baptised in his death; in other words, when we were baptised we went into the tomb with him and joined him in death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the Father’s glory, we too might live a new life.

    But we believe that having died with Christ we shall return to life with him: Christ, as we know, having been raised from the dead will never die again. Death has no power over him any more. When he died, he died, once for all, to sin, so his life now is life with God; and in that way, you too must consider yourselves to be dead to sin but alive for God in Christ Jesus.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
cf.Ac16:14

Alleluia, alleluia!

Open our heart, O Lord,
to accept the words of your Son.

Alleluia!

Or:
1P2:9

Alleluia, alleluia!

You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, 
a people set apart to sing the praises of God,
who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Matthew 10:37-42
Anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it

    Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘Anyone who prefers father or mother to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who prefers son or daughter to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who does not take his cross and follow in my footsteps is not worthy of me. Anyone who finds his life will lose it; anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it.

    ‘Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me; and those who welcome me welcome the one who sent me.

    ‘Anyone who welcomes a prophet will have a prophet’s reward; and anyone who welcomes a holy man will have a holy man’s reward.

    ‘If anyone gives so much as a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple, then I tell you solemnly, he will most certainly not lose his reward.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

 

Mass Reflection: Sunday - 21st June 2026

 

JER 20:10-13; PS 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35; ROM 5:12-15; MT 10:26-33


Today’s readings call us to tackle the challenging issues of fear and trust — two concepts on opposite sides of the same coin. They must be confronted and dealt with by all of us who wish to live the stewardship way of life.

In our first reading, from Jeremiah, the prophet expresses sentiments we have all felt at some point in our lives, when he says, “I hear the whispering of many: 'Terror on every side!'” Perhaps this “whispering” comes from the culture that insists we must think of ourselves, our own interests, our financial comfort first — only when we are certain that our own needs are met can we think of serving God and sharing with others.

Perhaps when we consider stepping out of our comfort zones, the fear-inducing whispers come from within us — “you’re too weak, too selfish, too broken to really live as Christ’s disciple.”

Yet, just when Jeremiah is nearly overcome with fear, he remembers the truth, and it is just as true for us today. “The Lord is with me, like a mighty champion.” Of course!

St. Paul reminds us in our second reading, from the letter to the Romans, just how amazing this Mighty Champion is. “For if by the transgression of the one the many died, how much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ overflow for the many.” In other words, the safest and sanest move we can make is to put all our trust in the Lord who is so good to us, this God who cannot be outdone in generosity.

Even so, the Lord knows that facing down our fears and choosing to trust Him with all areas of our lives is an ongoing challenge for us. He is generous with reassurances to us throughout the Scriptures. Today’s Gospel passage from Matthew is a case in point. In the span of eight verses, Jesus addresses the topic of fear four times.

— “Fear no one.”
— “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”
— “Rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body.”
— “So do not be afraid.”

And the reassurance continues. “Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted.” Notice that Jesus says, “your Father” in describing God’s intimate knowledge and tender care for each one of us. He is truly “Abba,” our Dad, Who knows us inside and out. In fact, this intimate knowledge and tender care are precisely why He reassures us over and over again not to fear, but to trust in Him.

With that, let us all breathe a huge sigh of relief. All is well. Our Father knows us through and through, sent His Son to save us, and will always take care of us.

Let’s stop wasting any more time with fear. Instead, let’s put all our energy, all our time, our talents and our treasure into trusting this great God, and using all that we are and all that He has given us to bring Him glory.

Mass Reading: Sunday - 21st June 2026

First reading
Jeremiah 20:10-13
He has delivered the soul of the needy from the hands of evil men

Jeremiah said:

I hear so many disparaging me,
‘“Terror from every side!”
Denounce him! Let us denounce him!’
All those who used to be my friends
watched for my downfall,
‘Perhaps he will be seduced into error.
Then we will master him
and take our revenge!’
But the Lord is at my side, a mighty hero;
my opponents will stumble, mastered,
confounded by their failure;
everlasting, unforgettable disgrace will be theirs.
But you, O Lord of Hosts, you who probe with justice,
who scrutinise the loins and heart,
let me see the vengeance you will take on them,
for I have committed my cause to you.
Sing to the Lord,
praise the Lord,
for he has delivered the soul of the needy
from the hands of evil men.

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 68(69):8-10,14,17,33-35

In your great love, answer me, O Lord.

It is for you that I suffer taunts,
    that shame covers my face,
that I have become a stranger to my brothers,
    an alien to my own mother’s sons.
I burn with zeal for your house
    and taunts against you fall on me.

In your great love, answer me, O Lord.

This is my prayer to you,
    my prayer for your favour.
In your great love, answer me, O God,
    with your help that never fails:
Lord, answer, for your love is kind;
    in your compassion, turn towards me.

In your great love, answer me, O Lord.

The poor when they see it will be glad
    and God-seeking hearts will revive;
for the Lord listens to the needy
    and does not spurn his servants in their chains.
Let the heavens and the earth give him praise,
    the sea and all its living creatures.

In your great love, answer me, O Lord.

________

Second reading
Romans 5:12-15
The gift considerably outweighed the fall

    Sin entered the world through one man, and through sin death, and thus death has spread through the whole human race because everyone has sinned. Sin existed in the world long before the Law was given. There was no law and so no one could be accused of the sin of ‘law-breaking’, yet death reigned over all from Adam to Moses, even though their sin, unlike that of Adam, was not a matter of breaking a law.

    Adam prefigured the One to come, but the gift itself considerably outweighed the fall. If it is certain that through one man’s fall so many died, it is even more certain that divine grace, coming through the one man, Jesus Christ, came to so many as an abundant free gift.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
Jn1:14,12

Alleluia, alleluia!

The Word was made flesh and lived among us:
to all who did accept him 
he gave power to become children of God.

Alleluia!

Or:
Jn15:26,27

Alleluia, alleluia!

The Spirit of truth will be my witness;
and you too will be my witnesses.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Matthew 10:26-33
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body

    Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘Do not be afraid. For everything that is now covered will be uncovered, and everything now hidden will be made clear. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the daylight; what you hear in whispers, proclaim from the housetops.

    ‘Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; fear him rather who can destroy both body and soul in hell. Can you not buy two sparrows for a penny? And yet not one falls to the ground without your Father knowing. Why, every hair on your head has been counted. So there is no need to be afraid; you are worth more than hundreds of sparrows.

    ‘So if anyone declares himself for me in the presence of men, I will declare myself for him in the presence of my Father in heaven. But the one who disowns me in the presence of men, I will disown in the presence of my Father in heaven.’

The Gospel of the Lord.