Daughters of St Paul | Daily Gospel Reflections

 Gospel  Mt 21:28-32 Do you know much about St Therese -- the Little Flower? Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people: "What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, 'Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.' He said in reply, 'I will not,' but afterwards changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, 'Yes, sir, 'but did not go. Which of the two did his father's will?" They answered, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him." Reflections: Jesus cites an example which often happens in our family atmosphere too. One who says "no" repents and goe

 Gospel Lk 9:43b-45 Trying to Understand Jesus better? (click here) Gospel Text: While they were all amazed at his every deed, Jesus said to his disciples, "Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men." But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying. Reflections: Effective communication is of utmost importance in our present time. A multitude of problems can arise due to inadequate communication. Jesus felt sorrowful because his disciples were entirely unfamiliar with his language. It stands true that understanding one another deeply is possible when we know someone personally. In today's context, Jesus emphasizes that a genuine disciple will make an effort to know their master. By knowing Jesus profoundly, one can comprehend the language of Jesus Christ. Following the example of St Jerome, let us be willing to devot

 Gospel Jn 1:47-51 Put Music Here ----  Want to get to know the value of angels? Gospel Text: Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, "Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him." Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree." Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel." Jesus answered and said to him, "Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this." And he said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man." Reflections:  Today, we celebrate the feast of the Archangels. Who can perceive the presence of angels? In the Gospel passage we reflect upon today, there is a meaningful exchange between Nathaniel and Jesus. When J

 Gospel Lk 9:7-9 Learning to Forgive? Gospel Text: Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, "John has been raised from the dead"; others were saying, "Elijah has appeared"; still others, "One of the ancient prophets has arisen." But Herod said, "John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?" And he kept trying to see him. Reflections When we succumb to sin, it can blind our judgment. We may attempt to find ways to escape or rationalize  our wrongdoing by resorting to lies and false reasoning. In the case of Herod, he committed the grave sin of killing John the Baptist. There were two paths he could have taken: repentance leading to entering the kingdom of God, or persisting in sin and facing eternal consequences. The story of Herod serves as a profound lesson. Repentance and striving for holiness offer a chance for redemption. If Herod had chosen to repent

 Gospel Lk 9:1-6 Need help in proclaiming the Good News in Homily? Gospel Text: Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them, "Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them." Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere. Reflections: Indeed, Jesus had numerous disciples, but among them, he specifically granted authority to the twelve. As we meditate on the teachings of Jesus today, we come to realize that Jesus imparted to these chosen disciples the vital lesson of relying on the providence of God. In Mt 6:26 Jesus draws o

 Gospel Lk 8:19-21 Need help increasing faith? Gospel Text: The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. He was told, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you." He said to them in reply, "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it." Reflections : Faith without action holds no true value. Mere words, such as promising to pray for someone, lose significance if they become an excuse to avoid taking tangible steps to resolve an issue. Often, we may find ourselves using the phrase 'I am praying' as an escape from taking active measures. In today's gospel, we learn that to be true siblings or mothers to Jesus Christ, we must not only hear the word of God but also align our actions with it. In other words, genuine faith is demonstrated through deeds that reflect the teachings and principles of God. It is through both attentive listening

 Gospel Lk 8:16-18 Be a lighthouse for others... Gospel Text: Jesus said to the crowd: "No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away." Reflections: God acts as an all-seeing witness to every aspect of our lives. Nothing remains hidden from His sight, as He observes all our actions. The positive deeds we undertake should be openly shared and celebrated, as they contribute to the growth of His divine plan. When we discover and utilize the talents bestowed upon us by God, He bestows upon us more spiritual blessings and enrichment. This, in turn, leads to even greater abundance from Him. Conversely, if we negl

 Gospel Mt 20:1-16a Find it difficult to be generous? Jesus told his disciples this parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. Going out about nine o'clock, the landowner saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, 'You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.' So they went off. And he went out again around noon, and around three o'clock, and did likewise. Going out about five o'clock, the landowner found others standing around, and said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle all day?' They answered, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You too go into my vineyard.' When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.' Whe

 Gospel Lk 8:4-15 Sow seeds of Hope Gospel Text: When a large crowd gathered, with people from one town after another journeying to Jesus, he spoke in a parable. "A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path and was trampled, and the birds of the sky ate it up. Some seed fell on rocky ground, and when it grew, it withered for lack of moisture. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some seed fell on good soil, and when it grew, it produced fruit a hundredfold." After saying this, he called out, "Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear." Then his disciples asked him what the meaning of this parable might be. He answered, "Knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God has been granted to you; but to the rest, they are made known through parables so that they may look but not see, and hear but not understand. "This is the meaning of the parable. The seed is the word of God. Those on the p

 Gospel Lk 8:1-3 Ensure the women in your life are empowered Gospel Text: Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources. Reflections Women played a crucial and active role in Jesus' life and mission, breaking social norms and demonstrating the inclusive nature of his message. He did not exclude anyone from his friends’ circle regardless of their background or social status. He treated women with respect, compassion and dignity, which was often at odds with the prevailing cultural norms of the time. Women were part of his mission while journeying from one town or village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom

 Gospel Mt 9:9-13 Enjoy homilies with Pope Francis on St Matthew Gospel Text: As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" He heard this and said, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners." Reflections: "The world is in need of mercy today more than ever. Let us be bearers of God's compassion to all," Says Pope Francis. Mercy is an essential virtue that holds the potential to heal wounds; that has the power to bring about positive transformation and harmony among people. Jesus showed mercy to sinn

 Gospel Lk 7:31-35 Teach your youngsters about humility Gospel Text: Jesus said to the crowds: "To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, 'We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.' For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, 'He is possessed by a demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, 'Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' But wisdom is vindicated by all her children." Reflection: The contrast between the ministry styles of John and Jesus showcases the diverse ways in which God communicates with humanity. Despite the differences in their approaches, the people found fault with both of them. Hence, Jesus compares the people of his generation to children playing in the marketplace. Like children wh

 Gospel Lk 7:11-17 Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.” This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region. Reflections When the people witnessed the widow's son being raised to life, they were utterly overwhelmed and filled with awe. They said: “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!

 Gospel Lk 7:1-10 Here are some power-filled healing prayers Gospel Text: When Jesus had finished all his words to the people, he entered Capernaum. A centurion there had a slave who was ill and about to die, and he was valuable to him. When he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and save the life of his slave. They approached Jesus and strongly urged him to come, saying, "He deserves to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation and he built the synagogue for us." And Jesus went with them, but when he was only a short distance from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell him, "Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof. Therefore, I did not consider myself worthy to come to you; but say the word and let my servant be healed. For I too am a person subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come here, and he comes; a

 Gospel Mt 18:21-35 Tips on Forgiveness Gospel Text: Peter approached Jesus and asked him, "Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive? As many as seven times?" Jesus answered, "I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. That is why the kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.' Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, 'Pay back what

 Gospel Lk 6:43-49 Improve your Life, beginning today Gospel Text: Jesus said to his disciples: "A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For people do not pick figs from thornbushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles. A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks. "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' but not do what I command? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, listens to my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when the flood came, the river burst against that house but could not shake it because it had been well built. But the one who listens and does not act is like a person who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst agai

 Gospel Jn 19:25-27 Join Mary in feeling Jesus' pain Gospel Text: Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. Reflections Today's feast reminds us of the sorrows and sufferings Mary endured throughout her life, especially during the passion and death of Jesus. We take time to contemplate the seven sorrows of Mary, a mother who was intimately connected to Jesus, more than any other human being. When someone we deeply love goes through pain and suffering, we cannot help but share in their agony. The depth of our love for them intensifies the pain we feel when they suffer. Mary's profound relationship with Jesus did not shield her from life's sorrows and pa

 Gospel Jn 3:13-17 How to live the Cross Gospel Text: Jesus said to Nicodemus: "No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life." For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Reflections: Today's feast invites us to contemplate the significance of the cross and the sacrificial love of Jesus, who selflessly gave his life to redeem humanity from sin. The Cross stands as a symbol of Christ's profound humility and unwavering obedience to God's will, even when it meant enduring a humiliating and agonizing death. Jesus, throughout his life, showed God's love in every wor

 Gospel - Luke 6:20-26 Try to live the Beatitudes practically.... Gospel Text: Raising his eyes toward his disciples Jesus said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. But woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way." Reflections: Jesus showed a special compassion and favour towards those who were distressed and vulnerable, exte

 Gospel  Lk 6:12-19 Want to be a true disciple of Jesus? Gospel Text: Jesus departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. And he came down with them and stood on a stretch of level ground. A great crowd of his disciples and a large number of the people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and even those who were tormented by unclean spirits were cured. Everyone in the crowd sought to touch him because power came forth from him and healed them all. Reflections: Gospel - Luke 6:12-19 It is important to recognize that when we pray, we c

 Gospel Lk 6:6-11 Have we been grateful enough for all our healings? Gospel Text: On a certain sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse him. But he realized their intentions and said to the man with the withered hand, "Come up and stand before us." And he rose and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?" Looking around at them all, he then said to him, "Stretch out your hand." He did so and his hand was restored. But they became enraged and discussed together what they might do to Jesus. Reflections: Despite Jesus clearly performing good deeds, the Pharisees kept a constant vigilance on him. They tried to find fault with all that he did.  If we

 Gospel Mt 18:15-20 Gospel Text: Jesus said to 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. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that 'every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Reflections: Human desires can often tempt individuals into engaging in actions that are sinful. Desires