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hello! Remember to put up your reflections

Readings:
https://universalis.com/20210704/mass.htm

1) In the Second reading, Jesus said: ‘My grace is enough for you: my power is at its best in weakness.’ In all our obstacles, challenges, struggles that have brought us down, is that where we feel the power of God in us the most and are aware of it? Or is that where we distance ourselves from him instead?

2) It is mentioned in the Gospel that they saw him as the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James and Joset and Jude and Simon. How about us, how do we see God today?

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1. I never really thought about being content with my weaknesses, but looking back, i can see how i am most powerful in Christ’s love and power when i am going through hardships and trials. I believe his grace is always available there for us to just accept, but it is also our own free will to act like how God wants us to act and take his grace. When i experience trials there are times where i definitely question God and distance myself away from him but the fact is, even if i try to distance myself, God will always chase me back. I will always find myself seeking him again. I believe the path of God is a difficult one but that is only because we will receive back  the goodness of taking this path in ten times fold.

2. Today i see God as my strength. I wouldn't really describe him as a person in my life because to me, right now he seems to be floating there where i know he is there and i can somehow feel him there also. But i guess it is also my fault for not accepting him fully. Due to my fear of commitment and disappointment. But again, i believe this is the path i need to take and that i know God will never look at me as a disappointment. Grace is new everyday, i believe he gives us a new chance each day to be more like him.

-Christine!

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Hey there! There's session this week so do remember to put up your reflections :)

Readings

1) Jesus instructed His disciples to bring nothing but a pair of sandals & a walking stick with them as they set about their evangelistic journey. If you were in their position, what would you be bringing with you or what else would you leave behind?

2) "...shake off the dust from under your feet." A very strong but non-confrontational gesture used by the Jews to dissociate themselves from Gentile practices. An instruction by Jesus to his disciples for when they are met with rejection. How would it be for us in a modern world? And what does it mean for us?

3) As modern disciples of Christ how would we put our faith in Him as the All-Provider in our mission to unite our non-believer brothers and sisters with our Christian faith?

A light-hearted, secular song that this gospel reminds me of is "The Bare Necessities"

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1) Honestly, I feel I would be bringing a little more things, especially those I feel that I will need to keep me going in the journey, probably because I will be scared and maybe due to the lack of faith because it is really not easy, I would have ended up bringing more than he asked me to. I feel that I will leave behind things that will distract me because it would pull me further away and also because it is a heavier load, it might slow me down from what I am supposed to do instead.

2) It is quite difficult to talk about religion, beliefs and faith with my friends, especially those who are non-believers, for fear of judgements, rejection or conflicts. But I guess what it calls me to do is after having done what I am called to do, if they are not open about it then to step back from them and be done/move on from them because those who does not accept me, does not accept the Father too.

3) It is definitely not easy, but I feel that faith is something that we already have and it is instilled into us the time we decided to be part of this church, and that is why we still are but I guess it is how aware, and receptive of it of it that determines the strength of our faith that makes a difference in our ability to trust him, I feel that I have not really found my way of strengthening my faith and I do need to continue working on it through building that relationship with him so as to better engage and reach out to more.

- Lisa

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1. I'm not sure, because I feel like what I would need to bring with me on my journey would be largely dependent on what my actual evangelistic journey ends up being. If I were in a similar position to the disciples, I think I would need to leave behind many of the comforts that I enjoy now, like my own home and most of the electronic devices I have that wouldn't be necessary in a life focused on worshipping God. That being said, in this modern age, I feel like I would still need things like a basic phone and computer especially since things like the pandemic has made technology all the more necessary to go about daily life.

2. I think for us, I think we are called to cut off or avoid groups or places, especially on the internet, that we recognise as not good for our relationship with God. Like friends that encourage us to dissociate from our faith to online echo chambers that can normalise sin. We're not like the disciples in that we are currently engaging in missionary trips or reaching out to these people, so for us, instead of knowing when to accept the rejection of those that don't want to be helped, we need to know how to reject those that are hurting our relationship with Christ.

3. I don't know if there is much that we can do aside from just praying and having faith that God will help to sway the hearts of the unbelievers. We can always help by acting as good examples of brothers and sisters in Christ and helping to explain the our faith to those curious.

-Ryqx

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1) I'd bring a bible as well to carry the word of God to the people i'll be preaching to. I'd probably pack light and only the essentials related to my evangelistic journey, excluding any items which might distract me from dedicating my time to service.

2) Rejection is often common for some of us Catholics who intentionally just wants to spread the word of God, but it's alright. We can't force our teachings or messages upon them because it's ultimately up to the Holy Spirit to stir their hearts from within. Personally, I don't really share my faith to my secular friends during our conversations out of fear of being judged. Even so, I believe that it's their free will as to whether or not to open their hearts to us.

3) I think it really shows through your actions in just the little things: loving your brothers and sisters, and even your enemies wholeheartedly, being forgiving and spreading the love of Christ. Other than that, faith that He'll provide and that His grace is sufficient during times when we need to give ourselves for the service of others is important.

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hello! these are the reflection questions for this week!

the readings can be found here:
https://universalis.com/20210718/mass.htm

1. Have you ever caused anyone to feel left behind or displaced? How might you have handles the situation differently?

2. Are you too busy to “come away to some lonely place all by yourself” to spend some peace and quiet time with the Lord?

3. Jesus offers himself up to you as your good shepherd today. How have you been allowing Him to shepherd your life?

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1. Whenever i feel like someone is being left behind or displaced i would try to just converse with them to somehow bring them back to the majority? I definitely would be lying if i said that i have never caused anyone to feel left behind because i have. But as life goes on i also learnt how is it like to feel left behind or displaced which isnt a very pleasant thing to experience. Ever since then i try with the best of my ability to not corner someone, be it letting them feel left behind by joining gossips of that particular person for example, or just not giving them an opportunity to join in.

2. This is definitely something i need to work on myself. I myself give too many excuses to not be alone with Jesus even when there are plenty of opportunities and this is due to the many distractions around me. The one true time i can experience alone time all by myself and with God is for example during retreats. But even though i know how nice this lonely time with God and myself is, i still do not apply it to my own real life seriously, which is something i must sacrifice my time in a way to do so.

3. At my point of life currently, i am trying to be as much as a child i can, where i am helpless without God. I try to rely on him more, by allowing my faith to let him lead my life. At this point i am floating and have no idea where am i. And everything else is unknown so all i can do is trust God with all the wisdom and power to bring me someplace i know i am meant to be in.

- christine

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- Yes I have, usually because I just happen to be with the majority or my friends tells me to stay away from certain people. I feel that I would have been more sympathetic instead, by trying to at least build connections and conversations with them or ask my friends to be more understanding since it is already a bad enough situation for them since it definitely isn’t a nice feeling to be left out from the rest.

- I find that it is a yes and a no, there is no definite answer for myself. I am too busy in the sense that I am way too distracted with other things that are actually not so important, for example spending most of my time on social media etc.. and also giving excuses like being too tired or caught up with things that I do not have much energy or time with him instead. But in actual fact is that I know I definitely am not busy and I can spend time with him quietly if I put everything down, set time and prioritize him instead to actually reflect and have some quiet time with him but I guess most of the time I have been brushing it off instead.

- I feel that in recent periods, I have been allowing him to take more control of my life, especially in making decisions and seeking what he wants from me instead to follow his path. Usually when I struggle to make decisions, I will pray about it, just see where it takes me to and go with the flow, some decision I make, I follow the one that I knows is for the better in the sense that to get closer to him, knowing that I did not make the easier choice, and one that brings me out of my comfort zone because I feel that is what he wants from me instead though the journey might be more difficult.

- Lisa

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Hey my dears! Hope everyone has had a good week! These are the questions for this week and the readings can be found here:

https://universalis.com/20210725/mass.htm

1. What does this Gospel reading mean to you? What does the miracle symbolize.

2. In what ways are you helping to feed people? What does this Gospel tell you about helping those in need?

3. God will always provide. But does what God provides us with differ from what we want from him? What do we hunger for?

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1. To me the miracle symbolises God's power that is manifested in the unexpected. Just like the boy who offered the little he had, offering myself to the Lord with the little that I am or have is enough for Him to move mountains in my life. The Lord delights in our small offerings to Him, be it in the form of a small prayer or conversation. For He multiplies the loaves and fishes that we offer up to Him.

2. In terms of feeding people, in one way or another I hope to feed them with the Father's love through acts of service or affirmations, especially to those of poor in spirit. However, I feel that sometimes what we have is unproportional to what others need. Sometimes they ask of way more than what we can give and this scares us. Today, the gospel tells me to not be afraid to face these people in need with hesitance but to face them with hope and trust in the Lord's providence in our insufficiencies.

3. I think that sometimes we can't be contented with what God provides for us because in our eyes, what He gives might be lacking/irrelevant. We have our own expectations/ideas of what can fill our empty beings and forget that only He can satisfy the hunger in our hearts. At this current point of life, I think I am hungering for more of God himself. For Him to reveal Himself clearer to me so that I can develop a more intimate and deeper relationship with Him.

- lia

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1. This gospel reading is a reminder for me that no matter how insignificant or small it is if we will do any good, God knows that it will still be enough, he does big things through us, he multiplies it and  provides and feeds, more than we will ever need be it if we are scared that it is insufficient or we have given everything, like when we feel our energy is drained, or the work we do we feel that it is not enough. So this sums up as a miracle that he works in his own ways and also through us, he knows what we need and provides for it, multiplies it even when we feel that all we can give to others is so little, he makes best of it.

2. For me right now, is that I try to support others be it through showing care or praying for them for their own needs. It tells me that even with the little I can provide, it will be enough, it will come into good use, all I need is to focus on helping them with whatever I have, and he will support me by working through me.

3. It differs because I feel my wants from him might not actually be what I need, and only he knows what we truly need in this journey, where he provides sufficient because what I want from him might be distractions, so whatever comes my way, I try to be satisfied with it because I know that it is all I will need. What I hunger for is to have more faith and trust in him, knowing that he will provide even when I feel I am not getting certain things but that is because he knows that I don’t need it and he has his own reasons and I just have to believe that it is sufficient.

- Lisa

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1. For me, the feeding of the five thousand was always a reassurance that God would help to provide those that choose to seek him. Much like the how the people who actively chose to follow Jesus and listen to his word, God will help provide to us what we need whenever we choose to listen to or even spread his word. The miracle is a symbol of God's love for us, a promise that if we choose to follow him, God will surely do anything to ensure that our needs our met. In a sense, I find this miracle to be a bit comforting.

2. I believe that I am at least helping to feed people by trying to spread God's word of love to those around me, by acting out his commandment of loving others. Even small things like taking part in these sessions, or helping out with mass, are ways in which we help to fulfill God's plan, much like how the measly 5 loaves and 2 fish, which seemed insignificant at first, turned out to be enough for Jesus to feed a whole group of people.

3. Sometimes what we desire differs from what God ends up providing us because we lack the foresight and wisdom that God has. Usually, we hunger for immediate solutions to the problems that we encounter, or means of escaping from painful or uncomfortable situations. The truth, however, is that God puts us in these situations for our own good, and sometimes only he can know the true reason because he is the one that can see the fruits of the tribulations that we go through.

-Ryqx

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1. When i read this gospel, i am constantly reminded that firstly, nothing is impossible with Christ. In times when i feel that i am lacking in many ways both physically or mentally, God tells me that if i trust in him, he will multiply all that i have so that the result is bountiful. Second thing it reminds me of is to have trust in him. Trust that he will provide. The things that i need in my life, he will provide and that i do not have to worry about tomorrow and what is to come.

2. .Even what little we have, it is good to offer as the small things that we own can mean a lot to other people. I have always taken many things for granted, my own life, the food, clothes, shelter that is provided for me is more than what others could possibly imagine to get. I believe small actions can mean a lot to people, such as things like constantly saying good morning everyday can show how you are thinking of that person which could possibly mean something to someone else. And praying, for those in need so that God will be with them always.

3. I always pray to God for his will to be done and not mine. Because he has the best plans for me which i myself am not aware of. Even though im saying this, i wouldnt say it is easy to just follow everything God wants and ignore my own thoughts. But at the end of the day, whatever i choose to do, God will still provide, and if it is meant to be, God will bring me back to the same previous path,  allowing my change of heart. Right now i am hungering for God’s presence to shine more brightly in my life, so that i can learn more about him even more each day.

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Hey y'all, sorry for how late this is. Here are this week's reflection questions:

1. Are there times where, like Elijah, we feel like we "have had enough"? How do we gather the strength to continue on our faith journey?

2. What signs does God send me whenever I am struggling?

3. God offerred his only son as a sign of love for humanity, what can we offer God in return?

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1. I don't think I've personally been tempted enough to actually want to give up on Christ but I do find that there are times where I seriously begin to doubt my faith in him. Sometimes it's because I'm facing particularly difficult challenges in my life, but sometimes I just wonder how the existence of Christ is  truly real. The concept of God is, by nature, incomprehensible for humans so I think it is only natural that we struggle to rationalise the existence of God. I feel like what gives me strength to continue in my faith journey is the people in the community that help encourage me to continue pursuing Christ, such as the choir, or my friends in school who encourage me to participate in Catholic activities.

2. For me, I tend to see Christ in the love I experience from my friends. If God is love, then I think that it makes sense that, in the modern day, the most prevalent signs of God is the acts of love that we show each other. This usually takes the form of my friends checking up on me, or doing small acts of kindness that help me feel fractions of God's love for us.

3. Since God created us in his image, I think we are called to do as he does, which is to love our brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as God himself. How we go about loving others can be different, and is part of how we go about choosing a fulfilling path to walk down. Sometimes the jobs that we aspire to get can be ways that we make our lives meaningful by dedicating them to serving other people. The same is true of how we choose our vocation in Church, and I think is one of the main things that should help drive us as catholics.

-Ryqx

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1. There are times when I feel overwhelmed, afraid, or drained from this faith journey like I have no energy for it, but how I find the strength is through prayer that keeps me grounded is asking for guidance and strength, knowing that he will always be with me no matter how much I try to distant myself away and also reminding myself that it will all eventually be worth it if I do not stop trying.

2. I feel that God always has his ways to help us, and even more so I can feel it especially when I am struggling because he knows all of it. Whenever I am struggling, Jesus always has his ways to remind me that he is always there to calm it down, for example suddenly having a verse or song in my head that can relate to the moment I am going through or sending people over because it always seemed that I wouldn’t have gotten it over easily it not for him, it always seemed like such a long phase but before I know it, I realize that I am actually over it already.

3. He offered his only son as a sign of love for humanity to sacrifice for our sins and I think spreading his love and warmth around through loving others, like in the second reading, to forgive each other readily just like how he forgave us. Be kind, treating them like our brothers and sisters, being of service to others, it is when they can see our love, can they also feel the love of God.

- Lisa

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1. Are there times where, like Elijah, we feel like we "have had enough"? How do we gather the strength to continue on our faith journey?
Often at times after I serve, I tend to feel drained or spiritually lethargic. Sometimes, I feel that what Jesus is asking of me is so much more than I can give or offer. I think that during my seasons of spiritual dryness as well, there's this great inertia to persevere and to continue to seek the Lord. ....

2. At times when I struggle, I think Jesus sends me sisters in Christ who checks up on me and prays for me. A simple "How are you doing?" allows me to articulate my thoughts and feelings and at the same time, receive the love of Christ from them as well. Tuning in to praise and worship songs with lyrics which I resonate a lot with at that point of time is also another way in which Jesus speaks to me in an intimate way. In the midst of stress and fear, some songs bring me a lot of peace of assurance that Jesus is and has always been by my side.

3. In return, I think Jesus just wants our heart, nothing more and nothing less. A heart for Him and His sheep, and to serve Him wholeheartedly all the days of my life. To not give Him the leftovers of my time but to intentionally carve out some time in the day to spend with Him in prayer/adoration. Loving others just as Christ did would also be another way to testify to His goodness in my life.

- lia

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1. In fact i have experienced a few times in my faith where i question if i can still go on. But somehow the relationship i have formed with God became something i can no longer ignore. When i feel like i have had enough and start distancing myself away from God, i always find myself still talking to God and relying on him. Because he has proven to me that he is someone i cannot live without. The hope that i have in the Lord that, this trial shall pass and the aftermath will be something worth going through the trial all over again, because of the hope that i will eventually be with my father in heaven gives me the strength to carry on. And with the fact that his mercies are new each day.

2. A sign that God shows me whenever i am struggling is that i will end up thinking of him more. I guess its his way of telling me to pray more, to give my anxiety to him and just trust him and surrender. It is never easy to do so, but just the mere thought that i have someone so loving who is willing to be there for me when i am struggling definitely puts me at ease.

3. I believe as humans, the minimum we can do is to share with everyone God’s love. Does Not have to be in a religious way but even in everyday lives. Forgiving and having patience in those who hurt us, putting others first and spreading God’s joy and love can allow others to also see him in us and show how good the lord is.

-christine

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Hi guys! No sessions this week so here are the reflection qns! :)

Readings: https://universalis.com/20210815/mass.htm

1)What aspects of our lives cause us to glorify the Lord with ‘all our heart’?

2)Mary speaks the magnificat as a young girl with the responsibility of the whole world on her shoulders with no one else to relate to her situation. How have we been responding to God’s plan for us?  Are we able to truly sing praises to God even when things do not go our way?

3)When have we found joy in lifting up ‘the lowly’, in filling ‘the hungry with good things’?

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hello! here are the reflection questions. There will be sessions this week, so see yall!

Readings: https://universalis.com/20210822/mass.htm

1) In the gospel, Simon Peter answered 'Lord, who shall we go to?' You have the message of eternal life, and we believe, we know that you are the Holy one of God.' What does this mean to us? and what is it that makes you draw near to him?

2) As Jesus said to the Twelve, 'What about you, do you want to go away too?' How would you respond to him?

3) Are there aspects of Jesus' teachings that I find too difficult to accept?

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1. This line reminds me once again to remember who Jesus says He is and that He is the Holy one of God. To remember His promises that He will be with me till the end of time. I'm reminded to turn my gaze back to the only One who is necessary, because His words are the only one that matter. Recently, I found myself being attracted to the Eucharist in online adorations every night. I think that just gazing at His loving and living presence in the Eucharist brings me a lot of peace, after a day in school. What draws me near to Him is the assurance that at the end of the day, I am loved and held by the one who created me.

2. Sometimes, I find myself running away from Him at times when I do not understand or I do not feel His presence as much as before. There are also times when I feel that the weight of my sin is too much for Jesus to bear that I end up running away out of shame. But I think this gospel serves as a reminder for me to stay with Him, nevertheless, despite the dryness/deserts/shame.

3. I wouldn't rly say too difficult to accept but something that I do always struggle with is extending forgiveness, especially towards those who have unknowingly inflicted deep wounds. I think it largely comes from a sense of pride and the unwillingness to surrender such people to the Jesus, such that I might be healed from their pains as well. But remembering who forgave me of my sins in the first place and how people ought to how salvation from their sins as well encourages me to soften my heart towards those who are difficult to forgive and to extend mercy just like Jesus.
- lia

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1. I feel that, for us, Simon Peter's statement is a reminder that the only true one that we can reliably turn to in times of difficulty is Jesus Christ. When Jesus asked if the disciples wanted to go away too after hearing the harsh truth of the Gospel, the disciples understood that they must continue to walk on the path to God, even if it may be difficult. For us, it is the same. No matter how difficult the righteous path may be, we have no choice but to walk it. It is God's word that draws me to him, because he knows what is to come and what is best for us. That is why I continue to try and put my faith in him.

2. I might have hesitated if I was asked that question. However, I were one of the Twelve, and I had seen in real life the miracles that Jesus had done, the lives Jesus had touched, and the messages of love that Jesus had preached, I believe that I would had answered that I want to stay.

3. I find that the teachings that I have the hardest times accepting are the ones that require us to give up or sacrifice something for the sake of God. Things like giving up my pride whenever I am called to love my enemies, or even giving up worldly attachments. These types of sacrifices run contrary to our human nature, so I think it's natural that we struggle to try and accept Jesus' teachings. However, I know that in the end, these things will ultimately be for our own good as we become closer to God.

-Ryqx

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1) I feel that this is a constant reminder for me because, in times of obstacles, or when things get overwhelming, I do wonder, how should I deal with it instead and many times I can't really find a solution, trying to depend on myself to get through it, so what Simon Peter answered, it is really something that I should keep close to, to always remember that God is always there, he might not have a solution but he can provide comfort, guidance in his own ways and that I know I can always seek him.

2) For me, there is no definite yes or no, because at times I feel it is yes but at times it is no especially when met with challenges or during spiritual dryness because it is not easy to go through challenges knowing that it is going to be difficult, uncomfortable with doubts and uncertainties. But then again, I do try to keep myself grounded because I know that it is through going through these challenges, during that process, can I only grow stronger in my faith, to be able to build that faith up having a closer relationship with him, knowing that he will be there.

3) I would say not knowing when judgment day is coming and his constant reminder in the readings to be prepared, to be found ready, because it is in his time that he will call for it, and I don't know how ready will I be when one day it were to happen, that anticipation and knowing that it will happen in his time, I do feel difficult to think about.

- Lisa

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hi everyone these are the reflection questions for this week's gospel!

https://universalis.com/20210829/mass.htm

1) When have I treated my faith in a legalistic or ritualistic manner? Is my heart far from God today?

2) What does obedience mean to me?

2) Reflect on the state of your heart. What are the areas which make me "unclean"?

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1. At times, masses become a weekly obligation or burden that I need to fulfil. In the comfort of my home, I sometimes forget the sacredness and holiness of the eucharistic celebration and attend it with my family just for the sake of being present. Sometimes reciting prayers and chants become more of mere "lip-service" instead of me reflecting on words that i speak and confess. Today, I feel that my heart is indeed far away from Jesus, who I had unconsciously swept under the rug for the past three days. At the end of the day, I'd return to my room feeling very lethargic that I'd postpone my night prayers and this habit eventually dragged over a few days.

2. Obedience to me means being authentic to yourself and Jesus even when no one else is looking. It's also having the self control to listen to the small silent promptings of the Holy Spirit throughout my day and being obedient to that Voice. The self control to do what is right and pleasing to the Lord even behind closed doors.

3. I would say that the "most unclean" area of my heart is that polluted with the sin of pride and envy. Pride before Jesus and before my friends as well. Faithwise, sometimes i tend to think that the Lord has done enough for me and there's nowhere further that i can go above this so called "spiritual high". However, I am reminded to never settle for enough in Jesus because there is so much more in store for me and so much more that I do not know of Him that He wishes to reveal to me in time to come.

- Lia

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Hey y'all, here's the reflection questions for this week! There'll be session tmr too!

Readings: https://universalis.com/20210905/mass.htm
Padlet: https://padlet.com/lisasean17/pesrp3k6hdo0kk2g

1. Blind: Have I been overlooking the "holes" in my faith?
2. Deaf: "Ephphatha" How do we feel that with just a command of Jesus, we'd enjoy His goodness
3. Dumb: How do we spread the hope that Jesus brings when we give our live wholeheartedly to him?

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1. Recently, it has been hard for me to be accountable for my own prayer life and sticking to my examen reflections at the end of the day to reflect on the areas where I fell short in faith and in my interactions with others. Over the past 2 weeks, I've been less aware/conscious of my walk with Jesus and the "holes" in my faith are something in which I have failed to constantly address and  pray for.

2. I would feel joyful and liberated for being able to see as God sees and for finally being able to open my ears to tune in to His voice more readily. Just like the people around the Sea of Galilee, my admiration would also be "unbounded" upon witnessing His healing power over my spiritual deafness. A type of healing such that I do not waver from the voices of the world anymore, but instead able to listen to His voice more audibly and clearly.

3. When we give our lives wholeheartedly to Jesus, we see Him as our living hope amidst all our personal sufferings. When we carry our own individual crosses with faith and joy, our lives and attitudes towards the cross can inspire others to find hope in their sufferings as well.

- Lia

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1. There have been times where I find myself becoming lazy in furthering my relationship with God, especially recently given that my exams are getting closer and closer. When my school asked for our participation in a Day of Recollection, I found myself growing hesitant to actually participate since I didn't think I would gain anything from it. It is these  difficult times that our relationship with God is truly tested, and I think that I need to be wary of any gaps in my faith that I may not notice, or worse, be too lazy to fix

2. I feel both in awe and a bit guilty. The fact that all it takes is a command from Jesus speaks volumes about the sheer strength and power that Jesus has in his command, and all the more that he is willing to share all of his gifts with us by saying only one word. However, this also means that the only true barrier to me experiencing these gifts from God is myself. For Jesus, all it takes is a single command, but for me, it can feel really difficult, and the path towards God is mired by tests of faith. Because of that. I can't help but feel a bit guilty that I'm holding back this relationship with God.

3. I believe that the thing that God calls us to do, before anything else, is to love those around us and to preach God's commandment of love to those around us. This world is filled a lot of struggle and conflict that is caused by a lack of love for one's neighbour. From not caring about the lives of those of another race or religion, to not caring about those whose lives are directly affected by the ailing environment, I think a lot of the hopelessness people experience is due to the constant exposure to a world that doesn't always love them back. Hence, I think it is our job as God's messengers to spread this idea of love to other people when we submit our lives to God.

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1. I think for the past few weeks in my life, it has been revealed to me pretty clearly the holes in my faith. And with that i also realised how i have been overlooking them. Its like i knew that i was not committing enough to God and i was always procrastinating at times but i never did anything about it, neither did i accept it as ‘holes’ in my faith. During kickstart and my CC FR, it was revealed me, the things that have been keeping myself far from God. Now i am ultimately trying my best to take baby steps towards God in order to have a strong and a firm faith.

2. I think having this God who us ever so powerful who makes the impossible possible by my side just makes me admire this whole religion and faith even more. One thing is to believe that he actually is in control of everything makes me feel many emotions. Its not easy to have 100% faith all the time. But when we do believe, it is amazing how the impossible becomes possible. The difficult part really is to have faith.

3.When we give our lives wholeheartedly to him, it makes everything change. The way we look at things, the way we feel, the way we think and act. Again, it is not easy living wholeheartedly to and for him because of the many distractions that are among us. But if we do, i feel life would be much better because we will be clinging to this one hope that we be with him eventually for eternity. This hope gives us the courage and strength to do things according to will.

-christine

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1) I feel that I have been taking it for granted where many a times I have been giving excuses and just keep pushing and pushing on taking the time and prioritize it on him, I keep telling myself to settle some stuffs first and when it is done, I can spend it praying, or trying to deeper my relationship with him, but when the time comes, I always end up telling myself I can always do it another day, so all these procrastination has really affected my faith, not allowing it to grow.

2) I feel that Jesus is ever so long and he tries to touch us through his own ways and he knows what we needs. But I feel to be able to truly enjoy his goodness, is to be able to have acceptance, accepting his commands, accepting his callings, truly listening to him, being able to listen out for him be it through his messengers which could come from people around us or the word, but being able to be aware of it and accepting it will be really what keeps us opened to his words, love and healing.

3) When we gives our lives wholeheartedly to him, we are not just living for ourselves, we are living for him and that includes being of service to others, trying to be his faithful servants to live out our calling, spreading his love, warmth and to use the gifts he has provided us with, it is only then when we are able to live out our faith, and with his guidance, will we be able to bring the hope into people’s life, a hope that brings light to others especially when all else has failed them.

- Lisa

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Hey my dears, here are the reflection questions for this week!

Readings: https://universalis.com/20210912/mass.htm

1. How would you respond to the question, “Who do you say that I am?” if Jesus asked you that today? How does that response affect the way you live your life?

2. The path of following Christ is never an easy one and sometimes we may not agree to his plans for us. The identity of Jesus is the hinge on which our lives pivot.

Will you open the door of faith and acknowledge Jesus as Lord? Or will you close the door and choose to live contrary to His plan for you? How have we been living life so far with regards to this?

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I offered my back to those who struck me

The Lord has opened my ear.

For my part, I made no resistance,

neither did I turn away.

I offered my back to those who struck me,

my cheeks to those who tore at my beard;

against insult and spittle.

The Lord comes to my help,

so that I am untouched by the insults.

So, too, I set my face like flint;

I know I shall not be shamed.

My vindicator is here at hand. Does anyone start proceedings against me?

Then let us go to court together.

Who thinks he has a case against me?

Let him approach me.

The Lord is coming to my help,

who will dare to condemn me?
I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.
I love the Lord for he has heard

for he turned his ear to me

in the day when I called him.
I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.
They surrounded me, the snares of death,

with the anguish of the tomb;

they caught me, sorrow and distress.

I called on the Lord's name.

O Lord, my God, deliver me!
I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.
How gracious is the Lord, and just;

our God has compassion.

The Lord protects the simple hearts;

I was helpless so he saved me.
I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.
He has kept my soul from death,

and my feet from stumbling.

I will walk in the presence of the Lord

in the land of the living.
I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.
If good works do not go with it, faith is quite dead

Take the case, my brothers, of someone who has never done a single good act but claims that he has faith. Will that faith save him? If one of the brothers or one of the sisters is in need of clothes and has not enough food to live on, and one of you says to them, 'I wish you well; keep yourself warm and eat plenty', without giving them these bare necessities of life, then what good is that? Faith is like that: if good works do not go with it, it is quite dead.

This is the way to talk to people of that kind: 'You say you have faith and I have good deeds; I will prove to you that I have faith by showing you my good deeds - now you prove to me that you have faith without any good deeds to show.'

I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, says the Lord;

No one can come to the Father except through me.

Alleluia!

The only thing I can boast about is the cross of our Lord,

through whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world.

Alleluia!

The Son of Man is destined to suffer grievously

Jesus and his disciples left for the villages round Caesarea Philippi. On the way he put this question to his disciples, 'Who do people say I am?' And they told him. 'John the Baptist,' they said 'others Elijah; others again, one of the prophets.' 'But you,' he asked 'who do you say I am?' Peter spoke up and said to him, 'You are the Christ.' And he gave them strict orders not to tell anyone about him.

And he began to teach them that the Son of Man was destined to suffer grievously, to be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and to be put to death, and after three days to rise again; and he said all this quite openly. Then, taking him aside, Peter started to remonstrate with him. But, turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said to him, 'Get behind me, Satan! Because the way you think is not God's way but man's.'

He called the people and his disciples to him and said, '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, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.'

The readings on this page are from the Jerusalem Bible, which is used at Mass in most of the English-speaking world. The New American Bible readings, which are used at Mass in the United States, are available in the Universalis apps, programs and downloads.

You can also view this page with the Gospel in Greek and English.

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I offered my back to those who struck me The Lord has opened my ear. For my part, I made no resistance, neither did I turn away. I offered my back to those who struck me, my cheeks to those who tore at my beard; against insult and spittle.

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Hi guys, here are the reflection questions for this week:

1. 'But they did not understand what he said and were afraid to ask him.'Why do you think the disciples were afraid? How would you have responded?

2. "If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all." This is antithetical to worldly notions of being "first". But it also opens up greater questions of how we prioritize our sense of self-worth in a world of titles and hierarchies. How has the holy spirit guided you through this area of life?

3. ‘Anyone who welcomes one of these little children in my name, welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.’ Many times in the bible we are called to be stewards of the earth, hospitable to people, to be servant leaders. How have these roles personally challenged you?

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Here are the reflections questions for this week's Gospel:

1. Jesus tells his disciples to sever any part of their body that causes them to sin. What are the things in our live that cause us to sin that we are reluctant to 'sever'?

2. The second reading tells the rich to start weeping. In what ways are we rich? How does that richness blind us to the plights of others?

3. In both the Gospel and in the first reading, God/Jesus allows people who were 'outsiders' to prophesy in God's name. Why do you think God allows this? How does this apply in today's context?

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Here are the reflection questions this week! And there will be sessions!

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Here are the reflection questions this week! And there will be sessions!

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https://universalis.com/20211003/mass.htm

1. What is God’s invitation to you today to help grow your relationship with him?

2. What is marriage to you?

3. What is my attitude towards Jesus’ difficult teachings? Do I desire to be convinced?

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A man and his wife become one body

The Lord God said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone. I will make him a helpmate.' So from the soil the Lord God fashioned all the wild beasts and all the birds of heaven. These he brought to the man to see what he would call them; each one was to bear the name the man would give it. The man gave names to all the cattle, all the birds of heaven and all the wild beasts. But no helpmate suitable for man was found for him. So the Lord God made the man fall into a deep sleep. And while he slept, he took one of his ribs and enclosed it in flesh. The Lord God built the rib he had taken from the man into a woman, and brought her to the man. The man exclaimed:

'This at last is bone from my bones,

and flesh from my flesh!

This is to be called woman,

for this was taken from man.'

This is why a man leaves his father and mother and joins himself to his wife, and they become one body.

The one who sanctifies is the brother of those who are sanctified

We see in Jesus one who was for a short while made lower than the angels and is now crowned with glory and splendour because he submitted to death; by God's grace he had to experience death for all mankind.

As it was his purpose to bring a great many of his sons into glory, it was appropriate that God, for whom everything exists and through whom everything exists, should make perfect, through suffering, the leader who would take them to their salvation. For the one who sanctifies, and the ones who are sanctified, are of the same stock; that is why he openly calls them brothers.

Your word is truth, O Lord:

consecrate us in the truth.

Alleluia!

As long as we love one another

and his love will be complete in us.

Alleluia!

What God has united, man must not divide

Some Pharisees approached Jesus and asked, 'Is it against the law for a man to divorce his wife?' They were testing him. He answered them, 'What did Moses command you?' 'Moses allowed us' they said 'to draw up a writ of dismissal and so to divorce.' Then Jesus said to them, 'It was because you were so unteachable that he wrote this commandment for you. But from the beginning of creation God made them male and female. This is why a man must leave father and mother, and the two become one body. They are no longer two, therefore, but one body. So then, what God has united, man must not divide.' Back in the house the disciples questioned him again about this, and he said to them, 'The man who divorces his wife and marries another is guilty of adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another she is guilty of adultery too.'

People were bringing little children to him, for him to touch them. The disciples turned them away, but when Jesus saw this he was indignant and said to them, 'Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. I tell you solemnly, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' Then he put his arms round them, laid his hands on them and gave them his blessing.

The responsorial psalms at Mass cannot be displayed on the Web, for copyright reasons. The Universalis apps and programs do contain these psalms.

The readings on this page are from the Jerusalem Bible, which is used at Mass in most of the English-speaking world. The New American Bible readings, which are used at Mass in the United States, are available in the Universalis apps, programs and downloads.

You can also view this page with the Gospel in Greek and English.

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A man and his wife become one body The Lord God said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone. I will make him a helpmate.' So from the soil the Lord God fashioned all the wild beasts and all the birds of heaven.

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1. I feel that currently, I do struggle quite a bit with my faith, there is a lot of spiritual dryness and I do feel lost, my relationship with him hasn’t been very consistent, there were many times I have given excuses just to spend some quiet time with him, it was more of words rather than actions. But I feel that he has always waited for me to come back to him once again, to once again build that relationship and to stay close, wanting me to open up again and to have faith in him no matter how stormy it is, that he will bring peace.

2. It is a sacrament where we are made to protect that sanctity of unity, where God is the center of men and women (unity), as a promise to God and the other half of the love we will provide where we must not divide what he puts together as this is his work of what he has put together.

3. I do desire to be convinced but it can be difficult because some of the teachings he came up with is not against societal law but it is against the teachings so it can sometimes be difficult to follow especially when we already have social norms and might sometimes be difficult to understand the meanings behind it, but I do desire to be convinced because though it can be difficult to understand, I do see the meanings behind it, it starts to make sense even more especially when the different readings talk about it and has a connection.

- Lisa

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1. What is God’s invitation to you today to help grow your relationship with him?

For the past few weeks i feel that God is calling me to, believe and have faith with him. In a way that no matter what the circumstance may be, i may have peace. I sometimes do experience him answering my prayer, and i know that it is God, but at the same time, when problems happen, i may be afraid to ask God in a way that i fear he may not respond, in the way i would like him too. So with that, i do see this a lot about ‘with everything do so in prayer’ basically pray about everything because it is never too much for God.

1. What is marriage to you?

I honestly do not really know much about marriage but it is the union of men and women with christ.

I view it as something scary as well, especially since it is a promise in front of God for eternity

1. What is my attitude towards Jesus’ difficult teachings? Do I desire to be convinced?

With modern opinions rising, there has been many times where i have been challenged. I had a similar discussion in my community about this, and many people expressed how they were unsure, especially since the world is evolving. They were mentioning how if it was LGBT, they felt that God would not deprive them of love. In my opinion, i believe that God has put out all these rules for a reason and i really would like to be convinced and understand in a way that i can stand firm in my opinion and faith.

- christine

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1. Through mass today, I think I'm being called to greater surrender and security in Him. With the entrance antiphon ending with the phrase "You are Lord of all", I'm reminded that the control of everything in my life lies in Jesus and not me. To let God be God and to not be too caught up with trying to manage my struggles by myself.

2. I guess marriage to me is something that is sacred and divine in God's eyes. It is a promise not only between man and woman, but with God, and from there does he bestow His blessings upon the holy couple through the gift of children.

3. Some of Jesus' teachings do boggle me and one example would be the church's perspective on the LGBT community. There's the heated debate on the fact that if Jesus made everyone for love, then why would He restrict us from homosexual relationship. I don't really have a strong opinion about but it's something that I ponder on when the issue surfaces. But then again, I choose to believe that God is always for us, and not against us. That even those who might not exactly conform to His teachings are still equally loved by Him.

- Lia

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1.  I feel that me having more time after graduating is one invitation for me to deepen my relationship with God. I would heavily rely on my school to help guide me in my relationship with God, so me not having that guide means that now I have to navigate this relationship myself. With my exams coming up soon, I know that I will be relying on God more as well, so I think that these things are both inviting me to offer up my worries to God and deepen my relationship with him.

2. I think of marriage as the celebration of the purest forms of God, love. Where two people are gathered in God's name, God will be there. Marriage occurs when two people love each other to the point that they want to submit their lives to each other in an ultimate act of trust, and as catholics we acknowledge God's presence in that love through the sacrament of holy matrimony. So, for me, marriage is a display of how wonderful God's gift of love is for us.

3. Whenever I find Jesus' teachings to be particularly difficult, I do my best to try and understand and question the teaching. We are called to be like children in our relationship with God, and one thing children tend to do is question the things around them all the time. I feel that the same applies with God's teachings if we ever truly want to become closer to God. In that sense, I do desire to be convinced because I desire more than just a blind faith, I want a faith that understands as much about God as I possibly can and actively seeks to become more like him.

-Ryqx