Liturgy of the Word

Third Sunday of Advent - Dec 11, 2022

Is 35:1-10, Ps 146, Jas 5:7-10, Mt 11:2-12

Proclaiming the Good News to the Poor

Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.

Third Sunday of Advent, ‘Gaudete’ Sunday, 11th December 2022

Rejoice, the Lord is near!

On this ‘Gaudete’ Sunday, the liturgy begins with an invitation to ‘rejoice!’ Today the Scriptures encourage us to listen & to see the prophetic voices and signs of our times.

In the First Reading, Isaiah acclaims a joyful vision of Christ’s coming. Dimmed eyes will be opened; the lame will leap for joy; and we can have courage because the Lord is near.

The Psalmist shares a vision of the Lord overcoming our human hardship, bringing justice and healing to the world.

The Second Reading is a letter of encouragement, counselling us to be watchful and patient. The Lord is close at hand.

The Gospel describes a meeting between Jesus & the followers of the imprisoned John. Jesus answers their questions by referencing both the prophecies of Isaiah & today’s Psalm. John is a prophet of their time, and Jesus encourages John’s disciples not to lose faith. Jesus himself is the one of whom the ancient prophets spoke.

As followers of Christ, let us take courage, and prayerfully support one another to be patient and faithful to the liberating message of the Good News. We belong to a loving community that longs for, and trusts in, the light of Christ, even in the midst of long winter nights and during these challenging times.

Second Sunday of Advent - Dec 4, 2022

Is 11:1-10, Ps 72, Rom 15:4-9, Mt 3:1-12

By living in Advent hope, we help spread this hope to the world.

Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.

Stewardship Reflection

“Therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”Matthew 3:10

Do you bear good fruit for Jesus? Do you spend time in prayer
or do you waste it with mindless activity? Do you use your talent to help others or are you too busy? Do you use your treasure to support the Church or do you buy more things that go unused. Our time, talent and treasure are gifts from God. What we do with these gifts is our gift back to Him. What gifts are you planning to give to the Lord during this upcoming Christmas season?

First Sunday of Advent - Nov 27, 2022

Is 2:1-5, Ps 122, Rom 13:11-14, Mt 24:37-44

Advent and the graces of each day

Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.

‘Let us walk in the light of the Lord’

This Sunday we enter into the beautiful season of Advent.

Our attitude at this time is one of watching and waiting, and the graces to pray for are joy and hope. Our weary world is in so much need of this spirit, and of the light and peace of the coming Christ.

The First Reading from Isaiah looks forward to the time when the whole world will be gathered together in the peace of God’s kingdom.]

The Psalm – one for pilgrims going joyfully up to Jerusalem – picks up this theme. They pray for peace: peace in the city, in their homes, and among all whom they know.

The Second Reading from the letter to the Romans is a reminder to ‘wake up’, for salvation is near. It is also an encouragement to live in the light.

Jesus tells us in the Gospel to stay awake – we must not become so engrossed n our daily lives that we are unprepared when the Lord comes.

Let us renew our spirit of joyful hope this week.
We also place the needs of our world before Jesus as we prepare for his coming.

Feast of Christ the King - Nov 20, 2022

2 Sm 5:1-3, Ps 122, Col 1:12-20, Lk 23:35-42

In what way do we make Christ the King of our lives?

Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.

Stewardship Reflection

“….giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.” Colossians 1:12

God wants us to be happy! Instead of looking at the Ten Commandments as being restrictive and telling us what we can’t do, look at them as guides for living a joy-filled and peaceful life.
Most of our problems arise when we put our own needs first or we spend most of our time trying to acquire more stuff. Instead,
try putting God first in all things. We were made for God.
Open your heart and let Him in!

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Nov 13 2022

Mal 3:19-20, Ps 98, 2 Thes 3:7-12, Lk 21:5-19

We look at the faith of the early Disciples and our neighbors as examples of how to we should live as a resurrection people

Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.

Stewardship Reflection

“…Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us.”2 Thessalonians 3:9

Most people who live a grateful and generous lifestyle don’t
go around bragging about it. But through their words and actions, others do take notice. They notice because of the joy and peace that results and others desire this in their own life. Know that
the way you live your life may be the only interaction others
may have with our Catholic faith.

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Nov 6, 2022

2 Mc 7:1-14, Ps 17, 2 Thes 2:16-3:5, Lk 20:27-38

Initial Graces of the Resurrection

Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.

Stewardship Reflection

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through his grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word.”2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

There are two important lessons here. First, we are called to be generous with our encouragement and hope with others. As God shows us mercy, we must be merciful to others. Second, joy is contagious! The joy we receive from doing good works not only strengthens us, it encourages others as well. Share the joy of living your faith whenever you can.

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time - Nov 6, 2022

Wis 11:22-12:2, Ps 145, 2 Thes 1:11-2:2, Lk 19:1-10

In climbing down the “Tree” of our own world view, we meet with Jesus

Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.

Stewardship Reflection

“But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, ‘Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor, and if I extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over. “LUKE 19:8”

We are all called to gratefully give back to the Lord in proportion to the gifts we have been given. This means everyone isn’t called to give the same amount, but everyone is called to give equal sacrifice. Open your heart and talk to God about how you use your money. How is God calling you to be more generous with your financial resources and possessions?

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Oct 23, 2022

Sir 35:12-18, Ps 34, 2 Tm 4:6-18, Lk 18:9-14

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector reminds us of our need for God and his forgiveness.

Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 23rd October 2022

God be merciful to me, a sinner! Honesty and humility seem to go hand in hand, and our readings this week show how essential these attitudes are to our prayer.

In our First Reading we learn that God listens with special care to the humble. In his justice, he is no respecter of ‘personages’: those of undue importance or elevated status.

St Paul, in his letter to Timothy, faces the court alone (Second Reading). But he knows the Lord is at his side, and it is the Lord who gives him power to proclaim the message. Paul is full of thanksgiving for God’s continuous care.

The Psalm picks up this theme. The Lord is close to the broken-hearted. He hears the cry of the poor. Our Gospel is the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee is full of self-righteousness,

but the humble tax collector, who acknowledges his sinfulness, goes home ‘at rights with God’. This week, may we be confident – as we come to prayer in all our sinfulness – knowing that the Lord, in his mercy, will always hear us.

We continue to pray for the peace of the world, and for all who suffer.

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Oct 9, 2022

First Reading: 2 Kgs 5:14-17

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98

Second Reading: 2 Tm 2:8-13

Gospel Reading:Lk 17:11-19

Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Oct 2, 2022

First Reading: Hab 1:2-3; 2:2-4

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 146

Second Reading: 2 Tm 1:6-8, 13-14

Gospel Reading:Lk 17:5-10

Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Sept 25, 2022

First Reading: Amos 6:1a, 4-7

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 146

Second Reading: 1 Timothy 6:11-16

Gospel Reading: Luke 16:19-31

Walking with Lazarus, into the Kingdom

Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Sept 18, 2022

First Reading: Amos 8:4-7

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 90

Second Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-8

Gospel Reading: Luke 16:1-13

Jesus challenges us to be better than just “good enough”

Fr. Bill Wilson SJ.

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Sept 11, 2022 - Mass of the Holy Spirit

First Reading: Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 90

Second Reading: 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Gospel Reading: Luke 15:1-32

Receiving and sharing God’s loving embrace

Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.

Image: Rembrandt van Rijn, The Return of the Prodigal Son, c. 1661–1669. Click on image to enlarge

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Sept 4, 2022

First Reading: Wisdom 9:13-18b

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 90

Second Reading: Phmn 9-10, 12-17

Gospel Reading: Luke 14:25-33

Let go the cloud of resentment so that Grace can shine in your life

Fr. Bill Wilson, SJ.

22th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Aug 28, 2022

First Reading: Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 40

Second Reading: Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a

Gospel Reading: Luke 14:1, 7-14

Stepping into mystery….with Christ

Fr. Rob Allore, SJ.

Reflection on Sunday’s readings

The readings for this Sunday speak of humility, and help us think about the order of things in the kingdom of God.

The First Reading advises us to be gentle, humble and attentive, warning against pride. By behaving humbly we will find the Lord’s favour, which is all that finally matters.

This theme is echoed in the Gospel, where Jesus teaches us how to live according to his vision of a good society. By caring for and putting others first, ‘repayment will be made to you when the virtuous rise again’.

The Psalm sings of God’s care for those on the margins, rejoicing at God’s generosity to his people, bringing them new life.

The Second Reading urges us, to remain faithful. Jesus, as mediator, has instituted a new covenant for his followers, and we can each celebrate our identity as a child of God and ‘citizen of heaven’. There is no need to be afraid: we are not alone but part of God’s family.

Let’s rejoice, sing our praises to the Lord for his generosity.
May we be attentive & gentle in all we say & do this week, always responding to God’s call.

We continue to pray for the peace of the world, and for all who suffer.