RELIGION AND ART

13TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME No one who sets a hand to the plough and looks at what is left behind is fit for the kingdom of God says the Lord. Jesus, Help Me! In EVERY need let me come to you with humble trust, saying ‘Jesus, help me!’ In all my doubts, perplexities, and temptations: Jesus, help me! In hours of loneliness, weakness and trials: Jesus, help me! In failure of my plans and hopes, in disappointments, troubles and sorrows: Jesus, help me! When others fail me, and your Grace alone can assist me: Jesus, help me! When I throw myself on your tender love as a Father and Saviour: Jesus, help me! When my heart is cast down by failure at seeing no good come from my efforts: Jesus, help me! When I feel impatient, and my cross irritates me: Jesus, help me! When I am ill, and my head and hands cannot work and I am lonely: Jesus, help me! Always, always, in spite of weakness, falls and shortcomings of every kind: Jesus, help me and never for

THE SOLEMNITY OF THE BIRTH OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST Six months before the birth of Jesus we celebrate the birth of John the Baptist,  the forerunner of the Lord.  John was conceived in a special way, his Father Zechariah was old, his mother Elizabeth was barren. From David's, descendants God, according to his promise, has brought a saviour, Jesus. John herald his coming by proclaiming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel; and John was completing his course, he would  say; ''What do you suppose that I am?  I am not he.  Behold, one is coming after me; ''I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet''. Act. 13:23-25 images of the Solemnity of the birth of John the Baptist   O sing a new song to the Lord, sing to the Lord, all the earth. O sing to the Lord, bless his name. Proclaim his salvation day by day. Tell among the nations his glory, and his wonders among all the peoples.