WHY DO WE AND THE PHARISEES FAST MUCH

Thus says the Lord: On that day I will raise up the fallen hut of David;
I will wall up its breaches, raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days old.
That they may conquer what is left of Edom and all the nations that shall bear
my name, say I , the Lord, who will do this.

Yes, days are coming, says the Lord, when the plowman shall overtake the
reaper, and the vintager, him who sows the see:  The juice of grapes shall drip down the mountains, and all the hills shall run with it.
Mass Readings

Lord Jesus Christ, in today's gospel, John disciples asked the question why your disciples do not fast whereas they and the pharisees do.  Sometimes Lord I ask why do I fast, having fasted for some favors and spiritual growth.  It is like I am not making any progress.  Help Lord Jesus Christ not to loose focus in my spiritual journey.  Help put my trust in you knowing that you are ever present in all I do. Psalm 13 

CRITERIA FOR CITIZENSHIP

So you are no longer aliens or foreign visitors: you are citizens like all the saint, and part of God's household.  You are part of a building that has the apostles and prophets for its foundations, and Christ Jesus himself for its main cornerstone.

As every structure is aligned on him, all grow into one holy temple in the Lord; and you too, in him, are being built into a house where God lives, in the Spirit. 

Mass Readings

Heavenly Father, thank you for making me part of Your household.  What privilege. Unmerited grace, as Jesus Christ pronouncement, 'Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe'.  This is a promise to us who believe that Jesus Christ died to save us from sins. This is also for those who acclaim him Lord and Saviour.  May I aligne in Christ Jesus, for I am assured in today's reading that I am part of a building that has the apostles and prophets for foundation and Christ Jesus the main stone.

"You believe because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe" Saint Thomas

EVIL THOUGHTS

Jesus got in the boat, crossed the water and came to his own town. Then some people appeared, bringing him a paralytic stretched out on a bed.  Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, "Courage, my child, your sins are forgiven."  And at this some scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." Knowing what was in their minds Jesus said, "Why do you have such wicked thoughts in your hearts?  Now, which of these is easier to say, "Your sins are forgiven," or to say, "Get up and Walk"? 

Mass Readings

But to prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins, he said to the paralytic, "get up, and pick your bed and go off home." And the man got up and went home. A feeling of awe came over the crowd when they saw this, and they praised God for giving such power to men.

Heavenly Father, this Gospel presents many sentiments, kindness, love, awe, courage, praise and wickedness.  You are loving Father, your Son came to give us life, to set us free from every bondage.  I am to follow Christ Jesus steps to reach out to my fellow creatures in need. Help me Lord to appreciate God's miracles manifest in all His creatures.  Give me a pure heart. May your love remain in me Lord.

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.

AT THE APPOINTED TIME

When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him.  They were so savage that no one could travel by that road.  They cried out, "What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?"  

Mass Readings

Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding. The demons pleaded with him, "If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine." And he said to them, "Go then!" They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. 

The swine herders ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs.  There upon the whole town came to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.