Today’s Gospel is from Saint Matthew 18:1-10

At that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying: Who thinkest thou is the greater in the kingdom of heaven?
And Jesus calling unto him a little child, set him in the midst of them,
And said: Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven.
And he that shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me.
But he that shall scandalize one of these little ones that believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be drowned in the depth of the sea.
Woe to the world because of scandals. For it must needs be that scandals come: but nevertheless woe to that man by whom the scandal cometh.
And if thy hand, or thy foot scandalize thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee. It is better for thee to go into life maimed or lame, than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire.
And if thy eye scandalize thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee. It is better for thee having one eye to enter into life, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
See that you despise not one of these little ones: for I say to you, that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.

In our reading today, Jesus’ disciples asked the question: “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” This question reveals a common human desire for status, recognition, importance and ultimately entitlement. It’s a question that occupies the minds of many people today. People want to be great, to achieve greatness, to leave their mark on the world. But Jesus, as always, offers the right answer. In response to their question, He calls forth a little child and places the child in the midst of them. What a powerful and unexpected gesture! In the society of that time, children were not seen as particularly significant or esteemed. Yet, in this simple action, Jesus teaches us about the nature of greatness in the Kingdom of heaven.
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Today’s Gospel is from Saint Matthew 10:34-42.

At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, Do not think that I have come to send peace upon the earth; I have come to bring a sword, not peace. For I came to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s enemies shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not up his cross, and followeth me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life, shall lose it: and he that shall lose his life for me, shall find it. He that receiveth you, receiveth me: and he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet, shall receive the reward of a prophet: and he that receiveth a just man in the name of a just man, shall receive the reward of a just man. And whosoever shall give to drink to one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, amen I say to you he shall not lose his reward.

In today’s Gospel reading, there are passages that have been challenging or perplexing for some people. In these verses, our Lord tells us that He has not come to bring peace to the earth but a sword, and that His presence will lead to division even within families. These words may leave some wondering how they fit with the message of love, peace, and unity that we often associate with Jesus’ teachings. Let’s not forget that Jesus is not advocating violence or discord within families or communities. Christ is emphasizing the impact that following Him can have on our lives and in our relationships. When we choose to follow Jesus, we are making a commitment that will certainly set us at odds with those who do not share the same faith. This is not because Jesus desires conflict but because the truth of the Gospel always challenges the world’s so-called values and lack of morals.
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The Feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis is a sacred observance that should recall to our minds the heartfelt love and devotion of one of the greatest saints in the history of the Church. St. Francis of Assisi, a humble and gentle man, received a remarkable gift from God—the stigmata, the wounds of Christ on his own body. This gift was both a sign of his holiness as well as a memorable reminder of the central message of the Gospel.

The stigmata, those sacred wounds that appeared on St. Francis’ hands, feet, and side, were not a reward for his piety or his deeds. Instead, they were a visible and tangible connection between him and the suffering of Christ. St. Francis had so deeply imitated Christ in his life, in his love for the poor, and in his total surrender to God’s will, that he was allowed to share in the Lord’s Passion in a deeply memorable and mystical way.
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Giving thanks to God on a daily basis, is a fundamental aspect of our faith, one that transcends divisions and unites us as brothers and sisters in acknowledging the abundant blessings that our Heavenly Father bestows upon us.

Unfortunately, it is all too easy to forget the simple act of gratitude. We are often consumed by our desires, ambitions, and challenges, which can obscure the countless gifts that our Lord continually showers upon us. Yet, when we pause and truly open our hearts, we begin to see God’s grace in every aspect of our existence.

The Scriptures remind us of the importance of thanksgiving time and time again. In the Psalms, we read, “Give glory to the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalm 106:1). This verse encapsulates the essence of gratitude. Our gratitude should be a genuine acknowledgement of God’s eternal and boundless love for us. It is a recognition that God’s goodness is unwavering, even with the reality that each of us are imperfect.
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At that time Jesus spoke this parable to His disciples: A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And calling his ten servants, he gave them ten pounds; and said to them, Trade till I come. But his citizens hated him; and they sent an embassage after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. And it came to pass that he returned, having received the kingdom; and he commanded his servants to be called, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. And the first came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds: and he said to him, Well done, thou good servant, because thou hast been faithful in a little, thou shalt have power over ten cities. And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds: and he said to him, Be thou also over five cities. And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin; for I feared thee, because thou art an austere man; thou takest up what thou didst not lay down, and thou reapest that which thou didst not sow. He saith to him, Out of thy own mouth I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knowest that I was an austere man, taking up what I laid not down, and reaping that which I did not sow: and why then didst thou not give my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have exacted it with usury? And he said to them that stood by, Take the pound away from him, and give it to him that hath the ten pounds. And they said to Him, Lord, he hath ten pounds. But I say to you, that to every one that hath shall be given, and he shall abound; and from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken from him. (Luke 19: 12-26)

In today’s Gospel passage, we read the parable spoken by our Lord to His disciples. This parable, often referred to as the Parable of the Talents, provides us with profound lessons about our responsibilities, stewardship, and the account we must one day render before God.

In this parable, a nobleman sets forth on a distant voyage, his purpose being to attain a kingdom for himself and subsequently return. Prior to his departure, he entrusts ten of his servants with ten pounds each, instructing them to engage in trade during his absence. This nobleman signifies our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. His departure into the “far country” represents His ascension into Heaven after His earthly ministry, and His return refers to His glorious Second Coming.

This parable illustrates the spiritual endowments, talents, and resources God bestows upon each one of us. The pounds symbolize these divine gifts, granted to us to be used wisely and productively in the service of God and our fellow men. The nobleman’s directive to “trade till I come” echoes the call of Christ for us to actively engage in the work of the Kingdom during our sojourn on Earth.
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“Many times did he deliver them. But they provoked him with their counsel: and they were brought low by their iniquities. And he saw when they were in tribulation: and he heard their prayer. And he was mindful of his covenant: and repented according to the multitude of his mercies. And he gave them unto mercies, in the sight of all those that had made them captives. Save us, O Lord, our God: and gather us from among nations: That we may give thanks to thy holy name, and may glory in thy praise. Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say: So be it, so be it.” (Psalm 105:43-48, Douay-Rheims)

In our faith, God’s favour is associated with His mercy and grace. These verses reflect the fact that God’s mercy is a central aspect of His nature.

It is our belief that God is infinitely loving and compassionate, always ready to extend His grace to those who seek Him with sincere hearts. When someone prays this Psalm, they are acknowledging their need for God’s mercy and expressing trust in His willingness to help and bless them.
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“I will hear what the Lord God will speak in me: for he will speak peace unto his people: And unto his saints: and unto them that are converted to the heart. Surely his salvation is near to them that fear him: that glory may dwell in our land.” (Psalm 84:9-10, Douay-Rheims)

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, amidst the noise and chaos of the world, it is essential for us to pause and listen attentively to the voice of our Lord. The psalmist reminds us that God speaks peace to His people and to all those whose hearts are turned towards Him. In the stillness of our hearts, we can open ourselves to hear the gentle whisper of God. Just as Elijah encountered God not in the wind, earthquake, or fire but in a still, small voice (1 Kings 19:11-13), so too can we discern the voice of the Lord when we seek Him with a receptive heart. Through prayer, meditation, and Scripture, we create a space where God’s peace can permeate our souls and guide our steps.
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“The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.” Our responsorial Psalm brings us into the presence of our majestic and sovereign God, calling us to contemplate His authority and dominion over all creation. The psalmist invites us to lift our hearts in praise and adoration to the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords. Our God reigns supreme over all the earth. His power and glory know no bounds, and His majesty is beyond compare.

In a world filled with chaos and uncertainties, we find comfort in knowing that God is in control. He rules over the vastness of the cosmos, yet He is intimately aware of each one of us, knowing us by name and caring for us with a love beyond measure. This same King who governs the heavens desires to dwell within our hearts, guiding our steps and illuminating our path with His light.
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“The eyes of all look hopefully to you, and you give them their food at the right time.” (Psalm 145:15, New Catholic Bible)

In Psalm 145:14-21, we encounter an immense expression of God’s divine providence and compassion, reflecting the Catholic understanding of our loving and merciful Creator. We firmly believe in the Lord’s unwavering support for His children, especially those who stumble in their journey of faith. God tenderly lifts up the bowed down, providing strength and solace to those who turn to Him in their weakness.
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From the reading of Wisdom 12:13,16-19, we are reminded of the nature of our God, the one true God who cares for all of creation. These verses reveal to us the attributes of God that should shape our understanding of His divine character. The passage begins by referring to the exclusive care and authority of God. “For there is no other God but thou, who hast care of all, that thou shouldst shew that thou dost not give judgment unjustly.” It is crucial for us to acknowledge that God alone has supreme authority over all things. He is the one who lovingly tends to every aspect of creation. Moreover, His judgments are always just and righteous. We find solace in knowing that God, who knows all things, will never condemn unjustly. His perfect justice is rooted in His infinite wisdom.

We can see the inseparable link between God’s might and justice. God’s might does not solely manifest as a demonstration of power but as a profound embodiment of justice. His dominion over all things allows Him to govern with both leniency and mercy. He is compassionate towards us, providing us with opportunities for repentance and redemption. Let us never forget that the Father’s leniency is not a sign of weakness but a testament to His divine mercy.
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