WHAT IS FAIR?

Readings for Sunday, September 24, 2023

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 133

Il-Ħamsa u Għoxrin Ħadd taż-Żmien ta’ Matul is-Sena

Reading 1                ISAIAH 55:6-9

Seek the LORD while he may be found, call him while he is near. Let the scoundrel forsake his way, and the wicked his thoughts; let him turn to the LORD for mercy; to our God, who is generous in forgiving. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts.

QARI 1                 mill-Ktieb tal-Profeta Isaija 55, 6-9

Fittxu l-Mulej sakemm tistgħu ssibuh, sejħulu sakemm hu fil-qrib! Ħa jħalli triqtu l-midneb, u l-bniedem il-ħażin fehmietu; ħa jerġa’ lura għand il-Mulej u jħenn għalih, għand Alla tagħna għax hu jaħfer ħafna. Il-fehmiet tiegħi m’humiex fehmietkom, u t-triqat tiegħi m’humiex triqatkom. Oraklu tal-Mulej. Għax daqs kemm huma ogħla s-smewwiet mill-art, daqshekk ieħor huma triqati ’l fuq minn triqatkom, u l-fehmiet tiegħi mill-fehmiet tagħkom. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

Responsorial Psalm                PSALM 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18

Every day will I bless you,

and I will praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the LORD and highly to be praised;
his greatness is unsearchable.
R. The Lord is near to all who call upon him.

The LORD is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and of great kindness.
The LORD is good to all
and compassionate toward all his works.
R. The Lord is near to all who call upon him.

The LORD is just in all his ways
and holy in all his works.
The LORD is near to all who call upon him,
to all who call upon him in truth.
R. The Lord is near to all who call upon him.

SALM RESPONSORJALI                Salm 144 (145), 2-3.8-9.17-18

R/. (18a): Qrib il-Mulej lejn kull min isejjaħlu 

Kuljum irrid inbierkek,
u nfaħħar ismek għal dejjem ta’ dejjem.
Kbir il-Mulej, ta’ min ifaħħru bil-bosta,
bla tarf il-kobor tiegħu. R/.

Twajjeb u ħanin il-Mulej,
idum biex jagħdab u kollu tjieba,
Twajjeb ma’ kulħadd il-Mulej,
tjubitu fuq kull ma għamel. R/.

Ġust il-Mulej fl-imġiba tiegħu kollha,
twajjeb f’dak kollu li għamel.
Qrib il-Mulej lejn kull min isejjaħlu
lejn kull min isejjaħlu fis-sewwa. R/.

Reading 2                 PHILIPPIANS 1:20c-24, 27a

Brothers and sisters: Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me life is Christ, and death is gain. If I go on living in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. And I do not know which I shall choose. I am caught between the two. I long to depart this life and be with Christ, for that is far better. Yet that I remain in the flesh is more necessary for your benefit. Only, conduct yourselves in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ.

QARI 2                  mill-Ittra lill-Filippin  1, 20ċ-24.27a

Ħuti, Kristu jkun imsebbaħ fil-ġisem tiegħi, sew jekk ngħix u sew jekk immut. Għax għalija l-ħajja hi Kristu, u l-mewt hi rebħ. Jekk għandi nibqa’ ħaj fil-ġisem, dan ifisser li għandi nagħti l-frott tax-xogħol tiegħi. X’naqbad nagħmel ma nafx; ninsab bejn ħaltejn. Min-naħa l-waħda, nixtieq nintemm u nkun ma’ Kristu, li jkun ħafna aħjar għalija; min-naħa l-oħra, jekk nibqa’ ngħix fil-ġisem, ikun ħafna aħjar għalikom. Ħaġa waħda ngħidilkom: ġibu ruħkom kif jixraq lill-Evanġelju ta’ Kristu. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej.

Gospel                 MATTHEW 20:1-16a 

Jesus told his disciples this parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire labourers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. Going out about nine o'clock, the landowner saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, 'You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.' So they went off. And he went out again around noon, and around three o'clock, and did likewise. Going out about five o'clock, the landowner found others standing around, and said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle all day?' They answered, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You too go into my vineyard.' When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.' When those who had started about five o'clock came, each received the usual daily wage. So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage. And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying, 'These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day's burden and the heat.' He said to one of them in reply, 'My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?' Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last." 

EVANĠELJU                  skond San Mattew 20, 1-16a

F’dak iż-żmien, Ġesù qal lid-dixxipli tiegħu din il-parabbola: “Is-Saltna tas-Smewwiet tixbah lil wieħed sid li ħareġ filgħodu kmieni ħafna biex isib nies għax-xogħol u jħaddimhom fl-għalqa tiegħu tad-dwieli. Ftiehem ma’ xi ħaddiema b’dinar kull jum u bagħathom l-għalqa. Ħareġ ukoll madwar it-tielet siegħa, ra oħrajn qegħdin fil-pjazza, bla xogħol, u qalilhom: “Morru intom ukoll l-għalqa, u nagħtikom li jkun ħaqqkom”. U marru. Raġa’ ħareġ għal xi s-sitt siegħa u mbagħad għal xi d-disgħa siegħa, u għamel l-istess. Għall-ħabta tal-ħdax-il siegħa raġa’ ħareġ u sab oħrajn qiegħda, u qalilhom: “Għaliex qegħdin hawn il-jum kollu ma tagħmlu xejn?”. Qalulu: “Għax ħadd ma qabbadna”. Qalilhom: “Morru intom ukoll l-għalqa”. Għal fil-għaxija mbagħad sid l-għalqa qal lill-prokuratur tiegħu: “Sejjaħ lill-ħaddiema u ħallashom, ibda minn dawk li ġew l-aħħar u spiċċa b’dawk tal-ewwel”. Ġew dawk li daħlu għax-xogħol fil-ħdax-il siegħa u ħadu dinar kull wieħed. Ġew tal-ewwel, u stennew li kienu se jirċievu iktar, iżda huma wkoll ħadu dinar kull wieħed. Huma u jitħallsu qabdu jgemgmu kontra s-sid u jgħidu: “Dawn tal-aħħar siegħa waħda għamlu, u int qisthom bħalna li tgħabbejna bil-piż tal-jum u s-sħana!”. Qabeż is-sid u qal lil wieħed minnhom: “Ħabib, minn xejn ma nqastek jien; mhux b’dinar ftehemt miegħi? Ħu li jmissek u itlaq. Lil dan tal-aħħar irrid nagħtih daqs kemm tajt lilek. Ma nistax nagħmel li rrid bi ħwejġi jien? Jew qiegħed tgħir għax jien qalbi tajba?”. Hekk tal-aħħar jiġu l-ewwel, u tal-ewwel jiġu l-aħħar”. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

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Eight-minute Homily by Fr Tommy Lane S.S.L., S.T.D.                                    

LIFE IS CHRIST:  A GIFT IN THE VINEYARD  

We feel sympathy for the workers in Jesus’ parable who worked all day in the vineyard in the heat and yet received the same pay as those who worked for only the last part of the day (Matt 20:1-16). We would have expected those who worked all day to have received more. Yet, everyone received the same standard daily wage, one denarius a day. It is an unexpected surprise at the end of Jesus’ parable. Jesus told this parable to teach us something. What does Jesus want us to understand? 

Reading the beginning of the parable again will help us understand. At the beginning of the parable Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner going out at daybreak to hire workers for his vineyard.” (Matt 20:1) So Jesus is explaining to us about the kingdom of heaven, not teaching about economics. He is using economics to teach us about the kingdom of God. Jesus is explaining about our spiritual lives, about God’s relationship with us.

The landowner in the parable, who stands for God, wants everyone to be in his vineyard, which is the kingdom of heaven. God wants us all in the kingdom of heaven. God wants us all in relationship with him, wants us all to enjoy his friendship. But in the parable, those who worked in the vineyard from early morning complained. Reading this parable in Matthew’s Greek, the landowner responded to their complaints by asking them, “Is your eye evil because I am generous?” The complaining workers had an evil eye, which means they were not seeing correctly. Because of their evil eye, their perception of matters was distorted, and they did not see according to God’s plan. 

In the world of economics, one could complain about unjust wages but when it comes to the spiritual life, whether one follows the Lord from early in life, or follows the Lord only from later in life, whether one works in the vineyard from early morning or only the last hour of the day, there is a place for us from God because God wants everyone in his kingdom, wants us all in relationship with him enjoying his friendship. If someone lived a life far from God in the past, we would rejoice when that person would return to live with God. 

We would rejoice because that person would now enjoy the happiness of friendship with God. If we didn’t, we would indeed have “an evil eye,” to use the words of Matthew. We care about others; we care about their spiritual well-being and there is nothing we would want more than for everyone to find life with God in his vineyard, enjoying God’s friendship. As Jesus said on another occasion, there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine who have no need of repentance (Luke 15:7).

In the parable, those who worked for only the last hour of the day would have been very conscious that they did not deserve the full daily wage even though they received it—it was a gift from the landowner. This reminds us that everything we have is a gift from God. Even if we were baptized quickly after birth and followed the Lord from First Holy Communion, I think we all have reason to identify with the workers in the vineyard who worked for only part of the day because everything we have is a gift from God and we are all undeserving recipients of God’s generosity, love, forgiveness, and welcome. To be technical, we really did arrive in the vineyard later in the day because God’s chosen people, the Jews, were the first in God’s vineyard. We Christians, non-Jews, Gentiles, came into the vineyard after Pentecost.

Paul, in our second reading, gives us a beautiful description of what it is like to be in God’s vineyard enjoying a beautiful relationship with Jesus. Paul wrote, “For to me life is Christ,” (NABRE Phil 1:21) “Life to me, of course, is Christ.” (JB Phil 1:21) In other words, his life completely revolved around Jesus, “Life to me…is Christ.” Jesus was the beginning, middle, and end of his day. Living in God’s kingdom—laboring in the vineyard, to use the language of Jesus’ parable—is a whole way of living, is an entire outlook on life. It is living one’s entire day from beginning to end orientated around the Lord and his kingdom. That is how Paul lived after he met the Lord on the road to Damascus. 

As a Jewish person, he was already in God’s vineyard, but on the road to Damascus he got a new understanding of God’s vineyard, God’s kingdom, and what friendship with God meant. Before he met Jesus on the road to Damascus, I would say he was a terrorist. He had stood by watching the first Christian martyr, St. Stephen, being stoned to death. He had terrorized Christians in Jerusalem and he was on his way to terrorize Christians in Damascus when he encountered the Lord on the road. From then on, life for Paul was Christ, “Life to me…is Christ.”

Blessed are we in God’s vineyard. Blessed are we who have been gifted by God in so many ways. Blessed are we, because for us, life, of course, is Christ.

//////////////////////////////////////    © Fr. Tommy Lane   /   https://www.frtommylane.com/

FORGIVE YOUR BROTHER FROM YOUR HEART

Readings for Sunday, September 17, 2023

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 130

l-Erbgha u Ghoxrin Hadd taz-Zmien ta’ Matul is-Sena

Reading 1                 SIRACH 27:30—28:7

Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight. The vengeful will suffer the LORD's vengeance, for he remembers their sins in detail. Forgive your neighbor's injustice; then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven. Could anyone nourish anger against another and expect healing from the LORD?  Could anyone refuse mercy to another like himself, can he seek pardon for his own sins? If one who is but lesh cherishes wrath,  who will forgive his sins? Remember your last days, set enmity aside; remember death and decay, and cease from sin! Think of the commandments, hate not your neighbour; remember the Most High's covenant, and overlook faults. 

Qari 1                 mill-Ktieb ta’ Bin Sirak 27, 30 – 28, 7

Ghadab u qilla, dawn ukoll ta’ min jistmerrhom, u l-bniedem midneb mimli bihom. Min ifittex jithallas b’idejh, isib hlasu minghand il-Mulej, li jifli sewwa dnubietu. Ahfer il-proxxmu dnubietu, u mbaghad titlob u dnubietek jinhafrulek. Bniedem irawwem ghadab ghal iehor, u mbaghad se jfittex fejqan minghand il-Mulej? Minn bniedem bhalu m’ghandux hniena, u mbaghad se jitlob ghal dnubietu? Jekk bniedem jibqa’ mghaddab, min se jpattilu ghal dnubietu? Ftakar fl-ahhar ta’ hajtek, u ieqaf mill-mibeghda; ftakar fit-tahsir u l-mewt, u oqghod ghall-kmandamenti. Ftakar fil-kmandamenti u tobghodx il-proxxmu; ftakar fil-patt tal-Gholi u aghlaq ghajnejk ghall-offiza.  Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

Responsorial Psalm                 PSALM 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12

Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.

He pardons all your iniquities,
heals all your ills.
He redeems your life from destruction,
crowns you with kindness and compassion.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.

He will not always chide,
nor does he keep his wrath forever.
Not according to our sins does he deal with us,
nor does he requite us according to our crimes.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.

For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he put our transgressions from us.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.

SALM RESPONSORJALI                Salm 102 (103), 1-2.3-4.9-10.11-12

R/. (8): Hanin u twajjeb il-Mulej

Bierek, ruh tieghi, il-Mulej!
B’qalbi kollha nbierek l-isem qaddis tieghu.
Bierek, ruh tieghi, il-Mulej,
u la tinsiex il-gid kollu li ghamel mieghek. R/.

Hu jahfer dnubietek kollha;
ifejjaq il-mard tieghek kollu;
jifdi lil hajtek mill-qabar;
ihaddnek bit-tjieba u l-hniena. R/.

Ma joqghodx jitlewwem maghna,
u anqas jinkorla ghal dejjem.
Ma mexiex maghna skond ma haqqhom htijietna;
ma hallasniex skond ma haqqha hzunitna. R/.

Daqskemm huma s-smewwiet ’il fuq mill-art,
hekk hi kbira tjubitu ma’ min jibza’ minnu;
daqs kemm hu mbieghed il-Lvant mill-Punent,
hekk hu jbieghed minna htijietna. R/.

Reading 2                 ROMANS 14:7-9

Brothers and sisters: None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself. For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. For this is why Christ died and came to life, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 

QARI 2                 mill-Ittra lir-Rumani  14, 7-9

Huti, hadd minna ma jghix ghalih innifsu, u hadd ma jmut ghalih innifsu. Jekk nghixu, nghixu ghall-Mulej; jekk immutu, immutu ghall-Mulej. Sew jekk nghixu, mela, sew jekk immutu, ahna tal-Mulej. Kristu ghalhekk miet u rxoxta, biex ikun Sid kemm tal-hajjin u kemm tal-mejtin. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

Gospel                MATTHEW 18:21-35

Peter approached Jesus and asked him, "Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive? As many as seven times?" Jesus answered, "I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. That is why the kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.' Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, 'Pay back what you owe.'  Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.' But he refused. Instead, he had the fellow servant put in prison until he paid back the debt. Now when his fellow servants saw what had  happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair. His master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?' Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart."

EVANGELJU                Qari skond San Mattew  18, 21-35

F’dak iz-zmien, Pietru resaq lejn Gesù u qallu: “Mulej, xi kemm-il darba jrid jonqosni hija biex jiena nahfirlu? Sa seba’ darbiet?”. Wiegbu Gesù: “Ma nghidlekx sa seba’ darbiet, imma sa sebgha u sebghin darba. Ghalhekk is-Saltna tas-Smewwiet nistghu nxebbhuha ma’ wiehed sultan, li ried jaghmel il-kontijiet mal-qaddejja tieghu. Kif beda jaghmel dan, hadulu quddiemu wiehed li kellu jaghtih ghaxart elef talent. Billi ma kellux minn fejn irroddhomlu, is-sinjur ordna li jinbieghu hu, martu, uliedu u kull ma kellu, halli b’hekk jithallas id-dejn. Imma l-qaddej inxtehet quddiemu jitolbu u jghidlu: “Sinjur, stabar ftit bija, kollox irroddlok”. Is-sinjur gietu hasra minn dak il-qaddej, baghtu u hafirlu dejnu. Mela dak il-qaddej johrog, u jiltaqa’ ma’ wiehed minn shabu, li kellu jaghtih mitt dinar; qabdu minn ghonqu u beda jaghfsu. “Hallas dejnek,” qallu. Il-qaddej siehbu nxtehet quddiemu jitolbu bil-hniena u jghidlu: “Stabar ftit bija u rroddlok”. Imma dak ma riedx jaf, mar u xehtu l-habs sa ma jrodd kull ma kellu jaghtih. Shabu l-qaddejja raw il-grajja kollha u sewdu qalbhom hafna; marru ghand is-sinjur taghhom u tarrfulu kull ma kien gara. Imbaghad is-sinjur baghat ghalih u qallu: “Ja qaddej hazin, meta jiena hfirtlek dak id-dejn kollu wara li tlabtni bil-hniena, ma kienx imissek int ukoll thenn ghal siehbek kif hennejt jien ghalik?”. U sahan bl-ahrax is-sinjur ghalih, u tah f’idejn min jahqru sa ma jrodd kull ma kellu jaghti. Hekk jaghmel lilkom Missieri li hu fis-Smewwiet jekk ma tahfrux lil xulxin minn qalbkom”. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

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Eight-minute Homily by Fr Tony Kadavil                          

FORGIVING AND RECONCILING

Introduction: . 

Our readings for this Twenty-Fourth Sunday concern forgiving those who wound us and being reconciled with them. All three readings today remind us of the path to forgiveness, mercy, and reconciliation and challenge us to walk this, the only Way to Life. (An anecdote may be added here)

Scripture lessons summarized: 

Sirach, in the first reading, reminds his listeners that if they don’t heal and forgive and show mercy, they can’t expect to receive mercy from God in return. It is unwise to nurse grudges and wise to forgive because our life span is very short and our eternal destiny is decided by how we forgive, how we work for reconciliation with those who wound us, and how we render humble and loving service to them. In today’s Psalm, (Ps 103), the Psalmist sings, “The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness.” 

In the second reading, Paul reminds us that we have to forgive others because we belong to Christ who, by his own example in forgiving those who killed Him, taught us how we must forgive in our turn. Since we humans are related to each other as brothers and sisters of Jesus, we are in the family of God, so hatred and bitterness toward anyone should have no place in our hearts. 

In today’s Gospel, through the parable of the two debtors, Jesus teaches us that there should be no limit to our forgiveness and no conditions attached to our reconciliation. We represent the greater debtor in the parable because we commit sins every day and, hence, we need God’s forgiveness every day. But we must forgive in order to be forgiven. Jesus explains, after teaching us the prayer Our Father, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father also will forgive you. “

Life messages: 

1) We need to forgive, forget, and be reconciled: In the light of eternity and considering the shortness of our span of life, harbouring old grudges is pointless. The forgiveness that we offer others is the indispensable condition which opens our hearts to love and makes it possible for us to receive God’s forgiveness and to pray meaningfully: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” What God expects from us, He offers us grace to accomplish in us: His Own limitless forgiving and a willingness to overlook faults and to keep on loving even in the face of insults.

2) We may never forget the hurt we have experienced, but we can, with His ongoing grace, choose to forgive and pray for our offenders. As life goes on and we remember an incident that was hurtful and roused great anger in us, we need to remind ourselves that, with God’s grace, we have already forgiven the one that hurt us. Time does heal memories. Forgiveness finally changes us from being prisoners of our past to being liberated and at peace with our memories. 

Forgiveness allows us to move beyond the pain, the resentment, and the anger. When we forgive, we make the choice that heals. We can forgive the offender by wishing him God’s blessings and by offering that individual to God by simply saying, “Help so-and-so and me to mend our relationship.” When we withhold forgiveness, we remain the victim. When we offer forgiveness, we are doing it also for our own well-being.

 //////////////////////////////////////    ©  https://frtonyshomilies.com

LOVE HELPS US GROW IN HOLINESS

Readings for Sunday, September 10, 2023

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 127

It-Tlieta u Għoxrin Ħadd taż-Żmien ta’ Matul is-Sena

Reading 1                EZEKIEL 33:7-9

Thus says the LORD: You, son of man, I have appointed watchman for the house of Israel; when you hear me say anything, you shall warn them for me. If I tell the wicked, "O wicked one, you shall surely die, " and you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked from his way, the wicked shall die for his guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death. But if you warn the wicked, trying to turn him from his way, and he refuses to turn from his way, he shall die for his guilt, but you shall save yourself.

Qari 1                 mill-Ktieb tal-Profeta Eżekjel  33, 7-9

Dan jgħid il-Mulej: “Lilek, o bniedem, qegħedtek għassies ta’ dar Iżrael. Meta tisma’ minn fommi xi kelma, għandek twiddibhom f’ismi. Jekk jien ngħid lill-midneb: “Int tmut żgur,” u int ma tkellmux u ma twiddbux biex jitlaq triqtu, hu, il-midneb, imut fi ħżunitu, imma demmu nfittxu minn idejk. Imma jekk inti twiddeb il-midneb dwar triqtu biex jerġa’ lura minnha u ma jerġax, hu jmut fi dnubu, imma int tkun salvajt ħajtek”. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

Responsorial Psalm                PSALM 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9

Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD;
let us acclaim the rock of our salvation.
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us joyfully sing psalms to him.
R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Come, let us bow down in worship;
let us kneel before the LORD who made us.
For he is our God,
and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.
R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Oh, that today you would hear his voice:
"Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,
as in the day of Massah in the desert,
where your fathers tempted me;
they tested me though they had seen my works."
R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

SALM RESPONSORJALI                Salm 94 (95), 1-2.6-7.8-9

R/. (8): Isimgħu leħen il-Mulej u la twebbsux qalbkom

Ejjew, ħa nfaħħru bl-hena l-Mulej,
ħa ngħajtu bil-ferħ lill-blata tas-salvazzjoni tagħna!
Nersqu quddiemu b’għana ta’ radd il-ħajr,
ngħannulu b’għajat ta’ ferħ. R/.

Ejjew inqimuh u ninxteħtu quddiemu,
għarkubbtejna quddiem il-Mulej li ħalaqna!
Għaliex hu Alla tagħna,
u aħna l-poplu tal-mergħa tiegħu u n-nagħaġ tiegħu. R/.

Mhux li kontu illum tisimgħu leħnu!
“La twebbsux qalbkom bħal f’Meriba,
bħal dakinhar f’Massa, fid-deżert,
meta ġarrbuni u ttantawni missirijietkom,
għalkemm raw dak li jien għamilt”. R/.

Reading 2                ROMANS 13:8-10

Brothers and sisters: Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill; you shall not steal; you shall not covet, " and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no evil to the neighbour; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law.

QARI 2                 mill-Ittra lir-Rumani 13, 8-10

Ħuti, tkunu obbligati lejn ħadd ħlief li tħobbu lil xulxin. Kull min iħobb ikun iħares il-bqija tal-Liġi. Għax il-kmandamenti: “La tagħmilx adulterju, la toqtolx, la tisraqx, la tkunx rgħib”, u kull preċett ieħor, hu liema hu, kollha jinġabru f’kelma waħda: “Ħobb il-proxxmu tiegħek bħalek innifsek”. L-imħabba ma tagħmilx deni lill-proxxmu; mela l-imħabba hi l-milja tal-Liġi. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej 

Gospel                MATTHEW 18:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples: "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that 'every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

EVANĠELJU                Qari skond San Mattew 8, 15-20

F’dak iż-żmien, Ġesù qal lid-dixxipli tiegħu: “Jekk ħuk jaqa’ f’xi dnub, mur sibu waħdu u widdbu. Jekk jisma’ minnek, tkun irbaħt lura lil ħuk. Jekk ma jismax, erġa’ mur u ħu miegħek wieħed jew tnejn oħra, biex kull ma jingħad jissaħħaħ bil-kelma ta’ żewġ xhieda jew tlieta. Jekk imbagħad anqas minnhom ma jkun irid jisma’, mur għid lill-knisja. U jekk anqas mill-knisja ma jkun irid jisma’ żommu b’wieħed pagan jew pubblikan. Tassew ngħidilkom, li kull ma torbtu fuq l-art ikun marbut fis-sema, u kull ma tħollu fuq l-art ikun maħlul fis-sema. Ngħidilkom ukoll li jekk tnejn minnkom fuq l-art jgħollu leħinhom flimkien biex jitolbu xi ħaġa, Missieri li hu fis-smewwiet, jagħtihielhom. Għax fejn tnejn jew tlieta jkunu miġbura f’ismi hemm inkun jien f’nofshom”Il-Kelma tal-Mulej  

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Eight-minute Homily by Fr Tony Kadavil                     

Our Spiritual Responsibility For Others

Introduction: 

The common theme of this Sunday’s readings is God’s command concerning our spiritual responsibility and individual accountability for others in our families, parishes, and community. This accountability arises from our identity as God’s children. As brothers and sisters in Christ, then, we become each other’s “keepers,” and take on a painful, triple responsibility. We must lovingly and prudently correct each other when we err, forgive those who offend us, and ask forgiveness from those we have offended.

Scripture readings summarized: In the first reading, God tells Ezekiel that he is to be a “watchman for the house of Israel,” obliged to warn Israel of moral dangers. If Ezekiel should refrain from speaking God’s word given to convert the wicked, God will hold Ezekiel responsible for the death of the wicked.

In the second reading, St. Paul points out that the love we should have for one another should be our only reason for admonishing and correcting the sinner.  Love seeks the good of the one who is loved. Therefore, we should admonish one another so that we all may repent and grow in holiness.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches that true Christian charity obliges a Christian, not only to assist his neighbours in their temporal and spiritual needs with material help and prayer, but also to aid with correction those brothers and sisters who have damaged the community by public sin. If the erring one refuses a one-on-one, loving correction by the offended party, then the Christian is to try to involve more people: first, “one or two others,” and eventually “the Church.” Finally, Jesus mentions the efficacy of community prayer in solving such problems, for Christ is present in the praying Christian community.

Life messages: 

    1) We are our brother’s/sister’s keeper. Modern believers tend to think that they have no right to intervene in the private lives of their fellow believers. Others evade the issue saying, “As a sinner, I don’t have the moral courage or the right to correct anyone.” But Jesus emphatically affirms that we are our brothers’ keepers, and we have the serious obligation to correct others. We need to offer advice and encouragement to our friends, neighbours, and co-workers when it is needed, and loving correction, in private, for a personal offense where that is possible.

    2) We need to gather in Jesus’ name and work miracles: Today’s Gospel reminds us of the good we can do together, and of how we can do it. Jesus says, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” If any group of us gather, work, and act with the Holy Spirit guiding us, we will become much more than simply the sum of our numbers. Today, Jesus makes it clear how important we are, one to another. One in Christ, our community can draw on God’s power to make His healing, life-giving love, more effective among His people.

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DENY YOURSELF, TAKE UP YOUR CROSS & FOLLOW ME

 Readings for Sunday, September 3, 2023

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 124

It-Tnejn u Għoxrin Ħadd taż-Żmien ta’ Matul is-Sena

Reading 1                JEREMIAH 20:7-9

You duped me, O LORD, and I let myself be duped; you were too strong for me, and you triumphed. All the day I am an object of laughter; everyone mocks me. Whenever I speak, I must cry out, violence and outrage is my message; the word of the LORD has brought me derision and reproach all the day. I say to myself, I will not mention him, I will speak in his name no more. But then it becomes like fire burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones; I grow weary holding it in, I cannot endure it.

Qari 1                 mill-Ktieb tal-Profeta Ġeremija 20, 7-9

Qarraqtni Mulej, u jien tqarraqt: kont aqwa minni, u għelibtni. Jien sirt id-daħka ta’ kuljum, kulħadd jiddieħak bija. Kull meta niġi nitkellem, jien ngħajjat, u nxandar, “Moħqrija u ħsara!”. Il-kelma tal-Mulej saret għalija tagħjir u tmaqdir kuljum. U jien għedt: “Ma nsemmihx aktar, ma nitkellimx aktar f’ismu”. Iżda f’qalbi hemm bħal nar jaqbad, magħluq f’għadmi. Għejejt inżommu magħluq ġo fija, ma niflaħx aktar għalih. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

Responsorial Psalm                PSALM 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

O God, you are my God whom I seek;
for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts
like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water.
R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuary
to see your power and your glory,
for your kindness is a greater good than life;
my lips shall glorify you.
R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

Thus will I bless you while I live;
lifting up my hands, I will call upon your name.
As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied,
and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you.
R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

You are my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.
My soul clings fast to you;
your right hand upholds me.
R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

SALM RESPONSORJALI                Salm 62 (63), 2.3-4.5-6.8-9

R/. (2b): Għalik imxennaq jiena, Mulej, Alla tiegħi

Alla, Alla tiegħi int; lilek ħerqan infittex.
Ruħi bil-għatx għalik,
għalik imxennaq jiena,
bħal art niexfa, maħruqa, bla ilma. R/.

Għalhekk ġejt narak fit-tempju mqaddes tiegħek,
biex nitgħaxxaq bis-setgħa u l-glorja tiegħek.
Għax it-tjieba tiegħek aħjar mill-ħajja,
xufftejja jxandru t-tifħir tiegħek. R/.

Għalhekk inbierkek tul ħajti kollha;
ngħolli idejja u nsejjaħ ismek.
Bħal b’ikel mill-aħjar li jsemmen nimtela,
u jgħannilek fommi b’xufftejn ferrieħa. R/.

Għax int kont għajnuna għalija,
għad-dell ta’ ġwenħajk ngħanni bil-ferħ.
Miegħek tingħaqad ruħi,
int tweżinni bil-leminija tiegħek. R/.

Reading 2                ROMANS 12:1-2

I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.

QARI 2                 mill-Ittra lir-Rumani 12, 1-2

Nitlobkom ħuti, għall-ħniena ta’ Alla, offru ġisimkom b’sagrifiċċju ħaj, qaddis, jogħġob lil Alla, jiġifieri l-qima spiritwali tagħkom. Timxux max-xejra ta’ din id-dinja, iżda nbidlu skond it-tiġdid ta’ fehmietkom, biex iseħħilkom tagħrfu x’inhi r-rieda ta’ Alla, x’inhu ttajjeb li jogħġbu, x’inhu perfett. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

Gospel                 MATTHEW 16:21-27

Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him,"God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you." He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do." Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father's glory, and then he will repay all according to his conduct."

EVANĠELJU                Qari skond San Mattew 16, 21-27

F’dak iż-żmien, Ġesù beda juri lid-dixxipli tiegħu li kien meħtieġ għalih li jmur Ġerusalemm, isofri ħafna mix-xjuħ u l-qassisin il-kbar u l-kittieba, joqtluh, u fit-tielet jum iqum. Pietru ġibdu lejh u beda jlumu u jgħidlu: “Allaħares, Mulej! Ma jkun qatt li dan jgħaddi minn għalik!”. Iżda Ġesù dar u qal lil Pietru: “Itlaq minn quddiemi, ja xitan! Int tfixkil għalija, għax m’intix tqis il-ħwejjeġ ta’ Alla, imma qiegħed taħsibha ta’ bniedem li int!”. Imbagħad qal lid-dixxipli tiegħu: “Jekk xi ħadd irid jiġi warajja, għandu jiċħad lilu nnifsu, jerfa’ salibu, u jimxi warajja. Għax min irid isalva ħajtu, jitlifha, imma min jitlef ħajtu għall-imħabba tiegħi, isibha. Għax xi jkun jiswielu l-bniedem jekk jikseb id-dinja kollha u mbagħad jitlef ħajtu? Jew xi prezz se jagħti l-bniedem biex isalva ħajtu? Għax Bin il-bniedem għandu jiġi fil-glorja ta’ Missieru flimkien ma’ l-anġli tiegħu, u mbagħad irodd lil kull wieħed skond ma wieħed ikun għamel”. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

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Eight-minute Homily by Fr Tony Kadavil      

CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP DEMANDS SELF-CONTROL

Introduction: 

This coming Sunday’s Gospel passage reminds us that Christian discipleship demands self-control (“Deny yourself”), the willingness to suffer (“take up your cross”), the readiness to follow Jesus by obeying his commandment of love, and generosity in surrendering our lives to God (“to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice to God” (Rom 12:1).(An anecdote may be added)

Scripture lessons summarized: 

Sunday’s readings explain how we should practice true, dynamic Christian discipleship. Jeremiah, in the first reading, is certainly a prototype of the suffering Christ. In the Responsorial Psalm (Ps 63), the Psalmist manifests his profound trust in God, just as Jeremiah himself does. 

In the second reading, Paul advises the Romans and us (Rom 12:1-2): to ‘’offer our bodies as a living sacrifice” to God by explicitly rejecting the ungodly behaviour of the world around us and by discerning and doing the will of God. In today’s Gospel, Jesus takes his disciples by surprise when, after Peter’s great confession of Faith, Jesus announces that he “must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.” 

After correcting Peter’s protest, Jesus announces the three conditions of Christian discipleship: “Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me.”

Life messages: 

# 1: We need to be “extremophiles” for Christ: True disciples of Christ are: 

a) truly compassionate: they are willing to visit and help the infected and the sick in hospitals, the incontinent elderly, the handicapped, and those who suffer dementia in nursing homes, and AIDS patients in hospices; 

b) truly humble: they areable to see that every good gift comes from God alone, and that His gifts to us of time, personal talents, and resources should inspire gratitude, not pride; 

c) truly patient: they are committed to working with challenging children, adolescents with problems, young adults who are struggling with their Faith, with the intellectually challenged and with those suffering dementia; 

d) truly forgiving: they are willing to forgive not just once, or twice, but again and again, because they know that God has forgiven them again and again; e) truly loving: they willingly visit people in prisons, in retirement homes, and in homeless shelters; and f) truly faithful: they are living out a committed, trusting relationship with God, with spouse, with family and friends.

# 2: We need to ask these questions as we examine our conscience. A true disciple examines his or her conscience every day, asking three questions about discipleship: 

a) Did I sacrifice a part of my time, talents, and income for my parish and the missionary activities of the Church? 

b) Did I practice self-control over my thoughts, words, deeds, and use of mass media, and put loving restriction on the cell phone and Internet activities of my children? 

c) Did I train my children in my Faith in a loving, providing, redeeming God by encouraging them, as we spend some time together as a family, praying and reading the Bible, and by teaching them through example and word to pardon each other, to ask for God’s pardon for our own sins and failures, to thank God for His blessings, and to participate in the Sunday school classes and youth programs?

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WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?

Readings for Sunday, August 27, 2023

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 121

Il-Wieħed u Għoxrin Ħadd taż-Żmien ta’ Matul is-Sena

Reading 1                ISAIAH 22:19-23 

Thus says the LORD to Shebna, master of the palace: "I will thrust you from your office and pull you down from your station. On that day I will summon my servant Eliakim, son of Hilkiah; I will clothe him with your robe, and gird him with your sash, and give over to him your authority. He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. I will place the key of the House of David on Eliakim's shoulder; when he opens, no one shall shut, when he shuts, no one shall open. I will fix him like a peg in a sure spot, to be a place of honour for his family."  

QARI 1                  mill-Ktieb tal-Profeta Isaija 22, 19-23

Dan jgħid il-Mulej lil Sebna, dak li jieħu ħsieb il-palazz tas-sultan:  “Inwarrbek minn postok, u nneħħik minn fejn qiegħed. Dakinhar insejjaħ lill-qaddej tiegħi Eljakim, bin Ħilkija, inlibbsu l-libsa tiegħek, u nħażżmu bit-terħa tiegħek, u nagħtih f’idejh il-ħakma tiegħek. U jkun missier għal min jgħammar f’Ġerusalemm, u għad-dar ta’ Ġuda. Inqiegħed muftieħ dar David fuq spallejh. Jiftaħ hu, u ħadd ma jagħlaq; jagħlaq hu, u ħadd ma jiftaħ. U nwaħħlu bħal musmar ma’ ħajt fis-sod, u jkun tron glorjuż għal dar missieru”. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

Responsorial Psalm                PSALM 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8

I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple.
R. Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.

I will give thanks to your name,
because of your kindness and your truth:
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
R. Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.

The LORD is exalted, yet the lowly he sees,
and the proud he knows from afar.
Your kindness, O LORD, endures forever;
forsake not the work of your hands.
R. Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.

SALM RESPONSORJALI                 Salm 137 (138), 1-2a.2bc-3.6.8bc

R/. (8b): It-tjieba tiegħek, Mulej, tibqa’ għal dejjem

Irroddlok ħajr, Mulej, b’qalbi kollha,
għaliex int smajt kliem fommi.
Quddiem l-allat irrid ngħannilek.
B’wiċċi fl-art ninxteħet
quddiem is-santwarju tiegħek. R/.

Irroddlok ħajr għat-tjieba u l-fedeltà tiegħek,
għax int kabbart ismek u kelmtek fuq kollox.
Meta sejjaħtlek, int weġibtni,
kattarli l-qawwa f’ruħi. R/.

Kbir il-Mulej, imma jieħu ħsieb iż-żgħar;
u, għalkemm fl-għoli, jagħraf mill-bogħod.
Il-Mulej iżomm kelmtu miegħi.
It-tjieba tiegħek, Mulej, tibqa’ għal dejjem. R/.

Reading 2                ROMANS 11:33-36

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor? Or who has given the Lord anything that he may be repaid? For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

QARI 2                  mill-Ittra lir-Rumani 11, 33-36

Ħuti, kemm huma kbar l-għana, l-għerf u l-għaqal ta’ Alla! Kemm tassew ħadd ma jista’ jgħarbel il-ġudizzju tiegħu u jifhem it-triqat tiegħu! Għax min qatt għaraf moħħ il-Mulej? Min qatt kien il-kunsillier tiegħu? Min qatt tah l-ewwel biex jistħoqqlu l-ħlas? Kollox ġej minnu, kollox permezz tiegħu, kollox għalih. Lilu l-glorja għal dejjem ta’ dejjem. Amen!

Gospel                MATTHEW 16:13-20

Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.

EVANĠELJU                Qari skond San Mattew 16, 13-20

F’dak iż-żmien, meta wasal fl-inħawi ta’ Ċesarija ta’ Filippu, Ġesù staqsa lid-dixxipli tiegħu u qalilhom: “Min jgħidu n-nies li hu Bin il-bniedem?”. U huma weġbuh: “Xi wħud, Ġwanni l-Battista; oħrajn, Elija; u oħrajn, Ġeremija jew wieħed mill-profeti”. “Imma intom min tgħidu li jien?”, staqsiehom. U qabeż Xmun Pietru u qallu: “Inti l-Messija, Bin Alla l-ħaj”. U Ġesù wieġbu u qallu: “Hieni int, Xmun bin Ġona, għax mhux bniedem tad-demm u l-laħam uriek dan, imma Missieri li hu fis-smewwiet. U jiena ngħidlek: Inti Pietru, u fuq din il-blata jiena nibni l-Knisja tiegħi, u s-setgħat tal-infern ma jegħlbuhiex. Jiena nagħtik l-imfietaħ tas-Saltna tas-Smewwiet, u kull ma torbot fuq l-art ikun marbut fis-smewwiet, u kull ma tħoll fuq l-art ikun maħlul fis-smewwiet”. Imbagħad lid-dixxipli tiegħu wissiehom biex ma jitkellmu ma’ ħadd fuq li huwa l-Messija. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

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Eight-minute Homily by Fr Tony Kadavil      

 GOD IS THE SOURCE OF ALL  AUTHORITY

Introduction: 

We might call this Sunday “Power Sunday” because the main theme of all three readings is that God is the Source of all authority. God shares His authority with civil rulers elected to serve the people and with the Pope and the other Church leaders for the material and spiritual welfare of His children. Today’s Gospel challenges us to accept the authority of Jesus as our Lord and Savior as St. Peter did at Caesarea Philippi.

Scripture lessons summarized: 

The first reading, taken from Isaiah, tells us how God hates unfaithful and selfish officials. He removed the proud “master of the royal palace” from his office, taking from Shebna the power and responsibility of which he had proven unworthy, and gave both to the humble and faithful Eliakim. The robe, the sash, and the keys are the insignia of this office. In today’s Responsorial Psalm (Ps 138), David thanks God for having raised him from lowly origins and given him authority as king over the people of Israel. In the second reading, St. Paul praises God for the depth of His wisdom, knowledge, and correct judgments, asserting that He is the Source of all authority on earth and in Heaven. Today’s Gospel passage shows us how Peter confesses Jesus as his Lord and Savior and how Jesus, in turn, approves Peter’s words and gives him teaching and ruling authority in his Church. Thus, Jesus establishes a “Magisterium” in his Church to serve the spiritual and physical needs of the Church members. By Jesus’ statement, “I will give you the Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven,” he gives Peter and his successors the power to bind and to loose (make laws; exercise authority) in the Church, and the assurance that their decisions will be ratified in Heaven.

Life messages: 

1) We need to accept and experience Jesus as our Lord and personal Savior: : First, we should accept Jesus as the Son of God and our personal Savior. This means that we are accepting Jesus as our Good Shepherd, our Divine Savior, and our Redeemer. Next, Jesus should become a living experience for us – as our God protecting us and providing for us in our life’s journey, loving us, forgiving us, helping us, and transforming our lives and outlook. This is made possible by our listening to Jesus through the daily, meditative reading of the Bible, by talking to Jesus through daily, personal, communal and liturgical prayers, by offering our lives on the altar with Jesus whenever we participate in the Holy Mas, by receiving him in Holy Communion, and by leading exemplary lives, as we cooperate with God’s grace. Our personal experience of Jesus will also lead us to praise and thank God in all the events of our lives, both pleasant, and painful, realizing that God’s loving hands are behind everything.

2) We need to surrender our lives to Jesus, our Lord and Savior. That surrender requires that we freely give all areas of our lives to Jesus and radiate to all around us Jesus’ sacrificial agápe love, unconditional forgiveness, overflowing mercy, and committed service. The joy, the love, and the peace that we find in Jesus need to be reflected in the way we live our whole lives. We also surrender our lives to Jesus by rendering humble, loving service to others with the strong conviction that Jesus is present in every person.

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THE UNIVERSALITY OF GOD'S LOVE

 Readings for Sunday, August 20, 2023

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 118

L-Għoxrin Ħadd taż-Żmien ta’ Matul is-Sena

Reading 1                     ISAIAH 56:1, 6-7

Thus says the LORD: Observe what is right, do what is just; for my salvation is about to come, my justice, about to be revealed. The foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, ministering to him, loving the name of the LORD, and becoming his servants— all who keep the sabbath free from profanation and hold to my covenant, them I will bring to my holy mountain and make joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on my altar, for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.

Qari 1                 mill-Ktieb tal-Profeta Isaija 56, 1.6-7

Dan jgħid il-Mulej: “Żommu s-sewwa u agħmlu l-ġustizzja, għax is-salvazzjoni tiegħi għoddha waslet, u l-ġustizzja tiegħi dalwaqt tfeġġ. Ulied il-frustier li ntrabtu mal-Mulej biex jaqduh, u biex iħobbu isem il-Mulej, u jkunu qaddejja tiegħu, kull min iħares is-Sibt u ma jiksrux u jżomm sħiħ fil-patt tiegħi, lil dawn inwassalhom sal-muntanja mqaddsa tiegħi, u nferraħhom f’dar it-talb tiegħi. Il-vittmi maħruqa u s-sagrifiċċji tagħhom ikunu jogħġbuni telgħin minn fuq l-artal tiegħi, għax dari dar it-talb tissejjaħ għall-popli kollha”. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

Responsorial Psalm                PSALM 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 

May God have pity on us and bless us;
may he let his face shine upon us.
So may your way be known upon earth;
among all nations, your salvation.
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!

May the nations be glad and exult
because you rule the peoples in equity;
the nations on the earth you guide.
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!

May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you!
May God bless us,
and may all the ends of the earth fear him!
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!

SALM RESPONSORJALI                Salm 66 (67), 2-3.5.6.8

R/. (4): Ifaħħruk il-popli kollha, o Alla

Iħenn għalina Alla, u jberikna;
idawwar għal fuqna d-dija ta’ wiċċu!
Biex jingħarfu fuq l-art triqatek,
fost il-ġnus kollha s-salvazzjoni tiegħek. R/.

Jithennew il-ġnus u jgħannu bil-ferħ,
għax trieġi l-popli bis-sewwa,
u l-ġnus fuq l-art inti tmexxihom. R/.

Ifaħħruk il-popli, o Alla,
ifaħħruk il-popli kollha.
Iberikna Alla, u tibża’ minnu
l-art kollha minn tarf għall-ieħor! R/.

Reading 2                ROMANS 11:13-15, 29-32

Brothers and sisters: I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I glory in my ministry in order to make my race jealous and thus save some of them. For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. Just as you once disobeyed God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now disobeyed in order that, by virtue of the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. For God delivered all to disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all. 

QARI 2                 mill-Ittra lir-Rumani 11, 13-15.29-32   

Ħuti, issa ngħid lilkom, il-pagani. Sakemm jiena appostlu tal-pagani nibqa’ nagħmel ġieħ lill-ministeru tiegħi, bit-tama li nqajjem l-għira ta’ ġensi u hekk insalva lil xi wħud minnhom. Għax jekk it-tkeċċija tagħhom ġiebet il-ħbiberija tad-dinja ma’ Alla, l-ilqugħ tagħhom mill-ġdid xi jkun ifisser, jekk mhux ħajja mill-imwiet?  Alla ma jreġġax lura d-doni u s-sejħa tiegħu. Bħalma fl-imgħoddi intom ma kontux tobdu lil Alla, imma issa sibtu l-ħniena tiegħu minħabba d-diżubbidjenza tagħhom; hekk huma wkoll m’humiex jobduh minħabba l-ħniena li sibtu intom mingħandu, ħalli issa huma wkoll isibu l-ħniena.  Għax Alla ħalla ’l kulħadd fil-jasar tad-diżubbidjenza, biex jagħmel ħniena ma’ kulħadd. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

Gospel                MATTHEW 15:21-28

At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called  "Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon." But Jesus did not say a word in answer to her. Jesus' disciples came and asked him, "Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us." He said in reply, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But the woman came and did Jesus homage, saying, "Lord, help me." He said in reply, "It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their  Masters." Then Jesus said to her in reply, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And the woman's daughter was healed from that hour. 

EVANĠELJU                Qari skond San Mattew 15, 21-28

F’dak iż-żmien, Ġesù telaq lejn Tir u Sidon. U ħarġet waħda mara Kangħanija minn dawk l-inħawi, u qabdet tgħajjat u tgħid: “Ħenn għalija, Mulej, Bin David; binti għandha fiha xitan, u magħdura ħafna!”. Iżda hu ma weġibhiex kelma. Resqu lejh id-dixxipli tiegħu, jitolbuh u jgħidulu: “Eħles minnha, għax ġejja tgħajjat warajna”. Imma hu qalilhom: “Ma ġejtx mibgħut ħlief għan-nagħaġ li ntilfu mid-dar ta’ Iżrael”.Iżda hi resqet, inxteħtet quddiemu u qaltlu: “Għinni Mulej!”. Hu weġibha: “Mhux sewwa tieħu l-ħobż tal-ulied u tixħtu lill-ġriewi”. “Hekk hu, Mulej – qaltlu – iżda l-ġriewi wkoll jieklu l-frak li jaqa’ minn fuq il-mejda ta’ sidienhom!”. Imbagħad wieġeb Ġesù u qalilha: “Mara, il-fidi tiegħek kbira! Ħa jsirlek kif tixtieq”. U minn dak il-ħin stess bintha fieqet. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

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Eight-minute Homily by Fr Tony Kadavil

GOD'S SAVING PRESENCE

Introduction:

All three readings this Sunday speak of the expansive and universal nature of the “Kingdom of God,” in contrast with the theory that salvation was to be offered first to the Jews and then, through them alone, to the rest of the world. Although God set the Hebrew people apart as His chosen race, He included all nations in His plan for salvation and blessed all the families of the earth in Abraham (Gn 12:1-3).

Scripture readings summarized: 

By declaring through the prophet Isaiah (first reading), “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples,” God reveals the truth that in His eyes there is no distinction among human beings on the basis of race, caste, or colour. The long-expected Messianic kingdom was intended not only for the Jews but for all nations as well. 

Today’s Responsorial Psalm (Ps 67) rejects all types of religious exclusivity: “Let all the peoples praise You, O God; …For You judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon the earth, so that Your saving power may be known among all the nations.” In the second reading, Paul explains that, although the Jews were the chosen people, many of them rejected Jesus as the promised Messiah, and, consequently, God turned to the Gentiles who received mercy through their Faith in Jesus. 

In the Gospel story, Jesus demonstrates that salvation was meant for the Gentiles as well as for the Jews by healing the daughter of a Gentile woman as a reward for her strong Faith. Thus, Jesus shows us that God’s mercy and love are available to all who call out to Him in Faith.

Life messages: 

1) We need to persist in prayer with trustful confidence. Although the essential parts of prayer are adoration and thanksgiving, the prayer of petition, like the prayer of contrition, plays a big part in our daily lives. Christ himself has told us to ask him for these needs: “Ask and you shall receive.” Asking with fervour and perseverance proves that we have the “great Faith” we need to receive what Christ wants to grant us in response to our requests. We must realize, and remember, that we do not always get exactly what we ask for. Rather, God gives us what He knows we really need, what He wants us to have, and what is really best for us. 

As Christians, we also know that our particular request may not always be for our good, or for the final good of the person for whom we are praying. But if the prayer is sincere and persevering, we will always get an answer — one which is better than what we asked for.

2) We need to pull down our walls of separation and share in the universality of God’s love: Very often we set up walls which separate us from God and from one another. Sunday’s Gospel reminds us that God’s love and mercy are extended to all who call on Him in Faith and trust, no matter who they are. In other words, God’s care extends beyond the bounds of race and nation to the hearts of all who live, and God’s House should become a House of Prayer for all peoples. It is therefore fitting that we should pray and work sincerely so that the walls which our pride, intolerance, fear, and prejudice have raised in us may crumble.

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COURAGE

Readings for Sunday, August 13, 2023

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 115

Id-Dsatax-il Ħadd taż-Żmien ta’ Matul is-Sena

Reading 1                1 KINGS 19:9a, 11-13a

At the mountain of God, Horeb, Elijah came to a cave where he took shelter. Then the LORD said to him, "Go outside and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will be passing by." A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD— but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake— but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was fire— but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave.

QARI 1                 mill-Ewwel Ktieb tas-Slaten  19, 9a.11-13a

F’dak iż-żmien: Elija wasal fil-Ħoreb, il-muntanja tal-Mulej. Hemmhekk daħal fl-għar u għadda l-lejl ġo fih. U Alla qallu: “Oħroġ, u oqgħod fuq il-muntanja quddiem il-Mulej”. U ara, il-Mulej għadda. Riħ qawwi, b’saħħa li jofroq il-muntanji u jfarrak il-blat, għadda quddiem il-Mulej; imma l-Mulej ma kienx f’dan ir-riħ. U wara dan ir-riħ theżhżet l-art imma l-Mulej ma kienx f’din it-theżhiża. U wara t-theżhiża kien hemm in-nar, imma l-Mulej ma kienx fin-nar. Wara n-nar inħasset żiffa ħelwa. Elija, kif ħassha, għatta wiċċu bil-mantell, ħareġ barra, u waqaf f’bieb l-għar.  Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

Responsorial Psalm                PSALM 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14

I will hear what God proclaims;
the LORD — for he proclaims peace.
Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,
glory dwelling in our land.
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
Kindness and truth shall meet;
justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
and justice shall look down from heaven.
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
The LORD himself will give his benefits;
our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him,
and prepare the way of his steps.
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

SALM RESPONSORJALI                Salm 84 (85), 9ab-10.11-12.13-14

R/. (8): Uri lilna, Mulej, it-tjieba tiegħek

Ħa nisma’ xi jgħid Alla;
il-Mulej is-sliem ixandar,
għall-poplu u l-ħbieb tiegħu.
Qrib hi tassew is-salvazzjoni tiegħu
għal dawk li jibżgħu minnu,
biex jgħammar is-sebħ f’artna. R/.

It-tjieba u l-fedeltà jiltaqgħu,
il-ġustizzja u s-sliem jitbewsu.
Il-fedeltà mill-art tinbet,
u l-ġustizzja mis-sema tixref. R/.

Il-Mulej ukoll jagħti l-ġid tiegħu,
u artna tagħti l-frott tagħha.
Il-ġustizzja quddiemu timxi,
u s-sliem fuq il-passi tiegħu. R/.

Reading 2                 ROMANS 9:1-5

Brothers and sisters:  I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie; my conscience joins with the Holy Spirit in bearing me witness that I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are Israelites; theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; theirs the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

QARI 2                mill-Ittra lir-Rumani  9, 1-5

Ħuti, 1ngħidilkom is-sewwa fi Kristu, m’iniex nigdeb, tixhidli l-istess kuxjenza tiegħi fl-Ispirtu s-Santu, li jiena mnikket għall-aħħar, u dejjem qalbi maqsuma; nixtieq li kont jiena stess maqtugħ minn Kristu minħabba f’ħuti, nies ġensi skond il-ġisem: l-Iżraelin.  Tagħhom hija l-adozzjoni ta’ wlied Alla u l-glorja, il-pattijiet u l-Liġi, il-liturġija u l-wegħdiet, tagħhom huma l-patrijarki; u kien minnhom li, skond il-ġisem, ħareġ Kristu, li hu fuq kollox, Alla mbierek għal dejjem ta’ dejjem. Amen!  Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

Gospel                MATTHEW 14:22-33

After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. "It is a ghost," they said, and they cried out in fear.  At once Jesus spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Peter said to him in reply, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, "Truly, you are the Son of God."

EVANĠELJU                Qari skond San Mattew 14, 22-33

Wara lin-nies kielu u xebgħu, Ġesù minnufih ġiegħel lid-dixxipli jitilgħu fuq id-dgħajsa u jmorru qablu x-xatt l-ieħor, sakemm jibgħat lin-nies. Wara li bagħat lin-nies, tela’ waħdu fuq l-għoljiet biex jitlob. Xħin sar filgħaxija kien għadu hemm fuq, waħdu. Id-dgħajsa kienet diġa’ f’nofs il-baħar titħabat mal-mewġ, għax kellhom ir-riħ kontra tagħhom. Fir-raba’ sahra tal-lejl mar lejn in-naħa tagħhom miexi fuq il-baħar. Huma rawh miexi fuq il-baħar u twerwru. “Dan xi fantażma!”. qalu; u qabdu jgħajtu bil-biża’. Iżda hu minnufih kellimhom u qalilhom: “Agħmlu l-qalb, jien hu, tibżgħu xejn!”. Wieġeb Pietru u qallu: “Mulej, jekk huwa int, ordnali niġi ħdejk fuq l-ilma”. “Ejja”, qallu Ġesù. Pietru niżel mid-dgħajsa, u qabad jimxi fuq l-ilma u jersaq lejn Ġesù. Iżda meta ra li r-riħ kien qawwi, baża’, ħabat jegħreq, u beda jgħajjat u jgħid: “Salvani, Mulej!”. Malajr Ġesù medd idu u qabdu: “Bniedem ta’ fidi żgħira”, qallu, “għaliex iddubitajt?”. Meta mbagħad it-tnejn telgħu fid-dgħajsa, ir-riħ waqaf. Dawk li kienu fid-dgħajsa nxteħtu jqimuh u qalulu: “Tassew, int Bin Alla!”. Il-Kelma tal-Mulej

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Eight-minute Homily by Fr Tony Kadavil      

GOD'S SAVING PRESENCE

Introduction: 

The readings for this Sunday speak of God’s saving presence among His people, our need for trusting Faith in ou

r loving and providing God Who always keeps us company, and our need for prayer in storms of life. (You may add an Anecdote).

Scripture lessons: 

The first reading tells us of how Elijah the prophet who had defeated the 450 false priests of Baal with the help of just such a trusting Faith in the power of Yahweh, fled to the Lord God for help and strength on Mt Horeb, and encountered Him there in His mercy. In the second reading, Paul laments and mourns over the Jews who, having lost their Faith in Yahweh and His prophets, had rejected their promised Messiah, Jesus. Paul tells us later (11:7-24), that God’s plan allowed the Jews to reject Jesus so that a few believers, like Paul, would be free to carry the Good News outside Judaism, evangelizing the Gentiles. The Gospel episode occurred during an unexpected storm on the Sea of Galilee in the early morning hours. As Jesus approached the apostles, miraculously walking on water, he allayed their fears by telling them, “It is I.” The Gospel episode also explains how Peter lost his trusting Faith in Jesus for a few seconds, failed his attempt to walk on water, but was rescued when he called on Jesus for help.

Life messages: 

1) We all need to call Jesus in the storms facing us in the Church and in our lives. Let us approach Jesus with strong Faith in his ability and willing availability to calm the storms in the life of the Church and in our own lives. Church history shows us how Jesus saved his Church from the storms of persecution in the first three centuries, from the storms of heresies in the 5th and 6th centuries, from the storms of moral degradation and the Protestant reformation movement (later resulting in hundreds of denominations), in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and the storms of sex abuse scandals of the clergy in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. 

We need to realize that it is the presence of Jesus which gives us peace even in the wildest storms of life: the storms of anxiety and worries about the future that we may still be suffering now in the past or ongoing Corona Virus pandemic (Corvid-19), storms of sorrow, storms of doubt, tension and uncertainty, storms of anger and despair, storms of temptations, and storms in family relationships. But this peace flows only from a personal relationship with God, with Jesus, enhanced through prayer, meditative reading of Scripture and active participation in the Holy Mass and reception of the Sacraments when these are available to us.

2) We need to imitate the short prayer of sinking Peter: We are expected to pray to God every day with trusting Faith for strengthening our personal relationship with Him and for acknowledging our dependence on Him. But when we have no time or mental energy for formal prayers, let us use the short prayers in the Gospels like Peter’s prayer: “Lord, save me!” or the prayer of the mother of the possessed girl: “Lord, help me!” or the blind man’s prayer: “Son of David, have mercy on me!” or the repentant sinner’s prayer: “Lord, have mercy on me a sinner!” 

We get plenty of time during our travels to say the short prayers like the “Our Father”, “Hail Mary” and “Glory be….” We may begin every day offering all our day’s activities to God and asking for His grace to do His will; then we may conclude every day before we go to sleep, by asking God’s pardon and forgiveness for our sins. Keeping a Bible on our table will encourage us to read at least a few words of the Bible and thus listen to what God is telling us to do.

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