"THE LORD IS KIND AND MERCIFUL..."

  Readings for Sunday, September 13, 2026 

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 130

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 neighbour’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 flesh 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. 

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.

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.

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 hi m 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."

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Aħfer il-proxxmu dnubietu, u mbagħad dnubietek jinħafrulek.

>>>>  Qari tal-Erbgħa u Għoxrin Ħadd taż-Żmien ta’ Matul is-Sena

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

Għadab u qilla, dawn ukoll ta’ min jistmerrhom, u l-bniedem midneb mimli bihom.  Min ifittex jitħallas b’idejh, isib ħlasu mingħand il-Mulej, li jifli sewwa dnubietu. Aħfer il-proxxmu dnubietu, u mbagħad titlob u dnubietek jinħafrulek. Bniedem irawwem għadab għal ieħor, u mbagħad se jfittex fejqan mingħand il-Mulej? Minn bniedem bħalu m’għandux ħniena, u mbagħad se jitlob għal dnubietu? Jekk bniedem jibqa’ mgħaddab, min se jpattilu għal dnubietu? Ftakar fl-aħħar ta’ ħajtek, u ieqaf mill-mibegħda; ftakar fit-taħsir u l-mewt, u oqgħod għall-kmandamenti. Ftakar fil-kmandamenti u tobgħodx il-proxxmu; ftakar fil-patt tal-Għoli u agħlaq għajnejk għall-offiża.     >>>  Il-Kelma tal-Mulej    R/. Tifħir lilek Kristu  <<<

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

R/. (8): Ħanin u twajjeb il-Mulej

Bierek, ruħ tiegħi, il-Mulej!
B’qalbi kollha nbierek l-isem qaddis tiegħu.
Bierek, ruħ tiegħi, il-Mulej,
u la tinsiex il-ġid kollu li għamel miegħek. R/.

Hu jaħfer dnubietek kollha;
ifejjaq il-mard tiegħek kollu;
jifdi lil ħajtek mill-qabar;
iħaddnek bit-tjieba u l-ħniena. R/.

Ma joqgħodx jitlewwem magħna,
u anqas jinkorla għal dejjem.
Ma mexiex magħna skond ma ħaqqhom ħtijietna;
ma ħallasniex skond ma ħaqqha ħżunitna. R/.

Daqskemm huma s-smewwiet ’il fuq mill-art,
hekk hi kbira tjubitu ma’ min jibża’ minnu;
daqs kemm hu mbiegħed il-Lvant mill-Punent,
hekk hu jbiegħed minna ħtijietna. R/.

QARI 2                  mill-Ittra ta’ San Pawl lir-Rumani 14, 7-9

Ħuti, ħadd minna ma jgħix għalih innifsu, u ħadd ma jmut għalih innifsu. Jekk ngħixu, ngħixu għall-Mulej; jekk immutu, immutu għall-Mulej. Sew jekk ngħixu, mela, sew jekk immutu, aħna tal-Mulej. Kristu għalhekk miet u rxoxta, biex ikun Sid kemm tal-ħajjin u kemm tal-mejtin.  >>>  Il-Kelma tal-Mulej    R/. Tifħir lilek Kristu  <<<

EVANĠELJU                 Qari skond San Mattew 18, 21-35

F’dak iż-żmien, Pietru resaq lejn Ġesù u qallu: “Mulej, xi kemm-il darba jrid jonqosni ħija biex jiena naħfirlu? Sa seba’ darbiet?”. Wieġbu Ġesù: “Ma ngħidlekx sa seba’ darbiet, imma sa sebgħa u sebgħin darba. Għalhekk is-Saltna tas-Smewwiet nistgħu nxebbhuha ma’ wieħed sultan, li ried jagħmel il-kontijiet mal-qaddejja tiegħu. Kif beda jagħmel dan, ħadulu quddiemu wieħed li kellu jagħtih għaxart elef talent. Billi ma kellux minn fejn irroddhomlu, is-sinjur ordna li jinbiegħu hu, martu, uliedu u kull ma kellu, ħalli b’hekk jitħallas id-dejn.  Imma l-qaddej inxteħet quddiemu jitolbu u jgħidlu: “Sinjur, stabar ftit bija, kollox irroddlok”. Is-sinjur ġietu ħasra minn dak il-qaddej, bagħtu u ħafirlu dejnu.  Mela dak il-qaddej joħroġ, u jiltaqa’ ma’ wieħed minn sħabu, li kellu jagħtih mitt dinar; qabdu minn għonqu u beda jagħfsu. “Ħallas dejnek,” qallu. Il-qaddej sieħbu nxteħet quddiemu jitolbu bil-ħniena u jgħidlu: “Stabar ftit bija u rroddlok”. Imma dak ma riedx jaf, mar u xeħtu l-ħabs sa ma jrodd kull ma kellu jagħtih.  Sħabu l-qaddejja raw il-ġrajja kollha u sewdu qalbhom ħafna; marru għand is-sinjur tagħhom u tarrfulu kull ma kien ġara.  Imbagħad is-sinjur bagħat għalih u qallu: “Ja qaddej ħażin, meta jiena ħfirtlek dak id-dejn kollu wara li tlabtni bil-ħniena, ma kienx imissek int ukoll tħenn għal sieħbek kif ħennejt jien għalik?”. U saħan bl-aħrax is-sinjur għalih, u tah f’idejn min jaħqru sa ma jrodd kull ma kellu jagħti.  Hekk jagħmel lilkom Missieri li hu fis-Smewwiet jekk ma taħfrux lil xulxin minn qalbkom”.   >>>  Il-Kelma tal-Mulej    R/. Tifħir lilek Kristu  <<<

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(Fr Tony Kadavil's WEEKLY Eight-minute homily in one page) 

"It is unwise to nurse grudges and wise to forgive..." 

Introduction: 

Our Readings for this Twenty-Fourth Sunday concern forgiving those who wound us and being reconciled with them. All three Readings this Sunday remind us of the path to forgiveness, mercy, and reconciliation and challenge us to walk this ..... the only..... Way to Life.

Scripture lessons summarised: 

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 Sunday’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 Sunday’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 for us to be able to open our hearts to recelve the Love God IS and so, makes it possible for us to receive God’s forgiveness for ourselves 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. In this case, He desires to give us the power of His Own limitless forgiviness so that we will be able to overlook each other’s faults willingly, and to keep on loving each other even in the face of insults.

2) We may never forget the hurt we have experienced, but we can, with God’s 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.

//////////////////////////////////////     Fr Tony's Homilies © 2026.  /  https://frtonyshomilies.com  ////////

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"IF TODAY YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, HARDEN NOT YOUR HEARTS..."

 Readings for Sunday, Septermber 6, 2026 

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 127

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.

 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.

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 neighbour as yourself."  Love does no evil to the neighbour; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law.

 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."

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"L-imħabba hija l-milja tal-liġi....."

>>>>  Qari tat-Tlieta u Għoxrin Ħadd taż-Żmien ta’ Matul is-Sena

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   R/. Irroddu ħajr lil Alla   <<<

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

R/. : 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/.

QARI II                 mill-Ittra ta’ San Pawl 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    R/. Irroddu ħajr lil Alla   <<<

EVANĠELJU                  skond San Mattew 18, 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    R/. Tifħir lilek Kristu  <<<

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/////////////  REFLECTION  

(Fr Tony Kadavil's WEEKLY Eight-minute homily in one page) 

Being "Brothers and Sisters in Christ"

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 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 with love, so that each of us may repent and grow in holiness.

In Sunday’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 keepers:  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 so that He can do His work in all of us,even to working miracles: Sunday'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 gathers, works, and acts 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.

//////////////////////////////////////     Fr Tony's Homilies © 2026.  /  https://frtonyshomilies.com  ////////

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"Fear no one. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed"

  Readings for Sunday, August 23, 2026  

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time  
Lectionary: 94

Reading 1                 Jeremiah 20:10-13

Jeremiah said: "I hear the whisperings of many: 'Terror on every side! Denounce! Let us denounce him!' All those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine. 'Perhaps he will be trapped; then we can prevail, and take our vengeance on him.' But the LORD is with me, like a mighty champion: my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph. In their failure they will be put to utter shame, to lasting, unforgettable confusion. O LORD of hosts, you who test the just, who probe mind and heart, let me witness the vengeance you take on them, for to you I have entrusted my cause. Sing to the LORD, praise the LORD, for he has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the wicked!"

 Responsorial Psalm                  Psalm 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35

For Your sake I bear insult, and shame covers my face. 
I have become an outcast to my brothers,
a stranger to my mother's children, 
Because zeal for your house consumes me,
and the insults of those who blaspheme you fall upon me.
R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.

I pray to you, O LORD, for the time of your favor, O God!
In your great kindness answer me with your constant help.
Answer me, O LORD, for bounteous is your kindness;
in your great mercy turn toward me.
R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.

"See, you lowly ones, and be glad; 
you who seek God, may your hearts revive!
For the LORD hears the poor, 
and his own who are in bonds he spurns not.
Let the heavens and the earth praise him,
the seas and whatever moves in them!''
R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.

Reading 2                 Romans 5:12-15

Brothers and sisters:  Through one man sin entered the world, and through sin, death, and thus death came to all men, inasmuch as all sinned— for up to the time of the law, sin was in the world, though sin is not accounted when there is no law. But death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who did not sin after the pattern of the trespass of Adam, who is the type of the one who was to come. But the gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, how much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ overflow for the many.

 Gospel                  Matthew 10:26-33

Jesus said to the Twelve:  "Fear no one. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light;  what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul;  rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father."

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"Dak li jien ngħidilkom fid-dlam għiduh fid-dawl...."

>>>>  Qari tat-Tnax-il Ħadd taż-Żmien ta’ Matul is-Sena  

Qari 1                   mill-Ktieb tal-Profeta Ġeremija 20, 10-13

F’dak iż-żmien, Ġeremija qal: Ma nismax ħlief taqsis il-kotra; biża’ madwari kollu! “Ixluh! Ħa nixluh!”.  Jgħajtu saħansitra ħbiebi kollha, ifittxu l-qerda tiegħi: “Għandu mnejn jitqarraq u negħlbuh; ta’ kollox nitħallsu minnu!”.   Il-Mulej miegħi bħal raġel qalbieni, għalhekk dawk li jagħmlu għalija jogħtru, ma jagħmlu xejn, jitħawdu bis-sħiħ, għax ħsiebhom ma jseħħx; għajb għalihom li ma jintesa qatt. Int, Mulej tal-eżerċti, li ġġarrab il-ġust, li tara l-ġewwieni u l-qalb, ħallini nara l-vendetta tiegħek kontrihom, għax f’idejk ħallejt il-kawża tiegħi.  Għannu lill-Mulej, faħħru lill-Mulej, għaliex ħajjet l-imsejken ħelisha minn id il-ħżiena.    >>>   Il-Kelma tal-Mulej  R/. Irroddu ħajr lil Alla  <<<<

Salm Responsorjali                 Salm 68 (69), 8-10.14.17.33-35

R/. (14ċ): Fil-kobor ta’ tjubitek weġibni, O Alla

Minħabba fik qiegħed nilqa’ t-tmaqdir,
u l-mistħija tiksili wiċċi.
Sirt barrani għal ħuti,
ulied ommi ma jagħrfunix.
Għax il-ħeġġa għal darek fnietni,
it-tagħjir ta’ min jgħajjar lilek waqa’ fuqi. R/.

Imma jien lilek nitlob, Mulej;
meta jogħġbok, o Alla, weġibni,
fil-kobor ta’ tjubitek
u skond il-wegħda tas-salvazzjoni tiegħek.
Weġibni, Mulej, għax mill-aħjar tjubitek;
dur lejja fil-kobor tal-ħniena tiegħek. R/.

Hekk jaraw l-imsejkna u jifirħu;
u tagħmlu l-qalb, intom li tfittxu lil Alla.
Għax jisma’ l-fqajrin il-Mulej,
ma jistmellx l-imjassrin tiegħu.
Ifaħħruh is-sema u l-art,
l-ibħra u kull ma jitħarrek fihom. R/.

Qari 2                     mill-ittra ta’ San Pawl lir-Rumani 5, 12-15

Ħuti, kien permezz ta’ bniedem wieħed li fid-dinja daħal id-dnub, u permezz tad-dnub il-mewt, u hekk il-mewt laħqet il-bnedmin kollha, għax kollha dinbu. Kienet għadha ma waslitx il-Liġi, id-dnub kien ġa fid-dinja: imma d-dnub ma kienx magħdud, ladarba Liġi ma kienx hemm. Madankollu l-mewt saltnet ukoll minn Adam sa Mosè, mqar fuq dawk li ma waqgħux fid-dnub li fih kien waqa’ Adam, li kien xbieha ta’ dak li kellu jiġi. Imma d-don mhuwiex bħall-ħtija. Għax jekk permezz ta’ ħtija waħda mietet il-kotra, aktar u aktar issa l-grazzja ta’ Alla u d-don mogħti bil-grazzja ta’ bniedem wieħed li hu Ġesù Kristu, xterdu bil-bosta fuq il-kotra.    >>>   Il-Kelma tal-Mulej  R/. Irroddu ħajr lil Alla  <<<

Evanġelju                 Qari skond San Mattew 10, 26-33

F’dak iż-żmien, Ġesù qal lill-Appostli tiegħu: “La tibżgħux mill-bnedmin. Għax xejn ma hu mgħotti li ma jinkixifx, u xejn ma hu moħbi li ma jsirx magħruf. Dak li jien ngħidilkom fid-dlam għiduh fid-dawl, u dak li ngħidilkom f’widnejkom xandruh minn fuq il-bjut. U tibżgħux minn dawk li joqtlu l-ġisem bla ma jistgħu joqtlu r-ruħ; imma aktar ibżgħu minn dak li jista’ jeqred kemm ir-ruħ u kemm il-ġisem flinfern.  Żewġ għasafar tal-bejt mhux b’ħabba jinbiegħu? U b’danakollu anqas wieħed minnhom ma jaqa’ fl-art mingħajr ir-rieda ta’ missierkom. Intom imbagħad sax-xagħar ta’ raskom kollu hu magħdud. Mela xejn la tibżgħu; intom aqwa minn ħafna għasafar tal-bejt. Kull min jistqarr quddiem il-bnedmin li hu miegħi, jien ukoll nistqarr li jiena miegħu quddiem Missieri li hu fis-smewwiet. Iżda min jiċħad lili quddiem il-bnedmin, jien ukoll niċħad lilu quddiem Missieri li hu fis-smewwiet”.    >>> Il-Kelma tal-Mulej   R/. Tifħir lilek Kristu  >>>

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/////////////  REFLECTION  

(Fr Tony Kadavil's WEEKLY Eight-minute homily in one page) 

Jesus encourages us to persevere in doing the work He started

Introduction:

Our Scripture readings for this Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time challenges us to preach Christ through our words and lives without fear.

Scripture lessons summarized: 

The first reading tells us how the prophet Jeremiah trusted in the power of God while he faced opposition for his prophetic ministry. He was intimidated by attacks upon his character, but he was unafraid to speak out in the name of the Lord. The psalmist in today’s Responsorial Psalm (Ps 69) trusts in God when he is misunderstood and ill-treated even by his brothers and relatives. In the second reading, Paul assures the Christians in Rome that they need not be afraid of opposition both because they share in the death of Jesus and because they are united with Christ, the new Adam, in his Resurrection.

Today’s Gospel passage is taken from the end of Jesus’ instruction to his disciples as he sends them forth to carry on his mission of preaching and healing. He asks them to live simple lives and to expect opposition and rejection. After having foretold future opposition and persecution, Jesus encourages his disciples to stand firm. Three times they are urged, "Do not fear!" "Do not be afraid!" Instead of shrinking from their task, they are to proclaim the Gospel boldly because they will be protected, just as Jeremiah was assured of God's protection. Hence, Jesus commands his disciples not to fear their persecutors. He presents before them the image of the sparrow to reinforce the disciples’ trust and hope in God. The readings hint at the opposition we future Christians will encounter as we carry on the work of Jesus in the world, and they encourage us to persevere in doing the work of Jesus. They assure us that we will be successful, despite the opposition we encounter.

Life messages: 

1) We need not be afraid because our life is in the hands of a loving God. Sometimes we are afraid that we will make a wrong decision. At other times, we are afraid of what others will think when we speak up for Jesus. We are afraid of what the future will bring to our children. We are also afraid of growing old. Sometimes we are afraid of what declining health will bring us. 

At the root of these fears is the fear of loss. Every fear we have is grounded in the knowledge that we have something or someone to lose. I can lose my job, family, house, money, reputation, health, and even life itself. Rejection and loss are the basis of our fears. But we forget one thing: whatever trouble or crisis affects us, we know that God understands it better than we ourselves do. 

Our Heavenly Father knows exactly what is happening. What a release from fear it is to know that God is with us; that our life is in the hands of a loving God! The next time fear grips us we need to remember that being faithful to Christ wherever we meet him in this life is much more important than our fear of loss or rejection by others. Also, let us take a moment to recall some of the great promises of God. Let us remind ourselves that God cares – we are each a dear child of His, and He cares for each of us. "Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." The last verse of Psalm 27 sums it up nicely: "Trust in the Lord. Have Faith; do not despair. Trust in the Lord."

//////////////////////////////////////     Fr Tony's Homilies © 2026.  /  https://frtonyshomilies.com  ////////  ########################################

>>> "LET IT BE DONE FOR YOU AS YOU WISH"

  Readings for Sunday, Aug 16, 2026 

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time                                                                                                   Lectionary: 118

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. 

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!

 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.

 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 out, "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.      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

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/////  BIL-MALTI   ////////

"... Mara, il-fidi tiegħek kbira."

>>>  Qari tal-Għoxrin Ħadd taż-Żmien ta’ Matul is-Sena

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   >>  R/. Irroddu ħajr lil Alla

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/.

QARI 2                  mill-Ittra ta’ San Pawl 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  >> R/. Irroddu ħajr lil Alla

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      >> R/. Tifħir  lilek Kristu

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/////////////  REFLECTION - 

Fr Tony Kadavil's WEEKLY Eight-minute homily in one page

"Ask and you shall 

receive."

Introduction: 

All three readings this coming 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 all human beings, regardless of race, caste, color, intelligence, wealth, or charm are His dear children by Creation and adoption. The long-expected Messianic kingdom was intended, not only for the Jews, but for all peoples as well. 

Sunday’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 fervor 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, that is, 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.

//////////////////////////////////////     Fr Tony's Homilies © 2026.  /  https://frtonyshomilies.com  ////////

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>>> GOD'S SAVING PRESENCE

 

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 115

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.

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.

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.

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.” 

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"Ordnali niġi ħdejk fuq l-ilma, Mulej".

>>>>  Qari tad-Dsatax-il Ħadd taż-Żmien ta’ Matul is-Sena

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  //// R/. Tifħir lilek Kristu

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/.

QARI 2                   mill-Ittra ta’ San Pawl 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  //// R/. Tifħir lilek Kristu

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  //// R/. Tifħir lilek Kristu

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/////////////  REFLECTION - 

Fr Tony Kadavil's WEEKLY Eight-minute homily in one page

FACING THE STORMS IN OUR LIFE

Introduction: 

The readings for this week speak of God's saving presence among His people, our need for trusting Faith in our 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 shows us 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, addressing, the Romans 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 explainshow Peter lost his trusting Faith in Jesus for a few seconds, and 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 we suffered during the Corona Virus Pandemic (Covid-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, and with the Holy Spirit enhanced through prayer, meditative reading of Scripture, 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  of 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 can begin every day by offering all our day’s activities to God and asking for His grace to do His will; then we can 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.

//////////////////////////////////////     Fr Tony's Homilies © 2026.  /  https:/ frtonyshomilies.com       ########################################

>>> "THE LORD SATISFIES ALL OUR NEEDS...” Psalm 145

 Readings for Sunday, Aug 2, 2026 

>>>  Eighteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time  /  Lectionary: 112

Reading 1              Isaiah 55:1-3

Thus says the LORD:  All you who are thirsty, come to the water! You who have no money, come, receive grain and eat; Come, without paying and without cost, drink wine and milk! Why spend your money for what is not bread; your wages for what fails to satisfy? Heed me, and you shall eat well, you shall delight in rich fare. Come to me heedfully, listen, that you may have life. I will renew with you the everlasting covenant, the benefits assured to David.

Responsorial Psalm                    Psalm 145:8-9, 15-16, 17-18

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. he hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs.

The eyes of all look hopefully to you,
    and you give them their food in due season;
you open your hand
    and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
R. The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs.

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 hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs.

Reading 2                  Romans 8:35, 37-39

Brothers and sisters: What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?  No, in all these things we conquer  overwhelmingly through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Gospel                 Matthew 14:13-21

When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food  But they said to him, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.” Then he said, “Bring them here to me,” and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over— twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children.

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/////  BIL-MALTI   ////////

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"Min se jifridna mill-imħabba ta’ Kristu?"      

>>>>  Qari tat-Tmintax-il Ħadd taż-Żmien ta’ Matul is-Sena

Qari 1                  mill-Ktieb tal-Profeta Isaija 55, 1-3

Dan jgħid il-Mulej: “Intom li bikom l-għatx, ejjew għall-ilma, intom ukoll li m’għandkomx flus. Ejjew, ixtru u kulu b’xejn, inbid u ħalib bla ħlas. Għaliex taħlu fluskom f’dak li mhuwiex ħobż, u ġidkom f’dak li ma jxebbax? Isimgħu minni, u tieklu tajjeb, u ruħkom titpaxxa b’ikel bnin. Agħtuni widen u ersqu lejja, isimgħu u tieħdu r-ruħ. Nagħmel patt magħkom għal dejjem, biex iseħħu l-favuri mwiegħda lil David”.  >> Il-Kelma tal-Mulej   //  R/. Irroddu ħajr lil Alla

Salm Responsorjali               Salm 144 (145), 8-9.15-16.17-18

R/. (ara 16): Mulej, inti ttaffi x-xewqat tagħna.

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

Għajnejn kulħadd iħarsu lejk, Mulej,
u inti tagħtihom l-ikel f’waqtu.
Int tiftaħ idek,
u xxabba’ ’l kulħadd bil-ġid. 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/.

Qari 2                  mill-Ittra ta’ San Pawl lir-Rumani 8, 35.37-39

Ħuti, min se jifridna mill-imħabba ta’ Kristu? It-taħbit, id-dwejjaq, il-persekuzzjoni, il-ġuħ, l-għera, it-tiġrib, ix-xabla? Imma f’dan kollu aħna aktar minn rebbieħa bis-saħħa ta’ dak li ħabbna. Għax jiena żgur li la l-mewt u la l-ħajja, la l-anġli u la l-qawwiet, la ż-żmien t’issa u la ta’ li ġej, la setgħat, la l-għoli u lanqas il-fond, u ebda ħliqa oħra ma jistgħu qatt jifirduna mill-imħabba ta’ Alla li dehret fi Kristu Ġesù Sidna.  >>> Il-Kelma tal-Mulej  ///  R/. Irroddu ħajr lil Alla

Qari mill-Evanġelju skont San Mattew 14:13-21

F’dak iż-żmien, meta sama’ l-aħbar tal-mewt ta’ Ġwanni l-Battista, Ġesù telaq minn hemm bid-dgħajsa u mar waħdu f’post imwarrab. Imma n-nies semgħu fejn mar, u telqu warajh bil-mixi mill-ibliet. Xħin niżel l-art mid-dgħajsa ra kotra kbira ta’ nies u tħassarhom, u fejqilhom il-morda tagħhom. Xħin sar filgħaxija d-dixxipli tiegħu resqu lejh u qalulu: “Dan post imwarrab, u l-ħin għamel sewwa. Ibgħathom lin-nies, ħa jmorru fl-irħula jixtru x’jieklu”. Imma Ġesù qalilhom: “Ma għandhomx għalfejn imorru; agħtuhom intom x’jieklu”. U huma qalulu: “Hawn ma għandniex ħlief ħames ħobżiet u żewġ ħutiet”.  “Ġibuhomli hawn”, qalilhom. Imbagħad ordna lin-nies biex joqogħdu bilqiegħda fuq il-ħaxix; ħa l-ħames ħobżiet u ż-żewġ ħutiet, rafa’ għajnejh lejn is-sema, bierek, qasam il-ħobżiet u tahom lid-dixxipli, u d-dixxipli newluhom lin-nies.  U kulħadd kiel u xaba’, u ġabru l-bċejjeċ li kien fadal u mlew bihom tnax-il qoffa. U kienu madwar ħamest elef raġel dawk li kielu, barra n-nisa u t-tfal. >>> Il-Kelma tal-Mulej  //// R/. Tifħir lilek Kristu

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/////////////  REFLECTION  -  Fr Tony Kadavil's WEEKLY Eight-minute homily in one page

PUTTING OUR TRUST IN GOD'S INFINITE LOVE FOR US

Introduction: 

The central theme of next Sunday’s readings is the care God can take of us, meeting our physical and spiritual needs, if we put our trust in Him. He shares Jesus, His only-begotten Son and become Incarnate so that Jesus can be Infinite generosity both prepares us for the Heavenly banquet, and challenges us to share our blessings with others.

Scripture lessons: 

In the First Reading, Isaiah consoles the Jewish exiles in Babylon, assuring them of their return to homeland and promising them that Yahweh their God alone can, and will, provide for their spiritual and physical needs. He will pardon their sins and will offer them participation in His eschatological banquet. The refrain for today’s Responsorial Psalm (Ps 145), has us sing, “The Hand of the Lord feeds us; He answers all our needs,” in praise of the mercy, forgiveness, and maternal care of our One loving and providing God. 

In the Second Reading, Paul argues that since God’s love for us is Infinitely immense, “nothing can come between us and the love of God made visible in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  In Sunday’s Gospel, demonstrating God’s caring love for us, Jesus fed the enormous crowd of listeners both spiritually by his preaching, and physically by his miraculous multiplication of the apostles’ lunch of five loaves and two fish. This miracle shows the Divinity of Jesus, the providing care of God, and the compassion of Jesus for the crowd. 

The miracle is also a Messianic sign, identifying Jesus as both the new Moses who fed the Israelites in the desert and the new Elisha who miraculously fed the starving people of Gilgal (2 Kings 4:42-44). The Eucharistic wordings used, and the promise made by Jesus on the following day, that he would give his body and blood as food and drink (John 6:25-70), made the miracle a prefiguring symbol of the Holy Eucharist.

Life messages: 

>1) We need to nourish our souls with Jesus in Word and Sacrament. We nourish our souls with the Word of God (by listening to God through reading the Bible) and with the Bread of Life (by receiving Jesus in Holy Communion). We need to find time to be with Christ both in personal and family prayer, and in Adoration of the Eucharist whenever this is available. One way of listening to God is to read a passage in the Bible until it speaks to the heart, then stop to reflect on the message God is conveying to our hearts. The next step is to respond to God by prayer, which is talking to Him, as to a friend in conversation, telling Him everything and asking Him for whatever we need.

>2) We need to be “Eucharistic” ministers: We, too, can perform miracles in our own time and place, by imitating the four "Eucharistic actions” of Jesus: take humbly and generously what God gives us, bless it by offering it to others in God’s love, break away from our own needs and selfish interests for the sake of others, give with joy-filled gratitude to God who has blessed us with so much and to our brothers and sisters, His children.

>3) We need to be generous in sharing God’s blessings: We need to share our blessings with others around us, generously and sacrificially, in order to alleviate their spiritual and physical hunger. God lavishly blesses the large-hearted, who generously and sacrificially share their resources with others.

//////////////////////////////////////     Fr Tony's Homilies © 2026.  /  https://frtonyshomilies.com  ////////

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"THE REVELATION OF YOUR WORDS SHEDS LIGHT....” (Ps.119)

 Readings for Sunday, July 26, 2026 

>>> 

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 109

Reading 1                1 Kings 3:5, 7-12

The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night.  God said, "Ask something of me and I will give it to you."  Solomon answered: "O Lord, my God, you have made me, your servant, king to succeed my father David; but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act. I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted.  Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.  For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?"  The Lord was pleased that Solomon made this request.  So God said to him:  "Because you have asked for this— not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches,  nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right— I do as you requested.  I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now,  and after you there will come no one to equal you."

 Responsorial Psalm                  Psalm 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130

R. (97a) Lord, I love your commands.

I have said, O LORD, that my part
is to keep your words.
The law of your mouth is to me more precious
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
R. Lord, I love your commands.

Let your kindness comfort me
according to your promise to your servants.
Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
R. Lord, I love your commands.

For I love your commands
more than gold, however fine.
For in all your precepts I go forward;
every false way I hate.
R. Lord, I love your commands.

Wonderful are your decrees;
therefore I observe them.
The revelation of your words sheds light,
giving understanding to the simple.
R. Lord, I love your commands.

Reading 2                 Romans 8:28-30

Brothers and sisters: We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the first born among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified.

 Gospel                 Matthew 13:44-52

Jesus said to his disciples: "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls.  When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind.  When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away.  Thus it will be at the end of the age.  The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.  "Do you understand all these things?"  They answered, "Yes."  And he replied, "Then every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old." 

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/////  BIL-MALTI   /////////////////////////////////////

"“Qiegħed nagħtik moħħ għaref u għaqli...."      

>>>>  Qari tas-Sbatax-il Ħadd taż-Żmien ta’ Matul is-Sena

Qari 1                   mill-Ewwel Ktieb tas-Slaten 1 Slat 3, 5.7-12

 F’dak iż-żmien f’Gibgħon il-Mulej deher lil Salamun fil-ħolm bil-lejl. “Itlobni x’nagħtik”, qallu Alla. U wieġbu Salamun: “Mulej, Alla tiegħi, lili, qaddej tiegħek, għadek kemm qegħedtni sultan flok David missieri. Iżda jiena għadni daqsxejn ta’ żagħżugħ, bla ma naf mnejn għandi ngħaddi. Il-qaddej tiegħek sab ruħu f’nofs dan il-poplu li int għażilt, poplu hekk kotran li ħadd ma jista’ jgħoddu jew iqisu. Agħti, għalhekk, lill-qaddej tiegħek moħħ ħafif biex jifhem, biex jista’ jmexxi l-poplu tiegħek, u jagħraf it-tajjeb mill-ħażin; għax inkella min jasal biex imexxih, dan il-poplu tiegħek ta’ kotra hekk kbira?”. Il-Mulej ħa gost li Salamun talab dil-ħaġa. Għalhekk qallu Alla: “Ladarba tlabt din il-ħaġa, u ma tlabtnix għomor twil, jew għana, jew il-ħajja tal-għedewwa tiegħek – iva, talli tlabt li tagħraf tifhem kif għandek tmexxi – hawn jien se nagħmel kif għedt int. Qed nagħtik moħħ għaref u għaqli, hekk li ħadd qablek ma kien hawn bħalek, u anqas warajk ma jkun hawn”.   >>  Il-Kelma tal-Mulej   R/. Irroddu ħajr lil Alla

Salm Responsorjali                  Salm 118 (119), 57.72.76-77.127-128.129-130

R/. (97a): Kemm inħobbha l-liġi tiegħek, Mulej

Mulej, dan hu sehmi,
li nħares il-kelma tiegħek.
Aħjar għalija l-liġi ta’ fommok
mill-eluf ta’ flejjes tad-deheb u l-fidda. R/.

Tkun it-tjieba tiegħek il-faraġ tiegħi,
skond il-wegħda li għamilt mal-qaddej tiegħek.
Tiġi fuqi tjubitek, biex ikolli l-ħajja;
għax il-liġi tiegħek hi l-għaxqa tiegħi. R/.

Għalhekk inħobb il-kmandamenti tiegħek,
aktar mid-deheb, mid-deheb l-aktar fin.
Għalhekk jien nimxi dritt fuq il-preċetti tiegħek,
u nobgħod kull triq qarrieqa. R/.

Tal-għaġeb huma l-preċetti tiegħek,
għalhekk tħarishom qalbi.
It-tifsir ta’ kelmtek jagħti d-dawl,
ifiehem lil min ma jafx. R/.

Qari 2                 mill-Ittra ta’ San Pawl Appostlu lir-Rumani 8, 28-30

Ħuti, aħna nafu li Alla, ma’ dawk li jħobbuh, ma’ dawk li huma msejħin skond il-providenza tiegħu, f’kollox jaħdem id f’id għall-ġid tagħhom.  Għax lil dawk li hu għarafhom mill-bidu, ippredestinahom ukoll biex jieħdu s-sura fuq ix-xbieha ta’ Ibnu, ħalli dan ikun il-kbir fost ħafna aħwa; lil dawk li ppredestinahom, sejħilhom ukoll; lil dawk li sejħilhom, iġġustifikahom ukoll; lil dawk imbagħad li ġġustifikahom, igglorifikahom ukoll.  Il-Kelma tal-Mulej   R/. Irroddu ħajr lil Alla.

Evanġelju                  Qari skond San Mattew 13, 44-52

F’dak iż-żmien Ġesù qal lid-dixxipli tiegħu: “Is-Saltna tas-Smewwiet tixbah lil teżor moħbi f’għalqa, li wieħed raġel isibu u jaħbih, u kollu ferħan imur ibigħ kull ma jkollu u jixtri dik l-għalqa. Tixbah ukoll is-Saltna tas-Smewwiet lil wieħed neguzjant ifittex ġawhar fin; meta sab ġawhra tiswa ħafna, mar biegħ kull ma kellu u xtara lilha. Tixbah ukoll is-Saltna tas-Smewwiet lil xibka mitfugħa l-baħar li fiha jinġabar minn kollox. Meta timtela jtellgħuha x-xatt, u joqogħdu bilqiegħda, jiġbru fil-kannestri dak li jkun tajjeb u jarmu l-ħażin. Hekk jiġri fi tmiem id-dinja: l-anġli joħorġu jifirdu l-ħżiena mill-ġusti, u jixħtuhom fil-ħuġġieġa tan-nar; hemmhekk ikun hemm il-biki u t-tgħażżiż tas-snien. Kollu fhimtuh dan?” “Iva”, qalulu. U hu qalilhom: “Għalhekk kull kittieb li jkun sar dixxiplu tas-Saltna tas-Smewwiet jixbah lil wieħed sid li, mill-ħażna tiegħu, joħroġ sew il-ġdid u sew il-qadim”.  >>  Il-Kelma tal-Mulej   R/. Tifħir lilek Kristu

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Doing the will of God

Fr Tony Kadavil's Weekly Eight-minute homily in one page

Introduction: 

Next Sunday’s readings teach us that Faith in Jesus as our God and Saviour and sacrificing everything in life to do the will of God are equivalent to discovering and possessing the most valuable treasure or the “pearl of great price”. In other words, keeping a personal relationship with Jesus, remaining in a state of grace, and sharing his view of life are the most beautiful and the most precious things in the world.

Scripture lessons summarized: 

The First Reading tells us how the young King Solomon opted for the great treasure of accepting God to rule his life by doing His will. That is why he requested of God the gift of prudence, “an understanding heart to distinguish right from wrong,” so that he might govern God’s people properly. The Lord God was pleased with Solomon’s request and granted him “a wise and discerning heart,”which enabled him to surpass everyone in wisdom. 

In the Second Reading, Paul teaches that “all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.” This is true of all who accept a close relationship with God as their greatest treasure. In the Gospel, using three mini-parables and one concluding simile, Jesus teaches us that God’s Kingdom, is something of extraordinary value, like a hidden treasure or a costly pearl. Possessing that treasure demands from us a total commitment if we are to preserve it. The Kingdom of God is God’s reign in our hearts, in our lives, in our homes, in our society, and in our world. Only those who develop a searching mind and a heart willing to give up everything for the great treasure of God’s Kingdom will be rewarded. 

Through the first and second parables of the treasure and pearl, Jesus teaches us that identifying God’s will and living according to the Gospel (both with His grace), are the most precious and worthwhile things in life. Through Jesus and his Gospel, we come to know and understand the real meaning of life, the will of God for us each day, and the most important things we must do to secure our eternal salvation.

Life messages: 

1) We should live every moment in view of our precious goal. Most of the time, we are chasing false treasures such as money, power, social status, or worldly pleasures. Thus, the really valuable “pearl” of sharing in God’s life through Jesus here on earth and later in Heaven, is never found. Let us always remember that Heaven is within the reach of all of us who try to do the will of God, following the ordinary vocations of life and enjoying this world's joys and pleasures within the framework of God's Commandments. When we do this, we are already living in the Kingdom of Heaven while we are still on earth.

2) We need to take all precautions to keep our greatest treasure safe: We will be able to keep safe the treasure of our personal relationship with Jesus by accepting him every day as our God and Savior, by allowing God to have total control over our lives through our loving obedience to His will, by asking Him daily for the strengthening and guidance of His Holy Spirit, by talking to Him daily in prayer, by listening to Him in our meditative reading of the Bible, by getting reconciled to Him and others every day, asking pardon and forgiveness for our sins, by offering Him our lives on the altar during the Holy Mass, and by allowing Him to nourish our souls frequently, by receiving Jesus in Holy Communion.

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