July 8, 2019 Monday
Gospel: Matthew 9:18-26

““If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed” Matthew 9:21

These are the very words we say before we partake the Eucharist. Remember the Roman Centurion who sought Jesus for help: Jesus marvelled at his faith and so HE said, “Go; be it done for you as you have believed.” And that same faith gave courage to the haemorrhaging woman to touch Jesus' cloak and she got healed!

This prayer is an expression of our own faith as we approach Jesus each time in the Eucharist. For we believe that Jesus is our Divine Healer and we need spiritual healing.

What a beautiful reminder as we come to mass! Let’s approach Jesus now with fervent prayer and claim our gift of healing! Mother Mary, teach us to increase our faith! And to say to the Lord, “You are my refuge, my fortress, my healer! In you I trust ! Amen !”
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July 7, 2019  Sunday
Gospel: Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

“Rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” – cf Luke 10:20

Today’s gospel is about Jesus sending out his disciples as ‘laborers for His harvest.’ He gives them specific instructions on what to bring, warns them about the dangers along the way and how to approach different kinds of people. The disciples came home rejoicing for the accomplishments they have done in His name. How great must they’ve felt during those times! 

May we, who are today’s modern disciples, be able to contemplate on the same joy the mission brings. And as Jesus assured His disciples, may we cherish the reward of our names being ‘written in heaven’ as well.
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July 6, 2019  Saturday
Gospel: Matthew 9:14-17

“Do not put new wine into old wineskins” – cf Matthew 9: 17  

As we get to know Jesus deeper through prayer, there are aspects of our lives that we may be called to purify to become more Christ-like. Sometimes our rigidity and resistance to change prevent us from truly accepting and recognizing the transformation we need to do from within. 

In today’s gospel, Jesus reminds us that genuine prayer will lead us to become a new creation, and we must welcome the total transformation of our lives, from inside and out, in order for us to become the best wine which will enrich others as well.

Mother Mary, teach us to welcome the newness our faith in Christ brings.
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July 5, 2019 Friday
Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13

“I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” – cf Matthew 9:13

As the Good Shepherd, Jesus leaves the rest and looks for that one lost sheep. It’s such a consolation to know that no matter how great we seem to have wandered off, no matter how far we’ve distanced ourselves from God, His love is so overflowing that He will leave the rest in order to look for us. 

Hence we are being invited by Jesus to do the same to others as well. That however greatly they have hurt, betrayed or distanced from us, we must still recognize that they are God’s beloved and are still worthy of our love as well.
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July 4, 2019 Thursday
Gospel: Matthew 9:1-8

 "Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.” – cf Matthew 9:2

Is there a moment in your life when you’ve felt paralyzed? When the mind is willing, but the flesh is weak? Were there times when you felt stuck or unfruitful?

In today’s gospel, Jesus is teaching us the key elements to combat this paralysis: 
(1) courage, to be able to overcome laziness or shyness and become proactive 
(2) mercy, to feel God’s loving gaze, urging us to keep moving forward despite our frailties and failures, and 
(3) the power of community- like the people who carried the paralytic to be able to go near Jesus, our community can carry us to reach Him when we feel incapacitated.
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July 3, 2019 Wednesday
Gospel: John 20:24-29

 "Stop doubting and believe.”  - cf Jn 20:27

St. Thomas has been otherwise known as the “Doubting Thomas” in today’s gospel account. Like him, we too sometimes fall to this trap. We set conditions for a lot of things before we believe (e.g. unless it will be beneficial for me..., unless you give me proof..., unless I see you as a credible source..., etc.) 

On the other side of the spectrum, at times we also become too gullible - believing in gossips and hearsay by other people without searching for the truth. But today Jesus reminds us that despite our volatile minds, His fidelity never dwindles. He is ready to show us His wounds anytime, in order for us to believe that He loves us, despite our doubts.
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July 2, 2019 Tuesday
Gospel: Matthew 8:23-27

 "Then He got up...and there was great calm”  - cf M6 8:26

There are certain things in life that are beyond our control -- natural calamities, unexpected illnesses, the kinds of people we will be working with, the family situation we are in, etc. The fact that we have no control over them makes it very difficult to handle or accept. 

But Jesus reminds us that no matter how fierce and tremendous the storms in our lives are, there is Someone bigger and more powerful who will restore peace and calmness in all these trying moments.

Mama Mary, teach us how to trust in Him fully and to have radical faith.
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July 1, 2019 Monday
Gospel: Matthew 8:12-22

"Let me go first..." - cf Mt 8:21

Sometimes in our following of Jesus we tend to prioritize our own will first. Even though our reasons seem justifiable for us, still Jesus is inviting us to follow Him first and to let Him take care of the rest.

As we try to rely on ourselves less, we begin to trust in Him more deeply. Hence, we are being called to pray sincerely and listen to what He wills, instead of hearing only our own hearts’ desire.

Mother Mary, as someone who entrusted your life entirely to God’s will, please guide us.
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​June 30, 2019 Sunday
Lk 9:51-62

"When the days drew near, he set his face to go to Jerusalem."

How resolved are we to do the mission God has for each of us?  If it means hardship and difficulty will we continue doing it?  

As Jesus continued his mission throughout Gallilee, He could very well have stopped and stayed somewhere. He could have refused to continue on to Jerusalem knowing what awaited him there. 

But the Gospel says that he “set his face”. The Greek translation literally means He was steadfast.  He trusted that all was in Gods control and that all was according to God’s plan. 

When we feel afraid to continue on, let us pray for the same determination as Jesus!


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