“WE ARE NO MORE THAN SERVANTS: WE HAVE ONLY DONE OUR DUTY.”

If I accomplish good things and deeds, I cannot boast of them before God and claim my reward.

I simply did what I was expected to do.

I do good works not to get paid, but for the Father who created me to get praised.　

St. Josaphat, bishop & martyr

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

 Titus 2:1-8, 11-14

Let your words

Why would Jesus spend time with sinners, outcasts and tax collectors?

Why Jesus would want to spend his time with a sinner.

The answer is Jesus loves unconditionally.

Tax collectors and sinners – willing to listen – open to repentance and discipleship

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊    

Philippians 3:3-8a

We are the true circumcised people,

 St. Martin of Tours, bishop

One winter day, St. Martin as he was on his way to a town.

He noticed near the gate a begga, without any protection from the cold begging alms.

Since he had nothing with him, he took his sword and divided his winter cloak into two.

He used one piece to wrap around the shivering beggar.

That night he saw in a dream Jesus, surrounded by angels, wearing half of his cloak.

 ＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Titus 1:1-9

From Paul, servant of God,

 Jesus tells his followers that they must be willing to sacrifice their love for those closest to them if they wish to be his disciples?

There is a certain selfishness and self-centeredness within us.

And these are not boloney sufferings and sacrifices.

These are the ones that invite us to have confidence and trust in God.

Ｗho gave up everything for our sake?

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Philippians 2:12-18

Therefore, my dearest friends,

 Jesus specifically denounces the scribes. demand respect from people in excessive ways.

The widow she kept nothing to herself, and she gave her all.

Similarly, St. Paul gave his absolute all to the ministry and mission he was given;

there was no remainder. in giving themselves completely.

Jesus has already told us that whoever wants to be first must be last and servant of all.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

1 Kings 17:10-16

So Elijah went to Zarephath.

“HAPPY ARE THOSE WHO EAT AT THE BAQUET IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD!”

Salvation is like being invited into the banquet of God’s Kingdom.

God invites us to share in the heavenly banquet, the wedding feast of the Lamb.

We can use the gifts and grace we receive from the Holy Spirit.

Share the heavenly banquet.

Fortunate will be those who will heed the invitation; they will have the chance of dining with the Master.
 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊    

Philippians 2:5-11

Your attitude should be

 The Lateran Basilica, the mother and head of all churches in Rome and in the world.

The Church is much more than a building, the Church is the Body of Christ,

founded on Christ, called to be his presence in the world.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12

The man brought me

 Jesus calls us to a different standard.

To those whose need is greatest.

Our kindness and generosity may not be reciprocated,

Selflessly not in hope of any reward.

St. Charles Borromeo, bishop

 ＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Philippians 2:1-4

If I may advise you,

 Jesus nor the master is praising the steward for his dishonesty.

Secondly we need to be tenacious.

We cannot give in to despair but should struggle to make a life worthy of heaven.

The children of light are focused on the kingdom of God.

Jesus is calling his disciples to become as savvy to the ways of the kingdom

as other people are savvy to the ways of the world.

 ＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊    

Philippians 3:17-4:1

Unite in imitating me,

 Jesus emphasizes us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Also teaches that we must love our neighbors as ourselves.

love is the greatest law, fulfilling all commandments.

We must love God fully and love our neighbors as ourselves.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Deuteronomy 6:2-6

Fear Yahweh,