Uncategorized – Page 2 – SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER

August 19, 2025August 19, 2025

20th AUGUST 2025

WEDNESDAY, TWENTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Memorial of Saint Bernard

Jgs 9:6-15 Ps 21:2-7 Mt 20:1-16

GOD’S GRACE, NOT OUR MERIT

In the first reading from the book of Judges, Jotham tells a parable where the trees seek a king. The olive tree, the fig tree, and the vine: all productive and fruitful, decline the offer. They know their value lies in their service, not in seeking power. But the bramble, which offers nothing but thorns, readily accepts. This is a powerful warning: when the wise and capable refuse to lead, power falls into the hands of the unworthy, often to the detriment of the community. In the Gospel, Jesus tells the story of labourers hired at different hours, yet all receiving the same wage. Those who worked the longest grumble, feeling entitled to more. But the landowner reminds them: “Are you envious because I am generous?” In the kingdom of God, reward is not based on time served, but on the grace of the One who calls.

God’s ways are not our ways. While the world operates on merit, status, and comparison, God operates on grace, humility, and calling. This is both comforting and challenging. It comforts us when we feel late to the journey of faith or life. God’s invitation still stands, and His reward is not withheld. But it challenges our pride, our sense of entitlement, and our tendency to compare. Let us ask ourselves: Are we serving like the fruitful trees; quietly giving life or grasping for positions like the bramble? Are we grateful for being called, or resentful because others seem to get the same with less effort? In God’s vineyard, what matters is not how long or how hard we labour, but that we respond with open hearts. Let us celebrate His grace, serve with joy, and trust that in His eyes, each one of us is infinitely valued, not for what we earn, but for who we are.

Response: In your strength, O Lord, the king rejoices.

August 18, 2025August 18, 2025

19th AUGUST 2025

Reflection on Matthew 19: 23-30 | New Life Narrabri

TUESDAY, TWENTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Jgs 6:11-24 Ps 85:9,11-14 Mt 19:23-30

RIGHT KIND OF DEPENDENCE

The readings of today teach us what is the right kind of dependence. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about having riches and possessing wealth. He says it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. This statement clearly shows that such persons depend entirely on their riches rather than on the Giver of riches – God. For them, what matters is accumulation of material things and nothing else; they have completely forgotten the love of God and neighbour. If God does not give good health, strength, work strategies, opportunities, or the wisdom needed to succeed, how can a person gain wealth or riches? Hence, such a dependence on one’s wealth is nothing but a false kind of dependence that gradually leads one away from true dependence; i.e. the dependence on the Giver of everything. Jesus is not opposed to riches and wealth, but what He wants us to understand is that we should not be attached to them. We should not make them our God.

In the first reading, we witness the Israelites suffering under the oppression of the Midianites because they did not obey the voice of the Lord. God speaks to Gideon, instructing him to save Israel, but the latter objects, saying that he is weak and his clan is insignificant among the tribes of Israel. The Lord responds by assuring him, “I will be with you.” Here, when Gideon speaks of his own strength, God reminds him of His own. He invited Gideon to depend on Him to save Israel, because He is the Giver of everything. This is the kind of dependence we must strive to cultivate in our Christian life – a total and complete surrender to God who is the Creator and Provider of all.

Response: The Lord speaks of peace for his people.

August 17, 2025August 17, 2025

18th AUGUST 2025

Break Free From Modern Idols to Reclaim Your Soul

MONDAY, TWENTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Jgs 2:11-19 Ps 106:34-40,43-44 Mt 19:16-22

BREAK FREE FROM EVERY IDOL

The first reading reveals a truth about human nature: we are quick to forget God’s faithfulness and chase after lesser loves. The Israelites abandoned the Lord to serve foreign gods, invit ing suffering and oppression. Yet, in His mercy, God raised up judges to deliver them, only for the people to fall back into sin once the crisis passed. This pattern reflects our own spiritual struggles – how easily we compromise, how quickly we turn to false securities, and how desperately we need God’s interven tion. The rich young man in the Gospel mirrors this struggle. He seeks eternal life but is unwilling to surrender the one thing that holds him back – his wealth. Jesus looks at him with love and invites him to a radical trust: “Go, sell what you have… then come, follow Me.” Yet the young man walks away sorrowful, en slaved by the grip of material comfort. His story warns us that half-hearted devotion is really no devotion at all.

Today, we are challenged to examine our attachments. The Isra elites clung to false gods for security; the rich young man clung to his possessions for identity. What do we cling to instead of God? Success, relationships, comfort, or control? True freedom comes when we, like the judges of Israel, turn back to God with our whole hearts, or like the disciples, leave everything to fol low Christ. Yet there is hope in this call to surrender. God did not abandon Israel despite their repeated failures, and Jesus did not reject the rich young man but loved him and offered him more. The same mercy extends to us. If we dare to release what we hold too tightly, we will discover that God alone satisfies. Let us pray for the courage to break free from every idol, trusting that in Christ, we gain far more than we could ever lose.

Response: O Lord, remember us with the favour you show to your people.

August 16, 2025August 15, 2025

17th AUGUST 2025

Faith Under Fire | Living Word Christian Fellowship

SUNDAY, TWENTIENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Jer 38:4-6,8-10 Ps 40 Heb 12:1-4 Lk 12:49-53

FAITH UNDER FIRE

The suffering that the prophet Jeremiah undergoes, as the first reading narrates, is a stark reminder that faithfulness to God’s word often invites opposition. When he warned the leaders of Jerusalem of impending judgment unless they repented, they saw him as a traitor rather than a truth-teller. The officials demanded his death, and King Zedekiah, weak and fearful, handed him over to be thrown into a muddy cistern, left to starve in the darkness. Yet, in this pit of despair, God did not abandon Jeremiah. A foreign official, Ebed-Melech, courageously intervened, persuading the king to rescue him. This moment reveals two truths: First, God’s messengers may suffer for their witness, but He will ultimately uphold them. Second, God often sends unexpected allies – people of courage and compassion – to sustain His servants in their darkest hour. Jeremiah’s ordeal challenges us: Are we willing to speak God’s truth even when it’s unpopular? And when we see others persecuted for righteousness, do we, like Ebed-Melech, step forward in their defence?

The Letter to the Hebrews shifts our gaze from Jeremiah’s suffering to the ultimate example of endurance: Jesus Christ. The passage urges believers to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” and to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” How? By fixing our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross, scorning its shame, for the joy set before Him. This is a call to disciplined faithfulness. The Christian life is not a leisurely stroll but a gruelling marathon; one that requires focus, endurance, and the willingness to suffer. The text asks a piercing question: “In your struggle against sin, have you resisted to the point of shedding blood?” Most of us have not faced martyrdom, yet we often shrink even from the smaller sacrifices – rejecting gossip, standing for justice, or forgiving when it hurts. However, the passage offers hope: We are not alone. A “great cloud of witnesses” (the saints who have gone before us) surrounds us, and Christ Himself empowers us. When we grow weary, we must remember His victory; He endured the worst suffering so that we might share in His triumph.

At first glance, the words of the Lord in this Gospel seem jarring: “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were blazing already! … Do you think I came to bring peace? No, I tell you, but division.” This seems to contradicts the image of Jesus as a gentle peacemaker; so, what does He mean? The “fire” is the purifying power of God’s truth, which burns away falsehood and refines faith. Jesus’ message is so radical that it divides, not because He desires conflict, but because some will accept His Lordship while others reject it. Even families will split over allegiance to Him. True discipleship demands decisive loyalty. Following Christ may mean estrangement from loved ones, cultural backlash, or personal sacrifice. Yet this fire is necessary; it separates truth from deception and prepares us for God’s kingdom.

Today, the message of the readings is this: Faithfulness to God often brings suffering, but it is the path to true victory. In a world that pressures us to compromise, to stay silent, to take the easy path, to avoid “uncomfortable” truths, the Word of God calls us to courageous, unwavering faith. Will we shrink back, or will we endure, knowing that “our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Cor. 4:17)? The Christian life is not about comfort but conviction’ it demands a willingness to stand firm, suffer if necessary, and trust in God’s faithfulness. Jeremiah was pulled from the pit. Jesus emerged from the tomb. And we, too, will overcome if we do not grow weary.

Let us pray for the courage to speak truth like Jeremiah, persevere like the saints in Hebrews, and embrace the refining fire of Christ’s Gospel. For in the end, those who endure will hear the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Master” (Mt. 25:21). May we live – and, if necessary, suffer – for that eternal reward.

Response: Lord, make haste to help me!

August 15, 2025August 15, 2025

16th AUGUST 2025

Faith: Don't worry, God comes down to us - Pine and Lakes Echo Journal | News, weather, sports from Pequot Lakes Minnesota

SATURDAY, NINETEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Jos 24:14-29 Ps 16:1-2,5,7-8,11 Mt 19:13-15

FAITH: A LEGACY

In the first reading, Joshua stands before the people of Israel, encouraging them to make a decision – either follow the Lord or turn to other gods. He confidently proclaims his decision for himself and his family. Faith is more than a call to personal commitment; it is something we live and pass on, particularly to those who follow us. The Gospel conveys the same message as Jesus embraces little children. In a culture where children were dismissed as insignificant, Jesus embraces, lays His hands on, and blesses them. His acts communicate that faith is not only for the learned or mature, but for everyone – even the simple ones. In today’s world, which considers faith as a personal and private concern, Jesus’ gesture reminds us that faith is to be passed down through generations.

Parents, teachers, and elders in the community play important roles in influencing the spiritual path of the young generation. Many youngsters today struggle to see the relevance of faith. In an age of technology, and self-reliance, the call to entrust one’s life to God may appear old-fashioned. Faith should not be imposed as a set of strict laws, but rather fostered as a gift that inspires, directs, and transforms. Joshua lived his faith by example. His unshakable devotion to God was a proof to his people. Similarly, children and young people learn faith not only from what we teach, but also from how we act. If they see us emphasizing prayer, generosity, and integrity, they will be inspired to do the same. In contrast, if faith is viewed merely as an obligation, it risks becoming a burden rather than a source of joy. The youth of today are looking for witnesses, who conduct their lives in a way that reflect Godliness. Let us therefore commit ourselves to a life that leaves the legacy of faith!

Response: It is you, O Lord, who are my portion.

August 14, 2025August 14, 2025

15th AUGUST 2025

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Good Shepherd Catholic Church

FRIDAY, NINETEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Bl. Virgin Mary

Rv 11:19; 12:1-6,10 Ps 45 1 Cor 15:20-27 Lk 1:39-56

LESSONS FROM MARY’S ASSUMPTION

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We believe, as Catholics, that at the end of her earthly life, Mary was taken up into heaven, body and soul. This is a dogma of our faith, officially declared by Pope Pius XII in 1950. But what does this mean? It means that Mary, who was always close to God, did not experience death and decay like the rest of us. Because she was free from sin, even original sin, God brought her into heaven in her whole being. Her body was not left in a tomb; it was raised, just like her soul.

In the first reading, we hear about a woman clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head. Many people understand this woman to be Mary. She is in glory, but she also suffers and struggles. This reminds us that, even in her heavenly glory, Mary still prays for us. She is our mother, and she cares for us. The second reading speaks about the resurrection. Paul tells us that Jesus rose from the dead, and because of that, all who belong to Him will also rise. Mary belongs to Christ more than anyone else. So, she was the first to share in His victory after Him. Her Assumption is a sign that death is not the end. In the Gospel, we hear the story of the Visitation. Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth. Even though Mary is carrying Jesus in her womb, she goes in haste to help someone in need. She sings her beautiful song, the Magnificat, praising God who lifts up the lowly and fills the hungry with good things. What Mary says in her song comes true in her Assumption. God raised her up because she was humble. She said “yes” to God, and He did great things for her. This tells us that if we stay humble, if we trust God and serve others, He will also do great things in our lives.

The Assumption of Mary gives us three important spiritual lessons:

The Sacredness of Our Bodies: Our physical bodies are not disposable or insignificant; they are integral to our identity as children of God; they are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19). Mary’s bodily assumption into heaven confirms this truth: God does not discard our humanity but glorifies it. This challenges us to:

Respect our own bodies by avoiding sin, treating ourselves with care, and using our gifts for good.
Honor the bodies of others, recognizing their dignity and refusing to exploit or degrade them.
Live with eternal perspective, knowing that just as Mary was raised, we too will one day be resurrected in glorified bodies (1 Cor 15:42–44).

Hope in the Face of Death: Mary’s passage into heaven assures us that death does not have the final say – God’s love is stronger. When we lose loved ones, we can look to Mary and trust in Christ’s promise: “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). This hope transforms our sorrow by reminding us:

Death is a passage, not an end. Just as Mary was welcomed into heaven, God desires all His children to share in eternal joy.
Our prayers for the departed matter. We can entrust them to God’s mercy, knowing He will fulfil His plan for them.
Heaven is our true home. Like Mary, we are made for union with God, where every tear will be wiped away (Rev 21:4).

A Model for Christian Living: Mary’s life exemplifies the virtues that lead to holiness. Her assumption is a sign of what God offers to all who follow Him faithfully. To imitate Mary means to:

Live with unwavering faith, trusting God even in uncertainty (Luke 1:38).
Embrace humility, recognizing our dependence on God’s grace (Luke 1:48).
Serve others with love, as Mary did when she visited Elizabeth (Luke 1:39–56).
Persevere in hope, standing at the foot of the Cross (John 19:25) and awaiting the Resurrection.

Response: On your right stands the queen in gold of Ophir.

August 13, 2025August 13, 2025

14th AUGUST 2025

Joshua 3:7-17 | Israel Crosses The River Jordan | Lectionary bible reading - YouTube

THURSDAY, NINETEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe

Jos 3:7-11,13-17 Ps 114 :1-6 Mt 18:21–19:1

HE MOVES WITH US

As the first reading narrates, after years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites are finally about to enter the Promised Land. But there’s a problem: the River Jordan is at flood stage. It is an obstacle that seems insurmountable. In this crucial moment, God calls His people to act in faith. He instructs the priests to step into the river, carrying the Ark of the Covenant, which represents His presence among them. The miracle does not come before they step in; it comes after. The waters of the river will not part until their feet hit the water. They are called to step out in faith, even when the circumstances seem impossible.

We often find ourselves standing before what seems like an insurmountable obstacle, whether it is a difficult period, a personal challenge, or a dream that feels out of reach. The temptation is to wait for the perfect moment, to wait until the river dries up, until everything aligns perfectly. But faith doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. Faith steps into the unknown, trusting that God will move as we take the first step.

When the priests step into the water, something incredible happens: the waters stop flowing and pile up in a heap, creating a dry path for the entire nation to cross. This moment becomes a testimony to God’s faithfulness Who proves once again that He is with them, that He is faithful to His promises, and that He will make a way when there seems to be no way. We too are called to take steps of faith. It may be a step toward reconciliation, toward obedience, or toward a new opportunity. We do not know how the waters will part or what the journey will look like, but we know that as we step forward, God will move with us.

Response: Alleluia.

August 12, 2025August 12, 2025

13th AUGUST 2025

First Reconciliation | Holy Ghost Catholic Church

WEDNESDAY, NINETEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Dt 34:1-12 Ps 66:1-3,5,8,16-17 Mt 18:15-20

THE CHRISTIAN PATH TO RECONCILIATION

At Grace Lutheran Church in Atlanta, Georgia, worshippers mark the year’s end with a powerful “burning service.” Each person writes down their failures, grudges, or hopes for renewal and places the paper into a flaming urn. One year, two men – estranged over a business dispute – stood side by side. As their papers turned to ash, they turned to one another and shook hands. In that moment, pride burned away, leaving only grace. This ritual embodies what Christian community is meant to be: not a perfect institution, but a people committed to love, forgiveness, and humility.

Today, Jesus lays out a four-step path to reconciliation:

Talk One-on-One: Start with a personal, heart-to-heart con versation with the person who has wronged you. Often, this honest talk is enough for reconciliation to happen.

Bring a Witness: If the issue remains unresolved, involve a neutral third party – a mediator – and talk again in a calm, neutral setting.

Bring It to the Church: If the person still refuses to listen, turn to the Church community. Seek advice from priests or religious leaders.

Let It Go: As a last resort, if reconciliation is still not possible, it may be necessary to distance yourself from the person, but never with hatred – only with peace in your heart.

Too often, we reverse the process: we broadcast grievances publicly before seeking private resolution, or we cut ties instead of pursuing peace. As St. Clement of Alexandria wrote: “For the sake of each of us, He laid down His life, worth no less than the universe. He demands of us in return our lives for the sake of each other.” Let us ask ourselves therefore: Do we have the courage to confront with love, without causing harm? Can we open the door to healing, even when it is hard?

Response: Blest be God, who gave life to my soul.

August 11, 2025August 11, 2025

12th AUGUST 2025

Cru on X: "Heaven and earth will disappear, but My words will remain forever.” Luke 21:33 #Bible http://t.co/YHauZ4ID9g" / X

TUESDAY, NINETEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Dt 31:1-8 Dt 32:3-4,7-9,12 Mt 18:1-5,10,12-14

GOD’S PROMISES NEVER FADE AWAY

Many make promises but not always keep them, either because they forget, or because they’ve changed their mind. God, however, is always faithful, always trustworthy, always true to His word. When He makes a promise, He keeps it. His promise never fades away, never weakens, never ends. In the first reading, Moses tells the people of Israel that he can no longer lead them due to his old age. However, he reassures them that God will continue to be with them: “The Lord Himself will go before you. He will never leave you nor forsake you.” This is God’s promise – to be with His people always. Even after the death of Moses, God continues to be faithful to the promises that He made to the people of Israel. There are times that we find ourselves afraid of change, of being alone, of what the future may hold. In those times, let us recall the promise of the Lord: “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

In the Gospel passage of today, Jesus shows us how deeply God loves us. He says that we must become like little children to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Why? Because children trust completely. A child believes in the love of the parent. That is how God wants us to trust in Him – like children who know their Father will never abandon them. Like a shepherd who seeks the lost sheep, God never gives up on us. Even when we stray, He comes after us. He neither forgets us nor is disgusted by our sinfulness. His promise of love and care never fades but remains constant through every moment of our lives. Let us therefore trust Him completely, follow Him, and rest in His never-fading promises.

Response: The Lord’s portion is his people.

August 10, 2025August 10, 2025

11th AUGUST 2025

Life Is Like A Garden – The Happy Gardening Life

MONDAY, NINETEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Memorial of Saint Clare

Dt 10:12-22 Ps 147:12-15,19-20 Mt 17:22-27

LIFE’S LIKE A GARDEN!

“What does the Lord your God ask of you?” For the Israelites then and for us today, this question calls us to pause and reflect, not only on what God expects of us but also on the purpose of our existence which is, for God’s glory. The reading is not a list of demands but a loving invitation to nurture a life deeply rooted in His care.

To grasp this invitation more fully, let us imagine our hearts as a garden. The foundation of this garden is reverence, described as ‘the fear of the Lord.’ This fear can be described as a readiness to be shaped and moulded by God’s wisdom and love. Like soft, fertile soil prepared to receive seeds, our hearts must be tender and willing. Nothing good can flourish within us when pride hardens our hearts. God also calls us to walk in His ways, love Him, and serve Him with all our heart. These are not one-time actions but daily commitments, much like watering, pruning, and tending to a garden with care and patience. It is through this steady, faithful attention that our spiritual lives begin to flourish in rich and beautiful ways.

God’s commandments act as protective boundaries, like fences around a garden. They are not meant to restrict but to safeguard. When God tells us to ‘circumcise your hearts,’ He invites us to allow Him to remove the deep-rooted weeds of pride, selfishness, and bitterness so that love, humility, and faith can grow freely. We are also called to love the foreigner, remembering that Israel, too, was once a stranger in a foreign land. The mercy God has shown us is meant to overflow in our lives, producing fruit that nourishes others and extends kindness beyond ourselves. May our hearts be living gardens cultivated for God’s glory.

Response: O Jerusalem, glorify the Lord!