SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER

November 1, 2026November 1, 2026

2 NOVEMBER 2026

All Souls Day - Newsletter #14 - 15 October

MONDAY, THIRTY FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

THE COMMEMORATION OF ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED

(ALL SOULS)

Wis 3:1-9; Ps 23:1-6; Rom 5:5-11; Jn 6:37-40

HOPE BEYOND DEATH

All Souls’ Day, invites us to contemplate the Christian mystery that death is not the end of communion with God, but a passage into the fullness of life. Today, the Church remembers those who have died in the hope of the resurrection and entrusts them to God’s merciful love. While the world may see death as defeat and separation, Christian faith looks beyond death with hope. Pope Benedict XVI, in Spe Salvi, reminds us that Christian hope is not mere optimism but confidence that God’s love is stronger than death. St Paul reveals the foundation of this hope in his letter to Romans. Our hope rests not on human goodness but on Christ’s merciful initiative. Through His Cross and Resurrection, Jesus has confronted and overcome death. As Gaudium et Spes teaches, Christ illuminates the mystery of suffering and death by entering into it and transforming it. The Gospel gives us Jesus’ consoling promise: “I should lose nothing of all that he has given me but raise it up on the last day” implying that the deceased are not forgotten by God; they remain within Christ’s redeeming love.

The Church prays for the dead because the bond of charity is stronger than physical separation. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that from earliest times the Church has honoured the dead and offered prayers, especially the Eucharistic sacrifice, for them. We belong to one Body of Christ in life and death. This hope has a deep Carmelite dimension. St John of the Cross teaches that the soul’s ultimate end is perfect union with God. St Teresa of Avila understood life as a journey toward eternal communion: “It is time to walk, Lord, for my time is come.” All Souls’ Day therefore invites us to examine our own lives: Am I living in friendship with Christ? Am I forgiving, detached, and allowing God to purify my heart? Today let us entrust our departed to the Divine Mercy. May Mary, Mother of Mercy and Queen of Carmel, accompany us until we behold God face to face.

Response: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

October 31, 2026November 1, 2026

1 NOVEMBER 2026

We can all be saints! | CBCPNews

SUNDAY, THIRTY FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SOLEMNITY OF ALL SAINTS

Rv 7: 2-4, 9-14; Ps 24: 1-6; 1 Jn 3: 1-3; Mt 5: 1-12

ALL ARE CALLED TO BE SAINTS

Today the Church celebrates one of her most beautiful feasts: All Saints’ Day, a day not only to honour the saints we know by name, but also the countless men and women whose holiness remains hidden in the folds of daily life. This solemnity reminds us of a profound truth of our faith: holiness is not the privilege of a few; it is the vocation of all. Every person, in every state of life, is called to be a saint.

The Vision of Heaven: A Multitude of Hope

The Book of Revelation gives us a majestic vision: a great multitude from every nation, standing before the throne of God, clothed in white and singing praise. It is a scene of fulfillment — humanity gathered in unity, joy, and love before its Creator. These are not only the canonized saints but also the humble and unknown — parents, workers, missionaries, religious, children — all who lived their faith in love and perseverance. Their garments are white not because their lives were without sin, but because they were washed in the Blood of the Lamb. They allowed grace to purify their weakness. This is the hope of every Christian: not perfection achieved by effort, but sanctity received through surrender to divine mercy.

The Identity of the Children of God

St. John, in his first letter, reminds us: “See what love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.” The call to holiness begins here; not with what we do, but with who we are. Holiness is the flowering of baptismal grace; it is God’s life growing within us. John continues, “What we shall be has not yet been revealed.” Holiness is a journey, not a static state. It is the gradual transformation of our hearts into the likeness of Christ. Every act of faith, every small act of love, every moment of surrender draws us closer to that glory already prepared for us.

The Path to Holiness: The Beatitudes

In the Gospel, Jesus gives us the charter of sainthood: the Beatitudes. They turn worldly logic upside down. The saints are not the powerful, the admired, or the successful; they are the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, the pure of heart, the peacemakers, those who hunger for righteousness, and even those who suffer for truth. Each Beatitude describes a heart that has been shaped by love. The poor in spirit are those who rely on God alone. The merciful mirror the compassion of the Father. The pure of heart see God because they have nothing to hide from Him. These are not impossible ideals; they are portraits of Christ Himself and therefore, portraits of what we are called to become. Holiness is not escape from the world but transformation within it. It means living the Gospel in the ordinary, forgiving when it’s hard, choosing humility over pride, patience over irritation, generosity over self-interest. Every act of love, no matter how small, builds the Kingdom.

The Saints Among Us – Today we remember not only the great names like Francis of Assisi, Teresa of Avila, and Thérèse of Lisieux, but also the hidden saints: the grandmother who prayed for her family, the nurse who comforted the dying, the teacher who inspired hope, the youth who kept faith amid temptation. They show us that holiness is possible, that sanctity is woven into the texture of ordinary life. Pope Francis in Gaudete et Exsultate reminds us: “To be holy does not require being a bishop, a priest or a religious. We are all called to be holy by living our lives with love.” Holiness is the fruit of daily fidelity, doing ordinary things with extraordinary love. The saints are those who have let God love them fully, who have allowed His grace to shape their lives. They are mirrors of divine beauty, showing what happens when a soul says “yes” completely. The journey continues as All Saints’ Day is not simply about heaven; it is about our present call. The feast challenges us to live differently: to see holiness not as an unreachable perfection but as daily faithfulness to love. Holiness is joy – the joy of belonging entirely to God. It is the only destiny worthy of our hearts.

Response: You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

October 30, 2026October 30, 2026

31st OCTOBER 2026

Luke 14,1.7-11 - Digital Catholic Missionaries (DCM)

SATURDAY, THIRTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Phil 1: 18-26; Ps 42: 2-3, 5; Lk 14: 1, 7-11

JESUS’ TABLE TALK

The setting of the day’s gospel is a Sabbath meal hosted by one of the leading Pharisees, to which Jesus graciously accepts an invitation. Jesus observes how the invited guests are eager to secure places of honor at the table. In response, He shares a parable directed not only to those present but also to all of us who are invited to partake in God’s banquet. Jesus draws a very clear distinction between the Values of the world and the Values of the kingdom. In the world, status, recognition, and prestige are often pursued; in the Kingdom, humility is the defining virtue. The climax of this Gospel passage is found in Jesus’ teaching: “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

In the Greco-Roman world, humility was generally viewed negatively, often associated with weakness, insignificance, or low social status. Jesus radically transforms this understanding by presenting humility as a virtue and a pathway to true greatness. His parable is an invitation to stop competing for places of honor and instead to rest in God’s unconditional love. Once we are secure in the knowledge that we are loved by God, we no longer need to seek the “best seat at the table.” Humility reflects trust in God rather than dependence on social standing or human approval. Throughout Scripture, God consistently works through surrender and self-emptying. The Gospel, the Good News, calls us toward service, simplicity, and self-giving love. This pattern reaches its fullest expression in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That same Risen Christ is accessible to us today. If Christ could transform Saul the persecutor into Paul the Apostle, can He not also transform us? The question we must honestly ask ourselves is this: Is our ego-self greater than God’s humble self? Until we surrender our pride and allow Christ to reign within us, we will continue to struggle for places of honor. But when we embrace humility, we discover the freedom, joy, and dignity of being seated where God desires us to be—in His presence and in His love.

Response: My soul is thirsting for the living God.

October 29, 2026October 29, 2026

30 OCTOBER 2026

Love, Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness, Patience, Forgiveness, Colossians 3:12•14, Typography Art Print, Weddings, Baptisms - Etsy

FRIDAY, THIRTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Phil 1: 1-11; Ps 111: 1-6; Lk 14: 1-6

BOUND IN LOVE, CALLED TO COMPASSION

Most people in prison grow resentful, angry, and bitter with each passing day, but Paul’s letter to Philippians written from prison overflows with joy and encouragement. The Philippians and Paul had developed a deep relationship through riots, imprisonment, and hardship. The warmth of this relationship is evident throughout the letter. Paul had a genuine affection for them. Their joys were his joys; their struggles, his struggles. Even in prison, he remained bound to them in love.

The Philippians were not only friends with Paul, but partners in the Gospel. They actively shared in proclaiming, defending, and confirming the faith. They believed the Gospel and trusted in Christ, whose blood was shed for the forgiveness of sins. Paul was thankful for their continued partnership and fellowship in the Gospel. He prayed that their love would abound more and more, bringing discernment, purity, and spiritual fruitfulness.

In the Gospel Jesus challenges the Pharisees: if it is right to help an animal on the Sabbath, how can it be wrong to help a suffering person? Jesus never refused an invitation to hospitality, even when a Pharisee invited Him with the intention of testing Him. The man with dropsy seems to have been deliberately brought to the meal as a test, to see whether Jesus would heal him on the Sabbath. He may not have been welcomed because he was valued, but because he was being used as bait to trap Jesus. The Pharisees saw the man as an opportunity; Jesus saw him as a person. They were concerned about rules; Jesus was concerned about life. He showed him dignity by responding to his suffering and leading him towards wholeness.

Paul’s love for the Philippians and Jesus’ compassion for the suffering man reveal the same truth: the Gospel is not merely something we believe; it is a love we embody. True discipleship means carrying one another in our hearts, standing with those who suffer, and choosing mercy over indifference. Like Paul, we are called to remain bound to others in love; like Jesus, we are called to see the person behind the problem and respond with compassion.

Response: How great are the works of the Lord!

October 28, 2026October 28, 2026

29 OCTOBER 2026

Luke 13:31-35 – The Reflectionary

THURSDAY, THIRTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Eph 6: 10-20; Ps 144: 1-2, 9-10; Lk 13: 31-35

STEPS OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Today’s Gospel presents a challenging message about the dangers to our spiritual life. When some Pharisees warn Jesus that Herod wants to kill Him, Jesus is not overcome by fear. He calls Herod a “fox” and continues faithfully on His mission, showing that He is guided not by fear but by the will of His Father. The Gospel invites us to examine our own lives. We often worry about our health, money, reputation and what others think of us, while forgetting the greatest danger: losing our relationship with God. Spiritual decline rarely happens suddenly; it begins quietly through laziness, pride, fear, anger, jealousy, unforgiveness, or the desire to please others.

Therefore, the first step is to recognize our enemies: the attitudes, habits and temptations that slowly draw us away from God. Satan seeks to weaken our faith and separate us from Christ, so Jesus tells us to watch and pray. Second, remain in God’s love. Knowing that we are loved by God frees us from fear. Difficulties and temptations may come, but Christ gives us the strength to persevere. Third, be filled with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit gives us wisdom to recognize our faults, humility to accept correction, courage to change, and strength to choose what is right. Fourth, live an active Christian life. Faith must become action. We are called to serve, forgive, encourage and help others—remaining committed without becoming anxious. Fifth, repair broken relationships quickly. Hurt and misunderstanding are inevitable, but resentment destroys our peace. Forgiveness does not excuse the wrong; it frees our hearts from hatred. Finally, remain constant in prayer. Jesus Himself remained united with the Father through prayer. Prayer gives us the strength to face temptation, suffering and opposition with faith and peace.

Let us ask ourselves: Do I pray for those who hurt me? Do I forgive those who oppose me? Do I remain faithful when I am afraid? May we remain close to Jesus, constant in prayer, quick to forgive, and courageous in doing good. When Christ is at the centre of our lives, we remain secure in God’s love.

Response: Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

October 27, 2026October 27, 2026

28 OCTOBER 2026

The Feast of Saints Simon and Jude – Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica

WEDNESDAY, THIRTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Feast of Saints SIMON AND JUDE, Apostles

Eph 2: 19-22; Ps 19: 2-5; Lk 6: 12-16

WE BELONG TO GOD’S HOUSEHOLD

There are times when we feel like strangers; strangers in a place, strangers among people, or even strangers in our own lives and families. We may quietly carry the feeling that we do not belong. Today’s first reading gives us a beautiful message: in Christ, we are no longer strangers. We are members of God’s household. This is a simple truth, but it can change the way we live. God does not look at us as outsiders. He welcomes us as His own. He knows our story, our wounds, our failures, and our hopes, yet He still calls us His children. Nothing in our past is too broken for His love.

The reading also reminds us that we are being built together into a dwelling place for God. A house is made of many stones, and every stone has its place. In the same way, every person has a place in God’s family. No one is useless. No one is forgotten. Sometimes we may think that our small acts of love do not matter, but God uses them to build something beautiful. The saints Simon and Jude remind us that God can use ordinary people to become strong witnesses of His love. They were not called because they were perfect, but because they were willing to follow Jesus. Their lives became part of God’s living house. Perhaps today someone near us feels like an outsider. A kind word, a patient heart, a visit, or simply listening may help that person feel that they belong. We may never know how deeply a small act of love can touch another heart.

Let us also remember that we belong to God. When life becomes difficult and we feel alone, let us return to this truth: we have a home in Him. His love does not abandon us. Lord, thank You for making us part of Your family. Help us to welcome others as You have welcomed us. Make our hearts a place where others can experience Your kindness, peace, and love.

Response: Their message goes out through all the earth.

October 26, 2026October 26, 2026

27 OCTOBER 2026

The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast - Luke 13 18-21 Sermon

TUESDAY, THIRTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Eph 5: 21-33; Ps 128: 1-5; Lk 13: 18-21

SMALL BEGINNINGS, GREAT GROWTH IN GOD’S KINGDOM

In today’s Gospel, the Kingdom of God is compared to a mustard seed and to yeast. Both are very small. They seem almost unimportant. Yet they bring about amazing growth. The tiny seed becomes a large tree. A little yeast makes the whole dough rise. Jesus teaches us that God often works through small and hidden beginnings. Many people dream of doing great things for God. They wait for the perfect opportunity. But Jesus invites us to begin with the little things: a kind word, a smile, a sincere prayer, a helping hand. These simple acts may look small, but God can use them to touch many lives.

The first reading from Ephesians reminds us that love grows through mutual respect and self-giving. St. Paul speaks about relationships built on love, sacrifice, and care. Such love is not created in one day. It grows through daily acts of patience, understanding, and forgiveness. Like the mustard seed, faithful love becomes strong over time. We often become discouraged because we do not see immediate results. We pray, but nothing seems to change. We try to do good, but our efforts appear unnoticed. Today’s Gospel encourages us not to lose heart. God is at work even when we cannot see it.

Many saints began with simple acts of faith. St. Therese of Lisieux believed that small acts of love, done with great love, please God. She did ordinary things with an extraordinary heart. Her hidden life became a light for the whole Church. Today, Jesus asks us to trust the power of small beginnings. We may not change the whole world in one day. But we can make a difference in one person’s life. Every act of love, every prayer, and every sacrifice offered to God becomes a seed that He will make grow.

Let us ask the Lord for the grace to be faithful in the little things. May we never underestimate small acts of love. With trust and patience, may we allow God to work through us so that His Kingdom may continue to grow in our hearts, our families, and our world.

Response: Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

October 25, 2026October 25, 2026

26 OCTOBER 2026

Church Social Graphic: Live As Children of Light (Ephesians 5:8) - SermonCentral.com

MONDAY, THIRTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Eph 4: 32– 5: 8; Ps 1: 1-4, 6; Lk 13: 10-17

LIVING AS CHILDREN OF LIGHT THROUGH MERCY AND FREEDOM

Today’s readings invite us to reflect on what it means to live as God’s beloved children. Through Christ’s saving sacrifice we have been reconciled with God, and He has taught us to call God as Father. The readings today call us to imitate God’s love, choose the path of righteousness, and allow Christ to free us from whatever keeps us bound. St. Paul gives practical guidance for Christian living. He begins with a simple but demanding command: “Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.”

Christian forgiveness is not based on whether others deserve it, but on the forgiveness we ourselves have received from God. When we forgive, show kindness, and act with compassion, we reflect God’s own heart. For some people love is easy while for others it is difficult, but to “live in love,” following Christ is neither easy nor difficult because according to the gospel love is not merely a feeling; it is self-giving, sacrificial, and holy. Christians are called to be different because they have moved from darkness into light.

In the Gospel (Luke 13:10–17), Jesus heals a woman who was bent over for eighteen years. She could not straighten herself, but Jesus saw her, called her forward, and set her free. His compassion broke through all barriers of healing on the Sabbath. For Jesus, the dignity and freedom of a suffering person was more necessary than following rigid rules. For those of us bound by bondages of various kinds such as physical illness, emotional wounds, guilt, fear, resentment, addiction, or discouragement, there is hope. Jesus is the perfect friend, sensitive to our needs. All he desires of us is to build a personal relationship with him and he will prove without fail that he has the power to restore and heal so that we experience the love of our Heavenly Father. Let us, like the Psalmist, pray that we may be deeply rooted in The Word of God so that our life may bear fruit and reflect God’s love to everyone we meet.

Response: Behave like God as his very dear children.

October 23, 2026October 25, 2026

25 OCTOBER 2026

Carrie Jones Quote: “Tell Me Whom You Love and I'll Tell You Who You Are.”

SUNDAY, THIRTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Ex 22: 21-27; Ps 18: 2-4, 47, 51; 1 Thes 1: 5-10; Mt 22: 34-40

TELL ME WHOM YOU LOVE, AND I’LL TELL YOU WHO YOU ARE

It is often said that if we really want to know who a person is, we should look at what or whom that person loves. Our loves reveal our priorities. They influence our decisions, shape our relationships, and gradually form the kind of people we become. A person may speak about many things, but ultimately, what we love tells the deeper story of our lives. In this sense, the readings today invite us to ask a simple yet profound question: Whom do I really love? And what does my love reveal about me?

In the Gospel, a Pharisee asks Jesus which commandment is the greatest. Jesus does not hesitate. He says that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind. But Jesus does something equally important: He immediately connects this love with another commandment: to love our neighbour as ourselves. For Jesus, these two loves cannot be separated. Love of God is not something that exists independently from the way we treat the people around us. The person who truly loves God will gradually learn to see, respect and love others with the heart of God.

The first reading gives us a very practical picture of what this love looks like. God speaks about the stranger, the widow, the orphan and the poor. These were people who could easily be ignored because they had little power or protection. Yet God warns His people not to take advantage of them. He even says that when they cry out, He will hear their cry. This reveals that God is especially attentive to those whom society can overlook. Therefore, loving our neighbour is not merely about being kind to people we like. It means becoming sensitive to those who are vulnerable, inconvenient, forgotten or unable to repay us. Sometimes it is someone who has hurt us or a lonely elderly person whom everyone else seems to avoid.

The second reading presents us with a beautiful example of this kind of Christian life. St Paul praises the Thessalonians because they had received the Gospel and allowed it to transform their lives. Their faith did not remain something they professed with their lips; it became something that could be seen in their lives. They themselves became a model for other believers. Their love for God became visible through the way they lived. This is perhaps one of the greatest challenges for Christians today. We can have beautiful churches, devotional practices, prayers, medals, rosaries and religious traditions which are all precious. But the world ultimately wants to know whether our faith has made us more loving. Can people see something of Christ in the way we relate with them?

A new version of ‘Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are,’ can be created today: ‘Tell me whom you love, and I will tell you who you are.’ If our hearts are filled with love for God, that love cannot remain hidden. It will eventually spill over into our relationships. We will become more compassionate, more patient, more forgiving and more attentive to the needs of others. Perhaps, then, today’s Gospel is not simply asking us whether we love God. It is asking us to examine what our love for God is producing in us. Does it make us kinder? Does it make us less judgmental? Does it make us more generous? Does it make us notice the person whom others ignore? Does it make our presence a source of peace and consolation?

At the end of our lives, people may forget many things about us: our achievements, possessions, positions and even our words. But they are unlikely to forget how we made them feel. They will remember whether our presence made them feel loved, welcomed, valued and cared for. That is the kind of faith the Thessalonians had: a faith that could be seen. And that is the kind of love Jesus asks of us: a love of God that becomes love of neighbour. So, as we reflect on these readings today, we are to carry one question with us: “If someone watched the way I love, what would they discover about the God I believe in?” May our answer be found not merely in our words, but in our lives. For ultimately, ‘tell me whom you love, and I will tell you who you are.’

Response: I love you, Lord, my strength.

October 23, 2026October 23, 2026

24 OCTOBER 2026

Living Kingdom: Called to bear fruit – Adventist Record

SATURDAY, TWENTY NINTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Eph 4: 7-16; Ps 122: 1-5; Lk 13: 1-9

GOD GIVES US TIME TO BEAR FRUIT

Today’s readings invite us to reflect on God’s patience, our gifts, and the fruitfulness of our lives. In the Gospel, Jesus tells us the parable of the barren fig tree. The owner comes looking for fruit but finds none. He wants to cut the tree down. But the gardener pleads with him to till and manure it another year! This is a beautiful picture of God’s mercy. The tree has not produced fruit, yet God does not immediately abandon it. He gives it another opportunity. In the same way, there are moments when we may feel that our lives are not bearing enough fruit; our faith may be weak, our prayer may be dry, or we may keep falling into the same mistakes. Yet God patiently says, “Give it another chance.”

But the Gospel also gives us a challenge. God’s patience is not an invitation to remain unchanged. The extra time is given so that the tree may finally bear fruit. St. Paul reminds us that Christ has given different gifts to each member of the Church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. These gifts are given “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ.” Therefore, whatever gift we have our intelligence, creativity, compassion, leadership, communication, or simply our ability to encourage someone, is not meant only for ourselves. God’s gifts become meaningful when they become gifts to others.

The Psalm expresses the joy of journeying together toward God: “I rejoiced when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’” We do not grow alone. We need God and we need one another. So today, let us ask ourselves: What fruit is my life producing? Am I becoming more loving, patient, forgiving and generous? And am I using the gifts God has given me for the good of others? This is the wonderful message of today: God has not given up on us. The Gardener is still working on us. May we allow His grace to cultivate our hearts so that our lives may truly bear fruit.

Response: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.