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TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME In our gospel from Matthew, Jesus provides us with some basic instructions when it comes to conflict resolution within the community of believers. He tells us that most importantly we must try to work out our disagreements with the other person in a private setting that allows them to maintain a sense of dignity and respect. Only if we cannot reach agreement should we try to illicit help from others in the community. If in the end we still cannot come to terms with those who have wronged us, while unfortunate, it may be best to separate ourselves from the relationship. As a community of believers, we must realize that none of us is perfect. We are human beings. We have faults, we trip up, we fail and we sin. The important thing is that we make the effort to correct our behaviour, forgive when called upon and do our best to be reconciled to one another. This isn’t always easy, but if we follow the example Christ has set for us, we can work together to maintain a community of harmony and unity where Christ’s presence is truly felt by all who gather in His name. |
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THE EIGHTEENTH TO TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Our Gospel from Matthew tells us that Jesus needed some time to himself after learning of St. John the Baptist’s death. However, when he comes ashore, he encounters a large crowd awaiting his arrival. We are told that Jesus although grieving John’s death, is moved with compassion for the people and so begins curing the sick among them. As evening approached, the disciples realizing that the people had been without food for some time, approached Jesus urging him to send the people home. Despite their urging, Jesus allows the crowd to stay and satisfies their physical hunger through the miracle of the loaves and fishes. This is an important lesson, not only for the disciples, but for us as well. Jesus’ instruction to “give them something to eat” demonstrates that when we see a need, we must respond; even when it might be easier to leave it to someone else. When we open our hearts to those around us, we too will be moved with compassion to follow the example that Jesus set for us by sharing our resources for the good of others. BULLETIN – 18th to 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 2026 – Year A |
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THE THIRTEENTH TO SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME In this week’s gospel, Jesus tells the apostles, “Whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me”. As followers of Christ, Jesus calls each of us to take up our crosses and follow him. In light of the suffering and death that Jesus endured, the thought of taking up the cross can be daunting. However, Jesus is not asking us to seek out suffering and place ourselves in harm’s way. Taking up one’s cross refers to facing the challenges and difficulties that we encounter in a manner that follows the teachings of Christ. This involves changing our attitudes and being open to putting his way of life into practice by reaching out to the stranger, caring for the marginalized and surrendering ourselves to the will of God. BULLETIN – 13th to 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2026 – Year A |
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THE TWELFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Our Gospel from Matthew this week follows last week’s commissioning of the 12 Apostles to go out and preach the Good News to the Jewish people. Jesus warns them that not everyone will be receptive to their message and they may face many hardships. However, he encourages them to remain fearless and confident in the knowledge that they are deeply loved by God. As followers of Christ, proclaiming the Good News in our world today can be daunting. Let us not abandon our Christian values, but instead remain steadfast in standing for truth and justice in our world so that when we complete our earthly journey God will acknowledge our efforts and claim us as His own. |
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THE ELEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME In today’s Gospel from Matthew, we are told that Jesus looked with compassion on the crowds and likened them to sheep without a shepherd. The lost sheep of Israel were great in number so Jesus called upon the twelve apostles, empowering them to go out to the Jewish people curing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing the lepers and casting out demons. As Christians, we have been called by Christ to carry on the work of Jesus and his disciples. We do this by reaching out to the lost sheep of our time with caring hearts, encouraging words, and by living a life based on Christian values. |