Romans 10:9-18
 
What is the good news that we are to proclaim?  In one word, it is “Jesus”, that is, ‘God saves’ and “Emmanuel” which is translated, ‘God with us’. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5, 6 & 7), Jesus teaches how to make the good news of the kingdom of God a reality in our lives here, amongst those around us. “Blessed are the poor in spirit ...” Am I proclaiming the good news by thought, word and action? Holy Spirit, help me proclaim the good news to others.
 
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)
 
Proclaim the Gospel at all times, using words when necessary.
Saint Francis of Assisi   
 
Soli gloriam dei .

Daniel 6:11-28 & Luke 21:20-28
 
Calamities of all kinds – sudden deaths, accidents, disastrous decisions etc. – befall us day to day, year to year. Yet they are a drop in the bucket compared to massive genocides, human trafficking rings, tsunamis, or major earthquakes, fires and floods. Daniel was fed to a den of hungry lions. Jesus stated that humanity will be subject to global and cosmic events beyond imagination ‘before the end of this age’. How to prepare for such events and times? Learn through the school of ‘everyday’ events and sufferings to stand up, and raise my head and look for the redemption of God made visible in the death and resurrection of his Son. Christ Jesus, in the face of calamities let me stand up, lift up my head and watch for your salvation. 
 
You will show me the path of life, the fullness of joy in your presence. (Psalm 16:11)
 
Come, Lord Jesus –and be with me where I feel poorest. 
 
Henri Nouwen 
 
Soli gloriam dei .

Daniel 1:1-20
 
It takes a tremendous amount of time and effort to build a kingdom, let alone run it. Discerning the mission, establishing boundaries, winning competitions, flexing power, controlling and looking after all that is in the realm – these are overwhelming tasks for one mere mortal.  Yet still from time to time I try my hand at building my own fiefdoms, pretending it is all ‘for the glory of God’. Much better to actively seek the face of God, find the footsteps of Jesus and work by the Holy Spirit on the construction crew of Father God. Today will I chip away at my own kingdoms or work shoulder to shoulder with other disciples of Jesus to build the kingdom of God? Lord God, help me build your kingdom, not my own.
 
I reprove and disciple those whom I love.... To anyone who conquers I will give a place with me on my throne. (Rev 3:19, 21)
 
The objective of our life is really the kingdom of God.
Saint John Cassian   
 
Soli gloriam dei .

1 Maccabees 2: 15-29
 
Things that make for peace are not opiates or other substances or even particular possessions. Neither will turning a blind eye to the suffering of others, or complying with practices that satiate the world and the flesh bring peace to myself or to others. Rather, the things that make for true peace involve real-izing, or doing, things that open the well-springs to the peace of Christ, that passes all understanding. Sometimes, like Matthias in Maccabeean times I am required to stand up, shout out loud and take dramatic action, but more often I am called to quietly but steadfastly recognize things that make for peace in my family, community or place of work, and do them – faithfully, compassionately and with purity. Christ Jesus, help me recognize and real-ize the things that make for peace.  
 
If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts. (Psalm 95:8)
 
May I contemplate you alone, O Lord, and my lamp ever burn and shine before you.
Saint Columban 
 
Soli gloriam dei .

2 Maccabees 7:1-31 & Psalm 36:1-9
 
There are all kinds of enlightening experiences that are promoted by our culture today: prosperity, flawless health, momentary happiness, academics, artistic renderings, meditation techniques, theories and regimes of self-development and so on. But just as the moon bears witness to the sun, these are just reflections of the Source of light. God is the Source of all light, both concretely created in the stars, and any light that is spiritually perceived.  It is the light of God that allowed a Maccabeean mother and her seven sons– and Jesus, the Son of God, the Light of the World- to remain faithful in the face of torture and death. By turning our face to the Creator of light, we find all those things that truly enlighten our heavy hearts, our hearts of darkness, and the mystery of the unknown, and give us strength to remain faithful. Christ Jesus, help me in your light to see light.   
 
As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness. (Psalm 17:15)
 
Love cannot remain by itself –it has no meaning.  Love has to be put into action and that action is service.
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta
 
Soli gloriam dei .