“Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else.” (LK 18: 9)

Specialists say, that the problem lies in comparing ourselves. We always can find better than we are, and worst than we. This is why we started our Programs with a strong decision to change ourselves, not our spouses, not our communities, not our friends, or relatives. Ourselves!!! Everyday, with a good examination of conscience, asking the right questions, we can see what else I can do or to change, to make this world a better place for our spouses and our children.

“If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” (Gospel Acclamation)

“He is One and there is no other than he. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” (MK 12: 32-33)

Our Lord reminds us what is our main purpose in our lives—to love Him with all our hearts…” We are not only called to not make sins, but to be away from everything what is evil; we have a very positive vocation—to be with Him, to love Him, to love others, to grow together, and to bring joy to many.

“Repent, says the Lord; the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Gospel Acclamation)

“When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, ‘Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.’” (LK 2: 48)

One of my favorite feasts: The Solemnity of St. Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. St. Joseph is never alone, he is recognized by His vocation to be husband and father. This is real identity—coming from vocation, coming from God, by His call. St. Joseph is a husband and father. And he helps us to be good spouses and good parents.

“Blessed are those who dwell in your house, O Lord; they never cease to praise you.” (Gospel Acclamation)

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” (MT 5: 17)

Our Lord came to fulfill all God’s promises. He came to destroy the sin to make us free again, to help us to grow and to fulfill God’s talents we received, the vocation we received, and bring fruits. Our main concern could be always—what else I can do to fulfill my life and bring more love to my beloved ones.

“Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life.” (Gospel Acclamation)

“Peter approached Jesus and asked him, ‘Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.’” (MT 18: 21-22)

The same common question like with a gift of self—how often? Especially when he/she is not like me, and we are tempted to demand, to expect, to receive. Love is in giving, in being focused on our spouses first, in forgetting and in forgiveness. Love is a free, creative and joyful gift of self.

“Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart; for I am gracious and merciful.” (Gospel Acclamation)

“Jesus said to the people in the synagogue at Nazareth: ‘Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.’” (LK 4: 23-24) 

It happened to Our Lord; it happens to many of us. It is so difficult to be a prophet in “his own native place.” But being accepted and proclaiming the Good News are different things. We are called to share with others; they can accept or reject—they have a free will, but we also. 

“I hope in the LORD, I trust in his word; with him there is kindness and plenteous redemption.” (Gospel Acclamation) 

“Many of the Samaritans of that town began to believe in him because of the word of the woman who testified, ‘He told me everything I have done.’” (JN 4: 39) 

She wasn’t perfect; she wasn’t prepared to proclaim the good news. On the contrary, she didn’t have a good reputation. But she inspired the whole town to come to Jesus, to listen, and to believe in Him. How many excuses do we have for keeping our faith private? 

“Lord, you are truly the Savior of the world; give me living water, that I may never thirst again.” (Gospel Acclamation) 

“Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.’” (LK 15: 1-2) 

Those who were “officially” pious persons rejected Our Lord; “tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus.” Fortunately, Our Lord choses those who are in trouble, who are weak, and who are sinners. He has for us Good News—about a love stronger than hate, about a life stronger than death, about a hope stronger than despair and a mercy stronger than justice. 

“I will get up and go to my father and shall say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.” (Gospel Acclamation) 

“Therefore, I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.” (MT 21: 43) 

Every vocation has its own fruits. Being married couples and being parents brings different fruits than being a consecrated woman or priest. It is so important to remember my main identity because we can miss something important in our lives. 

“God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son; so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.” (Gospel Acclamation) 

“When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.” (LK 16: 22-23) 

The rich man and the poor man. The rich man was buried and was sent to the netherworld; the poor man was “carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham.” Is it a mortal sin to be rich? Is there no salvation for rich people? Or perhaps the problem doesn’t lie in richness, but in being totally selfish, not recognizing anything else other than my comfort, my splendor, and my own pleasure? Demander or giver?

“Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.” (Gospel Acclamation)