“What must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Jesus says he lacks one thing. He is to sell what he has and give it to the poor in order to obtain treasure in heaven.

It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

then, as they ask, “Who can be saved?”

The rich have a bigger challenge than that faced by anyone else.

 St. Augustine of Canterbury, bishop

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1 Peter 1:3-9

Let us praise God,

Jesus sees all who act in his name as having much in common.

A genuine believer –this man who was casting out demons is a genuine believer.

Why would the disciples try to stop a man from doing good in the name of Jesus?

Because they aren’t a part of your group?

St. Rita of Cascia, Religious

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James 4:13-17

Listen now, you who speak like this,

The Solemnity of the Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

The Trinity is first and foremost a mystery.

As The Divine Mystery above all mysteries, we must begin by humbly acknowledging that we will never,

not even in Heaven, have a complete understanding of God’s essence, His inner reality.

Above all, directs us toward the goal of our journey.

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Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40

Ask of the times past.

Jesus begins to prepare His disciples about His impending passion, death and resurrection but His disciples do not understand.

They were even busy arguing who would be the greatest of them in the coming kingdom of their Master.

They turn to arguing with each other, squabbling among themselves over petty issues of rank and status.

They were caught up, as I am often caught up, in private competitions and jealousies.

“Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.”  

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1st Reading: James 4:1-10

What causes

Simony–the buying and selling of sacred offices and things; the unlawful marriage of the clergy;

and lay investiture—kings and nobles controlling the appointment of Church officials, plagued the Church then.

Gregory’s papalreasserted the unity of the whole Church based on Christ.

 Blessed Virgin Mary/St. Bede the Venerable, priest & doctor

St. Gregory VII, pope/ St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, virgin

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James 5:13-20

Are any among you discouraged?

 Power of Prayer

Why couldn’t the disciples cure the boy?

Jesus is definitive in his answer: “Only prayer can drive out this kind. Nothing else.

The father of the boy says to our Lord, “If Thou canst,”

Lord indirectly rebuking him for his want of faith, “If thou canst believe.”

“All things are possible,” Faith on the part of him who prays, makes all things possible of attainment, from the infinite power of God.

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1st Reading: James 3:13-18

(or Genesis 3:9-15, 20 or Acts 1:12-14)

If you consider yourself wise

 Jesus answered to them, "What did Moses command you?"
And they said, "Moses permitted a man TO WRITE A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE AND SEND her AWAY."

Jesus says, "Yes, that regulation is in the Law –
but it is there to restrain evil, not as a pointer to God’s character. 

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James 5:9-12

Beloved, do not fight

"Receive the Holy Spirit!"

The Church is born today.

The Holy Spirit that Jesus had promised to his disciples had finally come,

descending upon the apostolic band in a way they could have hardly imagined.

And it filled them with tremendous power and zeal for the Gospel.

This fire continues to animate and embolden the church.

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Acts 2:1-11

When the day of Pentecost came,

 Do you set a good example for others to follow?

Jesus reminds us not give offense or bad example that might lead another to sin.

As salt purifies, preserves, and produces rich flavor for food,

so the disciple of Christ must be salt in the world of human society to purify, preserve,

and bring the flavor of God's kingdom of righteousness, peace, joy, and mercy.

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James 5:1-6

So, now, for what

Peter, you mind your own journey and simply follow me.”

Lord, when I keep my focus on you, I cannot go astray. You are the Way and the Truth!

Too many times we base our own sense of self-worth and spirituality by comparing ourselves to others.

St. John I, pope & martyr

 ＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊    

Acts 28:16-20, 30-31

Upon our arrival in Rome,