Saint John had the courage and perseverance to speak the truth at all times. He was honoured as one of the first to encounter Jesus. His whole life pointed to Jesus, even while he was in Elizabeth's womb. Repent, the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand! Behold, the Lamb of God is here to take away the sins of the world! John is imprisoned and killed for defending the truth. We are reminded to have the same courage, boldness and perseverance.
In the 6th chapter of John's gospel, Fr. Matthew tells us about "the golden nugget" of our faith, the essential Eucharist. We need to be fed and transformed by God Himself each week or even every day if we want. Do we really want God? Do we want eternal life? If so, then we must act. We have a responsibility to share (lovingly and without guilt) the Good News about the divine life with others. Let's take the risk to invite others to celebrate Mass with us. Yes, it's hard, but but it's worth it, and we can do it.
How often to forgive is a relevant question that comes up in our lives. What are we to do, should we cut off the offending person? Jesus' answer is "no". We are to always forgive, and to be merciful. "Forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who tresspass against us." We need to have more compassion and patience with others.
Throwing in the towel and calling it quits can be tempting when things go wrong. Father Matthew describes how the same thing happened to Elijah, who then begged God to end his life. God provides Elijah with a tangible miracle that gives him hope and new strength. We too can receive this miracle whenever we want to, and it should "leave us in a state of awe".
Born to Spanish nobility in the 12th century, St. Dominic was a priest, and best known for founding the Dominicans (religious order) and for fighting heresies within the Church. He is the patron saint of astronomy. He had a vision of meeting a beggar on the street, who later became St. Francis of Assisi.
Father Matthew's reflection on the signs that Jesus provided to the crowds, and how it should have "knocked their socks off". God is indeed alive and active in everyone's lives. The signs are all around if we just look for them. He then gives a homework assignment to think about a time when God provided you with a sign or answered your prayers, and then to share that story with others. Father Matthew walks the talk and provides the congregation with his own touching testimony.
