Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr Luke 12:1-7 Being truthful to God, others and ourselves
In today’s Gospel, Jesus warns his disciples: “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” Hypocrisy is pretending to be what we are not, putting on a mask of goodness while our hearts remain far from God. Sadly, even in the Church, this danger exists. Sometimes envy, pride, or hunger for power take root, even among those who claim to serve God. We must be vigilant—not only against the hypocrisy of others, but also against the risk of falling into it ourselves. Let us never use God as a cover to hurt others.
Jesus reminds us that “nothing is hidden that will not be revealed.” God asks us to live with honesty, transparency, and truth. We are not meant to live in secrecy or false appearances. To live in truth is to live in freedom. If you want to be free, learn to speak the truth, live by the truth, and walk in the light of Christ.
Then Jesus reassures us: “Do not be afraid.” Human power is limited—it can harm the body, but never the soul. Our true worth comes from God. Even the sparrows are counted and cared for, and we are worth far more than many sparrows. Too often, humiliation or criticism leads us to feel worthless. But in God’s eyes, you are infinitely valuable. No one is superior to another—we are all beloved children of the same Father.
So today, let us strip away all masks and live sincerely before God. Let us resist fear, trust in the Father’s care, and learn to see ourselves and others with dignity. Perhaps pray a Rosary for someone you have humiliated, or who has humiliated you, asking God to heal your heart with forgiveness.
Thursday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time Or Optional Memorial of Saint Hedwig, Religious Or Optional Memorial of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, Virgin Luke 11:47-54 Becoming a prophet or apostle is ‘dangerous’
Today, Jesus speaks strongly against those who build memorials for the prophets while at the same time rejecting their message. It is easier to honour a prophet of the past than to listen to a prophet in the present. Why? Because real prophets unsettle us; they reveal our arrogance and call us to change.
We often use three weapons against prophets. The first is ridicule: we mock or belittle the person who challenges us. The second is disregard: we simply ignore them, close our ears, and dismiss the message. The third is superiority: we shield ourselves with pride, saying, “Who are you to correct me?” But when we act like this, we close ourselves in a bubble and miss God’s invitation to conversion.
Jesus reminds us that every generation will be held accountable. Our words and actions matter; we cannot just wash our hands like Pilate. We are responsible before God and before our brothers and sisters. It is good to ask: what mistakes have I ignored or refused to own? Today the Lord calls us to put aside ego and arrogance, and to rediscover his merciful heart, which makes us new.
Finally, Jesus warns against blocking the way for others. Sometimes, without realizing it, we put ourselves at the center and draw people to ourselves rather than to Christ. We must remember that Christianity is not about following personalities, but about following Jesus. Our task is simple: live with humility, pray with sincerity, and keep pointing others to Him.
Let us then ask for the grace of simplicity, courage, and accountability. May we honor the prophets not only with words or memorials, but by welcoming their call to live in truth, justice, and love.
Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church Luke 11:42-46 Danger of missing the heart of the Gospel
In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks strong words against the Pharisees and the lawyers. They were meticulous about external duties—tithing even the smallest herbs, claiming the best seats in the synagogue, receiving public greetings with pride. Yet they neglected what was essential: justice and the love of God. Jesus compared them to unseen graves—appearing respectable on the surface, but spreading corruption without people realising it.
This is a hard truth: it is possible to look religious, to fulfil every outward duty, and yet to miss the heart of the Gospel. True holiness is not about appearances but about love—love of God and love of neighbour.
Jesus also cautions against the pursuit of honour and position. The Pharisees loved the best seats and public recognition. But life is not about titles or status—it is fragile, like an omelette: today on top, tomorrow at the bottom. Our worth is not measured by power or recognition, but by how faithfully we love and serve.
And a further warning: faith must never be imposed. Christianity is a calling, a free response to God’s love. To force or harass others only breeds rejection and distorts the image of God. Our task is not to impose but to propose—to show the freshness of the Gospel through our own witness of joy and compassion.
Like Teresa of Avila, we are called to move beyond external religion to an interior life rooted in God. Yes, practices of faith—Mass, prayer, tithes, devotions—are important. But if they do not transform us into people of mercy, justice, and humility, they remain empty gestures.
The Pharisees sought honor from people; Teresa sought intimacy with God. The Pharisees loved being seen; Teresa loved being hidden in prayer. Jesus calls us to follow her path: to let our faith be authentic, our hearts uncluttered by pride, our lives marked by love.
May St. Teresa help us to remember that real holiness is not in being noticed, but in belonging entirely to Christ.
全属于祢 
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