Fr. Emmanuel Kasibante

Lord Jesus, you were blessed to have holy grandparents in the figures of Joachim and Anne. Help me appreciate the wisdom, kindness, and love of the elderly. Teach me to be humble so that I may learn from them and imitate their good example.

Can you drink from the chalice that I am about to drink from? (Mt 20:22). Lord Jesus, you desire your friends to share in your life, death, and resurrection. You do not promise an easy life, but rather one filled with joy, love, service, suffering, and sacrifice.

Why do you speak to them in parables? (Mt 13:10). Precisely to encourage their decision, conversion of the heart; indeed, by their very nature, parables demand the effort of interpretation, they not only challenge the mind but also freedom.

A Sower went out to sow (Mt 13:3). The Lord scatters the seed of the word of God freely and with abundance. The Sower does not lose heart, for he knows that part of this seed is destined to find ‘good soil’, namely, ardent hearts capable of receiving the word with willingness.

I have seen the Lord! (Jn 20:18).How beautiful it is to think that Mary Magdalene experienced the first appearance of the Risen One —in such a personal way! That there is someone who knows us, who sees our suffering and disappointment, who is moved by us, and calls us by name.

I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah will then have a son (Gen 18:10). Lord God, you visited Abraham and remade the covenant with him. You promised Abraham a royal dynasty and have made me your royal child through baptism.

Lord God, you knew that many would reject the message and work of your Son. You also knew they would plot his death. But you were able to draw forth the greatest good from the greatest evil. You did not break the weak but brought righteousness to the world through your Son.

I desire mercy, not sacrifice (Mt 12:7). God, who is rich in mercy, desires us to be merciful. How close God is to those who confess his mercy! Lord, I will imitate your merciful love and offer you the pleasing sacrifice of a life lived in communion with your Son.

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened (Mt 11:28). Lord, meekness is not weakness. Humility is not false self-deprecation. Meekness is the gentleness of one who loves. Servants who lay down their lives for others. May I truly be meek and humble of heart as you are.

Father, you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to infants (Mt 11:25). Lord, give me child-like simplicity and purity of faith to look upon your face with joy and confidence in your all-merciful love. Remove every doubt, fear, and pride.

Whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink...he will not lose his reward (Mt 10:42). Any kindness shown and help given to the people of Christ will not go unrewarded. Jesus never refused anyone in need who asked for his help. Lord, help me.

And who is my neighbour? (Lk 10:29). The name ‘Good Samaritan’ suits anyone who is sensitive to others' suffering and is moved by their misfortunes. Being a Good Samaritan means changing plans and dedicating time. Lord, help us to go and do the same.

No disciple is above his teacher, no slave above his master (Mt 10:24). Lord, you can do all things. I hear your voice and the gentleness of your call. Grant me your grace and pour out your Spirit so that I may respond to you with generosity. Help me as I discern your will today.

You will be hated by all because of my name (Mt 10:22). Jesus tells us: ‘I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves’. These are virtues that are accepted by the logic of the Gospel. But never violence. Lord, allow me to see how the Kingdom has transformed the world around me.

As you go, proclaim: The Kingdom of heaven is at hand (Mt 10:7). Invite people to welcome God into their lives, embrace the Church, and look forward to the final establishment of the Kingdom when Jesus returns in glory. Lord, here I am, send me! I am your servant. Help me Lord!

Lord Jesus, teach me to pray as I ought. Bring me to deep contemplation so that I may know you and see how to shepherd your sheep and how to labor in your vineyard. I will strive to imitate you, the Good Shepherd, in all that I do.

If only I could touch his cloak, I shall be cured (Mt 9:22). Courage, daughter. The Lord has freed you from your sins. Go in peace. Jesus came to defeat Evil at its root, and instances of healing are an anticipation of his triumph, achieved through his death and Resurrection.

Lord, I desire to walk with you as you lead the New Exodus. Bring me through the wilderness to the heavenly Promised Land. Having washed me in the sea of the waters of Baptism, nourish me with the water of your Spirit and the New Manna of the Eucharist. Guide me with your Love.

Lord, you offer us abundant new life and power to live as sons and daughters of our Father in heaven. Renew in me the gift of faith to accept and obey your life-giving word and to cooperate with the transforming power of your Holy Spirit who changes us into your likeness.

I desire mercy, not sacrifice (Mt 9:13). God accepts sacrificial worship too. Lord, I recognise myself as a sinner in need of your merciful love. Any victory I have over sin is due to your grace and to collaborate with your grace. Do not let my heart be discouraged when I fail.