Theme – Feast of the Holy Angels

Today’s Gospel reading on “Temptation to Sin” is asking us if we would have the courage to cut off our hand or foot and pluck out our eye to avoid sin. This is graphic language that Jesus chose to use to motivate us to action. The hand, foot and eye in the teaching refers to friends we meet and journey on earth. Like hand, foot and eye are good in and of themselves, so are friends. We are made for friendship with God and with others around us. But not every friendship helps us grow closer to God. Hence, when an earthly friend becomes a source of sin, we must eliminate that friendship.

Friendship implies mutual giving and receiving. Though we give ourselves to others, we ought not receive from them when what they have to offer is an invitation to sin. We must “cut it off” and “pluck it out” when such a friend tries to relate to us in such a way that they lead us into sin. Always ponder on this graphic teaching from Jesus and try to apply it to our life. Pray to our Father to give us the grace and with the help of the Holy Angels to have the eyes to see these temptations and the courage to reject them with all our might.

The Liturgical colour theme is green in Ordinary Time with green, white, blue, yellow/gold, and red.

Green symbolizes spiritual growth in Christ, nurtured by the Church and the Gospel. Green represents new life, anticipation, new beginning, praise, flourishing healing, restoration, and hope. White symbolizes pure faith that listens to God’s voice and believes. Blue symbolizes Holiness, God with us, His presence God the Father. Yellow/gold symbolizes spiritual growth, life, wealth, glory majesty, kingdom of God enlightenment and light. Red symbolizes atonement, sacrifice, love, courage, strength, and the burning fervor of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who guides the children on their way to the Father.

 

Petals Ministry of the Church of St Michael

“As disciples of the Petals Ministry, we humbly serve under the Holy Spirit’s guidance, beautifying God’s sacred banquets and worship events. With dedicated hands, we create an atmosphere of reverence and awe in the glorious presence of God.”