Jesus reminded his disciples that the Word of God will not always be received with joy. Some hearts are open and humble, like the people of Nineveh who repented, or the crowd at Pentecost who turned to baptism and faith. Others, however, respond with indifference, pride, distraction, or ingratitude.

This is a sobering reminder for us.

Have our prayers and devotions become routine, where we are just going through the motions? Are we too distracted by busyness to truly hear God’s voice? Does pride or self-sufficiency prevent us from accepting His Word? Or do we take for granted the countless blessings and graces the Lord has given to us?

The Lord calls us to humility and gratitude, to receive His Word with a heart that listens, repents, and allows Him to transform our lives.

Today we remember with gratitude the Holy Guardian Angels, those messengers of God who guide, guard, and protect us on our journey of faith. Angels remind us that God is always present with us, even when unseen.

But this memorial also calls us to more, to be “angels” for others. Through the Holy Spirit given to us in baptism, we too are sent to bring God’s presence into the lives of those around us: by guiding, protecting, encouraging, and leading others closer to Christ.

Every small act of kindness, every word of encouragement, every prayer we whisper for someone in need, these are ways we become God’s messengers today.

Reflection Question: How is God inviting me to be an “angel”, a messenger of His love, protection, or guidance, for someone today?

What does it truly mean to rebuild the Temple of God?

The prophet Ezekiel’s vision of God’s glory departing the Temple before the Babylonian siege reminds us that a magnificent structure is meaningless without the divine presence. Today, the closure and decay of churches in many regions is not simply a financial issue, but a sign of waning faith among the people.

When faith is routine, inward-looking, or merely nominal, generosity fades. But when hearts encounter the living Christ within a vibrant community, faith is rekindled and with it comes the zeal and generosity to sustain God’s Church.

Reflection Question: How is Christ inviting me to encounter Him more deeply so that my zeal for His Church may be renewed?

The people of Israel postponed rebuilding the Temple because they were focused on their own houses and needs. St. Paul reminds us that the Temple of God is not merely a structure but the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit within each of us.

Like the Israelites, we often find excuses to postpone deepening our relationship with the Lord. Career, comfort, and worldly achievements can take centre stage, while God becomes secondary.

But without placing God at the heart of our lives, our pursuits leave us restless and unsatisfied. True fulfilment comes only when we first build His temple within us, then everything else flows from that foundation.

Reflection Question: Where is God inviting me to reorder my priorities and what concrete steps can I take to rebuild the “temple of God” in my life and in my community?

Happiness is not found in comparing ourselves with others, nor in the fleeting successes of life. True joy springs from gratitude, recognising God’s mercy at work in our struggles, our relationships, and our growth.

Just as Ezra reminded Israel of God’s faithful love despite their failings, we too are invited to see how the Lord has sustained us through trials and blessed us beyond what we deserve.

Gratitude keeps us humble, frees us from resentment, and strengthens our love for others. It transforms wounds into sources of healing, and turns dependence on God into our deepest strength.

Reflection Question: How can I cultivate a spirit of gratitude in my daily life?

God often works in unexpected ways. Just as despair seemed to take hold, God sent pagan kings like Cyrus and Darius to provide the necessary resources and expertise to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.

This reminds us that rebuilding, whether in the Church or in our own lives, takes patience and perseverance. Progress is never straightforward, but God never abandons His people. More than structures or programmes, what truly matters is that our hearts and faith are renewed. When we let God rebuild us from within, we become His living temple, bringing light and hope to others.

Reflection Question: Where is God inviting me to trust Him more deeply in the “slow work” of rebuilding, in my faith, my family, or in my parish community?

Every vocation is meant to sanctify us. Whether in Church, family, or workplace, our daily work should draw us closer to God and to one another. When pride, competition, or bitterness creep in, work becomes destructive instead of life-giving. True Christian leadership and service flow from love of the Lord, unity in mission, and authentic relationships that strengthen faith.

At the end of the day, it is not success, money, or recognition that lasts, it is holiness, love, and communion in Christ. The women who followed Jesus, diverse in background but united in love for the Lord, remind us that when we are rooted in Him, we can work together, forgive each other, and serve with a shared purpose.

Reflection Question: How does my work and vocation help me grow in holiness and draw me closer to God?

True respect cannot be forced through authority or titles, it must be earned through example, integrity, and humility. As St Paul advised Timothy, we are called to lead by example in the way we speak and act, showing love, faith, and sincerity. A leader's life must be consistent with what they preach, for when words lack integrity, people lose trust.

A humble leader knows that true strength comes not from themselves but from God's empowering love. The more we recognise our need for God, the more He works through us, enabling us to bear fruit for His kingdom.

Reflection Question: Do I demand respect or do I live in a way that earns it through love, integrity, and humility?