Learn Basic Arabic: Emergencies

Emergencies

Police	bolice
Fire Brigade	matafy/shurtat el-matafy
Infirmary	mashfa
Hospital	mustashfa
Pharmacy	ssaydaliya
Doctor	doctur
I'm too hot	Ashaor bhar shaded
I'm feeling sick.	Ahsaor bel taab
Please Call The Doctor	etlob el-tabib men fadlak

Learn Basic Arabic: Finding Ways Around (Part2)

Visits

Visit	ziara
Open	maftuh
Closed	maqfoul
Ticket Office	shubbak
Ticket	tazkara
Town	medina
Quarter	hhay
House	beit
Garden	hadiqa
Theater	masrah
Cinema	cinema
Museum	mat-hhaf
Mosque	gamea
May I Visit The Mosque?	mumken azur el-gamea?

The Post Office Where Can I Telephone?     fein mumken atalfein?           Post Office maktab el-barid Postage Stamp tabea bareed Telephone teliphune Telegram barqiya

Learn Basic Arabic: Finding Ways Around

Finding Ways Around

Where are your restrooms (WC)?	Ayn dawret al meyah?
Where Is...?	fein....?
Is It Near?	hal qarieb?
Is It Far?	hal baied?
(On The)Left	shmal
(On The)Right	yamin
Above	fuq
Below	taht
In Front Of/Outside	uddam
Behind	wara
Here	hena
Over There	henak
Before	abl
After	baa'd
South	janub
North	shamal
East	sharq
West	gharb
Street	shari'
Village	qaria
Town	medina
Sea	bahr

Daily Reading & Meditation

"Always pray and do not lose heart"

Scripture:  Luke 18:1-8
1 And he told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.  2 He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor regarded man; 3 and there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, `Vindicate me against my adversary.'  4 For a while he refused; but afterward he said to himself, `Though I neither fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow bothers me, I will vindicate her, or she will wear me out by her continual coming.'" 6 And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God vindicate his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will vindicate them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

Meditation: What can a shameless and unjust judge pitted against a crusty and pestering woman teach us about justice and vindication in the kingdom of God? Jesus tells a story that is all too true – a defenseless widow is taken advantaged of and refused her rights. Through sheer persistence she wears down an unscrupulous judge until he gives her justice. Persistence pays off, and that's especially true for those who trust in God. Jesus illustrates how God as our Judge is much quicker to bring us his justice, blessing, and help when we need it. But we can easily lose heart and forget to ask our heavenly Father for his grace and help. Jesus told this parable to give fresh hope and confidence to his disciples. In this present life we can expect trials and adversity, but we are not without hope in God. The Last Judgment will reveal that God's justice triumphs over all the injustices perpetrated by his creatures and that God's love is stronger than death (Song of Songs 8:6). The just who put their trust in God can look forward with hope to that day when they will receive their reward.

Jesus ends his parable with a probing question for us. Will you and I have faith – the faith that perseveres to the end – when Jesus returns in glory to judge the living and the dead? Faith is an entirely free gift that God makes to us. If we want to live, grow, and persevere in faith until the end, then we must nourish our faith with the word of God and ask the Lord to increase it (Luke 17:5). When trials and setbacks disappoint you, where do you place your hope? Do you pray with expectant faith and confidence in God's merciful care and providence for you?

"Lord Jesus, make my faith strong that I may never doubt your promises. When I face trials and difficulties, help me to trust in your unfailing love and to find joy and contentment in you alone."

Psalm 105:2-3,36-37,42-43
2 Sing to him, sing praises to him, tell of all his wonderful works!
3 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! 36 He smote all the first-born in their land, the first issue of all their strength.
37 Then he led forth Israel with silver and gold, and there was none among his tribes who stumbled.
42 For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant.
43 So he led forth his people with joy, his chosen ones with singing.

Daily Gospel

Saturday of the Thirty-second week in Ordinary Time

Book of Wisdom 18:14-16.19:6-9. 

When peaceful stillness compassed everything and the night in its swift course was half spent,
Your all-powerful word from heaven's royal throne bounded, a fierce warrior, into the doomed land,
bearing the sharp sword of your inexorable decree. And as he alighted, he filled every place with death; he still reached to heaven, while he stood upon the earth.
For all creation, in its several kinds, was being made over anew, serving its natural laws, that your children might be preserved unharmed.
The cloud overshadowed their camp; and out of what had before been water, dry land was seen emerging: Out of the Red Sea an unimpeded road, and a grassy plain out of the mighty flood.
Over this crossed the whole nation sheltered by your hand, after they beheld stupendous wonders.
For they ranged about like horses, and bounded about like lambs, praising you, O LORD! their deliverer.

Psalms 105(104):2-3.36-37.42-43. 

Sing to him, sing his praise,
Proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
Glory in his holy name;
Rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!

He struck down every firstborn in the land,
the first fruits of all their manhood.
And he led them forth laden with silver and gold,
with not a weakling among their tribes.

For he remembered his holy word
to his servant Abraham.
And he led forth his people with joy;
with shouts of joy, his chosen ones.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 18:1-8. 

Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said,
"There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being.
And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, 'Render a just decision for me against my adversary.'
For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, 'While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being,
because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.'"
The Lord said, "Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says.
Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them?
I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

Adventure Sports in Abu Dhabi

Enjoy Dune Bashing, Scuba Diving and Skydiving!

You will be amazed at the adventure sports in Abu Dhabi- there are a lot! Abu Dhabi is the perfect location for adventure sports due to the natural surroundings, there is the desert, the sea and the incredible landscape all within easy reach.

Here are some of the most popular and thrilling adventure sports Abu Dhabi has to offer.

Desert driving (Desert Safari)

Hire a 4X4 or take out your own in to the sandy desert, a Hummer for example can navigate the desert's unique terrain and go up steep dunes to the point where you think it is just about to turn over, but it doesn't!

Other 4X4 adventures will take you into the mountains over rocks and unchartered land then perhaps across streams and pools of water which the 4X4 can handle with your help. Prices start at about 300AED.

Wadi Bashing

Wadi Bashing is one of the traditional Abu Dhabi adventure sports. It is actually the act of riding a four wheel drive vehicle through a Wadi and there are many wadis around Abu Dhabi.

A wadi is a dry river bed like a small valley and the rocks and rough terrain make it perfect for this sport. Feel the thrill of scaling large boulders and almost tipping over then bumping down into the rugged stones.

Other exhilarating adventure sports in Abu Dhabi are in the sand-they include Sand Boarding and quad bike riding. If you want to try rock climbing in Abu Dhabi you'll have to go to Al Ain's Jebel Hafeet.

Dune Buggying

A dune buggy (quad bike) is a cute looking little vehicle like an open jeep but low on the ground with widely placed wheels which move over the desert sands.

The buggies are 1500cc and operated by manual gears to give you the thrill of a natural roller-coaster up and down the dunes.

Scuba Diving

The marine life in the Gulf makes diving here a true adventure sport; you never know what large fish you will come across, a sailfish, marlin or barracuda.

Just off the coast there are many sunken vessels ready to be discovered even in water that is not that deep, this kind of adventure sport is called wreck diving. There are other active sports you can do on the water in Abu Dhabi, they're not necessarily classed as adventure sports but they definitely get the adrenaline pumping.

These sports include water-skiing; wake-boarding; banana boating; para sailing and kite surfing.

Blokarting (Sand Yachting/Land Sailing)

If you want to blow off some steam without polluting the environment with fuel fumes then try blokarting, a blokart is a low open three wheeled buggy frame with a sail and it is propelled forward by the wind.

It can reach speeds of up to 90km/h. The proximity to the ground makes this an exciting experience. Prices start at about 300AED.

For other eco-friendly adventure sports try trail biking through the mangroves.

Skydiving

How about jumping out of an airplane now that's what I call an adventure sport! Many people have this on their "bucket list" and in Abu Dhabi you can accomplish this dream.

You get the speed of free falling, the sensation of flying like a bird and if you dare open your eyes you get the incredible view of Abu Dhabi beneath you. If you've never jumped out of a plane at 13,000 feet before you can start with a tandem jump where you jump attached to a professional instructor.

A professional jump starts at about 1500AED. If you're not up to the actual thing then try indoor skydiving at SkyVenture where you jump into a wind tunnel to simulate the jumping experience. For other adventure sports in the air try a microlight flight or paramotoring/gliding.This is an adventure sport in Abu Dhabi you don't want to miss!

Formula 1 Car Racing

At the Yas Marina Circuit attend the racing school and get a chance to roar around the grand Prix track like a real racing driver. Prices start at about 650AED.

If you're not up to any of these challenges (yet) then try being a spectator at a camel race, horse race or Formula 1 race in Abu Dhabi. You can run out of ideas when it comes to Abu Dhabi adventure sports!

Fishing

Fishing in Abu Dhabi can be a great adventure! We give you all the detail you need to know from getting a fishing licence to booking an all inclusive fishing day out!

Daily Reading & Meditation

"One will be taken and the other left"

Scripture:  Luke 17:26-37
26 As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of man.  27 They ate, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed  them all. 28 Likewise as it was in the days of Lot -- they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built, 29 but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom fire and sulphur rained from heaven and destroyed them all -- 30 so will it be on the day when the Son of man is revealed. 31 On that day, let him who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away; and likewise let him who is in the field not turn back. 32 Remember Lot's wife. 33 Whoever seeks to gain his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it. 34 I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. 35 There will be two women grinding together; one will be taken and the other left." 37 And they said to him, "Where, Lord?" He said to them, "Where the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together."

Meditation: What can nature teach us about the return of the Lord Jesus on the day of final judgment at the end of the world? Jesus quoted a familiar proverb to his audience: Where the body is, there the eagles (or vultures) will be gathered together. Eagles, like vultures, are attracted to carrion – the carcass of dying or dead animals. The Book of Job describes the eagle spying out its prey from afar (Job 39:29). The eagles swoop to catch their prey when the conditions are right, especially if the prey is exposed and vulnerable to a surprise attack. Severely weakened or dying prey have no chance of warding off forces that can destroy and kill. What's the point of this analogy? It's  inevitable that some life-threatening or life-changing event or cause will take place when the necessary conditions are fulfilled. The return of the Lord Jesus is certain, but the time is unknown. The Day of the Lord's judgment will come swiftly and unexpectedly. Jesus warns his listeners to not be caught off guard when that day arrives. It will surely come in God's good time!

What does Jesus mean when he says that one person will be taken and another left? God judges each person individually on how they have responded to his mercy and his gracious invitation to accept or reject his kingship – to either live as loyal citizens or as traitors of his kingdom. We cannot pass off personal responsibility and accountability for how we have lived our lives to someone else, such as a close friend, spouse, or family member. No one can discharge his or her duty by proxy or by association with someone else. The good news is that God gives grace and help to all who seek him with faith and trust in his mercy. The Lord Jesus freely gives us his Holy Spirit so that we may have the wisdom, help, and strength we need to turn away from sin and to embrace God's way of love, righteousness, and holiness. The Lord's warning of judgment is a cause for dismay for those who have not heeded his warning and are now unprepared, but it brings joyful hope to those who eagerly anticipate the Lord's return in glory.

God's judgment is good news for those who are ready to meet him. Their reward is God himself, the source and author of all that is good  – truth, beauty, love, and everlasting life. The people in Noah's time ignored the Lord's warning of impending judgment. They missed the boat, literally! Whose boat are you taking – the world's boat to short-lived success and happiness or God's boat to an eternal kingdom and bliss with him? Those whose hope is firmly anchored in heaven will not be disappointed when God's judgment comes. They rejoice even now that they will see the Lord in his glory! Is your hope firmly placed in God and his kingdom?

"Lord Jesus Christ, I place all my hope in you because you have redeemed the world by your death on the cross and by your victory over the grave. Help me to never lose sight of the goal of heaven that I may live each day in joyful anticipation of your return in glory."

Psalm 19:1-4
1 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
4 yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.

Daily Gospel

Friday of the Thirty-second week in Ordinary Time

Book of Wisdom 13:1-9. 

All men were by nature foolish who were in ignorance of God, and who from the good things seen did not succeed in knowing him who is, and from studying the works did not discern the artisan;
But either fire, or wind, or the swift air, or the circuit of the stars, or the mighty water, or the luminaries of heaven, the governors of the world, they considered gods.
Now if out of joy in their beauty they thought them gods, let them know how far more excellent is the Lord than these; for the original source of beauty fashioned them.
Or if they were struck by their might and energy, let them from these things realize how much more powerful is he who made them.
For from the greatness and the beauty of created things their original author, by analogy, is seen.
But yet, for these the blame is less; For they indeed have gone astray perhaps, though they seek God and wish to find him.
For they search busily among his works, but are distracted by what they see, because the things seen are fair.
But again, not even these are pardonable.
For if they so far succeeded in knowledge that they could speculate about the world, how did they not more quickly find its LORD?

Psalms 19(18):2-3.4-5. 

The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day pours out the word to day,
And night to night imparts knowledge.

Not a word nor a discourse
Whose voice is not heard;
Through all the earth their voice resounds,
And to the ends of the world, their message.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 17:26-37. 

Jesus said to his disciples: “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man;
they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage up to the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.
Similarly, as it was in the days of Lot: they were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building;
on the day when Lot left Sodom, fire and brimstone rained from the sky to destroy them all.
So it will be on the day the Son of Man is revealed.
On that day, a person who is on the housetop and whose belongings are in the house must not go down to get them, and likewise a person in the field must not return to what was left behind.
Remember the wife of Lot.
Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it.
I tell you, on that night there will be two people in one bed; one will be taken, the other left.
And there will be two women grinding meal together; one will be taken, the other left."

They said to him in reply, "Where, Lord?" He said to them, "Where the body is, there also the vultures will gather."

Learn Basic Arabic: Materials

Materials Gold dahab Silver fadda Iron hadid Bronze bronz Copper nehas Terracotta fokhar Silk harir Cotton qotn Synthetic synthetic/polyester Wool souf Glass ezaz Imitation taqlead/taa-leed Original assli Paper waraq

Daily Reading & Meditation

"The coming of Christ's kingdom"

Scripture:  Luke 17:20-25
20 Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, he answered them, "The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; 21 nor will they say, `Lo, here it is!' or `There!' for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you." 22 And he said to the disciples, "The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and you will not see  it. 23 And they will say to you, `Lo, there!' or `Lo, here!' Do not go, do not follow them. 24 For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of man be in his day. 25 But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.


Meditation: What can lightning tell us about the coming of the Lord and his kingdom? The Jews is Jesus' time were watching in great anticipation for some sign which would indicate when the Messiah would appear to establish the kingdom of God. The Pharisees' question on this matter was intended to test Jesus since they did not accept him as the Messiah. Jesus surprised them with the answer that the kingdom or reign of God was already here! Jesus spoke of the coming of God's kingdom as both a present event and an event which would be manifested at the end of time. The "Day of the Lord" was understood in the Old Testament as the time when God would manifest his glory and power and overthrow the enemies of his people, Israel. The prophet Amos declared that the "Day" also meant judgment for Israel as well as the nations (Amos 5:18-20). The prophet Joel proclaimed that at this "Day" those who truly repented would be saved, while those who remained enemies of the Lord, whether Jew or Gentile, would be punished (see Joel 2).

Why did Jesus associate lightning with the "Day of the Lord"? In the arrid climate of Palestine, storms were infrequent and seasonal. They often appeared suddenly or unexpectedly, seemingly out of nowhere, covering everthing in thick darkness. With little or no warning lightning filled the sky with its piercing flashes of flaming light. Its power struck terror and awe in those who tried to flee from its presence. Jesus warned the Pharisees that the "Son of man" (a title for the Messiah given in the Book of Daniel 7:13-15) would come in like manner, quite suddenly and unexpectedly, on the clouds of heaven to bring God's judgment on the "Day of the Lord". No special sign will be needed to announce his appearance. Nor will his presence and power be veiled or hidden, but all will recognize him as clearly as the lightning in the sky.

Jesus identified himself with the "Day of the Lord". "Son of man" was understood as a Messianic title for the one who would come not only to establish God's kingdom but who would come as Judge of the living as well as the dead. Jesus points to his second coming when he will return to complete the work of restoration and final judgment. While we do not know the time of his return, we will not mistake it when it happens. It will be apparent to all, both believers and non-believers as well. When the Pharisees asked Jesus what sign would indicate the "Day of the Lord", Jesus replied that only one sign would point to that day and that sign was Jesus himself. Jesus surprised the Jews of his time by announcing that God's kingdom was already present among them in his very person – the Son of God sent from the Father to redeem the world from sin and destruction. In Jesus we see the power and the glory of God's kingdom. His divine power overthrew the powers of darkness and sin. Jesus knew that the only way to victory was through the cross. On that cross he defeated death and canceled the debt of our sins. The victory of his cross opens the way for us to become citizens of God's kingdom. Do you seek the coming of God's kingdom with joyful hope?

"Lord Jesus Christ, may your kingdom come and my your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Be the Ruler of my heart and the Master of my life that I may always live in the freedom of your love and truth."


Psalm 119:89-91,130,135,175
89 For ever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
91 By your appointment they stand this day; for all things are your servants.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
135 Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes.
175 Let me live, that I may praise you, and let your ordinances help me.

Daily Gospel

Thursday of the Thirty-second week in Ordinary Time

Book of Wisdom 7:22-30.8:1. 

In Wisdom is a spirit intelligent, holy, unique, Manifold, subtle, agile, clear, unstained, certain, Not baneful, loving the good, keen, unhampered, beneficent,
kindly, Firm, secure, tranquil, all-powerful, all-seeing, And pervading all spirits, though they be intelligent, pure and very subtle.
For Wisdom is mobile beyond all motion, and she penetrates and pervades all things by reason of her purity.
For she is an aura of the might of God and a pure effusion of the glory of the Almighty; therefore nought that is sullied enters into her.
For she is the refulgence of eternal light, the spotless mirror of the power of God, the image of his goodness.
And she, who is one, can do all things, and renews everything while herself perduring; And passing into holy souls from age to age, she produces friends of God and prophets.
For there is nought God loves, be it not one who dwells with Wisdom.
For she is fairer than the sun and surpasses every constellation of the stars. Compared to light, she takes precedence;
for that, indeed, night supplants, but wickedness prevails not over Wisdom.
Indeed, she reaches from end to end mightily and governs all things well.

Psalms 119(118):89.90.91.130.135.175. 

Your word, O LORD, endures forever;
It is firm as the heavens.
Through all generations your truth endures;
you have established the earth, and it stands firm.

According to your ordinances they still stand firm:
all things serve you.
The revelation of your words sheds light,
giving understanding to the simple.

Let your countenance shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
Let my soul live to praise you,
and may your ordinances help me.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 17:20-25. 

Asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus said in reply, “The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, 'Look, here it is,' or, 'There it is.' For behold, the kingdom of God is among you."
Then he said to his disciples, "The days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it.
There will be those who will say to you, 'Look, there he is,' (or) 'Look, here he is.' Do not go off, do not run in pursuit.
For just as lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be (in his day).
But first he must suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation.

Daily Reading & Meditation

"He fell at Jesus' feet giving thanks"

Scripture:  Luke 17:11-19
11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Sama'ria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." 14 When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then said Jesus, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?"  19 And he said to him, "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well."


Meditation: What can adversity teach us about the blessing of thanksgiving and the healing power of love and mercy? The Book of Proverbs states: A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity (Proverbs 17:17). When adversity strikes you find out who truly is your brother, sister, and friend. The gospel records an unusual encounter between two peoples who had been divided for centuries. The Jews and Samaritans had no dealings with one another even though Samaria was located in the central part of Judaea. Both peoples were openly hostile whenever their paths crossed. In this gospel narrative we see one rare exception – a Samaritan leper in company with nine Jewish lepers. Sometimes adversity forces people to drop their barriers or to forget their prejudices. When this band of Jewish and Samaritan lepers saw Jesus they made a bold request. They didn't ask for healing, but instead asked for mercy.

The word mercy literally means "sorrowful at heart". But mercy is something more than compassion, or heartfelt sorrow at another's misfortune. Compassion empathizes with the sufferer. But mercy goes further – it removes suffering. A merciful person shares in another's misfortune and suffering as if it were his or her own. And such a person will do everything in his or her power to dispel that misery. Mercy is also connected with justice. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), a great teacher and scripture scholar, said that mercy "does not destroy justice, but is a certain kind of fulfillment of justice. ..Mercy without justice is the mother of dissolution; (and) justice without mercy is cruelty." Pardon without repentance negates justice. So what is the significance of these ten lepers asking for mercy? They know they are in need of healing, not just physical, but spiritual healing as well. They approach Jesus with contrition and faith because they believe that he can release the burden of guilt and suffering and make restoration of body and soul possible. Their request for mercy is both a plea for pardon and release from suffering. Jesus gives mercy to all who ask with faith and contrition.

Why did only one leper out of ten return to show gratitude? Gratefulness, another word which expresses gratitude of heart and a thankful disposition, is related to grace – which means the release of loveliness. Gratitude is the homage of the heart which responds with graciousness in expressing an act of thanksgiving. The Samaritan approached Jesus reverently and gave praise to God. If we do not recognize and appreciate the mercy and help shown to us we will be ungrateful and unkind towards others. Ingratitude is forgetfulness or a poor return for kindness received. Ingratitude easily leads to lack of charity and intolerance towards others, as well as to other vices, such as complaining, grumbling, discontentment, pride, and presumption. How often have we been ungrateful to our parents, pastors, teachers, and neighbors? Do you express gratitude to God for his abundant help and mercy towards you and are you gracious, kind, and merciful towards your neighbor in their time of need and support?

"Lord Jesus, may I never fail to recognize your loving kindness and mercy. Fill my heart with compassion and thanksgiving, and free me from ingratitude and discontentment. Help me to count my blessings with a gratefull heart and to give thanks in all circumstances."


Psalm 82:3-4,6-8
3 Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.
4 Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked."
6 I say, "You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you;
7 nevertheless, you shall die like men, and fall like any prince."
8 Arise, O God, judge the earth; for to you belong all the nations!

Daily Gospel

Wednesday of the Thirty-second week in Ordinary Time

Book of Wisdom 6:2-11. 

Hearken, you who are in power over the multitude and lord it over throngs of peoples!
Because authority was given you by the LORD and sovereignty by the Most High, who shall probe your works and scrutinize your counsels!
Because, though you were ministers of his kingdom, you judged not rightly, and did not keep the law, nor walk according to the will of God,
Terribly and swiftly shall he come against you, because judgment is stern for the exalted-
For the lowly may be pardoned out of mercy but the mighty shall be mightily put to the test.
For the Lord of all shows no partiality, nor does he fear greatness, Because he himself made the great as well as the small, and he provides for all alike;
but for those in power a rigorous scrutiny impends.
To you, therefore, O princes, are my words addressed that you may learn wisdom and that you may not sin.
For those who keep the holy precepts hallowed shall be found holy, and those learned in them will have ready a response.
Desire therefore my words; long for them and you shall be instructed.

Psalms 82(81):3-4.6-7. 

Defend the lowly and the fatherless;
render justice to the afflicted and the destitute.
Rescue the lowly and the poor;
from the hand of the wicked deliver them.

I said: “You are gods,
all of you sons of the Most High;
yet like men you shall die,
and fall like any prince.”

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 17:11-19. 

As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee.
As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him. They stood at a distance from him
and raised their voice, saying, "Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!"
And when he saw them, he said, "Go show yourselves to the priests." As they were going they were cleansed.
And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice;
and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan.
Jesus said in reply, "Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine?
Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?"
Then he said to him, "Stand up and go; your faith has saved you."

Daily Reading & Meditation

"We are unworthy servants"

Scripture:  Luke 17:7-10
7 "Will any one of you, who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep, say to him when he has come in from the field, `Come at once and sit down  at table'?  8 Will he not rather say to him, `Prepare supper for me, and gird yourself and serve me, till I eat and drink; and afterward you shall eat and drink'? 9 Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? 10 So you also, when you have done all that is commanded you, say, `We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'"


Meditation: Are you ready to give the Lord your best, regardless of what it might cost you? Perhaps we are like the laborer in Jesus' parable who expected special  favor and reward for going the extra mile? How unfair for the master to compel his servant to give more than what was expected! Don't we love to assert our rights: "I will give only what is required and no more!" But who can satisfy the claims of love? Jesus used this parable of the dutiful servant to explain that we can never put God in our debt or make the claim that God owes us something. We must regard ourselves as God's servants, just as Jesus came "not to be served, but to serve" (Matthew 20:28). Service of God and of neighbor is both a voluntary or free act and a sacred duty. One can volunteer for service or be compelled to do service for one's country or one's family when special needs arise. Likewise, God expects us to give him the worship and praise which is his due. And he gladly accepts the  free-will offering of our lives to him and to his service. What makes our offering pleasing to God is the love we express in the gift of self-giving. True love is sacrificial, generous, and selfless.

How can we love others selflessly and unconditionally? Scripture tells us that God himself is love (1 John 4:16) – he is the author of life and the source of all true relationships of love and friendship. He created us in love for love and he fills our hearts with the boundless love that gives whatever is good for the sake of another (Romans 5:5). If we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us (1 John 4:12). God honors the faithful servant who loves and serves others generously. He is ever ready to work in and through us for his glory. We must remember, however, that God can never be indebted to us. We have no claim on him. His love compels us to give him our best! And when we have done our best, we have simply done our duty. We can never outmatch God in doing good and showing love. God loves us without measure. Does the love of God compel you to give your best?

"Lord Jesus, fill my heart with love, gratitude and generosity. Make me a faithful and zealous servant for you. May I generously pour out my life in loving service for you and for others, just as you have so generously poured yourself out in love for me."


Psalm 34:1-3,15-18
1 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and be glad.
3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!
15 The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous, and his ears toward their cry.
16 The face of the LORD is against evildoers, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
17 When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.