Authentic discipleship begins when we can "see" Jesus and follow him. In todays gospel it's a blind beggar who is the model for us, rather than the 12!

The gospel is counter-cultural. It turns the values prevalent in our world and society upside down. We know this, most of us have heard this before. Just like the disciples, however, we must be reminded time and time again and reflect on what it truly looks like to live in God's Kingdom.

Following Jesus means letting go: letting go of the things that bind us, possessions, wealth, status, false image...what do we need to let go of in order to follow Christ more perfectly?

In today's Gospel Jesus delivers a difficult teaching about marriage? Why does he say what he says? And who does this teaching really protect? As Christians we are invited and challenged to hear his teaching even if circumstances in our own lives may make this painful to hear.

Jesus talks in today's Gospel about the cost of discipleship: the cross. He doesn't sugar-coat what being a disciple will mean: He will suffer and so must his disciples. But though this suffering he does promise victory he promises that he will be with us, and he promises that, in the end, all will be well in him!

We all stand in need of healing. Sometimes that healing is obvious,like on today's Gospel, but often our wounds are spiritual and psychological. Are we willing to be healed? Are we willing to be helped by others? Are we open to Christ's presence ministering to us through our neighbours?

A Christian is someone who has chosen to follow Christ, and renews that decision throughout the twists and turns of life. All of us are given opportunities each day to make a decision for Christ or against him...whom do we serve?

On this Assumption day, with gove thanks to God for the great wonders he worked in Mary's life. Inspired by her example, and helped by her prayers we look forward to the time when we too will enjoy the glory of heaven.

The Mass is a sacrifice and a meal, in fact it's Jesus's sacrifice and meal. At every Mass we are challenged to see Jesus and meet Jesus through the humble signs of bread and wine. Sadly many people no longer believe in the real presence, this is a tragedy, but its nothing new. People struggled to believe in Jesus's words 2000 years ago, and they still struggle today.

Jesus is our true nourishment. Do we follow Jesus for who he is? Or are we just interested in what he can do for us?