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Tuesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 05:08

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of
the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (27th July, 2021) on the
Gospel

Ex 33:7-11; 34:5-9.28;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 102:6-13. (R. v.8);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 13:36-43.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: ...the furnace of fire. <o:p></o:p>

<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;">The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field
is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are
the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the
harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

All causes of sin and all evil doers will be gathered and
thrown into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of
teeth. On the other hand, the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom
of their Father.<o:p></o:p>

Most often, when we meet this furnace of fire where all the
causes of sin and all evil doers will be thrown into, we pass it unnoticed. It
is impossible to explain this in mortal language because every fire we
experience results from the goodness of God, cf. Gen 1:31. And whenever it goes wrong, the fire service can assist.
Yet no right-thinking human dares to play with even as little as the light of a
candle.<o:p></o:p>

The furnace of fire was ignited by God’s anger for torment,
cf. Rev 14:10. And no fire service
can assist because it can never be quenched, cf. Mk 9:48. Prophet Nahum questions, “Who can stand before his
indignation? Who can endure the heat of his anger? His wrath is poured out like
fire, and the rocks are broken asunder by him” (Nah 1:6). And our Lord warns, <o:p></o:p>

<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;">If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it
away.... if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it
is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into
hell (Matt 5:29-30).</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

The furnace in question is not bearable. Let us therefore prove
ourselves children of the kingdom. Whoever fails to do so will have him/herself
to blame.<o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: Mk 9:42-48.<o:p></o:p>

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Tuesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (27 th July, 2021) on the Gospel Ex 33:7-11; 34:5-9.28...

Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

thepulpitonline.com 0 Memorials 06:31

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary (26th July, 2021) on the
Gospel and the Memorial<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Ex 32:15-24.30-34;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 105:19-23. (R. v.1);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 13:31-35.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bsPA7gLp8vs/YP5IT0RS7OI/AAAAAAAAG2E/yMeukjogZYImEc1Jz_qo2paGs5yqspWEACLcBGAsYHQ/s172/26.07.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="172" data-original-width="120" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bsPA7gLp8vs/YP5IT0RS7OI/AAAAAAAAG2E/yMeukjogZYImEc1Jz_qo2paGs5yqspWEACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/26.07.2021.jpg" /></a></div> Saint Joachim, also spelled Joaquin<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Seventeenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</a>
meaning “he whom Yahweh has set up” was the husband of Saint Anne and the
father of Mary, the mother of Jesus, according to the Catholic, Orthodox, and
Anglican traditions. Saints Joachim and Anne are not mentioned in the Bible. The
story about them first appeared in the apocryphal Gospel of James.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Seventeenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</a>
It was alleged that Mary was promised to them by an angel, was consecrated to
God, and she remained a virgin all her life. Saints Joachim and Anne are role
models for parents.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Seventeenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</a><o:p></o:p>

In today’s gospel, Jesus likened the kingdom of heaven to a
mustard seed and yeast. Our homily will focus on the parable of the mustard
seed. This seed is the smallest of all the seeds but when planted, it becomes
the greatest of all shrubs and become a tree, so that the birds of the air make
nests in its branches, cf. Matt 13:32.<o:p></o:p>

If
a mustard seed is not sown, it remains the smallest of all the seeds. Imagine someone
who has just a mustard seed. Often, we lose confidence in ourselves. Some do
find it very difficult to believe that they are good for anything. Many things remain
in the world of ideas (in the mind) as a result of this. Whatever gift one has
can be greater than the biblical mustard seed if it is put into use.<o:p></o:p>

We
are all instruments in the hands of God. Every instrument (human being) is
meant for something big although, we may not see the magnitude of some of the
instruments. What each of us can become is only known to God, cf. Matt 24:36; Mk 13:32.<o:p></o:p>

Bible Readings: 1Cor 6:12-20.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: We are instruments in the hands of God, cf. Acts 9:15.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord and Master, give us the grace that will
enable us to put every gift we have received from you into proper use – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

Saints Joachim and Anne – Pray for us.<o:p></o:p>

For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p>

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<o:p> </o:p>

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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Seventeenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</a> <a href="http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=22">http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=22</a>
<o:p></o:p>

</div>

<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Seventeenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joachim">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joachim</a>
<o:p></o:p>

</div>

<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Seventeenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</a> <a href="http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=22">http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=22</a>
<o:p></o:p>

</div>

Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary (26 th July, 2021) on the Gospel and ...

Seventeenth Sunday of the Year (B)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Sunday homilies 04:50

Homily (Reflection) for
the Seventeenth Sunday of the Year (B) (25th July, 2021) on the Gospel

2Kgs
4:42-44;

Ps
144:10-11.15-18 (R. V. 16);

Eph
4:1-6;

Jn 6:1-15.

I
believe you must have heard the story of a young lady whose boy friend promised
to give a very special gift on her birthday. That promise became the headline
of most of her discussions especially while inviting her friends to her
birthday party. Some of her friends decided to attend the party just to behold
the “very special” gift.

On the appointed day, the venue was
filled with guests. But her boy friend was conspicuously absent. Each time he
was called he always asked for a little more time to get the very special gift
ready. The young lady’s desire to receive the gift kept increasing.

After a long time
of waiting, he called and told her that they could start the party because he
was no longer too far from the venue. Reluctantly she agreed but her boy friend
never came until during the presentation of gifts. He came in sweating
profusely and briskly went to his girl friend, while on his knees apologising
he gave her something in a black nylon bag. All the guests looked on to see the
very special gift. As she could no longer wait for a second further, she
hastily opened the bag and behold it was a loaf of bread. With a sternly
frowned face she asked him whether that was the very special gift and he
nodded. All the effort to calm her down was fruitless. She not only threw it
out through the window but also pushed him out. The man after much fruitless
pleading went and picked the “very special” gift. He opened it before all of
them and brought out a car key and an engagement ring among other things he
buried in it. The young lady realising how foolishly she had acted pleaded on
her knees with eyes filled with tears, but they were very late.

Topic: Appreciate whatever you have.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_LCKvaP1yE/YPzfYBDPPbI/AAAAAAAAG18/yfSx-pDSeGY8cGLFQc2a17cyzz8faoeugCLcBGAsYHQ/s261/25.07.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="193" data-original-width="261" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_LCKvaP1yE/YPzfYBDPPbI/AAAAAAAAG18/yfSx-pDSeGY8cGLFQc2a17cyzz8faoeugCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/25.07.2021.jpg" /></a></div> The crowd who followed Jesus were
impressed by the signs He did in curing the sick, cf. Jn 6:1. In verse 10 the gospel approximates the number to be as
many as five thousand men. And the gospel according to Saint Matthew is more
explicit that this large number excludes women and children, cf. Matt 14:21. Just approximate the
proportion of men, women, and children in this church. If the number of people
in this church is to be increased proportionally, how many women and children
do you think will be here by the time the men are up to five thousand?<o:p></o:p>

The magnitude of the responsibility of
feeding the crowd is captured in Philip’s reply to Jesus’ question rendered in
different ways by different translators. In The New Jerusalem Bible: Standard edition, it reads: “Two hundred
denarii would not buy enough to give them a little each” (Jn 6:7). And according to The
Holy Bible: The New Revised Standard Version, a denarius was the usual
day’s wage for a labourer. This is supported by the parable of the labourers in
the vineyard: “He made an agreement with the workers for one denarius a day
...” (Matt 20: 2). On the other
hand, The Holy Bible: The New Revised
Standard Version translates Philip’s reply in these words: “Six months
wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little” (Jn 6:7). And in the Life Application Study Bible Philip’s
reply is: “Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money to feed
them!”

Andrew took a step further by
acknowledging that “There is a boy here who has five barely loaves and two
fish” but he quickly concluded: “But what are they among so many people?” (Jn 6:9). In both Philip’s and Andrew’s
statements, one sees the thinking of people operating at the level of earthly
wisdom, cf. Jas 3:15. But we are
called to look upwards, cf. Matt 5:48.
In verse 11 of today’s gospel, we see that when Jesus took the loaves and the
fishes instead of throwing them away like the young lady we saw in our
introductory story, He gave thanks and distributed them to the crowd.

We read in the gospel according to
Saint Luke: “He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and
he who is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much” (Lk 16:10). In the same vein, one who
does not appreciate what he/she has or is given, the whole world at his/her
disposal will not guarantee he/she being appreciative.

My dear ones in the Lord, one can
easily argue that what happened in the gospel was just a miracle. Yes, a
miracle but that God is still God. That miracle can still take place today
through you and me but we must learn first how to acknowledge and appreciate
what we have and what we are: “... the birds of the air ... neither sow nor
reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you
not of more value than they?” (Matt 6:26).
So my dearest in the Lord, before you throw it away, please check well to avoid
throwing away “very special gift/s”.

Bible
Reading: Matt 6:25-34; Lk 16:1-13; 19:11-27.<o:p></o:p>

Thought
for today: Appreciate everything not minding the size or seemingly
insignificant.

Let
us Pray: Lord, you are the source of all that is good and
you apportions to each as you will (cf. 1Cor
12:11). Give us the grace to always appreciate Your gifts in us and in our
brothers and sisters – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p>

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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">May God bless you all+

Seventeenth Sunday of the Year (B)

Homily (Reflection) for the Seventeenth Sunday of the Year (B) (25 th July, 2021) on the Gospel 2Kgs 4:42-44; Ps 144:10-11.15-18 ...

Saturday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:38

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of
the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (24th July, 2021) on the
Gospel

(B.V.M. on Saturday, Opt. Mem.)<o:p></o:p>

Ex 24:3-8;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 49:1-2.5-6.14-15. (R. v.14);<o:p></o:p>

Matt
13:24-30.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: For barn or for burning.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgAFa71iaqk/YPuLP1kipvI/AAAAAAAAG10/Llk-MnOQYtUr5X0m1AWSGTvEfPBZjJVDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s300/24.07.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgAFa71iaqk/YPuLP1kipvI/AAAAAAAAG10/Llk-MnOQYtUr5X0m1AWSGTvEfPBZjJVDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/24.07.2021.jpg" /></a></div> We read the parable of the weeds in today’s gospel. When
everybody was sleeping, the enemy sowed weeds among the wheat. The servants
wanted to uproot the weeds immediately but the master said to them, <o:p></o:p>

No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat
along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest... I will
tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be
burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.<o:p></o:p>

We see God in this parable as a very patient God. However,
let no one be deceived. That God hasn’t punished does not mean He will never
punish. Saint Peter rightly wrote, “The Lord is not slow about his promise as
some count slowness, but is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should
perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2Pt 3:9; cf. Ezek 33:11).<o:p></o:p>

Spiritual drowsiness is very dangerous. The enemy sowed the
weeds when everyone was sleeping. In the same vein, the devil always has it
very easy when the children of God are sleeping. We must stop sleeping, cf. 1Thess 5:6).<o:p></o:p>

Finally, let nobody count him/herself as a child of God when
he/she is not. Saint John wrote, “... whoever does not do right is not of God,
nor he who does not love his brother” (1Jn
3:10).<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Work towards barn or burning.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, assist us in our effort to
remain always your seeds – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p>

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Saturday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (24 th July, 2021) on the Gospel ( B.V.M. on Saturday, Opt....

Friday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:15

Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the
Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (23rd July, 2021) on the Gospel

Ex 20:1-17;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 18:8-11. (R. Jn 6:68);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 13:18-23.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Prepare the ground. <o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e7Aztq1mwFs/YPo0HKQcTOI/AAAAAAAAG1s/Z4zuore_06YP9MbufAKVrgeIrCov-pvLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s225/23.07.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e7Aztq1mwFs/YPo0HKQcTOI/AAAAAAAAG1s/Z4zuore_06YP9MbufAKVrgeIrCov-pvLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/23.07.2021.jpg" /></a></div> Today’s gospel is the explanation of the parable of the sower
we read two days ago. The seed on the path is one who hears the word of God and
does not understand it, the evil one takes it away. When one receives the word
with joy but without root, he/she easily falls away when trouble or persecution
arises on account of the word. This is the seed on the rocky ground. The seed
among thorns is the one who hears the word but the earthly worries and lure of
wealth choke the word. And one who hears the word and understands it is the
seed on good soil. <o:p></o:p>

The emphasis is on understanding the word and not on hearing.
Borrowing the words of Saint Paul, people have heard the word of God, cf. Rom 10:18. However, to what extent it
has been understood is a subject of another discussion. Those Christ called
blessed are not the ones who only hear the word of God but those who hear it
and do (keep) it, cf. Lk 8:21. 11:28.<o:p></o:p>

Everyone has roles to play. They include listening and asking
pertinent questions, cf. Deut 32:7; Matt
10:14; Mk 9:7; Lk 9:35. The unfolding of God’s words gives light; it
imparts understanding to the simple, cf. Ps
119:130. Everyone who wants life must therefore humbly turn to God. He has the
words of eternal life, cf. Jn 6:68. It
is the LORD who gives wisdom, cf. Prov
2:6. And “Happy is the man or woman who finds wisdom, and the man who gets
understanding” (Prov 3:13). Every
person can make his/her soil better for the word of God. <o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: People die for want of knowledge, cf. Hos 4:6.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, give us your Spirit, the
spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit
of knowledge and the fear of the LORD – Amen (cf. Is 11:2).<o:p></o:p>

For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p>

To Contact
and/or to support this ministry:<o:p></o:p>

Friday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (23 rd July, 2021) on the Gospel Ex 20:1-17; Ps 18:8-11...

Memorial of Saint Mary Magdalene

thepulpitonline.com 0 Memorials 04:44

Songs 3:1-4 or 2Cor 5:14-17;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 62:2-6.8-9. (R. v.2);<o:p></o:p>

Jn
20:1-2.11-18.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eTFprOBDHkI/YPjpijPMJzI/AAAAAAAAG1k/cr6jH3r9aAYpCrQ0LUpC1KN-4Aa9v03-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s252/22.07.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eTFprOBDHkI/YPjpijPMJzI/AAAAAAAAG1k/cr6jH3r9aAYpCrQ0LUpC1KN-4Aa9v03-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/22.07.2021.jpg" /></a></div> Saint
Mary Magdalene was mentioned at least twelve times in the Gospels and was
regarded as a prostitute or sexually immoral in the western Christianity based
on misidentification with the anonymous sinner of Luke 7:37. However, recent studies reveal that this is never scripturally
based. She is known as the ‘Apostle to the Apostles’. Jesus cast seven demons
out of her (cf. Luke 8:2).<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Sixteenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</a>
She likely watched the crucifixion and was the first to witness Christ’s
resurrection. Mary Magdalene was allegedly put in a boat along with several
others, and set adrift. The boat landed in southern France, where she spent the
rest of her life in solitude, in a cave. She is the patroness of converts,
repentant sinners, sexual temptation, pharmacists, tanners and women, and many
other places and causes.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Sixteenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</a><o:p></o:p>

Following Mary Magdalene’s report, Peter and John ran to the
tomb and saw the empty tomb, cf. Jn
20:2-3. The duo returned to their homes after seeing the empty tomb, cf. Jn 20:10. However, Mary stayed back
weeping outside the tomb. It was during this period that she saw two angels
inside the tomb and later Jesus Himself whom at first she thought to be a gardener.
Jesus instructed her thus, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet
ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending
to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”<o:p></o:p>

The story would have been different if Mary had left with
others. Imagine Mary remaining at the tomb all alone. Certainly, needless to
say that it was not easy. In like manner, it is not easy for one to follow a
course irrespective of other’s views. However, it pays. Hence Jesus warns, “...he
who endures to the end will be saved” (Mk
13:13; cf. Matt 10:22; 24:13).<o:p></o:p>

Let us follow Mary Magdalene’s example and search for what we
want calling on the name of the Lord because “everyone who calls upon the name
of the Lord will be saved” (Rom 10:13).
Never stop searching until you find what you are looking for; “...everyone who
asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened”
(Matt 7:8).<o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: Rom 10:5-17.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Let’s forge ahead for God’s salvation will soon
come, cf. Is 56:1.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, grant us all our good heart
desires through the power of your resurrection – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

Saint Mary Magdalene – Pray for us.<o:p></o:p>

Like us on Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline">www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline</a> <o:p></o:p>

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<a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

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and/or to support this ministry:<o:p></o:p>

Email: <a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p>

<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Sixteenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</a> <a href="http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/saint.aspx?id=1084">http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/saint.aspx?id=1084</a>
<o:p></o:p>

</div>

<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Sixteenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</a> <a href="http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=83">http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=83</a>
<o:p></o:p>

</div>

Memorial of Saint Mary Magdalene

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Mary Magdalene, (22 nd July, 2021) on the Gospel and the Memorial Songs 3:1-4 or 2Cor...

Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:14

Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of
the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (21st July, 2021) on the
Gospel

Ex 16:1-5.9-15;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 77:18-19.23-28. (R. v.24);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 13:1-9.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: The defaulter.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bszjnM4nsYw/YPeRBf2YoSI/AAAAAAAAG1c/hit9I3R0oM0BNO2vnW11aAeaBDZ8UT2XwCLcBGAsYHQ/s275/21.07.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bszjnM4nsYw/YPeRBf2YoSI/AAAAAAAAG1c/hit9I3R0oM0BNO2vnW11aAeaBDZ8UT2XwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/21.07.2021.jpg" /></a></div> In today’s gospel, while the sower sowed the seeds, some fell
on the path, some on rocky ground, some among the thorns, and the rest on good
soil. Only those who fell on good soil were able to grow to maturity “and brought
forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”<o:p></o:p>

Who is to blame for those seeds that fell on wrong soil
types? We have three most possible culprits – the sower, the seed, and the soil
types. It is very easy to see it as the consequence of sheer carelessness of
the sower. But it will not be right because he must have sowed for the seeds to
bear fruits. Hence, Saint Paul asks, “Who serves as a soldier at his own
expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Who tends a
flock without getting some of the milk?” (1Cor
9:7). The seeds have no other option than to fall where they are sowed. The
soil type is the next. Jesus warns, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you
in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matt 7:15). Most certainly, the wrong soil types must have
presented themselves to the sower as good soil. We must be sober and watchful. Our
adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to
devour, cf. 1Pt 5:8.<o:p></o:p>

We have been transformed to bear fruits for God, cf. Rom 7:4. We must ensure that we are
doing this task. Jesus warns, “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my
recompense, to repay every one for what he has done” (Rev 22:12; cf. Matt 16:27).<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, do something new in our lives;
make out of us good soil that will bear fruits – Amen (cf. Is 43:19).<o:p></o:p>

For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p>

To Contact and/or
to support this ministry:<o:p></o:p>

Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (21 st July, 2021) on the Gospel Ex 16:1-5.9-15; Ps ...

Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:50

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of
the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (20th July, 2021) on the
Gospel

Ex 14:21-15:1;<o:p></o:p>

Ex 15:8-10.12.17. (R. v.1);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 12:46-50.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Equal opportunities. <o:p></o:p>

<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;">‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ And pointing to
his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does
the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.’</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

This is not a disregard for His mother and relatives
(brothers), cf. Matt 15:4. It is
rather a strong warning for all who might brag themselves as possessing tickets
to heaven based on their religion, denominations, religious groups, and so on.
Again, one’s love for God must be above his/her love for every other thing, cf.
Matt 10:37.<o:p></o:p>

Jesus teaches, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no
one comes to the Father, but by me” (Jn
14:6). Whoever wants to see God must follow Christ. Adherence to Christ’s
teaching is the only assured edge anybody can have over others, cf. Jn 15:14. And it is open to everybody,
cf. Jn 10:16. God shows no
partiality to anyone, cf. Job 34:19; Rom
2:11; Gal 2:6; Eph 6:9; Col 3:25. We all have equal opportunities to make
heaven or hell.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, we need your grace to follow
your ways as your Son taught us – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p>

To Contact
and/or to support this ministry:<o:p></o:p>

Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (20 th July, 2021) on the Gospel Ex 14:21-15:1; Ex 15:...

Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:54

Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the
Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (19th July, 2021) on the Gospel

Ex 14:5-18;<o:p></o:p>

Ex 15:1-6. (R. v.1);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 12:38-42.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Are we better-off?<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMvl3SoHXqQ/YPT3fmDAtrI/AAAAAAAAG1A/VzRnBjjDITchnaM4DNZyHsQ6ZB9MoFOqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s208/19.07.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="128" data-original-width="208" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMvl3SoHXqQ/YPT3fmDAtrI/AAAAAAAAG1A/VzRnBjjDITchnaM4DNZyHsQ6ZB9MoFOqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/19.07.2021.jpg" /></a></div> Some scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus in today’s gospel, “Teacher,
we wish to see a sign from you.” Jesus replied them, “An evil and adulterous
generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of
the prophet Jonah.” Both the people of Nineveh and the queen of the South will
rise up with this generation and condemn it at the judgement because they
listened to Jonah and Solomon respectively, yet something greater than Jonah
and Solomon was there.<o:p></o:p>

The letter to the Hebrews reads, “Long ago God spoke to our
ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he
has spoken to us by a Son...” (Heb
1:1-2a). It therefore warns, <o:p></o:p>

<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;">...we must pay greater attention to what we have heard, so
that we do not drift away from it. For if the message declared through angels
was valid, and every transgression or disobedience received a just penalty, how
can we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? (Heb 2:1-3a).</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Surely God has stronger words for our generation. Recall that
many of the scribes and Pharisees never believed that Jesus is the Son of God,
cf. Matt 13:55-56; Mk 6:3; Jn 5:18. On
our part, we said that we believe but rarely do we live it out thereby
deceiving ourselves, cf. Jas 1:22; Rom
2:13. <o:p></o:p>

Let us depart from this evil, and do good, cf. Ps 34:14; 37:27. We have received much and
are expected to return accordingly, cf. Lk
12:48. <o:p></o:p>

Bible
Reading: Lk 12:41-48.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Jesus is the reality.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: God, help us to look for you and not
for your signs – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p>

To Contact
and/or to support this ministry:<o:p></o:p>

Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (19 th July, 2021) on the Gospel Ex 14:5-18; Ex 15:1-6....

Sixteenth Sunday of the Year (B)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Sunday homilies 04:41

Homily (Reflection) for
the Sixteenth Sunday of the Year (B) (18th July, 2021) on the Gospel

Jer
23:1-6;

Ps
22 (R. V. 1);

Eph
2:13-18;

Mk 6:30-34.

Topic: What about your Sheep?

However, on their arrival at the
designated place for rest, “... he saw a great crowd; and had compassion for
them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach
them many things” (Mk 6:34).

Note that the word sheep means much
more than mere wild or domestic animals, cf. 2Sam 24:17; Ps 95:7; Ps 100:3; Ezek 34:31; Ps 78:52; Jn 21:15, 16, 17.
In the same vein, the word shepherd does not refer to one who looks after some
animals. Everyone in leadership position is a shepherd. And just like Saint
Paul wrote that it is obligatory for him to preach the gospel, and woe to him
if he fails to preach, it is not optional for anybody in any leadership
position to shepherd the flock he/she is entrusted with, cf. 1Cor 9:16.

Sadly, God laments “My people have
been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray, turning them away on the
mountains; from mountain to hill they have gone, they have forgotten their fold”
(Jer 50:6). And God has these
against them,

Ah, you shepherds of Israel who
have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the
fat, you clothe yourselves with wool, you slaughter the fatlings; but you do
not feed the sheep. You have not strengthened the weak, you have not healed the
sick, you have not bound up the injured, you have not brought back the strayed,
you have not sought the lost, but with force and harshness you have ruled them
(Ezek 34:2-4).

These shepherds have left their work
and were only interested in what they would get and not what they would do. And
in our world today, considering what happens both in the religious and in the
secular circles, many who occupy the seats of shepherds are not different. Many
religious leaders today are interested in what they will get from the flock and
not in how they will tend, lead, feed, and shepherd the flock. Many preach
tithes today without knowing that their duty is not just to receive tithes but
very importantly to offer sacrifices for those who bring the tithes, cf. Gen 14:17-20. In the education sector, many
proprietors, manager, teachers, among others are interested only in their take
homes and not in teaching and learning. In politics, the more politicians’
accounts both local and international ones swell the better they see the
offices they occupy. The plights of the governed touch them only during
elections. Even some parents are not interested in shepherding the children God
gave them. They do not care how their children get their certificates, jobs,
husbands, money, and so on. Although the examples can go on ad infinitum but I
would like you to bring it down to your own area because it is very important.

Because of our failures to shepherd
the sheep in our respective areas, God’s sheep are scattered, they wander over
all the mountains and on every high hill and are now food for all the wild
animals. And there is no one searching or seeking for them, cf. Ezek 34:5-6. This is God’s verdict on
every shepherd who fails to do his/her work:

I am against the shepherds; and I
will demand my sheep at their hand, and put a stop to their feeding the sheep;
no longer shall the shepherds feed themselves. I will rescue my sheep from
their mouths, so that they may not be food for them (Ezek 34:10).

Before entrusting to Saint Peter the
work of shepherding the whole Church, Christ asked him three times whether he
loves Him more than the rest, cf. Jn 21:15,
16, 17. How much a shepherd is doing and can do for the sheep entrusted to
him/her is in relation to his/her love for both the sheep and the owner of the
sheep. Christ the good shepherd lays down his life for us, His sheep because of
His love for us, cf. Jn 10:11; 15:13;
1Jn 3:16.

The greatest problem we have today
is that “both prophet and priest ply their trade throughout the land, and have
no knowledge” (Jer 14:18). Hence, in
today’s gospel, the great crowd were like sheep without a shepherd because
those who suppose to shepherd them left them for some other things. My dear
friends, What about your Sheep – are they like sheep without a shepherd or like
sheep with a shepherd?

Bible
Reading: Ezek 34:1-31; Jer 14:13-18; Jn 10:1-21; 21:15-17.<o:p></o:p>

Thought
for today: Is the sheep you are entrusted with like sheep with/out a
shepherd?

Let
us Pray: Lord, the good Shepherd, give us the grace to be
the shepherds we are called to be wherever we are – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p>

Join our WhatsApp
Group via: +234 810 298 6313<o:p></o:p>

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To Contact and/or to support this ministry:<o:p></o:p>

Tel:
+234 813 305 0302<o:p></o:p>

<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">May God bless you all+

Sixteenth Sunday of the Year (B)

Homily (Reflection) for the Sixteenth Sunday of the Year (B) (18 th July, 2021) on the Gospel Jer 23:1-6; Ps 22 (R. V. 1); Eph ...

Tuesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Seventeenth Sunday of the Year (B)

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Friday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Memorial of Saint Mary Magdalene

Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

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