Catholic Mass celebrated: Easter Wednesday (Octave of Easter: Wednesday) (24th April, 2019).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for Easter Wednesday (Octave of Easter: Wednesday) (24^th April, 2019) on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Acts 3:1-10;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 104:1-4.6-9. (R. v. 3);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Lk 24:13-35</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Catholic Mass celebrated</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ztKQ-MBMdyU/XMAZ9FB9CPI/AAAAAAAAE9k/CejJh4zjrU8_el-S_WFmTyGUfJrWEQtKACLcBGAs/s1600/24.04.2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ztKQ-MBMdyU/XMAZ9FB9CPI/AAAAAAAAE9k/CejJh4zjrU8_el-S_WFmTyGUfJrWEQtKACLcBGAs/s1600/24.04.2019.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today’s gospel is a follow-up to the gospel of the Easter vigil of year C (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 24:1-12</b>) in which Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and other women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus but met an empty tomb. Their story seemed to both the apostles and their companions an idle tale.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That same day in today’s gospel, two of the disciples were talking about all that had happened while on their way to Emmaus. Jesus joined them and queried, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” Although amazed that someone in Jerusalem could ask such question, they told Jesus all that bothered them. He explained to them everything about Himself based on the scripture. On reaching where they were going, they urged Jesus to stay with them. And they only recognised Jesus when He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Catholic Mass is made up of two main parts (liturgies), liturgy of the Word (readings, homily, and general intercessions), and the liturgy of the Eucharist (presentation of the bread and wine, the consecratory thanksgiving, and communion)</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2018-2019)/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter/Easter%20Octave%20(2019).docx" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; 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]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. And in today’s gospel, Jesus our eternal high priest did it Himself. Hence our topic, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Catholic Mass celebrated</b> by Jesus Himself. Jesus is both the victim and the priest in every Mass</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2018-2019)/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter/Easter%20Octave%20(2019).docx" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; 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]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is very important to remind ourselves just three things based on today’s reading. First, it is vital to invite Jesus into our lives and into every situation we find ourselves in. Again, the risen Lord is always present at the Mass as He promised, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 18:20</b>. And again, each of the two main parts of the Mass is as important as the other. Therefore, both the priests and the congregation must not make light of any. Meet Jesus daily at the Holy Mass.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: 1Cor 11:23-31.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Thought for today:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> There is power in the Holy Mass.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> Eucharistic Jesus, help us to understand and to benefit from every Holy Mass – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Visit our website: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.thepulpitonline.com</span></span></a></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Like us on Facebook:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; 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text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tel: +234 813 305 0302</span></span></b></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">       </span>Email: </span></span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">May God bless you all+</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"> <!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" /> <hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /> <!--[endif]--> <div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.7in;"> <a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2018-2019)/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter/Easter%20Octave%20(2019).docx" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; 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]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), n. 1346.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> </div> <div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.7in;"> <a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2018-2019)/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter/Easter%20Octave%20(2019).docx" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; 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]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> CCC, nn. 1367, 1410.<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> </div> </div>

Catholic Mass celebrated: Easter Wednesday (Octave of Easter: Wednesday) (24th April, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for Easter Wednesday (Octave of Easter: Wednesday) (24 th April, 2019) on the Gospel   Acts 3:1-10; Ps 104:1...

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Continue searching: Easter Tuesday (Octave of Easter: Tuesday) (23rd April, 2019).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for Easter Tuesday (Octave of Easter: Tuesday) (23^rd April, 2019) on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Acts 2:36-41;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 32:4-5.18-20.22 (R. v. 5);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Jn 20:11-18</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Continue searching</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aaD_WdzQonI/XL6REZh6VoI/AAAAAAAAE9U/x1vDercwhf8F6cV9T6tqRFfq2unm1qAxwCLcBGAs/s1600/23.04.2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aaD_WdzQonI/XL6REZh6VoI/AAAAAAAAE9U/x1vDercwhf8F6cV9T6tqRFfq2unm1qAxwCLcBGAs/s1600/23.04.2019.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today’s gospel is a follow-up of Easter Sunday’s gospel (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 20:1-9</b>). Verse 10 tells us that Peter and John returned to their homes after seeing the empty tomb without seeing the Lord. But 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. When she recognized Him, Jesus said to Mary, “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></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The story would have been different if Mary had left with others. It was not easy remaining at the tomb all alone. In like manner, it is not easy for one to follow a course irrespective of other’s views. However, it pays. Hence Jesus admonished, “...he who endures to the end will be saved” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk 13:13; cf. Matt 10:22; 24:13</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let us follow Mary’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” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 10:13</b>). So, do not stop searching until you find what you are looking for.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: Rom 10:5-17.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Thought for today:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> Let us continue for God’s salvation will soon come, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Is 56:1</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> Risen Lord, grant us all our good heart desires through the power of your resurrection – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Visit our website: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.thepulpitonline.com</span></span></a></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Like us on Facebook:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Follow us on Twitter:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt; 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line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 10%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To Contact and/or to support this ministry:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br /> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tel: +234 813 305 0302</span></span></b></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">       </span>Email: </span></span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">May God bless you all+</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

Continue searching: Easter Tuesday (Octave of Easter: Tuesday) (23rd April, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for Easter Tuesday (Octave of Easter: Tuesday) (23 rd April, 2019) on the Gospel   Acts 2:36-41; Ps 32:4-5.1...

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Lies beget lies: Easter Monday (Octave of Easter: Monday) (22nd April, 2019).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for Easter Monday (Octave of Easter: Monday) (22^nd April, 2019) on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Acts 2:14.22-33;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 15:1-2.5.7-11 (R.v.1); <o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Matt 28:8-15</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Lies beget lies</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1z0dlvHtGuw/XL1CAoj2B_I/AAAAAAAAE9I/q38CjnLBlXgc2hJdTeLexb2YD_ihAQFTgCLcBGAs/s1600/22.04.2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1z0dlvHtGuw/XL1CAoj2B_I/AAAAAAAAE9I/q38CjnLBlXgc2hJdTeLexb2YD_ihAQFTgCLcBGAs/s1600/22.04.2019.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mary Magdalene and the other Mary had left the tomb with fear and great joy to give the apostles the good news when Jesus met them. And He said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 8pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On the other hand, when the chief priests heard about Jesus’ resurrection, they met with the elders before bribing the guards with large sum of money and instructed them thus, “You must say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’” The guards were also assured of their safety should the governor come to hear of it. And this false story is regrettably still told among the Jews to this day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The chief priests and their cohorts put up lies just to have Jesus put to death. Now, they are faced with another reality, the resurrection of Jesus. We see them in today’s gospel still bent on covering the Truth, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 14:6</b>. No wonder Jesus warns, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 18:3</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Tim 2:4</b>). Saint Paul also wrote, “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Eph 6:17</b>). No matter how hard a man tries, the word of God cannot be fettered, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2Tim 2:9</b>. And let no one add or subtract from God’s word, (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prov 30:6</b>). We must speak the truth to one another, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Eph 4:25</b>. Lies only beget lies to the point of stupidity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Eph 6:10-20; Prov 30:1-9</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Thought for today:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> His word endures forever.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> God, give us your grace to be always open to truth – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Visit our website: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.thepulpitonline.com</span></span></a></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Like us on Facebook:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; 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text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tel: +234 813 305 0302</span></span></b></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">       </span>Email: </span></span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">May God bless you all+</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

Lies beget lies: Easter Monday (Octave of Easter: Monday) (22nd April, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for Easter Monday (Octave of Easter: Monday) (22 nd April, 2019) on the Gospel   Acts 2:14.22-33; Ps 15:1-2....

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After Lent, What Next?: Easter Sunday (21st April, 2019).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Homily (Reflection) for Easter Sunday (21</span>^{<span style="font-size: small;">st</span>}<span style="font-size: large;"> April, 2019) on the Gospel and the celebration<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Acts 10:34.37-43;</span></div> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Ps 117:1-2.16-17.22-23. (R.v. 24);</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Col 3:1-4 or 1Cor 5:6-8;</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 20:1-9</b>.</span></span><br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">There is a story of a man who was picked up in a gutter on Good Friday. He left his house very early in the morning. His wife, children, and friends found it very difficult to believe that it was the man that they saw in such a state. Although he was notorious for taking too much alcohol but all through the period of Lent he was a different man. He did not test alcohol at all the whole period of Lent. When he regained consciousness they asked him why he took to drinking again. And he told them that the joy in his heart was unimaginable when the priest said on Maundy (Holy) Thursday that the forty (40) days of Lent were over. He went on to tell them that he needed to refill because his body lacks liquid (alcohol). According to him, his body was badly dehydrated all the period of Lent that at a point he was thinking if the Lent would never end. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Topic:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> After </span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lent</span>, What Next?</b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NWnEhujZHqA/XLwn0U2DR3I/AAAAAAAAE88/xnMhYC8O03Mgi7k4yVOVWJWxk5BkVT_pwCLcBGAs/s1600/21.04.2019.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NWnEhujZHqA/XLwn0U2DR3I/AAAAAAAAE88/xnMhYC8O03Mgi7k4yVOVWJWxk5BkVT_pwCLcBGAs/s1600/21.04.2019.png" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mary had gone to the tomb on the first day of the week may be to meditate on the passion and death of Christ. When she saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb the gospel reads: “... she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him’” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 20:2</b>). Mary Magdalene like others thought that the story had ended. But our salvation story did not end with the suffering and death of Christ Jesus. Hence, St. Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians wrote<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt 0.7in; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain. If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have died in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor 15:13-14, 17-19</b>)<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For forty days, we were in the period of Lent. All these while, not even alleluia did come out of our mouths consciously. It is during the period of Lent that one will come to know that alleluia is not all that common. But now that it is over what is the next thing? The answer to this depends </span>on the meaning or one’s understanding of Lent. I know that some might wonder what on earth led us to discuss Lent on Easter day after having just spent forty (40) days excluding Sundays in it. Easter comes after Lenten period. And during the period of Lent, many people did a lot of good deeds – almsgiving, abstaining from vices, devotions, among others. Some even denied themselves many things that are not sinful just for God.</span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Every Christian who took part in the Lenten season can be better seen as a graduate although without any paper-certificate. The period of Lent is a school, a period of training. In this school just like in every other form of school, the students gather as much skills as possible for the life after school. Graduates come out with new skills and in the same vein Christians must have gathered a lot of skills (virtues) during Lent. We should not allow any of these virtues to leave otherwise we risk spending forty days in the wilderness without anything to show for it just like the man we saw in the introductory part of this homily who waited for the Lent to be over so as to go back to drinking. Saint Peter warns, </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt 0.7in; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace... will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Pt 5:8-9</b>).</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Christ suffered, died and resurrected for us to benefit as well as to imitate, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Pt 2:21</b>. We all are to resurrect cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts 24:15</b>, but the destination is determined by the quality of lives we live now: “those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jn. 5:29</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">). Do not celebrate the end of Lent by going back </span>to your old ways of life. We are to witness to the resurrection of Christ with our lives and perhaps our words if it is necessary, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts 1:22</b>. The struggle is not yet over until it is over. We are still in the battle field (world).</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">1Cor 15:12-34; Heb 4:1-13; 1Pt 5:6-11</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.</span><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thought for today:</b> Prepare now for your resurrection (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn. 5:29</b>).</span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Risen Christ, help us live the life that will lead us to the resurrection of life and not to judgement</span> – Amen. </span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Happy Easter to you all</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.</span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; 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After Lent, What Next?: Easter Sunday (21st April, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for Easter Sunday (21 st April, 2019) on the Gospel and the celebration Acts 10:34.37-43; Ps 117:1-2.16-17.22-2...

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Remember His words: Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil) (C) (20th April, 2019).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Homily (Reflection) for Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil) (C) (20</span>^{<span style="font-size: small;">th</span>}<span style="font-size: large;"> April, 2019) on the Gospel and the celebration<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">R. 1: Gen 1:1-2:2 or 1:26-31;</span></div> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Ps 103:1-2.5-6.10.12-14.24.35 (R. cf. v.30) or Ps 32:4-7.12-13.20.22. (R. v. 5).</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">R. 2: Gen 22:1-18 or 1-2. 9-13. 15-18;</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Ps 15:5.8-11 (R. v. 1).</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">R. 3: Ex 14:15-15:1;</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Ex 15: 1-6. 17-18 (R. v. 1).</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">R. 4: Is 54:5-14; </span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Ps 29:2.4-6.11-13 (R. v. 2).</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">R. 5: Is 55:1-11;</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Is 12:2-6. (R. v. 3).</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">R. 6: Bar 3:9-15. 32-4:4;</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Ps 18:8-11. (R. Jn 6:69).</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">R. 7: Ezek 36:16-28;</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Pss 41:3.5; 42:3.4 (R. 41:2).</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Epistle: Rom 6:3-11;</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Ps 117:1-2.16-17.22-23.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gospel: Lk 24:1-12</b>.</span></span><br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Readings from the Old Testament can be reduced according to circumstances. Minimum of three (3) is recommended. But in special cases, the readings can still be reduced to two. However, the third reading (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ex 14:15-15:1</b>) is compulsory.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">We join the Church who awaits at the Lord’s tomb meditating on Christ’s suffering and death. Easter celebration begins with a tone of joy. The priest/s and other ministers wear white vestments. Everyone who takes part in this vigil comes with a candle. The Easter Vigil is made up of four parts, namely: brief service of light, liturgy of the word, Baptism and/renewal of Baptismal vows, and liturgy of the Holy Eucharist.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Before the commencement of the vigil, every light in the church is put off and a large fire is prepared at a suitable place outside the church where the first part of the celebration, service of light, begins. The absence of light in the church signifies that the Lord (the light of the world) is still lying in the tomb, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 8:12; 9:5</b>. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Topic:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Remember His words</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qfNcQPeHVwE/XLqm9Ftdi9I/AAAAAAAAE8g/sW5zcZ0ljhsbeNd2T0yxX2Yd0geTzgV-ACLcBGAs/s1600/20.04.2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qfNcQPeHVwE/XLqm9Ftdi9I/AAAAAAAAE8g/sW5zcZ0ljhsbeNd2T0yxX2Yd0geTzgV-ACLcBGAs/s1600/20.04.2019.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Women in today’s gospel went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body with the spices they had prepared. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They found the tomb open and the body of Jesus missing. While they were perplexed about the ‘disappearance’ of the body of Jesus, two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them and said to them,</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt 0.7in; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 24:5-7</b>).</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">The story of these women seemed to the apostles and all present an idle tale, and as a result did not believe them. However, “Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Jesus’ arrest, unjust trial, condemnation, and most shameful death seemed to have wiped out of the women’s mind all that Jesus had told them about His death. It was the angels they saw at the tomb that reminded them His words.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we might have a lot of wonderful things on our heads about Him: the first fruit from the dead, (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts 26:23</b>), the resurrection and the life (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 11:25</b>), Jesus with all authority in heaven and on earth, (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 28:18</b>), to whom nothing is impossible, (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 1:37; 18:27</b>), who is with us always, to the close of the age, (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 28:20</b>), and so on. Yet sometimes we find ourselves in states worse than that of the women; after all they searched for Him where He was buried. Today we see Christians even the spiritual heads engage themselves in double dealings. Righteousness has no partnership with iniquity, neither does light has fellowship with darkness, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2Cor 6:14</b>.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">If we know the power of His resurrection, we ought to remain with God no matter the state we find ourselves as rightly advised by Saint Paul, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor 7:24</b>. With the risen Christ on our side, “we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 60:12; 108:13</b>). God is the shield that saves the upright in heart, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 7:10</b>. And with God is the best of everything in superabundance, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Job 12:13; 2Cor 9:8</b>.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Easter comes only after Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. One must remember always as he/she goes through Holy Thursdays, Good Fridays, and Holy Saturdays of his/her life that Easter is around the corner. Saint Paul rightly wrote, </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt 0.7in; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">If we have died with him, then we shall live with him. If we persevere, then we shall reign with him. If we disown him, then he will disown us, If we are faithless, he is faithful still, for he cannot disown his own self (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2Tim 2:11-13, NJB</b>).</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Let no one therefore make him/herself an enemy of the cross of Christ, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Phil 3:18</b>. We are certain that God who raised Jesus will surely raise us up, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor 6:14</b>. Befriending anything other than God makes one His enemy, (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jas 4:4</b>) thereby looking for the living among the dead. In every situation, we must remember that Jesus has conquered and is able and willing to save us from every situation, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 18:6-8</b>. Let us therefore remember Jesus and His words always.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: Hag 2:1-9; Jer 46:27-28; Matt 28:16-20; 1Cor 15: 1-58</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.</span><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thought for today:</b> Where one searches determines what he/she will find<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.</span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> Lord Jesus, </span>help us search for you always where and when you may be found (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Is 55:6</b>) – Amen. </span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Visit our website: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">www.thepulpitonline.com</span></span></a></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Like us on Facebook:</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; 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text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313</span></span></span></b></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Send us Email:</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span></span><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To Contact and/or to support this ministry:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b><br /> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tel: +234 813 305 0302</span></span></span></b></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">       </span>Email: </span></span></span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">May God bless you all+</span></span></div>

Remember His words: Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil) (C) (20th April, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil) (C) (20 th April, 2019) on the Gospel and the celebration R. 1: Gen 1:1-2:2 or ...

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Behold the man, your King (cf. Jn 19:5, 14): Good Friday (Celebration of the Lord’s Passion) (19th April, 2019).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Homily (Reflection) for Good Friday (Celebration of the Lord’s Passion) (19</span>^{<span style="font-size: small;">th</span>}<span style="font-size: large;"> April, 2019) on the Passion and the celebration<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Is 52:13–53:12;</span></div> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Ps 30:2.6.12-13.15-17.25. (R. Lk 23:46);</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9;</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 18:1 – 19:42</b>.</span></span><br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">The sacraments are not celebrated today or tomorrow. The altar should be completely bare, without cloths, candles, or cross. Today’s celebration consists of three parts: liturgy of the word, veneration of the cross, and Holy Communion</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/YEAR%20C%202018%20-%202019/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter/Good%20Friday%202019..docx" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; 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]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Topic:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Behold the man, your King </span></b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">cf. Jn 19:5, 14</b>)</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RhkF4xYo-2k/XLlfitua6lI/AAAAAAAAE8U/8wUFnhNIfTkvOewiMm_NCvR-p9Mg6yzQgCLcBGAs/s1600/19.04.2019.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="172" data-original-width="293" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RhkF4xYo-2k/XLlfitua6lI/AAAAAAAAE8U/8wUFnhNIfTkvOewiMm_NCvR-p9Mg6yzQgCLcBGAs/s1600/19.04.2019.png" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">In today’s Passion, we see Jesus’ arrest, His unjust trial, Peter’s denial, His condemnation, death on the cross between two thieves, the piercing of His side, and His burial. During Jesus’ trial, when Pilate brought Him out to the Jews to show that he did not see any offence against Him and said to them, “Here is the man!” the chief priests and the police shouted, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” And when he said to them, “Here is your King!” they cried out, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">In the gospel according to Saint John, Jesus tells us that “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 10:10</b>) yet they preferred a thief instead of the author of life, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 18:40</b>. Christ came and brought light to all in darkness of sin; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Is 9:2</b>;<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Matt 4:16</b>. Hence He tells us, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 8:12</b>).</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">The naked King ruling from a tree will be unveiled in this celebration with the invitation, “This is the wood of the cross, on which hung the Saviour of the world.” We are to either follow the chief priests to shout, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!” or to adore Him humbly saying “Come, let us worship”.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno’s damage. One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick. When he struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother’s wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. She would have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. When the blaze had arrived and the heat had scorched her small body, the mother had remained steadfast. Because she had been willing to die, those under the cover of her wings would live...</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/YEAR%20C%202018%20-%202019/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter/Good%20Friday%202019..docx" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; 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]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Like this little bird, Jesus willingly accepted the most ignoble suffering and death for us to live. The Passion narrative tells us that the soldiers and the police “stepped back and fell to the ground” when Jesus told them that He was the one they were looking for. Nothing prevented Him from going away other than His love for us. He knew that the hour of our liberation had come. Hence He tells us, “No one takes it [my life] from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again; this charge I have received from my Father” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 10:18</b>).</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">May we never go back to the yoke of slavery from which Jesus had set us free, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gal 5:1</b>. Whoever follows Jesus will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. However, anyone who prefers darkness is condemned, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 3: 18, 19</b>.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: Jn 3:11-21; </span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">1Pt 3:8-22.</span><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thought for today:</b> Christ died to set us free<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.</span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span>Lord, may your Son’s suffering and death never be in vain – Amen. </span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; 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mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">May God bless you all+</span></span></div> <br /> <div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"> <!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" /> <hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /> <!--[endif]--> <div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/YEAR%20C%202018%20-%202019/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter/Good%20Friday%202019..docx" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; 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]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> The Sunday Missal: A new edition (1995). London: HarperColliinsReligious. <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">p.258.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> </div> <div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 1pt 0in 0pt;"> <a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/YEAR%20C%202018%20-%202019/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter/Good%20Friday%202019..docx" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; 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]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Sagayanathan, A. (2009). <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Launching pad: Stories for Sunday homilies – A, B & C</b>. Bangalore: Asian Trading Corporation, pp<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">. 271-272.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> </div> </div>

Behold the man, your King (cf. Jn 19:5, 14): Good Friday (Celebration of the Lord’s Passion) (19th April, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for Good Friday (Celebration of the Lord’s Passion) (19 th April, 2019) on the Passion and the celebration Is 52...

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Christ’s legacies: Maundy (Holy) Thursday (Mass of the Lord’s Supper) (18th April, 2019).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Homily (Reflection) for Maundy (Holy) Thursday (Mass of the Lord’s Supper) (18</span>^{<span style="font-size: small;">th</span>}<span style="font-size: large;"> April, 2019) on the Gospel and the celebration<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Ex 12:1-8.11-14;</span></div> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Ps 115:12-13.15-18. (R. cf. 1Cor 10:16);</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">1Cor 11:23-26;</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 13:1-15</b>.</span></span><br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">General norms for the Liturgical Year number 18 reads:<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> “</b>Christ accomplished the work of redemption and the perfect glorification of God principally through his Paschal mystery, in which dying he destroyed our death and rising he restored our life [cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 5:8; 1Thess 5:10</b>]. Hence, the Sacred Easter Triduum of the Lord’s Passion and Resurrection shines forth as the culmination of the whole liturgical year.” Sacred Easter Triduum refers to Holy (Maundy) Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. These days are considered the three most sacred days and are otherwise known as the Paschal Triduum. It begins with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Sacred Easter Triduum, the Church makes present and fulfils the mystery of Christ’s passing from the world to the Father, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 16:28</b>. Before the beginning of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the tabernacle is completely empty. Gloria is sung and the church bells may be rung and then are silent until the Gloria of the Easter Vigil. The feet of selected people are washed. After the Post Communion prayer, the Holy Eucharist is transferred to an appropriate place (Altar of Repose). Every faithful is expected to spend time with the Lord who calls us to stay awake and remain with him in adoration, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 26:38</b>. The altar is later completely stripped. Crucifixes are either removed from the church or veiled. Christ has been delivered into the hands of sinners to suffer the most ignoble death for us to live, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 26:45</b>; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Thess 5:10, 1Jn 4:9</b>. </span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Topic:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Christ’s legacies</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6TfZVuCoDbo/XLfqzrgRQRI/AAAAAAAAE8I/0aF1bxzsx1k7Co7futzQgJnoUfFjAfgtACLcBGAs/s1600/18.04.2019.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="284" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6TfZVuCoDbo/XLfqzrgRQRI/AAAAAAAAE8I/0aF1bxzsx1k7Co7futzQgJnoUfFjAfgtACLcBGAs/s1600/18.04.2019.png" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">We celebrate among others three mysteries: the institution of the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, the institution of the ministerial priesthood, and the command to be others’ slave, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk 10:44</b>. The Holy Eucharist is the sacrament of love. It is the celebration of Christ’s giving of Himself for us which is the greatest form of love, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 15:13</b>. Therefore participation in the Holy Eucharist is participation in Christ’s love.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">However, receiving the Holy Eucharist is not a mark of being a good Christian. Jesus tells us, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 13:35</b>). Again, Judas received it before all of us and we know what it brought for him, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 13:21-27</b>. Participating in Christ’s love and the call to love others are inseparable.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">In the gospel according to Saint Mark we read: </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4pt 0in 0pt 0.7in; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk 10:42-44</b>).</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">In the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, Jesus is both the victim and the priest, and in giving the new commandment, he was also both the teacher and the instructional material. It is important to note that in the Jewish tradition, it is the function of slaves to wash others’ feet. So, the washing of feet in this Mass is a symbolical representation of the humility of Christ, who “... came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 20:28</b>, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk 10:45</b>). </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">In one parish, the catechist after selecting people for the washing of the feet submitted their names to the parish priest. Among these was a man who opposes everything the parish priest says and does. On seeing this, he quickly asked the catechist, ‘Why not include Satan in the list?’ Remember that Christ washed the feet of all the apostles including that of Judas. If we select only those we considered as our friends, what are we doing? (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 5:46; Lk 6:32</b>)</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Again, one priest during the meeting of the bishop with his priests referred to the bishop as an unworthy bishop and the bishop reacted quickly. For the bishop, the priest just insulted him but the priest reminded him that he (the bishop) had referred to himself during the consecration and while addressing them as an unworthy bishop (servant). And the bishop retorted “But you mean the one you just said.” “So you never meant what you have been saying?” queried the priest. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Saint Augustine rightly admonishes us to approach the Holy Eucharist humbly, ponder worthily so great a favour, and be aware that we must be ready to do for others what Christ first did for us (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Divine Office II, 1974, p. 277</b>). Christ is saying to all of us: </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0.7in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">You call me Teacher and Lord–and you are right for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 13:13-15</b>).</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Pray for ministerial priests in a special way today because the Holy Eucharist cannot be celebrated without ministerial priest. Hence, we celebrate today also the ordination of the first set of ministerial priests – the apostles by Christ himself. Once more, pray for priests today. Finally, I need your prayers most.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: </span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Jn 6:22-71; Matt 5:43-48; 22:34-40;</span> <span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">1Jn 4:7-21; 1Thess 5:1-10.</span><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thought for today:</b> Christ has given us Himself as a sign of His love and also asks us to love each other<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.</span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span>Lord, as we celebrate your Supper, soak us always in your love to be able to love you in the Holy Eucharist and others as you love us – Amen. </span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; 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Christ’s legacies: Maundy (Holy) Thursday (Mass of the Lord’s Supper) (18th April, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for Maundy (Holy) Thursday (Mass of the Lord’s Supper) (18 th April, 2019) on the Gospel and the celebration Ex ...

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