The Pulpit Online

Second Sunday of Lent (B)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Sunday homilies 04:39

Homily for the Second Sunday of Lent (B) (28th
February, 2021) on the Gospel

Gen 22:1-2.9-13.15-18;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 115:10.15-19. (R. 114:9);<o:p></o:p>

Rom 8:31-34;<o:p></o:p>

Mk 9:2-10.<o:p></o:p>

A friend of mine once told me a story of his classmate
who repeatedly failed virtually every Mathematical question. At a point his
father hired one of the best Mathematics teachers around as his private tutor
but the news still remained unchanged. His father at a point threatened to
disown him. But the boy pleaded with his father, telling him how much he had
tried to get a better result but all to no avail. As he was still narrating,
his father cut in and told the boy that all the reasons he was giving why he
should not disown him were actually the reasons why he wanted to disown him.
According to the man, the boy had not acted as their people do. He went ahead
and offered his son what he called the master key he would use to unlock not
just mathematical problems but every task facing him in life. He said: “This
might look simple but very effective. When you face any task you want to
succeed in, first simplify it by adding a prefix (naira, ₦) and a suffix (kobo, K)
to that thereby assuming that as what you will get”. At the end of their break
the boy went back to school and used his father’s master key so well that the
result became unimaginable – he moved from failing to passing almost every
mathematical question.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: It is good to be there, cf. 1Cor 2:9; Is 64:3.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ts0AO513YAU/YDsQSmCr3hI/AAAAAAAAGfo/_pgSy75xieosu7iGCMiBpld6VTE_bmbSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s261/Transfiguration.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/-Ts0AO513YAU/YDsQSmCr3hI/AAAAAAAAGfo/_pgSy75xieosu7iGCMiBpld6VTE_bmbSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Transfiguration.jpg" /></a></div> We saw the picture of the transfiguration of Jesus Christ in today’s
gospel. This took place when Jesus was alone with Peter, James, and John on a
high mountain (Mk 9:2). According to
today’s gospel and the gospel according to Matthew (Matt 17:1), Jesus transfigured six days after he foretold of his
death and resurrection. But according to Luke’s account (Lk 9:28), it was after eight days. And for William Barclay in The
daily study Bible: The gospel of Mark, “There is no discrepancy here”. They all
mean to say “About a week afterwards” (pp. 209-210).<o:p></o:p>

Jesus was about to go to Jerusalem where what he
foretold would take place. The transfiguration of Jesus has a number of
significance. Just as we reflected in our homily for the first Sunday of Lent,
there was need for Jesus to reflect deeply on what he was about to embark on. On
that mountain, the most important figures in the Jewish culture (Moses and
Elijah) appeared to and conversed with him. William Barclay in The daily study
Bible: The gospel of Mark rightly noted that in Israel, Moses was the supreme
law-giver and Elijah was both the first and the greatest of all the prophets
(p. 211). Their appearance implies that Jesus’ decision was in line with the
law and the prophets. And Jesus citing Deuteronomy said in the gospel, “... the
testimony of two men is true” (Jn 8:17;
cf. Deut 17:6; 19:15). These were
not just two men but two real great men.<o:p></o:p>

In the bible, the presence of God is often connected
with the cloud, cf. Ex 13:21; 14:24;
16:10; 19:9; 24:16; 33:9; 34:5; 40:34: 40:35; Deut 31:15. And the gospel
reads further: “Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a
voice, ‘This is my Son, the beloved; listen to him!’” (Mk 9:7). Here God testified that Jesus is his Son and implicitly doing
what pleases him, hence, the adjective “the Beloved”.<o:p></o:p>

In our introductory story, that boy consistently
failed virtually every mathematical question because he never saw any value in
that. The disciples who were scandalized by Jesus’ proclamation of his death
and resurrection needed something to hold on and there is nothing better than
the glory that will come after as Saint Paul rightly quoted: “... What no eye
has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared
for those who love him” (1Cor 2:9).
At the glimpse of which Peter managed to utter: “... it is good for us to be
here ...”<o:p></o:p>

My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, it is indeed
good to enjoy the beatific vision but we must first do what God asks of us:
listen to his only and beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Again, we must accomplish
different acts we resolved to achieve this Lenten season bearing in mind that
God will greatly reward us according to our deeds, cf. Rev. 22:12. Finally, “If for this life only we have hoped in Christ,
we are of all men most to be pitied” (1Cor
15:19). Think of the world to come.<o:p></o:p>

Bible Readings: Jn 5:19; 1Cor 2:6-16; 1Thess 4:1-12; 2Thess
1:5-12.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: As one who wants to rejoice in the presence of God,
do you listen to Jesus?<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: <o:p></o:p>

Lord, we ask for the grace to always listen to your
beloved Son, Jesus Christ – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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are free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.<o:p></o:p>

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Second Sunday of Lent (B)

Homily for the Second Sunday of Lent (B) (28 th February, 2021) on the Gospel Gen 22:1-2.9-13.15-18; Ps 115:10.15-19. (R. 114:9); R...

Saturday of the First Week of Lent

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 05:02

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of
the First Week of Lent (27th February, 2021) on the Gospel<o:p></o:p>

Deut 26:16-19;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 118:1-2.4-5.7-8 (R. v. 1);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 5:43-48.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Beyond the bus stop.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sC7Vzxgv73c/YDnELMLtQvI/AAAAAAAAGfg/hfd8wcntYVw80XbWh6hC8R7_bVEur6oSACLcBGAsYHQ/s346/27.02.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="146" data-original-width="346" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sC7Vzxgv73c/YDnELMLtQvI/AAAAAAAAGfg/hfd8wcntYVw80XbWh6hC8R7_bVEur6oSACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/27.02.2021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Often we find ourselves in the trap of consoling ourselves by
enumerating those we think are worse than us. In today’s gospel however, we see
the true standard, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect”
(Matt 5:48).<o:p></o:p>

Jesus cautions us on how to relate with our enemies and
persecutors. Like that of yesterday, today’s gospel insists that we must go yet
another mile. Salvation lies beyond where many stop.<o:p></o:p>

General expectation, “You shall love your neighbour and hate
your enemy”. But Christ demands this, <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;">Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so
that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on
the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the
unrighteous (Matt 5: 44-45).</blockquote></blockquote>

Sad enough, in reality many still grapple with the love of
neighbours yet the gospel calls us to love our enemies and even pray for those
who persecute us. Although many seem to be more comfortable with, “eye for eye,
tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot” (Ex 21:24; Lev 24:20; Deut 19:21) yet Christ wants us for an extra
mile. The big question is whether we are ready for the journey or comfortable
with where you are? Any one we prefer has its reward – heaven or hell.<o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: Ex 23:1-9; Prov 24:17-22; 25:21-22; Rom 12:9-21.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, give us your grace to enable
us be steadfast on your path till we come into your kingdom – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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

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May God bless you all+

Saturday of the First Week of Lent

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the First Week of Lent (27 th February, 2021) on the Gospel Deut 26:16-19; Ps 118:1-2.4-5.7-8 (...

Friday of the First Week of Lent

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:53

Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the
First Week of Lent (26th February, 2021) on the Gospel

Ezek 18:21-28;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 129 (R. v. 3);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 5:20-26.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ek3oWDW8MJA/YDhwjP9MY_I/AAAAAAAAGfY/qMU46cMQylk-EeB7qYFjHETJsiJnCvAzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s182/26.02.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="136" data-original-width="182" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ek3oWDW8MJA/YDhwjP9MY_I/AAAAAAAAGfY/qMU46cMQylk-EeB7qYFjHETJsiJnCvAzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/26.02.2021.jpg" /></a></div> In today’s gospel, we see in sum that much more is expected of
anybody who wants to make heaven. The very first verse reads in part, “...I
tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees,
you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 5:20).<o:p></o:p>

The ancients were commanded, “You shall not murder”. Above
this, those who want to make heaven are forbidden from being angry with their
brothers and sisters, insulting them, and calling them fools. <o:p></o:p>

Christ came and destroyed the walls dividing one from another.
Hence, Saint Paul wrote, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither
slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ
Jesus” (Gal 3:28). But unfortunately,
many Christians have replaced the walls Christ pulled down with much taller,
wider, and stronger ones. And the bridges He built have also been blown off.<o:p></o:p>

We are today in the sea of enmity with one another. And for
many, no retreat no surrender. Yet this is very serious that Jesus goes on to say,
<o:p></o:p>

So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you
remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift
there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister,
and then come and offer your gift (Matt
5:23-24).<o:p></o:p>

The book of Proverbs also reads, “The sacrifice of the wicked
is an abomination to the LORD” (Prov
15:8; cf. Prov 21:27; 3:32).<o:p></o:p>

Following Christ is for gain much better than the whole
world, cf. 1Cor 2:9. Hence Saint
Paul correctly wrote, “If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of
all people most to be pitied” (1Cor
15:19). Let us therefore take necessary steps towards actualizing the main reward
of following Christ. Make peace with everybody. We all are one in Christ Jesus,
cf. 1Cor 12:12; Rom 12:5. Jesus has paid
supreme price just for us all to make heaven.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Come to terms with others before it is too late.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, help us realise that we are one
in Christ Jesus – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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

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Friday of the First Week of Lent

Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the First Week of Lent (26 th February, 2021) on the Gospel Ezek 18:21-28; Ps 129 (R. v. 3); ...

Thursday of the First Week of Lent

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:45

Homily (Reflection) for Thursday of
the First Week of Lent (25th February, 2021) on the Gospel

Est 14:1.3-4.11.13-14;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 137:1-3.7-8 (R. v. 3);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 7:7-12.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RkvS-oC2Cdo/YDcdRTJ84WI/AAAAAAAAGfQ/F_wAJ-OUvCoTwOw3e-5KR6Gp0KSCGin9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s246/25.02.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="246" data-original-width="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RkvS-oC2Cdo/YDcdRTJ84WI/AAAAAAAAGfQ/F_wAJ-OUvCoTwOw3e-5KR6Gp0KSCGin9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/25.02.2021.jpg" /></a></div> As I reflect on today’s gospel I remembered one day I packed just
to pick few things. An insane approached me and asked for help. I did not know exactly
why he went on to say that the bible tells us to ask and it will be given. I
smiled and asked him of the quotation and he quoted impeccably; Matt 7:7.<o:p></o:p>

Matthew chapter 7 verse 7 is normally seen as an open cheque
given to us by God to ask and get exactly what we ask for. Wait a minute. If
this verse is just this, what happens if I ask for something evil? <o:p></o:p>

Our God is a perfect God, cf. 2Sam 22:31; Ps 18:30; Matt 5:48. He did not and can never make a
mistake. As we read the gospel further I would like us to pay particular
attention to the adjective qualifying what to ask and what to be received, “If
you then, who are evil, know how to give GOOD GIFTS to your children, how much
more will your Father in heaven give GOOD THINGS to those who ask him!” (Matt 7:11). I purposefully highlighted
the adjective good and the nouns it qualifies. Even we mortals do not grant
everything our children ask for.<o:p></o:p>

Being a perfect God, He cannot fall into the mistake that
landed Herod into approving the killing of John the Baptist. Remember, Herod did
that because of the stupid oath he took, cf. Matt 14:9-10; Mk 6:26-27.<o:p></o:p>

God asks us to ask and we shall receive on the condition that
we ask for something good, cf. Jas 4:3.
And neither what is evil nor what seems good because He is an all-knowing God,
cf. 1Jn 3:20. The Holy Spirit is to
assist us ask properly, cf. Rom 8:26.
Finally, if we ask for what we should they shall be surely ours but again at
God’s own time, cf. 2Thess 2:6. Be
patient and know that God is still God, cf. Ps 46:10.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Our God is just in all His ways, and kind in all His
doings, cf. Ps 145:17.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: May the Holy Spirit help us to pray
as we ought – Amen (cf. Rom 8:26).<o:p></o:p>

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

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

Thursday of the First Week of Lent

Homily (Reflection) for Thursday of the First Week of Lent (25 th February, 2021) on the Gospel Est 14:1.3-4.11.13-14; Ps 137:1-3...

Wednesday of the First Week of Lent

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:29

Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of
the First Week of Lent (24th February, 2021) on the Gospel

Jon 3:1-10;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 50:3-4.12-13.18-19 (R. v. 19);<o:p></o:p>

Lk 11:29-32.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k86tZhagjWo/YDXIHkddfcI/AAAAAAAAGfI/Wy9hrIPH6QE0beRMPVpF3riegUNtH0eegCLcBGAsYHQ/s275/24.02.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k86tZhagjWo/YDXIHkddfcI/AAAAAAAAGfI/Wy9hrIPH6QE0beRMPVpF3riegUNtH0eegCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/24.02.2021.jpg" /></a></div> In today’s gospel, as the crowds were increasing Jesus began
to say, “This generation is an evil generation; it asks for a sign, but no sign
will be given to it except the sign of Jonah” (Lk 11:29). Both the queen of the South and the people of Nineveh
would rise at the judgement with the people and condemn them because they
listened to Solomon and Jonah respectively. Yet something greater than Solomon
and Jonah was among them.<o:p></o:p>

Who knows what Jesus would say about our generation? Asking
for signs and wonders is the order of the day. And whoever is not performing the
type people look for does not belong. Many have abandoned God whom I suppose
they expect to make the signs happen for signs. However the signs we expect
cannot be compared with what God has done and is doing in us, cf. Matt 6:25.<o:p></o:p>

We must make the best of every opportunity we have in life. A
day will come when each of us must give account of them, cf. Rom 14:12; 1Pt 4:5. Sings and wonders
are useless without God, cf. Matt 16:26;
Mk 8:36; Lk 9:25. When one finds God every other thing will be his or hers,
cf. Matt 6:33. <o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: God of signs and signs of God.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, give us the grace 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>

Wednesday of the First Week of Lent

Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of the First Week of Lent (24 th February, 2021) on the Gospel Jon 3:1-10; Ps 50:3-4.12-13.18-1...

Tuesday of the First Week of Lent

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:52

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of
the First Week of Lent (23rd February, 2021) on the Gospel

Is 55:10-11;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 33:4-7.16-19 (R. v. 18);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 6:7-15.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9IqNVr9kN-Y/YDR72vdGN-I/AAAAAAAAGe8/jP3v6OTIsvwr25KbKq-VITHH10VOqMyngCLcBGAsYHQ/s251/23.02.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="251" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9IqNVr9kN-Y/YDR72vdGN-I/AAAAAAAAGe8/jP3v6OTIsvwr25KbKq-VITHH10VOqMyngCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/23.02.2021.jpg" /></a></div> The book of Proverbs tells us that “The sacrifice of the
wicked is an abomination to the LORD” (Prov
15:8). And in the book of Psalms we read, “Blessed is he whose
transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered” (Ps 32:1). The Psalmist also tells us that one can only get this from
God, cf. Ps 130:4. Luckily for us
all, God has not only promised to forgive our sins, (cf. Heb 8:12; 10:17) but has fulfilled it in Christ Jesus, cf. Matt 1:21. <o:p></o:p>

However, in today’s gospel Jesus taught us that prayer
popularly known as Our Lord’s Prayer. It reads in part, “...forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those
who sin against us” (Matt 6:12, NLT).
There is emphasis on this: “If you forgive those who sin against you, your
heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your
Father will not forgive your sins” (Matt
6:14-15, NLT).<o:p></o:p>

No doubt we often find it very difficult to forgive but as we
can see in today’s gospel, we have no choice. Christ also tells us, “... with
the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be
the measure you get” (Matt 7:2; Lk 6:38).
So, whoever wants his or her sins to be forgiven must first forgive others.<o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: Ps 130; 151.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, give us a new heart to be able
to forgive – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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

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Tuesday of the First Week of Lent

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of the First Week of Lent (23 rd February, 2021) on the Gospel Is 55:10-11; Ps 33:4-7.16-19 (R. v...

Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts 05:00

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of
the Chair of Saint Peter (22nd February, 2021) on the Gospel and the
Feast<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

1Pt 5:1-4;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 22. (R. v.1); <o:p></o:p>

Matt
16:13-19.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jDcSMd-ElZE/YDMsNgTQ7EI/AAAAAAAAGew/9qWf1f1yNFMLozj0EfHjPEpG02vCb-lrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s259/Chair%2Bof%2BSaint%2BPeter.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="194" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jDcSMd-ElZE/YDMsNgTQ7EI/AAAAAAAAGew/9qWf1f1yNFMLozj0EfHjPEpG02vCb-lrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Chair%2Bof%2BSaint%2BPeter.png" /></a></div> The Chair
of Saint Peter (Cathedra Petri),
also known as the Throne of Saint Peter, is a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relic" title="Relic">relic</a> conserved in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Peter%27s_Basilica" title="St. Peter's Basilica">St. Peter’s
Basilica</a>. It is a symbol of the
authority of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bishop_of_Rome" title="Bishop of Rome">Bishop of Rome</a> (Pope) as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vicar_of_Christ" title="Vicar of Christ">Vicar of Christ</a>
and successor of Saint Peter. This feast was celebrated on January 18 and
February 22. In 1960 however <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_John_XXIII" title="Pope John XXIII">Pope John XXIII</a>
removed from the General Roman Calendar eight feast days that were second
feasts of a single saint or mystery: one of them was the January 18 feast of
the Chair of Peter<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter/First%20Week%20of%20Lent%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><o:p></o:p>

Topic: Beyond flesh and blood.<o:p></o:p>

In today’s gospel Jesus asked His disciples of the people’s
view of Himself. They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah,
and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets” (Matt 16:14). Afterwards, Jesus asked them, “But who do you say that
I am?” (Matt 16:15). To this Peter
declared, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matt 16:16). And in return Jesus said
to him,<o:p></o:p>

Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has
not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are
Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not
prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and
whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on
earth will be loosed in heaven (Matt
16:17-19).<o:p></o:p>

The feast of the Chair of Saint Peter is among other things a
symbol of the unity of the church Christ established on Saint Peter when He
said, “you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church”. Peter is
blessed because it was not flesh and blood that revealed to him the divinity of
Jesus Christ, but our Father in heaven.<o:p></o:p>

It is important therefore to go beyond flesh and blood in
following God lest we continue to either follow hearsay or our own wills. And
none of these can make us to be blessed. God wants all of us to worship Him in
Spirit and in truth, cf. Jn 4:24.
Let no one be carried away by all sorts of strange doctrines, cf. Heb 13:9. Many today across
denominations teach human wills often carefully dressed with God’s word as the
word of God, cf. Matt 15:9. We must
ensure that we worship God and not man. And every leader must also remember
that the day of reckoning is fast approaching for everyone to give account of
his or her words and actions, cf. Heb
13:17. Finally, the judgement of the leaders will be stricter, cf. Jas 3:1.<o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: Heb 13:1-19; 1Jn 2:18-28.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: What teachings do you follow – human or God’s?<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, open our eyes to see your Son
Jesus Christ and also give us the courage to follow Him – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

Saint Peter the apostle – Pray for us.<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)/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter/First%20Week%20of%20Lent%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="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chair_of_Saint_Peter">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chair_of_Saint_Peter</a>
<o:p></o:p>

</div>

Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter (22 nd February, 2021) on the Gospel and the Feast 1Pt 5:1-4; Ps 22...

First Sunday of Lent (B)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Sunday homilies 04:54

Homily for the First Sunday of Lent (B) (21st
February, 2021) on the Gospel <o:p></o:p>

Gen
9:8-15;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 24:4-9 (R. cf. v. 10);<o:p></o:p>

1Pt 3:18-22;<o:p></o:p>

Mk 1:12-15.<o:p></o:p>

An overweight businessman decided it was time to shed
some excess pounds. He took his new diet seriously, even changing his driving
route to avoid his favourite bakery. One morning, however, he arrived at work
carrying a gigantic coffee cake. His co-workers all scolded him, but he
explained, “I accidentally drove by the bakery this morning, and there in the
window was lots of cake. I felt this was no accident, so I prayed, ‘Lord, if
you want me to have one of those delicious coffee cakes, let me have a parking
place directly in front of the bakery’.” He continued, “And sure enough, the
eighth time around the block, there it was!<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/Year%20B%202020-2021/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter%20on%20the%20Gospels/First%20Sunday%20of%20Lent%20(B)%20(2021).docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; 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><o:p></o:p>

Topic: Visit the Desert.<o:p></o:p>

In today’s gospel, “...the Spirit immediately drove
him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by
Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him” (Mk 1:12-13). This happened after Jesus’
baptism but before His public ministry. It was a decisive moment for Jesus;
time to decide whether to say Yes to His Father and No to Satan or the other
way round.<o:p></o:p>

Desert experience or whatever one prefers to call it
is very important in our lives as individuals, both Christians, Muslims,
Hindus, pagans, atheists, and so on and even in our lives as nations. And it is
not a must that one has to travel to any of the deserts in the world for the
experience. It is time to be alone with God. Hence Jesus tells us, “go into
your room and shut the door and pray to your Father... (Matt 6:6). It is not time for too many words. It is a time to face
oneself in the presence of God.<o:p></o:p>

The holy season of Lent has just begun. And “At the
beginning of Lent we renew our response to the Covenant, the pact of love that
God made with each of us at our baptism” (The new Sunday missal: A new edition,
p. 519). Although many have made different resolutions this Lent but I consider
it necessary to recall the resolutions we made earlier before now and to what
extent we fulfilled them. Our lives would have been something very much better
if we have been fulfilling our resolutions. <o:p></o:p>

Desert is for different purposes. One can go to the
desert to pray, cf. Mk 1:35; to
rest, cf. Mk 6:31; to be taught, cf.
Lk 9:11; to decide, cf. Matt 14:13; to be healed, cf. Matt 14:14, among others. It is time
for us to visit the Desert because it is high time we look at ourselves in the
presence of God to see how well we are achieving our potentials.<o:p></o:p>

Even in our present conditions, we must not forget
that just as the angels were with Jesus in the wilderness, God’s angels are
always with us because he has given his angels charge over us to guard us in
all our ways, cf. Ps 91:11; Matt 4:6; Lk
4:10. May no situation lead us into sin for Jesus never sinned, cf. Heb 4:15; 1Pt 2:22. It is important we
make out time for God so that He can direct our lives as individuals and as nations.
Unlike the businessman in our introductory story, we must not expose ourselves
to temptations.<o:p></o:p>

One may ask why desert of all places? As long as we
are attached to our ethnic groups, personal interests, and so on, it will be
very difficult for us to make important decisions rightly.<o:p></o:p>

Bible Readings: Matt 6:5-34; 13:1-23; Jas 4:1-10; Heb 4:14-16; Is
58:1-14; Eph 6:10-20.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: How did you prepare to spend this holy season?<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: <o:p></o:p>

Lord, lead us into the desert. We know that Satan may
tempt us but we rely on your power because apart from you we can do nothing – Amen (Jn 15:5).<o:p></o:p>

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

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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/Year%20B%202020-2021/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter%20on%20the%20Gospels/First%20Sunday%20of%20Lent%20(B)%20(2021).docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; 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> Thomas, T., (2010). Spice
up your homilies. Mumbai: St Pauls, p. 81.<o:p></o:p>

</div>

First Sunday of Lent (B)

Homily for the First Sunday of Lent (B) (21 st February, 2021) on the Gospel Gen 9:8-15; Ps 24:4-9 (R. cf. v. 10); 1Pt 3:18-22; M...

Saturday after Ash Wednesday

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 05:00

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday
after Ash Wednesday (20th February, 2021) on the Gospel

Is 58:9-14;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 85:1-6. (R. v.11);<o:p></o:p>

Lk 5:27-32.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c_gMKaWq2eU/YDCJVMlmCcI/AAAAAAAAGeY/z3RP3Bsu4O0Hfz1-tED8dIq6hXCePvQNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s268/20.02.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c_gMKaWq2eU/YDCJVMlmCcI/AAAAAAAAGeY/z3RP3Bsu4O0Hfz1-tED8dIq6hXCePvQNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/20.02.2021.jpg" /></a></div> Very often we write people off for both the reasons that are
real and the imaginary ones. And we know that such records are seldom revised. In
today’s gospel, the Pharisees and their scribes complained against Jesus and
His disciples eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners. As we know,
these groups were written off. However, Jesus replied them, “Those who are well
have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not
the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Lk
5:31-32). <o:p></o:p>

On the other hand, we sometimes write ourselves off. We think
that we have committed so much that we can no longer be forgiven. But this is
not true. God lovingly invites all, “Come now, let us reason together, says the
LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though
they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool” (Is 1:18).<o:p></o:p>

Lent is a special time of grace. God is calling on us all just
as Levi was called in today’s gospel. We are expected to respond following his
example; he left everything and followed Jesus with great joy. We should not
harden our hearts, cf. Ps 95:8.
Levi’s joy was made manifest especially in the great banquet he gave in his
house.<o:p></o:p>

Finally, be ashamed of sin and not of the fact that we all
are sinners, cf. Rom 3:23; 1Jn 1:10.
Let us rise and follow Jesus who has paid fully for our sins.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Get up, leave everything, and follow Jesus.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, give us a heart like Levi’s to
be able to leave everything and follow you with joy – 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>

Saturday after Ash Wednesday

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday after Ash Wednesday (20 th February, 2021) on the Gospel Is 58:9-14; Ps 85:1-6. (R. v.11); Lk ...

Friday after Ash Wednesday

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:47

Homily (Reflection) for Friday after
Ash Wednesday (19th February, 2021) on the Gospel

Is 58:1-9;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 50:3-6.18-19. (R. v.19);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 9:14-15.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KIZTKhWAF6s/YC80zQwyHKI/AAAAAAAAGeM/Bxw9ee7OqCwXY3U6d0Nr8WGkQNcqZUfiACLcBGAsYHQ/s228/19.02.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="221" data-original-width="228" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KIZTKhWAF6s/YC80zQwyHKI/AAAAAAAAGeM/Bxw9ee7OqCwXY3U6d0Nr8WGkQNcqZUfiACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/19.02.2021.jpg" /></a></div> John’s disciples came to Jesus in today’s gospel with this
question, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not
fast?” (Matt 9:14).<o:p></o:p>

As we enter the third day of Lent, it is important to be very
careful lest one might work for an unintended employer. The question asked by
John’s disciples shows among other things their understanding of fasting. They
see it as a mere fulfilment of the Law. Hence probably they wanted Jesus to command
His disciples to fast.<o:p></o:p>

Although we have I suppose rightly noted that fasting is one
of the pillars of Lent but why do we actually fast? One’s body is his or her
greatest enemy and as a result there is need for constant battle to win this
enemy. Hence, in his first letter to the Corinthians Saint Paul wrote, “I
pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be
disqualified” (1Cor 9:27). He also
wrote “if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit
you put to death the deeds of the body you will live” (Rom 8:13).<o:p></o:p>

Jesus warns us repeatedly that the gate that leads to life is
narrow, cf. Matt 7:13. Maybe that is
why the Psalmist made his body to become gaunt through fasting, cf. Ps 109:24.<o:p></o:p>

We ought to fast for our own spiritual good and neither
because we are told to nor just fast because others are fasting. Jesus fasted
forty days and nights in the wilderness. We ought to follow in His footsteps if
we want to be glorified with Him, cf. Rom
8:17; Jn 14:6.<o:p></o:p>

Remember Jesus condemned these Pharisees who fasted with
John’s disciples, Matt 23:25, 27. If
anyone wishes to fast meritoriously before God he or she must avoid the
mistakes of the Pharisees, cf. Matt
6:16-17. We ought to fast to put a smile on someone’s face without
trumpeting, cf. Is 58:6-7.<o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: Is 58:1-14; Rom
7:14-25.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, help us in our fight against
our greatest enemy – 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>

Friday after Ash Wednesday

Homily (Reflection) for Friday after Ash Wednesday (19 th February, 2021) on the Gospel Is 58:1-9; Ps 50:3-6.18-19. (R. v.19); ...

Second Sunday of Lent (B)

Saturday of the First Week of Lent

Friday of the First Week of Lent

Thursday of the First Week of Lent

Wednesday of the First Week of Lent

Tuesday of the First Week of Lent

Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter

First Sunday of Lent (B)

Saturday after Ash Wednesday

Friday after Ash Wednesday

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