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Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:30

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of
the Third Week of Easter (20th April, 2021) on the Gospel

Acts 7:51–8:1;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 30:3-4.6-8.17.21. (R. v. 6);<o:p></o:p>

Jn 6:30-35.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Perennial crisis.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WuEjbr2sTro/YH5K0NpSAsI/AAAAAAAAGmY/KYRmt8ccyFgffd4XhcHxwum-HrARqcqQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s259/20.04.2021.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WuEjbr2sTro/YH5K0NpSAsI/AAAAAAAAGmY/KYRmt8ccyFgffd4XhcHxwum-HrARqcqQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/20.04.2021.png" /></a></div> In today’s gospel, the people who had more than they wanted were
asking Jesus for a sign for them to believe. Feeding five thousand people with
five loaves and two fish was no sign? It is clearer why Jesus said, “Very
truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw a sign, but
because you ate your fill of the loaves” (Jn
6:26).<o:p></o:p>

They even made reference to the manna their ancestors ate in
the wilderness. And Jesus said to them, <o:p></o:p>

Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the
bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from
heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives
life to the world.<o:p></o:p>

Quest for signs and wonders is a serious perennial crisis.
The life of the Israelites especially in the desert is a very good example. In
the Psalm we read, “they had a wanton craving in the wilderness, and put God to
the test in the desert” (Ps 106:14).
<o:p></o:p>

There is only one way out of this crisis. And that is Jesus.
He rightly said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never
be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” Unless one comes
to Him and believes in Him, the problem will surely continue and may even get worse.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Sign is not synonymous with reality (God).<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, help us to understand you
better so as to crave for you alone – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter (20 th April, 2021) on the Gospel Acts 7:51–8:1; Ps 30:3-4.6-8.17.21....

Monday of the Third Week of Easter

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:49

Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the
Third Week of Easter (19th April, 2021) on the Gospel

Acts 6:8-15;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 118:23-24.26-27.29-30 (R.v.1); <o:p></o:p>

Jn 6:22-29.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: What worth working for.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_Q_--6mxx8/YHz9pJcl2HI/AAAAAAAAGmQ/n0wyYIAgCr0cT3ti8lE2_676A0Qvh06YACLcBGAsYHQ/s290/19.04.2021.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="174" data-original-width="290" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_Q_--6mxx8/YHz9pJcl2HI/AAAAAAAAGmQ/n0wyYIAgCr0cT3ti8lE2_676A0Qvh06YACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/19.04.2021.png" /></a></div> The people who ate the bread and fish Jesus multiplied
came looking for Him in today’s gospel. When they finally found Jesus they said
to Him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” And Jesus replied them, “Very truly, I
tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you
ate your fill of the loaves”.<o:p></o:p>

Jesus went on to warn, “Do not work for the food that
perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man
will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.” This
warning is very much vital today more than ever because the very things Jesus
warns us against are the things we are ready to do anything for even to kill,
cf. Jas 4:1-2a. We forget that all
we eat and drink goes from the mouth to the stomach and out of the body, cf. Matt 15:17. Imagine the people who had
more than they could eat just the previous day are in today’s gospel looking
for Jesus for the same perishable things.<o:p></o:p>

The people later asked Jesus, “What must we do to perform the
works of God?” And Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you
believe in him whom he has sent.” Two questions among others come to mind here:
<o:p></o:p>

i.          Do
we believe in Him whom God has sent?<o:p></o:p>

ii.         To
what extent will the things we pursue today take us?<o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: Ps 49: 1-20.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, help us to work for the food
that endures for eternal life – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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Monday of the Third Week of Easter

Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the Third Week of Easter (19 th April, 2021) on the Gospel Acts 6:8-15; Ps 118:23-24.26-27.29-3...

Third Sunday of Easter

thepulpitonline.com 0 Sunday homilies 04:52

Homily (Reflection) for Third Sunday of
Easter (18th April, 2021) on the Gospel

Acts 3:13-15.17-19;

Ps 4:2.4.7.9 (R.V. 7);

1Jn 2:1-5;

Lk
24:35-48.

A man was notoriously known for his
stinginess and self-centredness. One day, he was called upon to assist someone
who had an accident. He thought briefly and excused himself thinking that no
member of his family would be there at that point.

Just before the dusk, he was informed that his only son died
of the injuries he sustained from an accident. He later discovered that his son
was the person he was asked to help some hours ago. Because he could not help,
he had lost so much blood before he was taken to the hospital. And to worsen
the situation, his blood group could not be found in the hospital’s blood bank.
As a result, all the efforts made by the doctors and nurses to save his life
proved abortive.

Topic: We ought to recognise Jesus.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-72XtD_HbiEI/YHus4kikwbI/AAAAAAAAGmI/tovZa7WWk8k5fhy9d07FTIOjOwQaU9k8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s265/18.04.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-72XtD_HbiEI/YHus4kikwbI/AAAAAAAAGmI/tovZa7WWk8k5fhy9d07FTIOjOwQaU9k8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/18.04.2021.jpg" /></a></div> The first verse of today’s gospel reads
“... they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to
them in the breaking of the bread” (Lk
24:35). It is important to emphasize that these disciples never knew it was
Jesus before the breaking of the bread. Similarly, in the Book of Genesis, we
also read about Abraham: <o:p></o:p>

He looked up and saw three men standing near him.
When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to
the ground. He said, ‘My Lord, if I find favour with you, do not pass by your
servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves
under the tree. Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves,
and after that you may pass on – since you have come to your servant’ (Gen 18:2-5).<o:p></o:p>

It was only after the wonderful show
of hospitality that one of them said to him before leaving: “... I will surely
return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son” (Gen 18:10).<o:p></o:p>

As I reflect on this very first verse
of today’s gospel, questions came up. I would like to share just some of them
with you. First, the two disciples never knew that it was Jesus who appeared to
them yet they were kind to him in so many ways which include offering him a
shelter for the night, cf. Lk 24:29.
And ‘how many times have I met Jesus and what did I do?’ Secondly, how Abraham
treated God’s angels seemed to have brought the fulfilment of God’s promise of
a child closer. And I asked myself again, ‘How many times have I denied myself
God’s blessings by not welcoming him?’ We must remember always that whatever
either good or evil we do even to the least of our brothers and sisters we did
to God, cf. Matt 25:40,45.
And whether we do good or evil to others, we must surely receive their rewards,
cf. Matt 25:46.

Although that man in our story who lost his only son as a
result of his refusal to offer help was in serious pain, but that pain cannot
be compared with what a soul will suffer if it was not able to unite with God.
Hence Saint Augustine rightly said that a soul is restless until it rests in
God. May we therefore follow the example of the risen Christ, who is the good
Samaritan par excellence and be neighbours to others, cf. Lk 10:34. Finally, Jesus is still going around in different forms. Do
not let Him pass you by without blessing you.

Bible Reading: Gen 18:1-15; Matt 25:31-46; Lk 10:25-37.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today:
Recall how often you have encountered Christ without knowing it? Although you
could not see his face, were you able to receive Him?

Let us pray: My Lord and my God, give us your grace that will
enable us see you in our fellow human beings and welcome you as we ought. We
ask this through Christ our Lord – Amen.

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Third Sunday of Easter

Homily (Reflection) for Third Sunday of Easter (18 th April, 2021) on the Gospel Acts 3:13-15.17-19; Ps 4:2.4.7.9 (R.V. 7); 1Jn 2:1...

Saturday of the Second Week of Easter

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:59

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of
the Second Week of Easter (17th April, 2021) on the Gospel

Acts 6:1-7;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 32:1-2.4-5.18-19. (R. v. 22);<o:p></o:p>

Jn 6:16-21.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Do everything with Jesus.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8ArbrQn6a0/YHpdAfD66tI/AAAAAAAAGmA/66NoiKesC10U9GlpHlOa4b4v7AUlG_WDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s225/17.04.2021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="168" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8ArbrQn6a0/YHpdAfD66tI/AAAAAAAAGmA/66NoiKesC10U9GlpHlOa4b4v7AUlG_WDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/17.04.2021.JPG" /></a></div> In today’s gospel, Jesus’ disciples left Him on the mountain
and started crossing the sea to Capernaum. It was dark and the wind made the
sea rough for them. They were terrified when they saw Jesus coming towards them
walking on the sea after they had rowed about three or four miles. He said to
them, “It is I; do not be afraid.”<o:p></o:p>

It is very easy to conclude that the sea became rough for
Jesus’ disciples as a result of the wind. It is necessary to look beyond this.<o:p></o:p>

The gospel also tells us that it was dark. We remember the
words of Jesus, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk
in darkness, but will have the light of life” (Jn 8:12). Again, everything obeys Jesus not excluding the wind and the
sea, cf. Mk 4:41; Matt 8:27; Lk 8:25.
It is evident that their primarily problem was their leaving Jesus on the
mountain while crossing the sea. Hence, the wind and the sea could not obey
them. We must also remember His words, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He
who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from
me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5).<o:p></o:p>

How often do we remember to involve Jesus as we embark on
everything? Sometimes, some only remember Him when things are really bad.
Whoever wants his/her journey to be truly assured must involve Jesus from its
very beginning to its very end. He is ever ready to help us.<o:p></o:p>

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Saturday of the Second Week of Easter

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the Second Week of Easter (17 th April, 2021) on the Gospel Acts 6:1-7; Ps 32:1-2.4-5.18-19. ...

Friday of the Second Week of Easter

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:56

Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the
Second Week of Easter (16th April, 2021) on the Gospel

Acts 5:34-42;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 26:1.4.13-14 (R. cf. v. 4);<o:p></o:p>

Jn 6:1-15.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Show of affluence.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMxuLKZGwpc/YHkKsGwbtDI/AAAAAAAAGl4/ErHsh9Dm4TY9hFsBOXTQ_fZv60mM6awVACLcBGAsYHQ/s261/16.04.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="193" data-original-width="261" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMxuLKZGwpc/YHkKsGwbtDI/AAAAAAAAGl4/ErHsh9Dm4TY9hFsBOXTQ_fZv60mM6awVACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/16.04.2021.jpg" /></a></div> Today’s gospel passage is one of well-known passages in the
bible, the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus asked Philip, “Where are we to
buy bread for these people to eat?” Philip replied in his innocence, “Six
months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” However,
Andrew intervened, “There is a boy here who has five barely loaves and two
fish. But what are they among so many people?”<o:p></o:p>

Jesus asked the people to sit down. He then took the loaves,
after giving thanks shared them to the people. He did the same thing to the
fish. When the people are satisfied, Jesus said to His disciples, “Gather up
the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” They filled 12 baskets
with the fragments.<o:p></o:p>

We can learn a lot from this passage but we will highlight just
two. Imagine one with only 1000 dollars face-to-face with a problem that will
require up to 100000 dollars. Giving thanks to God might be the last thing one
will expect to find in his/her head. Jesus with five barely loaves and two fish
before five thousand people first gave thanks to God. We ought to give thanks to
God always and for everything, cf. Eph
5:20.<o:p></o:p>

Jesus who can bring anything into existence out of nothing cautioned
His disciples against waste. Sometimes some think that they have surplus of
something but God has never given anything in surplus to anybody. The problem
is that some keep back others’ shares, cf. Ex
16:18; 2Cor 8:15. What we suffer today in the world is not poverty but lack
of knowledge, cf. Hos 4:6. True show
of affluence is in transforming lives and not in wasting wealth as many do
today thereby making others’ suffer. Just as the 12 baskets would feed so many
more people, what we waste today can eradicate poverty in the world. God
promised us a land in which we will lack nothing, cf. Deut 8:7-10; Ps 34:10. Let’s make it happen.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, bless us with wisdom to know
that all your gifts are meant for everybody – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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Friday of the Second Week of Easter

Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the Second Week of Easter (16 th April, 2021) on the Gospel Acts 5:34-42; Ps 26:1.4.13-14 (R. c...

Thursday of the Second Week of Easter

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:34

Homily (Reflection) for Thursday of
the Second Week of Easter (15th April, 2021) on the Gospel

Acts 5:27-33;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 33:2.9.17-20. (R. v.7);<o:p></o:p>

Jn 3:31-36.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Heaven or earth.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E6gllvmHBfE/YHe0QAEHXfI/AAAAAAAAGlw/rDzI495Eu_oSBjJvbQby3arshyiCjboVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s251/15.04.2021.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/-E6gllvmHBfE/YHe0QAEHXfI/AAAAAAAAGlw/rDzI495Eu_oSBjJvbQby3arshyiCjboVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/15.04.2021.jpg" /></a></div> In today’s gospel, there is a comparison between two
personalities, “The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is of
the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who
comes from heaven is above all.” The gospel also reads, “The Father loves the
Son and has placed all things in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has
eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God’s
wrath.” <o:p></o:p>

Whoever is of the earth cannot obey the Son unless he/she is
transformed, cf. Heb 11:6. Saint
Paul warns against being earthly, “Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is
earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is
idolatry). On account of these the wrath of God is coming on those who are
disobedient” (Col 3:5-6). <o:p></o:p>

We often talk about what God prepared for His elects, “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; cf.
Is 64:3). The God in question is a God of justice, cf. Is 30:18. Just as the good things He has prepared for those who
love Him cannot even be imagined, so terrible are the things He prepared for
those who hate Him that they cannot also be imagined. Christ warns us that
those who are earthly will be thrown into hell “where their worm never dies,
and the fire is never quenched” (Mk 9:48).
Imagine being under the torment of worm that never dies and fire that never
quenches. The book of Revelation chapter
16 also tells us how terrible it will be. Please read Revelation chapter 16.<o:p></o:p>

What do you work for – heaven or earth? Remember, each of
them has a price tag. Consider what is best for you.<o:p></o:p>

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Thursday of the Second Week of Easter

Homily (Reflection) for Thursday of the Second Week of Easter (15 th April, 2021) on the Gospel Acts 5:27-33; Ps 33:2.9.17-20. (R...

Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:37

Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of
the Second Week of Easter (14th April, 2021) on the Gospel

Acts 5:17-26;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 33:2-9 (R. v. 7);<o:p></o:p>

Jn 3:16-21.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Commend or condemn.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqBCFTTVfVE/YHZjgMHoWXI/AAAAAAAAGlo/I7Bd_UcAHLYRuw_od1iBE0KwrblXJBQrACLcBGAsYHQ/s300/14.04.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqBCFTTVfVE/YHZjgMHoWXI/AAAAAAAAGlo/I7Bd_UcAHLYRuw_od1iBE0KwrblXJBQrACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/14.04.2021.jpg" /></a></div> Today’s gospel is a continuation of the discussion between
Jesus and Nicodemus. God sent His only Son for us to have eternal life by
believing in Him. Christ, God’s only Son did not come into the world to condemn
it. However, “those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have
not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” Jesus explained further,<o:p></o:p>

<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;">And this is the judgement, that the light has come into the
world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were
evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their
deeds may not be exposed.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

God created light first. And seeing that light and darkness
are incompatible, He separated them, cf. Gen
1:3-4. Jesus came into the world for us to have light, cf. Is 9:2; cf. Matt 4:12-16). In the words
of Saint Paul, “He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and
transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son” (Col 1:13). And Saint Peter wonderfully captured our call as
Christians thus, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
God's own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called
you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1Pt 2:9).<o:p></o:p>

We “are all children of light and children of the day; we are
not of the night or of darkness” (1Thess
5:5). Saint Paul therefore rightly cautions us to, “walk as children of
light” (Eph 5:8). It is in each
person’s own hands to either commend or condemn him/herself by either believing
or not believing.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Whoever does not believe is condemned.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: God, help us to do what is true
always. And may we never hate the light – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter

Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter (14 th April, 2021) on the Gospel Acts 5:17-26; Ps 33:2-9 (R. v. 7...

Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:47

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of
the Second Week of Easter (13th April, 2021) on the Gospel

Acts 4:32-37;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 91:1-2.5. (R. v. 1);<o:p></o:p>

Jn 3:7-15.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Jesus is lifted up.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SGrwBeFx3v4/YHUUKR20X5I/AAAAAAAAGlg/U5VYUSi0uSQWr8C3PEfjbSFXq6mK4ViZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s241/13.04.2021.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="209" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SGrwBeFx3v4/YHUUKR20X5I/AAAAAAAAGlg/U5VYUSi0uSQWr8C3PEfjbSFXq6mK4ViZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/13.04.2021.png" /></a></div> Today’s gospel is part of Jesus’ discussion with Nicodemus
who visited Him at night. It started with these words of Jesus to Nicodemus,<o:p></o:p>

Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born
from above.’ The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but
you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone
who is born of the Spirit.<o:p></o:p>

Although Jesus’ words were bizarre to Nicodemus, Jesus
reassured him that He knew what He was saying. Today’s gospel concludes, “And
just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man
be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”<o:p></o:p>

We are in the second week of celebrating that Jesus has been
lifted up for all to believe and have eternal life. Will it be absurd to ask of
what we make out of it? In his second letter to the Corinthians, Saint Paul
wrote “... if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed
away, behold, the new has come” (2Cor
5:17). And in his letter to the Galatians, we read, “For neither
circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation” (Gal 6:15). So if one is really in
Christ Jesus, he/she has been born from above (again) and eternal life is
assured but this must be seen in actions, cf. Rom 6:2; Gal 5:16-26.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Christ has died for us to live.<o:p></o:p>

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Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter (13 th April, 2021) on the Gospel Acts 4:32-37; Ps 91:1-2.5. (R. v. ...

Monday of the Second Week of Easter

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 05:10

Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the
Second Week of Easter (12th April, 2021) on the Gospel

Acts 4:23-31;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 2:1-9. (R. cf. v.13);<o:p></o:p>

Jn 3:1-8.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Unless you are BORN AGAIN.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bFt5M_6RkuU/YHPIPi3IP6I/AAAAAAAAGlY/2KQuzgDt044q5AYl6MQ_p2VqEKz1nrMtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s259/12.04.2021.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/-bFt5M_6RkuU/YHPIPi3IP6I/AAAAAAAAGlY/2KQuzgDt044q5AYl6MQ_p2VqEKz1nrMtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/12.04.2021.png" /></a></div> In today’s gospel, Jesus said to Nicodemus, “I tell
you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God” (Jn 3:3; NLT). This reminds me of a
friend who requested to know how true it is that one must be born again to be
saved.<o:p></o:p>

This is very true. However, the true meaning of being a born again eludes many. Nicodemus first
sought the meaning of born again. Jesus said to him, “Very truly, I tell you,
no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit” (Jn 3:5). Again, we read from the gospel
according to Saint Mark, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved...” (Mk 16:16). Therefore, being born again
is synonymous with being baptized. <o:p></o:p>

However, baptism goes with obligations. While giving mandate
to His disciples Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you” (Matt 28:19-20a). <o:p></o:p>

That one after baptism fails to live out his/her baptismal
vows does in no way prove that baptism is no longer the key to our salvation
but that we must be careful. Thus, Jesus warns, “Not everyone who says to me,
‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my
Father who is in heaven” (Matt 7:21).<o:p></o:p>

The apostles understood what one must do to be saved. When
the jailer asked Paul and Silas, “Sirs,
what must I do to be saved? (Acts
16:30)”, <o:p></o:p>

<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;">They answered, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be
saved, you and your household.’ They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to
all who were in his house...then he and his entire family were baptized without
delay (Acts 16:31-33).</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

At baptism, we were buried with Christ into His death, so
that ... we too might walk in newness of life, cf. Rom 6:4; Col 2:12. In sum, Saint Peter wrote, “Baptism... saves you”
(1Pt 3:21).<o:p></o:p>

Let us therefore confuse others no more. That one must be
baptized again is heresy. We need to help all baptized live out their baptismal
vows. And teach all who have not been baptized to accept Jesus Christ and be
baptized.<o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: Acts 2:37-42.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Baptism... saves.<o:p></o:p>

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Monday of the Second Week of Easter

Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the Second Week of Easter (12 th April, 2021) on the Gospel Acts 4:23-31; Ps 2:1-9. (R. cf. v.1...

Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts, Sunday homilies 04:29

Homily (Reflection) for Second Sunday of
Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday) (11th April, 2021) on the Gospel and
the celebration

Acts 4:32-35;

Ps 117:2-4.15-18.22-24. (R.v. 1);

1Jn 5:1-6;

Jn
20:19-31.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tE-RM3RHfFw/YHJs9eYARpI/AAAAAAAAGlQ/gGnBSk1_4DAqND30vTe4Em8GOtXm3ZSygCLcBGAsYHQ/s271/Divine%2BMercy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="186" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tE-RM3RHfFw/YHJs9eYARpI/AAAAAAAAGlQ/gGnBSk1_4DAqND30vTe4Em8GOtXm3ZSygCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Divine%2BMercy.png" /></a></div> Second Sunday of Easter is also known as Low Sunday or
Divine Mercy Sunday based on the devotion to the Divine Mercy as propagated by
a Polish Nun, Saint Faustina Kowalska. This feast (Divine Mercy Sunday) has
lots of promises of grace made by Jesus Christ as recorded by Saint Faustina.
It was officially instituted for the universal Church by Pope Saint John Paul
II on 30th April 2000 and designated the Sunday after Easter as the
Sunday of the Divine Mercy. This is in line with the request made by Jesus
Christ through Saint Faustina: “…the first Sunday after Easter is the Feast of
Mercy” (Diary 742). For Pope Saint John Paul II, Divine Mercy is the Easter
gift that the Church receives from the risen Christ and offers to humanity
(Divine Mercy Sunday Homily, April 22, 2001).

We celebrate today the Mercy of God.
And because this feast is rooted in Saint Faustina’s encounter with Jesus
Christ, we shall take some excerpts from Saint Faustina’s Diary (Diary). Christ
suffered and died for our sins, cf. Eph
2:16, Rom 5:10, 1Cor 15:3, Gal 1:4. Yet in Diary 965 we read: “Souls perish
in spite of My [Jesus’] bitter Passion. I am giving them the last hope of
salvation; that is, the Feast of My Mercy. If they will not adore My mercy,
they will perish for all eternity….” The mercy we celebrate can only be
obtained by those who want. It can be likened to a stream in two senses: it
ever flows and secondly it benefits those who go for it. Unless one approaches the
Divine throne of mercy that ever flows, it will not be of any benefit to the
person. <o:p></o:p>

One may ask, ‘how does one approach the throne of mercy?’ Going
further Jesus said to Saint Faustina: “I want to grant a complete pardon
to the souls that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion on the Feast
of My Mercy” (Diary 1109). Sacramental confession is therefore sine qua non for
one to benefit from the throne of mercy. Although this homily is not on the
authority to forgive sin, but it is important however, to remind ourselves that
at the confessional, it is not the priest that forgives sin. In today’s gospel
Jesus said to the disciples: “…Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins
of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are
retained (Jn 20:22-23). In other
words, it is the Holy Spirit that is working in the Church through the
instrumentality of mere humans (priests) at the confessional.<o:p></o:p>

Jesus assures us,<o:p></o:p>

I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a
refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day
the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces
upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to
Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain the complete forgiveness of
sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which grace
flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be
as scarlet (Diary 699).

Remember that God had called us through the prophet Isaiah
using similar words: “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).

However, Jesus warns that those who look for mercy must be first
merciful themselves, cf. Diary
742.
Similarly, we read in the gospel according to Matthew: “Blessed are the
merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matt
5:7). Again, Jesus warns, “...if you forgive others their trespasses, your
heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others,
neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matt 6:14-15). So, approach the throne of grace today for mercy. However,
you must remember those who need mercy as you approach divine mercy.

Bible Reading: Lev 5:5-13; Is 1:2-20; Ps 32; Matt 28:16-20; 1Jn
1:5-10; Jas 5:13-20.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today:
What prevents you from receiving Christ’s Easter gift?

Let us pray: Merciful Father, help us to benefit
fully from this unmerited gift – Amen.

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

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Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)

Homily (Reflection) for Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday) (11 th April, 2021) on the Gospel and the celebration Acts 4:32-3...

Easter Saturday (Octave of Easter: Saturday)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts 04:49

Homily (Reflection) for Easter Saturday
(Octave of Easter: Saturday) (10th April, 2021) on the Gospel

Acts 4:13-21;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 117:1.14-21 (R. v. 21);<o:p></o:p>

Mk 16:9-15.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Never write off.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qowft_xyzK8/YHEgI4L7mrI/AAAAAAAAGlI/Y_GmkUIiGzgTQ_Y0q7WKV9ImHAYW1d9qgCLcBGAsYHQ/s240/10.04.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qowft_xyzK8/YHEgI4L7mrI/AAAAAAAAGlI/Y_GmkUIiGzgTQ_Y0q7WKV9ImHAYW1d9qgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/10.04.2021.jpg" /></a></div> Today’s gospel is from the longer ending of Saint Mark’s
gospel. The gospel tells us that Jesus after His resurrection appeared first to
Mary Magdalene. She related that to His disciples who were mourning and
weeping, but they did not believe her story. He later appeared to two of His
disciples but the rest did not believe them.<o:p></o:p>

Jesus later appeared to the eleven while they were at table.
He first scolded them for their lack of faith and stubbornness. And then said
to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole
creation.” <o:p></o:p>

Mary Magdalene, the first to witness Christ’s resurrection
was a demoniac. Jesus had cast out seven demons from her. Just imagine her
condition before her deliverance, cf. Mk
5:2-5. On the other hand, the eleven Jesus commissioned to take the gospel
to all creatures did not only lack faith but were also very stubborn. Yet Jesus
did not write any of them off. Instead, He corrected them for good.<o:p></o:p>

The book of Proverbs reads, “Train up a child in the way he
should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov 22:6). It is never a sign of love to condone any form of evil.
God reproves all whom He loves like a father, cf. Prov 3:12; Heb 12:6. <o:p></o:p>

Let us therefore keep correcting each other. Whatever is
wrong today calls for correction for a better tomorrow. We will end up
endangering our tomorrow if we fail to correct anything today under the pretext
of love or hate.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, help us correct each other for your greater glory and for our safer tomorrow – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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Easter Saturday (Octave of Easter: Saturday)

Homily (Reflection) for Easter Saturday (Octave of Easter: Saturday) (10 th April, 2021) on the Gospel Acts 4:13-21; Ps 117:1.14-...

Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter

Monday of the Third Week of Easter

Third Sunday of Easter

Saturday of the Second Week of Easter

Friday of the Second Week of Easter

Thursday of the Second Week of Easter

Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter

Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter

Monday of the Second Week of Easter

Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)

Easter Saturday (Octave of Easter: Saturday)

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