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New Year with Mary, Mother of God: Octave of Christmas: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (A, B, C).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts 20:41

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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Homily (Reflection) for
the Octave of Christmas: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (A, B, C) (1</span><sup><span style="font-size: small;">st</span></sup><span style="font-size: large;">
January)<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></b><br />

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqWX8oeX03ZArXOpkiltrNGRc6BGMzpWNdI2cYHZFM_VrDFdj7_3BPPmHxXkCYc3nV1YrD_vELCw_HlunGgxN7a9dWH_OZroTfLZXDIHxomNSB4kV8hwxpnYmQUBCGiP81lJ1BoElYXA/s1600/01.01.2018.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="114" data-original-width="111" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqWX8oeX03ZArXOpkiltrNGRc6BGMzpWNdI2cYHZFM_VrDFdj7_3BPPmHxXkCYc3nV1YrD_vELCw_HlunGgxN7a9dWH_OZroTfLZXDIHxomNSB4kV8hwxpnYmQUBCGiP81lJ1BoElYXA/s200/01.01.2018.png" width="194" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">As we step into 2018,
there is need to appraise 2017 to see to what extent one was able to actualize his/her
dreams (resolutions) among other things. Are there reasons to thank God for?
Bearing in mind the problems we face in the world, where do we run to because
our leaders seem to be more confused than the people they lead? </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Topic: New Year with Mary, Mother of God. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The title of the solemnity we celebrate was
declared as an article of faith in 431AD by the Council of Ephesus and is among
the titles of Mary that have generated so much controversy. I do not intend to
go into the controversy in this homily. But suffice it to say that unless one
doubts the divinity of Christ, one cannot doubt the divine maternity of Mary.
If Jesus Christ is God and Mary is the mother of Jesus, we cannot but conclude
that Mary is the mother of God. Hence, she is rightly called the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: #181818; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">theotokos</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #181818; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span></b><span style="color: #181818; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">meaning God’s bearer that was first expressed
in the bible by Saint Elizabeth in these words: “And why has this happened to
me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 1:43</b>). The first letter of Saint John reads: “By this you know
the Spirit of God: every spirit which confesses that Jesus Christ has come in
the flesh is of God” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Jn 4:2</b>). No one
who denies the divine maternity of Mary can be said to be truly a Christian
because it is another way of denying that Jesus is God. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Being all-powerful and all-knowing,
God could have saved us without the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Yet out of limitless
options, the Word took fresh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary to live
among us, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 1:14</b>. This, he
planned from the time of our first parents and was fulfilled at the appropriate
time, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gen. 3:15; Gal 4:4</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The sin of Adam and Eve destroyed
the relationship with God that man was enjoying and as a result was thrown out
of the presence of God who is light, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Jn
1:5</b>. And the world remained in darkness until the coming of Jesus Christ,
the light of the world, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 8:12</b>.
Jesus took flesh “to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow
of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace" (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 1:79, cf. Is 9:2</b>). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">The situation of the world today no
doubt is both precarious and confusing one. We need God who is both the light
and the source of light. It will be good if we step into the New Year with
Mary, the Mother of God who is God’s best channel. Let us call unto her for
peace and security in the whole world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Today’s gospel reads: “The shepherds
returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it
had been told them.” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 2:20</b>. If we
turn to God through Mary with sincere hearts, like the shepherds, we will have
every cause to glorify and praise God for what He has done and for all He will
do in the world through Mary. She is the mother of God. The world really needs
her maternal protection. Borrowing some words from the Blessed Apostle: “See to
it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according
to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not
according to Christ” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Col 2:8</b>).
Jesus Christ is God and we know that God cannot contradict Himself, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 31:5, 1Cor 1:9, 2Cor 1:18</b>. God who
asks us to honour our parents will not despise His own mother (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ex 20:12; Deut 5:16; Matt 15:4; Matt 19:19;
Mk 7:10</b>). Hence despite the fact that His time had not reached, He obeyed
her at the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 2:1-12</b>. Again, when they found him in the temple, “... he went
down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 2:51</b>). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Stepping into New Year normally goes
with setting of goals or targets for the year. Although for some, it is useless
to do so. But it is a good thing to make resolutions because anyone without aim
is aimless and anyone who does not plan how to succeed plans how to fail. Some
of us however have the problem of setting unworkable goals. Let us follow the
example of Mary while making the New Year resolutions. “… Mary … pondered them
in her heart.” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk. 2: 19</b>, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk. 2: 51</b>. Ponder on the goal/goals you
are setting for yourself. Again, do not set too many of them; the fewer, the
better. Finally, take pains and write them down. Keep it where you will be
seeing it from time to time. It will help you to know how you move. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible
Reading</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: Gen. 3: 1-15; </span>Gal. 4:4-7; Jn 1:1-34; 2:1-12;
1Jn 4:1-21.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Silent Prayer:</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> Plan the year 2018 with </span>God
following the example of Mary.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Let
us humbly call on Mary: The Memorare</b>: </span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Remember
O most gracious Virgin Mary,<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">that
never was it known,<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">that
anyone who fled to thy protection,<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">implored
thy aid or sought thy intercession, was left unaided.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Inspired
by this confidence,<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I
fly unto thee O Virgin of virgins, my mother,<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">to
thee I come, before thee I stand,<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">sinful
and sorrowful, O mother of the Word incarnate,<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">despise
not my petitions but in thy mercy, hear and answer me. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Amen</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May the newborn King through the
intercession of His mother and our mother (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 19:26-27</b>), Blessed Virgin Mary, bless the year 2017 and the rest
of our days for us <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">+ AMEN!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Wishing you grace-filled New Year</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">May God bless you all+</span></div>

New Year with Mary, Mother of God: Octave of Christmas: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (A, B, C).

Homily (Reflection) for the Octave of Christmas: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (A, B, C) (1 st January) Num 6:22-27; Ps 66:...

Model Christian family: Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (B) (31st December, 2017).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Sunday homilies 19:48

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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of
the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (B) (31<sup>st</sup> December, 2017)
on the Gospel and the Feast<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sir
3:2-6.12-14 or Gen 15:1-6.21:1-3;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps
127: 1-5. (R. cf. v. 1) or Ps 104:1-6.8-9. (R.vv. 7.8);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmn2jVW-kyFXK6IhSz1YF5r_lgCFuPgm5ZagTGvrustjN0X_yPf2vD4PdetP6-bA6EENCxGpwDyKQPdihTs89-sfiB2Efv-NdLK1tijjFVEBaRrnlII1jf8x5LjcbxXGmMjuYURF6_7OY/s1600/31.12.2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmn2jVW-kyFXK6IhSz1YF5r_lgCFuPgm5ZagTGvrustjN0X_yPf2vD4PdetP6-bA6EENCxGpwDyKQPdihTs89-sfiB2Efv-NdLK1tijjFVEBaRrnlII1jf8x5LjcbxXGmMjuYURF6_7OY/s1600/31.12.2017.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Holy Family consists of Jesus, Blessed Virgin Mary,
and Saint Joseph. Veneration of the Holy Family formally began in the 17th
century by Saint François de Laval, the first bishop of New France, who founded
a Confraternity. And the Feast of the Holy Family is a liturgical celebration
in the Catholic Church in honour of the trio. Since the 1969 revision of the
General Roman Calendar, the feast is celebrated on the Sunday between Christmas
and New Year's Day (both exclusive), or on December 30 when both Christmas Day
and New Year's Day (the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God) are Sundays</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/YEAR%20B%202017-2018/Advent%20&amp;%20Xmas/Feast%20of%20Holy%20Family%20(B)%202017.docx" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; 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;"><span style="color: blue;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Topic: Model Christian family</span></b><span style="font-size: 15pt;">.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The feast of the Holy Family of
Jesus, Mary and Joseph was developed in the 17th century and established for
the universal church in 1921 to promote family life and devotion to the Holy
Family. There is an Igbo adage: “ụzụ na-amaghị akpụ ogene, ya lee egbe anya n’ọdụdụ”
literally meaning that a blacksmith who does not know how to make a metal gong
should look at the tail of a kite. The book of Deuteronomy reads: “And now,
Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your
God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all
your heart and with all your soul” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Deut
10:12</b>). And today, we celebrate that Holy Family of Nazareth which stands
as a model for all families especially with regard to fearing the Lord and
walking in his ways. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we celebrate the feast of the Holy
Family, the gospel reading recounts how Jesus Christ was presented in the
temple. It was in accordance with the law of the Lord (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 2:22-24</b>) as it is written in the book of Numbers: “... all the
first-born are mine; on the day that I slew all the first-born in the land of
Egypt, I consecrated for my own all the first-born in Israel, both of man and
of beast; they shall be mine: I am the LORD” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Num 3:13</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The holy family offered Jesus all he
needed as a man to grow properly – love, mutual understanding, care, respect,
fidelity to God and to each other, among others. It is important to consider
how many families today still provide enabling environment for their children’s
growth. Sometimes, children see themselves in families where hatred, gross
misunderstanding, callousness, disrespect, infidelity both to God, to
themselves, and to their fellow human beings, among other vices are the order
of the day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By accepting to take flesh and become
man, God sanctified and blessed family life. He also changed the human view of
family. It was hitherto looked at as something mundane, earthly, even for some
something sinful. However, both lay men and women can serve God even to the
heroic degrees. The gospel reads further: “When they had finished everything
required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of
Nazareth. The child grew and become strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour
of God was upon him” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 2:39-40</b>).
Mary and Joseph returned with Jesus to their home where Jesus grew up. Do
parents still take their children home or is it ‘to your tent o Israel’ – both
the man and the woman going their separate ways in pursuit of one thing or the
other leaving their children at the mercy of the maids?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">About all Israelites we read, “You
shall be holy to me; for I the LORD am holy, and have separated you from the
peoples, that you should be mine” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lev
20:26</b>). Every Christian is dedicated to God. Hence, the first letter of
Saint Peter reads: “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” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Pt 2:9</b>). Saint Paul in his letter to the Ephesians also wrote:
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God
prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Eph 2:10</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we celebrate the feast of the holy
family therefore, it calls for sober reflection on our families. The family of
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph is holy because each and every one of them lived
according to the will of God. Any Christian family that is not holy is a
contradiction.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<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; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Readings</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: Deut 10:12-22; Eph 2:1-10; 6:1-9; 1Pt 2:1-17.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%; margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<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; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> Lord, you established the holy family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as a
model for every Christian family, help us to do our own parts in making our
families holy – Amen</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%; margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<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>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">
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<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/YEAR%20B%202017-2018/Advent%20&amp;%20Xmas/Feast%20of%20Holy%20Family%20(B)%202017.docx" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; 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;"><span style="color: blue;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Family"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Family</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>

Model Christian family: Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (B) (31st December, 2017).

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (B) (31 st December, 2017) on the Gospel and the Feast ...

Anna’s worship: Sixth day in the Octave of Christmas (30th December, 2017).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:50

<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for the Sixth day
in the Octave of Christmas (30<sup>th</sup> December, 2017) 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 />

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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Anna’s worship</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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7NaYduHrJv3m1WG1OCUW1bu-K8s2q1qij_ErXSQpR1cWNYxFs628lyljVeYDBbxPAzXlkuu7kfdCnu1p8NRp0HUku5QoeExMdZgn9aDiO2jxBZf_7wbYn5O5V_IR-l2RbjfFBYaOa34/s1600/30.12.2017.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="196" data-original-width="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7NaYduHrJv3m1WG1OCUW1bu-K8s2q1qij_ErXSQpR1cWNYxFs628lyljVeYDBbxPAzXlkuu7kfdCnu1p8NRp0HUku5QoeExMdZgn9aDiO2jxBZf_7wbYn5O5V_IR-l2RbjfFBYaOa34/s1600/30.12.2017.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In today’s gospel, we read about the role of a prophetess,
Anna, the daughter of Phanuel during the presentation of Jesus in the temple. A
little we know about this woman is a good material for our Christian
reflection. She lived with her husband for just seven years before becoming a
widow and had been a widow to the age of eight-four. The gospel also tells us
that even in such a challenging situation “She never left the temple but
worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 2:37</b>). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are many challenges we face in life. In these
challenging situations, Saint Paul admonishes us in his letter to the Philippians
thus: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt 0.7in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">...let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ,
so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you
stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of
the gospel (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Phil 1:27</b>). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And in his second letter to his son Timothy we also read: “preach
the word, be urgent in season and out of season...” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2Tim 4:2</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are expected to worship God like Anna both when people are
looking at us and when none is looking (night and day) with fasting and prayer.
We must be victorious always no matter the challenging situation we are in, cf.
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 8:37-39</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<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 8:31-39.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<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;"> Be who you are</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.</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>
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<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%;"> May God help us to be His true
children always – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><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 />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

Anna’s worship: Sixth day in the Octave of Christmas (30th December, 2017).

Homily (Reflection) for the Sixth day in the Octave of Christmas (30 th December, 2017) on the Gospel 1Jn 2:12-17; Ps 95:7-10....

Consecrated to God: Fifth day in the Octave of Christmas (29th December)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 05:11

<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for the Fifth day
in the Octave of Christmas (29<sup>th</sup> December, 2017)<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 />

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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Consecrated to God</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today’s gospel narrates how Jesus was presented in the temple
according to the law of Moses, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lev
12:1-4</b>. God directed that every first-born male must be consecrated to Him,
cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ex 13:2, 12</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WFkPxk672SKSLMvaXYk6f0c5AgjdfHoF2THCL7fiX5IaoJZZ1oEjw82rF5gB70XPV_CbI5fU6Yo4SUGa2ol8_yF0ESif0rk2MklExzTvFa7eYXYGcDDD3djKYgRAHVBYGrruqMXIgOc/s1600/29.12.2017.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="204" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WFkPxk672SKSLMvaXYk6f0c5AgjdfHoF2THCL7fiX5IaoJZZ1oEjw82rF5gB70XPV_CbI5fU6Yo4SUGa2ol8_yF0ESif0rk2MklExzTvFa7eYXYGcDDD3djKYgRAHVBYGrruqMXIgOc/s200/29.12.2017.png" width="165" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">However it is not only the first-born males that are
consecrated to God. He also said of all Israelites: “You shall be people
consecrated to me” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ex 22:31</b>). And
the entire Israelites were truly consecrated Him, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ex 19:14</b>. Hence we read in the book of Deuteronomy: “...you are a
people holy to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a
people for his own possession, out of all the peoples that are on the face of
the earth” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Deut 7:6</b>). And God loves
those who are consecrated to Him and who follow in His steps, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Deut 33:3</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We all are also consecrated to the Lord. Hence we read of all
Christians in the first letter of Saint Peter: “...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”
(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Pt 2:9</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dear child of God, consecration does not go with benefits
only, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Deut 33:3</b>. It has responsibilities
also, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Deut 14:21;</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">26:18; 2Chr 7:14</b>. So remember always
that God loves you so much because you are His apple but never forget to do
your own part as a child of God, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk
3:8</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<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;">: Ex 13:11-16.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<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;"> You are dedicated/consecrated to God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<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%;">May God help us live out our call as
children of God</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; 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 style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">– Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

Consecrated to God: Fifth day in the Octave of Christmas (29th December)

Homily (Reflection) for the Fifth day in the Octave of Christmas (29 th December, 2017) 1Jn 2:3-11; Ps 95:1-3.5-6. (R. v. 11);...

Herod’s anger: Feast of the Holy Innocents, Mm. (Octave of Christmas) (28th December, 2017).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts 03:15

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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of the
Holy Innocents, Mm. (Octave of Christmas) (28<sup>th</sup> December, 2017) on
the Gospel and the Feast<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 />

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2MagT6ARpNkkTvEiclueyNPlmRyG3R8qAbP9D5zgU1T2o9vLwNckgFziYZf7m9chuUX_hYkiCNs9ZLfxR6YKaEAIWGuOqTZfXkXhnjMo7I2rsLYip851BfD3EXk5lu1qMd1a6Te_JXU/s1600/28.12.2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2MagT6ARpNkkTvEiclueyNPlmRyG3R8qAbP9D5zgU1T2o9vLwNckgFziYZf7m9chuUX_hYkiCNs9ZLfxR6YKaEAIWGuOqTZfXkXhnjMo7I2rsLYip851BfD3EXk5lu1qMd1a6Te_JXU/s1600/28.12.2017.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The</span> <span style="font-size: 14pt;">Feast of the
Holy Innocents commemorates the children Herod the Great, the Roman-appointed
King of the Jews killed. He directed the Magi from the east who were searching
for Jesus to Bethlehem, and requested them to let him know the newborn king
when they found him. But they were warned in a dream not to go back to Herod. Saint
</span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph" title="Saint Joseph"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: Calibri;">Joseph</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> also took
the child and his mother to Egypt as directed by an angel. And when Herod
realized that he had been tricked by the Magi, he was furious, and gave orders
to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old or
under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. The number of the
infants is not certain and some historians even doubt its authenticity. The
Holy Innocents, although Jewish, have been claimed as </span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_martyrs" title="Christian martyrs"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: Calibri;">martyrs for Christianity</span></span></a><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II%20(2017-2018)/Advent%20and%20Xmas%20Seasons%20(2017-2018)/Octave%20of%20Christmas%202017.docx" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><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;"><span style="color: #2e7061;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Herod’s anger</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the gospel according to Saint Matthew, King Herod was
frightened when he heard that a king was born, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt2:3</b>. He saw him as a rival. As a result, he ordered for the
massacre of every male child in and around Bethlehem who were 2 years old or
under as we read in today’s gospel.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These Holy Innocents committed no offence. And in fact, no
offence was committed. Yet they were killed in such gruesome manner without any
atom of mercy. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May be you have suffered Herod’s anger in one way or another.
And surely it was too painful because of the fact that you are innocent. Or
even you may still be suffering or nursing such pains.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On the other hand, has anybody suffered Herod’s anger in your
own hands? And what have you done about it or hope to achieve through that?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you have suffered unjustly or still suffering like the
Holy Innocents, look unto God for surely He is coming soon, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rev 22:20</b>. Again, “...hold fast what
you have, so that no one may seize your crown” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rev 3:11</b>). And if others have suffered or are still suffering in
your hands, make amends today. It is very important. Remember, God is coming to
reward all according what each has done, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rev 22:12</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<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;">: Eph 4:25 – 5:2.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<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;"> Has anyone suffered unjustly in your hands</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.7in;">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II%20(2017-2018)/Advent%20and%20Xmas%20Seasons%20(2017-2018)/Octave%20of%20Christmas%202017.docx" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><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;"><span style="color: #2e7061;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massacre_of_the_Innocents"><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massacre_of_the_Innocents</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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Herod’s anger: Feast of the Holy Innocents, Mm. (Octave of Christmas) (28th December, 2017).

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of the Holy Innocents, Mm. (Octave of Christmas) (28 th December, 2017) on the Gospel and the Feast ...

...he saw and believed (Jn 20:8): Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist (Octave of Christmas) (27th December, 2017)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts 05:43

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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of
Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist (Octave of Christmas) </span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">27<sup>th</sup>
December, 2017</b>)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> on the Gospel and
the Feast</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1Jn 1:1-4;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 96:1-2.5-6.11-12. (R. v. 12);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QBfJrhyphenhypheninjspEZVgYtn8jruZDk1QWeRqtuNIsgdwPldNYI3qTPMOgEZoYQxloU3PNVXWM7uPuokeFZ-BiSu11_IQ5AyjRBpxg7iMJ2WjFES0-bYvNeA_FIqWvNpriJCx7thE3GQ4Faw/s1600/27.12.2017.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="202" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QBfJrhyphenhypheninjspEZVgYtn8jruZDk1QWeRqtuNIsgdwPldNYI3qTPMOgEZoYQxloU3PNVXWM7uPuokeFZ-BiSu11_IQ5AyjRBpxg7iMJ2WjFES0-bYvNeA_FIqWvNpriJCx7thE3GQ4Faw/s200/27.12.2017.png" width="161" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saint John the Apostle was son of Zebedee and Salome,
and one of the Twelve Apostles. He was called to be an Apostle by our Lord in
the first year of His public ministry. Saint John is considered the same person
as John the Evangelist, John of Patmos and the Beloved Disciple. Saint James
the Great was his elder brother. Jesus referred to the duo as “Boanerges,” (sons
of thunder). He is believed to be the longest living apostle and the only not
to die a martyr's death. John was the only one of the Twelve Apostles who did
not forsake the Saviour in the hour of His Passion and He made him the guardian
of His Mother at the foot of the cross. After the Assumption of Mary, he went
to Ephesus. He was later banished to the Greek Island of Patmos. John is known
as the author of the Gospel of John and four other books in the New Testament –
the three Epistles of John and the Book of Revelation. He died in Ephesus after
AD 98 and is the patron saint of love, loyalty, friendships, and authors.</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II%20(2017-2018)/Advent%20and%20Xmas%20Seasons%20(2017-2018)/Octave%20of%20Christmas%202017.docx" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><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;"><span style="color: #2e7061;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: ...he saw and believed</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 20:8</b>). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In today’s gospel pericope, Mary Magdalene ran to Peter and
John and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we did
not know where they have laid him.” The duo set out for the tomb. Although John
outran Peter, Peter first entered the tomb. John later entered the tomb. He saw
and believed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While discussing with
Nicodemus, Jesus said, “Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and
testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 3:11</b>). And in his first letter,
Saint John wrote, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We declare to you ... what we have heard, what we have seen
with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning
the word of life – this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to
it ...so that you also may have fellowship ...with the Father and with his Son
Jesus Christ (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Jn 1:1-3</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saint John testified that “the Father has sent his Son as the
Saviour of the world” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Jn 4:14</b>).
And only those who received Him, who believed in His name, He gave power to
become children of God, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 1:12</b>.
Let no one wait to see before he/she believes because, “Blessed are those who
have not seen and yet believe” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 20:29</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<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;">: Jn 20:25-29; 1Jn 4:7-12.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<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;"> ...the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 1:14</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<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, open our eyes to see your Son
who dwells among us – Amen (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 1:14</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.7in;">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II%20(2017-2018)/Advent%20and%20Xmas%20Seasons%20(2017-2018)/Octave%20of%20Christmas%202017.docx" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><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;"><span style="color: #2e7061;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=228"><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=228</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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...he saw and believed (Jn 20:8): Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist (Octave of Christmas) (27th December, 2017)

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist (Octave of Christmas) ( 27 th December, 2017 ) on the Gospel a...

Beware: Memorial of Saint Stephen, First Martyr (Octave of Christmas) (26th December, 2017).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Memorials 04:54

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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Stephen, First Martyr (Octave of Christmas) </span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">26<sup>th</sup>
December, 2017</b>)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> on the Gospel and
the Memorial<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></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 />

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBIIkQhnGXWX2Uw5dMwtb56cnnIi351kEC1k-zdYhx4BDZN-uGcOJrDuYsslZd3xzT9ESvIWTIhsaYv1k8NCtWofc01aKS8PHvCKYW7co0lXx7Q5onFBmezkGRbULdAgpLjNVeayh25Q/s1600/26.12.2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBIIkQhnGXWX2Uw5dMwtb56cnnIi351kEC1k-zdYhx4BDZN-uGcOJrDuYsslZd3xzT9ESvIWTIhsaYv1k8NCtWofc01aKS8PHvCKYW7co0lXx7Q5onFBmezkGRbULdAgpLjNVeayh25Q/s1600/26.12.2017.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The primary source of information about Saint Stephen is
the Acts of the Apostles. <b>Stephen</b> or <b>Stephan</b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">,</span> a man full of faith and the Holy
Spirit, is the </span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protomartyr" title="Protomartyr"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 14pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">first Christian martyr</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a </span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deacon" title="Deacon"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: Calibri;">deacon</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts 7:54-59</b>. Stephen is mentioned in the
Acts of the Apostles as one of the Greek-speaking </span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_Jew" title="Hellenistic Jew"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 14pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hellenistic Jews</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> selected to
participate in a fairer distribution of welfare to the Greek-speaking widows,
cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts 6:5</b>. He was accused of </span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blasphemy" title="Blasphemy"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: Calibri;">blasphemy</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
and his </span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martyrdom" title="Martyrdom"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 14pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">martyrdom</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
was witnessed by </span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saul_of_Tarsus" title="Saul of Tarsus"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 14pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saul of Tarsus</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> (Saint Paul), a </span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharisee" title="Pharisee"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 14pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pharisee</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> who would later
himself become a follower of Jesus, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts
8:1</b>.</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II%20(2017-2018)/Advent%20and%20Xmas%20Seasons%20(2017-2018)/Octave%20of%20Christmas.docx" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><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;"><span style="color: #2e7061;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Beware</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just yesterday we popped champagnes among other things that the
long-awaited saviour was born. And today, we celebrate the first person who died
for this saviour. He warns us in today’s gospel: “Beware of them, for they will
hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be
dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and
the Gentiles” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 10:17-18</b>). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This warning tells us among other things that to be a
Christian is not all rosy. A call to be a Christian is a call to be a martyr no
matter the circumstance one finds him/herself. At the face of every persecution
that might come one’s way, one must bear witness to the new born king, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 21:13</b>. Again, for anybody to be
saved, he or she must endure to the end, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 10:22</b>. Saint Stephen is a very good example.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So my dear one, as we celebrate our saviour’s birthday we
must also contemplate what it means to be Christ’s follower. Each of us must be
ready for anything that pleases our newborn King to befall us. Beware, anyone
who wants to live an authentic Christian life must be ready for persecution even
from those one least expects, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt
10:21; Mk 13:12</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<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; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Readings</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; 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 style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">1Pt 4:12-19</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; 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></div>
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<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%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Tighten your belt and lace your shoes for the race.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<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; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; 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 style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">May the newborn King help us live out
our call as Christians no matter what it may cost – Amen</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saint Stephen – pray for us.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.7in;">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II%20(2017-2018)/Advent%20and%20Xmas%20Seasons%20(2017-2018)/Octave%20of%20Christmas.docx" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><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;"><span style="color: #2e7061;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Stephen"><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Stephen</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Beware: Memorial of Saint Stephen, First Martyr (Octave of Christmas) (26th December, 2017).

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Beware: Memorial of Saint Stephen, First Martyr (Octave of Christmas) (26th December, 2017).

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