The Pulpit Online: Solemnities and Feasts

Feast of Saint Matthew, Ap.

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts 04:54

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of
Saint Matthew, Ap. Evang. (21st September, 2021) on the Gospel and
the Feast

Eph 4:1-7.11-13;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 18:2-5. (R.v.5);<o:p></o:p>

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

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAoyUxY0Dlbrxne73i3Am9iLV6_9VYOpOOfdptIqy0-ustu0PgB9lWzGtRzidH2eyAF-E6cz7azEkn2CknhInpnkYVqsTHOQV5KQZCbtBdEu8-LSRCqbHWkxCssuWXmgxhNy5rdQMBNIE/s255/21.09.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="198" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAoyUxY0Dlbrxne73i3Am9iLV6_9VYOpOOfdptIqy0-ustu0PgB9lWzGtRzidH2eyAF-E6cz7azEkn2CknhInpnkYVqsTHOQV5KQZCbtBdEu8-LSRCqbHWkxCssuWXmgxhNy5rdQMBNIE/s0/21.09.2021.jpg" width="198" /></a></div> Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, is believed to be same as Levi recorded by Mark and
Luke, cf. Mk 2:14; Lk 5:27. He was
son of Alphaeus, cf. Mk 2:14.
Matthew was a tax collector, cf. Matt
9:9; Mk 2:14; Lk 5:27. He was listed among the apostles, cf. Matt 10:3; Mk 3:18; Lk 6:15; Acts 1:13.
Matthew wrote one of the gospels and is the patron Saint of Accountants, Actors,
Bankers, Bookkeepers, Tax collectors, and Taxi Drivers.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Really well?<o:p></o:p>

Jesus saw Matthew in today’s gospel sitting at the tax booth
and said to him, “Follow me.” He got up and followed Him. At a dinner in his
house, Jesus sat among many tax collectors and sinners.<o:p></o:p>

The Pharisees complained against Jesus dinning and winning
with tax collectors and other sinners because they judged themselves righteous.
This pharisaic attitude continues till today. Many categorise themselves as
righteous under different names.<o:p></o:p>

How can we explain passages like: “Surely there is not a
righteous man on earth who does good and never sins” (Eccl 7:20). Saint John also asserted, “If we say we have no sin, we
deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1Jn 1:8). Again, Jesus’ command to continually pray for the
forgiveness of our sins, cf. Matt 6:12;
Lk 11:4.<o:p></o:p>

Jesus replied them in part, “Those who are well have no need
of a physician, but those who are sick.” By implication, those with pharisaic
mentality do not look for Jesus. It requires great humility to admit one’s
faults. Anyone who cannot admit his/her sins cannot pray, cf. Lk 18:9-14. <o:p></o:p>

One’s inability to acknowledge his/her sinfulness retains
one’s guilt, cf. Jn 9:41. Like the
Jews, many who read the bible refused to come to Jesus to have life, cf. Jn 5:39-40. Jesus does not cast out
anyone who comes to Him, cf. Jn 6:37.<o:p></o:p>

Matthew followed Jesus when He called him because he
acknowledged he was a sinner. And Saint Paul judged himself the worst of
sinners, 1Tim 1:15. I confess that I
am worse than all and ask God to have mercy on me, cf. Lk 18:13. What about you?<o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: 1Jn 1:5-10.<o:p></o:p>

Saint Matthew the Evangelist – Pray
for us.<o:p></o:p>

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

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

Feast of Saint Matthew, Ap.

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of Saint Matthew, Ap. Evang. (21 st September, 2021) on the Gospel and the Feast Eph 4:1-7.11-13;...

Feast of the Exaltation (Triumph) of the Cross

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts 05:23

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of
the Exaltation (Triumph) of the Cross (14th September, 2021) on the
Gospel and the Feast<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Num 21:4-9;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 77:1-2.34-38. (R.v.7);<o:p></o:p>

Phil 2:6-11;<o:p></o:p>

Jn 3:13-17.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdVVMlHks3Gbp-6j-q7Lu8a_uAYvUSgsEmobKjB25gwpyu9FYOculPESvxBynWx2_KwYsWEVbp9lUfVYNWC-cuwTAA6Q9gKYsg_3t-SEXuYzxV1-E3LypG5K3RgZnjOljPrgpEhjOEVs/s333/14.09.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="151" data-original-width="333" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdVVMlHks3Gbp-6j-q7Lu8a_uAYvUSgsEmobKjB25gwpyu9FYOculPESvxBynWx2_KwYsWEVbp9lUfVYNWC-cuwTAA6Q9gKYsg_3t-SEXuYzxV1-E3LypG5K3RgZnjOljPrgpEhjOEVs/s320/14.09.2021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Emperor Constantine’s mother, Saint Helena, found the
True Cross in Jerusalem in the fourth century. However, the Persians captured
it and only returned it after Byzantine Emperor Heraclius defeated the Persian
king Khosrau II. The feast of the Triumph of the Cross commemorates the return of
the Holy Cross to Jerusalem by Emperor Heraclius in 629.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Twenty-Fourth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</a>  This feast draws our attention to the cross
of Jesus, the symbol of that great gift from God. It reminds us how much God loves
the world, cf. Jn 3:16.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Twenty-Fourth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</a>
And the way we ought to follow to enter eternal life.<o:p></o:p>

Jesus told Nicodemus that only He, the Son of Man, has
ascended to heaven. He must be lifted up, “that whoever believes in him may
have eternal life”. God loves the world to the point “that he gave his only
Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal
life.” He did not send the Son to condemn the world but to save the world
through Him.<o:p></o:p>

Today’s gospel brings out the link between faith and
salvation. Eternal life (salvation) is the outcome of believing in Jesus
Christ, cf. Rom 10:13; Acts 16:31.
Believing in Him entails doing what He tells us, cf. Matt 7:21.<o:p></o:p>

Jesus tells us, “I am the door; if any one enters by me, he
will be saved...” (Jn 10:9).
Entering through Him implies following Him. And it requires one denying
him/herself and coming with his/her own cross, cf. Matt 10:38. 16:24; Lk 9:23. 14:27.<o:p></o:p>

Carrying cross involves self abasement, cf. Matt 27:42; Mk 15:32. It demands
humility, cf. Phil 2:6-8. It is not
a matter of compulsion like in the case of Simon of Cyrene, Matt 27:32; Mk 15:21; Lk 23:26. It must
be total and willingly too, cf. 2Cor
9:7; Philem 1:14. However, attitude towards the cross might render it
powerless, cf. 1Cor 1:17.<o:p></o:p>

Denying oneself and picking cross call for Christlike
attitude before any cross God wills for one, cf. Matt 6:10. 26:42; Lk 22:42; Acts 21:14. Cross in question is far from two
pieces of wood joined together. It is found in the undesirables that come one’s
way. <o:p></o:p>

Before Christ died on the cross, it was something cursed and
whoever dies on it is cursed, cf. Gal
3:13. However, Christ redefined the cross by carrying and dying on it.
Hence Saint Paul writes, “But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of
our Lord Jesus Christ...” (Gal 6:14).
It is disheartening that many still live with the old meaning of the cross
thereby making themselves its enemies, cf. Phil
3:18. Every child of God ought to pick his/her own cross and follow Christ
as required so as to be where Christ is, cf. Rom 8:17. In every situation, we ought to be Lord’s, cf. Rom 14:8.<o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: Phil 3:16–4:1; Col 1:15-23. 2:6-15.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: ...take up your cross daily and follow Jesus, cf. Lk 9:23.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, give me the heart to accept
any cross you will for me – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

Jesus Christ crucified on the cross –
Have Mercy on us.<o:p></o:p>

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

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

<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Twenty-Fourth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</a>
<a href="https://www.osv.com/Magazines/TheCatholicAnswer/ChurchHistory/Article/TabId/802/ArtMID/13655/ArticleID/11007/The-Cross-Triumphant.aspx">https://www.osv.com/Magazines/TheCatholicAnswer/ChurchHistory/Article/TabId/802/ArtMID/13655/ArticleID/11007/The-Cross-Triumphant.aspx</a><o:p></o:p>

</div>

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

</div>

Feast of the Exaltation (Triumph) of the Cross

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of the Exaltation (Triumph) of the Cross (14 th September, 2021) on the Gospel and the Feast Num ...

Feast of the Birthday (Nativity) of the Blessed Virgin Mary

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts 05:19

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of
the Birthday (Nativity) of the Blessed Virgin Mary (08th September,
2021) on the Gospel and the Feast <o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Mic 5:1-4 or Rom 8:28-30;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 12:6-7. (R. Is 61:10);<o:p></o:p>

Matt
1:1-16.18-23 or Matt 1:18-23.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzqKY9XD94BpFg8ZW29g4tvU0BXcannLXFEk6p5l_ood8vRVmqjcF_WVOoHsja0kdKg9SrFJJin7KMBwluj1TCE5Cv3LESL5Y_6lgT5TTpDtT9JBDCr9PfgiaGIdOmah9hsxMCgMSmSQ/s172/08.09.2021.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="172" data-original-width="160" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzqKY9XD94BpFg8ZW29g4tvU0BXcannLXFEk6p5l_ood8vRVmqjcF_WVOoHsja0kdKg9SrFJJin7KMBwluj1TCE5Cv3LESL5Y_6lgT5TTpDtT9JBDCr9PfgiaGIdOmah9hsxMCgMSmSQ/s0/08.09.2021.png" width="160" /></a></div> The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrates the
birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The earliest known account of Mary's birth is
found in the Protoevangelium of
James (5:2), an apocryphal text from the late second century, with her parents
known as Saint Joachim and Saint Anne. Saint John the Baptist and the Blessed
Virgin Mary are the two saints whose birthdays are commemorated because of the
singular mission each had in the salvation history.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Twenty-Third%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</a>
This feast started about the sixth century and is venerated in Roman Catholic
Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Some Oriental Orthodox Churches, and Anglican
Communion.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Twenty-Third%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</a><o:p></o:p>

Today’s gospel is on the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matt 1:1-16) and also how His birth
took place, (Matt 1:18-23). Mary was
found to be with child from the Holy Spirit when she had been engaged to Saint
Joseph, but before they lived together. Joseph had decided to dismiss her
quietly to save her public disgrace when the angel of the Lord told him not to
do so and cleared his doubts. All these fulfilled the prophesy of Isaiah,
“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him
Emmanuel” (cf. Is 7:14).<o:p></o:p>

During birthdays, one of the prayers for the celebrants is
for many more years. The Psalmist hints, “Which of you desires life, and covet
many days to enjoy good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from
speaking deceit. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it” (Ps 34:12-14).<o:p></o:p>

Jesus asks, “For what will it profit a man, if he gains the
whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his
life?” (Matt 16:26) The book of
Proverbs reads, “The wise man's path leads upward to life, that he may avoid
Sheol beneath” (Prov 15:24; cf. Pr 14:27.
19:23). And whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and
honour, cf. Prov 21:21.<o:p></o:p>

As we noted in the background, we celebrate Blessed Virgin
Mary’s birthday today because of the role she played in our salvation history.
It is important to consider every moment of our lives what we have offered to
the world, cf. Eccl 6:3. It is the
outcome that makes one’s life either worth celebrating or regretting, cf. Eccl 7:1. Our lives are like mist that
appears for a little time and then vanishes, cf. Jas 4:14; Ps 39:4. We conclude with Saint Paul, “godliness is of
value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the
life to come” (1Tim 4:8). Let us
therefore live lives worth celebrating, cf. Eph 4:1.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Live life worth celebrating.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: May God help us live lives good
enough to be celebrated – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

Blessed Virgin Mary – Pray for us.<o:p></o:p>

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<o:p> </o:p>

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

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

</div>

<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Twenty-Third%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</a> <a href="http://www.americancatholic.org/features/saints/saint.aspx?id=1132">http://www.americancatholic.org/features/saints/saint.aspx?id=1132</a>
<o:p></o:p>

</div>

Feast of the Birthday (Nativity) of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of the Birthday (Nativity) of the Blessed Virgin Mary (08 th September, 2021) on the Gospel and the Fea...

Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Ap.

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts 05:19

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of
Saint Bartholomew, Ap. (24th August, 2021) on the Gospel and the
Feast

Rev 21:9-14;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 144:10-13.17-18. (R. cf. v. 12);<o:p></o:p>

Jn 1:45-51.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfoXF6se4K1Bur6KxHfvRud6-BUVcoEns4oio3907nplNUYVaPKQC0vSnrAtGcm0dVvC0RhTLUhTqyZhfT2IPZIELrSF8Lwywj1nTiW-XAhk8VeyeND1YvUpQ6BFLAvPABqixEt-pOEQ/s197/24.08.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="197" data-original-width="160" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfoXF6se4K1Bur6KxHfvRud6-BUVcoEns4oio3907nplNUYVaPKQC0vSnrAtGcm0dVvC0RhTLUhTqyZhfT2IPZIELrSF8Lwywj1nTiW-XAhk8VeyeND1YvUpQ6BFLAvPABqixEt-pOEQ/s0/24.08.2021.jpg" width="160" /></a></div> Saint Bartholomew, born at Cana in Galilee, (cf. Jn 21:2) was mentioned in the synoptic
gospels and Acts of the Apostles as one of the twelve apostles, cf. Matt 10:3; Mk 3:18; Lk 6:14; Acts 1:13.
Scholars believe he is the same as Nathaniel mentioned in the gospel according
to Saint John, of whom Jesus said “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is
no deceit!” (Jn 1:47). According to Roman
Martyrology, he preached in India, Mesopotamia, Persia, Egypt, and Greater
Armenia, where he was flayed and beheaded by King Astyages.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: We are merely channels. <o:p></o:p>

In today’s gospel, Philip found Nathaniel and said to him,
“We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote,
Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” He queried, “Can anything good come out of
Nazareth?” Philip simply answered, “Come and see.” This simple invitation led
him to exclaim, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”<o:p></o:p>

Philip only invited Bartholomew to come and experience Jesus.
He only served as a channel through which the gospel reached him. On the
contrary, we often create bigger problems trying to convince others. Many are
professional and international liars all in the name of preaching the gospel.
However, when one looks closely one thing is always clear, either the disciples
are for themselves or for the father of lies, and never for Christ, cf. Jn 8:44.<o:p></o:p>

As we celebrate Saint Bartholomew, it is important to remind
ourselves that we have only one teacher and that we all are brothers and
sisters, cf. Matt 23:8. The work of
spreading the Good News is God’s. We are only mere instruments. Hence, Saint
Paul acknowledged, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1Cor 3:6). Losing sight of this brings
about divisions which is contrary to the mind of Christ, cf. Jn 17:21. We ought to take others to
Christ who is our Teacher and Master, never to ourselves or the devil, cf. Matt 10:24-25.<o:p></o:p>

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

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

Visit our website: <a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/">www.thepulpitonline.com</a><o:p></o:p>

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

Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Ap.

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Ap. (24 th August, 2021) on the Gospel and the Feast Rev 21:9-14; Ps 144:...

Solemnity of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts 03:54

Homily (Reflection)
for the Solemnity of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (15th
August, 2021) on the Gospel and the Solemnity<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Rev
11:19. 12:1-6.10;

Ps
44:10-12. 16. (R. v.10);

1Cor
15:20-27;

Lk 1:39-56.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72j1DeEte3Gl9sniF2M2I7me_u_ObYuzE_-EER7KhOfc5vIQxv61cEu-bV83VhvLvYd8Kwm8foay0xBl2O0jWt0uB8CFGYnddWitZIJlrSUlwbXPji9D18FnGV3f9dVn6CevrMzOqqdU/s148/15.08.2021.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="148" data-original-width="140" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72j1DeEte3Gl9sniF2M2I7me_u_ObYuzE_-EER7KhOfc5vIQxv61cEu-bV83VhvLvYd8Kwm8foay0xBl2O0jWt0uB8CFGYnddWitZIJlrSUlwbXPji9D18FnGV3f9dVn6CevrMzOqqdU/s0/15.08.2021.png" width="140" /></a></div> The Solemnity of
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is based on our belief that the Blessed Virgin
Mary “having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and
soul into heavenly glory”. It is believed in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church" title="Catholic Church">Catholic
Church</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Orthodox_Church" title="Eastern Orthodox Church">Eastern Orthodoxy</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oriental_Orthodoxy" title="Oriental Orthodoxy">Oriental Orthodoxy</a>, and parts of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglicanism" title="Anglicanism">Anglicanism</a>.
This Solemnity was <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogmatic_definition" title="Dogmatic definition">dogmatically defined</a> by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Pius_XII" title="Pope Pius XII">Pope Pius XII</a>
on November 1, 1950, in the apostolic constitution <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munificentissimus_Deus" title="Munificentissimus Deus">Munificentissimus Deus</a>.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/Year%20B%202020-2021/Ordinary%20Time%20of%20the%20Year%20B/Assumption%20of%20the%20BVM%20(2021).docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</a>
The Pope writes, “We
pronounce, declare and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma that the
immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of
her earthly life, was assumed body and soul to heavenly glory”.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/Year%20B%202020-2021/Ordinary%20Time%20of%20the%20Year%20B/Assumption%20of%20the%20BVM%20(2021).docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</a>

Topic: Celebrating God’s faithfulness.

In today’s gospel, Mary visited her
relative Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard her greeting, the child in her womb
leaped for joy. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth said to Mary, “Blessed
are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” Mary praised God
for His goodness and faithfulness to her and to the entire world.<o:p></o:p>

We remember the words of Jesus, “If
any one serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be
also; if any one serves me, the Father will honour him” (Jn 12:26). Again, “And when I go and prepare a place for you, I
will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (Jn 14:3). Even in His prayer to the
Father He also prayed, “Father, I desire that they also, whom thou hast given
me, may be with me where I am, to behold my glory which thou hast given me in
thy love for me before the foundation of the world” (Jn 17:24). Saint Paul wrote that “the creation itself will be set
free from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children
of God” (Rom 8:21). This liberty
does not exclude freedom from corruption, cf. Acts 2:27. 13:37.

We experience often ‘promise and fail’
especially in the political circles. Saint Paul quoting Isaiah chapter 64 verse 3 in his first letter to the Corinthians
writes, “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).

We celebrate today not just that the
Blessed mother was assumed body and soul into heaven, but the goodness and
faithfulness of God in general. There is an Igbo adage, ohu fụrụ ka eji mbazụ eli ibe ya matakwa na ọ bụ otu mbazụ ahụ na-eche
ya simply means that every slave must remember that he/she will be buried
the same way slaves are buried. If we do the will of God, certainly we will be
with Jesus in the paradise. He fulfils all His promises, cf. Josh 21:45; 2Cor 1:20. Hence we read in
The Sunday missal, “In Mary’s glorious
assumption we celebrate the fulfilment of our Christian destiny, and with her
we proclaim the greatness of the Lord.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/Year%20B%202020-2021/Ordinary%20Time%20of%20the%20Year%20B/Assumption%20of%20the%20BVM%20(2021).docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</a>
We must continue to proclaim God’s goodness and faithfulness to all in action
following the example of Mary who visited Elizabeth in today’s gospel. Take
this gospel today to as many as possible by visiting them.

Bible
Reading: Gen 3:14-19; 1Cor 15:50-58; Rev
12:1-9.13-17.<o:p></o:p>

Thought
for today: ...we will all be changed (1Cor 15:51).

Let
us Pray: May God help us overcome in our battle against every form
of evil – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

Mary
assumed into heaven – Pray for us.<o:p></o:p>

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

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

<o:p> </o:p>

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

<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/Year%20B%202020-2021/Ordinary%20Time%20of%20the%20Year%20B/Assumption%20of%20the%20BVM%20(2021).docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assumption_of_Mary">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assumption_of_Mary</a>

</div>

<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/Year%20B%202020-2021/Ordinary%20Time%20of%20the%20Year%20B/Assumption%20of%20the%20BVM%20(2021).docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</a> <a href="http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/Saint.aspx?id=1108">http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/Saint.aspx?id=1108</a>

</div>

<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/Year%20B%202020-2021/Ordinary%20Time%20of%20the%20Year%20B/Assumption%20of%20the%20BVM%20(2021).docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</a> The Sunday missal: A new
edition (1995). London: HarperCollinsReligious, p. 952.

</div>

Solemnity of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Homily (Reflection) for the Solemnity of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (15 th August, 2021) on the Gospel and the Solemnity ...

Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deac. M.

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts 04:46

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of
Saint Lawrence, Deac. M., (10th August, 2021) on the Gospel and the
Feast<o:p></o:p>

2Cor 9:6-10;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 111:1-2.5-9. (R. v. 5);<o:p></o:p>

Jn 12:24-26.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrjLcmjeGRlgpF-FGHPyY4lrurxiJQI24ne_hUNib9q02pQEEOxRxdr-uToCFe5t-fl8avh9QeE_kRtTYQ2hFsoQOPLtotvmiFbc9ibvpiB-xQaC1sg-eGYXb4_BvGEEjsb_g2BfGOzQ/s243/St+Lawrence%252C+Deac.+M..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="243" data-original-width="208" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrjLcmjeGRlgpF-FGHPyY4lrurxiJQI24ne_hUNib9q02pQEEOxRxdr-uToCFe5t-fl8avh9QeE_kRtTYQ2hFsoQOPLtotvmiFbc9ibvpiB-xQaC1sg-eGYXb4_BvGEEjsb_g2BfGOzQ/s0/St+Lawrence%252C+Deac.+M..jpg" width="208" /></a></div> Saint Lawrence was a Roman deacon under Pope Saint
Sixtus II. He was martyred four days after Pope Saint Sixtus II, probably
during the persecution of Emperor Valerian. Lawrence was charged with the
responsibility for the material goods of the Church, and the distribution of
alms to the poor. He put together the remaining money including the proceeds
from the sacred vessels he sold and distributed all to the poor, widows and
orphans of Rome when he knew that he would be arrested. When the prefect of
Rome demanded for the Church’s treasure, Lawrence gathered a great number of
blind, lame, maimed, leprous, orphaned and widowed persons and presented them
to him saying, “These are the treasure of the Church.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Nineteenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</a>  In great anger, he condemned Lawrence to a
slow, cruel death. He was tied on top of an iron grill over a slow fire that
roasted his flesh little by little. Before he died, he prayed that the city of
Rome might be converted to Jesus and that the Catholic Faith might spread all
over the world.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Nineteenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</a><o:p></o:p>

Jesus said that a grain of wheat must fall into the earth and
die to produce much fruit. And “Those who love their life lose it, and those
who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” Christ’s
servants must follow Him and will be where He is. The Father honours whoever
serves Christ.<o:p></o:p>

This grain of wheat in today’s gospel refers to us, cf. Matt 13:37-38. Jesus tells us that the
reason He chose us is to bear fruit that will last, cf. Jn 15:16. Saint Paul also writes that we belong to Him who raised
us from the dead in order that we may bear fruit for God, cf. Rom 7:4. Jesus also says that one will
prove his/her discipleship by bearing much fruit, cf. Jn 15:8. So Christ is telling us that we must fall into the ground
and die because without bearing fruits we cannot expect reward.<o:p></o:p>

Saint Lawrence fell into the earth, died, and produced much
fruits. He did not love his life. Hence he kept it for eternal life. Whoever
wants to keep his/her life must also fall into the ground like Saint Lawrence.
But we all must not fall into that same grill. However, we must accept any
ground that pleases God so as to produce fruits for Him.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Discipleship has a price (cf. Lk 14:26-33).<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, give us the grace to fall into
any ground that pleases you – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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

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

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

<o:p> </o:p>

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

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

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

<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Nineteenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</a> <a href="http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/saint.aspx?id=1103">http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/saint.aspx?id=1103</a>
<o:p></o:p>

</div>

<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Nineteenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</a> <a href="http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=366">http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=366</a><o:p></o:p>

</div>

Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deac. M.

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deac. M., (10 th August, 2021) on the Gospel and the Feast 2Cor 9:6-10; Ps 1...

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts 04:47

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of
the Transfiguration of the Lord (06th August, 2021) on the Gospel
and the Feast

Dan 7:9-10.13-14;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 96:1-2.5-6.9. (R. vv. 1.9);<o:p></o:p>

2Pt 1:16-19;<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjU2bCiroJV-4lxea9sL256cpkV81N30kE6rlOW64msVRiVQgk1f3-LQJW_aADLUzJbwNSlzDBg-71eVWvDc-KWz7x0obqyv0EwlZ_qZR4_CCLIroAr7PVw0Z400Lts57QIScZ98FSk0Y/s216/06.08.2021.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="148" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjU2bCiroJV-4lxea9sL256cpkV81N30kE6rlOW64msVRiVQgk1f3-LQJW_aADLUzJbwNSlzDBg-71eVWvDc-KWz7x0obqyv0EwlZ_qZR4_CCLIroAr7PVw0Z400Lts57QIScZ98FSk0Y/s0/06.08.2021.png" width="148" /></a></div> The bible gives account of the Transfiguration
of the Lord on the mountain, cf. Matt
17:1-8; Mk 9:2-8; Lk 9:28-36; 2Pt 1:16-18. In all the synoptic gospels,
this took place shortly after Jesus first foretold His Passion, death, and
resurrection. According to Tradition, this took place on Mount Tabor. This
feast started in the East about fourth century and four centuries later, it
spread to the West. Pope Callixtus III elevated the Transfiguration of the Lord
to a Feast and extended it to the universal Church. He established 6th
August, the day the news of the defeat of the Turks at Belgrade by the
Crusaders on 22nd July, 1456 reached Rome for its celebration. It
also coincided with the day the first church that was built there in the fourth
century was dedicated.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: After the Baptism. <o:p></o:p>

About eight days after Jesus foretold His Passion and death,
He took with Him Peter, James, and John up on the mountain to pray. The
appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became dazzling white while
praying. Moses and Elijah appeared and discussed with Jesus on His Passion and
death. Peter said to Jesus while they were about leaving, “Master, it is good
for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and
one for Elijah”. A cloud overshadowed them and a voice came from the cloud
saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” <o:p></o:p>

Although Jesus and the duo discussed about His Passion and
death, Peter never rebuked instead he wanted to remain there because of the
glimpse of Christ’s glory. This is in line with the quotation, “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).<o:p></o:p>

Earlier when Jesus was baptized, a voice came, “You are my
Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased” (Lk 3:22; cf. Mat 3:17; Mk
1:11). Therefore, what was said about Him when He was baptized was also
said at the climax of His public ministry. <o:p></o:p>

At baptism, our sins were completely washed away, cf. Acts 22:16; Gal 3:27; 1Pt 3:21. We are
born again as sons and daughters of God, cf. 2Cor 6:18; 1Cor 12:13. We were raised from death by the glory of
the Father at baptism for us to walk in newness of life, cf. Rom 6:4; Col 2:12. The issue is the
state we are now after the Baptism. What is in heaven cannot be compared with
whatever that distracts us here on earth.<o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: Rom 6:1-13; Col 2:6-19.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Are you still God’s chosen one?<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, restore us to the state we
were when baptized – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

Our Lord Jesus Christ – Have mercy on
us!<o:p></o:p>

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

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Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord (06 th August, 2021) on the Gospel and the Feast Dan 7:9-10.13...

Feast of Saint Thomas, Ap.

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts 04:51

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of
Saint Thomas, Ap. (03rd July, 2021) on the Gospel and the Feast

Eph 2:19-22;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 116. (R. Mk 16:15);<o:p></o:p>

Jn 20:24-29.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Doubt no longer.<o:p></o:p>

In today’s gospel, when the other apostles told Thomas that
they had seen the Lord, he did not believe them. For him, only two things would
convince him: “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my
finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe” (Jn 20:25).
<o:p></o:p>

Thomas’ problem was not unique to him. When the women who first
witnessed Jesus’ resurrection told the eleven that Jesus is risen, they did not
believe. It seemed to them like an idle tale, cf. Lk 12:1-11; Mk 16:9-11. Again, they did not believe the report of
two others whom He appeared to, cf. Mk
16:12-13. So unbelief was common with all the apostles. Hence, Jesus was
displeased with Thomas’ disbelief and lack of faith in today’s gospel just like
those of others, cf. Mk 16:14. <o:p></o:p>

We may have lost faith in God. Lack of faith manifests its
ugly head in different forms. In some, it is in the form of moving from one
church to another, in others moving from one man or woman of God to another. In
some others, it is going to native doctors directly or indirectly, among so
many other forms. Losing faith costs a lot. Moses was not able to lead the
Israelites into the Promised Land because he broke faith with God, cf. Deut 32:51.<o:p></o:p>

Saint James rightly noted that “faith by itself, if it has no
works, is dead” (Jas 2:17). It is
expressed in works of charity, cf. Gal
5:6. The righteous one shall live by faith (Heb 10:38, cf. Hab 2:4).
The Letter to the Hebrews also tells us, “without faith it is impossible to
please him [God].” (Heb 11:6). It is
through faith that one can conquer the world, cf. 1Jn 5:4.<o:p></o:p>

God is telling us today, “Do not doubt [any longer] but
believe” (Jn 20:27). The Letter to
the Hebrews defined faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction
of things not seen” (Heb 11:1).<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Have you ever broke faith with God?<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord Jesus Christ, give us the grace
to believe especially when it seems unreasonable to our human thinking so that we
can say with the psalmist: “I kept my faith, even when I said, ‘I am greatly
afflicted’”, (Ps 116:10) – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

Saint Thomas the Apostle – Pray for
us.<o:p></o:p>

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

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

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Feast of Saint Thomas, Ap.

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of Saint Thomas, Ap. ( 03 rd July, 2021 ) on the Gospel and the Feast Eph 2:19-22; Ps 116. (R....

Feast of Saint Matthew, Ap.

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Feast of the Birthday (Nativity) of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Ap.

Solemnity of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deac. M.

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

Feast of Saint Thomas, Ap.

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