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Glory to God in the highest heaven: Nativity of the Lord (Midnight Mass) A, B, C.

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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for the Nativity of the Lord
(Midnight Mass) A, B, C on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Is 9:2-7;</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Ps 96:1-3.11-13 (R.
Lk 2:11)</span><br />

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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Topic: “Glory to God in the highest heaven ….” (Lk 2:14)</b>.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">The season of Advent has come to an
end and with the Evening Prayer I of the Nativity of the Lord we entered the
season of Christmas. We have every reason to thank God. Chiefs among these
reasons are the gift of our Lord, Jesus Christ and that we are alive to
celebrate this year’s memorial of his birth as a man. We also thank God because
Christ has removed the fault of our first parents that shut the gates of heaven,
cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gen 3</b>. Through his birth, we
have been made a kingdom of priests to God his Father and a holy nation, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ex 19:6; 1Pt 2:9</b>. To him be glory and
dominion forever and ever, Amen (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rev 1:6,
cf. Rev 5:10</b>). For these among other innumerable reasons we sing with the
multitude of the angles of God: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on
earth peace among those whom he favours!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">God who alone has immortality and
dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has ever seen or can see has been made
man (mortal and visible), cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Tim 6:16</b>.
The gospel according to Saint John reads: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt
among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the
only Son from the Father” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 1:14</b>).
What no human mind could conceive has been made possible. To him be glory both
now and forever, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 11:36</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">We also sing with the four living
creatures and the twenty-four elders for the new born King: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">You are worthy to take the scroll and
to open its seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for
God saints from every tribe and language and people and nation; you have made
them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God, and they will reign on earth
(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rev. 5:9-10</b>). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">As Christians, we have been buried
with Him by baptism into death, so that we too may walk in the newness of life
(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 6:4</b>). Hence Saint Paul tells us
that our bodies are members of Christ and should therefore not be defiled, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor 6:15</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">During the transfiguration of
Jesus, we see the responsibility attached to this unmerited gift of God. The
voice of the Father was heard from the cloud: "This is my beloved Son; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">listen to him</b>." (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk 9:7, Matt 17:5, Lk 9:35</b>). Saint Peter
also cited <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Deut 18:15</b> in Acts of the
Apostles: “The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet from your brethren as
he raised me up. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">You shall listen to him
in whatever he tells you</b>” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts 3:22</b>).
There is a warning attached to this call: “I shall put my words into his mouth
and he will tell them everything I command him. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Anyone who refuses to listen to my words, spoken by him in my name,
will have to render an account to me</b>” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Deut
18:19</b>). In line with this prophesy, Jesus tells us: “He who rejects me and
does not receive my sayings has a judge; the word that I have spoken will be
his judge on the last day” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 12:48</b>).
And in the gospel according to Luke we read: Blessed are those who hear the
word of God and keep it (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 11:28</b>).
We can ask ourselves how far we are ready to do what Christ tells us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Christmas season goes with
euphoria that often takes our minds away from the other forms of the coming of
Jesus Christ that we are also called to prepare for especially during the
Advent season. So as we celebrate the season of Christmas, the season of Advent
is still on because we still prepare to receive Christ in the Holy Eucharist
and secondly for when he will come again which will be either at our individual
deaths or at the end of the world. May we therefore always imitate the crowd
who readily welcomed Jesus because they waited for Him, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 8:40</b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 4:45</b>. The new born King is telling us to wake from sleep and rise
from the death of sin that He may give us light, (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Eph 5:14</b>) because it is only those who fear the God that can praise
him, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 22:23</b>. Saint Paul asks
us to present our bodies as living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which
is our spiritual worship, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 12:1</b>.</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; Rev 1:4-8; Eph 5:3-20</span>.</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;"> How ready are you to glorify God for the
gift of His Son? </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Lord, as we celebrate the memorial of
the birth of Christ your Son, may we always be found ready for His second
coming – Amen!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">You are free to share
this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.</span></div>
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Glory to God in the highest heaven: Nativity of the Lord (Midnight Mass) A, B, C.

Homily (Reflection) for the Nativity of the Lord (Midnight Mass) A, B, C on the Gospel Is 9:2-7; Ps 96:1-3.11-13 (R. Lk 2:11) Tit...

Promise fulfilled: 24th December, 2016: Weekday of Advent.

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 03:25

<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mass in the Morning</b>)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"></span></b> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2Sam 7:1-5.8-12.14.16;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 88:2-5. 27.29. (R. cf. v. 2)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCT2w2sIV4rJEC3Msr-ZJ2gPZIPbvztVD4Az77Rp6zWqZoGxO0jPRgm2uc1f6QTL-cQCmZ7iiHwbOH8v20-PwxE6aBKm8TAX3I5ar31QYMLUoMMBiuARUe5-w9OPftffWxfjRlyZ12bVk/s1600/24.12.2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCT2w2sIV4rJEC3Msr-ZJ2gPZIPbvztVD4Az77Rp6zWqZoGxO0jPRgm2uc1f6QTL-cQCmZ7iiHwbOH8v20-PwxE6aBKm8TAX3I5ar31QYMLUoMMBiuARUe5-w9OPftffWxfjRlyZ12bVk/s1600/24.12.2016.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prophet Isaiah prophesied about the child to born tonight:
“... to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be
upon his shoulder, and his name will be called ‘Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty
God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace’” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Is 9:6</b>). God has looked favourably on us and redeemed us by giving
us a mighty saviour, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 1:68-69a</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 welcome our Saviour Jesus Christ, it is important to
open our lives to Him. He is coming into this world to save me and you. How we
welcome Him is very important. Although God made us and we belong to Him (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 100:3</b>), and also has power to do
whatever He wants (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2Chr 25:8; Matt
19:26</b>), yet He does not force Himself into anybody. Hence, He stands at the
door knocking, cf. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rev 3:20</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;">Just as Zechariah blessed God in this prophesy, I pray that
you will always have course to praise God all the days of your life. But
remember to always wait on God and it shall come to pass that all who call upon
the name of the LORD shall be delivered, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Joel 2:32</b>. He will come at the appointed time. Nothing is too hard
for the LORD, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gen 18:14</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%; 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;">: Is 9:1-7.<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;"> It/they shall come to pass.<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%;"> Lord, give us strong faith to always
wait on you till you fulfil all you promised us – Amen.</span></span></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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Promise fulfilled: 24th December, 2016: Weekday of Advent.

Homily (Reflection) for 24 th December, 2016: Weekday of Advent on the Gospel ( Mass in the Morning ) 2Sam 7:1-5.8-12.14.16; ...

Insist on God: 23rd December, 2016: Weekday of Advent.

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 03:21

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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 23<sup>rd</sup>
December, 2016: Weekday of Advent on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<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></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mal 3:1-4.23-24;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Oman78InnsKzfmsT3W3rfDc3ZqFq4cGNeG0CP-8QYanggtqEJx9x3KNzG7M7LSkYVX8Allkq2fz9u_e6wfyaTrbyW-ueRO-VHW9hARAg4Qj7zwGNlUho6rtuvagVS7t-fyda0SP9abY/s1600/23.12.2016.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Oman78InnsKzfmsT3W3rfDc3ZqFq4cGNeG0CP-8QYanggtqEJx9x3KNzG7M7LSkYVX8Allkq2fz9u_e6wfyaTrbyW-ueRO-VHW9hARAg4Qj7zwGNlUho6rtuvagVS7t-fyda0SP9abY/s1600/23.12.2016.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In today’s gospel, Elizabeth bore a son whom their neighbour with
every good intention wanted to name Zechariah after his father but his mother
insisted on John, a name given by God before he was conceived, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 1:13</b>. Her neighbours wondered why
the choice of the name because none of their relatives go by that name. As a
result, they resorted to Zechariah who was then unable to speak because of his
doubt, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 1:18-20</b>. He requested
for writing material and wrote “His name is John”. And immediately, his mouth
opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak and to praise God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Often we go against God just because of our quest for peoples
support. We should remember that “With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who
will tread down our foes” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 60:12; cf.
Ps 108:13</b>). We need God’s favour and not man’s, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 1:30</b>. And most importantly, deciding to go for the world is a decision
to go against God who so much loves us and has also done everything good for
us, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jas 4:4</b>; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 3:16; 1Jn 4:9</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 friends, insist on God always as Elizabeth and Zechariah
did in today’s gospel. He has the best for all of us and loves us so much more
than anybody. Hence, He assures us: “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that
she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget,
yet I will not forget you” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Is 49:15</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;">: Jas 4:1-10.<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;"> Choose today whom to follow, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Josh 24:15</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%;"> May God help us to insist on Him
alone all the days of our lives – 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;">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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<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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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Visit our website: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.thepulpitonline.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Insist on God: 23rd December, 2016: Weekday of Advent.

Homily (Reflection) for 23 rd December, 2016: Weekday of Advent on the Gospel Mal 3:1-4.23-24; Ps 24:4-5.8-9.10.14. (R. Lk 21:...

Mary’s Song of Praise (Magnificat): 22nd December, 2016: Weekday of Advent.

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 05:25

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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 22<sup>nd</sup>
December, 2016: Weekday of Advent on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1Sam 1:24-28;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1Sam 2:1.4-8. (R. v. 1)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCSxavuYnIkdSGaXvfheOOFWD2jmzWqEKPpRh32gMNhWIEZfIJ60m0tA10d6uHsP3DllKAlzqZJlCBNLQKCRoQkGBCyrLLdIPwItO-lHsK4doIirbbYNmiXLufr7Nza1oYcoYGCWOOxw/s1600/22.12.2016.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCSxavuYnIkdSGaXvfheOOFWD2jmzWqEKPpRh32gMNhWIEZfIJ60m0tA10d6uHsP3DllKAlzqZJlCBNLQKCRoQkGBCyrLLdIPwItO-lHsK4doIirbbYNmiXLufr7Nza1oYcoYGCWOOxw/s1600/22.12.2016.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God’s choice of Mary as the mother of Jesus is not a right
but a privilege. And in today’s gospel, we see Mary glorifying God for this and
for all other things He has done for her and for His servant Israel in
remembrance of His mercy. This is in accordance with the promise God made to
Abraham and to his descendants forever. <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 just few days away to the end of the year. Although it
might be difficult for some to acknowledge that God did anything good this year
but He has done all things well for everybody, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk 7:37</b>. Yes, including you. Again, many people both those we know
and those we do not know have also done a lot for us. <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, this is not the time to calculate the things that did not
go as one wanted them. Do not calculate only the bad things others did to you
both those that are real and those we imagine. Remember the things that were
better than you expected. God expects all of us to appreciate all He has been
doing in our lives, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 107:8, 15, 21,
31</b>. It is now that we can thank God, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Is 38:17-18</b>. Remember that we all received everything that we have today,
cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor 4:7</b>. Again, thank also all those
who have been useful to you this year and all the days of your life.<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;">: Lk 17:11-19.<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;"> How often do you remember to say thank you (to God
and to others)?<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%;"> Lord, help us to appreciate all you do
for us and for our brothers and sisters – Amen.</span></span></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>
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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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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Visit our website: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.thepulpitonline.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Mary’s Song of Praise (Magnificat): 22nd December, 2016: Weekday of Advent.

Homily (Reflection) for 22 nd December, 2016: Weekday of Advent on the Gospel 1Sam 1:24-28; 1Sam 2:1.4-8. (R. v. 1) Lk 1:46-...

Mary’s visit to Elizabeth: 21st December, 2016: Weekday of Advent.

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:30

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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The mother of Jesus set out in today’s gospel to visit her
kinswoman Elizabeth whom the angel made her to know was in the sixth month of
her pregnancy (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 1:36</b>). Mary
went as quickly as she could to a Judean town in the hill country where
Elizabeth was living with her husband. The greeting of Mary made John the
Baptist to leap with joy in the womb of his mother, Elizabeth who was
immediately filled with the Holy Spirit. It was under the influence of the Holy
Spirit that she exclaimed with a loud cry part of that beautiful prayer, the
Hail Mary: “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb</b>” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 1:42</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 come closer and closer to Christmas, Jesus wants us to visit
others especially those who need our help just as He and His mother did in
today’s gospel. It is important to note among other things that the gospel did
not tell us the things Mary and Jesus took along while visiting Elizabeth. Mary’s
greeting alone brought about divine transformation in the life of Elizabeth and
her unborn child. So even if you have nothing material, your visit alone worth
more than what you can imagine. Again, delay might be dangerous. Mary set out
immediately. So, why delay? Set out today or even now.<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 visit ought not be limited to one’s friends and
relatives alone, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ex 23:5; Prov 25:21</b>.
Jesus is the king of peace, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Is 9:6</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 23:1-9.<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;"> Visit someone today and/or during this season, cf.
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 25:36, 43</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;">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>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Visit our website: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.thepulpitonline.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Mary’s visit to Elizabeth: 21st December, 2016: Weekday of Advent.

Homily (Reflection) for 21 st December, 2016: Weekday of Advent on the Gospel Song 2:8-14 or Zeph 3:14-18; Ps 32:2-3.11-12.20-...

God’s servants: 20th December, 2016: Weekday of Advent.

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:35

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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 20<sup>th</sup>
December, 2016: Weekday of Advent on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Is 7:10-14;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 23:1-6. (R. cf.v. 7.10)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCz7PFoknPIqbpMk5M8icq5hhaHA6cHpSbuCxccjmkpVQkJVJO7Z3ThcX_ZCp1ElbKqGG2hK4wpUd4SZwzEE4icUESK2ZjbUTpcGTiQnV68j73cxN3K6B-veoJGZVdvIQqxL5f0EKD1k/s1600/20.12.2016.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCz7PFoknPIqbpMk5M8icq5hhaHA6cHpSbuCxccjmkpVQkJVJO7Z3ThcX_ZCp1ElbKqGG2hK4wpUd4SZwzEE4icUESK2ZjbUTpcGTiQnV68j73cxN3K6B-veoJGZVdvIQqxL5f0EKD1k/s1600/20.12.2016.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In today’s gospel, angel Gabriel was sent by God to Virgin
Mary. The angel said to her, “Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.” Mary
was much perplexed by these words. The angel went further, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God.
And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him
Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High.... and of
his kingdom there will be no end.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mary asked, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel
replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High
will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be
called Son of God.” Mary immediately gave her acceptance speech: “Here am I,
the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mary willingly accepted her role in God’s plan for our
redemption. She did not even ask for time either to think over it or to consult
anybody. Mary could have said no.<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 God’s “unworthy servants” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 17:10</b>). Consequently, we ought to accept His will always and willingly.
Only those who do the will of God abide forever, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Jn 2:17</b>. Saint Peter rightly asks us “to live for the rest of the
time in the flesh no longer by human passions but by the will of God” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Pt 4:2</b>). To achieve this, endurance is
necessary, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Heb 10:36</b>. Finally, accepting
the will of God does not make one lesser but greater, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prov 11:24</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;">: </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Rom 12:1-2;
1Thess 4:1-12</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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</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;"> ...We are unworthy servants (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 17:10</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%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> God help us to accept your will always
and willingly – Amen.</span></span></div>
<br />
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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 />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<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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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">

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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>

God’s servants: 20th December, 2016: Weekday of Advent.

Homily (Reflection) for 20 th December, 2016: Weekday of Advent on the Gospel Is 7:10-14; Ps 23:1-6. (R. cf.v. 7.10) Lk 1:26-38 ...

Do not be afraid...: 19th December: Weekday of Advent

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 03:54

<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 19<sup>th</sup>
December: Weekday of Advent on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"></span></b> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jug 13:2-7.24-25;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 70:3-6.16-17. (R. cf. v. 8);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />

</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpCQhKJ9A8cJCgkGKch7J_oNUCl0vPb39PuTa9LyFPqMHsgC-__gkR5dRVsJMRpYcN39SLn-Ufm0B0MJVybmA75SmNNfa5AK2h4CeCfe_pT9XNcCmOXONmtkTpyCpehVwwx17U2oyrHk/s1600/19.12.2016.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpCQhKJ9A8cJCgkGKch7J_oNUCl0vPb39PuTa9LyFPqMHsgC-__gkR5dRVsJMRpYcN39SLn-Ufm0B0MJVybmA75SmNNfa5AK2h4CeCfe_pT9XNcCmOXONmtkTpyCpehVwwx17U2oyrHk/s1600/19.12.2016.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We see in today’s gospel a priest named Zechariah and his
wife, Elizabeth, a descendant of Aaron. Both were not just noble by birth but
also were righteous and blameless before God. Yet the gospel goes on to say
“... they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting
on in years” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 1:7</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;">Nevertheless, they continued to live righteous and blameless
lives according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord even as
they grew older and older without any child. It was when so to speak, all hope
was lost that an angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah who was terrified and
overwhelmed with fear. The angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for
your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you
will name him John” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 1:13</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;">My dear child of God, things may not have been as you expect
them not minding how much you struggle to live according to the will of God.
You may have even fallen out of despondency or at the verge of falling. That
same angel is telling you today: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">DO NOT
BE AFRAID</b>.... If you have fell, do not be afraid, rise for the time has
come. If you have not, do not because our Saviour is at hand. Remember always
that nothing is impossible for God, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt
19:26; Mk 10:27; Lk 1:37. 18:27</b>. There is no need to<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>be afraid.<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;">: Lk 1:46-55.<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;"> Do not be afraid....<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%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> Come, Lord Jesus, do not delay –
Amen (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rev 22:20</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<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 />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<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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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Visit our website: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.thepulpitonline.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">

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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>

Do not be afraid...: 19th December: Weekday of Advent

Homily (Reflection) for 19 th December: Weekday of Advent on the Gospel Jug 13:2-7.24-25; Ps 70:3-6.16-17. (R. cf. v. 8); Lk...

Called to be righteous: Fourth Sunday of Advent, (A) (18th December, 2016).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Sunday homilies 05:16

<br />
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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 Fourth Sunday of Advent, (A) (18</span><sup><span style="font-size: small;">th</span></sup><span style="font-size: large;"> December, 2016) on the Gospel</span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Is 7:10-14;</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Ps 23:1-6. (R. cf.
vv. 7.10)</span><br />
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Topic:</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Called to be righteous</b>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Today is the fourth and the last
Sunday of Advent, the season of threefold preparation for the Lord as explained
in the homily for the First Sunday of Advent. It is important each person evaluate
the success of this season because we are expected to come to its end better
than who we were at its inception. </span></div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFBV8OrrRUgmuqySBMcmAAuP5OuwNCwB7bbSOyG6pRw5ZNPV76aks2G4EV0X5RLtYaLjD76acYXPqEUV90C0UlUJpDpdkhc1ZSDXTuvUn5nxiqwuvhocj6qaDcKo_aHpB5BJ3dtG5HpU/s1600/18.12.2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFBV8OrrRUgmuqySBMcmAAuP5OuwNCwB7bbSOyG6pRw5ZNPV76aks2G4EV0X5RLtYaLjD76acYXPqEUV90C0UlUJpDpdkhc1ZSDXTuvUn5nxiqwuvhocj6qaDcKo_aHpB5BJ3dtG5HpU/s1600/18.12.2016.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Today’s gospel reading tells us how
Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary
engaged to Joseph whom the bible describes as a righteous man. Some translators
prefer synonyms like good, upright, virtuous, just, pure, pious, religious,
saintly and so on to righteous. Considering how Jesus was conceived, what would
have happened if Joseph was not a righteous man? In Joseph, we see one who is
prepared for the coming of the one Jeremiah prophesied: “Behold, the days are
coming, says the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and
he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness
in the land” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jer 23:5</b>, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jer 33:15</b>). Truly, if Joseph was not
righteous the story would not have been the same. We must be righteous to be ready
for our Saviour.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Being righteous is the outcome of cooperation
with God’s grace in line with Jesus’ exhortation, (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 5:48</b>). God is righteous, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2Chr 12:6, Ps 116:5, Ps 119:137, Ps 129:4</b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and “a
righteous judge” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 7:11</b>). Only the
righteous can enter God’s abode, (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps
118:20</b>) and see His face, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps
11:7.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">A righteous person walks with God,
cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gen 6:9</b>. The Psalmist reiterated
that “the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will
perish” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 1:6</b>). Righteous person repays
good for evil, (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Sam 24:17</b>) as Jesus
commands us to bless those who curse us and to pray for those who abuse us, cf.
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 6:28</b>. The mouth of the righteous utters
wisdom and his tongue speaks justice (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps
37:30</b>). He or she also gives generously, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 37:21</b>. He is a man or woman of faith and lives through faith,
cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Heb 10:38</b>. Hence, the bible
tells us: “By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain,
through which he received approval as righteous, God bearing witness by
accepting his gifts; he died, but through his faith he is still speaking” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Heb 11:4</b>). Saint Peter writes: “… the
eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those that do evil." (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Pt 3:12</b>, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 34:15, 17,19, Ps 146:8</b>). It is only the righteous who can praise
God, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 33:1</b>.</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">As we celebrate the last Sunday of
Advent, how many of us can be described as righteous persons just as Joseph? Whoever
cannot be described as one still have hope, God is still beckoning on us to confess
our sins and pray for one another that we may be healed. The prayer of a
righteous man has great power in its effects, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jas 5:16</b>. Do not be pulled down by your sins because “there is not
a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Eccl 7:20</b>). Hence, in his letter to the Romans, Paul quoted <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 14:1-3</b> "None is righteous, no,
not one” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 3:10</b>). First Letter of
St John reads: “If we confess our sins, he [God] is faithful and just, and will
forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Jn 1:9)</b>. And in the gospel Jesus tells us “Go and learn what this
means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the
righteous, but sinners" (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 9:13,
cf. Lk 19:10, Lk 5:32, Mk 2:17</b>). We can cause great joy in heaven by
offering ourselves completely to God because “… there will be more joy in
heaven over one sinner who repents …” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk
15:7</b>). What are you waiting for? Saint Peter asks us "If the righteous
man is scarcely saved, where will the impious and sinner appear?" (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Pt 4:18</b>)</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Saint John has an advice for us because we normally claim to
be righteous when we are not: “Little children, let no one deceive you. He who
does right is righteous, as he is righteous” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Jn 3:7</b>). This is because “… it is not the hearers of the law who
are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 2:13</b>). It is one who walks according
to God’s statutes and observes his ordinances carefully is righteous, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ezek 18:9</b>.</span></div>
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</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;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: </span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Gen 18:16-33; Ex 23:1-9; Ps 34;
Ps 24; 37; Ezek 3:17-21; Ezek 18:1-32; 1Pt 4:12-19.</span><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thought for today</b>: <span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Are you righteous or evil before God?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

</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;">Let us pray</span></b>: Lord, as we wait for
the coming of your Son our Lord, Jesus Christ, may we be righteous in our thoughts,
words, and actions – Amen.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Maranatha!
Come Lord Jesus! </i>(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rev 22:20</b>)<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">You
are free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For
more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
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Called to be righteous: Fourth Sunday of Advent, (A) (18th December, 2016).

Homily (Reflection) for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, (A) (18 th December, 2016) on the Gospel Is 7:10-14; Ps 23:1-6. (R. cf. vv. 7....

Leave it Better: 17th December: Weekdays of Advent.

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 15:17

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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Homily (Reflection) for 17<sup>th</sup> December: Weekdays of Advent on
the Gospel<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbozOmhZRvbx3zKHoyuCTRI8yY7cC88A6Oz1C4rdsdcnzKcytRT2kNF0YBJY24fnCstvj0tyy-Zo4rJbduQ8MCPAMZ34KPpYmu1TRb10zDpZLaoI_bGVH5k7AYz1uhd63tRV02Xh_877s/s1600/17.12.2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbozOmhZRvbx3zKHoyuCTRI8yY7cC88A6Oz1C4rdsdcnzKcytRT2kNF0YBJY24fnCstvj0tyy-Zo4rJbduQ8MCPAMZ34KPpYmu1TRb10zDpZLaoI_bGVH5k7AYz1uhd63tRV02Xh_877s/s1600/17.12.2016.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One might wonder why the pains Saint Matthew took to trace
the genealogy of Jesus Christ back Abraham. The book of Deuteronomy reads about
Israel: “... you are a people holy to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has
chosen you out of all the peoples on earth to be his people, his treasured
possession” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Deut 7:6</b>). And the call
of Abraham in the book of Genesis marks the beginning of His election of
Israelites as His chosen nation, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gen
12</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;">Think of how one feels when being referred to as a son or a
daughter of a successful man or woman. Or better still from a noble and
successful family. In the same way, the Jews pride themselves as the Lord’s
chosen. Hence in their culture, there is serious importance in genealogy as we
can see in the bible, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gen 4:17ff</b>;
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">5:1-32</b>. The inability to trace one’s
origin to Abraham or at least to David raises serious question mark as to being
a genuine Israelite. So, today’s gospel in part is an attempt to show that
Christ is the long awaited Messiah as prophesied, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Kg 11:36; Lk 1:27; Is 22:22</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;">One of the truths we know is that today begets tomorrow. As a
result, take everything you do very serious. In other words, do your best at
all times. The life you live today might uplift or shame others tomorrow. So Leave
the history Better than you met it.<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;">: Phil 2:12-18.<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;"> Leave everything better than you meet them.<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 help us to make this world a
better place – 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;">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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<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>

Leave it Better: 17th December: Weekdays of Advent.

Homily (Reflection) for 17 th December: Weekdays of Advent on the Gospel Gen 49:2.8-10; Ps 71:1-4.7-8.17. (R. cf. v. 7); ...

Glory to God in the highest heaven: Nativity of the Lord (Midnight Mass) A, B, C.

Promise fulfilled: 24th December, 2016: Weekday of Advent.

Insist on God: 23rd December, 2016: Weekday of Advent.

Mary’s Song of Praise (Magnificat): 22nd December, 2016: Weekday of Advent.

Mary’s visit to Elizabeth: 21st December, 2016: Weekday of Advent.

God’s servants: 20th December, 2016: Weekday of Advent.

Do not be afraid...: 19th December: Weekday of Advent

Called to be righteous: Fourth Sunday of Advent, (A) (18th December, 2016).

Leave it Better: 17th December: Weekdays of Advent.

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