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Your gift to the newborn Christ: Nativity of the Lord (Mass during the Day) (A, B, C).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts 07:23

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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for the Nativity
of the Lord (Mass during the Day) (A, B, C) on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Is 52:7-10;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps
97:1-6. (R.v. 3);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />

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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take a moment to reflect on how you will feel if on
your birthday, one or some of your guests vow to make things go wrong. What
they do and/or say testify that they are out just to ruin your day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Topic: Your gift to the newborn Christ</span></b><span style="font-size: 15pt;">.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjX4inMD3QW_apg9iN8xBZSeh6bbCfK5KmOegi_ndWNfYs_1jspVW9kH3iGggOhWcwRacXYJa2roQQdmmRFU-Gn1_WbhTeul337ega1BErn2aen_xCsqru_LDNKRcVO3h1_9xpRT74E4A/s1600/25.12.2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjX4inMD3QW_apg9iN8xBZSeh6bbCfK5KmOegi_ndWNfYs_1jspVW9kH3iGggOhWcwRacXYJa2roQQdmmRFU-Gn1_WbhTeul337ega1BErn2aen_xCsqru_LDNKRcVO3h1_9xpRT74E4A/s1600/25.12.2017.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Birthday is one of the most common
anniversaries we have. It is normally a great day for the celebrant, and
probably family members and friends who normally invite friends and
well-wishers to celebrate with them. As the invitees make out time to honour
the invitation they also consider the gift to offer to the celebrant. As a
result of this, the celebrant normally receives varied gifts. <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 celebrate today the Birthday of
birthdays. We are celebrating today that the Word was made flesh for our
salvation. Despite the fact that the hair has been made, different styles of
clothing sewn, shoes bought, houses built, cars bought, and so on and on just
for this period, we are also to prepare birthday gifts for Him who was born for
us. All these things mentioned and many more are for ourselves not for Him.
Gifts say so much about both the giver and how he or she values the receiver.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today’s gospel pericope reads in part:
“All things came into being through him, without him not one thing came into
being…. From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn. 1:3, 16</b>). In reply to his
disciples, John the Baptist said: "No one can receive anything except what
is given him from heaven” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 3:27</b>).
And Saint Paul questioned, “What have you that you did not receive? If then you
received it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift?” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor 4:7</b>). Since we received everything from God, not even offering
everything to him will make us think that we have done much. Hence, Jesus
taught us: “… when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, ‘We are
worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 17:10</b>). We are nothing before God,
cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 4:2</b>. According to St
Ambrose, “Every soul who has believed both conceives and generates the Word of
God and recognizes his works” just as Mary believed and conceived. We celebrate
life which is light for all peoples, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk
2:32</b>. And as we celebrate Christ’s birthday, he expects us to offer our
lives which ought to be light for others, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 5:14</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 John the Baptist came as a
witness to Christ's first coming which we celebrate today, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt. 3:11; Mk 1:7; Lk 3:15-16; Jn 1:6-9</b>,
we ought to be witnesses that He has come, that He is with us, and that He will
come again with our lives. We are called to witness to Christ until He comes
again, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk 8:38; Lk 9:26</b>. In this
alone we shall find peace and joy. Nothing outside God can offer us anything
good. Saint Paul tells us: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say,
Rejoice” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Phil 4:4</b>). And for the
Psalmist, it is in the Lord that we are to boast, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 34:2</b>. Let us celebrate this Christmas as Christ’s witnesses.
Through prophet Jeremiah God said: “but let him who glories glory in this, that
he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practice steadfast love,
justice, and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight, says
the LORD” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jer 9:24</b>). And the book
of Ecclesiastes reads, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rejoice, O young man, in your youth,
and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; walk in the ways of
your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God
will bring you into judgment (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Eccl 11:9</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;">Looking at some public places and
even private homes also, one will know that something is happening. The actual
end of the Advent season is yet to come. Christmas is not the end. How one plan
to celebrate Christmas says it all how much one understands the mystery we are
celebrating, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the Nativity</b> of the
Lord. Most often we see it just from the social point of view. One can either
be a source of pride or of shame to Christ on this birthday. We can ask
ourselves whether we present basket of flowers or of shame to Christ.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>What one does during this Christmas
period and not just what one say says it all. We are all invited to Christ’s
birthday. Every host regrets inviting one or those who will mar the event. Will
Christ regret offering you this rare invitation? Christmas is Christ's feast as
well as ours. He has come to take our sins away, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Jn 3:5</b>. Prepare your own gift now if you have not. You still can
prepare a better one if the one you prepared is not good enough for the newborn
King.<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 forget the poor out there as
you look for Christ to present your gift/s. That man or woman or child out
there in need of your help is the Christ we are celebrating his birthday. Do
not look for another one, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 25:
40, 45</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Readings</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: Acts 17:28; Rev. 21:1-8; Matt 10: 32-33; Lk 17:7-10.<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-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> Newborn King, give us the grace to be good birthday gifts to you – Amen</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Word
became flesh – and lived among us! (Jn 1:14).<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">May the
peace and the love of the newborn King be with you now and forever +</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Amen.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Wishing you all a life-changing Christmas experience</strong></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">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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homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Your gift to the newborn Christ: Nativity of the Lord (Mass during the Day) (A, B, C).

Homily (Reflection) for the Nativity of the Lord (Mass during the Day) (A, B, C) on the Gospel Is 52:7-10; Ps 97:1-6. (R.v. 3); H...

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

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts 17:33

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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily for the Nativity of the Lord
(Midnight Mass) A, B, C on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Is 9:2-7;</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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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwVW8oHrlGu5HiJLle6-2iyWXQ0kIc5gItl2a7kI5ZWCxgMN1MusKUj3SvhTUa2ph05FVNf5_OAUDLKq8QrOdYSNDrTn_k-_5XZRohq7WjGJ54_hiRtU0HhXvBNKiWQ0SdwPQZsB_fD0/s1600/24.12.2017.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwVW8oHrlGu5HiJLle6-2iyWXQ0kIc5gItl2a7kI5ZWCxgMN1MusKUj3SvhTUa2ph05FVNf5_OAUDLKq8QrOdYSNDrTn_k-_5XZRohq7WjGJ54_hiRtU0HhXvBNKiWQ0SdwPQZsB_fD0/s1600/24.12.2017.png" /></a></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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 3pt 0in 0pt 0.7in; text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<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 because it is only those who fear the God that can praise
him, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Eph 5:14;</b> <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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 7pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Let
us pray</b>: </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<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>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<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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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">May God bless you all+</span></div>

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

Homily 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 2:11-14; ...

Finding Favour With God: Fourth Sunday of Advent, (B) (24th December, 2017)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Sunday homilies 03:12

<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<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, (B) (24</span><sup><span style="font-size: small;">th</span></sup><span style="font-size: large;"> December, 2017) on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">2Sam
7:1-5.8-12.14.16;</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Ps 88:2-5.27.29.
(R. cf. v. 2);</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Rom 16:25-27;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 1:26-38</b>.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 4pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Two friends were
seen together almost all the time. One day, one of them named John committed an
offence and was charged to court. He called on his friend Anthony to testify
for him in the court because he was not only his friend but he actually knew
what happened also. Those who knew how close the two were concluded that Anthony
would do his best to cover up his friend. On the contrary, he told the court what
happened and the way it happened. John was convicted and sentenced to two years
imprisonment with an option of fine. Since he could not pay the fine he was
left with no other option than going to jail. He was still in detention when the
fine was paid for him. John thanked God for exposing how bad Anthony was and
for replacing him with a friend in need. The day fixed for John to see the
God-sent came and behold it was Anthony. John could not believe what he saw
because he had concluded never to have anything to do with Anthony again. After
a long period of silence, Anthony told John that he was and is still his friend
but that he would not condone evil.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<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: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">:</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Finding Favour With God</b>.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">This is the last Sunday of Advent;
the period set aside for seeking the Lord as Prophet Isaiah admonishes us: “Seek
the LORD while he may be found, call upon him while he is near” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Is 55:6</b>). And those who sincerely sought
for God do find him, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Chr 28:9; 2Chr
15:2; Jer 29:14</b>. Again, those who found God are favoured by him. But what
do you expect from God either as one who has found favour with him or making
frantic effort to do so – breakthrough, husband, wife, fruit of the womb, wealth,
death of your enemies, protection, and so on?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPusqpLhH5KZckbs4zmUaWxdF3Nf2eqHQe15sdQBMB27uCKgqL9HM0u-PkzaP63IQOrHCQrzt1VcEvFjdf1UUOC57i9FAwymWptRdidj8zrvNyz6ADZHtIC0Bp01Sd_Fd5J1gMzmY_3Hk/s1600/24.12.2017.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="254" data-original-width="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPusqpLhH5KZckbs4zmUaWxdF3Nf2eqHQe15sdQBMB27uCKgqL9HM0u-PkzaP63IQOrHCQrzt1VcEvFjdf1UUOC57i9FAwymWptRdidj8zrvNyz6ADZHtIC0Bp01Sd_Fd5J1gMzmY_3Hk/s1600/24.12.2017.png" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">In the gospel we read the words of angel Gabriel to Virgin
Mary: “Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 1:28</b>). The angel also went on: “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” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk
1:30-31</b>). And favour according to The New Webster’s Dictionary of the
English Language is “an act of kindness going beyond what could normally be
expected”. Longman dictionary of contemporary English: New edition for advanced
learners also defined favour as “something that you do for someone in order to
help them or be kind to them”. With these in mind, when one hears of favour,
what readily comes to mind is what one likes. But when one finds favour with
God, does it really mean that the will of God will no longer be done, that is,
God surrendering his will to that of his favoured one or the favoured one
surrendering his to God’s?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Going through the scriptures, among those we consider as
favoured by God is Abraham. We claim his blessings. But he was very old when he
was blessed with a child, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gen 21:5</b>.
At a point, Abraham and Sarah thought that it would no longer be possible hence
they laughed at God, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gen. 17:17;
18:12</b> and Abraham also pleaded with God to establish the covenant with
Ishmael, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gen 17:18</b>. And from the
time he was called by God and the promise of a child made, it took 25 years to come
true, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gen. 12:1-9; 21:5</b>. In the
case of Mary, as one who found favour with God, she was charged with the work
of giving birth to the sacrificial lamb that would brought a sword to her
according to Blessed Simeon, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk
2:34-35</b>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">We seek God to know him and to do his will and not for God
to do ours, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 6:10</b>. It is
important to know that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the closer a soul
moves towards God, the more it forgets itself and is consumed by the knowledge
of God. A soul cannot do God’s will if it does not lose its own</b>. Again, it
is wrong and unchristian to calculate God’s favours with only what can be seen.
God’s act of kindness might be different from what the one who has found favour
with Him has in mind. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">As we come very close to both the anniversary of the birth
of Jesus and his second coming, let us follow the example of Mary. As one who
has found favour with God, she surrendered her will completely to God so that
we might be saved. Her response was “… Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let
it be done with me according to your word” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk
1:38</b>. Every Christian has to surrender everything to God.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 8pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<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>Gen. 17; Ps 139; Matt. 6: 9-13; Jn.
4:23-24; 2Pet 3:8-9<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.</span><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 8pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thought for today:</b> The closer a soul moves towards God, the more it
forgets itself and is consumed by the knowledge of God. You cannot do God’s
will if you do not lose yours<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 8pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<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><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: </span>Lord, help
us to seek you alone. Bring us closer to yourself and fill us with the knowledge
of you as we lose ourselves in search for you – Amen. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><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></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">May God bless you all+</span></span></div>

Finding Favour With God: Fourth Sunday of Advent, (B) (24th December, 2017)

Homily (Reflection) for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, (B) (24 th December, 2017) on the Gospel 2Sam 7:1-5.8-12.14.16; Ps 88:2-5.27.29....

Insist on God: Weekdays of Advent: 23rd December.

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:11

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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 Weekdays of
Advent: 23<sup>rd</sup> December, 2017 on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br />

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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Insist on God</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HkuenzHR73HzbGwfn00G13Q232IHndYmSA4RXFPWjmITE-lg07XWkod5ChkWDG8fSGg6SIrqIDUjwh1u2shGtFndl6-IG7PLxtNLmTTI1EhZ8q75b2oGbk01nVM3qoWWQj0WiBYxung/s1600/23.12.2017.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HkuenzHR73HzbGwfn00G13Q232IHndYmSA4RXFPWjmITE-lg07XWkod5ChkWDG8fSGg6SIrqIDUjwh1u2shGtFndl6-IG7PLxtNLmTTI1EhZ8q75b2oGbk01nVM3qoWWQj0WiBYxung/s1600/23.12.2017.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In today’s gospel, 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. His steadfast love endures forever, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 118:1</b>. 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-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>

Insist on God: Weekdays of Advent: 23rd December.

Homily (Reflection) for Weekdays of Advent: 23 rd December, 2017 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): Weekdays of Advent: 22nd December, 2017.

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 05:11

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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 Weekdays of
Advent: 22<sup>nd</sup> December, 2017 on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br />

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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Mary’s Song of Praise
(Magnificat)</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqqeN1LGMTPOGMmFMqd1yiRzwCzJQjATaiXRtx5OGIA7IItu_m9gEnxlrCyciExthwduNDNVcrzRARIrhn7_G24TL2oImcaJIF65ZGaxSUVlXPtoWsbI8P34BwdOge_I6KATSq919MPs/s1600/22.12.2017.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="182" data-original-width="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqqeN1LGMTPOGMmFMqd1yiRzwCzJQjATaiXRtx5OGIA7IItu_m9gEnxlrCyciExthwduNDNVcrzRARIrhn7_G24TL2oImcaJIF65ZGaxSUVlXPtoWsbI8P34BwdOge_I6KATSq919MPs/s1600/22.12.2017.png" /></a><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)</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">?</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> Lord, help us to appreciate all you do
for us and for our brothers and sisters – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

Mary’s Song of Praise (Magnificat): Weekdays of Advent: 22nd December, 2017.

Homily (Reflection) for Weekdays of Advent: 22 nd December, 2017 on the Gospel 1Sam 1:24-28; 1Sam 2:1.4-8. (R. v.1); Lk 1:4...

Mary’s visit to Elizabeth: Weekdays of Advent: 21st December, 2017.

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:52

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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 Weekdays of
Advent: 21<sup>st</sup> December, 2017 on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Mary’s visit to Elizabeth</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ekCTrGuk4CgWoV1MbRzeLpZlAhgNsQeCd6xYTMxeXE5rie4lqiQvyrLxQ8WmsG_BFNhJlQgAaxzqWe81LWd4yV9GVwVsQGe2yXDo8tLZFkl0-lsT-AhYmBwMPtNTq5vn3r4kDgD-nPE/s1600/21.12.2017+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="169" data-original-width="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ekCTrGuk4CgWoV1MbRzeLpZlAhgNsQeCd6xYTMxeXE5rie4lqiQvyrLxQ8WmsG_BFNhJlQgAaxzqWe81LWd4yV9GVwVsQGe2yXDo8tLZFkl0-lsT-AhYmBwMPtNTq5vn3r4kDgD-nPE/s1600/21.12.2017+%25282%2529.png" /></a></div>
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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-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 Jesus the King of peace accompany
us as we visit others</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">– Amen.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

Mary’s visit to Elizabeth: Weekdays of Advent: 21st December, 2017.

Homily (Reflection) for Weekdays of Advent: 21 st December, 2017 on the Gospel Song 2:8-14 or Zeph 3:14-18; Ps 32:2-3.11-12.20...

God’s servants: Weekdays of Advent: 20th December, 2017.

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:16

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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 Weekdays of
Advent: 20<sup>th</sup> December, 2017 on the Gospel <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br />

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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: God’s servants</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_JiDpfB7oV3MxYPRV3fAXkMcwTRTP_xUT3i9japs7MpckeyNa7pJnNQOUvDi59EI3M2Y1be3ogIv2-roNjuWmuohVgMATAOy6FMwMKs62FSyK5WZMb7i31RZMqk0cjOjFH-i1glh1HE/s1600/20.12.2017.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="188" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_JiDpfB7oV3MxYPRV3fAXkMcwTRTP_xUT3i9japs7MpckeyNa7pJnNQOUvDi59EI3M2Y1be3ogIv2-roNjuWmuohVgMATAOy6FMwMKs62FSyK5WZMb7i31RZMqk0cjOjFH-i1glh1HE/s200/20.12.2017.png" width="139" /></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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<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>)</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

God’s servants: Weekdays of Advent: 20th December, 2017.

Homily (Reflection) for Weekdays of Advent: 20 th December, 2017 on the Gospel Is 7:10-14; Ps 23:1-6. (R. cf. vv. 7.10); Lk...

Do not be afraid...: Weekdays of Advent: 19th December, 2017.

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 03:47

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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Homily (Reflection) for Weekdays of
Advent: 19<sup>th</sup> December, 2017 on the Gospel</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br />

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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Do not be afraid...</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Oun-NmWhe9kpu1x0kCI3EsD8-ztwy5FCr4MCot0lxt-8aDnWmx6ijNLATr3FCCQiD9hAlqjJAlg42BoOdM0Qq38b4yiWLykqndkTEibvGI4MJCJZCQSd7GdkBOWREoikA_D7-bxM0Ms/s1600/19.12.2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Oun-NmWhe9kpu1x0kCI3EsD8-ztwy5FCr4MCot0lxt-8aDnWmx6ijNLATr3FCCQiD9hAlqjJAlg42BoOdM0Qq38b4yiWLykqndkTEibvGI4MJCJZCQSd7GdkBOWREoikA_D7-bxM0Ms/s1600/19.12.2017.jpg" /></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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<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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<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 fallen, 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. Your deliverance will be like a dream, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 126:1</b>. You shall rejoice and be glad,
cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 14:7</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;">: Lk 1:46-55.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

Do not be afraid...: Weekdays of Advent: 19th December, 2017.

Homily (Reflection) for Weekdays of Advent: 19 th December, 2017 on the Gospel Judg 13:2-7.24-25; Ps 70:3-6.16-17. (R. cf. v.8...

Your gift to the newborn Christ: Nativity of the Lord (Mass during the Day) (A, B, C).

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

Finding Favour With God: Fourth Sunday of Advent, (B) (24th December, 2017)

Insist on God: Weekdays of Advent: 23rd December.

Mary’s Song of Praise (Magnificat): Weekdays of Advent: 22nd December, 2017.

Mary’s visit to Elizabeth: Weekdays of Advent: 21st December, 2017.

God’s servants: Weekdays of Advent: 20th December, 2017.

Do not be afraid...: Weekdays of Advent: 19th December, 2017.

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