Eternal life or punishment: Monday of the First Week of Lent (19th February, 2018).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the First Week of Lent (19^th February, 2018) 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 /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lev 19:1-2.11-18;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 18:8-10.15 (Jn 6:64); <o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Matt 25:31-46</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Topic: Eternal life or punishment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzhcF2GpQSXS8wYtYNyCQbfwEKcWmuPZOkitWkabBxSnwMlz-7Sj8RA2dBdWULI867oflt0xbi39w8izSVWDHdOjoOLeg1T5cxqxo2JYFO9Ssc0S5kcpvPRJk3VITLUoh02JWyMf9yEE/s1600/19.02.2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzhcF2GpQSXS8wYtYNyCQbfwEKcWmuPZOkitWkabBxSnwMlz-7Sj8RA2dBdWULI867oflt0xbi39w8izSVWDHdOjoOLeg1T5cxqxo2JYFO9Ssc0S5kcpvPRJk3VITLUoh02JWyMf9yEE/s1600/19.02.2018.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We see the picture of the judgement of the nations in today’s gospel. People will be separated one from another according to their deeds as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. The sheep will be placed on his right while the goats on His left. He will say to the sheep, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 25:34</b>). And to the goats, “You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 25:41</b>). Pronouncements will be based on one’s attitude towards the poor, the thirsty, the strangers, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 25:35-36, 42-43</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Certainly one might be disturbed that he or she would have done something but for the lack of the means. Pope Saint Leo the Great rightly writes, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4pt 0in 0pt 0.7in; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are all manner of possible works of mercy and their very variety implies this for true Christians that both the rich and the poor have opportunities for doing good. Thus, even if we are not equal in our worldly goods, we can achieve an equal standard in the love of our fellows.</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II%20(2017-2018)/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter%20(2018)/First%20Week%20of%20Lent.docx" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whoever wants to be called blessed on the judgement day must bless those around him or her now. One must work towards where he or she wants to spend eternity. And this important decision must be made by each person. Nobody will do it for another. We must remember that those who will be on God’s left will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 25:46</b>. Decide now where you want to be forever.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <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;">: Prov 30:5-9; Rom 12:9-21.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <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;"> Where do you work towards – heaven or hell?<o:p></o:p></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;"><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, on our own we can do nothing. Please, help our struggle towards eternal life – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <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> <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="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;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Like us on Facebook:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Follow us on Twitter:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Send us Email:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 10%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To Contact and/or to support this ministry:<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;">Tel: +234 813 305 0302<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">       </span>+234 905 655 4466<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Email: </span></span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">May God bless you all+</span> <br /> <div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"> <!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" /> <hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /> <!--[endif]--> <div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.7in;"> <a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II%20(2017-2018)/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter%20(2018)/First%20Week%20of%20Lent.docx" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Pope Saint Leo the Great. Sermon 6 on Lent, 1-2. In The divine office: The liturgy of the hours according to the roman rite, II (1997). <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">pp. 14-15</span>.<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> </div> </div>

Eternal life or punishment: Monday of the First Week of Lent (19th February, 2018).

Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the First Week of Lent (19 th February, 2018) on the Gospel   Lev 19:1-2.11-18; Ps 18:8-10.15 ...

Read more »

Visit the Desert: First Sunday of Lent (B) (18th February, 2018).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Homily for the First Sunday of Lent (B) (18^th February, 2018) on the Gospel <o:p></o:p></span></b></div> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gen 9:8-15;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 24:4-9 (R. cf. v. 10);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1Pt 3:18-22;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Mk 1:12-15</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3KEjsTOVjhf32Fg_RG5NKaXEJyR7-zSbAJOfBbENBYbEdMtHDYuuIuARdqDXHYiEpuDf2Esi2aAGDF_YdcbOLGmLCpdArvPhVhj91fNiHBTk7IZDvPLvVUXyvbweJKR1fjgBxI7f6OY/s1600/18.02.2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3KEjsTOVjhf32Fg_RG5NKaXEJyR7-zSbAJOfBbENBYbEdMtHDYuuIuARdqDXHYiEpuDf2Esi2aAGDF_YdcbOLGmLCpdArvPhVhj91fNiHBTk7IZDvPLvVUXyvbweJKR1fjgBxI7f6OY/s1600/18.02.2018.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">An overweight businessman decided it was time to shed some excess pounds. He took his new diet seriously, even changing his driving route to avoid his favourite bakery. One morning, however, he arrived at work carrying a gigantic coffee cake. His co-workers all scolded him, but he explained, “I accidentally drove by the bakery this morning, and there in the window was lots of cake. I felt this was no accident, so I prayed, ‘Lord, if you want me to have one of those delicious coffee cakes, let me have a parking place directly in front of the bakery’.” He continued, “And sure enough, the eighth time around the block, there it was!</span></span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/YEAR%20B%202017-2018/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter%20on%20the%20Gospels/First%20Sunday%20of%20Lent%20(B).docx" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></b></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Topic: Visit the Desert</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">During our Spiritual Year formation, Wednesdays were always very challenging. They were set aside for desert experience. It was both really challenging as well as very necessary.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In today’s gospel, “...the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk 1:12-13</b>). This happened after Jesus’ baptism but before His public ministry. It was a decisive moment for Jesus; time to decide whether to say Yes to His Father and No to Satan or the other way round.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Desert experience or whatever one prefers to call it is very important in our lives as individuals, both Christians, Muslims, Hindus, pagans, atheists, and so on and even in our lives as nations. And it is not a must that one has to travel to any of the deserts in the world for the experience. It is time to be alone with God. Hence Jesus tells us, “go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father... (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 6:6</b>). It is not time for too many words. It is a time to face oneself in the presence of God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The holy season of Lent has just begun. And “At the beginning of Lent we renew our response to the Covenant, the pact of love that God made with each of us at our baptism” (The new Sunday missal: A new edition, p. 519). Although many have made different resolutions this Lent but I consider it necessary to recall the resolutions we made earlier before now and to what extent we fulfilled them. Our lives would have been something very much better if we have been fulfilling our resolutions. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Desert is for different purposes. One can go to the desert to pray, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk 1:35</b>; to rest, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk 6:31</b>; to be taught, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 9:11</b>; to decide, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 14:13</b>; to be healed, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 14:14</b>, among others. It is time for us to visit the Desert because it is high time we look at ourselves in the presence of God to see how well we are achieving our potentials.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Even in our present conditions, we must not forget that just as the angels were with Jesus in the wilderness, God’s angels are always with us because he has given his angels charge over us to guard us in all our ways, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 91:11; Matt 4:6; Lk 4:10</b>. May no situation lead us into sin for Jesus never sinned, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Heb 4:15; 1Pt 2:22</b>. It is important we make out time for God so that He can direct our lives and our nations. Unlike the businessman in our introductory story, we must not expose ourselves to temptations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One may ask why desert of all places? As long as we are attached to our ethnic groups, personal interests, and so on, it will be very difficult for us to make important decisions rightly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 15pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; 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; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: Matt 6:5-34; 13:1-23; Jas 4:1-10; Heb 4:14-16; Is 58:1-14; Eph 6:10-20.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Thought for today</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">: How did you prepare to spend this holy season?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; 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; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Lord, following your example we have gone into the desert. We know that Satan may tempt us but we rely on your power because apart from you we can do nothing </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">– Amen (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 15:5</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; 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> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Visit our website: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.thepulpitonline.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Like us on Facebook:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Follow us on Twitter:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Send us Email:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 10%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To Contact and/or to support this ministry:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tel: +234 813 305 0302<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">       </span>+234 905 655 4466<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Email: </span></span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; 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> <br /> <div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"> <!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" /> <hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /> <!--[endif]--> <div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/YEAR%20B%202017-2018/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter%20on%20the%20Gospels/First%20Sunday%20of%20Lent%20(B).docx" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Thomas, T., (2010). <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Spice up your homilies</i></b>. Mumbai: St Pauls, p. 81.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> </div> </div>

Visit the Desert: First Sunday of Lent (B) (18th February, 2018).

Homily for the First Sunday of Lent (B) (18 th February, 2018) on the Gospel Gen 9:8-15; Ps 24:4-9 (R. cf. v. 10); 1Pt 3:18-22;...

Read more »

Time of grace: Saturday after Ash Wednesday (17th February, 2018).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Homily (Reflection) for Saturday after Ash Wednesday (17^th February, 2018) 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 /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Is 58:9-14;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ps 85:1-6. (R. v.11);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Lk 5:27-32</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Topic: Time of grace.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2h5sQKQHZgpCnChvDL8k1L8D6u4Xled37k9oBLN2PwBxpJ4Pd7Bex9b2ND36CFkTZ6I3d7KCkNBgFB_bC9h_V0xGzVgZ3ECZfTmmCgFe8P9b_XAIHkqSC3EhhLGv-OrefSxZWe_qLank/s1600/17.02.2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2h5sQKQHZgpCnChvDL8k1L8D6u4Xled37k9oBLN2PwBxpJ4Pd7Bex9b2ND36CFkTZ6I3d7KCkNBgFB_bC9h_V0xGzVgZ3ECZfTmmCgFe8P9b_XAIHkqSC3EhhLGv-OrefSxZWe_qLank/s1600/17.02.2018.jpg" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Very often we write people off for both the reasons that are real and the imaginary ones. And we know that such records are seldom revised. In today’s gospel, the Pharisees and their scribes complained against Jesus and His disciples eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners. As we know, these groups were written off. However, Jesus replied them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 5:31-32</b>). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">On the other hand, we sometimes write ourselves off. We think that we have committed so much that we can no longer be forgiven. But this is not true. God lovingly invites all, “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Is 1:18</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Lent is a special time of grace. God is calling on us all just as Levi was called in today’s gospel. We are expected to respond following his example; he left everything and followed Jesus with great joy. We should not harden our hearts, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 95:8</b>. Levi’s joy was made manifest especially in the great banquet he gave in his house.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Finally, be ashamed of sin and not of the fact that we all are sinners, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 3:23; 1Jn 1:10</b>. Let us rise and follow Jesus who has paid fully for our sins.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <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;">: Matt 10:37-39.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <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;"> Get up, leave everything, and follow Jesus.<o:p></o:p></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";"><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 a heart like Levi’s to be able to leave everything and follow you with joy – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <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> <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="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;"> <span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Like us on Facebook:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Follow us on Twitter:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Send us Email:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 10%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">To Contact and/or to support this ministry:<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";">Tel: +234 813 305 0302<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">       </span>+234 905 655 4466<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Email: </span></span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <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>

Time of grace: Saturday after Ash Wednesday (17th February, 2018).

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday after Ash Wednesday (17 th February, 2018) on the Gospel   Is 58:9-14; Ps 85:1-6. (R. v.11); Lk 5:27...

Read more »

Why do we... fast?: Friday after Ash Wednesday (16th February, 2018).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for Friday after Ash Wednesday (16^th February, 2018) on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 50%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"></span></b> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Is 58:1-9;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 50:3-6.18-19. (R. v.19);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Matt 9:14-15</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Topic: Why do we... fast? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLOF89dVMIm54CLlIS-pamZpBTdvQhl31zky9fdJxvyOwU0Z677uuP2frQiOhU0_lCz2SaDrZoZJMlt0sqMWN-bTdmrTCq6n2e8U1EOwhNOkMtNDna3MrblI39s2XysuWlu5vsMXcbxQ/s1600/16.02.2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="221" data-original-width="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLOF89dVMIm54CLlIS-pamZpBTdvQhl31zky9fdJxvyOwU0Z677uuP2frQiOhU0_lCz2SaDrZoZJMlt0sqMWN-bTdmrTCq6n2e8U1EOwhNOkMtNDna3MrblI39s2XysuWlu5vsMXcbxQ/s1600/16.02.2018.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">John’s disciples came to Jesus in today’s gospel with this question, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 9:14</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we enter the third day of Lent, it is important to be very careful lest one might work for an unintended employer. The question asked by John’s disciples shows among other things their understanding of fasting. They see it as a mere fulfilment of the Law. Hence probably they wanted Jesus to command His disciples to fast.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although we have I suppose rightly noted that fasting is one of the pillars of Lent but why do we actually fast? One’s body is his or her greatest enemy and as a result there is need for constant battle to win this enemy. Hence, in his first letter to the Corinthians Saint Paul wrote, “I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor 9:27</b>). He also wrote “if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 8:13</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus warns us repeatedly that the gate that leads to life is narrow, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 7:13</b>. Maybe that is why the Psalmist made his body to become gaunt through fasting, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 109:24</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We ought to fast for our own spiritual good and neither because we are told to nor just fast because others are fasting. Jesus fasted forty days and nights in the wilderness. We ought to follow in His footsteps if we want to be glorified with Him, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 8:17; Jn 14:6</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Remember Jesus condemned these Pharisees who fasted with John’s disciples, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 23:25, 27</b>. If anyone wishes to fast meritoriously before God he or she must avoid the mistakes of the Pharisees, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 6:16-17</b>. We ought to fast to put a smile on someone’s face without trumpeting, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Is 58:6-7</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <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 58:1-14; </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Rom 7:14-25</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> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <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;"> Fast meritoriously before God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <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 in our fight against our greatest enemy – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <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> <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="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;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Like us on Facebook:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Follow us on Twitter:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Send us Email:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 10%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To Contact and/or to support this ministry:<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;">Tel: +234 813 305 0302<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">       </span>+234 905 655 4466<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Email: </span></span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <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>

Why do we... fast?: Friday after Ash Wednesday (16th February, 2018).

Homily (Reflection) for Friday after Ash Wednesday (16 th February, 2018) on the Gospel   Is 58:1-9; Ps 50:3-6.18-19. (R. v.19); ...

Read more »

The third day: Thursday after Ash Wednesday (15th February, 2018).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for Thursday after Ash Wednesday (15^th February, 2018) 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 /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Deut 30:15-20;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 1:1-4.6. (Ps 39:5);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Lk 9:22-25</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Topic: The third day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7OvWbqZkoHeTrT0dhEqqcDPQ_LEflaD5e6EV0p5dpdonFvQBvjaS7ZY8nz-6QWffkcf_s4zmwByotSd80ZVFbl-tiC7EbgeBxYqaI4jW2dAan0OVmlu98XmKtBU4mlaSdoS9OvzbeH0/s1600/15.02.2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7OvWbqZkoHeTrT0dhEqqcDPQ_LEflaD5e6EV0p5dpdonFvQBvjaS7ZY8nz-6QWffkcf_s4zmwByotSd80ZVFbl-tiC7EbgeBxYqaI4jW2dAan0OVmlu98XmKtBU4mlaSdoS9OvzbeH0/s1600/15.02.2018.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus foretold His death in today’s gospel saying, “The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 9:22</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Afterwards, He warned, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 9:23</b>). Elsewhere He also warned, “you will be hated by all for my name's sake” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 10:22a; Mk 13:13a</b>). Although these warnings are somehow scary He also consoles, “But he who endures to the end will be saved” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 10:22b; Mk 13:13b</b>). In the gospel according to Saint John we also read, “I will raise him up at the last day” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 6:44</b>). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The last two verses of today’s gospel ought to ring like bells always in our ears: “For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves?” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 9:24-25</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Trying to please the world is very dangerous. Hence James warns, “Unfaithful creatures! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jas 4:4</b>). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Christ’s story did not end in great suffering, rejection, and death but in His resurrection on the third day. The third day comes after other days (tribulations). Christians must live for the third day because there are so many good things reserved for that day, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor 15:13-14</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><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;">: Gal 5:16-26.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <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;"> Live for the third day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <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 grant us your grace to live for the world to come – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <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> <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="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;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Like us on Facebook:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Follow us on Twitter:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Send us Email:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 10%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To Contact and/or to support this ministry:<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;">Tel: +234 813 305 0302<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">       </span>+234 905 655 4466<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Email: </span></span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <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>

The third day: Thursday after Ash Wednesday (15th February, 2018).

Homily (Reflection) for Thursday after Ash Wednesday (15 th February, 2018) on the Gospel   Deut 30:15-20; Ps 1:1-4.6. (Ps 39:5)...

Read more »

Pray, Fast, and Give Alms: Ash Wednesday, A,B,C (14th February, 2018).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for Ash Wednesday, A,B,C (14^th February, 2018) on the Gospel and the Celebration<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 50%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"></span></b> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joel 2:12-18;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 50:3-6.12-14.17 (R. v.3);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2Cor 5:20–6:2;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Matt 6:1-6.16-18</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODvaKCLQCmVw6_NlOxW2lXcyYXtfAf0sVquShWjc-Zts4B1448EglJTRZEYWvUggn4RdvOYmkmfKqAnYFAZRv_ZU8s0nJkVQyMv_jMcmjgBS3stx1Shmr7gs-A44th0pRJPrsiAeXFzE/s1600/14.02.2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODvaKCLQCmVw6_NlOxW2lXcyYXtfAf0sVquShWjc-Zts4B1448EglJTRZEYWvUggn4RdvOYmkmfKqAnYFAZRv_ZU8s0nJkVQyMv_jMcmjgBS3stx1Shmr7gs-A44th0pRJPrsiAeXFzE/s1600/14.02.2018.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, a season of repentance, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The ashes symbolize the nothingness of man. As the priest places the ash on those who come forward, he says: “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel” or “Remember, man, you are dust and to dust you will return”</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II%20(2017-2018)/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter%20(2018)/Ash%20Wednesday%20-%20Saturday%20after%20Ash%20Wednesday.docx" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #2e7061;">[1]</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. Ashes also symbolize grief for sin. And it can be administered to all who come forward and is made from the palm branches blessed the previous year's Palm Sunday. Ashes may also be delivered by a priest or any other person to those who are sick or shut-in</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II%20(2017-2018)/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter%20(2018)/Ash%20Wednesday%20-%20Saturday%20after%20Ash%20Wednesday.docx" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #2e7061;">[2]</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ash Wednesday falls between 4^th February and 10^th March and is observed by many Western Christians, including Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, and Roman Catholics. We are called to imitate Christ who spent 40 days in the wilderness fasting</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II%20(2017-2018)/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter%20(2018)/Ash%20Wednesday%20-%20Saturday%20after%20Ash%20Wednesday.docx" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #2e7061;">[3]</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 4:1-2; Lk 4:2; Mk 1:12-13</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Pray, Fast, and Give Alms</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today in the gospel Jesus calls us to true almsgiving, prayer, and fasting that can be rewarded in heaven. It is important to note that they are interrelated. We are called to watch and pray, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk 14:38;</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 26:41</b>. As one communicates with God through prayer, God helps him or her see others as his or her brothers and sisters and also to know their needs. Again God helps us go beyond knowing their needs to assisting them, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jas 2:15-16</b>. Helping one’s brothers and sisters is almsgiving. And one cannot help unless he or she deprives him/herself something, fasting, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2Cor 8:15</b>. However, fasting does not simply mean a reduction in our food, but the elimination of our evil habits</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II%20(2017-2018)/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter%20(2018)/Ash%20Wednesday%20-%20Saturday%20after%20Ash%20Wednesday.docx" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #2e7061;">[4]</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although each and every one of us must have been praying, fasting and giving alms, we can do better. In the words of Pope Saint Leo the Great, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 3pt 0in 0pt 0.7in; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whatever steps forward we make, there is not one of us who is not always bound to do better. All of us must strive hard and do so on Easter day no one should remain bound by the vices of his former nature</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II%20(2017-2018)/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter%20(2018)/Ash%20Wednesday%20-%20Saturday%20after%20Ash%20Wednesday.docx" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #2e7061;">[5]</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The success of Lent hangs on these.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we begin the season of Lent, let us communicate with God often through prayer. We must also bear in mind that all of us are brothers and sisters and that whatever one has is for all, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Eph 4:6; Mal 2:10; 1Cor 10:24; 12:7</b>. The good or the evil you did to your brother or sister is done directly to God, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 25:40,45</b>. And we do not need trumpets for prayers, fasting, or almsgiving lest we miss the reward. God sees everything and will certainly reward all, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Job 28:24; 34:21; Ps 33:13; Matt 6:4, 6, 18.</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <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 2:14-26; 2Cor 8:1-15.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <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;"> This is a holy season.<o:p></o:p></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;"><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 make the best out of this Lent – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <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> <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="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><span style="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;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Like us on Facebook:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Follow us on Twitter:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Send us Email:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 10%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To Contact and/or to support this ministry:<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;">Tel: +234 813 305 0302<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">       </span>+234 905 655 4466<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Email: </span></span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <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> <br /> <div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"> <!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" /> <hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /> <!--[endif]--> <div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.2in; text-indent: 0.5in;"> <a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II%20(2017-2018)/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter%20(2018)/Ash%20Wednesday%20-%20Saturday%20after%20Ash%20Wednesday.docx" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #2e7061;">[1]</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Sunday missal: A new edition (1995). London: HarperCollinsReligious, p. 167.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> </div> <div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.7in;"> <a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II%20(2017-2018)/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter%20(2018)/Ash%20Wednesday%20-%20Saturday%20after%20Ash%20Wednesday.docx" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #2e7061;">[2]</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.catholic.org/clife/lent/ashwed.php"><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">http://www.catholic.org/clife/lent/ashwed.php</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> </div> <div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.7in;"> <a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II%20(2017-2018)/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter%20(2018)/Ash%20Wednesday%20-%20Saturday%20after%20Ash%20Wednesday.docx" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #2e7061;">[3]</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ash_Wednesday"><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ash_Wednesday</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> </div> <div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.7in;"> <a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II%20(2017-2018)/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter%20(2018)/Ash%20Wednesday%20-%20Saturday%20after%20Ash%20Wednesday.docx" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #2e7061;">[4]</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Pope Saint Leo the Great. Sermon 6 on Lent, 1-2. In The divine office: The liturgy of the hours according to the roman rite, II (1997). <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">p.14</span>.<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> </div> <div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.7in;"> <a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II%20(2017-2018)/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter%20(2018)/Ash%20Wednesday%20-%20Saturday%20after%20Ash%20Wednesday.docx" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #2e7061;">[5]</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Pope Saint Leo the Great. Sermon 6 on Lent, 1-2, <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">p.14.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> </div> </div>

Pray, Fast, and Give Alms: Ash Wednesday, A,B,C (14th February, 2018).

Homily (Reflection) for Ash Wednesday, A,B,C (14 th February, 2018) on the Gospel and the Celebration   Joel 2:12-18; Ps 50:3-6.1...

Read more »

Our trust in God: Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time (II) (13th February, 2018).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time (II) (13^th February, 2018) 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 /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jas 1:12-18;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 93:12-15.18-19. (R. v.12);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Mk 8:14-21</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Topic: Our trust in God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyMfqAAUN5yqpQhWf8or5C-F_GyyOWHzH1wi5hfFpxa9eCsY6Wfy1EEHde9hM2a6aQN3RnNpl2cdl-1Tv79CYUtf5pV0r571Iy55fSdPMTAhO0owMWXSSIAyQq1lRie7gh2aFbOxUs10/s1600/13.02.2018.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyMfqAAUN5yqpQhWf8or5C-F_GyyOWHzH1wi5hfFpxa9eCsY6Wfy1EEHde9hM2a6aQN3RnNpl2cdl-1Tv79CYUtf5pV0r571Iy55fSdPMTAhO0owMWXSSIAyQq1lRie7gh2aFbOxUs10/s1600/13.02.2018.png" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Jesus warned His disciples while in a boat, “</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Watch out – beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.” They thought He said this because they hadn’t enough bread. Jesus queried</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4pt 0in 0pt 0.7in; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes, and fail to see? Do you have ears, and fail to hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand.... And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The disciples had witnessed a number of miracles yet when Jesus warned them against the teachings of the Pharisees and Herod (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 16:12</b>) they thought it was because they had not enough bread. Sometimes we also see ourselves behave in the same way forgetting all He has done in us and around us. We need not be afraid because He is always faithful, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 31:5;</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2Tim 2:12-13</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We suffer trials for the genuineness of our faith to be revealed, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Pt 1:6-7</b>. They cannot be compared with the glory to be revealed, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 8:18; 1Cor 2:9</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <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;">: 2Tim 2:1-13.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <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;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">How strong is your faith in God</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> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <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 through the prayers of Saints Cyril and Methodius to be always faithful – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <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> <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="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;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Like us on Facebook:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Follow us on Twitter:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Send us Email:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 10%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To Contact and/or to support this ministry:<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;">Tel: +234 813 305 0302<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">       </span>+234 905 655 4466<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Email: </span></span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <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>

Our trust in God: Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time (II) (13th February, 2018).

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time (II) (13 th February, 2018) on the Gospel   Jas 1:12-18; Ps 9...

Read more »

Why Signs?: Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time (II) (12th February, 2018).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time (II) (12^th February, 2018) 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 /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jas 1:1-11;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ps 118:67-68.71-72.75-76. (R. v.77);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Mk 8:11-13</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Why Signs</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">?<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-qJ9pyPWa4eu5z7XhjWdEQ2BqtJODdnUjlRKIp0rR6FhI9akzAT6HU_tZexiSuksDJI88VaRuvFHpiiSOaSOj5P3jzhKIDUz20WH2Q4W6wL1jtJ1wWpbWtMm_k2DN_YbVl-scuzV4TQ/s1600/12.02.2018.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-qJ9pyPWa4eu5z7XhjWdEQ2BqtJODdnUjlRKIp0rR6FhI9akzAT6HU_tZexiSuksDJI88VaRuvFHpiiSOaSOj5P3jzhKIDUz20WH2Q4W6wL1jtJ1wWpbWtMm_k2DN_YbVl-scuzV4TQ/s1600/12.02.2018.png" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The Pharisees demanded for a sign from heaven in today’s gospel. But Jesus replied them, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.” He then left them for the other side. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Many like the Pharisees still look for signs today. It is important to note that generally, looking for a sign implies an existence of doubt or lack of faith, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 6:30</b>. This sometimes manifests itself as a test, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 16:1; Mk 8:11; Lk 11:16</b>. Although signs can as well be seen as a mark of authenticity, (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 6:14. 12:18</b>) however, lack of sign does not vitiate authenticity, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 10:41</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jesus Christ was set as a sign by God, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 2:34</b>. God has shown us and is still showing us many signs with our life as the chief. And we know that “the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 19:7</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Let us cling to God and stop searching for signs. Who knows whether He will like to show us further signs? Second book of Samuel reads, “This God – his way is perfect; the promise of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2Sam 22:31</b>). He will certainly fulfil all His promises.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <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;">: Matt 12:33-37.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <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;"> Why do you need a sign?<o:p></o:p></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";"><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 bless us with strong faith in Him – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <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> <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="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;"> <span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Like us on Facebook:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Follow us on Twitter:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Send us Email:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 10%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">To Contact and/or to support this ministry:<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";">Tel: +234 813 305 0302<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">       </span>+234 905 655 4466<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Email: </span></span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt;"> <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>

Why Signs?: Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time (II) (12th February, 2018).

Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time (II) (12 th February, 2018) on the Gospel   Jas 1:1-11; Ps 118:67-68...

Read more »