The Pulpit Online

God is waiting: Saturday of the Second Week of Lent (23rd March, 2019).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 10:28

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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: God is waiting</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdH1Zo1eIAtw92eysoXwC9552547vLAKYlK5NbbqTPm-Xu5LNAdf-WnZJBP0c1r-G_RlG8149N26iQjzJwiojNlpH4xwxaLA8d4deiq1aSbMDNBOLOYfemY8lMZdTNHJal2PfDDjh3LHE/s1600/23.03.2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdH1Zo1eIAtw92eysoXwC9552547vLAKYlK5NbbqTPm-Xu5LNAdf-WnZJBP0c1r-G_RlG8149N26iQjzJwiojNlpH4xwxaLA8d4deiq1aSbMDNBOLOYfemY8lMZdTNHJal2PfDDjh3LHE/s1600/23.03.2019.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today’s gospel is made up of a prelude (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 15:1-3</b>) and the parable of the prodigal son (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 15:11-32</b>). In the prelude, the
Pharisees and the scribes grumbled because Jesus did not only welcome sinners
but also ate with them. The parable of the prodigal son is better known today
as the parable of the loving father; it shows the father’s love more than the
prodigality of the son.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The loving father had two sons. The younger requested and got
his share of their father’s wealth. After squandering it in a distant country,
things got so bad that he had to hire himself out to a citizen who sent him to
feed the pigs in the field. He would have ate the pods for the pigs but was not
given. When he came to his senses he returned home to plead with their father
to take him as a hired servant. However, on sighting him at a distant the man
ran to him, put his arms around him and kissed him. Before he could finish his
prayer the loving father asked the slaves to quickly put the best robe on him,
a ring on his finger, and to kill the fatted calf for a feast. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When the elder brother who was in the field came near to the
house and learnt what was happening he refused to enter the house. He was angry
that their father never appreciated his absolute loyalty. Their father pleaded
with him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we
had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has
come to life; he was lost and has been found” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 15:31-32</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lenten season is also a period of homecoming. God is waiting
for me and for you to return. Just as the prodigal son was restored to his lost
state, God will restore us if only we could come back. Although God desires
that we remain without going astray “but if any one does sin, we have an
advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Jn 2:1</b>). God’s kindness is not a licence to sin, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 6:15</b>. The Pharisees, the scribes,
the elder brother and their likes ought not be angry at God’s mercy, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 20:13-15</b>. He owns us all. He is
the one to condemn or to acquit, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk
6:37; Is 3:13</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">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;"> God is waiting for us all to come back.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> Lord, strengthen us in our effort to
come back wholly to you – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<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>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">       </span>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>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

God is waiting: Saturday of the Second Week of Lent (23rd March, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the Second Week of Lent (23 rd March, 2019) on the Gospel Mic 7:14-15.18-20; Ps 102:1-4.9-...

Those tenants: Friday of the Second Week of Lent (22nd March, 2019).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 05:37

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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Those tenants</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwr5aYahEkrD3phtbeeCDPJQlQO4ldcBloqyWXWkuDB2fOlndiusEsSR9nQLeeSLw_a8Bw4vGPGTFO7H1exeJzRCH0AXaRWt85dRfBh3OAu7Up0iFX7HhKxmKc3XYM6AkVBg_UrQazYv0/s1600/22.03-2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwr5aYahEkrD3phtbeeCDPJQlQO4ldcBloqyWXWkuDB2fOlndiusEsSR9nQLeeSLw_a8Bw4vGPGTFO7H1exeJzRCH0AXaRWt85dRfBh3OAu7Up0iFX7HhKxmKc3XYM6AkVBg_UrQazYv0/s1600/22.03-2019.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We see in today’s gospel the parable of the wicked tenants. In
this parable, a landowner “planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a
wine press in it, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenants and went
to another country” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 21:33</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When he sent his slaves to the tenants for his own share of
the produce, the tenants seized the “slaves and beat one, killed another, and
stoned another”. He later sent more slaves and they were treated like the first
group. When he finally sent his son thinking, “They will respect my son,” the
tenants said to themselves, “This is the heir; come, let us kill him and get
his inheritance” and so they did. Jesus then asked, “Now when the owner of the
vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” Those listening to Him
replied, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and lease the
vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the harvest time.” The
chief priests and the Pharisees would have arrested Jesus when they realised
that the parable was all about them, but for the fear of the crowd who regarded
Him as a prophet.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Surely it is very easy for anyone to condemn those tenants. But
let us leave them for now. In Saint Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians he asks,
“For who sees anything different in you? What have you that you did not
receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift?” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor 4:7</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">All we have is from God, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Chr 29:12; 1Sam 2:7; Prov 22:2</b>. And like the landowner, God
expects each and every one of us to give Him His own share of the produce
through His slaves, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 25:31-46</b>.
But what does He get in return? Sometimes His slaves are suppressed, maltreated,
imprisoned, even extorted, and so on. And at other times some even deny Him the
ownership of what He has given us to look after. Or do you think that we have
been fair enough? Whoever fails to give God His share will find it very hard to
make heaven, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 19:23</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is the time to lay up “treasures in heaven, where
neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 6:20</b>). God’s slaves come for His
share in different ways. If you want to have enough in heaven that will be
truly yours give God His due (pay what you owe), cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 16:12</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">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;">: Giving God His share of the produce.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> God, help us this Lent and all the
days of our lives to willingly give you your share of the produce – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Those tenants: Friday of the Second Week of Lent (22nd March, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the Second Week of Lent (22 nd March, 2019) on the Gospel Gen 37:3-4.12-13.17-28; Ps 104:16-...

After the leveller: Thursday of the Second Week of Lent (21st March, 2019).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 05:40

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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: After the leveller</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauo_vEGJLgv4Jk_JJ0JZNFX6AJ4lcPGJ2iFpviLARt0Ww_VaF-zfDJVllJ6sqrZ4Qobgd9UgsOUPIMPd9MAE2ixI42p7VoAQRrV4AOfcWEFLHz3hbmnkCU4s8VgYXouTU8pKXw2aFXCM/s1600/21.03.2019.png" 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/AVvXsEhauo_vEGJLgv4Jk_JJ0JZNFX6AJ4lcPGJ2iFpviLARt0Ww_VaF-zfDJVllJ6sqrZ4Qobgd9UgsOUPIMPd9MAE2ixI42p7VoAQRrV4AOfcWEFLHz3hbmnkCU4s8VgYXouTU8pKXw2aFXCM/s1600/21.03.2019.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In today’s gospel we see a figure that better depicts a
wealthy king, “a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who
feasted sumptuously every day” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 16:19</b>).
Surprisingly at his gate sat, “a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,
who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even
the dogs would come and lick his sores” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk
16:20-21</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At the appointed time, Lazarus died and was taken to the
bosom of Abraham where he is being comforted. The rich man also died and was
buried. While he is being tormented in Hades, he looked up and saw Abraham with
Lazarus by his side. “He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and
send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finder in water and cool my tongue; for I am
in agony in these flames” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 16:24</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wait a minute, someone who had been feasting sumptuously
every day now begs for a dip of finger in water. The only thing that looks like
an act of kindness in the onetime rich man is his plea for Lazarus to warn his
five brothers lest they end up in the same place of torment. However Abraham
replied, “They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.” And to
this he replied, “No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the
dead, they will repent.” Abraham said to him, “If they do not listen to Moses
and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the
dead.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lenten season is a special time for giving alms. It is
important to listen to Jesus’ admonition, “make friends for yourselves by means
of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the
eternal homes” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 16:9</b>). The fate of
the rich man awaits all who would not reach out to others, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 13:1-5</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Again, this is a time of repentance. Postpone no further. We
have Moses and the prophets. What are you waiting for? Today is the favourable
time, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 102:13; Is 49:8</b>. Let us
“Seek the LORD while he may be found, call upon him while he is near” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Is 55:6</b>). Have you been feasting daily
with your wealth or feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the
prisoners, giving drink to the thirsty, and so on, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 25:31-46</b>? What you do with your wealth today defines your
tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Thought for today:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> Wealth is meant to be used and not misused, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 16:9</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> May God help us make good use of all
He blessed us with – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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After the leveller: Thursday of the Second Week of Lent (21st March, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for Thursday of the Second Week of Lent (21 st March, 2019) on the Gospel Jer 17:5-10; Ps 1:1-4.6. (R. Ps ...

Below the robe: Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent (20th March, 2019).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 05:08

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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of
the Second Week of Lent (20<sup>th</sup> March, 2019) on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"></span></b> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jer 18:18-20;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 30:5-6.14-16 (R. v. 17);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />

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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Below the robe</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmk3_jRfXTOIyxikzSNwbUd0ejJjuhwUHymLcjMaI7nkXcxfkJhATMoS9XqhZaCpzCRivrYryyMFFaFpC5EA-vZLYm3hnZkGJUUE077LnGnV7UYMth2FFmToZcyObhF3tN3OnQWPubrG4/s1600/20.03.2019.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmk3_jRfXTOIyxikzSNwbUd0ejJjuhwUHymLcjMaI7nkXcxfkJhATMoS9XqhZaCpzCRivrYryyMFFaFpC5EA-vZLYm3hnZkGJUUE077LnGnV7UYMth2FFmToZcyObhF3tN3OnQWPubrG4/s1600/20.03.2019.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today’s gospel is made up of two parts, namely: Jesus foretold
His death and resurrection a third time (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt
20:17-19</b>), and The Request of the Mother of James and John (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 20:20-28</b>). Our reflection will
focus on the second part.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The mother of James and John approached Jesus with her two
sons, kneeling before Jesus and asked for a favour. Jesus said to her, “What do
you want?” She replied, “Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at
your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” Although the two
promised to drink the cup Jesus was to take yet He said to them, “... to sit at
my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those
whom it has been prepared by my Father.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The reaction of the ten showed among other things that they
were not different. Calling them to Himself Jesus said to them, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them,
and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but
whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes
to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be
served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 20:25-28</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The attitudes of both the rulers and great ones among the
Gentiles as depicted in today’s gospel are better than what we see in the house
of God today. Hence many are ready for anything just to become leaders. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The question, ‘What do you want?’ (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 20:21</b>) can be more beneficial if each of us take it as one
directed to him/herself. Each of us must take time to answer this question. It
will help each of us see below his or her own robe, whether one is on the right
track or not. It is very dangerous to leave this unanswered. Our call to be
Christians is a call to humility, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jas
4:6, 10; 1Pt 3:8; 5:6</b>. Christians ought to be humbler as they go higher. We
must see others as better than ourselves, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Phil 2:3</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">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%;">What do you want? (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 20:21</b>)</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> Lord, help me to desire you and you
alone – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are free
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

Below the robe: Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent (20th March, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent (20 th March, 2019) on the Gospel Jer 18:18-20; Ps 30:5-6.14-16 (R...

Truly righteous: Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of B.V.M. (19th March, 2019).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts 05:30

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemeLR1hm4XNF_v6EnyHUSqXleCdmjOQ9QztuIr_yHc82p9_nb3KLC5WIN_SpW9rpvPngxlxLPebabzlQjKAfLeyPITyAZkkbISGrOO_jCammB_XwaZHg4HPmPeldpGoBnu7nPOx1Cwcs/s1600/19.03.2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemeLR1hm4XNF_v6EnyHUSqXleCdmjOQ9QztuIr_yHc82p9_nb3KLC5WIN_SpW9rpvPngxlxLPebabzlQjKAfLeyPITyAZkkbISGrOO_jCammB_XwaZHg4HPmPeldpGoBnu7nPOx1Cwcs/s1600/19.03.2019.jpg" /></a><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saint Joseph, spouse
of the </span></span></b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blessed_Virgin_Mary" title="Blessed Virgin Mary"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blessed Virgin Mary</span></span></b></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> and f</span><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">oster-father of </span></b></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Christ" title="Jesus Christ"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus Christ</span></span></b></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> is the p</span><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">rince and patron of the Universal
Church.</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> According to </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">apocryphal, he was born
in Bethlehem and died in Nazareth. He was a simple village carpenter and is
venerated in the Catholic Church, Anglican Communion, Lutheranism, Methodism,
Eastern Orthodox Church, and Oriental Orthodox Church. Saint Joseph is also the
patron of unborn children, fathers, immigrants, workers, employment,
carpenters, realtors, against doubt and hesitation, and of a happy death,
Canada, Croatia, Korea, Vietnam, Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines, and many
others. </span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_John_XXIII" title="Pope John XXIII"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pope John XXIII</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> added his name to the </span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_of_the_Mass" title="Canon of the Mass"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Canon of the Mass</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. </span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Francis" title="Pope Francis"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pope Francis</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> had
his name added to the three other </span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucharistic_Prayer" title="Eucharistic Prayer"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eucharistic Prayers</span></span></a><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2018-2019)/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter/Second%20Week%20of%20Lent%20(2019).docx" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #2e7061;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Truly righteous</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The gospel (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt
1:16.18-21.24a</b>) tells us about the great saint we are celebrating. Mary the
mother of Jesus who had been engaged to Joseph was found to be with child from
the Holy Spirit. The gospel goes further, “being a righteous man and unwilling
to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.” And in a
dream the angel of the Lord told him how it all happened and instructed him to
take his wife. And, “When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the
Lord commanded him.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">In the life of Saint Joseph we see in action, </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #292929; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Think before acting</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">. If he was impulsive in his action, he wouldn’t have
had the time he needed to plan on what to do. And it was legitimate for him to
expose Mary to public ridicule and shameful death, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lev 20:10</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">We have a lot of lessons to learn from the life of Saint
Joseph. Although according to laws we have right to a lot of things yet we must
be careful lest we hurt our brothers and sisters. One’s right can be forfeited
for a higher right, cf.</span> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Matt 19:12</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">. Again, we are called to do God’s
will and not ours, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2Tim 2:26; Heb
13:21</b>. Saint Joseph is a wonderful example. He took Mary as commanded by
God contrary to his own decision. Do we do God’s will or ours? We must follow
the example of Saint Joseph to be truly righteous.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: Rom 9:19-29; 2Tim 2:14-26.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Thought for today:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> We are called to be </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">righteous</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> Lord, give us all the graces we need
to be truly righteous – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Saint Joseph – Pray for us</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are free
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">       </span>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>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">
<br clear="all" />

<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.7in;">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2018-2019)/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter/Second%20Week%20of%20Lent%20(2019).docx" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #2e7061;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph"><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph</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>

Truly righteous: Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of B.V.M. (19th March, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of B.V.M. (19 th March, 2019) on the Gospel and the Solemnity 2Sam...

Whatever one wants: Monday of the Second Week of Lent (18th March, 2019).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 05:29

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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Whatever one wants</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFOVmJsdvsB-evsZBkhufr3YJkCc4KCey45DmZUSPcGxXiFw4vW2iA6ndsH3SY3OlsaI1ex5FlFthnolL8tvJ6vfRbVrD1eyTb2WYrCstBnI52rfsNnXhjwCU2IcubbRSupZ_I3qegFM/s1600/18.03.2019.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFOVmJsdvsB-evsZBkhufr3YJkCc4KCey45DmZUSPcGxXiFw4vW2iA6ndsH3SY3OlsaI1ex5FlFthnolL8tvJ6vfRbVrD1eyTb2WYrCstBnI52rfsNnXhjwCU2IcubbRSupZ_I3qegFM/s1600/18.03.2019.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In today’s gospel, Jesus spoke on a number of issues. They
include – being merciful, judging and condemning others, forgiveness, and giving.
This list is made-up of both positive and negative acts. Although we normally
see them as things one does for or against others but Jesus is telling us that
one does them for or against oneself:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

</div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge,
and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.
Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus also taught, “In everything do to others as you would
have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 7:12; cf. Lk 6:31</b>). Whatever one
does to anybody is done directly to the Master, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 25:40.45</b>. And He will repay to everyone according to his/her
conducts, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 16:27;</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rev 2:23. 22:12; Prov 19:17</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">No one is free to repay evil. God asks us to wait for Him. He
will certainly help us, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prov 20:22</b>.
Meditate on these words from Saint Paul, “...if your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals
upon his head” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 12:20</b>). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are in the second week of Lent when we are called in a
special way to fast. It is important to remind ourselves that fasting that
fails to affect others positively is a false one. Whatever one wants to receive
from God, he/she must first give it to others.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> Lord, give us the grace to give to
others every good thing that we may in turn receive good gifts from you – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

Whatever one wants: Monday of the Second Week of Lent (18th March, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the Second Week of Lent (18 th March, 2019) on the Gospel Dan 9:4-10; Ps 78:8-9.11.13 (Ps 10...

Keep your fork: Second Sunday of Lent (C) (17th March, 2019).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Sunday homilies 05:24

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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Homily (Reflection) for the Second Sunday
of Lent (C) (17</span><sup><span style="font-size: small;">th</span></sup><span style="font-size: large;"> March, 2019) on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Gen 15:5-12.17-18;</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Ps 26:1.7-9.13-14. (R.v.1);</span><br />

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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Topic:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Keep your fork</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnzHcWoHPb92lm0wI0QAGZ3YRWvrc9thYyy3_EXE3TFxbwmGwzvPytixVqOiu4qo49AjragEsdy2V-MxLCSfeLhJEP8G2VCeoJQl5Lfil-g_l-0FFSfEswaOpFpxfLOBkmO0gDiXHeWo/s1600/17.03.2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="189" data-original-width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnzHcWoHPb92lm0wI0QAGZ3YRWvrc9thYyy3_EXE3TFxbwmGwzvPytixVqOiu4qo49AjragEsdy2V-MxLCSfeLhJEP8G2VCeoJQl5Lfil-g_l-0FFSfEswaOpFpxfLOBkmO0gDiXHeWo/s1600/17.03.2019.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Last Sunday Jesus foretold His
death and also what await all those who would be His disciples. They were
really scaring. It was therefore very necessary for the scared disciples to see
that the coin at hand hasn’t only a scaring face. Hence in today’s gospel after
about eight days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John up to a mountain to
pray. While praying He was transfigured before the trio.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Moses and Elijah appeared in glory and discussed with Jesus
His departure to be accomplished at Jerusalem. The duo represented the Law and
the prophets. And in sum the whole scripture (Old Testament). When they were
about to leave, “Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here;
let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’ –
not knowing what he said” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 9:33</b>).
Peter was still on this when they were covered with a crowd and a voice
declared, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 9:35</b>).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">We see one of the pillars of Lent (prayer) in today’s
gospel. Prayer is very important in our struggles in this life, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 6:13; 26:41; Mk 14:38; Lk 22:40; 22:46</b>.
We are not fighting “against flesh and blood, but against the principalities,
against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against
the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Eph 6:12</b>).</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">In every sphere of life we do have disheartening experiences
individually and collectively. Sometimes it looks as if one has actually come
to the end of the road. And at some other time, one might even wonder if the
price worth the stress.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">There was a very pious elderly lady who while discussing her
funeral mass with her priest requested, “‘When they bury me, I want my old
Bible in one hand and a fork in the other’.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">“A fork? Why do you want to be
buried with a fork?’ asked the priest.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">“I have been thinking about all of
the church dinners and banquets that I attended through the years,’ she
explained. ‘One thing sticks in my mind. At those really nice get-togethers,
when the meal was almost finished, a server would come by to collect the dirty
dishes. I can hear the words now. Sometimes, at the best ones, somebody would
lean over my shoulder and whisper, ‘You can keep your fork.’ And do you know
what that meant? Dessert was coming! It didn’t mean a cup of Jell-O or pudding
or even a dish of ice cream. You don’t need a fork for that. It meant the good
stuff, like chocolate cake or cherry pie! When they told me I could keep my
fork, I knew the best was yet to come! That’s exactly what I want people to
talk about at my funeral. Oh, they can talk about all the good times we had
together. That would be nice. But when they walk by my casket and look at my
pretty blue dress, I want them to turn to one another and say, ‘Why the fork?’
And I want you to tell them that I kept my fork because the best is yet to
come!</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/YEAR%20C%202018%20-%202019/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter/Second%20Sunday%20of%20Lent%20(C)..docx" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">”</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">As one goes through the hurdles of this life it is important
to remember always like this old woman that the main thing is not here but in
the life to come. Let no one allow anything come between him/her with God, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 8:35-39</b>. Keep your fork for that
banquet by listening to Jesus Christ, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prov
8:32</b>. They are truly blessed who will make the marriage supper of the Lamb,
cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rev 19:9</b>. It worth much more
than anything one might go through in this life, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 8:18; 1Cor 2:9; Matt 25:34</b>. Truly in the words of Saint Peter,
it is good to be there. </span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: Rom 8:31-39; 1Pt 1:3-12; 2Tim 4:1-8.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thought for today:</b>
Are you in or out of the race?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span>Almighty God, help us to finish this
race gloriously and await the crown reserved for the elect (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2Tim 4:7-8</b>) – Amen. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">You
are free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.</span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For
more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
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0302</span></span></b></div>
<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: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">       </span>Email: </span></span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">May God bless you all+</span></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">
<br clear="all" />

<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/YEAR%20C%202018%20-%202019/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter/Second%20Sunday%20of%20Lent%20(C)..docx" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span></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, pp. 135-136.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>

Keep your fork: Second Sunday of Lent (C) (17th March, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for the Second Sunday of Lent (C) (17 th March, 2019) on the Gospel Gen 15:5-12.17-18; Ps 26:1.7-9.13-14. (R.v....

Beyond the bus stop: Saturday of the First Week of Lent (16th March, 2019).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 05:41

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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of
the First Week of Lent (16<sup>th</sup> March, 2019) on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p></span></b> </div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Deut 26:16-19;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />

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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Topic: Beyond the bus stop.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIVpgMgI3HCT-jpHrPDlOwu1IkvAhnxaBPjRSuLEOcRwfvrkqLtal1s4Dx93KkY7gIwj5G6zVSqhdsgLPANB6KYgDZKOCsVCty8KuqvUl0p4O4LUB2veHh0cdeQXXd2k9azXF1RCoYTI/s1600/16.03.2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIVpgMgI3HCT-jpHrPDlOwu1IkvAhnxaBPjRSuLEOcRwfvrkqLtal1s4Dx93KkY7gIwj5G6zVSqhdsgLPANB6KYgDZKOCsVCty8KuqvUl0p4O4LUB2veHh0cdeQXXd2k9azXF1RCoYTI/s1600/16.03.2019.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Often we find ourselves in the trap of consoling ourselves by
enumerating those we think are worse than us. In today’s gospel however, we see
the true standard, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect”
(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 5:48</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus cautions us on how to relate with our enemies and
persecutors. Like that of yesterday, today’s gospel insists that we must go yet
another mile. Salvation lies beyond where many stop.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">General expectation, “You shall love your neighbour and hate
your enemy”. But Christ demands this, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so
that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on
the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the
unrighteous (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 5: 44-45</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sad enough, in reality many still grapple with the love of
neighbours yet the gospel calls us to love our enemies and even pray for those
who persecute us. Although many seem to be more comfortable with, “eye for eye,
tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ex 21:24; Lev 24:20; Deut 19:21</b>) yet Christ wants us for an extra
mile. The big question is whether we are ready for the journey or comfortable
with where you are? Any one we prefer has its reward – heaven or hell.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: Ex 23:1-9; Prov 24:17-22; 25:21-22; Rom 12:9-21.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> Lord, give us your grace to enable
us be steadfast on your path till we come into your kingdom – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Beyond the bus stop: Saturday of the First Week of Lent (16th March, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the First Week of Lent (16 th March, 2019) on the Gospel Deut 26:16-19; Ps 118:1-2.4-5.7-8...