The Pulpit Online

Fifth Sunday of Lent (B)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Sunday homilies 20:06

Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Lent (B) (21st
March, 2021) on the Gospel <o:p></o:p>

Jer
31:31-34;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 50:3-4.12-15 (R. v. 12);<o:p></o:p>

Heb 5:7-9;<o:p></o:p>

Jn 12:20-33.<o:p></o:p>

A newly consecrated Bishop once asked during the
Episcopal conference whether he could talk. Although it was not certain whether
he asked that just to make them laugh however the question threw them into
light mood after which the president of the conference asked him why he asked
the question and he replied, ‘Because I am just a newly consecrated auxiliary
bishop’. The president went further and asked him as ‘just a newly consecrated
auxiliary bishop’ whether he is a member of the Bishops Conference and he said
yes. And the president told him: “You are a member because you are a bishop.
And every member can air his view”.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: They want to see Jesus.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8S3RLQWdMmDPTWtSFCdJpRwrNHaLFR-6yJ7BkkDReAB7onqhxSaoI5Y0X_DoZKofbqlc5Axlm3F8n8VT9ymuFHS9s_ZaEXmwh59czrYtKqOpU7BNlQiQzA6YKlA7RfdXaJKyKZk4vr4/s255/21.03.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8S3RLQWdMmDPTWtSFCdJpRwrNHaLFR-6yJ7BkkDReAB7onqhxSaoI5Y0X_DoZKofbqlc5Axlm3F8n8VT9ymuFHS9s_ZaEXmwh59czrYtKqOpU7BNlQiQzA6YKlA7RfdXaJKyKZk4vr4/s0/21.03.2021.jpg" /></a></div> The first verse of today’s gospel reads, “Now among those who went up
to worship at the festival were some Greeks” (Jn 12:20). The festival in question was that one during which Jesus
entered Jerusalem triumphantly. Those Greeks who were present at the festival
were also the Greeks who came to Philip and made this request, “Sir, we wish to
see Jesus” (Jn 12:21). Although the
gospel did not tell us why they wanted to see Jesus but meeting with Jesus
could do much more than one could imagine. Hence the Psalmist said, “Come and
see what God has done” (Ps 66:5).
And when Andrew and the other disciple asked Jesus of where he lived he invited
them thus, “Come and see” (Jn 1:39).
Philip also invited Nathaniel to Jesus with the same words, cf. Jn 1:46.<o:p></o:p>

In the gospel according to Matthew, while
commissioning his disciples Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit” (Matt 28:19). Often we
see this and similar passages as directed to those who are called in a special
way to serve God and humanity in various capacities in the church. A question
came to me as I reflect on today’s gospel, ‘What about others?’ This is based
on the fact that Jesus said to his disciples, “But you will receive power when
the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem,
in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). In other words, the Holy Spirit gave the disciples the
power to be Christ’s witnesses. And every Christian receives gifts of the Holy
Spirit at Baptism and Confirmation, cf. Acts
2:38-39; 2Tim 1:6-7. What are they for? <o:p></o:p>

Very easy for one to defend himself/herself by saying
that nobody has approached him/her saying, ‘I or we want to see Jesus’. In the
gospel according to Matthew we read, “... whoever causes one of these little
ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great
millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matt 18:6; cf. Matt 18:14; Mk 9:42 Lk 17:2).
Again, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works
and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt 5:16). <o:p></o:p>

Although no one may have asked us, ‘I or we want to
see Jesus’ but certainly many look up to us to show them Jesus. We can either
help them see Jesus or take them farther away from Jesus. Hence, in the first
letter of Saint Peter we also read, “Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles,
so that in case they speak against you as wrongdoers, they may see your good
deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation” (1Pt 2:12; cf. Matt 5:16).
Saint Paul extended this to what we eat, cf. Rom 14:15.<o:p></o:p>

My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, we all have
the power to be Christ’s witnesses. Let nobody think like the newly consecrated
Bishop we saw in our introductory story who thought he could not speak in the
Bishops conference because he was a newly consecrated Auxiliary Bishop. We all
are members of Christ’s body, the church, cf. Eph 5: 23, 30. Every member of Christ’s body has this special task
of not just making people see Jesus Christ but also helping them to understand
him better. Every member of Christ’s body can either help or hinder others in
their search for Jesus Christ. Let us conclude with Christ’s own words: “Whoever
is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters” (Matt 12:30; Lk 11:23). Let us gather
with and for Christ for we have been bought at a price, cf. 1Cor 7:23.<o:p></o:p>

Bible Readings: Matt 5:13-16; 28:19-20; Dan 12:1-3; Acts 1:6-11;
Rom 14: 13-23; 15:1-6; 1Pt 2:11-17.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Do you take people to Jesus Christ or out of Jesus
Christ?<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord,
forgive us for the many times we have led people away from you. Give us the
grace to lead others to you – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

You
are free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.<o:p></o:p>

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Fifth Sunday of Lent (B)

Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Lent (B) (21 st March, 2021) on the Gospel Jer 31:31-34; Ps 50:3-4.12-15 (R. v. 12); Heb 5:7-9; Jn 1...

Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:45

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of
the Fourth Week of Lent (20th March, 2021) on the Gospel

Jer 11:18-20;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 7:2-3.9-12 (R. v. 2);<o:p></o:p>

Jn 7:40-52.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Towards God.<o:p></o:p>

Among the people who listened to Jesus some said, “This is
really the prophet” and for others, “the Messiah.” Yet others questioned,
“Surely the Messiah does not come from Galilee, does he? Has not the scripture
said that the Messiah is descended from David and comes from Bethlehem, the
village where David lived?” They never knew that Jesus is both a Bethlehemite
and a descendant of David, cf. Matt 1:1-16,
20; 2:1; Lk 2:1-7. <o:p></o:p>

On the other hand, the chief priests and the Pharisees
queried the temple police who returned without Jesus, “Surely you have not been
deceived too, have you? Has any one of the authorities or the Pharisees
believed in him?”<o:p></o:p>

Authorities and/or knowledge can either facilitate or impede
journey towards God. Hence, the book of Proverbs reads, “When the righteous are
in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan” (Prov 29:2; cf. Prov 28:12). And through the prophet Hosea God laments, “My people
are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hos
4:6). <o:p></o:p>

We must be very careful in identifying and handling obstacles
on our way towards God. Again, let us not constitute obstacle/s for others. And
we must ask God for true knowledge that will enable us know Him better.<o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: Prov 2:1-22.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Truth remains even when no one recognises it.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Let not those who hope in you be put
to shame through me, O Lord GOD of hosts; let not those who seek you be brought
to dishonour through me, O my God – Amen (cf. Ps 69:6).<o:p></o:p>

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

Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent (20 th March, 2021) on the Gospel Jer 11:18-20; Ps 7:2-3.9-12 (R. v. ...

Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of B.V.M.

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts 04:55

Homily (Reflection) for the Solemnity
of Saint Joseph, Husband of B.V.M. (19th March, 2021) on the Gospel
and the Solemnity<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

2Sam 7:4-5. 12-14.16;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 89:2-5.27.29 (R. v. 37);<o:p></o:p>

Rom 4:13.16-18.22;<o:p></o:p>

Matt
1:16.18-21.24 or Lk 2:41-51.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQUo-A9TxMmUz1F1J2EefKI-l66FL3c12MZeAf3nQZfDt2c0RB7hQ_z78lS4FIh-Ru-j7pfbYbeFOf_bNnU1SuKBRHRyJKefuO98a9MwceMDxk29llnmEK-UO6K5M9IfNmaW0B_o7EMQ/s258/19.03.2021.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQUo-A9TxMmUz1F1J2EefKI-l66FL3c12MZeAf3nQZfDt2c0RB7hQ_z78lS4FIh-Ru-j7pfbYbeFOf_bNnU1SuKBRHRyJKefuO98a9MwceMDxk29llnmEK-UO6K5M9IfNmaW0B_o7EMQ/s0/19.03.2021.png" /></a></div> Saint Joseph, spouse
of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blessed_Virgin_Mary" title="Blessed Virgin Mary">Blessed Virgin Mary</a> and foster-father of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Christ" title="Jesus Christ">Jesus Christ</a> is the prince and patron of the Universal
Church. According to 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. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_John_XXIII" title="Pope John XXIII">Pope John XXIII</a> added his name to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_of_the_Mass" title="Canon of the Mass">Canon of the Mass</a>. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Francis" title="Pope Francis">Pope Francis</a> had
his name added to the three other <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucharistic_Prayer" title="Eucharistic Prayer">Eucharistic Prayers</a><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter/Fourth%20Week%20of%20Lent%20(2021).docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-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;">[1]</a>.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Truly righteous.<o:p></o:p>

The gospel (Matt
1:16.18-21.24a) 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>

In the life of Saint Joseph we see in action, Think before you act. 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. Lev 20:10.<o:p></o:p>

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. Matt 19:12. Again, we are called to do God’s
will and not ours, cf. 2Tim 2:26; Heb
13:21. 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>

Thought for today: We are called to be righteous.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, give us all the graces we need
to be truly righteous – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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

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<o:p> </o:p>

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

</div>

Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of B.V.M.

Homily (Reflection) for the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of B.V.M. (19 th March, 2021) on the Gospel and the Solemnity 2Sam 7...

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:52

Homily (Reflection) for Thursday of
the Fourth Week of Lent (18th March, 2021) on the Gospel

Ex 32:7-14;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 105:19-23. (R. v.4);<o:p></o:p>

Jn 5:31-47.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: True testimonies.<o:p></o:p>

In today’s gospel however, Jesus tells us, “I do not accept
glory from human beings.” Although He knew that John correctly testified to the
truth yet He only made reference to that just for the salvation of the people.<o:p></o:p>

Jesus goes on, <o:p></o:p>

But I have a testimony greater than John’s. The works that
the Father has given me to complete, the very works that I am doing, testify on
my behalf that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself
testified on my behalf (Jn 5:36-37a).
<o:p></o:p>

The prophet Jeremiah warns “Let everyone beware of his
neighbour, and put no trust in any brother; for every brother is a supplanter,
and every neighbour goes about as a slanderer” (Jer 9:4; cf. Mic 7:5). In the gospel we read, “When he was in
Jerusalem during the Passover festival, many believed in his name because they
saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part would not entrust
himself to them, because he knew all people” (Jn 2:23-24).<o:p></o:p>

We must remember that “the mind that is set on the flesh is
hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, indeed it cannot” (Rom 8:7). God “is a sun and shield; he
bestows favour and honour. No good thing does the LORD withhold from those who
walk uprightly” (Ps 84:11; cf. Ps 62:7).
God and what we do are the true testimonies. So let us trust in God and do His
works. We must “seek the glory that comes from the one who alone is God?”<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Trust in the Lord and do His works.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, give us a heart that can trust
in you entirely – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Homily (Reflection) for Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent (18 th March, 2021) on the Gospel Ex 32:7-14; Ps 105:19-23. (R. v.4);...

Feast of Saint Patrick, Bp

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts 04:47

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of
Saint Patrick, Bp, (17th March, 2021) on the Gospel and the Feast<o:p></o:p>

1Pt 4:7b-11;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 96:1-3.7-8.9-10. (R. v.3);<o:p></o:p>

Lk 5:1-11.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02y3-ZVNm-1ok6CnOP6uBZJS7d0tznfHuOASHig1bsigHZYDMCN8WtiJhi8e1DJka2pOOWhJBdL3WH48oOhjBoAW9zzFAvCP_60OoxW8dC-Ov2uAJeQ6ueah8uu5Qq-yQLh48v28aVLc/s263/Saint+Patrick.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02y3-ZVNm-1ok6CnOP6uBZJS7d0tznfHuOASHig1bsigHZYDMCN8WtiJhi8e1DJka2pOOWhJBdL3WH48oOhjBoAW9zzFAvCP_60OoxW8dC-Ov2uAJeQ6ueah8uu5Qq-yQLh48v28aVLc/s0/Saint+Patrick.png" /></a></div> According to the Confession of Patrick, Saint Patrick
(Apostle of Ireland) was captured by Irish pirates from his home in Great
Britain when he was about 16, and taken as a slave to Ireland. He reunited with
his family after six years and later returned to northern and western Ireland
as a missionary and later a bishop.<o:p></o:p>

He is the patron of Ireland, Nigeria, Montserrat,
Archdiocese of New York, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark, Boston, Rolla,
Missouri (USA), Loíza, Puerto Rico, Murcia (Spain), Clann Giolla Phádraig,
engineers, paralegals, and Archdiocese of Melbourne. He is also invoked against
snakes, and sins.  Saint Patrick is venerated
today, 17 March, which is said to be the date of his death<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter/Fourth%20Week%20of%20Lent%20(2021).docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</a>.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Yet to hear His last.<o:p></o:p>

In today’s gospel Peter, Andrew, James, and John were washing
their nets after all night fishing without success when Jesus came, entered
into Peter’s boat and taught the people from there. After His teaching Jesus
said to them, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.”
Although Peter expressed their ordeals, he went on to say “Yet if you say so, I
will let down the nets.” And “When they had done this, they caught so many fish
that their nets were beginning to break.” Peter pleaded with Jesus to leave
them yet He said to them, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching
people.”<o:p></o:p>

Saint Patrick also had his own ordeals. Yet after regaining
his freedom and became a priest, he went back to the land of his captivity and
preached the gospel tirelessly. His apostolate was so much felt that he is not
celebrated in Ireland by the church alone but also by the entire country. <o:p></o:p>

Each and every one of us has history dented with lots of things
including setbacks, mistakes, anxieties, disappointments, difficulties, and so
on. Some of us have even terribly resigned to fate and cannot see any future
again. Today’s gospel and the life of the Saint Patrick encourage us to listen
to Jesus as He instructs us. Let no one be tied down by his/her past. God has
better plans for you and me. He will do a new thing in our lives, cf. Is 43:19; Jer 31:22. He only demands us
to obey Him like Peter and his colleagues and continue to move on after the
example of Saint Patrick. If we do these, we will be amazed at what God will
turn our weaknesses and disappointments into.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: May the good Lord help us surrender
our lives to Him – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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

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

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

</div>

Feast of Saint Patrick, Bp

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of Saint Patrick, Bp, (17 th March, 2021) on the Gospel and the Feast 1Pt 4:7b-11; Ps 96:1-3.7-...

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:54

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of
the Fourth Week of Lent (16th March, 2021) on the Gospel

Ezek 47:1-9.12;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 45:2-3.5-6.8-9 (R. v. 8);<o:p></o:p>

Jn
5:1-3.5-16.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: We always have God.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgde1Gv6iw-rCoXq47sKkREoM3qs5ZbkwhyEE5SZejFKVUru1VpRX1opJanCsIpEb9aEi6-KrR8YnqLI0M6P9UUTYwCtaI6KCJiDamYWeZOMy1MAZzb8QsJKLPmQGRZMohozuJeCXhErtc/s255/16.03.2021.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="198" data-original-width="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgde1Gv6iw-rCoXq47sKkREoM3qs5ZbkwhyEE5SZejFKVUru1VpRX1opJanCsIpEb9aEi6-KrR8YnqLI0M6P9UUTYwCtaI6KCJiDamYWeZOMy1MAZzb8QsJKLPmQGRZMohozuJeCXhErtc/s0/16.03.2021.png" /></a></div> In today’s gospel, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a Jewish
festival. And in Jerusalem was a pool with five porticoes in which people with
different ailments gathered. One man there had been ill for thirty-eight years.
Jesus said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” The sick man replied, “Sir, I
have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; and while I
am making my way, someone else steps down ahead of me.” <o:p></o:p>

Like this sick man we often see ourselves complaining that we
are alone. Yet God has said to us, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have
called you by name, you are mine,” (Is
43:1). And God is ever faithful in all his words and gracious in all his deeds,
cf. Ps 145:13. To further confirm
His faithfulness, He also said, “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she
should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I
will not forget you” (Is 49:15).<o:p></o:p>

Jesus said to the sick man, “Stand up, take your mat and
walk” after thirty-eight years. The gospel reads further, “At once the man was
made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk”. <o:p></o:p>

That one has been in a challenging condition for a long time
does not mean that God is no longer God. He is ever faithful. God promised to
be with us even in the time of trouble to rescue us and to honour us, cf. Ps 91:15. He will surely manifest
Himself but at His own time, cf. 2Thess
2:6; Ps 102:13. So do not shiver
because people are against you, God who is with us is greater, cf. Job 33:12. We need just to call on Him
and wait for His assured answer, cf. Jer
33:3. But we must keep our faith intact, cf. Lk 18:8.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: God is always with us, cf. Is 8:10; Matt 1:23.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, always assist us in situations
that challenge us – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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

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

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent (16 th March, 2021) on the Gospel Ezek 47:1-9.12; Ps 45:2-3.5-6.8-9 (R...

Monday of the Fourth Week

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:09

Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the
Fourth Week of Lent (15th March, 2021) on the Gospel

Is 65:17-21;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 29:2.4-6.11-13 (R.v.2); <o:p></o:p>

Jn 4:43-54.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Believe the word.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33tbChckNF4GDhGsFC2Htk8uqgBaBYJyTY9ZLKmtxxAf0nv8O6n8z2QAXxzNSer5DKYFrwMyOdQF-4CXUwm6li75cdLUKRrymOhWgjR_gFGF7IGtFcjcMGxz-Tmgm1YdF4Mgp-ymMLTk/s306/15.03.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="165" data-original-width="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33tbChckNF4GDhGsFC2Htk8uqgBaBYJyTY9ZLKmtxxAf0nv8O6n8z2QAXxzNSer5DKYFrwMyOdQF-4CXUwm6li75cdLUKRrymOhWgjR_gFGF7IGtFcjcMGxz-Tmgm1YdF4Mgp-ymMLTk/s0/15.03.2021.jpg" /></a></div> Jesus returned to Galilee in today’s gospel after spending
two days with the Samaritans, cf. Jn
4:39-40. They welcomed Him because they had seen all He did in Jerusalem
during the festival. When a royal official whose son lay ill in Capernaum heard
about Jesus, he came and begged Him to come down and heal his son. The gospel
reads,<o:p></o:p>

<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;">Then Jesus said to him, ‘Unless you see signs and wonders you
will not believe.’ The official said to him, ‘Sir, come down before my little
boy dies.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your son will live.’ The man believed the
word that Jesus spoke to him and started on his way (Jn 4:48-50).</blockquote></blockquote>

While on his way, he received the news that his son recovered
the very moment Jesus told him that his son would live. The official and his
whole family believed.<o:p></o:p>

That question Jesus asked the official is very crucial today
because it looks as if many today are waiting for signs and wonders to be
convinced. Although many today would take Jesus to their house after telling
them to go just to be sure but immediately Jesus told the official to go home
he believed Him without hesitation.<o:p></o:p>

We ought to accept and keep the word of God. It opens the
door for God to come in and dwell in us, cf. Jn 14:23. One needs faith to be able to do this, cf. Heb 11:6. Looking for signs and wonders
can lead one farther away from God. One must be very careful of what he/she is
after.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: God’s word seeks our faith.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Our Father and Lord help us keep our
faith in you to the end – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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

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

Monday of the Fourth Week

Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent (15 th March, 2021) on the Gospel Is 65:17-21; Ps 29:2.4-6.11-13 (R.v.2...

Fourth Sunday of Lent (B)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Sunday homilies 05:07

Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Lent (B) (14th
March, 2021) on the Gospel

2Chr
36:14-16.19-23;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 136:1-6. (R. v.6);<o:p></o:p>

Eph 2:4-10;<o:p></o:p>

Jn 3:14-21.<o:p></o:p>

One lady after obtaining Teachers’ Grade Two
Certificate (TC II) was given an opportunity to teach in a private school. But
in her file was every other document except her Senior School Certificate. The
proprietor noticed that and called her attention to that. She immediately
apologized and promised to file it. Although she was given an option of leaving
her file in the school since it was only that certificate that stood between
her and the job yet she went with her file. And immediately she left the
office, she told her friend that that was the end of her search for job in that
school. Her friend was startled. She went on and told her that she would never
submit her Senior School Certificate to anybody in her life. According to her,
the certificate was very bad that she would not present it to anybody even at
gun point.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Although God loves us.<o:p></o:p>

Today’s gospel was part of the interaction between
Jesus and Nicodemus. Jesus made reference to what happened when the people of
Israel was on their way to the Promised Land, cf. Jn 3:14. When they were bitten by poisonous serpents which brought
the death of many in Israel, they cried to God through Moses. God instructed
Moses to make a bronze serpent and set it on the pole so that whoever is bitten
by the poisonous serpents who looked on it shall live, cf. Num 21:4-9. It is important to note that although God gave the
people of Israel a means of healing, it was the responsibility of everyone who
was bitten by the poisonous serpent to look upon the bronze serpent.<o:p></o:p>

As we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of that period we
recall the lifting up of the Son of Man as He foretold popularly known as Lent,
it is important to remind ourselves of few things that I consider necessary.
Jesus came to save us from the punishment due to our sins. However, those who
will benefit from Christ’s lifting up (passion and death) are only those who
believe in him, cf. Jn 3:15-16. The
gospel reads: <o:p></o:p>

Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world,
but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him
are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because
they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God (Jn 3:17-18).<o:p></o:p>

Believing in Jesus implies believing with one’s whole
heart what Jesus told us about God which includes that God cares for all of us
and is always willing to forgive, cf. Lk
15: 1-7; 8-10; 11-32; Matt 18:10-14. Again, one must believe that Jesus is
the Son of God, cf. Jn 8:28. And
lastly, one must stake everything on the fact that what Jesus says is true.
(William Barclay: 2006. The daily study bible: The gospel of John, vol. 1,
chap. 1-7, pp. 135-6).<o:p></o:p>

Just as the Israelites were on their way to the
Promised Land, we are also on our way to the Promised Land, cf. Phil 3:20. But ours is far better than
what was promised to them. Again, just as the Israelites sinned against God and
their leader, Moses in various ways while on their way to the Promised Land, so
often do we find ourselves going against God and our fellow pilgrims. God has
given us means of coming back to him and live just as he gave to them. When the
people of Israel found out that they sinned against God and Moses they ran back
to God through Moses. What do you do when you find yourself in the same
situation – running back to God through the Moses of today or prefer to die
like the girl in our introductory story? If you are a Catholic, have you been
to confession or as non-Catholic used the medium in your church for
reconciliation lately? Remember the judgement, <o:p></o:p>

...that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness
rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the
light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed (Jn 3:19-20).<o:p></o:p>

We conclude by saying that no serpent is more poisonous
than sin. ALTHOUGH GOD LOVES US so much but we must play our own part by using
the means he has given to us. It is true that Jesus has died for our sins but
we must be very careful lest we die in our sins.<o:p></o:p>

Bible Readings: Num 21:4-9; Zech 1:3-4; Jn 12:27-36; Jas 4:1-10;
Lk 15: 1-32.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Do you live like one Jesus has died for his/her sins?<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, being
aware of the many times we went away from your will, we ask for your mercy and
pardon and the grace to live as we should – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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Fourth Sunday of Lent (B)

Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Lent (B) (14 th March, 2021) on the Gospel 2Chr 36:14-16.19-23; Ps 136:1-6. (R. v.6); Eph 2:4-10; ...

Saturday of the Third Week of Lent

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 05:21

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of
the Third Week of Lent (13th March, 2021) on the Gospel

Hos 5:15–6:6;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 50:3-4.18-21 (R. cf. Hos 6:6);<o:p></o:p>

Lk 18:9-14.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Behold an enemy.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmBzL3W6AqpzcYJrk8Ek_GKQkriDW4sD0sLPKPyiGaEGv9j6RImJNIHUSgu_4dvNYZkZka3G6Z5AFTnoXIwZ4xdE-7OgZZ4BZUfn5SPKe6rd6vdbip2qDQna1WTIxIW2Idsf3tBN2FWo/s271/13.03.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="186" data-original-width="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmBzL3W6AqpzcYJrk8Ek_GKQkriDW4sD0sLPKPyiGaEGv9j6RImJNIHUSgu_4dvNYZkZka3G6Z5AFTnoXIwZ4xdE-7OgZZ4BZUfn5SPKe6rd6vdbip2qDQna1WTIxIW2Idsf3tBN2FWo/s0/13.03.2021.jpg" /></a></div> In today’s gospel, two men went up to the temple to pray, a
Pharisee and a tax collector. The Pharisee, the gospel reads, “standing by
himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people:
thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a
week; I give a tenth of all my income.’” On the other hand, “the tax collector,
standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast
and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’” Jesus concludes saying, “I
tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for
all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humbled themselves will
be exalted.’” <o:p></o:p>

In the prayer made by the Pharisee, one thing that defiled
all his deeds is pride. Most probably he had no idea of this because it comes
from within, cf. Mk 7:21-23. Hence
it is not an easy task helping one to realise how proud he/she is.<o:p></o:p>

The book of Proverbs reads, “Pride goes before destruction,
and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov
16:18). Again, “A man's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in
spirit will obtain honour” (Prov 29:23).
And again, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace; but with the humble is
wisdom” (Prov 11:2).<o:p></o:p>

The higher one goes even spiritually the more serious this
enemy attacks. Just as pride defiled the Pharisee and all the acts that
supposed to be meritorious so it also affects us. It is important to heed Saint
Paul’s advice, “Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others
better than yourselves” (Phil 2:3).
And always remember that “all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and
the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the
world” (1Jn 2:16).<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Pride destroys a person.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, give us your grace to conquer
the enemy within – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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

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

Saturday of the Third Week of Lent

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the Third Week of Lent (13 th March, 2021) on the Gospel Hos 5:15–6:6; Ps 50:3-4.18-21 (R. cf...

Fifth Sunday of Lent (B)

Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of B.V.M.

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Feast of Saint Patrick, Bp

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

Monday of the Fourth Week

Fourth Sunday of Lent (B)

Saturday of the Third Week of Lent

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