The Pulpit Online

Saturday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (I)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 05:02

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of
the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (I) (19th June, 2021) on the
Gospel

(BVM on Saturday, Opt. Mem.)<o:p></o:p>

2Cor 12:1-10;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 33:8-13. (R. v. 9);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 6:24-34.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: First thing first.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOW1W5F02N44JKbyQiuk6_jLzz8anHaMsUVOadSIeCJ0jbN_k3germ7h-BkJGpJ2HjlAPKsZEq-WA09nR0iLYEDl-fyLs5nJvpAtyPNGv47DaPIS4Yj_mlZkjq8yyaU9Cm3rPVTXRGZEM/s292/19.06.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="173" data-original-width="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOW1W5F02N44JKbyQiuk6_jLzz8anHaMsUVOadSIeCJ0jbN_k3germ7h-BkJGpJ2HjlAPKsZEq-WA09nR0iLYEDl-fyLs5nJvpAtyPNGv47DaPIS4Yj_mlZkjq8yyaU9Cm3rPVTXRGZEM/s0/19.06.2021.jpg" /></a></div> Imagine a security sleeping while on duty and/or running to
the person he is employed to protect fidgeting because someone banged on the
gate. Surely if such security must stay, the person he supposed to protect will
either turn to a security agent or make an alternative arrangement. <o:p></o:p>

Jesus asks us in today’s gospel, “...do not worry about your
life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you
will wear....But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and
all these things will be given to you as well.” This is because God neither
slumbers nor sleeps, cf. Ps 121:4.
He is an everlasting rock, cf. Is 26:4.
And those who trust in Him are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but
abides forever, cf. Ps 125:1. Above
all, with Him nothing is impossible, cf. Matt
19:26; Mk 10:27; Lk 1:37.<o:p></o:p>

Many Christians put their trust on other things. Yet not even
princes can help, cf. Ps 146:3. And
“Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his arm, whose heart turns
away from the LORD” (Jer 17:5).
Every man will return to dust, cf. Job
34:15; Eccl 3:20. <o:p></o:p>

Whoever wants security that is really secured must trust in
the LORD and do good also, cf. Ps 37:3.
All who trust in God shall not want, cf. Ps
23:1. He will give the desolate a home and lead out the prisoners to enduring
prosperity, cf. Ps 68:6; Prov 8:18.
Those who put their trust in God will lie down, sleep, and wake again, cf. Ps 3:5. 4:8. Not even a single promise
of God has failed, cf. Josh 21:45.<o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: Ps 146:1-10; Prov 8:1-21.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: God is our help and our shield (cf. Ps
115:9. 10).<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, I trust in you. Please, help
my infidelity – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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

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Saturday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (I) (19 th June, 2021) on the Gospel ( BVM on Saturday, Opt. Mem...

Friday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (I)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:52

Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the
Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (I) (18th June, 2021) on the Gospel

2Cor 11:18.21-30;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 33:2-7. (R. cf. v. 18);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 6:19-23.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Safest way ever. <o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SdGj4yK3KBwvA4Rr9w-vmcxqHGrtepNXv_Cx7kxvJF05Thlpq_CXz9dcgfxn5Mvm4rISUCw6WYUItFq90VH2OQ-ws13VxgMEsy8TQfivpGGLZzXXsC-e7HkABrK-d-VRXCb53TbsPFs/s275/18.06.2021.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/AVvXsEh8SdGj4yK3KBwvA4Rr9w-vmcxqHGrtepNXv_Cx7kxvJF05Thlpq_CXz9dcgfxn5Mvm4rISUCw6WYUItFq90VH2OQ-ws13VxgMEsy8TQfivpGGLZzXXsC-e7HkABrK-d-VRXCb53TbsPFs/s0/18.06.2021.jpg" /></a></div> How and where something is kept say a lot about how that
thing is valued. In good olden days, our forefathers buried treasures to
protect them from thieves. But sometimes they were either forgotten especially
in the case of death or eaten up my moths or rotten away if left for a very
long time. With the introduction of modern banking, people rarely bury their
treasures because they are safer in the banks.<o:p></o:p>

Burying treasures, keeping them in the houses or anywhere
else in this world have lots of risks involved. Every now and then, people are
defrauded of the money they kept in the bank even with the connivance of
bankers. It is no longer news that a lot of our politicians left huge sums of
money they stole and stored abroad and died. <o:p></o:p>

To truly benefit from treasures and avoid every risk, Jesus
introduced the safest way ever,<o:p></o:p>

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth
and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for
yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where
thieves do not break in and steal.<o:p></o:p>

And very importantly without cards and/or codes, treasures
stored in this way follow those who kept them wherever they go even after
death, cf. Rev 14:13. Did you ask
how? Very simple, by giving to the poor among other good works, cf. Matt 19:21; Mk 10:21; Lk 18:22. Whoever
does not store up treasures in heaven must be pitied, cf. Lk 12:21. 33; 1Cor 15:19.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Saving for eternity.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: May God help us store our treasures
in the heavenly bank – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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

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298 6313

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Friday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (I) (18 th June, 2021) on the Gospel 2Cor 11:18.21-30; Ps 33...

Thursday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (I)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:48

Homily (Reflection) for Thursday of
the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (I) (17th June, 2021) on the
Gospel

2Cor 11:1-11;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 110:1-4.7-8. (R. v.7);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 6:7-15.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Very important. <o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNamZFa9DLGjCFbkoXOLZswUa8BEfUa1eRI51tv0rIBxz0u3UuGbApX2xs2L9OE5yH3KRUXRZN2D1O1nVvENqAEv0teLUK3ONGoPTb2lUOU7hFTVrDbhB1mqZPoJi2p6pifgRs0sofPI/s259/17.06.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNamZFa9DLGjCFbkoXOLZswUa8BEfUa1eRI51tv0rIBxz0u3UuGbApX2xs2L9OE5yH3KRUXRZN2D1O1nVvENqAEv0teLUK3ONGoPTb2lUOU7hFTVrDbhB1mqZPoJi2p6pifgRs0sofPI/s0/17.06.2021.jpg" /></a></div> How a request is made contributes greatly to how it will be
received. As a result, before approaching anyone for assistance, one of the
things people get clear in their heads is how best to do the presentation.
Sometimes people meet either those close to the people or those whose requests
were granted for advice.<o:p></o:p>

Saint John’s gospel reads, “No one has ever seen God; the
only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known” (Jn 1:18). Again, “No one has ascended
into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man” (Jn 3:13). That only Son who knows the
way to the Father’s heart teaches us in today’s gospel, “When you are praying,
do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will
be heard because of their many words.” He emphasized, “Do not be like them....”<o:p></o:p>

Do we follow this advice while praying today? What about
shouting as if God has some difficulty in hearing or hears more readily those
who shout more than others? Where is the difference between Christian prayers
and that of pagans, cf. 1Kg 18:26-29?
Jesus goes further, “... your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” <o:p></o:p>

Remember the prayers of the Pharisee and the tax collector.
The Pharisee heaped up empty phrases in the name of prayer, cf. Lk 18:11-12. On the other hand,
although the tax collector uttered just a sentence but God heard him, cf. Lk 18:13-14.<o:p></o:p>

Our help comes from the LORD, cf. Ps 121:2. He works for those who wait for him, cf. Is 64:4. Let us wait for Him praying as
Christians and not Gentiles. He is our refuge, cf. Ps 62:8.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Our help comes from the Lord, cf. Ps 121:2.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, help us to pray always as you
have thought us – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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

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Thursday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Homily (Reflection) for Thursday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (I) (17 th June, 2021) on the Gospel 2Cor 11:1-11; Ps 110:...

Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (I)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 05:00

Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of
the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (I) (16th June, 2021) on the
Gospel

2Cor 9:6-11;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 111:1-4.9. (R. v.1);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 6:1-6.16-18.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: God is the target. <o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BNsyoF8cLnJBIsGOjkVhZrbwUh_CFsuKGs-CM5_xzS3arLvN7_D_fJipLf_pvYxIADAjkQ6XahzA_u0vTldgrdl4od4rcd1WSutDxNAo_NZoDcWDelL3PCY3O6RHEqCgFSvxEb5lD_k/s275/16.06.2021.png" 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/AVvXsEh_BNsyoF8cLnJBIsGOjkVhZrbwUh_CFsuKGs-CM5_xzS3arLvN7_D_fJipLf_pvYxIADAjkQ6XahzA_u0vTldgrdl4od4rcd1WSutDxNAo_NZoDcWDelL3PCY3O6RHEqCgFSvxEb5lD_k/s0/16.06.2021.png" /></a></div> Audience ought to determine the medium of communication.
Think of one whose target audience are old men and women in remote villages
where there is no electricity using the television to pass information or
another posting on the internet for people who do not have access to the
internet.<o:p></o:p>

Today’s gospel consists of Jesus’ teachings on almsgiving,
prayer, and fasting. His introduction summarized the whole teachings, “Beware
of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them: for then
you have no reward from your Father in heaven.” Whoever is giving alms,
praying, and fasting must remember that it is God who rewards and as a result
use the proper medium. <o:p></o:p>

God does not need any publicity. He knows everything,
including the secrets of the heart, cf. 1Jn
3:20; Ps 44:21; Rom 2:16. And He
will judge and reward all according to their deeds, cf. Jer 25:14; Ezek 36:19; Rev 2:23. We all must give account to Him,
cf. Heb 4:13.<o:p></o:p>

The best people can afford is to say good things of a person
and probably give awards that do not take one to anywhere, cf. 1Cor 9:25. Doing good works for others
to see is worse than going into a competition that worth millions of dollars
just to be hailed by people. We have much more in store, cf. 1Cor 2:9. Whoever wants to get the real
benefits of good works must channel them properly. God is the target and
nothing else.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: May God help us live our lives
entirely for Him – 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>

Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (I) (16 th June, 2021) on the Gospel 2Cor 9:6-11; Ps 111:...

Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (I)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:48

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of
the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (I) (15th June, 2021) on the
Gospel

2Cor 8:1-9;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 145:2.5-9. (R. v.2);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 5:43-48.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Emulate the Father. <o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDuXtKBUSdhrEfrh7COXyvbJeIl8f0qJSp_e81Yb8zxn8ShPP381gS8deH4m7jOkHO77-lGAzI_Walh3-abXqzHNn4KPYlLZ07jETVZadtfguokUP5R8GDVA2yq4yjknMSms4cnOra5o/s260/15.06.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDuXtKBUSdhrEfrh7COXyvbJeIl8f0qJSp_e81Yb8zxn8ShPP381gS8deH4m7jOkHO77-lGAzI_Walh3-abXqzHNn4KPYlLZ07jETVZadtfguokUP5R8GDVA2yq4yjknMSms4cnOra5o/s0/15.06.2021.jpg" /></a></div> Jesus asks us to love our enemies and pray for those who
persecute us. By doing this we become the true children of our Father whose sun
rises and rain falls for all. He went further and queried,<o:p></o:p>

For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?
Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers
and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do
the same?<o:p></o:p>

Although Jesus was quoted to have said that previously it was
“You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy”, but we have these passages
in the Old Testament: “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if
he is thirsty, give him water to drink” (Prov
25:21). Again, “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your
heart be glad when he stumbles” (Prov
24:17). In the book of Exodus we also read,<o:p></o:p>

When you come upon your enemy’s ox or donkey going astray,
you shall bring it back. When you see the donkey of one who hates you lying
under its burden and you would hold back from setting it free, you must help to
set it free” (Ex 23:4-5). <o:p></o:p>

Love of one’s enemies is not entirely a new law. We must
follow the example of our heavenly Father to be perfect as He is. He does not
despise anybody, cf. Job 36:5.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: God despises nobody, cf. Job 36:5.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: God, help us see beyond the physical
being that hurts us to the real person you created in your image and likeness –
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 Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (I) (15 th June, 2021) on the Gospel 2Cor 8:1-9; Ps 145:2.5...

Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (I)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:27

Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the
Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (I) (14th June,
2021) on the Gospel

2Cor 6:1-10;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 97:1-4. (R. v.2);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 5:38-42.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: It is as it was.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghool8phiBXx2cbTp4JbwqYTcEoIGHM7ry-zHL0SsY5pWQHLwPpB40FKzGcsVhMu_AH9p2JE6sbAOFTaza3gEDwIHtCUGo_sjNpecNiqgXjO9kwI3JMHcQbKjUH7-7I86gBGO7ioetc-w/s286/14.06.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="176" data-original-width="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghool8phiBXx2cbTp4JbwqYTcEoIGHM7ry-zHL0SsY5pWQHLwPpB40FKzGcsVhMu_AH9p2JE6sbAOFTaza3gEDwIHtCUGo_sjNpecNiqgXjO9kwI3JMHcQbKjUH7-7I86gBGO7ioetc-w/s0/14.06.2021.jpg" /></a></div> It is a common belief that the old law was, “An eye for an
eye and a tooth for a tooth” (cf. Ex.
21:24-25). In today’s gospel Jesus gave us a “new” law,<o:p></o:p>

Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the
right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your
coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also
the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone
who wants to borrow from you.<o:p></o:p>

Strikingly, this law is not as new as we often think because
the Old Testament also has these, “You shall not take vengeance or bear any
grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbour
as yourself: I am the LORD” (Lev 19:18).
Why did He say this? God said, “Vengeance is mine, and recompense...” (Deut 32:35). And God has set a day of
vengeance, cf. Is 34:8.<o:p></o:p>

It must be the stubbornness of the people that mutilated
God’s message, cf. Matt 19:8. Saint
Paul rightly admonished us, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to
the wrath of God” (Rom 12:19). We
are certain of Him who said, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.” And again, “The
Lord will judge his people” (Heb 10:30).
Let us leave everything to God as He commanded us from the beginning.<o:p></o:p>

Bible
Reading: Rom 12:9-21.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Overcome evil with good (Rom 12:21b).<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, strengthen us to remain your
children even in the face of all difficulties – 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 Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time (I) ( 14 th June, 2021 ) on the Gospel 2Cor 6:1-10; Ps 97:1...

Eleventh Sunday of the Year (B)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Sunday homilies 04:22

Homily (Reflection) for
the Eleventh Sunday of the Year (B) (13th June, 2021) on the Gospel

Ezek
17:22-24;

Ps
91:2-3.13-16 (R. cf. V. 2);

2Cor
5:6-10;

Mk 4:26-34.

A mad man once measured out some
quantity of dried corn. After setting it on fire, he went to fetch firewood. But
on his return, he was surprised to see that the pot was no longer enough for
the corn. He thought that someone crept in while he was away and added more
corn to the one he set on fire. With a very loud voice he called on ‘whoever
added more corn’ to his to come and take it back. According to him, he knew the
quantity of corn he had in the pot.

Topic: Mere Instruments.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGP76TvogmBETdV68CbFDsVcN7oD5e1TEHMXPQ9_S5eSkgYwNROVepsbpEtjsOlNkauvbgHUmA-e4aqf0POiMagoyDWTp7RmZ3nLKQpJ5eJLuJG1zhv720WqgTmlEGuu_gj5lTLHQKlog/s275/13.06.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGP76TvogmBETdV68CbFDsVcN7oD5e1TEHMXPQ9_S5eSkgYwNROVepsbpEtjsOlNkauvbgHUmA-e4aqf0POiMagoyDWTp7RmZ3nLKQpJ5eJLuJG1zhv720WqgTmlEGuu_gj5lTLHQKlog/s0/13.06.2021.jpg" /></a></div> Today’s gospel is made up of two parables.
The first parable reads in part: “The kingdom of God is as if someone would
scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the
seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how” (Mk 4:26-27). Again, the mustard seed according to the gospel
pericope, <o:p></o:p>

…is the smallest of all the seeds on
earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs,
and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in
its shade (Mk 4:31-32).

It is worth noting that if the
mustard seed is not sown upon the ground, it will remain the smallest of all
the seeds. The act of sowing moves the mustard seed from one condition to other
– from being the smallest seed to becoming the greatest of all shrubs (two
extremes).  Imagine someone who has just
a mustard seed. He/she may even through it away grudging that he/she has
“nothing”.

Often, we do lack confidence in
ourselves. Some find it very difficult to believe that they are good for
anything. Many dreams are thereby left unfulfilled. Some of these dreams are
capable of changing the entire world.

Whatever gift one has can be greater
than the biblical mustard seed if put in use. If not, your gift/s will rot away
as the smallest of all the gifts. And this will be evidence against you, cf. Jas 5:3.

Kingdom of God is not just something
the blessed will experience hereafter. It can be experienced here on earth,
hence, we pray that the face of the earth be renewed – “Send forth your Spirit
and they shall be recreated. And you shall renew the face of the earth”. The
kingdom of God is within us, cf. Lk.
17:21. If kingdom is understood as the abode of the king, then the kingdom
of God must be where God lives. And God lives within us, cf. 1Cor 6:19. The kingdom of God can also
be seen as “… righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom 14:17).

We are all instruments in the hands
of God. Every instrument is meant for something big. The major difference
between us and other instruments is that we can refuse to be used by God. God
has right to use us as He wills just as the potter has right over the clay, Rom 9:21. God wants us all to put all
He blessed us with into work and these will bring out other gifts that we never
knew that we have. What each of us can become is only known to God, cf. Matt 24:36; Mk 13:32. We can become so
big in the Lords vineyard if we let our gifts out, cf. Matt 25: 14-30. Just as the mustard seed cannot plant itself, our
gifts cannot use themselves. We are mere mortals and God works in so many ways
that we might not be able to understand through us, cf. 2Cor 4:7.

In summary, just like that mad man
we saw in the introductory part of this homily, one might think that he/she
knows what he/she can do and what he/she cannot, but God can use every
instrument beyond every imagination. Let us allow ourselves to be used by
starting now to do what is good. How they will become big and how big is in
God’s hands, cf. Matt 9:38; Lk 10:2.

Bible
Reading: Matt 25: 14-30; Lk 17:20-37; Rom 14: 15-21; 1Cor
6:12-20; Ps 16:1-11.<o:p></o:p>

Silent Prayer: Do you know that you are just an
instrument in the hand of God?

Let
us Pray: Lord and Master, give us the grace that will enable us put
every gift we have received from you into proper use – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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

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Eleventh Sunday of the Year (B)

Homily (Reflection) for the Eleventh Sunday of the Year (B) (13 th June, 2021) on the Gospel Ezek 17:22-24; Ps 91:2-3.13-16 (R. c...

Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

thepulpitonline.com 0 Memorials 05:13

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (12th June, 2021) on the Gospel and
the Memorial<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

2Cor 5:14-21;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 102:1-4.8-9.11-12. (R. v.8);<o:p></o:p>

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/AVvXsEiR1JmirP65s0UjVHJ9iQA8q4NnPErLdZIJWGRk70Y5rRZbcWFFQSLof9vm8DjEqk1vlE00VVfmrNYKfb5Ln-dsZ9Nke2FuRA3J0xaESSIMCw3AIbFNRAhwpmU3WPzQ6GWrPwOre4AIBFQ/s252/12.06.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1JmirP65s0UjVHJ9iQA8q4NnPErLdZIJWGRk70Y5rRZbcWFFQSLof9vm8DjEqk1vlE00VVfmrNYKfb5Ln-dsZ9Nke2FuRA3J0xaESSIMCw3AIbFNRAhwpmU3WPzQ6GWrPwOre4AIBFQ/s0/12.06.2021.jpg" /></a></div> This
memorial is based on one of the controversial issues between Catholics and
other brothers and sisters of the same Father. As a result, it can easily put
one off. Based on these facts, I plead with you to open your mind and also
implore the Holy Spirit to direct us. This reflection is not to fault anybody
or church but just to help everyone to understand the true relationship between
every child of God and the Blessed Virgin Mary; how inextricably all children
of God are linked to her.  <o:p></o:p>

The memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is celebrated on
Saturday after the Solemnity of Sacred Heart of Jesus. It calls to mind a lot
of things which include: <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;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;">Mary’s interior life, her joys and sorrows, her virtues and
hidden perfections, and above all, her virginal love for her God, and her
maternal love for her Divine Son, and her
motherly and compassionate love for
her sinful and miserable children here below.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Tenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%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></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Tenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""></a></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Tenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""></a></blockquote>

It is one’s love for Jesus and for God that draws
him/her to the Heart of Mary.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Children of Mary defined.<o:p></o:p>

Today’s
gospel recounts how Mary and Joseph searched for Jesus. When they found Him in
the temple after three days, this conversation and action took place: <o:p></o:p>

Jesus
was in His Father’s house as He ought to, “Zeal for thy house will consume me”
(Jn 2:17; cf. Ps 69:9; Zech 14:21),
but He went down with Mary and Joseph to Nazareth and was obedient to them.
Why? God commands, “Honour your father and your mother...” (Ex 20:12; cf. Deut 5:16; Matt 15:4; 19:19).
Again, we also read: “... Honour your father and your mother'; and, ‘He who
speaks evil of father or mother, let him [or her] surely die’” (Mk 7:10). <o:p></o:p>

Based
on the scriptures, we rightly refer to ourselves as the children of God, (cf. Mal 2:10; Matt 23:9). And the question
is: Who then is our mother or are we
motherless? We often behave like the Jews who although rightly say that
they are the children of Abraham and that God is their Father but their lives
and utterances contradict their claims, cf. Jn 8: 31-59.<o:p></o:p>

In
the book of Revelation, we read: “And the dragon was angry at the woman and
declared war against the rest of her
children – all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for
Jesus” (Rev 12:17, NLT). Do you
truly keep God’s commandments and
maintain your testimony for Jesus? If the answer is yes, then who is that
woman whose other children after the first born child (Jesus) the bible defined
as “all who keep God’s commandments and
maintain their testimony for Jesus” as we just cited? My dear child of God,
it is that woman we call Blessed Virgin Mary whose Immaculate Heart we
celebrate today, cf. Rev 12:1-6. So,
the bible did not only tell us that God is our Father, it also tells us that
Mary is the mother of every child of God. Children of God ought to keep God’s
word, cf. Jn 14:23. But sometimes
because of wrong information we seem to honour our Father and dishonour our
mother. <o:p></o:p>

Finally,
Saint Ignatius prayed in his letter to the Romans: “The only petition I would have you put forward on my behalf is that I
may be ... a Christian in reality instead of only in repute.” Again,
“Christianity lies in achieving greatness in the face of a world’s hatred”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Tenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" 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: 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;">[2]</a>
My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, Listen to God and not to humans. We
have seen and I repeat, Every Child of God is a Child of Mary. I
pray we accept the privilege of being the children of the Blessed Virgin Mary
despite our gross unworthiness. Despite the hatred one might encounter, the
truth remains that Mary is our mother. It is left for each person to either
follow God (the creator) or to follow creatures. God has given us Mary as our
mother and He expects us to honour her.<o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: Rev 12:13-17; Jn 8:31-59.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Child of
God, who is your mother?<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Blessed
Virgin Mary, protect us in your Immaculate
Heart. And may God give us all the graces that will enable us imitate your
immaculateness – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

Immaculate Heart of Mary – Pray for us (your
children).<o:p></o:p>

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

Visit our website: <a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/">www.thepulpitonline.com</a><o:p></o:p>

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and/or to support this ministry:<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)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Tenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%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="http://www.newadvent.org.cathen/07168a.htm">http://www.newadvent.org.cathen/07168a.htm</a>
<o:p></o:p>

</div>

<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Tenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" 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;">[2]</a> Letter
of St. Ignatius of Antioch to the Romans. In The Divine Office: The liturgy of the hours according to the Roman rite,
(1997). London: Collins, p. 164.<o:p></o:p>

</div>

Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (12 th June, 2021) on the Gospel and the Memorial 2Cor 5:14-21...

Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (B)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts 05:11

Homily (Reflection) for the Solemnity
of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (B) (11th June, 2021) on the
Gospel and the Solemnity<o:p></o:p>

Hos 11:1.3-4.8-9;<o:p></o:p>

Is 12:2-6 (R. V. 3);<o:p></o:p>

Eph 3:8-12.14-19;<o:p></o:p>

Jn 19:31-37.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2fJRiNPQdZg1Nt9_PfyCdE14CXR_9v-sYfEB5QffFrV4sTNK4Toy-vK8DP6GNt1uJ7i_YSlaQZfn7V3uE8EQm_PrOHcNc_ru2N9Pc-i5tOt6rW_zhjcAjlgDDR-kyD5QnSM7d0I2J9s/s252/11.06.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2fJRiNPQdZg1Nt9_PfyCdE14CXR_9v-sYfEB5QffFrV4sTNK4Toy-vK8DP6GNt1uJ7i_YSlaQZfn7V3uE8EQm_PrOHcNc_ru2N9Pc-i5tOt6rW_zhjcAjlgDDR-kyD5QnSM7d0I2J9s/s0/11.06.2021.jpg" /></a></div> Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus can be traced back to
the eleventh century. It marked the spirituality of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux
in the twelfth century and of Saint Bonaventure and Saint Gertrude the Great in
the thirteenth century. The devotion to the love of God as symbolized by the
heart of Jesus is found even in the fathers of the Church including Origen,
Saint Ambrose, Saint Jerome, Saint Augustine of Hippo, Saint Hippolytus of
Rome, Saint Irenaeus, Saint Justin Martyr and Saint Cyprian.<o:p></o:p>

But the first liturgical feast of the Sacred Heart was
celebrated, with episcopal approval, on 31st August 1670, in the
major seminary of Rennes, France, through the efforts of Saint John Eudes. The
revelations to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque and Blessed Mary of the Divine
Heart Droste zu Vischering gave this devotion more impetus. Mass of the Sacred
Heart of Jesus was approved by the papacy for Poland and Portugal in 1765, and
for Venice, Austria and Spain in 1788. Finally, in 1856, Pope Pius IX extended it
to the universal Church. Pope Pius XI raised it to Solemnity in 1928.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Tenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%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: Sacred Heart of Jesus loves
you. <o:p></o:p>

God
is love (1Jn 4:7) and Jesus Christ
is the symbol of God’s love for us, (cf. Jn
3:16) whom He sent to save the world, (1Jn
4:14). Hence for Saint John,<o:p></o:p>

It
is about that heart that loves us so much that we read in today’s gospel: “But
when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break
his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at
once blood and water came out” (Jn
19:33-34).<o:p></o:p>

A young man was bragging himself as one with a perfect
looking heart until an old man came up with a heart full of scars and empty
spaces to challenge him. Although the young man with good-looking heart scorned
him, the old man said to him:<o:p></o:p>

“Yes ... yours is perfect looking but I would never trade
with you. You see, every scar represents a person to whom I have given my love,
I tear out a piece of my heart and give it to them, and often they give me a
piece of their heart which fits into the empty place in my heart, but because
the pieces aren’t exact, I have some rough edges, which I cherish, because they
remind me of the love we share.<o:p></o:p>

“Sometimes I have given pieces of my heart away, and the
other person hasn’t returned a piece of his heart to me. These are the empty
spaces – giving love is taking a chance. Although these empty spaces are
painful, they stay open, reminding me of the love I have for these people too,
and I hope someday they may return and fill the space. So now do you see what
true beauty is?” (Culled from Sagayanathan, A. (2009). Launching pad: Stories for Sunday Homilies
year – A, B & C. Bangalore:
Asian Trading Corporation, pp. 179-180).<o:p></o:p>

The
introduction to today’s solemnity in The Sunday Missal: A new edition reads:
“Man’s rejection of God’s love is tragically symbolized by the piercing of the
heart of Christ on the cross” (The Sunday Missal: A new edition
(1995). London: HarperCollinsReligious, p. 579). <o:p></o:p>

So
my dear brothers and sisters, hope you are not one of those people Jesus gave a
piece of His heart to who never returned a piece of theirs? As Jesus’ heart was
pierced for His love for me and you, what about your own heart? Has it ever
been pierced for your love for God and for your brothers and sisters? Or is
your heart still as perfect looking as that of the young man who bragged
himself as one with a perfect looking heart because he never loved anybody
including God? There is no need rising with the bride in the Song of Solomon in
search of the one who loves us so much, cf. Song 3:2. Jesus has long been standing at the door of your heart
knocking, cf. Rev. 3:20. The most
sacred Heart of Jesus seeks our love in return and loving Him in return is the
best and the only thing He seeks, cf. 1Cor
13:1. Father Sagayanathan concludes the story with this: <o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: Jn 3:16-21; 1Jn 4:7-21.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: How much do
you love God in return?<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Most
Sacred Heart of Jesus, we are aware that we have repeatedly abused your love
for us. As we celebrate you, we plead for a new heart that will enable us love
you in return and our brothers and sister as we ought – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus – Thy kingdom come!<o:p></o:p>

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<o:p> </o:p>

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

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)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Tenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%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/Feast_of_the_Sacred_Heart">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feast_of_the_Sacred_Heart</a>
<o:p></o:p>

</div>

Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (B)

Homily (Reflection) for the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (B) (11 th June, 2021) on the Gospel and the Solemnity Hos ...

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Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (B)

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