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Utmost Importance: Friday of the Second Week of Advent (II) (15th December, 2017).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:47

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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Utmost Importance</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/AVvXsEgX14G2bwvzZBaKQw9GpcXYD0xMXawwd2EInx9GEofV4G2cXReNDQFJ7RGE1mBEdLAAfeB-8g8ymejjGYvKFNpclhevg9jV6NhQ6XiWN2pdITKixVO61ourEqzzRwbf939-Y5foFdgXwrc/s1600/15.12.2017.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" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX14G2bwvzZBaKQw9GpcXYD0xMXawwd2EInx9GEofV4G2cXReNDQFJ7RGE1mBEdLAAfeB-8g8ymejjGYvKFNpclhevg9jV6NhQ6XiWN2pdITKixVO61ourEqzzRwbf939-Y5foFdgXwrc/s200/15.12.2017.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus compared this generation with children sitting in the
marketplaces and calling to one another, “We played the flute for you, and you
did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn” (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 11:16-17</b>). This comparison was based on their inability to
accept both John the Baptist and the Messiah irrespective of their life styles.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May be you have been worrying what you will do to please one
person or the other. I want to remind you that we are still in that generation
Jesus spoke about in today’s gospel or even in a worse one. Both Jesus and His
forerunner were not bothered about this but the Utmost Importance, doing the
will of God. So, listen to God and not to men, (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts 4:19</b>) learn how to please God and not men, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Thess 4:1</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, take time to see if you can still remember all the ministers
of God you have encountered here on earth? On my side, I have lost count of them.
Certainly, each one is unique. Now the big question is, ‘What hinders me and you
from accepting the gospel?’<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;">: Acts 4:1-22.<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;"> What is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Utmost
Important</b> to you</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">?</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> Lord, help us to listen to you and
to please you alone – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are free to share this reflection
with others if you consider it worthy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

Utmost Importance: Friday of the Second Week of Advent (II) (15th December, 2017).

Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the Second Week of Advent (II) (15 th December, 2017) on the Gospel Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-4.6....

Be careful: Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, P.D., (14th December, 2017).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Memorials 04:54

<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thursday of the Second Week of Advent (II)</b>)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br />

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZmP6rIoKke5e-k977iaGziF9DUN4_C4mABxxX1F8fu9ZgKjQYuOGHd8eYpxgWaN352B8qq1PEIYvw6C3Y74fwW4J9M2kAUrNEeQCBf8Mmhz6nbBBZuqowSHQObte-y9IUSGbkDWAjQU/s1600/14.12.2017.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="264" data-original-width="191" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZmP6rIoKke5e-k977iaGziF9DUN4_C4mABxxX1F8fu9ZgKjQYuOGHd8eYpxgWaN352B8qq1PEIYvw6C3Y74fwW4J9M2kAUrNEeQCBf8Mmhz6nbBBZuqowSHQObte-y9IUSGbkDWAjQU/s200/14.12.2017.png" width="144" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saint John of the Cross was born in Spain in 1542. He became
a Carmelite and was ordained a priest in 1567. Saint Theresa of Avila
encouraged him to undertake the reform of his Order. He was strenuously opposed
and suffered many trials and setbacks. He led a life of prayer which bore fruit
in a number of writings that are classics of the mystical life which include <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Ascent of Mount Carmel</b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Dark Night of the Soul</b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Spiritual Canticle</b>, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Living Flame of Love</b>. His
outstanding homilies, austerity of life, poetic genius and charity remain a living
example.</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II%20(2017-2018)/Advent%20and%20Xmas%20Seasons%20(2017-2018)/Second%20Week%20of%20Advent%20(II).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;"><span style="color: #2e7061;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></a><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: Be careful</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 prophet Malachi reads: “Behold, I will send you Elijah
the prophet before the great and terrible day of the LORD comes” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mal 4:5</b>). And based on this prophesy,
although the Israelites were waiting for the Messiah, they were expecting to
receive Elijah first, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk 9:11</b>. However,
Jesus tells us in today’s gospel that the Elijah they were waiting for had come
and gone but unnoticed, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 11:14</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we expect God to do one thing or the other either for us
or for others, it is very important that we open our eyes to be able to see God
at work. Otherwise, that might go unnoticed just like the Elijah who came but
the Jews did not recognise him. Again, many have missed opportunities because
they never came as they expected them. Hence I say to you: ‘<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Be careful</b>’ lest you miss again and
probably the last one. <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, we can sanitize both the civil and religious communities
we belong to after the good example of Saint John of the Cross. But we must be careful
lest we change them for worse.<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;">: Mal 4:1-5.<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, give us the grace to see your
hand at work in us and around us</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">– Amen.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II%20(2017-2018)/Advent%20and%20Xmas%20Seasons%20(2017-2018)/Second%20Week%20of%20Advent%20(II).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-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
The Weekday Missal: A new edition (1995). HarperCollins Religious: London. <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">p.1831. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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Be careful: Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, P.D., (14th December, 2017).

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, P.D., (14 th December, 2017) on the Gospel and the Memorial ( Thurs...

Come to me, (Matt 11:28): Memorial of Saint Lucy, V.M., (13th December, 2017).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Memorials 04:45

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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Lucy, V.M., (13<sup>th</sup> December, 2017) on the Gospel and the
Memorial<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent (II)</b>)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Is 40:25-31;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ps 102:1-4.8.10. (R. v.1);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Matt 11:28-30</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknWKRaWf1pp8wtdFCIeaVVer06XGYcncJxiIUMgD7z-6co_-HuwWL3-RB8HhZNTI3g9eyhd2hSPuEfFvzni4-5dS8gERtBoaLWfla7axRiHDPodyBNql1BYiXt4f5schpLwL86bDdKSo/s1600/13.12.2016.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="261" data-original-width="193" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknWKRaWf1pp8wtdFCIeaVVer06XGYcncJxiIUMgD7z-6co_-HuwWL3-RB8HhZNTI3g9eyhd2hSPuEfFvzni4-5dS8gERtBoaLWfla7axRiHDPodyBNql1BYiXt4f5schpLwL86bDdKSo/s200/13.12.2016.png" width="147" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Lucy’s history has been lost and all we really know
for certain is that this brave woman lived in Syracuse and lost her life during
the persecution of Christians in the early fourth century. Lucy can mean
‘light’ or ‘lucid.’ A legend that has passed the test of time tells the story
of a young Christian woman who vowed to live her life in service of Christ. Her
mother tried to arrange a marriage for her with a pagan. After her mother’s
miraculous healing, she persuaded her mother to give the dowry money to the
poor and allow her to commit her life to God. The rejected bridegroom was
deeply angered and betrayed Lucy's faith to the governor Paschasius. The
governor tried unsuccessfully to defile her at a brothel. Lucy was not burnt
when she was set ablaze. She was finally killed by the swords. Lucy is the
patron saint of the blind.</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II%20(2017-2018)/Advent%20and%20Xmas%20Seasons%20(2017-2018)/Second%20Week%20of%20Advent%20(II).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%;"><span style="color: #2e7061;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></a><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: Come to me</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">, (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 11:28</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";">In today’s gospel, Jesus asks all who are weary and are
carrying heavy burdens to come to Him and have rest. The gospel reads further:
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is
light” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 11:29-30</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";">The book of Lamentations is unambiguous that what brings
about true heavy burdens is sin, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lam
1:14; </b>cf.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Hos 11:7</b>. Hence Saint
Paul admonishes us not to submit again to the yoke of sin, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gal 5:1</b>. The book of Lamentation reads
further: “With a yoke on our necks we are hard driven; we are weary, we are
given no rest” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lam 5:5</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">God asks us in today’s gospel to come to Him and have the
troubling and tiring yokes removed from us, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nah 1:13</b>. We are left with two options – either to go to God and be
freed or remain with our heavy burdens.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">No matter how bad you think your situation is, be certain
that nothing is too hard for God, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gen
18:14; Jer 32:17,27</b>. The blood of our Lord can make the best out of us, cf.
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Is 1:18</b>. We ought to follow the example
of Saint Lucy who turned to God undaunted by the anger of the rejected suitor and
the persecution of the governor. Make the best out of your state today by leaning
on Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: Nah 1:12-15.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; 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;"> Are you under any yoke</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> God, help us to be free from every
yoke of sin – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Saint Lucy – Pray for us</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">You are free to share this reflection
with others if you consider it worthy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II%20(2017-2018)/Advent%20and%20Xmas%20Seasons%20(2017-2018)/Second%20Week%20of%20Advent%20(II).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%;"><span style="color: #2e7061;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=75"><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: x-small;">http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=75</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>
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Come to me, (Matt 11:28): Memorial of Saint Lucy, V.M., (13th December, 2017).

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Lucy, V.M., (13 th December, 2017) on the Gospel and the Memorial ( Wednesday of the Seco...

God is after us: Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent (II) (12th December, 2017).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:55

<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of
the Second Week of Advent (II) (12<sup>th</sup> December, 2017) on the Gospel</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 50%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></o:p></span></b> </div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Is 40:1-11;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ps 95:1-3.10-13. (R. cf. Is 40:9-10);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Matt
18:12-14</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: God is after us</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEW0UAmCNdXpD6C5yaRYG49m9k1EaoHXNtX7Bd04_yNm3fraacu0eZIdvx8f4-OZ0NftCy7Eysw-v_UvK9zBg2_SLeM8Dl6c0bJa79GWvUzM1x1QIDnhr3i63tRV5Oc_qfJResk54j60c/s1600/12.12.2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEW0UAmCNdXpD6C5yaRYG49m9k1EaoHXNtX7Bd04_yNm3fraacu0eZIdvx8f4-OZ0NftCy7Eysw-v_UvK9zBg2_SLeM8Dl6c0bJa79GWvUzM1x1QIDnhr3i63tRV5Oc_qfJResk54j60c/s200/12.12.2017.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jesus likened how God cares about us to a shepherd who leaves
ninety-nine sheep on the mountains in search of one that went astray. This
passage looks ridiculous; someone leaving ninety-nine sheep just for a lost
one? Every one of us is very important.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">It is important to remind ourselves who we are, “Know that
the LORD is God! It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and
the sheep of his pasture” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 100:3; </b>cf.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Ps 74:1; 78:52; 95:7; Ezek 34:31</b>). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Whenever one leaves God’s ways, he/she is lost, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 10:6</b>. Jesus the good shepherd (cf.
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 10:11.14</b>) came to find the lost,
cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 15:24; Is 53:6</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">God is really after us because He wants us to live, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ezek 18:31</b>. Hence, He said through the
prophet Ezekiel, “As I live, says the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death
of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn
back from your evil ways; for why will you die, O house of Israel?” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ezek 33:11</b>)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">He is begging us to stop sinning, (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ezek 44:6</b>) partly because although He wants all to live yet He will
judge us according to our ways, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ezek
33:20. 34:17, 20, 22</b>. One can live only in God, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Amos 5:4; Jn 15:5</b>. God’s sheep hears His voice, and they follow Him,
cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 10:27</b>. He is begging us to hearken
to His voice today as His sheep we are, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 95:7</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: Ezek 34:11-31; </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Jn
21:15-19</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Thought for today:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> God wants us to live.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> Lord, open our eyes to see that
there is no life apart from you – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">You are free to share this reflection
with others if you consider it worthy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

God is after us: Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent (II) (12th December, 2017).

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent (II) (12 th December, 2017) on the Gospel Is 40:1-11; Ps 95:1-3.10-13...

Your sins are forgiven: Monday of the Second Week of Advent (II) (11th December, 2017).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:33

<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the
Second Week of Advent (II) </span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">11<sup>th</sup> December, 2017</b>)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br />

</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Your sins are forgiven</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/AVvXsEi2wLG9DJl8lPSurhg1g_M7Mj9l7kJ8N-eOHMjKBvpsAiDtc-Yrz7PTPQKUpnP2cpZtEYvkI5wyHkZu6lRkpVkBwvquWOOz2SpRrQUtvbTxDhpIMIcaXJCV936L_zefu8SvHcvg_zxBUIw/s1600/05.12.2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="117" data-original-width="171" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wLG9DJl8lPSurhg1g_M7Mj9l7kJ8N-eOHMjKBvpsAiDtc-Yrz7PTPQKUpnP2cpZtEYvkI5wyHkZu6lRkpVkBwvquWOOz2SpRrQUtvbTxDhpIMIcaXJCV936L_zefu8SvHcvg_zxBUIw/s200/05.12.2016.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus was teaching in today’s gospel when some men brought to
Him a paralyzed man. They let the man down through the roof because the crowd
made it impossible to pass through the door. Seeing their faith Jesus said to
the paralyzed man “My Friend, your sins are forgiven you” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 5:20</b>). Although the scribes and the Pharisees questioned in
their ignorance but the paralyzed man so much needed the forgiveness of his
sins. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Based on the Old Testament, the Jews believed that bodily
diseases are connected to sin. Hence, Jesus’ disciples asked him of the man
blind from birth: “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents...?” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 9:2</b>). And for the Pharisees he was
born entirely in sins, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 9:34</b>.
Unfortunately, the main effect of sin we ought to be afraid of is not bodily
ailments, because ultimately sin leads to death, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prov 12:28; Matt 10:28</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;">Sin has paralyzed us in various ways, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 8:34</b>. So as we prepare for Christ we
should remember that sacramental confession is very important. You may have
your reasons why sacramental confession is not important or should not be now. Be
assured that Jesus Christ Himself is waiting for you to come and be healed
because you are His friend, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 15:15</b>.
He is ever ready to say these same words to you: “My Friend, your sins are
forgiven you.” Hence, He graciously invites us, “Come now, let us reason
together... though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Is 1:18</b>). You and I need these words.
Let’s get up and approach His throne of mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Readings</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Jn 20:19-23</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.<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%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Christ is waiting for you to come.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Lord, forgive us all our sins as we
approach your throne of mercy – Amen</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">!<o:p></o:p></span></i></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>

Your sins are forgiven: Monday of the Second Week of Advent (II) (11th December, 2017).

Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the Second Week of Advent (II) ( 11 th December, 2017 ) on the Gospel Is 35:1-10; Ps 84:9-1...

Prepare for the Lord, cf. Mk 1:3: Second Sunday of Advent, (B) (10th December, 2017).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Sunday homilies 03:56

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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 Advent, (B) (10</span><sup><span style="font-size: small;">th</span></sup><span style="font-size: large;"> December, 2017) on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Is 40:1-5.9-11;</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Ps 84:9-14 (R. v.8);</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></b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prepare for the Lord, cf. Mk 1:3</b>.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6KKJ4J7ft7Li_xgtX9VKKjfgNC5NIGwtWSB6bMm_G8h89H8_ipgKjbQVswir5XO2VGfQP427iEBqNEqUKvcGnthcVS3yPpCLGvo8c5judbSR7sZO5hd0QHne87_Gokhr66FNo8s9erw/s1600/10.12.2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6KKJ4J7ft7Li_xgtX9VKKjfgNC5NIGwtWSB6bMm_G8h89H8_ipgKjbQVswir5XO2VGfQP427iEBqNEqUKvcGnthcVS3yPpCLGvo8c5judbSR7sZO5hd0QHne87_Gokhr66FNo8s9erw/s1600/10.12.2017.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">In our homily for the first Sunday
of Advent (B), we considered the meaning of Advent and also reflected on the
life of Christians as the life of Advent. John the Baptist, the forerunner of
Jesus Christ in today’s gospel calls for the preparation for the Lord’s coming.
Although many have seen a good number of Advent seasons, I would like us to
reflect on the preparation for Christ’s coming. This is to avoid the danger of allowing
this season pass without any impact on individual lives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">John in today’s gospel began his ministry by proclaiming “…
a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk.1:4</b>) as prophesied by Isaiah, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Is 40:3</b>. This clarion call brought “people from the whole Judean
countryside and all the people of Jerusalem” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk 1:5</b>).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">We recall that Advent is a time of preparation both for the
anniversary of Christ’s first coming and also for his second coming. We read
from the gospel: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness,
proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people
from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going
out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins
(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk 1:4-5</b>).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Although we are called to prepare for the Lord, who do we
actually prepare for during the season of Advent – ourselves or the Lord? It is
very easy for one to say that he/she is preparing for the Lord but do we really
prepare for the Lord? For instance, the preparation for Christmas witnesses
more activities in so many areas like trying to have a better place to live in,
good cars to drive around with, better clothes, shoes, jewelleries, assorted
makeup amongst others to put on, good hairstyles, money to spend, and so many
other things that we struggle to accomplish before Christmas especially during
Advent season. These externalities are not bad in themselves but John the
Baptist’s proclamation did not lead people sought for them rather it made
people sought for the spiritual (real and profitable) things – baptism and
confession of sins.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Considering the reaction of the people who heard the
proclamation of John the Baptist in preparation for the first coming of Jesus
Christ, as we prepare for both the anniversary of Jesus’ first coming and also
await his second coming, do we consider baptism and confession and other
sacraments important? Struggling to complete building projects, buy new cars,
articles of clothing, and so on, for what use will all these be for Jesus? As
we have noted, these things are not bad in themselves but they can be snares
against preparing for the Lord.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">At His first coming, Christ was born in a manger, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 2:12</b>. But now he desires to be born
in our lives. Hence He said: “...If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and
my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 14:23</b>). Again in the book of
Revelation we read: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears my
voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with
me” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rev 3:20</b>). And in Acts of the
Apostles we also read: “The God who made the world and everything in it, being
Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by man” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts 17:24</b>). And again in Saint Paul’s
first letter to the Corinthians we also read: “... The body is ... for the
Lord, and the Lord for the body” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor
6:13</b>). So the preparation for the Lord ought to be done in our lives. We do
this by repenting because answering Christian names is not enough to say that
we have repented. This conversion is very important. Hence Jesus also began his
public ministry by calling us to repentance, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk 1:15</b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">We go back to God by making good confession of our sins. However,
making a good confession reminds me of the story of a man who while confessing
his sins first said he stole two times but later changed it to five times. When
the priest asked the man how many times he actually stole, the man said that he
has stolen twice since his last confession and had also planned to steal three
more times in near future. Hence the number five was to cover both the ones he
has stolen and the ones he had also planned to steal. For one to make a good
confession of sins he or she must be sincere otherwise, he or she makes mockery
of the sacrament thereby going back worse than he/she was. And again, there
must be either perfect or imperfect contrition.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Dear friends in the Lord, prepare for the Lord and not for
yourself by looking at your life. Just as we are made-up of body and soul
(spirit), preparation for Christmas must also be two sided – bodily (external)
as well as spiritual (internal) but greater attention must be paid to the
spiritual preparation. His first coming was at the manger, now he intends to be
born in our hearts. To enjoy the fullness of the Christmas, we must take the
two sides of it serious. This will lead us to benefit from the Christmas as we
should – materially and spiritually.</span></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;">: </span>Matt 4:12-17; 7:21-29; Acts
2:37-42; Rev. 2:5<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.</span><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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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> <span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Do you
know that an important visitor is patiently waiting at the door of your soul?</span></span></span></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>Lord, help
us to prepare well for your coming. May this feast bring peace and joy of mind
and body to our lives and among ourselves. We ask this through Christ our Lord –
Amen. </span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are
free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more
homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">May God bless you all+</span></span></div>

Prepare for the Lord, cf. Mk 1:3: Second Sunday of Advent, (B) (10th December, 2017).

Homily (Reflection) for the Second Sunday of Advent, (B) (10 th December, 2017) on the Gospel Is 40:1-5.9-11; Ps 84:9-14 (R. v.8); ...

Give without charge: Saturday of the First Week of Advent (II) (09th December, 2017).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:02

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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: Give without charge</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/AVvXsEiMbojMmIwo0Lga_09cx3Ke6KAEYp9ULVfMTbzo7c7130JQC-ZTVmBX4B0g5kOsiAOv75RiSNuMLnMQFD6LZsK6BfSmqvhIDYtucfHvJSBMD5UlmeVSIsyvVKaa75siNJ7_5cZntJIOsWw/s1600/10.03.2017.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbojMmIwo0Lga_09cx3Ke6KAEYp9ULVfMTbzo7c7130JQC-ZTVmBX4B0g5kOsiAOv75RiSNuMLnMQFD6LZsK6BfSmqvhIDYtucfHvJSBMD5UlmeVSIsyvVKaa75siNJ7_5cZntJIOsWw/s1600/10.03.2017.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In today’s gospel, Jesus empowered his twelve apostles to
cast out unclean spirits and to cure all kinds of diseases and sickness. These
twelve were sent out with clear instruction: “As you go, proclaim the good
news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead,
cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">You
received without payment; give without payment</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;">It is important to remind ourselves that we all possess
variety of gifts from the same God, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor
12:4; Eph 4:11</b>. Despite the fact that our gifts differ, they are given to
us to be used, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 12:6</b>. These
gifts are to be used not for the enrichment of the caretakers but for the good
of all, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor 12:7</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;">As you go about your business today, this season, and all the
days of your life remember that there lies your own gift from God. Do not steal
or cheat or take advantage of others using the gift/s you received from God as
arms. Rather give it/them freely to others without charge. Remember, “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">You received without payment; give without
payment</b>”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: 1Cor 12:1-31.<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 the Holy Spirit of God help us
to understand the gifts we have been given and to use them for the common good
(cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor 2:12</b>) – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

Give without charge: Saturday of the First Week of Advent (II) (09th December, 2017).

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the First Week of Advent (II) (09 th December, 2017) on the Gospel Is 30:19-21.23-26; Ps 1...

Rejoice, favoured one: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (08th December, 2017).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts 05:10

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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: Rejoice, favoured one</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/AVvXsEiYBt4MW7y12a9v_3sntfQeVIDqIfHt2y9Ef50aqZSK8N218tHoJKxcGaryMoJuG5zVae1wMn2fY1opFzA-ojDModPMvJeDyW0yDCtlLCGPf1-VYLcCeEghcQDDbcK0Bhe566SgNJjizlA/s1600/Immaculate+Conception+of+the+BVM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="221" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBt4MW7y12a9v_3sntfQeVIDqIfHt2y9Ef50aqZSK8N218tHoJKxcGaryMoJuG5zVae1wMn2fY1opFzA-ojDModPMvJeDyW0yDCtlLCGPf1-VYLcCeEghcQDDbcK0Bhe566SgNJjizlA/s200/Immaculate+Conception+of+the+BVM.jpg" width="147" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today, the Church celebrates that Mary was conceived in the
womb of her mother, Saint Anne, free from original sin by virtue of the
foreseen merits of her son, Jesus Christ. This is better known as the
Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and was dogmatically deﬁned in
1854 by Pope Pius IX in his papal bull <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ineﬀabilis Deus</i></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;">Surely, this solemnity is one of the areas many non-Catholics
question seriously. Just as Mary herself asked in today’s gospel how could it
be possible that she would conceive and bear a son since she is a virgin, some
also ask how could this be possible, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk
1:34</b>. In my humble opinion, angel Gabriel has the answer: “The Holy Spirit
will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you;
therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 1:35</b>). We read in the gospel: “You
will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from
thistles?” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 7:16</b>). It is God
who protected Mary from the original sin because of the task ahead. The angel
also said: “... nothing is impossible with God” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 1:37</b>, NLT). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just as the Blessed Virgin Mary surrenders to God’s will:
“Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word”
(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 1:38</b>) God expects each and every
one of us to surrender our wills to Him. Because “Blessed rather are those who
hear the word of God and keep it!” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk
11:28; Rev 1:3</b>). We should rejoice because we are favoured by God. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: Lk 11:27-28.<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;"> Do you keep the Word of God</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">?</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> May God help us through the
intercession of Blessed Virgin Mary to give ourselves freely and entirely to
Him – 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%;">Mary conceived without Original Sin –
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;">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

Rejoice, favoured one: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (08th December, 2017).

Homily (Reflection) for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (08 th December, 2017) on the Gospel and ...

Utmost Importance: Friday of the Second Week of Advent (II) (15th December, 2017).

Be careful: Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, P.D., (14th December, 2017).

Come to me, (Matt 11:28): Memorial of Saint Lucy, V.M., (13th December, 2017).

God is after us: Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent (II) (12th December, 2017).

Your sins are forgiven: Monday of the Second Week of Advent (II) (11th December, 2017).

Prepare for the Lord, cf. Mk 1:3: Second Sunday of Advent, (B) (10th December, 2017).

Give without charge: Saturday of the First Week of Advent (II) (09th December, 2017).

Rejoice, favoured one: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (08th December, 2017).

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