Measure of greatness: Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent (07th March, 2018).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent (07^th March, 2018) on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Deut 4:1.5-9;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 147:12-13.15-16.19-20 (R. v. 12);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Matt 5:17-19</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Topic: Measure of greatness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qxuG3XAsZzC6iYS1aeR3aMUMPS_Y0DLPDk7QMtEoFlNiwOGv4FiUlVduOe7Z9M5pdyTkl5oIW7xNenUqyP0NmcrptS2C72jaJS9IFdy478CdPPgKppQJis_qjJVYD8j785RSQm4T2hw/s1600/07.03.2018.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qxuG3XAsZzC6iYS1aeR3aMUMPS_Y0DLPDk7QMtEoFlNiwOGv4FiUlVduOe7Z9M5pdyTkl5oIW7xNenUqyP0NmcrptS2C72jaJS9IFdy478CdPPgKppQJis_qjJVYD8j785RSQm4T2hw/s1600/07.03.2018.png" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus is telling us in today’s gospel that His coming is to fulfil the law and the prophets. To show that nothing is negligible in the word of God He goes on to say, “not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished.” Jesus concludes saying, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt 0.7in; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 5:19</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The prophet Daniel reads, “And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dan 12:3</b>). One may ask, ‘Who are the wise?’ The Psalm reads, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who practice it. His praise endures forever!” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 111:10; cf. Job 28:28; Prov 9:10</b>). And the book of Proverbs goes further, “The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prov 8:13</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The fear of the Lord leads to life, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prov 19:23</b>. It also prolongs life, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prov 10:27</b>. Its reward is riches and honour and life, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prov 22:4</b>. It is “a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prov 14:27</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;">True greatness therefore is achieved by doing the will of God wholeheartedly. There is no half measure. Either you are in or out because “whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jas 2:10</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;">: </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Dan 12:2-3; Jas 2:1-13</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Thought for today:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> Unless you are wise.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> May the Holy Spirit teach us the fear of the Lord which leads to true greatness – 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%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt;"> <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;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Visit our website: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.thepulpitonline.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; 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Measure of greatness: Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent (07th March, 2018).

Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent (07 th March, 2018) on the Gospel   Deut 4:1.5-9; Ps 147:12-13.15-16...

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If you want then...: Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent (06th March, 2018).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent (06^th March, 2018) on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dan 3:25.34-43;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 24:4-9 (R. v. 6);<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 18:21-35</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Topic: If you want then....<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8UbfrDpr9Y-FHYAXlgnVGZ4_flLKChynJgSMC8B6bPzKWC9HqTcmXYAXbOSFLHZQaIZtY4wVtos4FPS6YHAxJNH8rEuerNE7MLZA9y4XUgfC5B6pUv8pTg3Eu5eBKbgK8fHelYT2YdA/s1600/06.03.2018.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="154" data-original-width="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8UbfrDpr9Y-FHYAXlgnVGZ4_flLKChynJgSMC8B6bPzKWC9HqTcmXYAXbOSFLHZQaIZtY4wVtos4FPS6YHAxJNH8rEuerNE7MLZA9y4XUgfC5B6pUv8pTg3Eu5eBKbgK8fHelYT2YdA/s1600/06.03.2018.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In today’s gospel Peter asked Jesus how often one is bound to forgive his/her brothers and sisters, “As many as seven times?” Jesus replied, “Not seven times, but ... seventy-seven times.” Jesus further gave the parable of the unforgiving slave who owed the king ten thousand talents. As he could not pay this huge amount he pleaded with the king for time. Contrary to his prayer, out of pity the king forgave him the debt. But as this slave stepped out he met a fellow slave who owed him a hundred denarii. He seized him by the throat saying, “Pay what you owe.” His fellow salve’s prayer for time fell on deaf ears. The unforgiving slave threw his fellow slave into prison until he would pay the debt.<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;">To help us understand better, a talent worth more than fifteen years wages of a labourer whereas a denarius was a day’s wage of a labourer. Just imagine the big difference between what the unforgiving slave owed the king and what other slave owed him. He asked for time and got much more than what he asked for but his fellow slave asked for time and got imprisonment. <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;">When the king heard what happened, he summoned the unforgiving slave and said to him, “You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?” The gospel reads further, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt 0.7in; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.<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;">Think of how often we wrong God and run to Him for forgiveness. And we know that He forgives all who come to Him with sincere heart, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2Chr 7:14;</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jer 33:8; Ps 85:2; 1Jn 1:9</b>. How often do we forgive others? God wants us to forgive others just as He forgives us, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Col 3:13</b>. One must forgive as many times as he or she is wronged, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 17:4</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lenten season is not just a time of receiving forgiveness from God but most importantly a time of giving forgiveness to others. Whoever fails to forgive piles up his or her sins against him/herself. Decide wisely!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: Matt 6:9-15; Mk 11:25.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Thought for today:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> You will be forgiven if only you forgive.<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, remove from us the heart of stone and give us a new heart of flesh and a new spirit to enable us forgive others – Amen (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ezek 36:26</b>). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; 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text-align: center;"> <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;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tel: +234 813 305 0302<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">       </span>+234 905 655 4466<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Email: </span></span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

If you want then...: Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent (06th March, 2018).

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent (06 th March, 2018) on the Gospel   Dan 3:25.34-43; Ps 24:4-9 (R. v. 6...

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Although it hurts: Monday of the Third Week of Lent (05th March, 2018).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the Third Week of Lent (05^th March, 2018) on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 50%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"></span></b> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2Kgs 5:1-15;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pss 41:2-3; 42:3-4 (R.Ps 41:3);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Lk 4:24:30</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Topic: Although it hurts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-ZxjIzTVM7-JBb7P6I3JJlNjLAgUTuk0RxLnxKFw87FtbcEIeGQMH1JC1k8hJ12stZlJK47FKddIIgiHRbK-om7yinMhYAnQZMhWop-qXh-xZU-uTBgrI2RTvxyk_9RCOId2rYN_cbE/s1600/05.03.2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="187" data-original-width="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-ZxjIzTVM7-JBb7P6I3JJlNjLAgUTuk0RxLnxKFw87FtbcEIeGQMH1JC1k8hJ12stZlJK47FKddIIgiHRbK-om7yinMhYAnQZMhWop-qXh-xZU-uTBgrI2RTvxyk_9RCOId2rYN_cbE/s1600/05.03.2018.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In today’s gospel, Jesus told His kinsmen who had begun to look down on Him because of His background that they never received any of the prophets sent to them well. The time of Elijah and that of Elisha were used as examples. This irritated them that they dragged Jesus out of their town and led Him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built intending to hurl Him off the cliff. They could not even wait to go through the normal process of condemning someone in Israel. Or could it be they wanted Him to live and yet intended to throw Him off the cliff?<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;">Often we find ourselves in similar situations to the one in today’s gospel. Although truth hurts but what do we do?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus speaking of Himself said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 14:6</b>). And the sum of God’s word is truth, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 119:160</b>. And again, the knowledge of truth makes one free, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 8:32</b>. Going by these and many more, although truth hurts but we should not move against it. To go against it is to go against Jesus Christ, to throw away God’s word, and to remain in bondage. Hence the book of Proverbs rightly begs, “Buy truth, and do not sell it” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prov 23:23</b>). Let us therefore ask God to always lead us in His truth, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 25:5</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;">: Jn 8:31-38.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Thought for today:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> Standing for truth is standing for God.<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, lead us always in your truth – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 15pt 0in 0pt;"> <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;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Visit our website: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.thepulpitonline.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; 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text-align: center;"> <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;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tel: +234 813 305 0302<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">       </span>+234 905 655 4466<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Email: </span></span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

Although it hurts: Monday of the Third Week of Lent (05th March, 2018).

Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the Third Week of Lent (05 th March, 2018) on the Gospel   2Kgs 5:1-15; Pss 41:2-3; 42:3-4 (R.P...

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The Passover is near: Third Sunday of Lent (B) (04th March, 2018).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Homily for the Third Sunday of Lent (B) (04^th March, 2018) on the Gospel <o:p></o:p></span></b></div> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ex 20:1-17 or Ex 20:1-3.7-8.12-17;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 18:8-11 (R. Jn 6:68);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1Cor 1:22-25;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Jn 2:13-25</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span><br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not quite long, a lady visited us with one black nylon bag. She told us where and how she bought the bag. During adoration, the priest organising it told them to pick each of the bags with three thousand naira (₦3,000.00) upwards for a special blessing. Trust people they all rushed for the bags, some with much more than the amount. The parish priest and myself became interested in the bag. We therefore asked the lady to show us the content of the bag. She opened the bag and behold it contained a small bottle of olive oil, one small packet of mustard seed, and two stickers. With five hundred naira (₦500.00), one can comfortably buy all these including the bag in any religious shop around. Bearing in mind Christ’s injunction: “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying, give without pay” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 10:8</b>), one wonders what two thousand five hundred naira (₦2,500.00) multiplied by the number of persons who picked the bag is for. Could it be for the ‘special blessing’?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></b></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Topic: The Passover is near, cf. Jn 2:13</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xBv3540ll_TT8bzV_a9r4Me3ceBUiwj6nyd0TcHTmxjGkiEdUlOlgMc3ryGSUBknn2mM_57t1wx6h2dee9ISGqTv-9S8BVQXx5HiEotSp6uKiRR1zNGplZ1L2Xneru6ZLpYGBN1_ksY/s1600/04.03.2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xBv3540ll_TT8bzV_a9r4Me3ceBUiwj6nyd0TcHTmxjGkiEdUlOlgMc3ryGSUBknn2mM_57t1wx6h2dee9ISGqTv-9S8BVQXx5HiEotSp6uKiRR1zNGplZ1L2Xneru6ZLpYGBN1_ksY/s1600/04.03.2018.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the prophet Isaiah we read, “...my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Is 56:7</b>; cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 21:13</b>; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk 11:17</b>; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 19:46</b>). Based on this, one is expected to find in God’s temple people praying to God. But in today’s gospel, “... Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 2:13-14</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus saw in the temple what was really quite contrary to the expectation. As a result,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4pt 0in 0pt 0.7in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, ‘Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!’ (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 2:15-16</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; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before we go further, let us briefly look at the activities of those people Jesus found in the temple. According to William Barclay in his work, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The daily study bible: The gospel of John, vol. 1, chapters 1-7</b>. He rightly noted that “Passover was the greatest of all the Jewish feasts” (p. 108). And it was compulsory for every adult male Jew living within 24.135 kilometres (24,135 metres) from Jerusalem to attend. As at that time, Jews were already living in different parts of the world and they all desired to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem. As a result, they come with different currencies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every Jew of over nineteen years old was expected to pay the temple tax (one half-shekel) estimated at about 6p. And a man’s wage was about less than 4p which implies that the temple tax was about two day’s wages. Again, this temple tax must be paid in either Galilaean shekels or in shekels of the sanctuary because every other currency was considered as unclean and therefore unworthy for God (p. 109). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the words of William Barclay, there were money-changers in the Temple courts. “If their trade had been straightforward they would have been fulfilling an honest and a necessary purpose” (p. 109) but to change every half-shekel, they charged up to 1p. So for one to change two shekels, the money changers would made 4p out of him which was about one day’s wage (109). Although money changers making something out of their work is not the problem but they charged very high and worst still in the name of God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Again, visits to the temple were normally associated with one sacrifice or another. Therefore, it would look right if one could buy the victims in the temple court. And again, the victim must be perfect and unblemished (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lev 22:21</b>). As a result, there were inspectors appointed by the temple authorities who charged 1p for the inspection of a victim. And if a victim was bought outside the Temple, it was almost certain that it would be rejected. A pair of doves cost about 4p outside the temple and as much as 75p in the temple. One can imagine what the difference would be like if it was a sheep or a cattle that one wanted to buy. It is important to remember that all these were also done in the name of religion. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In our introduction, we saw a lady who bought what she could have bought for five hundred naira as much as three thousand naira. One wonders where lies the difference between what we do today in the name of God and what those men were doing that Jesus could not stand. If he comes today, what do you think he will do to us?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Again, when the people demanded for a sign Jesus said to them: “... Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 2:19</b>). Although they wondered how he could raise in three days what has taken forty-six (46) years. But Saint John carefully added: “But he was speaking of the temple of his body” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 2:21</b>). Hence Saint Paul questions: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God?” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor 6:19</b>; cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2Cor 6:16</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; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are six Sundays in the season of Lent. As we celebrate the third Sunday of Lent, it is important to remember that our own Passover is near. We ought to go into our temples. Just as the temple in Jerusalem was meant for prayers for everybody, our temples were made for the glorification of God, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor 6:20</b>. Do we still glorify God with our bodies or have we turned them into something else? We must always remember that we are not our own, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor 6:19</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; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The gospel concludes, “But Jesus on his part would not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to testify about anyone; for he himself knew what was in everyone” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 2:24-25</b>). We must therefore be very careful because God knows each and every one of us too well. With this in mind, let us follow the example of Christ and clean up God’s temples (our bodies). God is beckoning on all of us thus: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4pt 0in 0pt 0.7in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Joel 2:12-13</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 15pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Readings</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: Is 56:1-8; Ps 69:1-21 (36); 1Cor 6:12-20; 2Cor 6:14-7:1.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Thought for today</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">: As we approach the Passover, have you gone into God’s temple lately and what did you see?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Lord, as we are coming closer to the feast of Passover, lead us into your temple, open our eyes to see how dirty we are, and purge all that is not of you so that we may benefit from your Son’s death and resurrection </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">– Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; 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The Passover is near: Third Sunday of Lent (B) (04th March, 2018).

Homily for the Third Sunday of Lent (B) (04 th March, 2018) on the Gospel Ex 20:1-17 or Ex 20:1-3.7-8.12-17; Ps 18:8-11 (R. Jn 6:6...

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God is waiting: Saturday of the Second Week of Lent (03rd March, 2018).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the Second Week of Lent (03^rd March, 2018) on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mic 7:14-15.18-20;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 102:1-4.9-12 (R. v. 8);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Lk 15:1-3.11-32</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Topic: God is waiting. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today’s gospel is made up of the prelude to parables (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 15:1-3</b>) and the parable of the prodigal son (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 15:11-32</b>). In the prelude, the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled because Jesus did not only welcome sinners but also eats with them. The parable of the prodigal son is better known today as the parable of the loving father; it shows the father’s love more than the prodigality of the son.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEI3wnrI08yhCjLPJf253xK1S-IxneG9l-7GF68cUPjD4-_RAzYJnk3nv6P77WToRBm13FOhJVmFILdt5m1G2prSiUCZnAAoMde09Z6Enm4R17PnsLD5PnWRinwAKmNmfz6QNNLtLrk2c/s1600/03.03.2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEI3wnrI08yhCjLPJf253xK1S-IxneG9l-7GF68cUPjD4-_RAzYJnk3nv6P77WToRBm13FOhJVmFILdt5m1G2prSiUCZnAAoMde09Z6Enm4R17PnsLD5PnWRinwAKmNmfz6QNNLtLrk2c/s1600/03.03.2018.jpg" /></a></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;">In this parable, the loving father had two sons. The younger one requested and got his own share of their father’s wealth. After squandering it in a distant country in dissolute living, things got so bad that he had to hire himself out to a citizen who sent him to feed the pigs in the field. He would have ate the pods for the pigs but was not given. When he came to his senses he returned home to plead with their father to take him as one of the hired servants. On the contrary, on sighting his son at a distant the man filled with compassion ran to him, put his arms around him and kissed him. Before the son could finish his prayer the man asked the slaves to quickly put the best robe on him, put a ring on his finger, and to kill the fatted calf for a feast. <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;">When the elder brother who was in the field came near to the house and learnt what was happening he refused to enter the house. He was angry that their father never appreciated his absolute loyalty. Their father pleaded with him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 15:31-32</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <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;">Lenten season is also a period of homecoming. God is waiting for me and for you to return. Just as the prodigal son was restored to his lost state God will restore us if only we could come back. Although God desires that we remain without going astray “but if any one does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Jn 2:1</b>). God’s kindness is not a licence to sin, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 6:15</b>. The Pharisees, the scribes, the elder brother and their likes ought not be angry at God’s mercy. God owns the investment we call humans. And as a result He is the one to condemn or to acquit, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 6:37; Is 3:13</b>. Ours is to encourage our brothers and sisters to come back. No need to be afraid. There is enough space to contain everybody in heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: Prov 7:1-5; 9:1-6.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Thought for today:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> God is waiting for us to come back to Him.<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, strengthen us in our effort to come back wholly to 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> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Visit our website: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.thepulpitonline.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Like us on Facebook:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Follow us on Twitter:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Send us Email:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 10%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To Contact and/or to support this ministry:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tel: +234 813 305 0302<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">       </span>+234 905 655 4466<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Email: </span></span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

God is waiting: Saturday of the Second Week of Lent (03rd March, 2018).

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the Second Week of Lent (03 rd March, 2018) on the Gospel   Mic 7:14-15.18-20; Ps 102:1-4.9-...

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Those tenants: Friday of the Second Week of Lent (02nd March, 2018).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the Second Week of Lent (02^nd March, 2018) on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gen 37:3-4.12-13.17-28;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 104:16-21. (R. v. 5);<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">        </span><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 21:33-43.45-46</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Topic: Those tenants.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHQcA8F1hjSztKzlKPBwW81n2bqRNCi8Noue0T0DEnS-IvGrlrgj5vrIT7-6VvnN0YoHhW5uZX7sVD1MwNIqGHvFSZ8Falhba_lxGOPkfPuJMUJnG876cQ7_L3R4AnVeebq8ouALoDVI/s1600/02.03.2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHQcA8F1hjSztKzlKPBwW81n2bqRNCi8Noue0T0DEnS-IvGrlrgj5vrIT7-6VvnN0YoHhW5uZX7sVD1MwNIqGHvFSZ8Falhba_lxGOPkfPuJMUJnG876cQ7_L3R4AnVeebq8ouALoDVI/s1600/02.03.2018.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We see in today’s gospel the parable of the wicked tenants. In this parable, a landowner “planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenants and went to another country” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 21:33</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <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;">When he sent his slaves to the tenants for his own share of the produce, the tenants seized the “slaves and beat one, killed another, and stoned another”. He later sent more slaves and they were treated like the first group. When he finally sent his son thinking, “They will respect my son,” the tenants said to themselves, “This is the heir; come, let us kill him and get his inheritance” and so they did. Jesus then asked, “Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” Those listening to Him replied, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the harvest time.” The chief priests and the Pharisees would have arrested Jesus when they realised that the parable was all about them, but for the fear of the crowd who regarded Him as a prophet.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <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;">Surely it is very easy for anyone to condemn those tenants. But let us leave them for now. In Saint Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians he asks, “For who sees anything different in you? What have you that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift?” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor 4:7</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <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;">All we have is from God, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Chr 29:12; 1Sam 2:7; Prov 22:2</b>. And like the landowner, God expects each and every one of us to give Him His own share of the produce through His slaves, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 25:31-46</b>. But what does He get in return? Sometimes His slaves are suppressed, maltreated, imprisoned, even extorted, and so on. And at other times some even deny Him the ownership of what He has given us to look after. Or do you think that we have been fair enough? Whoever fails to give God His share will find it very hard to make heaven, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 19:23</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <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;">This is the time to lay up “treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 6:20</b>). God’s slaves come for His share in different ways. If you want to have enough in heaven that will be truly yours give God His due (pay what you owe), cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 16:12</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <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;">: Zech 7:8-14.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Thought for today:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> Give God His share of the produce.<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 this Lent and all the days of our lives to willingly give you your share of the produce – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Visit our website: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.thepulpitonline.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Like us on Facebook:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Follow us on Twitter:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Send us Email:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 10%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To Contact and/or to support this ministry:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tel: +234 813 305 0302<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">       </span>+234 905 655 4466<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Email: </span></span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

Those tenants: Friday of the Second Week of Lent (02nd March, 2018).

Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the Second Week of Lent (02 nd March, 2018) on the Gospel   Gen 37:3-4.12-13.17-28; Ps 104:16-...

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Holy Father's Prayer Intention for MARCH 2018.

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 110%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1e1a1a; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray with the Holy Father:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpH8jfL0LylMej1U2A3LwUM6LmG5aIlLRps_NMCOOG0JyW92Y6DsYuwoOXbvBU8_aiguOkP6bS9zmir7O-q8KKcCTOkOsa2CGjtWmay0Kp7Utk8-GhzD01AqEWKcVuJ8-nW4ltDzlTh54/s1600/02.03.2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpH8jfL0LylMej1U2A3LwUM6LmG5aIlLRps_NMCOOG0JyW92Y6DsYuwoOXbvBU8_aiguOkP6bS9zmir7O-q8KKcCTOkOsa2CGjtWmay0Kp7Utk8-GhzD01AqEWKcVuJ8-nW4ltDzlTh54/s1600/02.03.2018.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 110%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1e1a1a; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Pope's Prayer Intention for MARCH 2018<o:p></o:p></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 110%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1e1a1a; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 110%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1e1a1a; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Evangelization: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1e1a1a; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Formation in Spiritual Discernment.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 110%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1e1a1a; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 110%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1e1a1a; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">That the Church may appreciate the urgency of formation in spiritual discernment, both on the personal and communitarian levels.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 110%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1e1a1a; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">For more:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Visit our website: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 120%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri";">www.thepulpitonline.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 120%;">Like us on Facebook:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 120%;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 120%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri";">www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; 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Holy Father's Prayer Intention for MARCH 2018.

Let us pray with the Holy Father: Pope's Prayer Intention for MARCH 2018   Evangelization: Formation in Spiritual Discernme...

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After the leveller: Thursday of the Second Week of Lent (01st March, 2018).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for Thursday of the Second Week of Lent (01^st March, 2018) on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jer 17:5-10;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 1:1-4.6. (R. Ps 39:5);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Lk 16:19-31</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Topic: After the leveller.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMCgA22t7QIpaeAA5qZ4fVHVk9iZ8jGvzQSs6DYKawN1TPSfc-bLpdgu8OXh_zWvT8sU-8DHtOsGfvAkVa3lTQgZp04RV1vOzK7GfwAN5LU1bYY9dAAom7xApIoDS_Nbaaj3mtA3iVL0/s1600/01.03.2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMCgA22t7QIpaeAA5qZ4fVHVk9iZ8jGvzQSs6DYKawN1TPSfc-bLpdgu8OXh_zWvT8sU-8DHtOsGfvAkVa3lTQgZp04RV1vOzK7GfwAN5LU1bYY9dAAom7xApIoDS_Nbaaj3mtA3iVL0/s1600/01.03.2018.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In today’s gospel we see a figure that better depicts a wealthy king, “a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 16:19</b>). Surprisingly at his gate sat an opposite figure, “a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 16:20-21</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <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;">At the appointed time, Lazarus died and was taken to the bosom of Abraham where he is being comforted. The rich man also died and was buried. While he is being tormented in Hades, he looked up and saw Abraham with Lazarus by his side. “He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finder in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 16:24</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <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;">Wait a minute, someone who had been feasting sumptuously every day now begs for a dip of finger in water. The only thing that looks like kindness in the onetime rich man is found in his plea for Lazarus to go and warn his five brothers lest they end up in the same place of torment. However Abraham replied, “They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.” And to this he replied, “No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.” Abraham said to him, “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <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;">Lenten season is a special time for giving alms. It is important to listen to Jesus’ admonition, “make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous mammon, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal habitations” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 16:9</b>). Imagine someone as rich as the rich man begging for a drop of water. Same fate awaits all those who would not reach out to others, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 13:1-5</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <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;">Again, this is a time of repentance. Stop postponing your repentance. We have Moses and the prophets to listen to. So what are you waiting for? Do not expect someone from the dead because it may never happen. Today is the favourable time. Let us “Seek the LORD while he may be found, call upon him while he is near” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Is 55:6</b>). Have you been feasting daily with your wealth or feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the prisoners, giving drink to the thirsty, and so on, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 25:31-46</b>? What you do with your wealth today defines your tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <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;">: Lk 13:1-5; 16:9-13; Matt 25:31-46.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Thought for today:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> Wealth is meant to be used and not misused.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> May God help us make good use of all He blessed us with – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Visit our website: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.thepulpitonline.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Like us on Facebook:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Follow us on Twitter:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; 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margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tel: +234 813 305 0302<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">       </span>+234 905 655 4466<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Email: </span></span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

After the leveller: Thursday of the Second Week of Lent (01st March, 2018).

Homily (Reflection) for Thursday of the Second Week of Lent (01 st March, 2018) on the Gospel   Jer 17:5-10; Ps 1:1-4.6. (R. Ps ...

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