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Keep your fork: Second Sunday of Lent (C) (21st February, 2016).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Sunday homilies 02:05

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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Homily (Reflection) for the Second Sunday
of Lent (C) (21</span><sup><span style="font-size: small;">st</span></sup><span style="font-size: large;"> February, 2016) on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Gen 15:5-12.17-18;</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Ps 26:1.7-9.13-14. (R.v.1);</span><br />

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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Topic:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Keep your fork</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Last Sunday Jesus foretold His own
death and also what await all those who would be His disciples. They were
really scaring. It was therefore very necessary for the scared disciples to see
that the coin at hand hasn’t only a scaring face. Hence in today’s gospel after
about eight days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John up to a mountain to
pray. While praying He was transfigured before the trio.</span><br />

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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Moses and Elijah appeared in glory and discussed with Jesus
His departure to be accomplished at Jerusalem. The duo represented the Law and
the prophets. And in sum the whole scripture (Old Testament). When they were
about to leave, “Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here;
let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’ –
not knowing what he said” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 9:33</b>).
Peter was still on this when they were covered with a crowd and a voice
declared, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 9:35</b>).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">We see one of the pillars of Lent (prayer) in today’s gospel.
Prayer is very important in our struggles in this life, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 6:13; 26:41; Mk 14:38; Lk 22:40; 22:46</b>.
We are not fighting “against flesh and blood, but against the principalities,
against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against
the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Eph 6:12</b>).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">In every sphere of life we do have disheartening experiences
individually and collectively. Sometimes it looks as if one has actually come
to the end of the road. And at some other time, one might even wonder if the
price worth the stress.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">There was a very pious elderly lady who while discussing her
funeral mass with her priest requested, “‘When they bury me, I want my old
Bible in one hand and a fork in the other’.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">“A fork? Why do you want to be
buried with a fork?’ asked the priest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">“I have been thinking about all of
the church dinners and banquets that I attended through the years,’ she explained.
‘One thing sticks in my mind. At those really nice get-togethers, when the meal
was almost finished, a server would come by to collect the dirty dishes. I can
hear the words now. Sometimes, at the best ones, somebody would lean over my
shoulder and whisper, ‘You can keep your fork.’ And do you know what that
meant? Dessert was coming! It didn’t mean a cup of Jell-O or pudding or even a
dish of ice cream. You don’t need a fork for that. It meant the good stuff,
like chocolate cake or cherry pie! When they told me I could keep my fork, I knew
the best was yet to come! That’s exactly what I want people to talk about at my
funeral. Oh, they can talk about all the good times we had together. That would
be nice. But when they walk by my casket and look at my pretty blue dress, I
want them to turn to one another and say, ‘Why the fork?’ And I want you to
tell them that I kept my fork because the best is yet to come!</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/Year%20C%202015-2016/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter%20on%20the%20Gospels/Second%20Sunday%20of%20Lent%20(C)..docx" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: blue;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">As one goes through the hurdles of this life it is important
to remember always like this old woman that the main thing is not here but in
the life to come. Let no one allow anything come between him/her with God, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 8:35-39</b>. Keep your fork for that banquet
by listening to Jesus Christ, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prov
8:32</b>. They are truly blessed who will make the marriage supper of the Lamb,
cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rev 19:9</b>. It worth much more
than anything one might go through in this life, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 8:18; 1Cor 2:9; Matt 25:34</b>. Truly in the words of Saint Peter, it
is good to be there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: Rom 8:31-39; 1Pt 1:3-12; 2Tim 4:1-8.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thought for today:</b>
Are you in or out of the race?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span>Almighty God, help us to finish this
race gloriously and await the crown reserved for the elect (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2Tim 4:7-8</b>) – Amen. </span></span></div>
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loved ones. They need them.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">God bless you+</span></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/Year%20C%202015-2016/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter%20on%20the%20Gospels/Second%20Sunday%20of%20Lent%20(C)..docx" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: blue;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Thomas, T. (2010). <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Spice
up your homilies</i></b>. Mumbai: St Pauls, pp. 135-136.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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Keep your fork: Second Sunday of Lent (C) (21st February, 2016).

Homily (Reflection) for the Second Sunday of Lent (C) (21 st February, 2016) on the Gospel Gen 15:5-12.17-18; Ps 26:1.7-9.13-14. (R...

Beyond the bus stop: Saturday of the First Week of Lent (20th February, 2016).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 00:35

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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Topic: Beyond the bus stop.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Often we find ourselves in the trap of consoling ourselves by
enumerating those we think are worse than us. In today’s gospel however, we see
the true standard, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect”
(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 5:48</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />

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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus cautions us on how to relate with our enemies and
persecutors. Like that of yesterday, today’s gospel insists that we must go yet
another mile. Salvation lies beyond everyday’s stopping point. So whoever stops
with others will certainly miss the target.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">General expectation, “You shall love your neighbour and hate
your enemy”. But Christ demands this, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so
that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on
the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the
unrighteous (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 5: 44-45</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sad enough, in reality we are still grappling with the love of
neighbours and the gospel is calling on us to love our enemies and even pray
for those who persecute us. Although many seem to be more comfortable with, “eye
for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ex 21:24; Lev 24:20; Deut 19:21</b>) yet Christ wants us for an extra
mile. The big question is whether we are ready for the journey or comfortable
with where you are? Any one we prefer has a price tag.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: Ex 23:1-9; Prov 24:17-22; 25:21-22; Rom 12:9-21.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; 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;"> Ready for all your enemies?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> Lord, give us your grace to enable
us be steadfast on your path till we come into your kingdom – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Sharing is caring</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">. You are free to share our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">daily reflections</b> with your friends and
loved ones. They need them.<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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Beyond the bus stop: Saturday of the First Week of Lent (20th February, 2016).

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the First Week of Lent (20 th February, 2016) on the Gospel Deut 26:16-19; Ps 118:1-2.4-5....

The making of heaven: Friday of the First Week of Lent (19th February, 2016)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 02:00

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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Topic: The making of heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In today’s gospel Jesus tells us in sum that much more is
expected of anybody who wants to make heaven. The very first verse reads, “For
I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and
Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 5:20</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />

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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The rule for the ancients, “You shall not murder”. Above this,
anyone who wants to make heaven is also forbidden from being angry with his/her
brothers and sisters, insulting them, and calling them fools. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Christ came and destroyed the walls dividing one from another.
Hence, Saint Paul writes, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither
slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ
Jesus” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gal 3:28</b>). But unfortunately,
many Christians have replaced the walls Christ pulled down with ones much
taller, wider, and stronger. Even the bridges He built have also been blown off.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are today in the sea of enmity with one another. And for
many, no retreat no surrender. Yet this is so serious that Jesus goes on to say,
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you
remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift
there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister,
and then come and offer your gift (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt
5:23-24</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The book of Proverbs also reads, “The sacrifice of the wicked
is an abomination to the LORD” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prov
15:8; cf. Prov 21:27; 3:32</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Following Christ is for gain much better than the whole
world, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor 2:9</b>. Hence Saint
Paul correctly writes, “If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are
of all people most to be pitied” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor
15:19</b>). Let us therefore take necessary steps towards actualizing the main reward
of following Christ. Make peace with everybody. We all are one in Christ Jesus,
cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor 12:12; Rom 12:5</b>. Jesus paid
supreme price just for us to make heaven.<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;">: Gal 5:16-26. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Thought for today:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> Come to terms with others before it is too late.<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 realise that we are one
in Christ Jesus – 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%;">Sharing is caring</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">. You are free to share our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">daily reflections</b> with your friends and
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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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The making of heaven: Friday of the First Week of Lent (19th February, 2016)

Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the First Week of Lent (19 th February, 2016) on the Gospel Ezek 18:21-28; Ps 129 (R. v. 3);...

God is not a Herod: Thursday of the First Week of Lent (18th February, 2016).

thepulpitonline.com 1 Weekday Homilies 02:23

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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 Thursday of
the First Week of Lent (18<sup>th</sup> February, 2016) on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Est 14:1.3-4.11.13-14;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ps 137:1-3.7-8 (R. v. 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;">Matt 7:7-12</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/AVvXsEhx86kE77EN7XMkyTI_Z3CpZ5CDPfkLXVClKZQh92GeKoZobR8xVIFm3wEUZ9MdJnO3iea4zhn2oTUCfgRMsL89oP-jh9YkhiTiUOi0EHLdPujK1N7ON3ZvtjlfXfceE22RZIbPuw2R7kQ/s1600/18.02.2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx86kE77EN7XMkyTI_Z3CpZ5CDPfkLXVClKZQh92GeKoZobR8xVIFm3wEUZ9MdJnO3iea4zhn2oTUCfgRMsL89oP-jh9YkhiTiUOi0EHLdPujK1N7ON3ZvtjlfXfceE22RZIbPuw2R7kQ/s1600/18.02.2016.jpg" /></a></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";">Topic: God is not a Herod.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">As I reflect on today’s gospel I remembered one day I packed just
to pick few things. A madman approached me and asked for help. I did not know exactly
why he went on to say that the bible tells us to ask and it will be given. As I
smiled I asked him where it is in the bible and he quoted it impeccably (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 7:7</b>). <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Matthew chapter 7 verse 7</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> is normally seen as an open cheque
given to us by God to ask and get exactly what we ask for. Wait a minute. If
this verse is just this, what happens if I ask for your death and/or you ask
for mine? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Our God is a perfect God, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2Sam 22:31; Ps 18:30; Matt 5:48</b>. He does not and cannot make mistakes. As we read the gospel further I would like us to pay particular
attention to the adjective qualifying what to ask and what to be received, “If
you then, who are evil, know how to give GOOD GIFTS to your children, how much
more will your Father in heaven give GOOD THINGS to those who ask him!” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 7:11</b>). I purposefully highlighted
the adjective good and the nouns it qualifies. Even we mortals do not grant everything
our children ask for.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Being a perfect God, He cannot fall into the mistake that
landed Herod into approving the killing of John the Baptist. Remember, Herod did
that because of the stupid oath he took, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 14:9-10; Mk 6:26-27</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";">God asks us to ask and we shall receive on the condition that
we ask for something good, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jas 4:3</b>.
And neither what is evil nor what seems good because He is an all-knowing God, cf.
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Jn 3:20</b>. The Holy Spirit is to
assist us ask properly, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 8:26</b>.
Finally, if we ask for what we should they shall be surely ours but again at God’s
own time, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2Thess 2:6</b>. Be patient
and know that God is still God, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps
46:10</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;">: Jas 4:1-10; Matt 5:33-48.<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;"> Our God is just in all His ways, and kind in all His
doings, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 145:17</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> May the Holy Spirit help us to pray
as we ought (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 8:26</b>) – 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%;">Sharing is caring</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">. You are free to share our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">daily reflections</b> with your friends and
loved ones. They need them.<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";">God bless you+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

God is not a Herod: Thursday of the First Week of Lent (18th February, 2016).

Homily (Reflection) for Thursday of the First Week of Lent (18 th February, 2016) on the Gospel Est 14:1.3-4.11.13-14; Ps 137:1-...

God or signs? Wednesday of the First Week of Lent (17th February, 2016)

thepulpitonline.com 1 Weekday Homilies 02:30

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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Topic: God or signs?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In today’s gospel, as the crowds were increasing Jesus began
to say, “This generation is an evil generation; it asks for a sign, but no sign
will be given to it except the sign of Jonah” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 11:29</b>). Both the queen of the South and the people of Nineveh would
rise at the judgement with the people and condemn them because they listened to
Solomon and Jonah respectively. Yet something greater than Solomon and Jonah was
among them.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />

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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Who knows what Jesus would say about our generation? Asking
for signs and wonders is the order of the day. And whoever is not performing does
not belong. Many have abandoned God whom I suppose they expect to make the
signs happen for signs. However the signs we expect cannot be compared with what
God has done and is doing in us, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt
6:25</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We must make the best of every opportunity we have in life. A
day will come when each of us must give account of them, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 14:12; 1Pt 4:5</b>. Sings and wonders are
useless without God, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 16:26; Mk
8:36; Lk 9:25</b>. When one finds God every other thing will be his or hers, cf.
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 6:33</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;">: Matt 6:25-34; 1Pt 4:1-11.<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;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">God of signs and signs of God</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, give us the grace to look for
you and not for your signs – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Sharing is caring</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">. You are free to share our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">daily reflections</b> with your friends and
loved ones. They need them.<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-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;">God bless you+</span>

God or signs? Wednesday of the First Week of Lent (17th February, 2016)

Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of the First Week of Lent (17 th February, 2016) on the Gospel Jon 3:1-10; Ps 50:3-4.12-13.1...

We have no choice: Tuesday of the First Week of Lent (16th February, 2016)

thepulpitonline.com 1 Weekday Homilies 04:23

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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Topic: We have no choice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The book of Proverbs tells us that “The sacrifice of the
wicked is an abomination to the LORD” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prov
15:8</b>). Hence, in the book of Psalms we read, “Blessed is he whose
transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 32:1</b>). The Psalmist also tells us that one can only get this from
God, cf.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Ps 130:4</b>. Luckily for us all,
God has not only promised to forgive our sins, (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Heb 8:12; 10:17</b>) but has fulfilled it in Christ Jesus, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 1:21</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />

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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">However, in today’s gospel Jesus taught us that prayer popularly
known as Our Lord’s Prayer. It reads in part, “And forgive us our sins, as we have
forgiven those who sin against us” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt
6:12, NLT</b>). There is emphasis on this: “If you forgive those who sin against
you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others,
your Father will not forgive your sins” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt
5:14-15, NLT</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;">No doubt we often find it very difficult to forgive but as we
can see in today’s gospel, we have no choice. Christ also tells us, “... with
the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be
the measure you get” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 7:2; Lk 6:38</b>).
So, whoever wants his or her sins to be forgiven must first forgive others.<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;">: Ps 130; 151.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Thought for today:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> We must forgive others.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> Lord, give us a new heart to be able
to forgive – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Sharing is caring</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">. You are free to share our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">daily reflections</b> with your friends and
loved ones. They need them.<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;">God bless you+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

We have no choice: Tuesday of the First Week of Lent (16th February, 2016)

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of the First Week of Lent (16 th February, 2016) on the Gospel Is 55:10-11; Ps 33:4-7.16-19 (R...

Eternal life or punishment: Monday of the First Week of Lent (15th February, 2016).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 05:04

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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Topic: Eternal life or punishment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We see the picture of the judgement of the nations in today’s
gospel. People will be separated one from another according to their deeds as a
shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. The sheep will be placed on his
right while the goats on His left. He will say to the sheep, “Come, you that
are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the
foundation of the world” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 25:34</b>).
And to the goats, “You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire
prepared for the devil and his angels” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt
25:41</b>). Pronouncements will be based on one’s attitude towards the poor, the
thirsty, the strangers, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 25:35-36, 42-43</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />

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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Certainly one might be disturbed that he or she would have done
something but for the lack of the means. Pope Saint Leo the Great rightly
writes, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4pt 0in 0pt 0.7in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are all manner of possible works of mercy and their
very variety implies this for true Christians that both the rich and the poor
have opportunities for doing good. Thus, even if we are not equal in our
worldly goods, we can achieve an equal standard in the love of our fellows.</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter/First%20Week%20of%20Lent.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-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whoever wants to be called blessed on the judgement day must
bless those around him or her now. One must work towards where he or she wants
to spend eternity. And this important decision must be made by each person.
Nobody will do it for another. We must remember that those who will be on God’s
left will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life,
cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 25:46</b>. Decide now where you
want to be.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt;">
<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 30:5-9; Rom 12:9-21.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; 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;"> Where do you work towards – heaven or hell?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> Lord, on our own we can do nothing. Please,
help our struggle towards eternal life – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Sharing is caring</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">. You are free to share our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">daily reflections</b> with your friends and
loved ones. They need them.<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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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God bless you+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.7in;">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter/First%20Week%20of%20Lent.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;"> Pope
Saint Leo the Great. Sermon 6 on Lent, 1-2. In The divine office: The liturgy
of the hours according to the roman rite, II (1997). <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">pp. 14-15</span>.<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</div>

Eternal life or punishment: Monday of the First Week of Lent (15th February, 2016).

Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the First Week of Lent (15 th February, 2016) on the Gospel Lev 19:1-2.11-18; Ps 18:8-10.15 ...

The devil’s goal: First Sunday of Lent (C) (14th February, 2016)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Sunday homilies 03:32

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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 First Sunday of
Lent (C) (14</span><sup><span style="font-size: small;">th</span></sup><span style="font-size: large;"> February, 2016) on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Deut 26:4-10;</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Ps 90:1-2.10-15. (R.v.15);</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Rom 10:8-13;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk
4:1-13</b>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">There is a story of a successful
female executive who stood before the Pearly Gates facing Saint Peter himself.
“Strange,” mused Saint Peter, “we’ve never had an executive make it this far
before. I’m not sure what to do with you. While I think it over, I’ll let you
experience a day here and a day in Hell.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">So the woman spent an entire day
lounging on clouds, playing the harp, and having intelligent civilized
discussions with great philosophers. Her 24 hours passed quickly, and she was
then transported to Hell, where the Devil took her to a beautiful country club
where she found many of her old friends, dressed to the nines, drinking,
joking, laughing, and having a great time. Before she knew it, her 24 hours
were up, and she was back at the Pearly Gates.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Saint Peter said, ‘I’ve considered
your placement and decided I’ll just let you choose where you wish to spend
eternity.’</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">She thought only briefly before she
replied. ‘Well, Heaven was nice, but, no offense, I had a great time in Hell.’
And back down she went. But this time she found herself in a desolate wasteland
covered with garbage. Her friends were still there, but now they were dressed
in rags, picking up garbage and carrying it from one pile to another.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4AZL1l7UyE1hxBhsUp3iZrfGOlsIc7WjLFJSzvwVD1-3As6SaRI86pw6IJQjBw6g9WssvERc8BVQed2BlFby0V9rQhAjyDqL5nL2kLIUvhROHaSXpVJtn-TARNXDRnwXF7u60Bp76JM/s1600/14.02.2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4AZL1l7UyE1hxBhsUp3iZrfGOlsIc7WjLFJSzvwVD1-3As6SaRI86pw6IJQjBw6g9WssvERc8BVQed2BlFby0V9rQhAjyDqL5nL2kLIUvhROHaSXpVJtn-TARNXDRnwXF7u60Bp76JM/s1600/14.02.2016.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">‘Wait a minute,’ stammered the
woman to the Devil, ‘I don’t understand. Yesterday when I was here, there was a
golf course and a country club, and we ate lobster and drank Champagne, and we
danced the night away, having a wonderful time. Now everyone’s slaving away
shovelling garbage.’</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">The Devil looked at her and smiled.
‘Yesterday we were recruiting you. Today, you’re staff!’”</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/Year%20C%202015-2016/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter%20on%20the%20Gospels/First%20Sunday%20of%20Lent%20(C)..docx" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="color: blue;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Topic:</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> The devil’s goal</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri";">.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">In today’s gospel, we see the devil
after Jesus Christ who came to restore what was lost at the fall, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gen 3:15ff</b>. The devil tempted Jesus in
three different ways: to manifest His divinity, to worship him, and finally to
put God to test. It is of special importance to note how careful the devil was.
He moved gradually from what seems to be no sin (turning stone into bread) to the
main business (worshiping the devil). And again, maybe because Jesus used the
scripture to refute his first two attempts the devil even backed his last attempt
up with the scripture, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 91:11-12</b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">The book of Genesis recounts the fall of man. And wisely it
reads in part, “Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that
the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God say, ‘You shall not eat
from any tree in the garden’?” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gen 3:1</b>).
Once more take cognisance of his starting point. It looks very harmless. Maybe
that was why the woman unsuspectingly engaged him in a discussion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Saint Paul rightly asks us not to give the devil any
opportunity, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Eph 4:27</b>. The devil
and his agents are shrewder than we imagine, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 16:8</b>. He craftily made the woman to believe that God forbade
them from eating of the tree in the middle so that their eyes will not be
opened, and that if they eat of it they will be like God, knowing good and
evil. And immediately she began to see how good the tree was thereby believing
that God was a liar. The man and his wife shortly saw their foolishness, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gen 3:4-7ff</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">We must always remember the wise admonition of Saint Peter,
“Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring
lion, seeking someone to devour” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Pt
5:8</b>). <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The devil’s ultimate goal</b>
is mine and yours<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> eternal damnation</b>.
Hence he was not satisfied with the fall of man but also tried in today’s
gospel to forestall the redemption brought by Christ. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">In our introductory story the successful female executive could
only see the true colour of the devil after crossing the point of no return. As
long as we are still here on earth, the devil is very ready to offer us anything
beyond our expectations because we are still at the recruiting stage. Once one
becomes a staff, he or she will see the foolishness of having anything to do
with the devil. My dear, shine your eyes (Be wise). </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;">: Gen 3:1-24; 1Pt 5:6-11; Jas 4:1-10; Eph
4:25–5:2.<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>
Make hay while the sun shines.</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>God help us always to overcome the evil one 
– Amen. </span></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">God bless you+</span></div>
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<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<br />
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<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/Year%20C%202015-2016/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter%20on%20the%20Gospels/First%20Sunday%20of%20Lent%20(C)..docx" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="color: blue;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Thomas, T. (2010). <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Spice
up your homilies</i></b>. Mumbai: St Pauls, pp. 134-135.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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The devil’s goal: First Sunday of Lent (C) (14th February, 2016)

Homily (Reflection) for the First Sunday of Lent (C) (14 th February, 2016) on the Gospel Deut 26:4-10; Ps 90:1-2.10-15. (R.v.15); R...

Time of grace (13th February, 2016)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 02:50

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<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: Time of grace.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Very often we write people off for both the reasons that are
real and the imaginary ones. And we know that such records are seldom revised. In
today’s gospel, the Pharisees and their scribes complained against Jesus and
His disciples eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners. As we know
these groups were written off.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />

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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus replies them, “Those who are well have no need of a
physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but
sinners to repentance” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 5:31-32</b>).
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lent is a special time of grace. We all are being called just
as Levi is called today in the gospel. And we are expected to respond following
his example; he left everything and followed Jesus with great joy. The joy was
made manifest especially in the great banquet he gave in his house. Do not to
follow Jesus as if under compulsion.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Finally, be ashamed of sin and not of the fact that we all
are sinners. Let us rise and follow Jesus who paid fully for our sins.<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;">: Matt 10:37-39.<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;"> Get up, leave everything, and follow Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> Lord, give us a heart like Levi’s to
be able to leave everything and follow joy with joy – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Sharing is caring</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">. You are free to share our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">daily reflections</b> with your friends and
loved ones. They need them.<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;">God bless you+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

Time of grace (13th February, 2016)

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday after Ash Wednesday (13 th February, 2016) on the Gospel Is 58:9-14; Ps 85:1-6. (R. v.11); ...