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Pressing upon Jesus: Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, B.D. (24th January, 2019).

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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Francis
de Sales, B.D. (24<sup>th</sup> January, 2019) on the Gospel and the Memorial </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary
Time (I)</b>)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br />

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4AYg4NPCNkEVykueuuIM5jZHHhMhhqp3QAGlxQUuIkyHM7TRNP4oV3ROAS_B1LqU0J1OQtwhstzVQ0ATCVuPzMwcfcgPSI7m47vSwPZcoxnN8zbvpVe4qvembCpW3vzx9ESNuwdhTJg0/s1600/24.01.2019.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4AYg4NPCNkEVykueuuIM5jZHHhMhhqp3QAGlxQUuIkyHM7TRNP4oV3ROAS_B1LqU0J1OQtwhstzVQ0ATCVuPzMwcfcgPSI7m47vSwPZcoxnN8zbvpVe4qvembCpW3vzx9ESNuwdhTJg0/s1600/24.01.2019.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saint Francis de Sales (21<sup>st</sup> August, 1567 –
28<sup>th</sup> December, 1622) was born to a noble family at Chateau de Sales</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2018-2019)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Second%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2019).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><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.
His father destined him to be a lawyer and strongly opposed his desire to
become a priest. He was later ordained and elected provost of the Diocese of
Geneva. Francis set out to convert Calvinists by preaching and distributing the
little pamphlets he wrote to explain true Catholic doctrine with remarkable
success. He became bishop of Geneva at 35. While administering his diocese he
continued to preach, hear confessions, and catechize the children. His gentle
character was a great asset in winning souls. He practiced his own axiom, “A
spoonful of honey attracts more flies than a barrelful of vinegar.” Besides his
two well-known books, the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Introduction to the Devout Life</i></b> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A
Treatise on the Love of God</i></b>, he wrote many pamphlets and carried on a
vast correspondence. He addressed his writings to lay people to make them
understand that they too are called to be saints. He collaborated with Saint
Jane Frances de Chantal in establishing the Sisters of the Visitation. Saint
Francis de Sales is the patron of the Catholic Press</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2018-2019)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Second%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2019).docx" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" 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;">[2]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<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%;">Topic: Pressing upon Jesus</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many people from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond Jordan and
the region around Tyre and Sidon followed Jesus in today’s gospel because they
heard all He was doing. All who had diseases pressed upon him to touch Him
because He had cured many. And to avoid being crushed a boat was prepared for
Him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today many still look for Jesus because of the challenges
they have as can be testified by the rush for both real and fake powerful
men/women of God. Most of these in actual fact search not for Jesus but for
solutions to their problems both real and imaginary. Many in the house of God
today are after the desires of their body. We often forget that we should walk
by the Spirit and not gratify the desires of the flesh. The desires of the
flesh are against the will of God, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gal
5:16-17</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;">Most regrettably, many have gone astray in the process of
seeking for solutions instead of Christ, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Tim 6:10</b>. Many are ready for anything including sacrificing their
faith on any altar that promises them what they look for. Christ warns us, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">...those who want to save their life will lose it, and those
who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them, if they
gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return
for their life?” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 16:26; cf. Lk
9:25</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;">The only way out is to look for Jesus. He assures us, “seek
first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as
well” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 6:33</b>). Saint Francis de
Sales we celebrate today preached the true faith and addressed his works to the
laity to help them realise that all are called to become saints.<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; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: Jn
21:15-19.<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;"> Look for Jesus Christ and not for His signs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> May God help us decide for Him alone
– 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%;">Saint Francis de Sales – Pray for us</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; 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>
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homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<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>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2018-2019)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Second%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2019).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-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=51"><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=51</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2018-2019)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Second%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2019).docx" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" 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;">[2]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-francis-de-sales/"><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-francis-de-sales/</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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Pressing upon Jesus: Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, B.D. (24th January, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, B.D. (24 th January, 2019) on the Gospel and the Memorial ( Thursday ...

Before every good work: Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time (I) (23rd January, 2019).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 05:30

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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Before every good work</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCw4HjeIrNBfqYRNQDTaD0qdpVdog0oq4DDeQaiLVjc6-tKd341C7kkQt1DMwluvWPII-kQ8UMIHLJDqczlSAz5SijWkWjA0PBB_9rxCpL7sOvMu3J5omVBV-NmUN3pkHfOREgY939J4I/s1600/23.01.2019.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="229" data-original-width="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCw4HjeIrNBfqYRNQDTaD0qdpVdog0oq4DDeQaiLVjc6-tKd341C7kkQt1DMwluvWPII-kQ8UMIHLJDqczlSAz5SijWkWjA0PBB_9rxCpL7sOvMu3J5omVBV-NmUN3pkHfOREgY939J4I/s1600/23.01.2019.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In today’s gospel, Jesus met a man with a withered hand in
the synagogue. The gospel reads, “They watched him to see whether he would cure
him on the sabbath, so that they might accuse him.” Jesus called the man out
and questioned them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to
save life or to kill?” They were silent. After looking around at them in anger,
He cured the man with a withered hand and immediately, the Pharisees went out
and conspired with the Herodias against Him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus faced the people who were looking for what to accuse
Him with in today’s gospel. However, He was undaunted and went ahead to do
good. Hence, the bible tells us that “he went about doing good and healing all
that were oppressed by the devil” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts
10:38</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In like manner, we face various challenges doing every good
work. But we are to follow the steps of Jesus and do good always. He admonishes
us, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who will kill the
body, and after that can do nothing more.... fear him who, after he has killed,
has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 12:5-6</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 are to follow the example of Jesus Christ and go about doing
good always. However, never forget that before every good deed are challenges.
We are to face them bravely. The battle is not ours but God’s, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Sam 17:47; Lk 12:11-12; </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;">: Lk 12:4-12.<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;"> Be brave.<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 power to overcome
every obstacle that stands on our way – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<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>
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<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
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<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>

Before every good work: Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time (I) (23rd January, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time (I) (23 rd January, 2019) on the Gospel Heb 7:1-3.15-17; ...

Sabbath was made for humankind: Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time (I) (22nd January, 2019).

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";">Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of
the Second Week in Ordinary Time (I) (22<sup>nd</sup> January, 2019) 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";">Heb 6:10-20;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ps 100:1-2.4-5.9.10. (R. v.5);<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;">Mk 2:23-28</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<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%;">Topic: Sabbath was made for humankind</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLaNjp2RiMXZDKxODQwkWNniaXolr9K8IXDZPJeONDa8oKw211bBch70Y9F0cdaEJQPtjv1-jPugCrydom9b4earkyhG6dMq0-4IGYOfv3c5scjYy_K1kR1BjkG1fH8mVCoGvd8DCN7M/s1600/22.01.2019.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="176" data-original-width="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLaNjp2RiMXZDKxODQwkWNniaXolr9K8IXDZPJeONDa8oKw211bBch70Y9F0cdaEJQPtjv1-jPugCrydom9b4earkyhG6dMq0-4IGYOfv3c5scjYy_K1kR1BjkG1fH8mVCoGvd8DCN7M/s1600/22.01.2019.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">In today’s gospel, Jesus’ disciples plucked heads of grain as
Jesus went through the grain fields. The Pharisees frowned at it as unlawful on
the sabbath. Jesus reminded them what happened when Abiathar was high priest.
David and his men entered the house of God when they were hungry and in need of
food. They ate the bread of the Presence which was lawful for priests alone.
Jesus concluded with this popular verse: “The sabbath was made for humankind,
and not humankind for the sabbath ...” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk
2:27</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";">What worried the Pharisees was the observance of the
sabbatical laws. The welfare of the people means little or nothing to them.<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 in a society full of assorted laws – religious, civil,
group, family, and so on. Some of these laws have no other reason why they still
exist other than that they were handed down by forefathers, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 15:2; Mk 7:5</b>. Many of these laws
have little or nothing to contribute to the good of humans. And some are truly
burdens and instruments of oppression. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">It is disheartening that many are either afraid, or
unconcerned, or too weak to take stand against such unjust laws. Today’s gospel
challenges us to see that laws are for the good of the people. God delights in our
welfare cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 35:27</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: 1Cor 10:23–11:1.<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;"> Laws are for the good of the people.<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%;"> Eternal lawgiver, direct those who
make laws and those who apply them to work for the common good – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<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 />
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<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
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<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>

Sabbath was made for humankind: Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time (I) (22nd January, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time (I) (22 nd January, 2019) on the Gospel Heb 6:10-20; Ps 100:1-2....

Finding others’ faults: Memorial of Saint Agnes of Rome, V.M., (21st January, 2019).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Memorials 05:31

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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saint Agnes of Rome was born c. 291 AD in a wealthy
Christian family. She was very beautiful. Agnes vowed to God never to stain her
purity. As a result she turned all those seeking for her hand in marriage down
including Procop, the Governor's son. In great anger he brought her to his father
accusing her of being a Christian. Despite all the promises made her by the Governor
Agnes did not change her mind. Finally, she was condemned to death. Even the
pagans cried to see such a young (12 or 13 years old) and beautiful girl going
to death. She prayed and bowed her head for the death-stroke of the sword on 21
January 304. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saint Agnes is the patron saint of young girls, chastity,
rape survivors, gardeners, engaged couples, and the Children of Mary. She is
often represented with a lamb, the symbol of her virgin innocence, and a palm
branch, like other martyrs</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2018-2019)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Second%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2019).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><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.
She is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox
Church, the Anglican Communion, and Lutheranism</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2018-2019)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Second%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2019).docx" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" 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;">[2]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></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%;">Topic: Finding others’ faults</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In today’s gospel, people came to Jesus and put this question
to Him: “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but
your disciples do not fast?” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk 2:18</b>).
In sum Jesus told them that it was not time for His disciples to fast.<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 people expected the disciples of Jesus to fast just as
those of John the Baptist’s and the Pharisees were doing. They would have made
John, the Pharisees, and Jesus to be synonymous first, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk 2:21-22</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In our everyday lives many spend the greater part of their
lives either trying to live other people’s lives or to make others live as they
want. Others spend the precious time giving to them by God looking for those
who do not live as they should.<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 more one focuses on others’ faults the more he or she
forgets about his or her own faults which might be much more than the one/s
he/she finds in others, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 7:3-5</b>.
We are to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers but we must first keep
ourselves to be able to keep others. One must first keep his/her house in
order. Saint Agnes of Rome focused on God. Hence, she pleased God alone.<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 7:1-5.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; 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;"> Focus on correcting yourself first.<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 in our struggle to be
better – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<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>
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<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>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2018-2019)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Second%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2019).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-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=106"><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=106</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2018-2019)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Second%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2019).docx" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" 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;">[2]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnes_of_Rome"><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnes_of_Rome</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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Finding others’ faults: Memorial of Saint Agnes of Rome, V.M., (21st January, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Agnes of Rome, V.M., (21 st January, 2019) on the Gospel and the Memorial (Monday of th...

The Good wine and its press: Second Sunday of the Year (C) (20th January, 2019).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Sunday homilies 05:08

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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 the Year (C) (20</span><sup><span style="font-size: small;">th</span></sup><span style="font-size: large;"> January, 2019) on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Is 62:1-5;</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Ps 95:1-3.7-10. (R. v. 3);</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">1Cor 12:4-11;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn
2:1-11</b>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">John Keats the English poet, as a lad,
attended Sunday classes regularly. Once the teacher gave a précis writing
exercise to the children. The passage was the miracle at Cana, changing water
into wine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Keats was such a genius child, he wrote in
one sentence and got the applause of everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">“She saw him and blushed."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.... water, the creature saw her creator
Jesus and blushed, she turned red.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/YEAR%20C%202018%20-%202019/Ordinary%20Time%20of%20the%20Year%20(C)/Second%20Sunday%20of%20the%20Year%20(C)%20(2019).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%;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></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 Good wine and its press</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri";">.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03ngeqTzP3RmdkL9Wmv85qvs36HjGUmvsZetJdCo-D-j2d0hoRUUqlUgplh-X9AUi1SJ52pO5l2hg-eHrXGDdoxIMoOdSOoc2XbuXOnuQmxr9wocBoOWGRQcL117R2iUUWFcJLcHCPOg/s1600/20.01.2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03ngeqTzP3RmdkL9Wmv85qvs36HjGUmvsZetJdCo-D-j2d0hoRUUqlUgplh-X9AUi1SJ52pO5l2hg-eHrXGDdoxIMoOdSOoc2XbuXOnuQmxr9wocBoOWGRQcL117R2iUUWFcJLcHCPOg/s1600/20.01.2019.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Jesus, His mother, and His
disciples were in a wedding in today’s gospel. When the bride and the groom ran
out of wine Mary approached her Son saying: “They have no wine” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 2:3</b>). Although it was not yet time
for Him to manifest Himself, Jesus turned water into good wine. When the chief
steward who did not know how the wine came about tasted it he said to the
bridegroom, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine
after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now”
(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 2:10</b>). </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Wine is produced mostly from grapes. And grapes are fruits
of vine, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk 14:23-25</b>. Wine
points to how good the grapes that produced it were and the quality of the
grapes depends of the vine, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt
7:16-18, 20</b>. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Jesus tells us in the gospel according to Saint John, that
He is the vine, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 15:5</b>. Earlier
He defined the type of vine in these words: “I am the true vine” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 15:1</b>). Going by the passage we quoted
earlier (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 7:16-18, 20</b>) true vine
makes true wine.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">During the Last Supper with His disciples Jesus took a cup
filled with wine and after giving thanks gave it to His disciples saying:
“Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is
poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 26:27-28; cf. Mk 14:23-24</b>). Christ’s body and blood are for
both our temporal and spiritual benefits. But ultimately, to reconcile us with
the Father (forgiveness of our sins), cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Eph
2:16</b>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Jesus is Lord, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom
10:9; 1Cor 12:3</b>. As a result, He has the best of everything, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 112:3; Prov 8:18; Rev 5:12; 1Cor 11:12</b>.
When it was not yet time to manifest Himself, Mary as a wine press of a kind
was able to get the best from Him to save the bride and the groom the
embarrassment of not being able to give wine to their guests. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jesus is still the Lord. John Keats rightly wrote that water
saw Him and blushed. He still has the best. All things are possible for Him,
cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 19:26; Mk 10:27</b>. But many
still resist Jesus although He asks us to come to Him that we may have life,
cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 5:40</b>. We ought to approach
Him to have our thirst quenched, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Jn 7:37</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">As we go to Jesus
for all we need, I strongly suggest we remember that </span>Mary is still His
mother. She can and will always get the best from her Son because He cannot
contradict Himself, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ex 20:12; Deut
5:16; Matt 15:4; 19:19; Mk 7:10; Eph 6:2</b>.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<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;">: Matt 7:16-18, 20; 11:25-30; Jn 5:39-47; 7:37-39;
15:1-16.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thought for today:</b>
You can only get the right wine from the right vine through the right press.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</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;"> Jesus the true vine, fill us with right
wine that we may never be thirsty again </span>– Amen. </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-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">You
are free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">For
more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">       </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Email: </span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">May God bless you all+</span></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">
<br />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />

<br />
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/YEAR%20C%202018%20-%202019/Ordinary%20Time%20of%20the%20Year%20(C)/Second%20Sunday%20of%20the%20Year%20(C)%20(2019).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%;">[1]</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;">Sagayanathan, A. (2009). <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Launching
pad: Stories for Sunday homilies-A, B&C</i></b>. Bangalore: Asian Trading
Corporation, p. 292.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>

The Good wine and its press: Second Sunday of the Year (C) (20th January, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for the Second Sunday of the Year (C) (20 th January, 2019) on the Gospel Is 62:1-5; Ps 95:1-3.7-10. (R. v. 3); ...

Yes, you too can: Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary Time (I) (19th January, 2019).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 05:12

<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Yes, you too can</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">

</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyytNJY69XDbPqdzb8LspqZI6jPRdmZg2Ye4nFQvtEPBDCAEdxrqEms0124QH0ZieUYO2TCNeuuAMRn_yCeb_MCkRCiH5hKM-58mdDSqW3i_amf0_IWms8ieut4pZwBqhS2jtQl1LVj9w/s1600/19.01.2019.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyytNJY69XDbPqdzb8LspqZI6jPRdmZg2Ye4nFQvtEPBDCAEdxrqEms0124QH0ZieUYO2TCNeuuAMRn_yCeb_MCkRCiH5hKM-58mdDSqW3i_amf0_IWms8ieut4pZwBqhS2jtQl1LVj9w/s1600/19.01.2019.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In today’s gospel Levi son of Alphaeus was called by Jesus
while he was sitting at the tax booth. His call ushered in a dinner in which
Jesus and His disciples ate and drank with tax collectors and sinners. The
sight of this made the scribes question.<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;">Just imagine a pastor (priest) dinning and wining with
harlots, swindlers, among other notorious people in the society. Certainly, it
will scandalize many. Yet these (harlots, swindlers among others) always have
the chance of repenting. However in the Jewish culture, tax collectors are not
just among the worst sinners but do not even have the chance of repenting.
Based on this, imagine how the scribes viewed Jesus dinning and wining in
Levi’s house among sinners and tax collectors.<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;">Although according to the Jewish belief Levi (a tax
collector, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 18:11</b>) cannot
repent but Jesus called him to follow Him just as He called Peter, Andrew,
James, and John who were fishermen, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk
1:16-20</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;">Many think they would have been wonderful people for God if
they had known earlier. These see themselves as objects of scorn to both God
and humans.<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;">Irrespective of your mistakes you still have equal
opportunity with everybody before God. And God is calling you today just as
Levi was called. If only you will follow Him today, you will be admired by all.
Yes, you too can make it. Just respond positively to God’s call today. He is
already at your door knocking to dine and wine with you, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rev. 3:20</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;">And to specialists in criticism, Jesus is saying to you: “I
have come to call not the righteous but sinners” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk 2:17b</b>). Encourage everyone to come back to God and stop
scattering them with destructive criticisms. Even the worst sinner is still the
son/daughter of Abraham, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 19:9</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-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;">: Is 1:2-20.<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 calling you to follow 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, help us in our weakness to
struggle towards 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%; 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 />
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<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
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<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>

Yes, you too can: Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary Time (I) (19th January, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary Time (I) (19 th January, 2019) on the Gospel Heb 4:12-16; Ps 18...

Catch Jesus’ attention: Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time (I) (18th January, 2019).

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:59

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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Catch Jesus’ attention</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTGK-Sdwcfnt_pL2MRsim7jPbcnfDz1pM-ypPbMCrHUps_2yYzQnP2_hOieQnBBICIWAQgxgXQ2QCtZZNA-fCJ7iYEQvmG7_jVcjdJxJDs7K2hyO6o3JCLTs-W0B1jZWTzAFPZWWI5-o/s1600/18.01.2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTGK-Sdwcfnt_pL2MRsim7jPbcnfDz1pM-ypPbMCrHUps_2yYzQnP2_hOieQnBBICIWAQgxgXQ2QCtZZNA-fCJ7iYEQvmG7_jVcjdJxJDs7K2hyO6o3JCLTs-W0B1jZWTzAFPZWWI5-o/s1600/18.01.2019.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On Jesus’ return to Capernaum in today’s gospel, so many
gathered around Him that there was no space, even in front of the door; and
Jesus was preaching the word to them. It was at that point that four men
brought a paralysed man to Jesus. And since they could not gain access through
the door because of the crowd, they removed the roof, dug through it, and
lowered the paralytic on the mat he laid.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic: “Son, your
sins are forgiven” which provoked some thoughts among the scribes. He later
said to the man, “I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home”.
The gospel reads further “And he [the man] stood up, and immediately took the
mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified
God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk 2:11, 12</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;">Imagine what would have happened if the men who brought the
paralysed man stopped on way because of the crowd or any other reason. In the
same vein, you may have done one thing and another yet without the desired
positive result. Do not lose hope. Try the roof with faith. Jesus assures us
that those who endure to the end will be saved, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 10:22 .24:13; Mk 13:13</b>. Again, “I tell you, he will vindicate
them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on
earth?” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 18:8</b>) Even your enemies
will be amazed and glorify God when you catch Jesus’ attention.<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 116.<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;"> Pray always and not lose heart, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 18:1</b>.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> Lord, help us keep our faith in the
face of all challenges – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>

Catch Jesus’ attention: Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time (I) (18th January, 2019).

Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time (I) (18 th January, 2019) on the Gospel Heb 4:1-5.11; Ps 77:...