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21st December: Weekdays of Advent

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:54

Homily (Reflection) for 21st
December: Weekdays of Advent on the Gospel

Song 2:8-14 or Zeph 3:14-18;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 32:2-3.11-12.20-21. (R. vv. 1.3);<o:p></o:p>

Lk 1:39-45.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Mary’s visit to Elizabeth.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIv7g3e5iFNoaor6eaA01OnAxC3_a8Fg4EKhnevfde63uOxzCy3V_I7qFyVQGloOv4YbH0JqeNT-ZdhhZI_yKe9sRcLmzWmsAGWY9G37s2ejpJk28xBPmiE6xsCXIGTUZ-RaT2DVaDpI/s226/21.12.2020.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="169" data-original-width="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIv7g3e5iFNoaor6eaA01OnAxC3_a8Fg4EKhnevfde63uOxzCy3V_I7qFyVQGloOv4YbH0JqeNT-ZdhhZI_yKe9sRcLmzWmsAGWY9G37s2ejpJk28xBPmiE6xsCXIGTUZ-RaT2DVaDpI/s0/21.12.2020.png" /></a></div> The mother of Jesus set out in today’s gospel to visit her
kinswoman Elizabeth whom the angel made her to know was in the sixth month of
her pregnancy (cf. Lk 1:36). Mary
went as quickly as she could to a Judean town in the hill country where
Elizabeth was living with her husband. The greeting of Mary made John the
Baptist to leap with joy in the womb of his mother, Elizabeth who was
immediately filled with the Holy Spirit. It was under the influence of the Holy
Spirit that she exclaimed with a loud cry part of that beautiful prayer, the
Hail Mary: “Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb” (Lk 1:42).<o:p></o:p>

As we come closer and closer to Christmas, Jesus wants us to
visit others especially those who need our help just as He and His mother did
in today’s gospel. It is important to note among other things that the gospel
did not tell us the things Mary and Jesus took along while visiting Elizabeth.
Mary’s greeting alone brought about divine transformation in the life of
Elizabeth and her unborn child. So even if you have nothing material, your
visit alone worth more than what you can imagine. Again, delay might be
dangerous. Mary set out immediately. So, why delay? Set out today or even now.<o:p></o:p>

This visit ought not be limited to one’s friends and
relatives alone, cf. Ex 23:5; Prov 25:21.
Jesus is the king of peace, cf. Is 9:6.
<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Visit someone today and/or during this season, cf. Matt 25:36, 43.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: May Jesus the King of peace
accompany us as we visit others – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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21st December: Weekdays of Advent

Homily (Reflection) for 21 st December: Weekdays of Advent on the Gospel Song 2:8-14 or Zeph 3:14-18; Ps 32:2-3.11-12.20-21. (R. ...

Fourth Sunday of Advent, (B)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Sunday homilies 05:19

Homily (Reflection) for the Fourth Sunday
of Advent, (B) (20th December, 2020) on the Gospel

2Sam 7:1-5.8-11.14.16;

Ps 88:2-5.27.29.
(R. cf. v. 2);

Rom 16:25-27;

Lk 1:26-38.

Two friends were
seen together almost all the time. One day, one of them named John committed an
offence and was charged to court. He called on his friend Anthony to testify
for him in the court because he was not only his friend but he actually knew
what happened also. Those who knew how close the two were concluded that
Anthony would do his best to cover up his friend. On the contrary, he told the
court what happened and the way it happened. John was convicted and sentenced
to two years imprisonment with an option of fine. Since he could not pay the
fine he was left with no other option than going to jail. He was still in
detention when the fine was paid for him. John thanked God for exposing how bad
Anthony was and for replacing him with a friend in need. The day fixed for John
to see the God-sent came and behold it was Anthony. John could not believe what
he saw because he had concluded never to have anything to do with Anthony
again. After a long period of silence, Anthony told John that he was and is
still his friend but that he would not condone evil.

Topic:
Finding Favour With God.<o:p></o:p>

This is the last Sunday of Advent;
the period set aside for seeking the Lord as Prophet Isaiah admonishes us: “Seek
the LORD while he may be found, call upon him while he is near” (Is 55:6). And those who sincerely
sought for God do find him, cf. 1Chr
28:9; 2Chr 15:2; Jer 29:14. Again, those who found God are favoured by him.
But what do you expect from God either as one who has found favour with him or
making frantic effort to do so – breakthrough, husband, wife, fruit of the
womb, wealth, death of your enemies, protection, and so on?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UlnRfFgdiMIUGqGs8xYZIYsRjHjkzdRjTxJ88ldV1zSqTfnAZMADd979Jj-W8ND_-hXJlkplX-SYTn86uGJ-8ifpoUS21ZwzuULPM80C0bHAr6fbLAUoeijfguRLPO8rbIzWPmReRmU/s210/20.12.2020.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UlnRfFgdiMIUGqGs8xYZIYsRjHjkzdRjTxJ88ldV1zSqTfnAZMADd979Jj-W8ND_-hXJlkplX-SYTn86uGJ-8ifpoUS21ZwzuULPM80C0bHAr6fbLAUoeijfguRLPO8rbIzWPmReRmU/s0/20.12.2020.png" /></a></div> In the gospel we read the words of angel Gabriel to Virgin
Mary: “Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you” (Lk 1:28). The angel also went on: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you
have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a
son, and you will name him Jesus” (Lk
1:30-31). And favour according to The New Webster’s Dictionary of the
English Language is “an act of kindness going beyond what could normally be
expected”. Longman dictionary of contemporary English: New edition for advanced
learners also defined favour as “something that you do for someone in order to
help them or be kind to them”. With these in mind, when one hears of favour,
what readily comes to mind is what one likes. But when one finds favour with
God, does it really mean that the will of God will no longer be done, that is,
God surrendering his will to that of his favoured one or the favoured one
surrendering his to God’s?

Going through the scriptures, among those we consider as
favoured by God is Abraham. We claim his blessings. But he was very old when he
was blessed with a child, cf. Gen 21:5.
At a point, Abraham and Sarah thought that it would no longer be possible hence
they laughed at God, cf. Gen. 17:17;
18:12 and Abraham also pleaded with God to establish the covenant with
Ishmael, cf. Gen 17:18. And from the
time he was called by God and the promise of a child made, it took 25 years to
come true, cf. Gen. 12:1-9; 21:5. In
the case of Mary, as one who found favour with God, she was charged with the
work of giving birth to the sacrificial lamb that would brought a sword to her
according to Blessed Simeon, cf. Lk
2:34-35.

We seek God to know him and to do his will and not for God
to do ours, cf. Matt 6:10. It is
important to know that the closer a soul
moves towards God, the more it forgets itself and is consumed by the knowledge
of God. A soul cannot do God’s will if it does not lose its own. Again, it
is wrong and unchristian to calculate God’s favours with only what can be seen.
God’s act of kindness might be different from what the one who has found favour
with Him has in mind.

As we come very close to both the anniversary of the birth
of Jesus and his second coming, let us follow the example of Mary. As one who
has found favour with God, she surrendered her will completely to God so that
we might be saved. Her response was “… Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let
it be done with me according to your word” Lk
1:38. Every Christian has to surrender everything to God.

Bible Reading: Gen. 17; Ps 139; Matt. 6: 9-13; Jn.
4:23-24; 2Pet 3:8-9.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: The closer a soul moves towards God, the more it
forgets itself and is consumed by the knowledge of God. You cannot do God’s
will if you do not lose yours.

Let
us pray: Lord, help
us to seek you alone. Bring us closer to yourself and fill us with the
knowledge of you as we lose ourselves in search of you – Amen.

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Fourth Sunday of Advent, (B)

Homily (Reflection) for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, (B) (20 th December, 2020) on the Gospel 2Sam 7:1-5.8-11.14.16; Ps 88:2-5.27.29....

Weekdays of Advent: 19th December

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:35

Homily (Reflection) for Weekdays of Advent: 19th December on
the Gospel

Judg 13:2-7.24-25;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 70:3-6.16-17. (R. cf. v.8);<o:p></o:p>

Lk 1:5-25.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Do not be afraid.... <o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXG8EFvLoBfJC8l90OOpE4qHkGO6EjAMeBT4u5-_56waoXXh8Zf_vyvio4onx-By_xNhq43mH4EbXKhDVPgOizfNNFq4QSbGJtmrW1jiI_5DV1hqbUqgNjljJyW3l32zszq7ANOnkRU-w/s294/19.12.2020.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXG8EFvLoBfJC8l90OOpE4qHkGO6EjAMeBT4u5-_56waoXXh8Zf_vyvio4onx-By_xNhq43mH4EbXKhDVPgOizfNNFq4QSbGJtmrW1jiI_5DV1hqbUqgNjljJyW3l32zszq7ANOnkRU-w/s0/19.12.2020.png" /></a></div> We see in today’s gospel a priest named Zechariah and his
wife, Elizabeth, a descendant of Aaron. Both were not just noble by birth but also
were righteous and blameless before God. Yet the gospel goes on to say “...
they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in
years” (Lk 1:7).<o:p></o:p>

Nevertheless, they continued to live righteous and blameless
lives according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord even as
they grew older and older without any child. It was when so to speak, all hope
was lost that an angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah who was terrified and
overwhelmed with fear. The angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for
your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you
will name him John” (Lk 1:13).<o:p></o:p>

My dear child of God, things may not have been as you expect
them not minding how much you struggle to live according to the will of God.
You may have even fallen out of despondency or at the verge of falling. That
same angel is telling you today: DO NOT
BE AFRAID.... If you have fallen, do not be afraid, rise for the time has
come. If you have not, do not because our Saviour is at hand. Remember always
that nothing is impossible for God, cf. Matt
19:26; Mk 10:27; Lk 1:37. 18:27. There is no need to be afraid. Your deliverance will be like a dream, cf. Ps 126:1. You shall rejoice and be
glad, cf. Ps 14:7.<o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: Lk 1:46-55.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Do not be afraid....<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Come, Lord Jesus, do not delay –
Amen (cf. Rev 22:20).<o:p></o:p>

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Weekdays of Advent: 19th December

Homily (Reflection) for Weekdays of Advent: 19 th December on the Gospel Judg 13:2-7.24-25; Ps 70:3-6.16-17. (R. cf. v.8); Lk 1...

Weekdays of Advent: 18th December

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:50

Homily (Reflection) for Weekdays of
Advent: 18th December on the Gospel

Jer 23:5-8;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 71:1-2.12-13.18-19. (R. cf. v.7);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 1:18-24.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Give God time to speak.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifw-cyZVF0lsZLV8yzpx_AtlLpXV1m3yPTgU6co8licg1nCptCTnLWJqHHIbWMZ7gjlXcralFF4VDgp4VHKx0pU4cCOTel9NCJeou7gLqoDVwj7YLnp92c1Van58sRT4u86oSp4JugdWo/s266/18.12.2020.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifw-cyZVF0lsZLV8yzpx_AtlLpXV1m3yPTgU6co8licg1nCptCTnLWJqHHIbWMZ7gjlXcralFF4VDgp4VHKx0pU4cCOTel9NCJeou7gLqoDVwj7YLnp92c1Van58sRT4u86oSp4JugdWo/s0/18.12.2020.png" /></a></div> Today’s gospel tells us how Jesus Christ was conceived in the
womb of Blessed Virgin Mary of the Holy Spirit. Mary’s husband, Joseph, did not
act impulsively. Hence the bible rightly calls him “a righteous man”. He was
unwilling to shame her publicly and was still planning how best to dismiss her
quietly when the angel of the Lord came with this message:<o:p></o:p>

Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your
wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a
son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins
(Matt 1:20-21).<o:p></o:p>

And in obedience to the angel of the Lord, Joseph took Mary
as his wife. <o:p></o:p>

Lots of questions come to mind at this time: <o:p></o:p>

i. What would have been the fate of
Mary and Jesus Christ had Joseph acted rashly? Certainly, the story would not
have been the same. <o:p></o:p>

ii. Again, how many times have you
acted rashly only to regret your actions later?<o:p></o:p>

As we come closer to the memorial of the birth of our Lord,
Jesus Christ may we ask the Blessed Joseph to help us obtain that righteous
person’s heart he has to enable us act rationally always.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: God has words for you always but you must give Him
time to speak.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord as we approach the birth of our
Lord Jesus Christ, give us heart of flesh as you promised – Amen (cf. Ezek 11:19; 36:26).<o:p></o:p>

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!<o:p></o:p>

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Weekdays of Advent: 18th December

Homily (Reflection) for Weekdays of Advent: 18 th December on the Gospel Jer 23:5-8; Ps 71:1-2.12-13.18-19. (R. cf. v.7); Matt ...

17th December

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:42

Homily (Reflection) for 17th December:
Weekdays of Advent on the Gospel

Gen 49:2.8-10;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 71:1-4.7-8.17. (R. cf. v. 7);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 1: 1-17.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Leave it Better.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCja9skkvMk-be2PROXenvzUUxexSftTiD15Rl6zhYnvjujifirsGSeFOxl2MFncLIDaFaZXuaHHViFLTOOo53sAplmRr6zNuSD99v2OzJNxa2XchZKk_QZVQBIsAEzlOMEBc9j7ZOTq4/s276/17.12.2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="182" data-original-width="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCja9skkvMk-be2PROXenvzUUxexSftTiD15Rl6zhYnvjujifirsGSeFOxl2MFncLIDaFaZXuaHHViFLTOOo53sAplmRr6zNuSD99v2OzJNxa2XchZKk_QZVQBIsAEzlOMEBc9j7ZOTq4/s0/17.12.2020.jpg" /></a></div> One might wonder why the pains Saint Matthew took to trace
the genealogy of Jesus Christ back Abraham. The book of Deuteronomy reads about
Israel: “... you are a people holy to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has
chosen you out of all the peoples on earth to be his people, his treasured
possession” (Deut 7:6). And the call
of Abraham in the book of Genesis marks the beginning of His election of
Israelites as His chosen nation, cf. Gen
12. <o:p></o:p>

Think of how one feels when being referred to as a son or a
daughter of a successful man or woman. Or better still from a noble and
successful family. In the same way, the Jews pride themselves as the Lord’s
chosen. Hence in their culture, there is serious importance on genealogy as we
can see in the bible, cf. Gen 4:17ff;
5:1-32. The inability to trace one’s
origin to Abraham or at least to David raises serious question mark as to being
a genuine Israelite. So, today’s gospel in part is an attempt to show that
Christ is the long awaited Messiah as prophesied, cf. 1Kg 11:36; Lk 1:27; Is 22:22. <o:p></o:p>

One of the truths we know is that today begets tomorrow. As a
result, take everything you do very serious. In other words, do your best at
all times. The life you live today may uplift or shame others tomorrow. So Leave
the history Better than you met it.<o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: Phil
2:12-18.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Leave everything better than you meet them.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: God help us to make this world a
better place – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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17th December

Homily (Reflection) for 17 th December: Weekdays of Advent on the Gospel Gen 49:2.8-10; Ps 71:1-4.7-8.17. (R. cf. v. 7); Matt 1...

Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 23:59

Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of
the Third Week of Advent (16th December, 2020) on the Gospel

Is 45:6-8.18.21-26;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 84:9-14 (R. cf. Is 45:8);<o:p></o:p>

Lk 7:19-23.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Ask questions.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTqrcqJYfjw2ZaeXiQgzVpv82KGouKVAQnFR5HfijG0TIeKNJ8qYqgfrpic1Jo55d9-42wgvVnhkDJcGBtFdNCW-DuisocmfqWhTKSCrU67Y-3S4ZKae0xRqr-9-tApvdrttKqTfL6R0/s288/16.12.2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTqrcqJYfjw2ZaeXiQgzVpv82KGouKVAQnFR5HfijG0TIeKNJ8qYqgfrpic1Jo55d9-42wgvVnhkDJcGBtFdNCW-DuisocmfqWhTKSCrU67Y-3S4ZKae0xRqr-9-tApvdrttKqTfL6R0/s0/16.12.2020.jpg" /></a></div> John the Baptist was sent as a precursor of Jesus Christ and
he testified to Him based on the signs he saw, cf. Jn 1:29-34. But in today’s gospel he sent two of his disciples to
Jesus with the question: “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for
another?” (Lk 7:20).<o:p></o:p>

The book Deuteronomy reads: “Remember the days of old,
consider the years of many generations; ask your father, and he will show you;
your elders, and they will tell you” (Deut
32:7). When the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua and the Israelites
did to Jericho and Ai, they went to them in cunning. And because Joshua and the
Israelites did not ask direction from the LORD they fell prey to their cunning,
cf. Josh 9:14. By doing so, they
went contrary to the will of God, cf. Deut
7:2-5.<o:p></o:p>

There are a lot of mistakes we could have avoided if only we
asked questions. Not only did we fail to ask questions but some are yet to ask
questions to help correct the mistakes. In the letter of Saint James we read: “If
any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and
without reproaching, and it will be given him” (Jas 1:5).<o:p></o:p>

Begin today to ask questions not just to avoid mistakes but also
those that will help you correct every mistake.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Almighty God and Father always
direct us in the right part.<o:p></o:p>

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Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent

Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent (16 th December, 2020) on the Gospel Is 45:6-8.18.21-26; Ps 84:9-14...

Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 03:51

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of
the Third Week of Advent (15th December, 2020) on the Gospel

Zeph 3:1-2.9-13;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 33:2-3.6-7.16.18-19.23. (R. v.7);<o:p></o:p>

Matt
21:28-32.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Think Better.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMagdS_W16eescqL2IG97-lIaPQh39zZk08sd_VfkkUjfRQ-oAR1gqjR6WgEX3jLhEPPInTQPnyR7qKb8KRh9aVapqI1oFj8c5tPJyVymIVwNZoVNDxdr368YaqfnvHB4-lmOAlyDfaU/s275/15.12.2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMagdS_W16eescqL2IG97-lIaPQh39zZk08sd_VfkkUjfRQ-oAR1gqjR6WgEX3jLhEPPInTQPnyR7qKb8KRh9aVapqI1oFj8c5tPJyVymIVwNZoVNDxdr368YaqfnvHB4-lmOAlyDfaU/s0/15.12.2020.jpg" /></a></div> In today’s gospel, Jesus used a parable of a man who had two
sons to teach the chief priests and the elders of the people. The man in question
went to the first and asked him to work in the vineyard but he replied: “‘I
will not’; but later he changed his mind [thought better of it] and went” (Matt 21:29). The man made the same
request of the second son who hardly allowed him to finish before the reply:
“‘I go, sir’; but he did not go” (Matt
21:30). His listeners rightly answered that it was the first who did his
father’s will.<o:p></o:p>

Jesus went on to tell them that the tax collectors and the
prostitutes are making heaven ahead of them because they did not believe in John
the Baptist but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And to worsen the
situation, the chief priests and the elders of the people never thought better
and believed.<o:p></o:p>

That you have said something or decided on something does not
mean that you have gotten to the best. And nothing is better than the best. <o:p></o:p>

Some of the things we have decided on or even have done are
wrong. God expects us to make amends today. This can be in the form of changing
decisions, course, even asking for forgiveness for the wrongs we have done to
others, explanations, and so on.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: God, source of true wisdom, help us
to think better – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent (15 th December, 2020) on the Gospel Zeph 3:1-2.9-13; Ps 33:2-3.6-7.1...

Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, P.D.

thepulpitonline.com 0 Memorials 04:41

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint John of the Cross, P.D., (14th December, 2020) on the
Gospel and the Memorial<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Num 24:2-7.15-17;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 24:4-9 (R. v. 4);<o:p></o:p>

Matt
21:23-27.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXOdv2Fq_sIDjmnC9sTn_FbdBdZB-0QKyehbu4xSvAOlaMRjTMcAYmNvNwBDgt3TLN_OYkBLURYWkNBKxDdrlqL-iYDVfXst4JEJBcAKFRCEKHWOhAE4aRMRwcS9ToTr9FuV2eBGf8oA/s264/Saint+John+of+the+Cross.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="264" data-original-width="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXOdv2Fq_sIDjmnC9sTn_FbdBdZB-0QKyehbu4xSvAOlaMRjTMcAYmNvNwBDgt3TLN_OYkBLURYWkNBKxDdrlqL-iYDVfXst4JEJBcAKFRCEKHWOhAE4aRMRwcS9ToTr9FuV2eBGf8oA/s0/Saint+John+of+the+Cross.png" /></a></div> Saint John of the Cross was born in Spain in 1542. He
became a Carmelite and was ordained a priest in 1567. Saint Theresa of Avila
encouraged him to undertake the reform of his Order. He was strenuously opposed
and suffered many trials and setbacks. He led a life of prayer which bore fruit
in a number of writings that are classics of the mystical life which include The Ascent of Mount Carmel, The Dark Night of the Soul, The Spiritual Canticle, and The Living Flame of Love. His
outstanding homilies, austerity of life, poetic genius and charity remain
living examples.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%201%20(2020-2021)/Advent%20and%20Xmas%20Seasons/Third%20Week%20of%20Advent%20(I)%20(2020).docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</a><o:p></o:p>

Topic: Openness to truth.<o:p></o:p>

In today’s gospel, as Jesus was teaching in the temple the
chief priests and the elders of the people came to Him and asked: “By what
authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” Jesus
gave them a condition for answering their question: “Did the baptism of John
come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” After arguing among themselves
they decided to pitch their tent with ignorance.<o:p></o:p>

And in the gospel according to Saint John, Jesus said to the
Jews who had believed in Him: “If you continue in my word, you are truly my
disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (Jn 8:31-32). The reaction of the chief
priests and the elders of the people shows that they were not seeking for the
truth. <o:p></o:p>

Are you really for the truth? When you see that the truth is
against your stand, what do you do? Never oppose or try to suppress the truth
even when you feel that your stand is threatened. Always follow the truth
because where truth is there is life.<o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: Matt 10:16-2.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: You are called to reform the world starting from where
you are.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, help us to be agents of true
change wherever we are – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

Saint John of the Cross – Pray for us.<o:p></o:p>

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

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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%201%20(2020-2021)/Advent%20and%20Xmas%20Seasons/Third%20Week%20of%20Advent%20(I)%20(2020).docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</a>
The Weekday Missal: A new edition (1995). HarperCollins Religious: London. p.1831. <o:p></o:p>

</div>

Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, P.D.

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, P.D., (14 th December, 2020) on the Gospel and the Memorial Num 24...

Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete or Rejoice Sunday), (B)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Sunday homilies 05:11

Homily (Reflection) for the Third Sunday of
Advent (Gaudete or Rejoice Sunday), (B) (13th December, 2020) on the
Gospel

Is 61:1-2.10-11;

Lk 1:46-50.53-54
(R. Is 61:10);

1Thess 5:16-24;

Jn 1:6-8.19-28.

One day I saw
two boys fighting. After stopping the fight, I enquired of the cause of the
fight to forestall the continuation of the fight when I had left. One of them accused
the other boy of hitting him first. But that one who hit first also accused the
other of insulting him. At this point my brain was filled with possible insults
that could have led to the fight but to my greatest surprise, it all started as
a misunderstanding between the two. And at a point the one who was accused of
insult asked the other boy ‘who are you?’ And that was the insult that caused
the fight.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTr1SUcQRL_-Xr-0EmRxMk6aniXzsnxIL_nigUAkBOCQ_eJEh7TMwccW2yLwe8c0Q6fd0-wOlbCkqUKAgIIJxhqsGzPgToWvUMkWTmuY9dL5GlJni-l6C1lH85BfluRzpH1pgsn5OeZmw/s259/13.12.2020.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTr1SUcQRL_-Xr-0EmRxMk6aniXzsnxIL_nigUAkBOCQ_eJEh7TMwccW2yLwe8c0Q6fd0-wOlbCkqUKAgIIJxhqsGzPgToWvUMkWTmuY9dL5GlJni-l6C1lH85BfluRzpH1pgsn5OeZmw/s0/13.12.2020.png" /></a></div> Having probably heard about John
the Baptist or encountered him or both, the Pharisees in the gospel sent envoys
to him (John the Baptist). One of the questions they put to John the Baptist
was “... Why then are you baptising if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah,
nor the prophet?” (Jn 1:25). It was
what John the Baptist was doing that led them to thinking that he might be the
Messiah, Elijah, or the prophet. Hence, the mission of the envoys was to find
out the answer to the question I consider vital: “Who are you?”

Today’s gospel can be divided into
two – God’s purpose for John the Baptist and what John the Baptist did. The
first part portrayed God’s purpose for John the Baptist in these words:

There was a man sent from God, whose
name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might
believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to
the light (Jn 1:6-8).

And the second part reads:

This is the testimony given by John
when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are
you?’ He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, ‘I am not the Messiah’.
And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you
the prophet?’ He answered, ‘No’ (Jn
1:19-21).

Bringing the two parts of the gospel together gives us the
totality of our existence. The book of Proverbs reads: “The LORD has made
everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble” (Prov 16:4). God created each and every
one of us for a purpose. We read from Saint Paul’s letter to the Ephesians “He
destined us in love to be his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the
purpose of his will” (Eph 1:5). But
God’s purpose for us may not be all rosy. The life of Jesus is a very good
example. Jesus replied to the crowds: “... I must preach the good news of the
kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose” (Lk 4:43). Also in the gospel according
to John we read: “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say – ‘Father,
save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason [purpose] that I have come
to this hour. Father, glorify your name ...” (Jn 12:27-28).

The book of Proverbs reads: “Many are the plans in the mind
of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will be established” (Prov 19:21). Again, the book of Job
reads: “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be
thwarted” (Job 42:2).

It is important to note that the figures the Jews were
thinking John to be are important figures both for the Jews and for the rest of
us. But because he was never any of them, he never claimed to be what he was
not but “... the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the
way of the Lord’” as prophesied by Isaiah (Jn
1:23). Yet in the gospel Jesus testified to John the Baptist in these
words: “Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater
than John the Baptist ...” (Matt 11:11;
cf. Lk 7:28). Because whoever “... acknowledges me before men, I also will
acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; but whoever denies me before
men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven” (Matt 10:32-33; cf. Mk 8:38; Lk 9:26). But supposing we are faced
with a situation similar to John’s, can we be humble enough to confess who we
are and not claiming who we are not? Note that who you are is very important
because you are unique and special in God’s sight.

Again, the Jews based on what John the Baptist was doing
supposed him to be the Messiah, Elijah, or the prophet. Considering our
actions, what do people suppose us to be – Christians, pagans, occultists,
devils, and so on? There is a story of a woman the Legionaries did all they
could to convince her drop paganism and embrace Catholic faith but all in vain.
At a point they even made some promises that include helping her get better
clothes and other things she might need while going to Church but all fell on
deaf ears. At a point, they asked her: “What actually prevents you from
receiving Jesus and be baptised?” The woman told them that her only problem was
her neighbour who was also among the leaders in the church. Just because of her
neighbour, she preferred to remain a pagan. According to her, she was afraid of
being as evil as her neighbour if she becomes a Christian.

Finally dear child of God, our father (God) wants you to
realise his purpose for you and fulfil them. It is good to always remember that
“whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be
exalted” (Matt 23:12; cf. Lk 14:11;
18:14; Jas 4:10). Saint Peter also admonishes us to humble ourselves under
the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt us, cf. 1Pt 5:6. Remember that today is Gaudete
or Rejoice Sunday. No one can truly rejoice without first accepting God’s
purpose.

Bible Reading: Prov 16:1-33; Matt 16:6-12; 23:
1-36; Jn. 9:35-41; Jas 4:1-5:20.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Who are
you?

Let
us pray: God,
creator of all seen and unseen, help us to know your purpose for us and also give
us the courage and strength to accept and actualize them – Amen.

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Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete or Rejoice Sunday), (B)

Homily (Reflection) for the Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete or Rejoice Sunday), (B) (13 th December, 2020) on the Gospel Is 61:1-2.10-1...

Saturday of the Second Week of Advent

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 05:35

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of
the Second Week of Advent (12th December, 2020) on the Gospel

Sir 48:1-4.9-11;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 79: 2-3.15-16.18-19. (R. v. 4);<o:p></o:p>

Matt
17:10-13.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Problem of Recognition. <o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsbSWS25jsU6yWzzAuDhQEgpjsumohRXuzYFherKLEhwc3d-AJuqS7xBQNWbARBiquJrYqvSKYu7QYDeFeIYA8L4IxoIEbbqkbYqMskMkD-GIc8Bxg-6y9267e-Cx3iiRyrMEhtJFv6E/s240/12.12.2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="135" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsbSWS25jsU6yWzzAuDhQEgpjsumohRXuzYFherKLEhwc3d-AJuqS7xBQNWbARBiquJrYqvSKYu7QYDeFeIYA8L4IxoIEbbqkbYqMskMkD-GIc8Bxg-6y9267e-Cx3iiRyrMEhtJFv6E/s0/12.12.2020.jpg" /></a></div> There is an Igbo adage that a slave ought to know that he or
she will be buried just the same way slaves are buried. While Jesus and His
disciples were descending from the mountain after His transfiguration, they
raised a question on why the scribes said that Elijah would come first.
Remember that Jesus also answered this question in the gospel of Thursday of
the second week of Advent, Matt 11:11-15.<o:p></o:p>

And Jesus told them that Elijah had already come and they did
with him what pleased them because they did not recognise him. In the same
vein, that the same fate awaits Him who is the long awaited Messiah. I believe
you still remember the story of the monk sent by the bishop to a monastery as
their new abbot who was subjected to the most menial jobs in the monastery
until he was discovered? <o:p></o:p>

Please, be very careful the way you treat that man or woman,
boy or girl, and so on you meet because you may not have known him or her.
Again, if others look down on you, do not grudge or fight over it, just face
your God and do your best. God will surely lift you up at the appointed time.<o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: Matt 18:1-5.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Be careful how you treat others.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: May we see beyond the creatures we
meet to He who made them all – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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Saturday of the Second Week of Advent

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the Second Week of Advent (12 th December, 2020) on the Gospel Sir 48:1-4.9-11; Ps 79: 2-3.15...

21st December: Weekdays of Advent

Fourth Sunday of Advent, (B)

Weekdays of Advent: 19th December

Weekdays of Advent: 18th December

17th December

Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent

Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent

Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, P.D.

Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete or Rejoice Sunday), (B)

Saturday of the Second Week of Advent

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