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Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:14

Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of
the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (21st July, 2021) on the
Gospel

Ex 16:1-5.9-15;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 77:18-19.23-28. (R. v.24);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 13:1-9.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: The defaulter.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBc4wBtH7twOiEUYOYBITpZsXg9AHJn4-DmhRG8SnIpR2u-3ly1N-sKJRPUfraty0qUngQvKZh3Rwbr72qixK2tygpD4LqtSgYMBzGd8unTkg6iJ5sCl79uWYJrzqJyfvGZPbHt3mNEI/s275/21.07.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBc4wBtH7twOiEUYOYBITpZsXg9AHJn4-DmhRG8SnIpR2u-3ly1N-sKJRPUfraty0qUngQvKZh3Rwbr72qixK2tygpD4LqtSgYMBzGd8unTkg6iJ5sCl79uWYJrzqJyfvGZPbHt3mNEI/s0/21.07.2021.jpg" /></a></div> In today’s gospel, while the sower sowed the seeds, some fell
on the path, some on rocky ground, some among the thorns, and the rest on good
soil. Only those who fell on good soil were able to grow to maturity “and brought
forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”<o:p></o:p>

Who is to blame for those seeds that fell on wrong soil
types? We have three most possible culprits – the sower, the seed, and the soil
types. It is very easy to see it as the consequence of sheer carelessness of
the sower. But it will not be right because he must have sowed for the seeds to
bear fruits. Hence, Saint Paul asks, “Who serves as a soldier at his own
expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Who tends a
flock without getting some of the milk?” (1Cor
9:7). The seeds have no other option than to fall where they are sowed. The
soil type is the next. Jesus warns, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you
in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matt 7:15). Most certainly, the wrong soil types must have
presented themselves to the sower as good soil. We must be sober and watchful. Our
adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to
devour, cf. 1Pt 5:8.<o:p></o:p>

We have been transformed to bear fruits for God, cf. Rom 7:4. We must ensure that we are
doing this task. Jesus warns, “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my
recompense, to repay every one for what he has done” (Rev 22:12; cf. Matt 16:27).<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, do something new in our lives;
make out of us good soil that will bear fruits – Amen (cf. Is 43:19).<o:p></o:p>

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Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (21 st July, 2021) on the Gospel Ex 16:1-5.9-15; Ps ...

Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:50

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of
the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (20th July, 2021) on the
Gospel

Ex 14:21-15:1;<o:p></o:p>

Ex 15:8-10.12.17. (R. v.1);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 12:46-50.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Equal opportunities. <o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5mFwi_vLVO6nVoTJGhFX8yo2ZAaIpZ8DVpiqByuk2bNhhGOTXyXiWowi56yadmCNXNiFV6L6wugu2k7ORSGunuS1nGtAo_adchIlQHp6p1XEEYD6qjyx1XS4KlwGSF3y0GjbOKvn2rSU/s275/20.07.2021.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5mFwi_vLVO6nVoTJGhFX8yo2ZAaIpZ8DVpiqByuk2bNhhGOTXyXiWowi56yadmCNXNiFV6L6wugu2k7ORSGunuS1nGtAo_adchIlQHp6p1XEEYD6qjyx1XS4KlwGSF3y0GjbOKvn2rSU/s0/20.07.2021.png" /></a></div> Jesus was still speaking when He was informed, “Look, your
mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” He
replied,<o:p></o:p>

<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;">‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ And pointing to
his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does
the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.’</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

This is not a disregard for His mother and relatives
(brothers), cf. Matt 15:4. It is
rather a strong warning for all who might brag themselves as possessing tickets
to heaven based on their religion, denominations, religious groups, and so on.
Again, one’s love for God must be above his/her love for every other thing, cf.
Matt 10:37.<o:p></o:p>

Jesus teaches, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no
one comes to the Father, but by me” (Jn
14:6). Whoever wants to see God must follow Christ. Adherence to Christ’s
teaching is the only assured edge anybody can have over others, cf. Jn 15:14. And it is open to everybody,
cf. Jn 10:16. God shows no
partiality to anyone, cf. Job 34:19; Rom
2:11; Gal 2:6; Eph 6:9; Col 3:25. We all have equal opportunities to make
heaven or hell.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, we need your grace to follow
your ways as your Son taught us – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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

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Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (20 th July, 2021) on the Gospel Ex 14:21-15:1; Ex 15:...

Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:54

Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the
Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (19th July, 2021) on the Gospel

Ex 14:5-18;<o:p></o:p>

Ex 15:1-6. (R. v.1);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 12:38-42.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Are we better-off?<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAc9ETt2ZQdPBgBBJ_gfXJeIm4VHMaTt6AUNhSUN7HjqQCE2jwdAjXnYLzlzwajrRAd2XNE8sbAbwCcUz6Gn3R5crzpRjA4kqPvjajOSVHyAuT_CyjLAoIMyn4LjrOkEKUQhSAUfZgmP4/s208/19.07.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="128" data-original-width="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAc9ETt2ZQdPBgBBJ_gfXJeIm4VHMaTt6AUNhSUN7HjqQCE2jwdAjXnYLzlzwajrRAd2XNE8sbAbwCcUz6Gn3R5crzpRjA4kqPvjajOSVHyAuT_CyjLAoIMyn4LjrOkEKUQhSAUfZgmP4/s0/19.07.2021.jpg" /></a></div> Some scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus in today’s gospel, “Teacher,
we wish to see a sign from you.” Jesus replied them, “An evil and adulterous
generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of
the prophet Jonah.” Both the people of Nineveh and the queen of the South will
rise up with this generation and condemn it at the judgement because they
listened to Jonah and Solomon respectively, yet something greater than Jonah
and Solomon was there.<o:p></o:p>

The letter to the Hebrews reads, “Long ago God spoke to our
ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he
has spoken to us by a Son...” (Heb
1:1-2a). It therefore warns, <o:p></o:p>

<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;">...we must pay greater attention to what we have heard, so
that we do not drift away from it. For if the message declared through angels
was valid, and every transgression or disobedience received a just penalty, how
can we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? (Heb 2:1-3a).</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Surely God has stronger words for our generation. Recall that
many of the scribes and Pharisees never believed that Jesus is the Son of God,
cf. Matt 13:55-56; Mk 6:3; Jn 5:18. On
our part, we said that we believe but rarely do we live it out thereby
deceiving ourselves, cf. Jas 1:22; Rom
2:13. <o:p></o:p>

Let us depart from this evil, and do good, cf. Ps 34:14; 37:27. We have received much and
are expected to return accordingly, cf. Lk
12:48. <o:p></o:p>

Bible
Reading: Lk 12:41-48.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Jesus is the reality.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: God, help us to look for you and not
for your signs – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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

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Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (19 th July, 2021) on the Gospel Ex 14:5-18; Ex 15:1-6....

Sixteenth Sunday of the Year (B)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Sunday homilies 04:41

Homily (Reflection) for
the Sixteenth Sunday of the Year (B) (18th July, 2021) on the Gospel

Jer
23:1-6;

Ps
22 (R. V. 1);

Eph
2:13-18;

Mk 6:30-34.

Topic: What about your Sheep?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKQa6zuiySMk4RaMXAtX44W4z_rjtV_7aMb1GhMm3n_La2sP75Fj054QBTZuhFrzW7r9sWg6iMlDUXLJvzDz_LGJ9hYAyAOvETI3ps8-X-h0nDhLj7sHwC7EzNOHGfM-L9nAisYz-tQA/s300/18.07.2021.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKQa6zuiySMk4RaMXAtX44W4z_rjtV_7aMb1GhMm3n_La2sP75Fj054QBTZuhFrzW7r9sWg6iMlDUXLJvzDz_LGJ9hYAyAOvETI3ps8-X-h0nDhLj7sHwC7EzNOHGfM-L9nAisYz-tQA/s0/18.07.2021.png" /></a></div> In last Sunday’s gospel pericope, Jesus sent
His disciples to preach. Today, we see their return and their reports. Having
spent some energy preaching, Jesus deemed it necessary that they should rest.<o:p></o:p>

However, on their arrival at the
designated place for rest, “... he saw a great crowd; and had compassion for
them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach
them many things” (Mk 6:34).

Note that the word sheep means much
more than mere wild or domestic animals, cf. 2Sam 24:17; Ps 95:7; Ps 100:3; Ezek 34:31; Ps 78:52; Jn 21:15, 16, 17.
In the same vein, the word shepherd does not refer to one who looks after some
animals. Everyone in leadership position is a shepherd. And just like Saint
Paul wrote that it is obligatory for him to preach the gospel, and woe to him
if he fails to preach, it is not optional for anybody in any leadership
position to shepherd the flock he/she is entrusted with, cf. 1Cor 9:16.

Sadly, God laments “My people have
been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray, turning them away on the
mountains; from mountain to hill they have gone, they have forgotten their fold”
(Jer 50:6). And God has these
against them,

Ah, you shepherds of Israel who
have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the
fat, you clothe yourselves with wool, you slaughter the fatlings; but you do
not feed the sheep. You have not strengthened the weak, you have not healed the
sick, you have not bound up the injured, you have not brought back the strayed,
you have not sought the lost, but with force and harshness you have ruled them
(Ezek 34:2-4).

These shepherds have left their work
and were only interested in what they would get and not what they would do. And
in our world today, considering what happens both in the religious and in the
secular circles, many who occupy the seats of shepherds are not different. Many
religious leaders today are interested in what they will get from the flock and
not in how they will tend, lead, feed, and shepherd the flock. Many preach
tithes today without knowing that their duty is not just to receive tithes but
very importantly to offer sacrifices for those who bring the tithes, cf. Gen 14:17-20. In the education sector, many
proprietors, manager, teachers, among others are interested only in their take
homes and not in teaching and learning. In politics, the more politicians’
accounts both local and international ones swell the better they see the
offices they occupy. The plights of the governed touch them only during
elections. Even some parents are not interested in shepherding the children God
gave them. They do not care how their children get their certificates, jobs,
husbands, money, and so on. Although the examples can go on ad infinitum but I
would like you to bring it down to your own area because it is very important.

Because of our failures to shepherd
the sheep in our respective areas, God’s sheep are scattered, they wander over
all the mountains and on every high hill and are now food for all the wild
animals. And there is no one searching or seeking for them, cf. Ezek 34:5-6. This is God’s verdict on
every shepherd who fails to do his/her work:

I am against the shepherds; and I
will demand my sheep at their hand, and put a stop to their feeding the sheep;
no longer shall the shepherds feed themselves. I will rescue my sheep from
their mouths, so that they may not be food for them (Ezek 34:10).

Before entrusting to Saint Peter the
work of shepherding the whole Church, Christ asked him three times whether he
loves Him more than the rest, cf. Jn 21:15,
16, 17. How much a shepherd is doing and can do for the sheep entrusted to
him/her is in relation to his/her love for both the sheep and the owner of the
sheep. Christ the good shepherd lays down his life for us, His sheep because of
His love for us, cf. Jn 10:11; 15:13;
1Jn 3:16.

The greatest problem we have today
is that “both prophet and priest ply their trade throughout the land, and have
no knowledge” (Jer 14:18). Hence, in
today’s gospel, the great crowd were like sheep without a shepherd because
those who suppose to shepherd them left them for some other things. My dear
friends, What about your Sheep – are they like sheep without a shepherd or like
sheep with a shepherd?

Bible
Reading: Ezek 34:1-31; Jer 14:13-18; Jn 10:1-21; 21:15-17.<o:p></o:p>

Thought
for today: Is the sheep you are entrusted with like sheep with/out a
shepherd?

Let
us Pray: Lord, the good Shepherd, give us the grace to be
the shepherds we are called to be wherever we are – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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Sixteenth Sunday of the Year (B)

Homily (Reflection) for the Sixteenth Sunday of the Year (B) (18 th July, 2021) on the Gospel Jer 23:1-6; Ps 22 (R. V. 1); Eph ...

Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:32

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of
the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (17th July, 2021) on the
Gospel

(B.V.M. on Saturday, Opt. Mem)<o:p></o:p>

Ex 12:37-42;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 135:1.10-15.23-24. (R. v.1);<o:p></o:p>

Matt
12:14-21.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Conspiracy.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNx14-EESCkNTRLt6v-GwPn2bmK1dvDEx3RASy_tFHfwqGYsY8H7GRqIjEzIU5-1OanZ8X3OZ-7xMNkiVCvaXiFANhMwwajoIoOiw8XTYpcakQRqjVDvw8DjDwQxhs2Ue_xU3oEK5GsA/s259/17.07.2021.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/AVvXsEiHNx14-EESCkNTRLt6v-GwPn2bmK1dvDEx3RASy_tFHfwqGYsY8H7GRqIjEzIU5-1OanZ8X3OZ-7xMNkiVCvaXiFANhMwwajoIoOiw8XTYpcakQRqjVDvw8DjDwQxhs2Ue_xU3oEK5GsA/s0/17.07.2021.jpg" /></a></div> In today’s gospel, Jesus withdrew as a result of the
Pharisees’ conspiracy. The immediate cause was their anger that Jesus’
disciples plucked and ate heads of grain on a sabbath which they complained
against in yesterday’s gospel. As if that was not enough, Jesus entered their
synagogue that same sabbath and cured a man with a withered hand, cf. Matt 12:9-13. <o:p></o:p>

The gospel goes on to establish that all happened to fulfil
the prophecy of Isaiah, cf. Is 42:1-4.
Again, many crowds followed Him and He cured all of them but ordered them not
to make Him known. All these notwithstanding, the conspiracy must have deprived
those who could not walk, those who could not go against the Pharisees, even
the Pharisees themselves, among others of Jesus. It also caused those who
followed Jesus unnecessary stress.<o:p></o:p>

Conspiracy is everybody’s enemy (persona non grata) not excluding the conspirators. It is an evil
wind that blows nobody any good. Many have suffered untold hardships even loss
of lives as a result of this enemy. <o:p></o:p>

Dear friends, do not conspire against anybody for whatever
reason. It has very far reaching damaging effects. No one can say for sure to
what extent it will go nor assures the safety of anybody even that of
conspirators. Many Jews never saw Jesus better than just one of them, cf. Matt 13:55-56; Mk 6:3; Jn 5:18. In the
same vein, the person you conspire against today might be God-sent messiah. God
chooses what is weak to shame the strong, cf. 1Cor 1:27.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Conspiracy is not anybody’s friend.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, help us not to conspire
against anybody nor let conspiracy rob us of doing any good work – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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

To Contact
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Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (17 th July, 2021) on the Gospel ( B.V.M. on Saturday, Opt....

Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:48

Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the
Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (16th July, 2021) on the Gospel

Ex 11:10–12:14;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 115:12-13.15-18. (R. v.13);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 12:1-8.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Beyond letters of law. <o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxJirdXFH9nYSu-JaOiR67Y18ETqefNOc9QtfL8DeLID_QopMHxmyb7yUcaUep78vczui8Ir-TTH-MXiVpg_hVhTzu1S1DRNxOAY3pky0AGhoGE-_qjcxZ6HgXKbRKH5zd9F9l0W7lBU/s270/16.07.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="187" data-original-width="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxJirdXFH9nYSu-JaOiR67Y18ETqefNOc9QtfL8DeLID_QopMHxmyb7yUcaUep78vczui8Ir-TTH-MXiVpg_hVhTzu1S1DRNxOAY3pky0AGhoGE-_qjcxZ6HgXKbRKH5zd9F9l0W7lBU/s0/16.07.2021.jpg" /></a></div> The Pharisees complained to Jesus when His disciples plucked
and ate heads of grain on the sabbath. Jesus cited how David and his men ate
the bread of the Presence when in need and that “priests in the temple break
the sabbath and yet are guiltless”. He went further, “But if you had known what
this means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned
the guiltless.” <o:p></o:p>

Many who are guiltless have been judged and condemned without
mercy even in the church. We are to be merciful as our Father is merciful, cf. Lk 6:36. Jesus taught us, “Do not
judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be
condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to
you” (Lk 6:37-38a; cf. Matt 7:1-2).<o:p></o:p>

The Pharisees condemned Jesus’ disciples based on the letters
of the law, cf. Ex 20: 8, 10.
However, they neglected the weightier matters of the law – justice, mercy, and
faith, cf. Matt 23:23. Saint James
warns, “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy; yet mercy
triumphs over judgment” (Jas 2:13).
We ought to be cautious how we judge and condemn others. Mercy is not found in
the letters of law. <o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: God desires mercy.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: May mercy, peace, and love be ours
in abundance – Amen (Jude 1:2).<o:p></o:p>

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

To Contact
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Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (16 th July, 2021) on the Gospel Ex 11:10–12:14; Ps 115...

Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, B.D.

thepulpitonline.com 0 Memorials 04:32

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Bonaventure, B.D., (15th July, 2021) on the Gospel and the
Memorial <o:p></o:p>

(Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in
Ordinary Time (I))<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Ex 3:13-20;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 104:1.5.8-9.24-27. (R. v. 8);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 11:28-30.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0H0pmU4eE0owGJpjjz_-3EuNHen0dDKkbnNnN-Hsl1tPRbPX5svwbe6haEcluX0-FoiNEdloFmaS1YwHe6NhvLbDn11f3uE1cFSMdVCF86Wm00QUws7OfLWVhQFM1qpykmSOhCc9Wbyw/s160/15.07.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0H0pmU4eE0owGJpjjz_-3EuNHen0dDKkbnNnN-Hsl1tPRbPX5svwbe6haEcluX0-FoiNEdloFmaS1YwHe6NhvLbDn11f3uE1cFSMdVCF86Wm00QUws7OfLWVhQFM1qpykmSOhCc9Wbyw/s0/15.07.2021.jpg" /></a></div> Saint Bonaventure, known as ‘the seraphic doctor’ was
born at Bagnorea in Tuscany, in 1221. At twenty-two he entered the Franciscan
Order. He was chosen General of his Order at the age of thirty-five and
restored a perfect calm where peace had been disturbed by internal dissensions.
Saint Bonaventure composed The Life of Saint Francis, and also assisted at the
translation of the relics of Saint Anthony of Padua. Pope Gregory X made him a
Cardinal and Bishop of Albano. He died at the Second Council of Lyons on 15th
July, 1274.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Fifteenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).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>
Saint Bonaventure was canonised on 14th April, 1482 by Pope Sixtus
IV and declared a Doctor of the Church in the year 1588 by Pope Sixtus V.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Fifteenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" 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;">[2]</a><o:p></o:p>

Topic: Where disparity lies. <o:p></o:p>

In today’s gospel, Jesus invites all that are weary and are
carrying heavy burdens to rest. They are to take His yoke upon them and learn
from Him who is gentle and humble in heart to find rest for their souls. He
concludes, “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”<o:p></o:p>

Carrying burden (suffering) frightens. Jesus explained the necessity
of His burden, cf. Matt 16:21; Mk 8:31. 9:12;
Lk 9:22. 17:25. 24:26.46; Acts 3:18. He also rebuked Peter who wished Him
otherwise, cf. Matt 16:22-23.<o:p></o:p>

Many think that Jesus promises a burden free life. However,
it is only an exchange of heavy burdens with His light one. The early
disciples’ understanding of Christ’s burden made them rightly count it as a
blessing, cf. Acts 5:41; Phil 1:29; 2Tim
1:12; 1Cor 6:7.<o:p></o:p>

Jesus did not ask us to go about looking for burden to carry,
cf. Matt 10:23. However, it can be
God’s will, cf. Acts 9:16; 1Pt 4:19.
Christian suffering can be likened to the water of Marah. It remained so until
Moses threw a piece of wood God showed him into the water, cf. Ex 15:23-25a. That wood is a symbol of
the cross of Christ. Burden loses its frightening quality when it is for the
sake of Christ. Christ’s burden is a means of salvation (the crown of life) to
those who endured to the end, cf. Matt
10:22; Rev 2:10. The gain of every Christian burden far outweighed their
pains, cf. Rom 8:18. Hence, the Igbo
adage, uru anaghị anyị arọ literally
meaning that profit can never be said to be too much. <o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: 1Pt 3:8-22. 4:12-19.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Suffering is not a bad omen.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, grant us the strength to stand
every trial – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

Saint Bonaventure – Pray for us.<o:p></o:p>

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

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<o:p> </o:p>

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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Fifteenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).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> <a href="http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=169">http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=169</a>
<o:p></o:p>

</div>

<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Fifteenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" 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;">[2]</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonaventure">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonaventure</a>
<o:p></o:p>

</div>

Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, B.D.

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, B.D., (15 th July, 2021) on the Gospel and the Memorial (Thursday of the Fif...

Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 05:20

Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of
the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (14th July, 2021) on the
Gospel

Ex 3:1-6.9-12;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 102:1-4.6-7. (R. v.8);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 11:25-27.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Give thanks to God.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDW6D2sSGCBebuPCxwFPPftbLzfsqkHDKjUU9CUFrBkMVuDFYpR_Kl-Lht9lbKvEgNE0JmXlJqlR70fq2ThR_Bwn_4BAXod23unopBszhljNWQFydfvOLBTEjou26dGiibZpf2xdFGG4/s276/14.07.2021.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDW6D2sSGCBebuPCxwFPPftbLzfsqkHDKjUU9CUFrBkMVuDFYpR_Kl-Lht9lbKvEgNE0JmXlJqlR70fq2ThR_Bwn_4BAXod23unopBszhljNWQFydfvOLBTEjou26dGiibZpf2xdFGG4/s0/14.07.2021.png" /></a></div> Jesus addressed the Father in today’s gospel, “I thank you
Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the
wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for
such was your gracious will.” After reading this, I asked myself, ‘When did I
last thank God and for what?’<o:p></o:p>

It might be very difficult for some remembering the last time
they thanked God. However, we are ever ready with seemingly endless list of
petitions. Meanwhile, Saint Paul rightly exhorts us, “give thanks in all
circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1Thess 5:18).<o:p></o:p>

No matter your condition, always thank God for His steadfast
love which endures forever, cf. Ps
107:1. 118:1,29. 136:1,2,3,26. Postpone no further. God expects our thanks,
cf. Lk 17:18-19. Let us therefore
enter His gates not always with endless petitions but more often with
thanksgiving and praise, because it is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing
praises to the name of the Most High God, cf. Ps 54:6. 92:1. 100:4. <o:p></o:p>

It is not optional. Every God’s creature must thank Him and
all His saints must bless Him, cf. Ps
145:10. If God is your father and your master, He expects your thanks, cf. Mal 1:6. Give thanks to God in the
congregation with your whole heart and tell of all His wonderful deeds, cf. Ps 9:1. 111:1.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: May the good Lord assist us in giving
worthy thanks – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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

To Contact
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Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (14 th July, 2021) on the Gospel Ex 3:1-6.9-12; Ps 1...

Tuesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:31

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of
the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (13th July, 2021) on the
Gospel

Ex 2:1-15;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 68:3.14.30-31.33-34. (R. cf. v.33);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 11:20-24.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: The essence of miracles. <o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphQ-Iu3SoYIVBa-qxnLnSCDIteJ-kmXc_IDxRRlHsGZO3c4s4qrgAWcPnxcbTMDX5t2RwSnUCS3WANbiOCPVmLOWMgeAS2VHFU0aEjBnkUMhVD5VkVK6koQPA-rXbKZlZz9Tr3F5aR2s/s302/13.07.2021.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphQ-Iu3SoYIVBa-qxnLnSCDIteJ-kmXc_IDxRRlHsGZO3c4s4qrgAWcPnxcbTMDX5t2RwSnUCS3WANbiOCPVmLOWMgeAS2VHFU0aEjBnkUMhVD5VkVK6koQPA-rXbKZlZz9Tr3F5aR2s/s0/13.07.2021.png" /></a></div> Searching for miracles through various means is something
very common. The spiritual probity of those performing or through whom these
miracles are performed is often not considered. Some are ready to betray their
faith for the sake of miracles. One therefore wonders if miracles have any
spiritual benefit.<o:p></o:p>

In the book of Exodus, the angel of the Lord appeared to
Moses in a flame of fire out of the bush to bring him closer to God, cf. Ex 3:2-4. And to confirm the
authenticity of Moses as His servant, God gave him power to perform miracles,
cf. Ex 4:1-9. God also gave Gideon
signs that He would deliver Israel through him, cf. Judg 6:36-40. When Jesus raised Lazarus, many of the Jews who came
with Mary believed in Him, cf. Jn 11:45.
Again Jesus said to the Jews, “...even though you do not believe me, believe
the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am
in the Father” (Jn 10:38).<o:p></o:p>

Genuine miracles ought to bring people closer to God. Hence,
in today’s gospel, Jesus “... began to reproach the cities in which most of his
deeds of power had been done, because they did not repent.” <o:p></o:p>

Count God’s blessings in your life. To what extent have they
brought you closer to God if however you recognised them as miracles?
Nevertheless, miracles are not proof of moral probity, cf. Matt 7:22-23. Look for the God of miracles and not miracles of God.
One may experience every miracle without coming any close to repentance, cf. Lk 16:27-31. Jesus is calling us to “...repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mk 1:15).<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: ...repent, and believe in the gospel (Mk 1:15).<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, help us to know you better
through your works – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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

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Tuesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (13 th July, 2021) on the Gospel Ex 2:1-15; Ps 68:3.14...

Monday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:43

Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the
Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (12th July, 2021) on the Gospel

Ex 1:8-14.22;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 123. (R. v.8);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 10:34–11:1.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: ‘Not Peace, but a Sword’.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqvfDoqbi1Ujw42oG0c-wI-Qq6vFCSGIkUa2Ud1DtZ0S5-LxisES2V4r6_AwhVybBPXKIpDD0a-eYafHthPhOWJV9ig5QpYRqhzBHOybtgRfBXmABWKXpgqZ_lSrB2RFa_B0wQxK0y1s/s234/12.07.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqvfDoqbi1Ujw42oG0c-wI-Qq6vFCSGIkUa2Ud1DtZ0S5-LxisES2V4r6_AwhVybBPXKIpDD0a-eYafHthPhOWJV9ig5QpYRqhzBHOybtgRfBXmABWKXpgqZ_lSrB2RFa_B0wQxK0y1s/s0/12.07.2021.jpg" /></a></div> Today’s gospel is made up of two major sections – What Jesus
brought (Matt 10:34-39) and His teaching
on rewards (Matt 10:40-42). In the
first section, Jesus addressed His disciples,<o:p></o:p>

<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;">Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I
have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against
his father, and daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her
mother-in-law; and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household.</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Often some interpret this passage as a call to declare war on
everybody. Yet He also commanded us to “be at peace with one another” (Mk 9:50). Again, “...Love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you” (Matt
5:44; Lk 6:27). And again, “Blessed are you when men hate you, and when
they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, on account of
the Son of man” (Lk 6:22).<o:p></o:p>

Whoever is following God must be ready for the world’s hatred
and not he/she hating the world. We do not belong to the world, cf. Jn 15:18-19. <o:p></o:p>

Bible
Reading: Lk 6:27-36.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Friendship with the world is enmity with God (Jas 4:4).<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, give us the grace to stand
firm doing your will regardless of the stand of the world – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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

To Contact
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Monday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (12 th July, 2021) on the Gospel Ex 1:8-14.22; Ps 123. ...

Fifteenth Sunday of the Year (B)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Sunday homilies 04:03

Homily (Reflection) for
the Fifteenth Sunday of the Year (B) (11th July, 2021) on the Gospel

Amos
7:12-15;

Ps
84:9-14 (R. V. 8);

Eph
1:3-14 or 3-10;

Mk 6:7-13.

The Parish Pastoral
Council (PPC) of a parish invited the Harvest and Bazaar Committee to give
report on their preparations for the year’s Harvest and Bazaar. During the
meeting, one of the Parish Pastoral Councillors seemed to be highly against
everything they were presenting. He not only commented but also destructively
criticized every aspect of their report. Every effort to calm him down proved
abortive. At a point, one other member of the PPC decided to fallout with him:
“Is it because you think that the preparation for the Harvest and Bazaar does
not concern you?” He was about to defend himself when the man went on, “If you
gave the Harvest and Bazaar Committee your support they would have functioned
better. Allow us to understand them before commending, correcting, or
condemning their proposals”.

Topic: Collective Responsibility.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMUxZP-CCm5TF-E9TJziFvVsKUTPgaQhP4M18bIultIPneun2jGm-UDOi01za0xOziKuLbjvUrY5KlsJroxSOjYXRFfrkKVSbChAgOWxSBBT2m96-2BFICBJyoSDThd2nbeOoWVhN2pU/s284/11.07.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMUxZP-CCm5TF-E9TJziFvVsKUTPgaQhP4M18bIultIPneun2jGm-UDOi01za0xOziKuLbjvUrY5KlsJroxSOjYXRFfrkKVSbChAgOWxSBBT2m96-2BFICBJyoSDThd2nbeOoWVhN2pU/s0/11.07.2021.jpg" /></a></div> As today’s gospel is being read, many
minds go to the clergy and probably few others considered as collaborators in
the work of proclaiming the gospel. Many think that these alone are called to
preach the gospel. But Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful,
but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send
labourers into his harvest” (Matt
9:37-38). He also charged the eleven, “Go therefore and make disciples of
all nations ...” (Matt 28:19). How
can all preach the gospel?
<o:p></o:p>

Jesus while sending the twelve, “ordered
them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no
money in their belts; but wear sandals and not to put on two tunics” (Mk 6:8-9). Some of these things they
are forbidden to carry along constitute the basic necessities of life. He went
further, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place” (Mk 6:10) which implies that the mission
is neither a few hours’ nor a day’s assignment. Although scripture experts and
pastors see this order from the point of view of the urgency of the message but
could that be all? Or could it be that the authority over the unclean spirits (v. 7), staff (v.8), a sandal and a tunic (v.9)
are sufficient for their journey?

Preachers are sent to preach to
human beings. And as a result, preaching the gospel requires hearers otherwise
a preacher might be mistaken for a mentally deranged. Hence, Jesus goes
further,

Wherever you enter a house, stay
there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they
refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a
testimony against them (Mk 6: 10-11).

There is need for people to listen
to what is preached because “... faith comes from what is heard, and what is
heard comes through the word of Christ” (Rom
10:17).

Again, a parallel account of Jesus’
sending of the twelve gives a clue to why the twelve were asked not to go with
even the basic necessities, “... labourers deserve their food” (Matt 10:10). In line with this, in his
first letter to the Corinthians Saint Paul wrote,

Do you not know that those who are
employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who
serve at the altar share in what is sacrificed on the altar? In the same way,
the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living
by the gospel (1Cor 9:13-14).

Therefore, it is not necessary for
all to live in the wilderness like John the Baptist in order to proclaim the
gospel, cf. Matt 11: 7-15. Those who
proclaim the gospel need roof over their heads. Hence, Jesus asked them to stay
wherever they are welcomed, cf. Mk 6:10.
Again, they need food in their stomach. Hence Jesus also asks them, “Whenever
you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you” (Lk 10:8). Both the food and the shelter
are to be provided cf. Matt 10:10; Lk
10:7. Some go to mission by going while others go by supporting those in
mission. Whether one carries the megaphone around preaching or buys one for
someone to use it while preaching, or stand at the pulpit or provide the pulpit
for another who will stand there to preach, and so on, all partakes in the
business of proclaiming the gospel. Everybody must not be ordained ministers but
everyone is expected to take his or her part in the ministry. Hence I preferred
to refer to proclaiming the gospel as a shared responsibility.

In Saint Paul’s first letter to
Timothy we read,

But as for you, man of God, shun all
this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness.
Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you
were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses
(1Tim 6:11-12).

My dearest friends who share in the
ministry of the Word and sacraments in a special way, Jesus ordered us to take
nothing for this journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in our
belts; but wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. How many still stick to
this order or has it been overtaken by the events of time? Again, although we
ought to eat through the gospel but we must be very careful lest we end up not
preaching the Word but our stomach? And bearing in mind the command, “If anyone
will not work, let him not eat” (2Thess
3:10) how many still deserve food from the gospel? It is an order that we
must preach the gospel, “If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for
boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim
the gospel!” (1Cor 9:16). We must
follow the example of Saint Paul who said, “What is my reward then? Verily
that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge,
that I abuse not my power in the gospel”
(1Cor 9:18).

In summary, all of us, the clergy,
the religious, and the laity must do our parts for the gospel of Christ to
blossom and not engaged in destructive criticisms of one another like the
parish pastoral councillor we saw in the introductory part of this homily.

Bible
Reading: Matt 10:5-15. 40-42; Mk 9:40-41; Rom 10:5-21;
1Cor 9:1-27; 1Tim 6:3-10.<o:p></o:p>

Thought
for today: Do you remember that you have a duty to proclaim the gospel and
how well do you do that?

Let
us Pray: Lord, may the clergy, the religious, and the laity
do their parts in the proclamation of the gospel for your greater glory and for
our own sanctification – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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

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Group via: +234 810 298 6313<o:p></o:p>

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<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: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">May God bless you all+

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