Prayer Intentions for July 2016

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 110%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1e1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Let us pray with the Holy Father:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZaXwukFq_TQQw87zZ5BkM_DiQZKsg-x7_QBLEl1WjxNEbNYz0uELRCItGORY6GfGUpxIng6QuHUznXblq8_oAjoNnPLbSpecUPw3gaQdu-gzQtuuqXzHYZD9sXC_JsfxIu66PeKwjQQ/s1600/01.07.2016.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZaXwukFq_TQQw87zZ5BkM_DiQZKsg-x7_QBLEl1WjxNEbNYz0uELRCItGORY6GfGUpxIng6QuHUznXblq8_oAjoNnPLbSpecUPw3gaQdu-gzQtuuqXzHYZD9sXC_JsfxIu66PeKwjQQ/s1600/01.07.2016.png" /></a></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 110%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1e1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Prayer Intentions for July 2016<o:p></o:p></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 110%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1e1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 110%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1e1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Universal:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1e1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> Indigenous Peoples<o:p></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 110%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1e1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">That indigenous peoples, whose identity and very existence are threatened, will be shown due respect.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 110%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1e1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 110%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1e1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Evangelization:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1e1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> Latin America and the Caribbean<o:p></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 110%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1e1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">That the Church in Latin America and the Caribbean, by means of her mission to the continent, may announce the Gospel with renewed vigor and enthusiasm. <o:p></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 110%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1e1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 110%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1e1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Source: </span><a href="http://apostleshipofprayer.org/2016-intentions/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://apostleshipofprayer.org/2016-intentions/</span></a></div>

Prayer Intentions for July 2016

Let us pray with the Holy Father: Prayer Intentions for July 2016   Universal: Indigenous Peoples That indigenous peoples...

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Sitting with many sinners: Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time (II) (1st July, 2016).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time (II) (1^st July, 2016) on the Gospel </span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><o:p></o:p></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 /> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Amos 8:4-6.9-12;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 118:2.10.20.30.40.131. (R. Matt 4:4);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Matt 9:9-13</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUoDOOUF_XulxmripqhnfgKCsUcSC28CUyB-GyYwo67M5VIPLP6F__gdZvXH20UWBuOi6gg6Bn7QW7j3yGKmNUDgxH-uC6ITuIWTJQgEkwbUeXMKUE5CtFQujI83p49NvHvL2uBoFgHZw/s1600/01.07.2016.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUoDOOUF_XulxmripqhnfgKCsUcSC28CUyB-GyYwo67M5VIPLP6F__gdZvXH20UWBuOi6gg6Bn7QW7j3yGKmNUDgxH-uC6ITuIWTJQgEkwbUeXMKUE5CtFQujI83p49NvHvL2uBoFgHZw/s1600/01.07.2016.png" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Sitting with many sinners</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> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus sat at dinner that followed the call of Matthew in today’s gospel with many tax collectors and sinners. This irritated the Pharisees and they questioned Jesus’ disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I come to call not the righteous but sinners.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Certainly, “... where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 5:20</b>). However, it is not proper to continue in sin for grace to abound, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 6:1</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Irrespective of our states, God is still calling each and every one of us as He called Matthew. He expects each person to follow the example of Matthew who left the tax booth and followed Him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is not a call to answer a Christian but to be one both in words and actions, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jas 1:22</b>. A call to drop everything that is not pleasing to God, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jas 2:10</b>. Are you willing to leave everything behind and follow Him who loves each person more than one loves him/herself? He is waiting patiently.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: Jas 1:19-27. 2:8-26.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">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;"> Responding to </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> May God help us respond positively to His constant love – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Visit our website: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; 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Sitting with many sinners: Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time (II) (1st July, 2016).

Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time (II) (1 st July, 2016) on the Gospel   Amos 8:4-6.9-12; P...

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Healing through reconciliation: Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time (II) (30th June, 2016).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Homily (Reflection) for Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time (II) (30^th June, 2016) on the Gospel <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The First Martyrs of the Church of Rome, Opt Mem</b>)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 50%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></span></b></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Amos 7:10-17;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ps 18:8-11. (R. v.10);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Matt 9:1-8</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphHSj1mFoPhA_89dZRjAsihjEYXyxilJwlwjI10gkve3oG6XulkJBZ3pH8YF_nF5el9_iWK637T2K3MtwgyMZdnXN-gYp1dE11-bIIqELJQJgIudtc2rzqi6JInBT2KEvy8iqgo24gTQ/s1600/30.06.2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphHSj1mFoPhA_89dZRjAsihjEYXyxilJwlwjI10gkve3oG6XulkJBZ3pH8YF_nF5el9_iWK637T2K3MtwgyMZdnXN-gYp1dE11-bIIqELJQJgIudtc2rzqi6JInBT2KEvy8iqgo24gTQ/s1600/30.06.2016.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span id="goog_1478293017"></span><span id="goog_1478293018"></span><br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Healing through reconciliation</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> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">It is a common belief among the Jews that bodily ailments are connected to sin, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 9:2</b>. Saint Paul also warned that sin could cause weakness, illness, and even death, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor 11:30</b>. And in today’s gospel, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">God created man and woman in His own image and likeness, and remarked that everything He made was very good, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gen 1:27. 31</b>. However, sin brings disorder. For instance, Adam who rightly described Eve as the bone of his bones and flesh of his flesh presented her to the fierce wrath of God as problem when sin set <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gen 2:23</b>.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> 3: 11-12</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">While looking for miracles, it will be better to go through seeking the face of God who performs miracles (reconciliation<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"></span>). Both the prayers and sacrifices of the unrighteous are abominations before God, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prov 15:8. 21:27. 28:9</b>. God also questioned the wicked, “What right have you to recite my statutes, or take my covenant on your lips?” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 50:16</b>). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jesus advised all to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, that every other thing shall be ours as well, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 6:33</b>. However, it is wrong to conclude that every sickness is as a result of sin, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 9:3</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: Ps 50.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">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;"> Seek God for He has everything<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; 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Healing through reconciliation: Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time (II) (30th June, 2016).

Homily (Reflection) for Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time (II) (30 th June, 2016) on the Gospel ( The First Martyrs of t...

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Two Captains in One Boat: Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul (29th June, 2014).

<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_5773318b790364545082271"> <div style="text-align: center;">  Homily for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul (29th June, 2014) on the Gospel</div> <br /> Acts 12:1-11;<br /> Ps 33:2-9 (R.V.5 or 8)<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> 2Tim 4:6-8.17-18;<br /> Matt 16:13-19.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_vmhDX4fooUTNeOjfCGfiHPqYiyrMKYA1GA5dCQ2k1DOHXjfvicsxWqgNg47JvUDeYT9U6z15JEt75IRMLYk5HmlnYl0Cc2Yf239LyxZVUBKepJK9pJhWV4Gyg1wDMah6pQMxfWCDso/s1600/Saints+Peter+and+Paul.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_vmhDX4fooUTNeOjfCGfiHPqYiyrMKYA1GA5dCQ2k1DOHXjfvicsxWqgNg47JvUDeYT9U6z15JEt75IRMLYk5HmlnYl0Cc2Yf239LyxZVUBKepJK9pJhWV4Gyg1wDMah6pQMxfWCDso/s1600/Saints+Peter+and+Paul.png" /></a></div> <br /> <span class="text_exposed_show"></span><br /> <div class="text_exposed_show"> Topic: Two Captains in One Boat</div> <div class="text_exposed_show"> <br /> We are celebrating today two great pillars of the Church – Saint Peter and Saint Paul. I prefer to refer to them as two captains in the same boat (Church). It is important to recall that during the presentation of Jesus in the Temple in line with the Law of Moses, that righteous and devout man Simeon (cf. Lk 2:25) described him as: “a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel” (Lk 2:32). And Christ suffered and died for this light to be proclaimed both to the Jews and to the Gentiles (cf. Acts 26:23). These men (Peter and Paul) were the instruments through which Christ, the light, shines both to the Jews and to the Gentiles (cf. Acts 22:17-21; Rom 11:13; 15:15-16; Gal 2:1-10; Eph 3:8). The Sunday missal: A new edition (1995) describes them thus: “… the princes of the apostles, from whom we derive our Christian faith. The Lord stood by them and gave them power, so that through them the whole message might be proclaimed for all the world to hear” (p. 940). </div> <div class="text_exposed_show">  </div> <div class="text_exposed_show"> In the gospel reading, Jesus’ questions took a funnel-like shape, it moved from general to particular. He began by asking his disciples from people’s opinion about him to theirs. Without doubting the fact that faith comes through hearing (cf. Rom 10:17) there will be serious problem if one’s faith begins and ends with what one hears or reads. In his letter to the Romans Paul writes: “For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified” (Rom 2:13). One’s knowledge of God must go beyond what one is told to what one knows. Hence to Peter’s confession Jesus replied: “17Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. 18And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it” (Matt 16:17-18). What one is told helps one to come to Jesus to know him and the Igbo adage puts it thus: onye no mmadu nso na-anu isi eze ya meaning that one knows a person better when he or she comes close to the person.</div> <div class="text_exposed_show"> In his letter to the Galatians we read: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Gal 2:20). This assertion and so many others made by Paul can only be made by one who knows God.</div> <div class="text_exposed_show">  </div> <div class="text_exposed_show"> It is a common saying that there cannot be more than one captain in a boat without capsizing. So, how could these great captains be in the same boat without capsizing it? They have lessons for all of us both those at the leadership positions and the lead both in the Church and the world. </div> <div class="text_exposed_show">  </div> <div class="text_exposed_show"> Although Saint Peter was entrusted with the responsibility of shepherding the whole Church (cf. Matt 16:18; Jn 21:15-17), he was aware that he would not do the job alone hence his extension of the hand of fellowship to Paul, cf. Gal 2:9. As people who are saddled with various responsibilities today both in the Church and in the world, how far do we extend hands of fellowship to others? Sometimes we tend to see even the work of God for instance as ours. It is not and will never be and it is the responsibility of the owner of the vineyard to appoint those to work in his vineyard, cf. Matt 9:36-38; Lk 10:2. </div> <div class="text_exposed_show">  </div> <div class="text_exposed_show"> In the life of Saint Paul we see a man full of talents yet very humble. Hence despite the revelations he received from Jesus Christ he acknowledged the pillars of the Church. He was also aware of the fact that one could run out of track (in vain). Hence he submitted to the pillars of the Church the gospel he was preaching, cf. Gal 2:2. How many who are talented today in one way or another are ready to submit to anybody even to God?</div> <div class="text_exposed_show">  </div> <div class="text_exposed_show"> Before I go on, I plead for your understanding and be certain that I respect every religion and church. The men we are celebrating today laid for us good examples to follow, cf. 1Cor 11:1 because they first followed Christ who emptied himself and took the form of a servant, cf. Phil 2:5-8. It is the inability to submit even to God that results to what we see today. Although Churches cite these saints and I believe they also hold them in high esteem yet it is difficult to see those who follow their examples. If Paul had not submitted to Peter the result would have been a different ministry which Paul recognized as running in vain because Christ said: “… I will build my church …” not churches, cf. Matt 16:18. Based on these facts I conclude that it is possible that some run in vain because of pride. We would have not been celebrating Paul today if he had ran in vain. Today is the favourable time. Borrowing the words of the Psalmist I say: “Harden not your hearts” (Ps 95:8; cf. Heb 3:7-8). With the prophet Joel I urge you to “… rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and repents of evil” (Joel 2:13). With the lives of Saints Peter and Paul it is evident that the presence of more than one captain in a boat does not capsize the boat but the absence of Christ in a boat, cf. Matt 14:22-32.</div> <div class="text_exposed_show">  </div> <div class="text_exposed_show"> Bible Readings: Rom 10:5-21; Gal 2:1-10; 18-21; Phil 2:1-18; Matt 14:22-32.</div> <div class="text_exposed_show">  </div> <div class="text_exposed_show"> Silent Prayer: Do you accept the God in others?</div> <div class="text_exposed_show"> <br /> Let us pray: God, may we always see you in our fellow men and women and be humble enough to accept you – Amen.</div> <div class="text_exposed_show"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>You are free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div> <div class="text_exposed_show"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div class="text_exposed_show"> </div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Visit our website: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: Calibri;">www.thepulpitonline.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="text_exposed_show" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Like us on Facebook:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: Calibri;">www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div class="text_exposed_show" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Follow us on Twitter:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: Calibri;">www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">   </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div class="text_exposed_show" style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><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;">Send us Email:</span></b><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><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; 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;"><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="color: #2e7061;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a></span></div> </div>

Two Captains in One Boat: Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul (29th June, 2014).

 Homily for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul (29th June, 2014) on the Gospel Acts 12:1-11; Ps 33:2-9 (R.V.5 or 8) ... 2Tim 4:6-...

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Beyond what others said: Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Aps (29th June, 2016) .

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Aps (29^th June, 2016) on the Gospel and the Solemnity<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 /> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Acts 12:1-11;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 33:2-9. (R. v. 5 or v. 8);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2Tim 4:6-8.17-18;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Matt 16:13-19</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today is the solemnity of the apostles Peter and Paul. Saint Peter was an apostle to the circumcised while Saint Paul was called to be an apostle to the uncircumcised, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gal 2:7-9</b>; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 11:13</b>; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts 9:15</b>. </span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6gYlDUiCy6JSKUofus6R9TYjO59SmDibpa9YKnwk1Vz9S8Zb6FTlMwqeW7ppEBMdP5WqLoyZZ_rEL97eE26rPp9oVugLLL2dXbEWiGMtm8pbDkbNqy2gxLNgAG2HMA5VZnTwY2CFRTU/s1600/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6gYlDUiCy6JSKUofus6R9TYjO59SmDibpa9YKnwk1Vz9S8Zb6FTlMwqeW7ppEBMdP5WqLoyZZ_rEL97eE26rPp9oVugLLL2dXbEWiGMtm8pbDkbNqy2gxLNgAG2HMA5VZnTwY2CFRTU/s1600/1.png" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saint Peter was son of Jonah (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 16:17</b>) and brother of Saint Andrew (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 4:18; Mk 1:16; Jn 1:40</b>). He was a native of Bethsaida, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 1:44</b>. There are two different accounts of his call. According to Matthew, and Mark, he was called alongside his brother by the Lord while fishing, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 4:18-20; Mk 1:16-18; Lk 5:1-11</b>. But according to Saint John, Andrew was the one who brought Simon to Jesus, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 1:35-42</b>. Jesus was the one who named Simon, Cephas (Peter) meaning rock, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 16:18;</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 1:42b</b>. He is the patron saint of fishermen, net makers, and ship builders.</span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 5pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">On the other hand, Saint Paul was a Jew and a native of Tarsus in Cilicia. cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts 9:11. 21:39. 22:3</b>. He was brought up in Jerusalem and studied under Gamaliel, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts 22:3</b>. Saint Paul was a great persecutor of the Church and was very determined to destroy it, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gal 1:13</b>. He was converted while on his way to Damascus with a letter from the high priest to arrest every Christian he could found. He was baptized by Ananias with the name Paul, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts 9:1-18. 22:6-16. 26:12-18</b>. Saint Paul is the patron saint of Missionaries, Theologians, and Gentile Christians.</span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 5pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saint Peter and Saint Paul were martyred in Rome. Saint Peter’s was in c. 64 AD and that of Saint Paul was in c. 67.</span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Beyond what others said.</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is a saying in Igbo language, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nwata gafee onye mụrụ, a jụbazia onye ka ọ na-anụ ma ọ bụ onye na-anụ ya</i>” literally meaning that at a point in one’s life, the question will move from ‘whose child?’ to either, ‘whose husband or wife?” In the development of human beings, a time comes when people will expect to see what a person has done and/or is doing. Look at how the letter to the Hebrews expressed it, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of God's word” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Heb 5:12; cf. 1Cor 3:2</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The letter to the Hebrews explains the importance of faith, “And without faith it is impossible to please him [God]. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Heb 11:6</b>). Where does faith come from? Saint Paul explained, “faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 10:17</b>). But faith should not be seen as something that comes automatically with hearing the gospel. Otherwise, the world would have been a better place.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In today’s gospel, Jesus first asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” Although they offered a lot of answers but the whole thing seem to have served as an introduction to the main question, “But who do you say that I am?” It was Peter who declared, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus said to him, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt 0.7in;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.... I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.... I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Faith is the product of the marriage between what is heard, read, and/or experienced and the inner person. Beyond what they said (ie, what one heard, read, and/or experienced) is one’s faith or lack of faith. Hence, Christ gives the power of becoming children of God only to those who received Him, and believed in His name, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 1:12</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Beyond all you have heard, read, or experienced lies what, faith or lack of faith? Remember that in normal development of anything, at a point people would start to look for the essence of the thing in question. Saint Peter did not end up with what people said nor Saint Paul with the experience on his road to Damascus. It is very abnormal for one to remain at the level of what people say. God expects each of us make his/her own confession. But it starts from what is really beyond what people say, faith or lack faith. Only he/she who is righteous through faith shall live, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 1:17; Gal 3:11</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Rom 10:5-21; Heb 11:1-40</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">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;"> What lies beyond what you heard, read, and/or experienced?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> Lord, we can do nothing without you. We humbly ask you for the gift of faith that will stand every test – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Saints Peter and Paul – Amen</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; 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Beyond what others said: Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Aps (29th June, 2016) .

Homily (Reflection) for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Aps (29 th June, 2016) on the Gospel and the Solemnity   Acts 12:...

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We ought to pray: Memorial of Saint Irenaeus, B.M (28th June, 2016).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Irenaeus, B.M (28^th June, 2016) on the Gospel and the Memorial<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 /> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Amos 3:1-8. 4:11-12;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 5:5-8. (R. v.9);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Matt 8:23-27</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qfvO-HOkgYAMKgtqBdilzi0aVYY_H4xrlkjB3VvIkGMhihUMp83EByKoMrxpfwTYSrwFn_Rh1fakF46IzL5VBVqGaErtqD-gDvqxAL8ygJ4N49WBmCGKawhxp-BQa4hrDgiGgAIzAeQ/s1600/28.06.2016.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qfvO-HOkgYAMKgtqBdilzi0aVYY_H4xrlkjB3VvIkGMhihUMp83EByKoMrxpfwTYSrwFn_Rh1fakF46IzL5VBVqGaErtqD-gDvqxAL8ygJ4N49WBmCGKawhxp-BQa4hrDgiGgAIzAeQ/s1600/28.06.2016.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saint Irenaeus, was Bishop of Lugdunum in Gaul, then part of the Roman Empire (now Lyon, France). He was an early Church Father and apologist, and his writings were formative in the early development of Christian theology. His best-known book, Adversus Haereses (Against Heresies) is a detailed attack on Gnosticism, which was then a serious threat to the Church. His polemical work is credited for laying out the orthodoxies of the Christian church, its faith, its preaching and the books that it held as sacred authority.</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II/Ordinary%20Time%20(II)/Thirteenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(II).docx" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; 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><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: We ought to pray</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> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whenever someone is in a difficult situation, many things do come to mind. Many people might also come with their own suggestions. Unfortunately, most often all these including the worst mistakes one could do at the moment present themselves as best options.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In today’s gospel, as a result of the wind storm on the sea, water had begun to fill the boat in which Jesus was sleeping. Certainly, His disciples who were with Him must have thought of different options. Finally, they woke Jesus up saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” Jesus rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a dead calm.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Think about your own situation. Certainly, it is not impossible for God. So, stop fidgeting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">As you think of the way to follow, remember the words of Saint Irenaeus of Lyons: Error never shows itself in its naked reality, in order not to be discovered. On the contrary, it dresses elegantly, so that the unwary may be led to believe that it is more truthful than truth itself.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Never look for solutions in a way that will rob you eternity, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 16:26</b>. Jesus is still alive. You only need to wake Him through prayers, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jas 5:13</b>. We ought to pray constantly, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Thess 5:17</b>. No one who believes in God will be put to shame, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 10:11</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Lk 18:1-14</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">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;"> Never lose heart.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <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 to be confident in you in all circumstances – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Saint Irenaeus of Lyons – Pray for us</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; 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line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Calls/SMS: +234 813 305 0302 <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">                    </span>+234 905 655 4466<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">       </span>Email: </span></span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 30%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God bless you+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" /> <hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /> <!--[endif]--><br /> <div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"> <div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.7in;"> <a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II/Ordinary%20Time%20(II)/Thirteenth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(II).docx" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><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><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irenaeus"><b><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irenaeus</span></b></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b> </b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> </div> </div>

We ought to pray: Memorial of Saint Irenaeus, B.M (28th June, 2016).

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Irenaeus, B.M (28 th June, 2016) on the Gospel and the Memorial   Amos 3:1-8. 4:11-...

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Following Christ: Monday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time (II) (27th June, 2016).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time (II) (27^th June, 2016) on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Saint Cyril of Alexandria, B.D, Opt Mem</b>)<o:p></o:p></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 /> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Amos 2:6-10.13-16;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 49:16-23. (R. v.22); <o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Matt 8:18-22.</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKcDzjSP55TFIMb2dOEonNoXNREEjXF_8unJDCyga-YhTlzTbe1XK8F9M5-OY2Jmt-ajzF06J4QePgcd6-3CyQM3c3lMfHWvqnlTTlt5D5-V9mPtBz05pdIM4JsZ9fMz4Qu1nym5Y8D4/s1600/27.06.2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKcDzjSP55TFIMb2dOEonNoXNREEjXF_8unJDCyga-YhTlzTbe1XK8F9M5-OY2Jmt-ajzF06J4QePgcd6-3CyQM3c3lMfHWvqnlTTlt5D5-V9mPtBz05pdIM4JsZ9fMz4Qu1nym5Y8D4/s1600/27.06.2016.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Following Christ</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Often, businesses are judged good or bad based on patronage. And sometimes while presenting them to people, certain things are left out just to ensure people’s patronage.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In today’s gospel, we see two would-be Jesus’ disciples, a scribe and the other one. When the scribe informed Jesus of his intention to follow Him, Jesus explained to him one of the hazards of the business, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” We also see the necessity of following Christ in His response to the other who wanted to bury his father first, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus wants all to follow Him, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 28:19</b>. Although, it has its own hazards yet it is wrong to abscond for any reason, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts 6:2</b>. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one goes to the Father, but by Him, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 14:6</b>. Whatever one sacrificed for the sake of Christ is kept safe, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 19:29; Mk 10:30</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus wants you too onboard. Will you accept or turn it down?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">1Tim 6:11-19</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">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;"> Christ wants you too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> Lord, give us the grace to follow You and to let the dead bury their own dead – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Visit our website: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: Calibri;">www.thepulpitonline.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Like us on Facebook:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: Calibri;">www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; 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line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To Contact and/or to support this ministry:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 50%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Calls/SMS: +234 813 305 0302 <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">                    </span>+234 905 655 4466<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">       </span>Email: </span></span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 30%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God bless you+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

Following Christ: Monday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time (II) (27th June, 2016).

Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time (II) (27 th June, 2016) on the Gospel ( Saint Cyril of Alexan...

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Call to discipleship: Thirteenth Sunday of the Year, (C) (26th June, 2016).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Homily (Reflection) for the Thirteenth Sunday of the Year, (C) (26</span>^{<span style="font-size: small;">th</span>}<span style="font-size: large;"> June, 2016) on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">1Kgs 19:16.19-21;</span></div> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Ps 15:1-2.5.7-11. (R. cf. v. 5);</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Gal 5:1.13-18;</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 9:51-62</b>.</span></span><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlO4MeeGbDKf6ou8V302fgjfMnwXUCNvmCV-SVIcSQqq0x9iDOLK-yJFE_aXB9vrjmqfl9Z2wfTYVypFKBmGDDFeGNbmmVZFlS0E73LtXLdKnD21OKCqdkdap7IZkqVoLetV9z9Jt7R0/s1600/26.06.2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlO4MeeGbDKf6ou8V302fgjfMnwXUCNvmCV-SVIcSQqq0x9iDOLK-yJFE_aXB9vrjmqfl9Z2wfTYVypFKBmGDDFeGNbmmVZFlS0E73LtXLdKnD21OKCqdkdap7IZkqVoLetV9z9Jt7R0/s1600/26.06.2016.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <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;"> Call to discipleship</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">In today’s gospel, the messengers Jesus sent to make things ready for Him was rejected by a Samaritan village. James and John (Boanerges, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk 3:17</b>) wanted to call down fire from heaven to consume them but Jesus rebuked them. They moved to another village. While on their way, one person volunteered to be Christ’s disciple but He said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” The one Jesus called excused himself, “Lord, first let me go and bury my Father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” And yet another said to Jesus, “I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” To him Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”</span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Earlier while sending the twelve on mission Jesus instructed them, “Wherever they do not welcome you, as you are leaving that town shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 9:5; cf. Matt 10:14</b>). Probably, James and John were not comfortable shaking of the dust. They wanted to follow the example of Elijah, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2Kg 1</b>. Other ancient authorities did not just read that Jesus rebuked the duo, rather He “rebuked them, and said, ‘You do not know what spirit you are of, for the Son of Man has not come to destroy the lives of human beings but to save them’”</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/Year%20C%202015-2016/Ordinary%20Time%20of%20the%20Year%20C/Thirteenth%20Sunday%20of%20the%20Year%20(C).docx" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: blue;">[1]</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Jesus demands of everyone who wants to be His disciple a number of things. They include, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 16:24; cf. Mk 8:34; Lk 9:23</b>). Again, “he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 10:38</b>). And again, “If any one serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also...” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 12:26</b>). In the gospel according to Saint Luke, Jesus was more drastic, “If any one comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 14:26</b>).</span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">A disciple once asked Socrates: “Sir, you ask everyone who wants to become your disciple to look into the pond and tell you what he sees. Why is it so?”</span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Socrates replied: “It is quite simple. One who sees the fish swimming around, I accept him. Others who see their own reflection are in love with their ego. I have no use for them.”</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/Year%20C%202015-2016/Ordinary%20Time%20of%20the%20Year%20C/Thirteenth%20Sunday%20of%20the%20Year%20(C).docx" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: blue;">[2]</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Discipleship demands one renouncing everything including one’s very self, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 14:33</b>. Hence, “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2Cor 5:17</b>). Disciples live according to God’s will and not according theirs, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 22:42</b>.</span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Regrettably, many Christians do not even care today to know what God’s will is. Otherwise, how does one explain the curses and abusive words even from anointed men of God? ‘Holy Ghost fire’ has become the other of the day. How are these and many other things we do today better than what James and John intended for which Jesus rebuked them? Or are we called to follow Elijah? </span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Power belongs to God, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 62:11; 2Cor 4:7</b>. And nothing is impossible for Him, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 19:26</b>. But God has not empowered anyone to use His power for his/her personal vendetta. Judgement belongs to God alone, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Chr 16:33; Ps 96:13; 2Tim 4:1</b>.</span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">We are called to follow Christ who “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he trusted to him who judges justly” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Pt 2:23</b>). God forbids retaliation, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Deut 32:35; Rom 12:19; Heb 10:30</b>. Christians are called not to be overcome by evil, but to overcome evil with good, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 12:21</b>. </span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4pt 0in 0pt;"> <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;">: Lk 14:25-33; Ro 12:19</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.</span><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thought for today:</b> Are you really Christ’s disciple?</span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <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;"> Lord, grant us your grace to live as authentic Christians </span>– Amen.</span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sharing</b> is caring. You are very free to share our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">DAILY REFLECTIONS</b> with your friends and loved ones. They need them.</span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <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> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Visit our website: </span></b><a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">www.thepulpitonline.com</span></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Like us on Facebook:</b> </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Follow us on Twitter:</b> </span></span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">   </span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Send us Email:</b> </span></span><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To Contact and/or to support this ministry:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tel: +234 813 305 0302 <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">       </span>+234 905 655 4466<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Email: </span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></a></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">May God bless you all+</span></div> <!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" /> <hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /> <!--[endif]--><br /> <div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"> <div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/Year%20C%202015-2016/Ordinary%20Time%20of%20the%20Year%20C/Thirteenth%20Sunday%20of%20the%20Year%20(C).docx" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: blue;">[1]</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Holy Bible, and The New Jerusalem Bible, Footnotes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> </div> <div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/Year%20C%202015-2016/Ordinary%20Time%20of%20the%20Year%20C/Thirteenth%20Sunday%20of%20the%20Year%20(C).docx" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: blue;">[2]</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></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. 313.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> </div> </div>

Call to discipleship: Thirteenth Sunday of the Year, (C) (26th June, 2016).

Homily (Reflection) for the Thirteenth Sunday of the Year, (C) (26 th June, 2016) on the Gospel 1Kgs 19:16.19-21; Ps 15:1-2.5.7-11....

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Master-servant relationship: Saturday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time (25th June, 2016).

<br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time (25^th June, 2016) on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BVM on Saturday, Opt Mem</b>)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 50%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lam 2:2.10-14.18-19;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 73:1-7.20-21. (R. v. 19);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Matt 8:5-17</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPkardgkSGwlsxL3myyW1iUuHrehyphenhyphenRrvBykUonypymYi-CsQ3EoCMrfkggtuzKTla0jY7lbogyJGBleSDxd7cVdKbNh2tgxi7OajYlXIgMEwtczYc0r_-8hvTsYGhAct9IKqQZpTxbCw/s1600/25.06.2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPkardgkSGwlsxL3myyW1iUuHrehyphenhyphenRrvBykUonypymYi-CsQ3EoCMrfkggtuzKTla0jY7lbogyJGBleSDxd7cVdKbNh2tgxi7OajYlXIgMEwtczYc0r_-8hvTsYGhAct9IKqQZpTxbCw/s1600/25.06.2016.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Master-servant relationship</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> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today’s gospel consists of two sections, namely: Jesus’ healing of a centurion’s servant, and the healing of many at Peter’s house. Our homily will focus on the first part.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A centurion met Jesus at Capernaum and pleaded, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible distress.” Jesus said to him, “I will come and cure him.” But the centurion replied in part, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed.” This is the origin of the response (profession of one’s faith) just before the reception of the Holy Communion. Jesus was amazed and said, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt 0.7in;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Truly I tell you, in no one in Israel have I found such a faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and will eat with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the heirs of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This centurion was a special one. However, his servant must have been exceptional too. Otherwise, what prevented him from sending his servant/s?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When you relate with others especially those under you, do not forget that they are human beings. Again, your servant today can be your master tomorrow. Fellow servants, it is not easy for any head that wears the crown. Certainly, they err gravely. But that is not the thing. Please, when/where you wear the crown, do not repeat any of those things you complain about today. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: 1Jn 4:7-21.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">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;"> A loving heart does not hate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> May God help us in our relationship with others – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Sharing is caring</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">. You are very free to share our<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> DAILY REFLECTIONS </b>with your friends and loved ones. They need them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For more homilies (reflections):<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Visit our website: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: Calibri;">www.thepulpitonline.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Like us on Facebook:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: Calibri;">www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Follow us on Twitter:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: Calibri;">www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">   </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Send us Email:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> </span></span><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To Contact and/or to support this ministry:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 50%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Calls/SMS: +234 813 305 0302 <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">                    </span>+234 905 655 4466<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">       </span>Email: </span></span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="color: #2e7061; font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 30%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God bless you+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

Master-servant relationship: Saturday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time (25th June, 2016).

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time (25 th June, 2016) on the Gospel ( BVM on Saturday, Opt Mem ) ...

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