You are holding lots of keys: Memorial of Saint John Bosco, P.

<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 John Bosco, P., (31^st January, 2020) on the Gospel and the Memorial</span></span></b></div> <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;">Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (II)</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 /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2Sam 11:1-10.13-17;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 50:3-7.10-11 (R. cf. v.3);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Mk 4:26-34</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/AVvXsEhbyt3i-UabOVjRgsCIXZpuZhBBS8BFQgCrX0OZbcfEJqPu0i8JJIsV_JP0ZVL2gxQUoBtgqh4CBUzNVSPK4kj3i8EFqqZunUOx8TjEAnmfstXuEFWmxYz2PPTK9QKC3yt75Qur86qjt4Y/s1600/31.01.2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="227" data-original-width="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyt3i-UabOVjRgsCIXZpuZhBBS8BFQgCrX0OZbcfEJqPu0i8JJIsV_JP0ZVL2gxQUoBtgqh4CBUzNVSPK4kj3i8EFqqZunUOx8TjEAnmfstXuEFWmxYz2PPTK9QKC3yt75Qur86qjt4Y/s1600/31.01.2020.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 4pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saint John Bosco, also known as Giovanni Melchiorre Bosco and Don Bosco (16^th August, 1815 – 31^st January, 1888) was born in Becchi, Italy. He lost his father at the age of two, leaving him and his two elder brothers to be raised by his mother, Margherita. John was very devout. He later discerned the call to become a priest which requires education, something he lacked because of poverty. He was only 12 when he left home and laboured for two years in a vineyard before he met Jospeh Cafasso, a priest who helped him. He entered the seminary in 1835 and was ordained a priest in 1841. The large number of boys, between the ages of 12 and 18 he saw in deplorable conditions in the prison moved him to do more to help other boys from ending up there. He went into the streets and started to meet young men and boys where they worked and played. He used his talents as a performer, doing tricks to capture attention, then sharing with the children his message for the day. Fr Bosco worked tirelessly seeking work for boys who needed it, and lodgings for others. He fought for the rights for boys who were employed as apprentices and also encouraged those he thought would make good priests to consider a vocation to the priesthood. He established the Society of St. Francis de Sales in 1859 to carry on his charitable work, helping boys with their faith formation and to stay out of trouble. The call for his canonization came immediately after his death. Pope Pius XI declared him a blessed on 2^nd June, 1929 and also canonized him on 1^st April, 1934 (Easter Sunday). He was given the title, “Father and Teacher of Youth.” Saint John Bosco is the patron saint of apprentices, editors and publishers, schoolchildren, magicians, and juvenile delinquents.</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II%20(2019-2020)/Ordinary%20Time%20(II)%20(2020)/Third%20Week%20in%20Ordianry%20Time%20(II)%20(2020).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><o:p></o:p></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: You are holding lots of keys</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Often we complain that things are not going the way they should. Many never thought of what they can do to get them go the right way. Even when one’s attention ever goes to that direction either on its own or through another person it is easily dropped thinking that such do not and might never count.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today’s gospel has two parables. In the parable of the growing seed, Jesus compares the kingdom of God with the man who scattered the seed on the ground and without knowing how the seed would sprout and grow. The earth plays its part of making the seed produce grains the man will harvest. And in the second parable, He compares the kingdom of God with a mustard seed which is the smallest of all the seeds on earth but when sown it turns into the greatest of all shrubs. It ends up growing branches the birds can make nests in its shade.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is unfortunate that many prefer to be defeatists contrary to the fact that we are made to be more than conquerors through him who loved us, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 8:37</b>. The seed would not have produced grains if the man did not scatter. In the same vein, the mustard seed would have remained the smallest of all the seeds on earth if not sown. The scattering of the seed and the sowing of the mustard seed were actually the keys that opened doors to greater things.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dear child of God, as we are blessed with yet a new day, think of the seeds God has given to you. Do not neglect any. Put out your hand and sow/scatter them. That will certainly start a serious chain reaction. I therefore remind you and myself, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">we are holding lots of keys</b> to unlock so many doors for the good of all. Saint John Bosco we celebrate today realised this fact and used the keys very well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: 1Cor 12:4-30.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Thought for today:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> God has given you enormous power for good.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> Lord, help us bring the needed change in the world by doing our part – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Saint John Bosco – Pray for us</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><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="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;">Visit our website: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.thepulpitonline.com</span></span></a></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Like us on Facebook:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: blue; 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margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Email: </span></span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></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;">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"> <!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" /> <hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /> <!--[endif]--> <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%20(2019-2020)/Ordinary%20Time%20(II)%20(2020)/Third%20Week%20in%20Ordianry%20Time%20(II)%20(2020).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-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=63"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=63</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> </div> </div>

You are holding lots of keys: Memorial of Saint John Bosco, P.

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint John Bosco, P., (31 st January, 2020) on the Gospel and the Memorial ( Friday of the Th...

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The lamp: Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (II).

<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 Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (II), (30^th January, 2020) on the Gospel <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2Sam 7:18-19.24-29;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 131:1-5.11-14 (R. Lk 1:32);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Mk 4:21-25</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Topic: The lamp</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus teaches us in today’s gospel that His teachings are not meant to be hidden. Using the allegory of a lamp, they are to be placed on the lamp-stand for others to see. He goes on to say that the standard one uses for others will be used for the person and even more. More will be given to the person who knows that he/she has because nobody is empty-handed, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor 12:7-11</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God expects all of us in various ways we can to help others see the light of the gospel. He expects us to do to others exactly what and how we want others to do to us, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 7:12</b>; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 6:31</b>. Our duty is to take the lamp, place it on the stand for others and using the right standard for others.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: 2Tim 4:1-8.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Thought for today:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> Use the measure you want to be measured with for others.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> God help us place the light of the gospel on the stand for others to see through Christ – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><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="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;">Visit our website: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.thepulpitonline.com</span></span></a></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Like us on Facebook:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; 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margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 10%;"></span> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><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: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tel: +234 813 305 0302</span></span></b></div> <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;">Email: </span></span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></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;">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

The lamp: Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (II).

Homily (Reflection) for Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (II), (30 th January, 2020) on the Gospel   2Sam 7:18-19.24-29;...

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Soil type predicts harvest: Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (II)

<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 Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (II), (29^th January, 2020) 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 /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2Sam 7:4-17;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 88:4-5.27-30 (R. v.29);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Mk 4:1-20</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Soil type predicts harvest</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In today’s gospel, we see the parable of the sower, the purpose, and the meaning. While sowing the seed, some fell on the path, others on the rocky ground, some fell among the thorns, and others fell into good soil. Those that fell on the path were eaten up by the birds. And those on the rocky ground although they sprang up quickly but were scorched and withered before they could bear fruits, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 129:6</b>. The thorns grew up and choked the seed that fell among them. Finally, the seed that fell into the good soil “brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundredfold”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus explained that the seed is the word of God. The seed that fell along the road refers to people Satan takes away the word of God immediately they hear it. Those on the rocky ground refers to those who receive the word with joy in whom it lasts just a while because they have no root. The word does not survive troubles and persecutions that arise on its account. And those who fell among the thorns refer to those in whom the word is choked by the cares of the world, the lure of wealth, and/or the desire for other things. Finally, those who fell into good soil refer to people in whom the word bears fruits.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus told us, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 15:16</b>). And in the letter of Saint James we also read, “rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jas 1:21</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If anyone wants to bear fruits, he/she must prepare his/her soul for God’s word. If one fails to prepare for the word, it will certainly fall either on the path or on rocky ground or among the thorns. And we know that none of the seeds that fall on any of these places will be able to bear fruit. Chose therefore what you want and work towards that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Thought for today:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> The word can only be fruitful in good soil.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> Lord, we have been fallow for various reasons. We ask you to make us the best of soil for your word – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><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="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;">Visit our website: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.thepulpitonline.com</span></span></a></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Like us on Facebook:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Follow us on Twitter:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></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;">Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313</span></span></b></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Send us Email:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 10%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 10%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To Contact and/or to support this ministry:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br /> <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;">Tel: +234 813 305 0302</span></span></b></div> <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;">Email: </span></span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></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;">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

Soil type predicts harvest: Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (II)

Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (II), (29 th January, 2020) on the Gospel   2Sam 7:4-17; Ps...

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True Relations of Jesus: Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, P.D.

<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 Thomas Aquinas, P.D., (28^th January, 2020) on the Gospel and the Memorial </span></span></b></div> <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;">Tuesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (II)</b>)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2Sam 6:12-15.17-19;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 23:7-10. (R. v.8);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Mk 3:31-35</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 4pt 0in 0pt;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFHVLO2D5OeNmxaMrm5wy2PSg7inJYEqvn-iqMoCx9WbmMTNx-WDCmMgCNXGxTQaNjGXgwkVLxUx8Ty6wYEWpUgoBVE0IHVjS0r-tfvBl2CxJxhVqLxu4cv0NUpkNAfz9HXdb7FHSYPY/s1600/28.01.2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFHVLO2D5OeNmxaMrm5wy2PSg7inJYEqvn-iqMoCx9WbmMTNx-WDCmMgCNXGxTQaNjGXgwkVLxUx8Ty6wYEWpUgoBVE0IHVjS0r-tfvBl2CxJxhVqLxu4cv0NUpkNAfz9HXdb7FHSYPY/s1600/28.01.2020.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tommaso d'Aquino (1225 – 7 March 1274) otherwise known as Saint Thomas Aquinas was an Italian Dominican friar and a Catholic priest who was an immensely influential philosopher, theologian and jurist in the tradition of scholasticism, within which he is also known as the “Doctor Angelicus” and “Doctor Communis”. Unlike many currents in the Church of the time, Thomas embraced several ideas put forward by Aristotle—whom he called “the Philosopher”—and attempted to synthesize Aristotelian philosophy with the principles of Christianity. Saint Thomas best known works are the </span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summa_Theologica" title="Summa Theologica"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Summa Theologica</span></span></i></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> and the </span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summa_contra_Gentiles" title="Summa contra Gentiles"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Summa contra Gentiles</span></span></i></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. His commentaries on Sacred </span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scripture" title="Scripture"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Scripture</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> and on Aristotle also form an important part of his body of work. He is also distinguished for his eucharistic hymns, which form part of the Church's liturgy. Saint Thomas Aquinas is a </span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_of_the_Church" title="Doctor of the Church"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Doctor of the Church</span></span></a><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II%20(2019-2020)/Ordinary%20Time%20(II)%20(2020)/Third%20Week%20in%20Ordianry%20Time%20(II)%20(2020).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: 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;"><span style="color: blue;">[1]</span></span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Topic: True Relations of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When Jesus was told in today’s gospel that His mother and His brothers were standing outside asking for Him, He queried, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” After looking at those who sat around Him He concluded, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many consider a number of things as advantages one can hope on in the journey towards God. However, Jesus defined in today’s gospel true relatives of His as those who do the will of God. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saint Paul wrote to his son, “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2Tim 3:16-17</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saint James exhorts all, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 3pt 0in 0pt 0.7in; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">...be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jas 1:22-24</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 3pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Those who do the word of God shall be blessed in their doing, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jas 1:25</b>. Whoever does right is righteous, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Jn 3:7</b>. It is by doing right that one can put to silence the ignorance of the foolish, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Pt 2:15</b>. Just like Saint Thomas Aquinas, we are brothers and sisters and mothers of Jesus only that we must do the will of God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; 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; 1Jn 2:29–3:10.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; 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;"> Are you truly Jesus’ brother and sister and mother?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> Lord, give us the grace to become your Son’s </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">brother and sister and mother</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Saint Thomas Aquinas – Pray for us</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><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="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;">Visit our website: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: blue; 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margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 10%;"></span> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><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: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tel: +234 813 305 0302</span></span></b></div> <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;">Email: </span></span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></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;">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <br /> <div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"> <!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" /> <hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /> <!--[endif]--> <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%20(2019-2020)/Ordinary%20Time%20(II)%20(2020)/Third%20Week%20in%20Ordianry%20Time%20(II)%20(2020).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-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Aquinas"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Aquinas</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> </div> </div>

True Relations of Jesus: Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, P.D.

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, P.D., (28 th January, 2020) on the Gospel and the Memorial ( Tuesday of...

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Weakening God’s children: Monday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (II)

<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 Third Week in Ordinary Time (II) (27^th January, 2020) on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2Sam 5:1-7.10;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 88:20-22.25-26. (R.v.25);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Mk 3:22-30</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Topic: Weakening God’s children.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The scribes branded Jesus a demoniac in today’s gospel because He was doing what He was sent to do (the will of the Father), cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 4:34. 5:30. 6:38</b>. Jesus’ reply to them in parables reads in part, “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">There is serious emphasis on the need for us to be united. Every Christian is part of one body, the Christ, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor 12:12.</b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">27.</span> </b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Eph 2:19.</span> </b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">5:30</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">. We ought to be one with God and with our brothers and sisters, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor 6:17;</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gal 3:28</b>. Saint Paul admonishes us, “...if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 6:5</b>). He also appeals to all, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 3pt 0in 0pt 0.7in; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor 1:10</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Remember, we ought to be one with God and with our brothers and sister, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor 6:17</b>. Although He assures us victory (cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Deut 20:4</b>), yet we keep weakening ourselves through divisions. As long as we keep fighting each other, we can never be effective in the world. Let us retrace our steps back to unity with God and with our brothers and sisters.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: 1Cor 1:10-17. 3:1-23.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Thought for today:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> ...you are still of the flesh... as long as there is jealousy and quarrelling among you (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor 3:3</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> Lord, give us your Spirit and a heart of flesh to be united with you and with our brothers and sisters – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><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="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;">Visit our website: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.thepulpitonline.com</span></span></a></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Like us on Facebook:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; 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line-height: 10%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br /> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To Contact and/or to support this ministry:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br /> <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;">Tel: +234 813 305 0302</span></span></b></div> <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;">Email: </span></span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></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;">May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>

Weakening God’s children: Monday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (II)

Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time (II) (27 th January, 2020) on the Gospel   2Sam 5:1-7.10; Ps 8...

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Called for a purpose: Third Sunday of the Year (A)

<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: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homily (Reflection) for the Third Sunday of the Year (A) (26th January, 2020) on the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Is 9:1-4;</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Ps 26:1.4.13-14 (R. v.1);</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">1Cor 1: 10 –13.17;</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 4:12-23 or 4:12-17</b>.</span></span><br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 46.2pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In a seminary where bell signals the beginning and the end of almost every activity, there is a seminarian well-known for his humorous behaviours. He is among those who always put on the best cassocks. Whenever the bell rings, he normally dresses quickly and goes to a popular junction in the seminary. He will be there waiting for someone to ask what the bell signals and will subsequently follow the person to the venue. Whenever he is asked why he does not care to know what is in the timetable so as to prepare himself he will say that the important thing is to be present where others are whether prepared or not<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.</span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 46.2pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Topic: Called for a purpose</b>. </span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqkgerp8lsLCEaL09YVHP0W8ogIDJJd0_EJU02RKolhDIkKnEgRdPggtuLtzIlKkcSGOiDii4khRBTxmVynJY_BMgVh1fk2tSVSaxf2GSroCJbTtCb7suURP8k4w-GOtXbpk-GzOKXNE/s1600/26.01.2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqkgerp8lsLCEaL09YVHP0W8ogIDJJd0_EJU02RKolhDIkKnEgRdPggtuLtzIlKkcSGOiDii4khRBTxmVynJY_BMgVh1fk2tSVSaxf2GSroCJbTtCb7suURP8k4w-GOtXbpk-GzOKXNE/s1600/26.01.2020.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus began His public ministry in today’s gospel by calling all to repentance – “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near”. In Luke’s gospel, He reiterated his mission on earth: “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 5:32</b>). The essence of Christ’s incarnation is to bring us back to God so that we might have life in abundance, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 10:10</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Calling His first disciples in today’s gospel, He said to Peter and his brother Andrew “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people”. They were not called just to follow Him but were transformed from fishing for fish to fishing for people. They were called to assist Jesus reach the ends of the earth because God’s call for repentance is for everybody. In the prophet Isaiah we read “Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Is 45:22</b>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>While sending His apostles in the Acts of the Apostles He said to them: “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth" (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts 1:8</b>). This is because we all are from God, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor 11:12; Ps 79:13</b>. Hence the prophet Isaiah asks us: “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth…” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Is 40:28</b>). <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When one hears the word of God and accepts it, the word goes into the person and becomes part of him or her, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rev. 3:20</b>. Accepting Jesus involves accepting to be his agents, helping others to hear the word. We read in the Second Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians: “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2Cor 5:18</b>). Although this call is for all but more is expected from those at the leadership positions. In the prophet Isaiah we read: “The Lord enters into judgment with the elders and princes of his people: ‘It is you who have devoured the vineyard, the spoil of the poor is in your houses’” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Is 3:14</b>). Prophet Jeremiah reads: “Many shepherds have destroyed my vineyard, they have trampled down my portion, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jer 12:10</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every Christian is called to do the will of He who called him or her as it is written “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 6:38</b>). We are called to be examples to others, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Thess 1:6-10</b>; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Tim 1:16;</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4:12</b>. Through us, the intention of God in Psalm will be fulfilled: “All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ps 22:27</b>). Because he will send out his angels to gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk 13:27</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just as the seminarian we saw in our introductory story, many Christians do not know why they are Christians. They go to Mass or service either because others are going or are asked to go; they pray because they see others pray or are asked to pray, and so on. There is need to be truly Christians and fish for others because the gospel must reach others through us. Remember, those who do not gather with Christ scatter and are against him cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 12:30</b></span>.</span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: Is 5:1-7; </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Matt 12: 33-37; 20:1-16; Lk 9:57-62; 10:1-12</span>.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Silent Prayer:</span></b><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span>Do you bring people to Christ or scatter those already gathered?</span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Let us Pray</span></b>: <span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Lord and Master of the vineyard, may we be truly Christians and fish men and women for you – <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Amen</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">You are free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.</span></div> <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="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">www.thepulpitonline.com</span></a></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; 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="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; 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="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></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: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313</span></span></b></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; 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="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></a></div> <br /> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; 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</span></span></b></div> <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;">Email: </span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></a></div> <br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">May God bless you all+</span></div>

Called for a purpose: Third Sunday of the Year (A)

Homily (Reflection) for the Third Sunday of the Year (A) (26th January, 2020) on the Gospel Is 9:1-4; Ps 26:1.4.13-14 (R. v.1); ...

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Your destiny is in your hands: Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Ap

<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 Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Ap (25^th January, 2020) on the Gospel and the Feast<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Acts 22:3-16 or Acts 9:1-22;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 116:1-2. (R. Mk 16:15);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Mk 16:15-18</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Topic: Your destiny is in your hands</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In today’s gospel, Jesus commissioned His disciples with these words: “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk 16:15-16</b>). The gospel also tells us the signs that will accompany the believers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOXqmRNwyH3s8I3yrkVtFDep_woyhL_G0v7hOSjrn4UphcVY8GntQCrqIBAoLW89kqJpRO5JwHO25oNirz6SUNOIXrbb_v7S1t_wwI8XHi29YonvjaOmJ47lKCXlKWUwrS4OhzTs1q34/s1600/25.01.2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOXqmRNwyH3s8I3yrkVtFDep_woyhL_G0v7hOSjrn4UphcVY8GntQCrqIBAoLW89kqJpRO5JwHO25oNirz6SUNOIXrbb_v7S1t_wwI8XHi29YonvjaOmJ47lKCXlKWUwrS4OhzTs1q34/s1600/25.01.2020.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We celebrate today the conversion of the apostle to the Gentiles, Saint Paul, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rom 11:13;</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Eph 3:8; Gal 2:9</b>. Before his conversion, Saint Paul persecuted the faith he later professed more than any other apostle, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts 11:23; 22:4;</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Cor 15:9; Gal 1:13</b>. His dramatic conversion took place on his way to Damascus with authority from the chief priests to bring any follower of Christ he might see to Jerusalem for punishment, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts 9:1-2, 13-14; 22:4-5</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On his conversion he immediately inquired of what is expected of him in these words: “What shall I do, Lord?” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts 22:10</b>). And in like manner, we ought to have asked and to be made known what to do when we were born-again, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 3:5</b>; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lk 3:10-14</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Christ has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2Tim 1:10</b>. Many still refuse to come to Jesus to have life, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 5:40</b>. And there lies the condemnation. Hence Saint Paul wrote in his second letter to the Thessalonians: “so that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2Thess 2:12</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dear friends, remember that you belong to “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1Pt 2:9</b>). It is in your hands to be a saint or a sinner. You too can make it. Let us move on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: Lk 3:1-20.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Thought for today:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> Refusing to repent is a refusal to life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> Lord, help us to follow the example of Saint Paul in abandoning our old ways and live entirely for you – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Saint Paul</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> – Pray for us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><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="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;">Visit our website: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.thepulpitonline.com</span></span></a></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Like us on Facebook:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; 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margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 10%;"></span> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><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: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tel: +234 813 305 0302</span></span></b></div> <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;">Email: </span></span></b><a href="mailto:fromthepulpitonline@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">thepulpitonline@gmail.com</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div> <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;">May God bless you all+</span>

Your destiny is in your hands: Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Ap

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Ap (25 th January, 2020) on the Gospel and the Feast   Acts 22:3...

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Unless you are taught: Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, B.D.

<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 Francis de Sales, B.D., (24^th January, 2020) on the Gospel and the Memorial </span></span></b></div> <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;">Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time (II)</b>)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 50%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1Sam 24:3-21;<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ps 56:2-4.6.11 (R. v.2);<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Mk 3:13-19</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 4pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxrukYhzy9TY0xoMg8zcEskcMbIRQGgUn8lYn1rR525qxvqsipTYeIuvPDft13hXXGtk4nK0YeT0lvY-r7jKRqQbh9tccCKNwZ6YjoLimLmC1E3px6Z6VbnyzjGzeV24LsWLOdy_2JA0/s1600/24.01.2020.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxrukYhzy9TY0xoMg8zcEskcMbIRQGgUn8lYn1rR525qxvqsipTYeIuvPDft13hXXGtk4nK0YeT0lvY-r7jKRqQbh9tccCKNwZ6YjoLimLmC1E3px6Z6VbnyzjGzeV24LsWLOdy_2JA0/s1600/24.01.2020.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saint Francis de Sales (21^st August, 1567 – 28^th December, 1622) was born to a noble family at Chateau de Sales</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II%20(2019-2020)/Ordinary%20Time%20(II)%20(2020)/Second%20Week%20in%20Ordianry%20Time%20(II)%20(2020).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><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. His father destined him to be a lawyer and strongly opposed his desire to become a priest. He was later ordained and elected provost of the Diocese of Geneva. Francis set out to convert Calvinists by preaching and distributing the little pamphlets he wrote to explain true Catholic doctrine with remarkable success. He became bishop of Geneva at 35. While administering his diocese he continued to preach, hear confessions, and catechize the children. His gentle character was a great asset in winning souls. He practiced his own axiom, “A spoonful of honey attracts more flies than a barrelful of vinegar.” Besides his two well-known books, the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Introduction to the Devout Life</i></b> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Treatise on the Love of God</i></b>, he wrote many pamphlets and carried on a vast correspondence. He addressed his writings to lay people to make them understand that they too are called to be saints. He collaborated with Saint Jane Frances de Chantal in establishing the Sisters of the Visitation. Saint Francis de Sales is the patron of the Catholic Press</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20II%20(2019-2020)/Ordinary%20Time%20(II)%20(2020)/Second%20Week%20in%20Ordianry%20Time%20(II)%20(2020).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><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Topic: Unless you are taught.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In today’s gospel Jesus appointed the twelve. The gospel reads in part: “And he appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message, and to have authority to cast out demons” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mk 3:14-15</b>). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Worthy of note is that they were to be trained by Jesus before going out to preach what they were taught to others. This helped them to know what and how they were to preach. Otherwise some might end up enemies of the master, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 12:30: Lk 11:23</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before His ascension into heaven Jesus said to the apostles: “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 20:21</b>). And Jesus was always faithful to what He learnt from the Father and expects us to do likewise, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 8:26.38</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus is the Teacher of all those who truly follow Him, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matt 9:11; 17:24</b>. And there is need for everyone to learn from Jesus before teaching others. One must be docile also, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 13:8</b>. And while teaching, one must be faithful to what he/she learnt to remain a friend and brother/sister, cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jn 15:14-15; Lk 8:21</b>. In other words, to be saints. And Saint Francis de Sales helped us to understand that it is possible for all. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Bible Reading</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">: 1Tim 4:6-16; Jn 13:1-20.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Thought for today:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> Jesus is our Teacher.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Let us pray:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"> Lord Jesus, teach us your ways and help us walk always according to your teaching – Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 2pt 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">Saint Francis de Sales – Pray for us</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 5pt 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 110%;"><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="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;">Visit our website: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.thepulpitonline.com/"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.thepulpitonline.com</span></span></a></div> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Like us on Facebook:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: blue; 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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-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=51"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=51</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> </div> <div id="ftn2" 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%20(2019-2020)/Ordinary%20Time%20(II)%20(2020)/Second%20Week%20in%20Ordianry%20Time%20(II)%20(2020).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-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-francis-de-sales/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-francis-de-sales/</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div> </div> </div>

Unless you are taught: Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, B.D.

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, B.D., (24 th January, 2020) on the Gospel and the Memorial ( Friday o...

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