The Pulpit Online

Feast of Holy Innocents (28th December) (Octave of Christmas)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts 04:38

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of
Holy Innocents (28th December) <o:p></o:p>

(Octave of Christmas) on the Gospel and the Feast<o:p></o:p>

1Jn 1:5–2:2;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 123:2-5.7-8. (R. v. 7);<o:p></o:p>

Matt 2:13-18.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRdloIyQ6J76uwfHq889mcmnen5pjt1gQNt605EIHvKsWwalgjVo-_XsOq8HWBQu4ZaEL0EdplPcznwtj3de7Gnw7WKM1yjDu-Hb9Cxca6jT3OalPagW-aSPjiO2rXIEQCtfahoGAB_Q/s311/28.12.2020.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRdloIyQ6J76uwfHq889mcmnen5pjt1gQNt605EIHvKsWwalgjVo-_XsOq8HWBQu4ZaEL0EdplPcznwtj3de7Gnw7WKM1yjDu-Hb9Cxca6jT3OalPagW-aSPjiO2rXIEQCtfahoGAB_Q/s0/28.12.2020.png" /></a></div> The Feast of Holy Innocents commemorates the children Herod the Great,
the Roman-appointed King of the Jews killed. He directed the Magi from the east
who were searching for Jesus to Bethlehem, and requested them to let him know the
newborn king when they found him. But they were warned in a dream not to go
back to Herod. Saint <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph" title="Saint Joseph"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Joseph</a> also took
the child and his mother to Egypt as directed by an angel. And when Herod
realized that he had been tricked by the Magi, he was furious, and gave orders
to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old or
under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. The number of the
infants is not certain and some historians even doubt its authenticity. The
Holy Innocents, although Jewish, have been claimed as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_martyrs" title="Christian martyrs"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">martyrs for Christianity</a><a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Advent%20and%20Xmas%20Seasons/Octave%20of%20Christmas%20(2020).docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</a>. <o:p></o:p>

Topic: Herod’s anger.<o:p></o:p>

In the gospel according to Saint Matthew, King Herod was
frightened when he heard that a king was born, cf. Matt2:3. He saw him as a rival. As a result, he ordered for the
massacre of every male child in and around Bethlehem who were 2 years old or
under as we read in today’s gospel. <o:p></o:p>

These Holy Innocents committed no offence. And in fact, no
offence was committed. Yet they were killed in such gruesome manner without any
atom of mercy. <o:p></o:p>

May be you have suffered Herod’s anger in one way or another.
And surely it was too painful because of the fact that you are innocent. Or
even you may still be suffering or nursing such pains.<o:p></o:p>

On the other hand, has anybody suffered Herod’s anger in your
own hands? And what have you done about it or hope to achieve through that?<o:p></o:p>

If you have suffered unjustly or still suffering like the
Holy Innocents, look unto God. And if others have suffered or are still
suffering in your hands, make amends today. It is very important. Remember, God
is coming to reward all according to what each has done, cf. Rev 22:12.<o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: Eph 4:25 – 5:2.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Has anyone suffered unjustly in your hands?<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: May God help us bring healing to all
those who suffer – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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

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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">May God bless you all+

<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Advent%20and%20Xmas%20Seasons/Octave%20of%20Christmas%20(2020).docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massacre_of_the_Innocents">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massacre_of_the_Innocents</a>
<o:p></o:p>

</div>

Feast of Holy Innocents (28th December) (Octave of Christmas)

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of Holy Innocents (28 th December) (Octave of Christmas) on the Gospel and the Feast 1Jn 1:5–2:2; ...

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (B)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts 04:31

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of
the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (B) (27th December, 2020)
on the Gospel and the Feast

Sir
3:2-6.12-14 or Gen 15:1-6.21:1-3;<o:p></o:p>

Ps
127: 1-5. (R. cf. v. 1) or Ps 104:1-6.8-9. (R.vv. 7.8);<o:p></o:p>

Col
3:12-21 or Heb 11:8.11-12.17-19;<o:p></o:p>

Lk 2:22-40 or Lk 2:22.39-40.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYiIPs2wvO7TPOZT8SnmrPOX5wrmrfaQieyNyUogMIpXWRpwcVmXp3stV4xBx8HIKGgiEnCarsdlwKfYQbTHgLpLLyuvpHEJzcp-apvVkK5dnT97gwEuxzlOI1oBM9SQ4JnoFKoi2NmlI/s214/27.12.2020.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="214" data-original-width="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYiIPs2wvO7TPOZT8SnmrPOX5wrmrfaQieyNyUogMIpXWRpwcVmXp3stV4xBx8HIKGgiEnCarsdlwKfYQbTHgLpLLyuvpHEJzcp-apvVkK5dnT97gwEuxzlOI1oBM9SQ4JnoFKoi2NmlI/s0/27.12.2020.png" /></a></div> Holy Family consists of Jesus, Blessed Virgin Mary,
and Saint Joseph. Veneration of the Holy Family formally began in the 17th
century by Saint François de Laval, the first bishop of New France, who founded
a Confraternity. The Feast of the Holy Family is a liturgical celebration in
the Catholic Church in honour of the trio. Since the 1969 revision of the
General Roman Calendar, the feast is celebrated on the Sunday between Christmas
and New Year's Day (both exclusive), or on December 30 when both Christmas Day
and New Year's Day  are Sundays<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/Year%20B%202020-2021/Advent%20&amp;%20Xmas/Holy%20Family%20(Feast).docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</a>.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Model Christian family.<o:p></o:p>

The feast of the Holy Family of
Jesus, Mary and Joseph was developed in the 17th century and established for
the universal church in 1921 to promote family life and devotion to the Holy
Family. There is an Igbo adage: “ụzụ na-amaghị akpụ ogene, ya lee egbe anya n’ọdụdụ”
literally meaning that a blacksmith who does not know how to make a metal gong
should look at the tail of a kite. The Holy Family of Nazareth stands as a
model for all families.<o:p></o:p>

As we celebrate the feast of the Holy
Family, the gospel reading recounts how Jesus Christ was presented in the
temple. It was in accordance with the law of the Lord (cf. Lk 2:22-24) as it is written in the book of Numbers: “... all the
first-born are mine; on the day that I slew all the first-born in the land of
Egypt, I consecrated for my own all the first-born in Israel, both of man and
of beast; they shall be mine: I am the LORD” (Num 3:13).<o:p></o:p>

The holy family offered Jesus all he
needed as a man to grow properly – love, mutual understanding, care, respect,
fidelity to God and to each other, among others. It is important to consider
how many families today still provide enabling environment for their children’s
growth. Sometimes, children see themselves in families where hatred, gross
misunderstanding, callousness, disrespect, infidelity both to God, to
themselves, and to their fellow human beings, among other vices are the order
of the day.<o:p></o:p>

By accepting to take flesh and become
man, God sanctified and blessed family life. He also changed the human view of
family. It was hitherto looked at as something mundane, earthly, even for some
something sinful. However, both lay men and women can serve God even to the
heroic degrees. The gospel reads further: “When they had finished everything
required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of
Nazareth. The child grew and become strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour
of God was upon him” (Lk 2:39-40).
Mary and Joseph returned with Jesus to their home where Jesus grew up. Do
parents still take their children home or leave their children at the mercy of
the maids?<o:p></o:p>

About all Israelites we read, “You
shall be holy to me; for I the LORD am holy, and have separated you from the
peoples, that you should be mine” (Lev
20:26). Every Christian is dedicated to God. Hence, the first letter of
Saint Peter reads: “But you are 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” (1Pt 2:9). Saint Paul in his letter to the Ephesians also wrote:
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God
prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:10).<o:p></o:p>

As we celebrate the feast of the holy
family therefore, it calls for sober reflection on our families. The family of
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph is holy because each and every one of them lived
according to the will of God. Any Christian family that is not holy is a
contradiction.<o:p></o:p>

Bible Readings: Deut 10:12-22; Eph 2:1-10; 6:1-9; 1Pt 2:1-17.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: How well do you live as one dedicated to God?<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, you established the holy family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as a
model for every Christian family, help us to do our own parts in making our
families holy – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

You are free
to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.<o:p></o:p>

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

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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">May God bless you all+

<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/fb/Year%20B%202020-2021/Advent%20&amp;%20Xmas/Holy%20Family%20(Feast).docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Family">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Family</a><o:p></o:p>

</div>

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (B)

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (B) (27 th December, 2020) on the Gospel and the Feast ...

Feast of Saint Stephen, First Martyr (26th December)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Memorials 04:40

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of
Saint Stephen, First Martyr (26th December) <o:p></o:p>

Acts 6:8-10. 7:54-59;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 30:3-4.6.8.16-17. (R. v. 6);<o:p></o:p>

Matt
10:17-22.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxeiDBz-0-YEcod2VXzBLVyBk0wIFkxdWKoZ8kMumUi5BoKlzLwbbBzMT8oMrk3s1mYE7KZypkAJ6cVXCU4oKPJyLUDpJ21COrhW2XI6deNQ7M0KKfo2FVjaEmNAruTuM6gmk8wPyrJcQ/s250/26.12.2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxeiDBz-0-YEcod2VXzBLVyBk0wIFkxdWKoZ8kMumUi5BoKlzLwbbBzMT8oMrk3s1mYE7KZypkAJ6cVXCU4oKPJyLUDpJ21COrhW2XI6deNQ7M0KKfo2FVjaEmNAruTuM6gmk8wPyrJcQ/s0/26.12.2020.jpg" /></a></div> The primary source of information about Saint Stephen is the
Acts of the Apostles. Stephen or Stephan, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, is the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protomartyr" title="Protomartyr">first Christian martyr</a>.  He was a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deacon" title="Deacon">deacon</a>, cf. Acts 7:54-59. Stephen is
mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as one of the Greek-speaking <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_Jew" title="Hellenistic Jew">Hellenistic Jews</a> selected to participate in a fairer distribution of welfare
to the Greek-speaking widows, cf. Acts
6:5. He was accused of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blasphemy" title="Blasphemy">blasphemy</a> and his <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martyrdom" title="Martyrdom">martyrdom</a> was witnessed by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saul_of_Tarsus" title="Saul of Tarsus">Saul of Tarsus</a> (Saint Paul), a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharisee" title="Pharisee">Pharisee</a> who would later himself become a follower of Jesus, cf. Acts 8:1.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Advent%20and%20Xmas%20Seasons/Octave%20of%20Christmas%20(2020).docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</a><o:p></o:p>

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

Just yesterday we popped champagnes among other things that the
long-awaited saviour was born. And today, we celebrate the first person who died
for Him. He warns us in today’s gospel: “Beware of them, for they will hand you
over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged
before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the
Gentiles” (Matt 10:17-18). <o:p></o:p>

This warning tells us among other things that to be a
Christian is not all rosy. A call to be a Christian is a call to be a martyr no
matter the circumstance one finds him/herself. At the face of every persecution
that might come one’s way, one must bear witness to the new born king, cf. Lk 21:13. Again, for anybody to be
saved, he or she must endure to the end, cf. Matt 10:22. Saint Stephen is a very good example.<o:p></o:p>

So my dearest in the Lord, as we celebrate our saviour’s
birthday we must also contemplate what it means to be Christ’s follower. Finally,
anyone who wants to live an authentic Christian life must be ready for
persecution even from those one least expects, cf. Matt 10:21; Mk 13:12. <o:p></o:p>

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

Thought for today: Tighten your belt and lace your shoes for the race.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: May the newborn King help us live
out our call as Christians in every circumstance – Amen.

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

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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Advent%20and%20Xmas%20Seasons/Octave%20of%20Christmas%20(2020).docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Stephen">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Stephen</a><o:p></o:p>

</div>

Feast of Saint Stephen, First Martyr (26th December)

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of Saint Stephen, First Martyr (26 th December) (Octave of Christmas) on the Gospel and the Feast A...

Nativity of the Lord (Mass during the Day) (A, B, C)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts 07:54

Homily (Reflection) for the Nativity
of the Lord (Mass during the Day) (A, B, C) on the Gospel

Heb
1:1-6;<o:p></o:p>

Jn 1:1-18 or Jn 1:1-5.9-14.<o:p></o:p>

Take a moment to reflect on how you will feel if on
your birthday, one or some of your guests vow to make things go wrong. What
they do and/or say testify that they are out just to ruin your day.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBPb4q1kW9bfxop2J8Bnjd5b361ap5NJ82l8TF5S0ShLmsYX5tdRE4xynzOVN1whODFSNwGxapfiYXtcnEfMNpP8x7VoC24-39Pur7A-Ey-Oh4vyLTy2dUBUrNL8Qnt6g-w0h_b8v1KA/s259/25.12.2020.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBPb4q1kW9bfxop2J8Bnjd5b361ap5NJ82l8TF5S0ShLmsYX5tdRE4xynzOVN1whODFSNwGxapfiYXtcnEfMNpP8x7VoC24-39Pur7A-Ey-Oh4vyLTy2dUBUrNL8Qnt6g-w0h_b8v1KA/s0/25.12.2020.png" /></a></div> Topic: Your gift to the newborn Christ.<o:p></o:p>

Birthday is one of the most common
anniversaries we have. It is normally a great day for the celebrant, and
probably family members and friends who normally invite people to celebrate
with them. As the invitees make out time to honour the invitation they also
consider the gift to offer to the celebrant. The celebrant normally receives
varied gifts.<o:p></o:p>

We celebrate today the Birthday of
birthdays. We are celebrating today that the Word was made flesh for our
salvation. Despite the fact that the hair has been made, different styles of
clothing sewn, shoes bought, houses built, cars bought, and so on and on just for
this period, we are also to prepare birthday gifts for Him who was born for us.
All these things mentioned and many more are for ourselves not for Him. Gifts
say so much about both the giver and how he or she values the receiver.<o:p></o:p>

Today’s gospel pericope reads in part:
“All things came into being through him, without him not one thing came into
being…. From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace” (Jn. 1:3, 16). All we have are gifts
from God, cf. 1Cor 4:7. So not even
offering everything to him will make us think that we have done much. Hence,
Jesus taught us: “… when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say,
‘We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!” (Lk 17:10). We are nothing before God,
cf. Rom 4:2. According to St
Ambrose, “Every soul who has believed both conceives and generates the Word of
God and recognizes his works” just as Mary believed and conceived. We celebrate
life which is light for all peoples, cf. Lk
2:32. And as we celebrate Christ’s birthday, he expects us to offer our
lives which ought to be light for others, cf. Matt 5:14.<o:p></o:p>

Just as John the Baptist came as a
witness to Christ's first coming which we celebrate today, cf. Matt. 3:11; Mk 1:7; Lk 3:15-16; Jn 1:6-9,
we ought to be witnesses that He has come, that He is with us, and that He will
come again. We are called to witness to Christ until He comes again, cf. Mk 8:38; Lk 9:26. In this alone we
shall find peace and joy. Nothing outside God can offer us anything good. Hence,
we shall rejoice and boast only in the Lord, cf. Phil 4:4; Ps 34:2. Let us celebrate this Christmas as Christ’s
witnesses. Through prophet Jeremiah God said: “but let him who glories glory in
this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practice
steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I
delight, says the LORD” (Jer 9:24).
And the book of Ecclesiastes reads, <o:p></o:p>

Rejoice, O young man, in your youth,
and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; walk in the ways of
your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God
will bring you into judgment (Eccl 11:9).<o:p></o:p>

The actual end of the Advent season
is yet to come. Christmas is not the end. How one plan to celebrate Christmas
says it all how much one understands the mystery we are celebrating, the Nativity of the Lord. Most often we
see it just from the social point of view. One can either be a source of pride
or of shame to Christ on this birthday. We can ask ourselves whether we present
basket of flowers or of shame to Christ.
What one does during this Christmas period and not just what one say says
it all. We are all invited to Christ’s birthday. Every host regrets inviting
one or those who will mar the event. Will Christ regret offering you this rare
invitation? Prepare your own gift now if you have not. You still can prepare a
better one if the one you prepared is not good enough for the newborn King.<o:p></o:p>

Do not forget the poor out there as
you look for Christ to present your gift/s. That man or woman or child out
there in need of your help is the Christ we are celebrating his birthday. Do
not look for another one, cf. Matt 25:
40, 45.<o:p></o:p>

Bible Readings: Acts 17:28; Rev. 21:1-8; Matt 10: 32-33; Lk 17:7-10.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: What do you have for Christ?<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Newborn King, give us the grace to be good birthday gifts to you – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

May the
peace and the love of the newborn King be with you now and forever + Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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Nativity of the Lord (Mass during the Day) (A, B, C)

Homily (Reflection) for the Nativity of the Lord (Mass during the Day) (A, B, C) on the Gospel Is 52:7-10; Ps 97:1-6. (R.v. 3); Heb ...

Nativity of the Lord (Midnight Mass) A, B, C

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts 20:02

Homily for the Nativity of the Lord
(Midnight Mass) A, B, C on the Gospel

Is 9:2-7;

Ps 96:1-3.11-13 (R.
Lk 2:11)

Tit 2:11-14;

Lk 2:1-14.

Topic: “Glory to God in the highest heaven ….” (Lk 2:14).<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTzeM-Y2zDUZ2-t14Hwp3vQ8avLdMzDoKdGYXd32-xT16fW4uwdsnKwmGlCy0sHvUYAy_8_MvEn3qXpJdbz34G0A1Ju3yUa8zlByVDo72bGHq6K9capwFcd7vFj0N87O3yQ6WeTHZs74/s251/24.12.2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTzeM-Y2zDUZ2-t14Hwp3vQ8avLdMzDoKdGYXd32-xT16fW4uwdsnKwmGlCy0sHvUYAy_8_MvEn3qXpJdbz34G0A1Ju3yUa8zlByVDo72bGHq6K9capwFcd7vFj0N87O3yQ6WeTHZs74/s0/24.12.2020.jpg" /></a></div> The season of Advent has come to an
end and with the Evening Prayer I of the Nativity of the Lord we entered the
season of Christmas. We have every reason to thank God. These reasons include
the gift of our Lord, Jesus Christ and that we are alive to celebrate this
year’s memorial of his birth as a man. We also thank God because Christ has removed
the fault of our first parents that shut the gates of heaven, cf. Gen 3. Through his birth, we have been made
a kingdom of priests to God his Father and a holy nation, cf. Ex 19:6; 1Pt 2:9. To him be glory and
dominion forever and ever, Amen (Rev 1:6,
cf. Rev 5:10). For these among other innumerable reasons we sing with the
multitude of the angles of God: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on
earth peace among those whom he favours!”

God who alone has immortality and
dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has ever seen or can see has been made
man (mortal and visible), cf. 1Tim 6:16.
The gospel according to Saint John reads: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt
among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the
only Son from the Father” (Jn 1:14).
What no human mind could conceive has been made possible. To him be glory both
now and forever, cf. Rom 11:36.

We also sing with the four living
creatures and the twenty-four elders for the new born King:

You are worthy to take the scroll and
to open its seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for
God saints from every tribe and language and people and nation; you have made
them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God, and they will reign on earth
(Rev. 5:9-10).

As Christians, we have been buried
with Him by baptism into death, so that we too may walk in the newness of life
(Rom 6:4). Hence Saint Paul tells us
that our bodies are members of Christ and should therefore not be defiled, cf. 1Cor 6:15.

During the transfiguration of
Jesus, we see the responsibility attached to this unmerited gift of God. The
voice of the Father was heard from the cloud: "This is my beloved Son; listen to him." (Mk 9:7, Matt 17:5, Lk 9:35). Saint Peter
also cited Deut 18:15 in Acts of the
Apostles: “The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet from your brethren as
he raised me up. You shall listen to him
in whatever he tells you” (Acts 3:22).
There is a warning attached to this call: “I shall put my words into his mouth
and he will tell them everything I command him. Anyone who refuses to listen to my words, spoken by him in my name,
will have to render an account to me” (Deut
18:19). In line with this prophesy, Jesus tells us: “He who rejects me and
does not receive my sayings has a judge; the word that I have spoken will be
his judge on the last day” (Jn 12:48).
And in the gospel according to Luke we read: Blessed are those who hear the
word of God and keep it (Lk 11:28).
We can ask ourselves how far we are ready to do what Christ tells us.

Christmas season goes with
euphoria that often takes our minds away from the other forms of the coming of
Jesus Christ that we are also called to prepare for especially during the Advent
season. So, as we celebrate the season of Christmas, the season of Advent is
still on because we still prepare to receive Christ in the Holy Eucharist and secondly
for when he will come again which will be either at our individual deaths or at
the end of the world. May we therefore always imitate the crowd who readily
welcomed Jesus because they waited for Him, cf. Lk 8:40, Jn 4:45. The new
born King is telling us to wake from sleep and rise from the death of sin that
He may give us light, (cf. Eph 5:14)
because it is only those who fear God can praise him, cf. Ps 22:23. Saint Paul asks us to present our bodies as living
sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship, cf. Rom 12:1.

Bible Reading: Gen 3; Rev 1:4-8; Eph 5:3-20.

Silent Prayer: How ready are you to glorify God for the
gift of His Son?

Let
us pray:

Lord, as we celebrate the memorial of
the birth of Christ your Son, may we always be found ready for His second
coming – Amen!

You are free to share
this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.

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Nativity of the Lord (Midnight Mass) A, B, C

Homily for the Nativity of the Lord (Midnight Mass) A, B, C on the Gospel Is 9:2-7; Ps 96:1-3.11-13 (R. Lk 2:11) Tit 2:11-14; Lk 2...

Weekday of Advent: 24th December

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:48

Homily (Reflection) for Weekday of
Advent: 24th December on the Gospel

(Mass in the Morning)<o:p></o:p>

2Sam 7:1-5.8-11.16;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 88:2-5. 27.29. (R. cf. v. 2)<o:p></o:p>

Lk 1:67-79.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Promise fulfilled.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIOiYY_QXcTuFuTl3tDb9t8AmddQDUNv9P4C2gBaPRaNyN5CARf587SQAOpBXRzcG6dczgd5WDpaxEqZYmbVH-y__J-g_eRyTSIgnykgiCDCmxu5t4wBRZeFUMDY5IIPT2UvV9xiwaEA/s274/24.12.2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIOiYY_QXcTuFuTl3tDb9t8AmddQDUNv9P4C2gBaPRaNyN5CARf587SQAOpBXRzcG6dczgd5WDpaxEqZYmbVH-y__J-g_eRyTSIgnykgiCDCmxu5t4wBRZeFUMDY5IIPT2UvV9xiwaEA/s0/24.12.2020.jpg" /></a></div> Prophet Isaiah prophesied about the child to be born tonight:
“... to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be
upon his shoulder, and his name will be called ‘Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty
God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace’” (Is 9:6). God has looked favourably on us and redeemed us by giving
us a mighty saviour, cf. Lk 1:68-69a.
<o:p></o:p>

As we welcome our Saviour Jesus Christ, it is important to
open our lives to Him. He is coming into this world to save me and you. How we
welcome Him is very important. Although God made us and we belong to Him (cf. Ps 100:3), and also has power to do
whatever He wants (cf. 2Chr 25:8; Matt
19:26), yet He does not force Himself into anybody. Hence, He stands at the
door knocking, cf.  Rev 3:20.<o:p></o:p>

Just as Zechariah blessed God in this prophesy, I pray that
you will always have course to praise God all the days of your life. But
remember to always wait on God and it shall come to pass that all who call upon
the name of the LORD shall be delivered, cf. Joel 2:32. He will come at the appointed time. Nothing is too hard
for the LORD, cf. Gen 18:14.<o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: Is 9:1-7.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: It shall come to pass.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, give us strong faith to always
wait on you till you fulfil all your promises – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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Weekday of Advent: 24th December

Homily (Reflection) for Weekday of Advent: 24 th December on the Gospel ( Mass in the Morning ) 2Sam 7:1-5.8-11.16; Ps 88:2-5. ...

Weekdays of Advent: 23rd December

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 05:07

Homily (Reflection) for Weekdays of
Advent: 23rd December on the Gospel

Mal 3:1-4.23-24;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 24:4-5.8-9.10.14. (R. Lk 21:28);<o:p></o:p>

Lk 1:57-66.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Insist on God.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3Uu2wszckUr_WGclKW7yFWy2caxijNJAypBg9hqtM_Bma37RHavItB5CZJtuKwHOQrhAu8obUqXYbpnbdurDjl9gpCK7Fr_tvVnRXOfftGulo4LTo0TApYp-28BjCnGWbahIX_3Hy9A/s200/23.12.2020.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3Uu2wszckUr_WGclKW7yFWy2caxijNJAypBg9hqtM_Bma37RHavItB5CZJtuKwHOQrhAu8obUqXYbpnbdurDjl9gpCK7Fr_tvVnRXOfftGulo4LTo0TApYp-28BjCnGWbahIX_3Hy9A/s0/23.12.2020.png" /></a></div> In today’s gospel, Elizabeth bore a son whom their neighbour
with every good intention wanted to name Zechariah after his father but his
mother insisted on John, a name given by God before he was conceived, cf. Jn 1:13. Her neighbours wondered why
the choice of the name because none of their relatives go by that name. As a
result, they resorted to Zechariah who was then unable to speak because of his
doubt, cf. Lk 1:18-20. He requested
for writing material and wrote “His name is John”. And immediately, his mouth
opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak and to praise God.<o:p></o:p>

Often we go against God just because of our quest for
peoples’ support. We should remember that “With God we shall do valiantly; it
is he who will tread down our foes” (Ps
60:12; cf. Ps 108:13). We need God’s favour and not man’s, cf. Lk 1:30. And most importantly, deciding
to go for the world is a decision to go against God who so much loves us and
has also done everything good for us, cf. Jas
4:4; Jn 3:16; 1Jn 4:9.<o:p></o:p>

Dear friends, insist on God always as Elizabeth and Zechariah
did in today’s gospel. He has the best for all of us and loves us so much more
than anybody. His steadfast love endures forever, cf. Ps 118:1. Hence, He assures us: “Can a woman forget her sucking
child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these
may forget, yet I will not forget you” (Is
49:15). <o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: Jas 4:1-10.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Choose today whom to follow, cf. Josh
24:15.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: May God help us to insist on Him
alone all the days of our lives – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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Weekdays of Advent: 23rd December

Homily (Reflection) for Weekdays of Advent: 23 rd December on the Gospel Mal 3:1-4.23-24; Ps 24:4-5.8-9.10.14. (R. Lk 21:28); L...

Weekdays of Advent: 22nd December

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:42

Homily (Reflection) for Weekdays of Advent: 22nd December on
the Gospel

1Sam 1:24-28;<o:p></o:p>

1Sam 2:1.4-8. (R. v. 8);<o:p></o:p>

Lk 1:46-56.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Mary’s Song of Praise
(Magnificat).<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXotYPtCs4ejTcZMaY4K3N-q0mz8ojelyQnQVYVFInErDvxLnPzz6XpufKGQj7dj3qXu5gcJo_0IpJr7upC2taBvcBGtVR2gs1YWaaTRxHs77GK1UrcaxqAQZffbZk93kwQWCM3xTfSI0/s260/22.12.2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXotYPtCs4ejTcZMaY4K3N-q0mz8ojelyQnQVYVFInErDvxLnPzz6XpufKGQj7dj3qXu5gcJo_0IpJr7upC2taBvcBGtVR2gs1YWaaTRxHs77GK1UrcaxqAQZffbZk93kwQWCM3xTfSI0/s0/22.12.2020.jpg" /></a></div> God’s choice of Mary as the mother of Jesus is not a right
but a privilege. And in today’s gospel, we see Mary glorifying God for this and
for all other things He has done for her and for Israel in remembrance of His
mercy. This is in accordance with the promise God made to Abraham and to his
descendants for ever.<o:p></o:p>

We are just few days away from the end of the year. Although
it might be difficult for some to acknowledge that God did anything good this
year but He has done all things well for everybody, cf. Mk 7:37. Yes, including you. Again, many people we know and those
we do not even know have also done a lot for us. <o:p></o:p>

So, this is not the time to calculate the things that did not
go as one wanted them. Do not calculate only the bad things others did to us
both those that are real and those we imagine. Remember the things that were
better than you expected. God expects all of us to appreciate all He has been
doing in our lives, cf. Ps 107:8, 15, 21,
31. It is now that we can thank God, cf. Is 38:17-18. Again, thank also all those who have been useful to
you this year and all the days of your life.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: How often do you remember to say thank you (to God and to others)?<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, help us to appreciate all you
do for us and for our brothers and sisters – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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Weekdays of Advent: 22nd December

Homily (Reflection) for Weekdays of Advent: 22 nd December on the Gospel 1Sam 1:24-28; 1Sam 2:1.4-8. (R. v. 8); Lk 1:46-56 . ...

Feast of Holy Innocents (28th December) (Octave of Christmas)

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (B)

Feast of Saint Stephen, First Martyr (26th December)

Nativity of the Lord (Mass during the Day) (A, B, C)

Nativity of the Lord (Midnight Mass) A, B, C

Weekday of Advent: 24th December

Weekdays of Advent: 23rd December

Weekdays of Advent: 22nd December

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