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Feast of Our Lady, Mother of Africa

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts 05:05

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of
Our Lady, Mother of Africa (30th April, 2021) on the Gospel and the
Feast<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Acts 1:12-14;<o:p></o:p>

Lk 1:46-47.48-49.50-51.52-53.54-55. (R. v. 49);<o:p></o:p>

Jn 2:1-11.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkn3_sm-HQGryvVB9gA8j5v_-Bqkvj_6ORetXK3gq2g7mrXcl0PYtd00k1hS-aOnwvO8To1mIhIF-GH2UScbzc995m1xxMGixKCOO8vHo6FpTqvYdEnQQEJoLfBzF0T1z1PvfP9mH1GQ/s259/30.04.2021.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkn3_sm-HQGryvVB9gA8j5v_-Bqkvj_6ORetXK3gq2g7mrXcl0PYtd00k1hS-aOnwvO8To1mIhIF-GH2UScbzc995m1xxMGixKCOO8vHo6FpTqvYdEnQQEJoLfBzF0T1z1PvfP9mH1GQ/s0/30.04.2021.png" /></a></div> North Africa, the land of Saints Monica,
Augustine, among others, as part of Roman Empire began to become Christian in
the 3rd century under Emperor Constantine. It remained Christian until the Arab
invasions in later centuries. The French re-established themselves early in the
19th century.<o:p></o:p>

The
first bishop, Bishop Dupuch found it impossible to build a church because the
local population was hostile to the French. He went back to France for
assistance. The Sodality of Our Lady in Lyon offered to the bishop a bronze
statue of the Immaculate Conception with the understanding that she would be
the Protectress of both the Mohammedans and the natives. It was brought from
France in 1840 and was entrusted to the Cistercian monks of Staueli. Later, Cardinal
Lavigiers, founder of the White Sisters, enshrined it in the new basilica at
Algiers, where in 1876 the image was crowned. This bronze statue, very dark in
colour, is known as Our Lady of Africa.<o:p></o:p>

Pilgrims began to come to venerate the
image where the lame, the blind, and the crippled were miraculously healed, and
sailors came also to beg for protection of their long and perilous voyages. At
this and other North African shrines the veneration given to Mary by
Mohammedans is very marked. This feast commemorates the crowning of the Algiers
statue.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter/Fourth%20Week%20of%20Easter%20(2021).docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="color: black; 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: Thank God for Mary.<o:p></o:p>

In today’s gospel, Mary, Jesus, and His disciples were
invited to a wedding. When the couple ran out of wine, Mary said to Jesus,
“They have no wine.” Although Jesus said to her, “‘Woman, what concern is that
to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants,
‘Do whatever he tells you.’” Jesus told the servants to fill the six stone jars
standing there with water. And when they had done so, He told them to take some
to the chief steward. When he tested the water turned into wine he said to the
bridegroom, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine
after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.”<o:p></o:p>

Have you ever thought of what would have been the fate of the
couple if they had left Mary out? Just because they invited her, she noticed
that they were in difficulty and asked her Son to assist them. Remember, His
time had not come yet she knew that He would not disobey her because He
decreed, “Honour your father and your mother” (Ex 20:12; cf. Matt 15:4. 19:19). <o:p></o:p>

Dear friends, Mary is a very important gift from God. In line
with Jesus’ words to the Samaritan woman, ‘If we know this gift of God called
Mary, we need not to be told that we ought to thank God every moment for her’,
cf. Jn 4:10. God has done and is
still doing so much through Mary as we have seen in the origin of today’s feast
and in the gospel. Finally, if God is truly our Father, we ought to love Mary
because she is our mother, cf. Jn 8:42; Rev
12:17. I pray you to read your bible and see who actually Mary is.<o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: Acts 1:6-14; Rom 16:6.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: If God is our Father, who is our mother?<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: May the Holy Spirit of God help us
to understand the gift God bestowed on us in Mary – Amen (cf. 1Cor 2:12).<o:p></o:p>

Our Lady, Mother of Africa – Pray for
us.<o:p></o:p>

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

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<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)/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter/Fourth%20Week%20of%20Easter%20(2021).docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</a> <a href="http://www.roman-catholic-saints.com/our-lady-of-africa.html">http://www.roman-catholic-saints.com/our-lady-of-africa.html</a><o:p></o:p>

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Feast of Our Lady, Mother of Africa

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of Our Lady, Mother of Africa (30 th April, 2021) on the Gospel and the Feast Acts 1:12-14; Lk ...

Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena, V.D.

thepulpitonline.com 0 Memorials 04:57

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena, V.D. (29th
April, 2021) on the Gospel and the Memorial<o:p></o:p>

Acts 13:13-25;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 88:2-3.21-22.25.27. (R. cf. v.2);<o:p></o:p>

Jn 13:16-20.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5TivJU8vsG-zzkSiXaBPKbPFUALaTe3llw8j35EjaiYCQKouzOjK6p1uIWZErdgZuDSVhBNCHBKkrfOMN8USs5nGqAJ8MSLqfbPH43BuCY-2wYz1tqFrb-Gw5nHOElCNFoUxjodwbu0/s266/29.04.2021.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5TivJU8vsG-zzkSiXaBPKbPFUALaTe3llw8j35EjaiYCQKouzOjK6p1uIWZErdgZuDSVhBNCHBKkrfOMN8USs5nGqAJ8MSLqfbPH43BuCY-2wYz1tqFrb-Gw5nHOElCNFoUxjodwbu0/s0/29.04.2021.png" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;">St Catherine was born at Siena in 1347. She became a member of the
Order of St Dominic. Catherine was filled with an active love for God and
neighbour: she strove to bring peace to the quarrelling factions and cities of
Italy, and to restore the rights of the papacy, at that time in exile in
Avignon. She was a contemplative and ascetic, and her many writings are
remarkable for their spirituality and theology.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter/Fourth%20Week%20of%20Easter%20(2021).docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" 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></div>

Topic: Those truly blessed.<o:p></o:p>

Today’s gospel is part of Jesus’ teaching that followed His
washing of His disciples’ feet. It reads in part, “Very truly, I tell you,
servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the
one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.” <o:p></o:p>

And while Jesus was teaching a woman raised her voice and
said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed
you!” (Lk 11:27). Jesus replied, “Blessed
rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Lk 11:28).<o:p></o:p>

Jesus is our Lord, Master, and Teacher, cf. Jn 13:13; Jude 1:4. He washed His
disciples’ feet as an example for all, cf. Jn
13:14-15. But no one can follow Him unless he/she is of the same mind with
Him. Hence, Saint Paul correctly admonishes, <o:p></o:p>

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who,
though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something
to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being found
in human likeness (Phil 2:5-7).<o:p></o:p>

We put on Christ at baptism, cf. Gal 3:27. And the old self was also crucified with Christ, cf. Rom 6:6. Christ did not only talk but
most importantly concretized His words in actions. He calls on all who wants to
be blessed to follow Him and be doers of the word, cf. Rom 2:13; Jas 1:22.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Be doers of the word.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: May God help us put into action
every bit of His word – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

Saint Catherine of Siena – 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)/Lent%20&amp;%20Easter/Fourth%20Week%20of%20Easter%20(2021).docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</a>
The weekday missal: A new edition (1995). London: HarperCollins Religious, p.1481.<o:p></o:p>

</div>

Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena, V.D.

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena, V.D. (29 th April, 2021) on the Gospel and the Memorial Acts 13:1...

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Easter

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 05:03

Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of
the Fourth Week of Easter (28th April, 2021) on the Gospel

Acts 12:24–13:5;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 66:2-3.5-6.8. (R. v. 4);<o:p></o:p>

Jn 12:44-50.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: True preachers’ watchword.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC39kf_I6KAZZVw7-LhFZm-e1b3vXPc4X-GELWlzU0_kIN30di3NB2lpSfuBXzda9VRCmP1YS2B8PJIOVgkeY1P2VTXKnVf_rBp0LOKcBryUbMvucBYtUr4UCI6ui2mzbzO3TRROfQ8Xo/s259/28.04.2021.jpg" 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/AVvXsEgC39kf_I6KAZZVw7-LhFZm-e1b3vXPc4X-GELWlzU0_kIN30di3NB2lpSfuBXzda9VRCmP1YS2B8PJIOVgkeY1P2VTXKnVf_rBp0LOKcBryUbMvucBYtUr4UCI6ui2mzbzO3TRROfQ8Xo/s0/28.04.2021.jpg" /></a></div> Jesus declared publicly in today’s gospel that whoever
believes in Him and whoever sees Him believes and sees the one who sent Him
respectively, cf. Jn 14:9. He came
into the world as a light to those who believe in Him. Jesus came to save and
not to judge the world. Whoever rejects Him and does not receive His word will
be judged on the last day by the very words He has spoken. Jesus went on and
explained,<o:p></o:p>

for I have not spoken on my own, but the Father who sent me
has himself given me a commandment about what to say and what to speak.... What
I speak, therefore, I speak just as the Father has told me.<o:p></o:p>

Note the emphasis on His faithfulness to the Father who sent
Him. And Jesus is equal to the Father, cf. Jn
10:30. But today, some think that they have better words than God’s thereby
forgetting that “the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of
God is stronger than men” (1Cor 1:25).
And in the letter to the Hebrews we read, “the word of God is living and
active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and
spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the
heart” Heb 4:12. <o:p></o:p>

We must distinguish between the word of God and the word of
men, cf. 1Thess 2:13. God’s testimony
cannot be compared with humans, cf. 1Jn
5:9. Every true preacher must therefore be able to say with Jesus: “What I
speak... I speak just as the Father has told me.” And not forgetting that
whatever one sows is what he/she will reap, cf. Gal 6:7; Lk 6:48-49.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, help us to receive, to keep,
and to preach your words – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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

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Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Easter (28 th April, 2021) on the Gospel Acts 12:24–13:5; Ps 66:2-3.5-6.8...

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:44

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of
the Fourth Week of Easter (27th April, 2021) on the Gospel

Acts 11:19-26;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 86:1-7. (R. Ps 116:1);<o:p></o:p>

Jn 10:22-30.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Question determines answer.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpn0LszQotiq8ZkaTXOyOVGtk4Ejysv9KcJeMYP8SNLkWw2q222rH-j73JMj9Z_i4orBO2ofk45vuRIUUcQJrlyOgoKGdhXk3LimfUssACLIndHu-YVFwQwaf96VtsEtJKaGXJkuyVFI/s269/27.04.2021.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpn0LszQotiq8ZkaTXOyOVGtk4Ejysv9KcJeMYP8SNLkWw2q222rH-j73JMj9Z_i4orBO2ofk45vuRIUUcQJrlyOgoKGdhXk3LimfUssACLIndHu-YVFwQwaf96VtsEtJKaGXJkuyVFI/s0/27.04.2021.png" /></a></div> Asking questions is very important in life. In the book of
Deuteronomy we read, “Remember the days of old, consider the years of many
generations; ask your father, and he will show you; your elders, and they will
tell you” (Deut 32:7). The
Israelites landed themselves in a mess because they did not ask question, cf. Josh 9:3-14. And knowledge gives life
to its possessor, cf. Eccl 7:12b. Hence,
God lamented that His people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, cf. Hos 4:6.<o:p></o:p>

The Jews gathered around Jesus in today’s gospel and asked Him,
“How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us
plainly.”<o:p></o:p>

At the face level, one might conclude that the Jews put those
questions to Jesus for them to know the truth that would set them free, cf. Jn 8:32. However, it is important to
recall that they often asked Jesus questions just to test Him, cf. Matt 16:1. 22:35; Mk 10:2; Jn 8:1-6. Hence,
Jesus who knows everything said to them, “I have told you, and you do not
believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not
believe, because you do not belong to my sheep” cf. Jn 16:30.<o:p></o:p>

Questions as we have noted are very important. However, we
must desist from using them just as weapons against others. The Jews remained
in their ignorance because they never asked to know. And if we continue to use
questions just as weapons against others, we may end up working against
ourselves.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Ask right questions with good intentions.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, assist us to ask right
questions that will lead us to knowledge – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter (27 th April, 2021) on the Gospel Acts 11:19-26; Ps 86:1-7. (R. Ps 1...

Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:37

Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the
Fourth Week of Easter (26th April, 2021) on the Gospel

Acts 11:1-18;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 42:2-3. 43:3.4 (R. 42:3);<o:p></o:p>

Jn 10:1-10.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Between Jesus and others.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcgZQxU0qnGsOLZXhNtoYELUaV_DpEXluVE2V6euVORjbvrD4cQaN2h2NPvIEf-LzV8uTn1cPeJCkPiYmoz34BKGRmoT8ANXnu80fIMm5_Zl_-t5a7J-xWI2ruLj5t242Fk2QsnW8GGE/s255/26.04.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcgZQxU0qnGsOLZXhNtoYELUaV_DpEXluVE2V6euVORjbvrD4cQaN2h2NPvIEf-LzV8uTn1cPeJCkPiYmoz34BKGRmoT8ANXnu80fIMm5_Zl_-t5a7J-xWI2ruLj5t242Fk2QsnW8GGE/s0/26.04.2021.jpg" /></a></div> In today’s gospel, Jesus spoke to the people in these
words,<o:p></o:p>

<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;">Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who
came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I
am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out
and find pasture. </blockquote></blockquote>

Everyone therefore has two options: Jesus or others. And no
one can follow Jesus and someone else, cf. Matt
6:24; Lk 16:13. However, Jesus
is the gate for us, His sheep. One’s safety is guaranteed only by entering
through Christ. Borrowing the words of Jesus Christ, others are thieves. Jesus also
told us their mission: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I
came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” <o:p></o:p>

As we are blessed with yet another day, it is up to each and
every one of us to decide either for Jesus or for others. And while making this
important decision however, may no one forget the fact that Jesus is the only
way that leads to safety. Jesus is the way, and the truth, and the life; no one
comes to the Father, but by Him, cf. Jn
14:6. So, decide wisely!<o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: Jn 14:1-10.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: There is only one safe gate.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, help us to choose you and you
alone – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Homily (Reflection) for Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter (26 th April, 2021) on the Gospel Acts 11:1-18; Ps 42:2-3. 43:3.4 (R....

Fourth Sunday of Easter (The Good Shepherd Sunday)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Sunday homilies 05:01

Homily (Reflection) for the Fourth Sunday
of Easter (The Good Shepherd Sunday) (B) (25th April, 2021) on the Gospel

Acts 4:8-12;

Ps 117:1.8-9.21-23.26.28-29 (R.V. 22);

1Jn 3:1-2;

Jn
10:11-18.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNhBskQnoVNbj7q54q8WQqngQi9oh548r517uXsRZw8P4CirmmadLvd70QPJV3Gh8PgRg5GufbqWnd80IalHFuCuW_dOREVsMx4RjEFFvAXcJ6MAA_QapiTskE6G8gHsKRa7Ve-XLa6w/s266/25.04.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNhBskQnoVNbj7q54q8WQqngQi9oh548r517uXsRZw8P4CirmmadLvd70QPJV3Gh8PgRg5GufbqWnd80IalHFuCuW_dOREVsMx4RjEFFvAXcJ6MAA_QapiTskE6G8gHsKRa7Ve-XLa6w/s0/25.04.2021.jpg" /></a></div> Today, the Fourth Sunday of Easter
is also known as the Good Shepherd or Vocation Sunday. In line with Christ’s
injunction: “… ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his
harvest” (Matt 9:38), the Church is
praying for the vocation to the priesthood and the religious life in a special
way today. This forms part of the general intentions for today and priests are
also called to give homilies on this subject, the vocation to the priesthood
and the religious life.

Topic: Shepherds and Hired Labourers.<o:p></o:p>

In the Jewish culture, the word
shepherd means much more than one who takes care of the ‘sheep’. It designates
any person in leadership position. We shall cite only two passages. While
praying for a successor, Moses likened a leader to a shepherd, cf. Num 27: 16-17. Again, when all the
tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron they pleaded with him in these words,
“... to you it was that Yahweh promised, ‘You are to shepherd my people Israel
and be leader of Israel’” (2Sam 5:2, cf.
1Chr 11:2). <o:p></o:p>

And the functions of leaders that deserve the name include feeding
the flock, gathering the lambs, carrying them in his/her bosom, and gently leading
those that are with young, cf. Is 40:11.
The absence of a shepherd and/or the presence of a bad one spell doom for the
sheep. In the prophet Ezekiel we read, “... they were scattered, because there
was no shepherd; and they became food for all the wild beasts” (Ezek 34:5). The sheep suffers
afflictions in the absence of a good shepherd, cf. Zech 10:2.<o:p></o:p>

In the gospel, we hear these words from Jesus: “I am the good shepherd.
The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (Jn 10:11). On the other hand, “The hired hand, who is not the
shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep
and runs away – and the wolf snatches them” (Jn 10:12).<o:p></o:p>

I would like us to reflect on the good shepherd as it concerns the
family. In every family, the father and the mother are the shepherds. However,
as these become professionals in different fields, many forget their primary
duties as parents. Becoming a professional is not bad provided the primary
assignment does not suffer. In many families today, maids, houseboys, nannies,
drivers and the likes have taken over completely the responsibilities of
mothers and fathers. Although the help of these may be needed but if they take
over the responsibilities of the shepherds of the families, it signals serious
danger. <o:p></o:p>

In the prophet Zechariah we read, “Woe to my worthless shepherd,
who deserts the flock! May the sword smite his arm and his right eye! Let his
arm be wholly withered, his right eye utterly blinded!” (Zech 11:17). These words might look so simple but they are not for
they are condemnations for any shepherd who fails to shepherd.<o:p></o:p>

We must remember that it will be very difficult if not impossible
to enjoy our wealth, fame, and so on if we lose our children. Your children are
the highest investment you can make. <o:p></o:p>

Even in the church, many pastors today channel all their energy
towards dedicating church buildings and do very little or nothing towards
dedicating the people of God who are the true church, cf. Eph 5:23; Col 1:18; 1Cor
12:12.  Most regrettably, in some
parts of Europe, many churches dedicated to God have been auctioned and
converted to other uses like warehouses among others. All these things we
struggle for today without struggling for the good of our children, what do you
think that will happen to them tomorrow?<o:p></o:p>

The condition of many children today is not different from that of
the crowds Jesus pitied in the gospel according to Matthew: “When he saw the
crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless,
like sheep without a shepherd” (Matt
9:36; cf. Mk 6:34). Finally, no matter how good and wonderful a hired hand
is, he/she cannot take the place of mother and/or father in the life of a
child. Your children need you more than any other thing needs you. The question
is, ‘Will you give them yourself or a hired hand? As we pray for the increase
in the vocation to the Catholic Priesthood and the religious life, we must
remember that grace builds on nature. Well-trained children do better in the
Lord’s vineyard.<o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: Ezek 34:1-31; Zech 11:4-17.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today:
How far do you do your work as a shepherd?

Let us pray: Good shepherd, give us the grace to follow your
example in shepherding the sheep under us to the point of laying our lives for
them – Amen.

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Fourth Sunday of Easter (The Good Shepherd Sunday)

Homily (Reflection) for the Fourth Sunday of Easter (The Good Shepherd Sunday) (B) (25 th April, 2021) on the Gospel Acts 4:8-12; Ps ...

Saturday of the Third Week of Easter

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:49

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of
the Third Week of Easter (24th April, 2021) on the Gospel

Acts 9:31-42;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 115:12-17 (R. v. 12);<o:p></o:p>

Jn 6:60-69.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: It is always better.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0O2o_EyI6x3JmTjrcxKcQYXAIB2E93xZxOusc08n91IRdPRpyXTfZ21zph7QGrWIizkok497svlxw33dxNYWkojcq7QtJp5BoPBn-bz28cGhQQ0yKqOiQhsWkYTZHCqtwRFdlSdFlh9Q/s270/24.04.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="187" data-original-width="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0O2o_EyI6x3JmTjrcxKcQYXAIB2E93xZxOusc08n91IRdPRpyXTfZ21zph7QGrWIizkok497svlxw33dxNYWkojcq7QtJp5BoPBn-bz28cGhQQ0yKqOiQhsWkYTZHCqtwRFdlSdFlh9Q/s0/24.04.2021.jpg" /></a></div> When Jesus’ disciples heard yesterday’s gospel (Jn 6:52-59) they said: “This teaching
is difficult; who can accept it?” Jesus explained, “It is the spirit that gives
life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and
life.” The gospel further reads, “Because of this many of his disciples turned
back and no longer went about with him.”<o:p></o:p>

Imagine what a pastor (priests inclusive) will do if he/she
finds him/herself between telling the people the truth that will cost him/her good
part of the congregation and retaining all or even gaining more if he/she lies?
Think also of what parents, business men/women, civil servants, politicians,
and so on will do if one finds him/herself in a similar condition. But “Jesus
asked the twelve, ‘Do you also wish to go away?’” And to this Peter replied,
“Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to
believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”<o:p></o:p>

It is always better to tell people the truth. Surely,
sometimes it might cost something. However Jesus never mutilated the truth for
any reason. Building on lies is tantamount to building on the sand, cf. Lk 6:46-49. Imagine what the twelve
that remained turned into.<o:p></o:p>

Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (Jn 14:6). Lying can never be preaching
the gospel of Christ. Whoever is lying for whatever reason in the name of
preaching can only best preach the devil, who “is a liar and the father of lies”
(Jn 8:44) and never Christ. The
people ought to look for Jesus Christ who is the truth and not for His ministers.
As a result, no one has reason to lie in the name of preaching. Only the truth will
set us free, cf. Jn 8:32. <o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: God knows those who are His, cf. 2Tim
2:19.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, help us to realise like the twelve
that you have the words of eternal life – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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Saturday of the Third Week of Easter

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the Third Week of Easter (24 th April, 2021) on the Gospel Acts 9:31-42; Ps 115:12-17 (R. v. ...

Friday of the Third Week of Easter

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 05:25

Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the
Third Week of Easter (23rd April, 2021) on the Gospel

Acts 9:1-20;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 116. (R. Mk 16:15);<o:p></o:p>

Jn 6:52-59.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: The Hard Truth.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rOS9Z4zP2u5ivhpfyX2nl5-KSZjZiYPZJtLosD3gSQQONNJObJTPJpDv_JrfqR1pXzd-cxgai-Lb8UkyhXZthwhzCJtqMgX0fBsi6YDf4VrbNRh9_lgXC0x4UORF8UP4eN9c5dC1vF8/s260/23.04.2021.png" 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/AVvXsEj0rOS9Z4zP2u5ivhpfyX2nl5-KSZjZiYPZJtLosD3gSQQONNJObJTPJpDv_JrfqR1pXzd-cxgai-Lb8UkyhXZthwhzCJtqMgX0fBsi6YDf4VrbNRh9_lgXC0x4UORF8UP4eN9c5dC1vF8/s0/23.04.2021.png" /></a></div> While speaking to the Jews in yesterday’s gospel Jesus said,
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will
live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my
flesh” (Jn 6:51). In today’s gospel,
His audience disputed, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” Jesus
emphatically responded,<o:p></o:p>

Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son
of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and
drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for
my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and
drink my blood abide in me, and I in them.<o:p></o:p>

He also warned against not abiding in Him,  <o:p></o:p>

<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;">Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by
itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. If
a man does not abide in me, he is cast forth as a branch and withers; and the
branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned (Jn 15:4, 6).</blockquote></blockquote>

It is evident how grievous the consequence of not eating the
body and drinking the blood of Christ is. 
Nevertheless, those who eat and drink in an unworthy manner are guilty
of profaning the body and blood of the Lord, cf. 1Cor 11:27. We are all therefore called to participate in the blood
and body of Christ by eating and drinking His body and blood, cf. 1Cor 10:16. However, this must be done worthily.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Eucharistic Lord, help us not just
to eat your body and drink your blood but more importantly to do so worthily –
Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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Friday of the Third Week of Easter

Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the Third Week of Easter (23 rd April, 2021) on the Gospel Acts 9:1-20; Ps 116. (R. Mk 16:15); ...

Thursday of the Third Week of Easter

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:53

Homily (Reflection) for Thursday of the Third Week of Easter (22nd
April, 2021) on the Gospel

Acts 8:26-40;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 65:8-9.16-17.20. (R. v.1);<o:p></o:p>

Jn 6:44-51.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: The Bread of life.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGLGJA37Cn3P7QFfzO3dfwjzaKGWliQY4zxSFNwLSlJY-MKNB1wO6B1yu6XM72gMfoeFOcu4Ab0dd1WijbVf0E_u_0Q_q53HFYZi77iqpPlUSUAsyMGRe3wFobf1xTpc5GT5oCpbsIDM/s259/22.04.2021.jpg" 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/AVvXsEioGLGJA37Cn3P7QFfzO3dfwjzaKGWliQY4zxSFNwLSlJY-MKNB1wO6B1yu6XM72gMfoeFOcu4Ab0dd1WijbVf0E_u_0Q_q53HFYZi77iqpPlUSUAsyMGRe3wFobf1xTpc5GT5oCpbsIDM/s0/22.04.2021.jpg" /></a></div> In today’s gospel, Jesus pointed out that faith is a gift of
the Father: “No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me ....”
However, a faithless fellow is culpable. Just like other gifts, one can either
put it into use to blossom or it will dry up, Matt 25:14-30. <o:p></o:p>

Jesus also pronounced in today’s gospel: “I am the bread of
life.” People still find this pronouncement today as hard as it was when it was
first made. He went on to explain, “I am the living bread that came down from
heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will
give for the life of the world is my flesh.”<o:p></o:p>

Some do think that Jesus did not talk actually about His
body. But in the gospels we read, “Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after
blessing it he broke it, gave it to his disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this
is my body” (Matt 26:26; cf. Mk 14:22;
Lk 22:19). <o:p></o:p>

Jesus actually gave us His flesh to eat. The questions are:
‘Do we believe that Jesus is the bread of life that came down from heaven?’ and
‘How often and worthily do we eat this bread?’<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, help us to understand the gift
of yourself in the Holy Eucharist – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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Thursday of the Third Week of Easter

Homily (Reflection) for Thursday of the Third Week of Easter (22 nd April, 2021) on the Gospel Acts 8:26-40; Ps 65:8-9.16-17.20. ...

Feast of Our Lady, Mother of Africa

Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena, V.D.

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Fourth Sunday of Easter (The Good Shepherd Sunday)

Saturday of the Third Week of Easter

Friday of the Third Week of Easter

Thursday of the Third Week of Easter

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