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Feast of the Visitation of the B.V.M.

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts 04:07

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of
the Visitation of the B.V.M. (31st May, 2021) on the Gospel and the
Feast<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Zeph 3:14-18 or Rom 12:9-16;<o:p></o:p>

Is 12:2-6. (R. v.6); <o:p></o:p>

Lk 1:39-56.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHnGJPLodMTqGRK8_8Sl3LKyHCrlh4Wcp7B3wnqr_ZuYrPyEXn77QElUyJW-KPi-x5F9m6B_DlpNr_V_Ic6e5QKT-lzHdxjUW7fhiGN_X2tl_S8g2SmFmRcSDaaaml6oty8xJPR2LMEo/s273/31.05.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHnGJPLodMTqGRK8_8Sl3LKyHCrlh4Wcp7B3wnqr_ZuYrPyEXn77QElUyJW-KPi-x5F9m6B_DlpNr_V_Ic6e5QKT-lzHdxjUW7fhiGN_X2tl_S8g2SmFmRcSDaaaml6oty8xJPR2LMEo/s0/31.05.2021.jpg" /></a></div> We celebrate today the Blessed Virgin Mary (B.V.M.)’s visit
to her cousin, Elizabeth shortly after the Annunciation. During the visit, John
the Baptist was cleansed of the original sin. Hence, he leaped for joy, cf. Lk 1:41, 44. And under the inspiration
of the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth proclaimed that Mary is the Mother of God in
these words: “Blessed are you among women” (Lk 1:42) and “the mother of my Lord” (Lk 1:43).<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Ninth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</a><o:p></o:p>

Topic: With God in you.<o:p></o:p>

In today’s gospel, Mary visited Elizabeth, the mother of
Saint John the Baptist with haste. Immediately Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting,
John the Baptist in her womb leaped for joy. And filled with the Holy Spirit, she
exclaimed with a loud cry,<o:p></o:p>

Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your
womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?
For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped
for joy.<o:p></o:p>

Mary at the time of this visit to Elizabeth in a Judean town
in the hill country was in the early stage of her own pregnancy. The first
trimester is normally very uncomfortable for women especially those carrying
their first child. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months, cf. Lk 1:56.<o:p></o:p>

Many people are in various hospitals, prisons, homes, and so
on waiting for us to visit them. We may have different reasons why we should
not visit them especially at this time. Mary never thought of her own
convenience. Again, when Elizabeth heard her greeting, the child in her womb
leaped for joy because she came with Jesus. So, while visiting our brothers and
sisters, we must go with God who lives in us, cf. 2Cor 6:16; Lev 26:11-12;
Jn 17:23, 26. Otherwise, the effect
of such visits will be just the opposite of what happened when Mary visited.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: God lives in us.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, assist us to manifest to
others that you truly live in us – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

Holy Mary, mother of God – Pray for
us.<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; 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+

<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Ninth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</a> <a href="https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-05-31">https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-05-31</a><o:p></o:p>

</div>

Feast of the Visitation of the B.V.M.

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of the Visitation of the B.V.M. (31 st May, 2021) on the Gospel and the Feast Zeph 3:14-18 or Rom...

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity (B)

Homily (Reflection) for
the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity (B) (30th May, 2021) on the Gospel
and the Solemnity<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Deut
4:32-34.39-40;

Ps
33:4-6.9.18-20.22 (R. V. 12);

Rom
8:14-17;

Matt 28:16-20.

There was a family
hosting an eleven-year-old girl from India. “The Hindu girl decided on her own
to go with the family to Sunday Mass. When they came home, the husband asked
the girl how she liked the Mass. “I don’t understand why the West Coast isn’t included,
too,” the girl replied. When they inquired what she meant, she said, “You know,
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the whole East Coast”
(Fuller, G. (2010). Stories for all
seasons. Mumbai: St Pauls, p. 75). This reminds me of a similar story about
a Muslim caught by some aggrieved Christians during one of religious clashes in
the Northern part of the country. When asked whether he was a Muslim or a
Christian he said he was a Christian. Since one’s religion is not written on
the forehead, he was asked to complete the statement: “In the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the ....” The Muslim shouted “kai, yeewaa!, this na small one.... of him
mama.”<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Manifestations of the Trinity.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxjeGhbmwMzeESgsgEwyt8BbjVhIGkClQVKkCwS9lRExIvygmHvAEuPibySsJev58Xr9prIEQO_3h1Wvxy7KUP_jpP8hhL_JX1OEvJL548ILf8ib_9Gnyz6VxXC6iO0q_-VE6uG9wAkQ/s247/30.05.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="204" data-original-width="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxjeGhbmwMzeESgsgEwyt8BbjVhIGkClQVKkCwS9lRExIvygmHvAEuPibySsJev58Xr9prIEQO_3h1Wvxy7KUP_jpP8hhL_JX1OEvJL548ILf8ib_9Gnyz6VxXC6iO0q_-VE6uG9wAkQ/s0/30.05.2021.jpg" /></a></div> In the Old Testament, the image of God
the Father is more prominent than that of God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
This does not imply that either God the Son or God the Holy Spirit or both are
not in the Old Testament as attested by these statements: “... the Spirit of
God was moving over the face of the waters” (Gen 1:2), “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our
likeness ...’” (Gen 1:26). Again, in
the prophet Hosea we read: “... out of Egypt I called my son” (Hos 11:1). Although this statement
looks as if referring just to Israel but the gospel according to Saint Matthew
states that it also refers to Christ,
cf. Matt 2:15. And many other passages also made mention of the “Spirit of
God” cf. Gen 41:38; Ex 31:3; Num 24:2,
among others. <o:p></o:p>

The image of God the Son and God the
Holy Spirit are better seen in the New Testament. Beginning with the angel’s
message to the Blessed Virgin Mary “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the
power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God” (Lk 1:35). And the gospel according to
Saint Mark also reads: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mk 1:1). According to Saint John, the essence of his gospel is for
us to “believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” (Jn 20:30-31). Although the first letter of Saint John states that
all must believe in this testimony (cf. 1Jn
5:10; Jn 3:18) but the Jews saw the whole idea of Jesus being the Son of
God as a very bitter kola to chew and was their major reason why Jesus deserved
to die, cf. Jn 19:7. Even the
unclean spirits proclaimed that Jesus is the Son of God, cf. Mk 3:11; Lk 4:41. And the equality of Jesus and his Father is not in doubt:
“I and the Father are one” (Jn 10:30).

Before leaving this world, Jesus
promised his disciples the Holy Spirit, cf. Jn 16:7 and fulfilled this promise on the Pentecost day as we
celebrated last Sunday, cf. Acts 2:1-4.
The Father sent his Son into the world “as the Saviour of the world” (1Jn 4:14; 4:10) and also testified for
Him in these words: “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” (Lk 9:35). And Jesus made the Father
known in the world, cf. Jn 1:18; 17:26.
And again, of the Holy Spirit, Jesus said: “When the Advocate comes, whom I
will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the
Father, he will testify on my behalf” (Jn
15:26). Just as Jesus made known to us what he learnt from the Father, (cf.
Jn 15:15), the Holy Spirit said
Jesus “... will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own
authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the
things that are to come” (Jn 16:13).

Bearing in mind what happened to
Saint Augustine as he tried to crack the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity, it
is important to note that “I do not intend to give a lecture on the Most Holy
Trinity”. Just as our topic suggests, our aim is to first see some of the
manifestations of the Most Holy Trinity in the bible and secondly apply them to
our lives.

We read from the prophet Daniel: “The
king said to Daniel, ‘Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have
been able to reveal this mystery’” (Dan
2:47). Although the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is central to the
Christian faith yet it cannot be fully understood. Hence, it is rightly called
a mystery. It is God Himself who reveals mysteries including the mystery of the
Most Holy Trinity according to his will, cf. Matt 11:27; Lk 10:22; Gal 1:16.

We are created by the Most Holy
Trinity and in the likeness of the Most Holy Trinity (Gen 1:26; 5:1). And in today’s gospel we read: “Go therefore and
make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt
28:19). As we can see in this passage, we are also called by and baptized
in the Most Holy Trinity. Hence as introduction to today’s solemnity we read
from The
Sunday Missal: “We celebrate our baptism in the name of the Trinity as
a result of which we have received the spirit of sons and are privileged to
call the great God of glory and majesty our Father” (Culled from The
Sunday Missal: A new edition (1995). London: HarperCollinsReligious, p.
573).

So, although we neither fully
understand nor explain the Most Holy Trinity, we owe our existence to this
mystery (greatest) of all the mysteries because it is the mystery of God
Himself. And quoting our penny catechism, our souls resemble the Trinity
because “… as in one God there are three
Persons, so in my soul there are three powers – my memory, my understanding,
and my will” (nn 29 -30). Based on these, I consider ourselves individually
as manifestations of the Most Holy Trinity. The main point now is that both our
relationship with the Most Holy Trinity (God) and with our brothers and sisters
ought to be likened to the relationship in the Most Holy Trinity. And as each
person of the Most Holy Trinity makes the other better known, how do we make
both the Most Holy Trinity and our brothers and sisters better known?

We read from Saint Paul’s first
letter to the Corinthians:

For we know only in part, and we
prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an
end. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I
reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways.
For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I
know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known (1Cor 13:9-12).

And we conclude with this from the
first letter of Saint John: “Beloved, we are God's children now; it does not
yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he appears we shall be like
him, for we shall see him as he is” (1Jn
3:2). Let us therefore be ready for God by being good manifestations of the
Most Holy Trinity we ought to be. Remember to be holy as you manifest the Most
Holy Trinity.

Bible
Reading: Gen 1:26; 3:22; Matt 28:16-20; 1Cor 12:4-6; Eph
4:1-6; Jn 14; Jn 17.<o:p></o:p>

Silent Prayer: To what extent are you a
manifestation of the Most Holy Trinity?

Let
us Pray: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the
Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be world without
end – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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

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

<o:p> </o:p>

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May God bless you all+

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity (B)

Homily (Reflection) for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity (B) (30 th May, 2021) on the Gospel and the Solemnity Deut 4:32-34.3...

Saturday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 05:03

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of
the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (29th May, 2021) on the Gospel

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

Sir 51:12-20;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 18:8-11. (R. v.9); <o:p></o:p>

Mk 11:27-33.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Do not protect evil.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXqAtHl0Oou4FsWbSK1cBiiWJ3hqAdcYa-YJJ0FuzojKnXYp7eQ2kjLyIYvjepdyC5ZhX9hjGGit0TToHIr5shSpzxSibRPPDfCPQeTB2uTeJW-CBUlilh1mobghoapZnruJN-TY7cuM/s263/29.05.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="191" data-original-width="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXqAtHl0Oou4FsWbSK1cBiiWJ3hqAdcYa-YJJ0FuzojKnXYp7eQ2kjLyIYvjepdyC5ZhX9hjGGit0TToHIr5shSpzxSibRPPDfCPQeTB2uTeJW-CBUlilh1mobghoapZnruJN-TY7cuM/s0/29.05.2021.jpg" /></a></div> Jesus was walking in the temple when the chief priests, the
scribes, and the elders came to Him in today’s gospel and asked, “By what
authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do them?” Jesus
asked them in return, “Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of
human origin?” After arguing among themselves they replied, “We do not know.”
And consequently, Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what
authority I am doing these things.” <o:p></o:p>

Their questions referred to the cleaning of the temple that
made them look for a way to kill Jesus, cf. Mk 11:18. So, these questions were actually traps to actualise
their plan. Unfortunately for them, the words of the Psalmist were fulfilled: “The
nations have sunk in the pit which they made; in the net which they hid has
their own foot been caught” (Ps 9:15).<o:p></o:p>

They made fortune out of the illegal transactions in the
temple, cf. Mk 11:17; Is 56:7. As a
result, they saw Jesus as a big threat to their source of wealth and were
determined to bring Him to an end. <o:p></o:p>

These men were leaders of the people both in the religious
and civil matters. However, the love of money has made them wander away from God,
cf. 1Tim 6:10. Wait a minute, what
about you and me? We all have areas very dear to us. It is very important to find
out what actually moves each and every one of us to the defence of those things.
<o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: Ps 23.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Do not deny God by your actions, cf. Tit 1:16.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: God, help us to be good to all –
Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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Saturday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (29 th May, 2021) on the Gospel ( B.V.M. on Saturday, Opt. Mem...

Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 05:01

Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the
Eighth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (28th May, 2021) on the Gospel<o:p></o:p>

Sir 44:1.9-13;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 149:1-6.9. (R. v.4); <o:p></o:p>

Mk 11:11-26.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Jesus or the fig tree.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dd2q0pG6QBbonSqGk-hV3UvDNvGRtAKqpWJJJymY8SQtvYb5hB9VM8dferjeDuJ0o45Az9_PWKlq8_6lh-EZYWhULQ8Y39Ty2fD6SQqLkviKn7fy0s-PPYZEWm_hm77nqikFxxbdRuk/s259/28.05.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dd2q0pG6QBbonSqGk-hV3UvDNvGRtAKqpWJJJymY8SQtvYb5hB9VM8dferjeDuJ0o45Az9_PWKlq8_6lh-EZYWhULQ8Y39Ty2fD6SQqLkviKn7fy0s-PPYZEWm_hm77nqikFxxbdRuk/s0/28.05.2021.jpg" /></a></div> Today’s gospel is basically made up of two sections; the cursing of the fig tree (Mk 11:12-19) and the lesson from the
withered fig tree (Mk 11:20-26). Verse 11 serves as an introduction
to the gospel. And some versions of the bible do not have verse 26. <o:p></o:p>

Our reflection is on the first section. Jesus searched for
fruits on a fig tree but found nothing but leaves. And the evangelist excused
the fig tree, “...it was not the season for figs.” We remember that there is a
season for everything, cf. Eccl 3:1.
Yet, Jesus did not excuse the fig tree that failed to bear fruits outside the
season for figs but cursed it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.”<o:p></o:p>

Let us look beyond the fig tree out there because through the
prophet Isaiah God said, “the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of
Israel” (Is 5:7). By implication,
every Israelite is a vine. He/she who plants a vineyard or a fig tree ought to
eat of its fruits, cf. 1Cor 9:7; Deut
20:6. And God who planted Israel expects it to bear fruits. They include: to
fear Him, to walk humbly in all His ways, to love Him, to do justice, to love
kindness, to serve Him with all their hearts and with all their soul, cf. Deut 10:12; Mic 6:8.<o:p></o:p>

God expects these fruits in the proper season. And this according
to the book of Deuteronomy is at all times including the old age, cf. Deut 11:1. 6:24; Ps 92:14. Therefore,
the fig tree without fruits has not excuse.<o:p></o:p>

Every Christian is a citizen and a member of the household of
God (new Israel), cf. Eph 2:19. The
question now is, what fruits do we produce or do we wait for an illusory
season? God will not spare any person who fails to bear good fruits. <o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: Bearing fruits is a must.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord and master of the vineyard,
help us bear good fruits always – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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May God bless you all+<o:p></o:p>

Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (28 th May, 2021) on the Gospel Sir 44:1.9-13; Ps 149:1-6....

Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 05:08

Homily (Reflection) for Thursday of
the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (27th May, 2021) on the Gospel

Sir 42:15-25;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 32:2-9. (R. v.6); <o:p></o:p>

Mk 10:46-52.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: Take a stand.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIReGt4bIwDDqG_cTymV1eu1qGkr7Qdc2xM4j6yl6RfsU2lv8isVYQXI1TTRkjAIp87D1dP8u8zikEP92ai4QT2DWlLsQtmSX6_mczpZsSA1TxSQ1DrDyXDanm5a1kRRcpUezjrgHMifc/s225/27.05.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIReGt4bIwDDqG_cTymV1eu1qGkr7Qdc2xM4j6yl6RfsU2lv8isVYQXI1TTRkjAIp87D1dP8u8zikEP92ai4QT2DWlLsQtmSX6_mczpZsSA1TxSQ1DrDyXDanm5a1kRRcpUezjrgHMifc/s0/27.05.2021.jpg" /></a></div> Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside as
Jesus was leaving Jericho in today’s gospel. Immediately he learnt that Jesus
of Nazareth was passing, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on
me!” The more the people ordered him to keep calm, the louder he shouted. Jesus
stood still and asked them to call him. The same people who were ordering him
to shut up said to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” And “...throwing
off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, ‘What do
you want me to do for you?’ The blind man said to him, ‘My teacher, let me see
again.’” <o:p></o:p>

We are constantly faced with different challenges (temptations)
of life. The letter to the Corinthians reads, <o:p></o:p>

<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;">No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.
God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but
with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able
to endure it (1Cor 10:13).</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>

Bartimaeus regained his sight because he did not allow himself
to be swallowed up by the crowd. Let us follow the example of Bartimaeus and
never chicken out? Remember, unless one submitted him/herself to God and resist
the devil, the devil will not flee from him/her, cf. Jas 4:7. <o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, help us to follow what is best
always – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

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

To Contact
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Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Homily (Reflection) for Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (27 th May, 2021) on the Gospel Sir 42:15-25; Ps 32:2-9....

Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, P.

thepulpitonline.com 0 Memorials 05:02

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Philip Neri, P. (26th May, 2021) on the Gospel and the
Memorial<o:p></o:p>

Sir 36:1.4-5.10-17;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 78:8-9.11.13. (R. Sir 36:1); <o:p></o:p>

Mk 10:32-45.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJMqghU2Dr3oATfO9hjoNxBhxhromYTtyl8XGARDnGvXIE1H_KSWcuEp3WWeFNEA3ylDMExik4Sjdc3b5OMU5ugCh1X6rXyFFLIybI1UdyflS04tnV9QeUx8KoIfDlcKivda6K52S_OA/s257/26.05.2021.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="196" data-original-width="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJMqghU2Dr3oATfO9hjoNxBhxhromYTtyl8XGARDnGvXIE1H_KSWcuEp3WWeFNEA3ylDMExik4Sjdc3b5OMU5ugCh1X6rXyFFLIybI1UdyflS04tnV9QeUx8KoIfDlcKivda6K52S_OA/s0/26.05.2021.png" /></a></div> Saint Philip Neri was born in Florence in the year
1515. He abandoned the chance to become a businessman and moved to Rome where
he devoted his life and individuality to God. Philip Neri was ordained a priest
at the urging of his confessor and soon became an outstanding confessor, gifted
with the knack of piercing the pretences and illusions of others. He founded a
religious institute, the Oratory. His characteristic virtues were humility and
gaiety. Philip Neri was a sign of contradiction, combining popularity with
piety against the background of a corrupt Rome and a disinterested clergy, the
whole post-Renaissance malaise. He died in the year 1595.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Eighth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</a><o:p></o:p>

Topic: Focus on the point.<o:p></o:p>

Today’s gospel is made up of two sections: Jesus’ prophecy on His death
and resurrection (Mk 10:32-34) and
the request of James and John (Mk
10:35-45). <o:p></o:p>

Christ knew that cross would be really scandalous if not properly
understood, cf. 1Cor 1:23; Gal 5:11.
To forestall this, He repeatedly told His disciples that it was coming, cf. Jn 13:19.14:29. And in today’s gospel,
He made this prophecy the third time. Surprisingly, as He was doing that the
apostles were preoccupied with trivial issues.<o:p></o:p>

Consequent upon this, I call on each and every one of us to have a personal
reflection on his/her mission especially in the house of God because God will “search
the mind and try the heart, to give to every man according to his ways, according
to the fruit of his doings” (Jer 17:10;
cf. Heb 4:12; Rev 2:23). The letter to the Romans reads, <o:p></o:p>

“To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the
Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to
God; it does not submit to God's law, indeed it cannot” (Rom 8:6-7).<o:p></o:p>

God understands every plan and thought. And whoever seeks God will find Him
but He casts off those who forsake Him, cf. 1Chr 28:9; Prov 11:20.12:8. Let us therefore seek first God’s
kingdom and his righteousness (Focus on
the point) and every other thing will be given to us as well just like Saint
Philip Neri did, cf. Matt 6:33. <o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: He who trusts in his own mind is a fool, cf. Prov 28:26.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: May the will of God be done on earth
as it is in heaven – Amen (cf. Matt 6:10).<o:p></o:p>

Saint Philip Neri – 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)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Eighth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</a> <a href="http://www.americancatholic.org/features/saints/saint.aspx?id=1395">http://www.americancatholic.org/features/saints/saint.aspx?id=1395</a>
<o:p></o:p>

</div>

Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, P.

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, P. (26 th May, 2021) on the Gospel and the Memorial Sir 36:1.4-5.10-17; ...

Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Weekday Homilies 04:15

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of
the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (25th May, 2021) on the Gospel

Sir 35:1-12;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 49:5-8.14.23. (R. v.23); <o:p></o:p>

Mk 10:28-31.<o:p></o:p>

Topic: You need not.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1nmV2FftPLh_x1g8dg1q_rZlCWYDC5wq7bu5y38EHLc2h0zr6nT6nqNFWGO04QXQnu6WoGLJAqsAXVEoAWJ3MkenXXWxl2EroZuyZStYxwvxqVArVcuCRcv0ybBGASyfV-uxJf6uWgU/s276/25.05.2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1nmV2FftPLh_x1g8dg1q_rZlCWYDC5wq7bu5y38EHLc2h0zr6nT6nqNFWGO04QXQnu6WoGLJAqsAXVEoAWJ3MkenXXWxl2EroZuyZStYxwvxqVArVcuCRcv0ybBGASyfV-uxJf6uWgU/s0/25.05.2021.jpg" /></a></div> Saint Peter said to Jesus in today’s gospel, “Look, we have
left everything and followed you.” And in Matthew
chapter 19 verse 27, he even added: “What then shall we have?” Jesus
assured him and in fact all of us, <o:p></o:p>

Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or
brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and
for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this
age – houses, brothers and sister, mothers and children, and fields with
persecutions – and in the age to come eternal life.<o:p></o:p>

The letter to the Hebrews reads, “And before him [God] no
creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to
whom we must render an account” (Heb
4:13). Again, “...God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything”
(1Jn 3:20). And He is a faithful God,
cf. Deut 7:9; Ps 31:5. 145:13; Is 49:7;
1Cor 1:9. 10:13.<o:p></o:p>

Since God is All-knowing and faithful, we need not have
double minds because He is fully aware of all our works, cf. Rev 2:2, 19. He will certainly reward each person according to his/her works, cf. Rom 2:6; 1Cor 3:8. We must therefore do every good work freely for their
full rewards, cf. 1Cor 9:17.
Similarly, Saint John also warns, “Look to yourselves, that you may not lose what
you have worked for, but may win a full reward” (2Jn 1:8). The Lord is coming with His reward, cf. Is 40:10. However, He knows those who
are His, cf. 2Tim 2:19. <o:p></o:p>

Thought for today: The LORD ...knows those who take refuge in him (Nah 1:7).<o:p></o:p>

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

To Contact
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Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Homily (Reflection) for Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (25 th May, 2021) on the Gospel Sir 35:1-12; Ps 49:5-8.14...

Feast of Mary, Mother of the Church

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts 12:20

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of
Mary, Mother of the Church (24th May, 2021) on the Gospel and the
Feast<o:p></o:p>

Gen 3:9-15.20;<o:p></o:p>

Ps 87. (R. v.3);<o:p></o:p>

Jn 19:25-34.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAgUdGPMMQnzTOPwQgKLjv7akz1boeCbUVJA4Qx4AtKR56H5infy5YQAk8e8Z6qY5y3MDuc3rMt5RpC5RGSSxTDOdcrhyeLKCufzDRrz326lkm1V4xA3MY8IMSb69gi1HKJcR6pnOn08/s290/Mary%252C+Mother+of+the+Church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAgUdGPMMQnzTOPwQgKLjv7akz1boeCbUVJA4Qx4AtKR56H5infy5YQAk8e8Z6qY5y3MDuc3rMt5RpC5RGSSxTDOdcrhyeLKCufzDRrz326lkm1V4xA3MY8IMSb69gi1HKJcR6pnOn08/s0/Mary%252C+Mother+of+the+Church.jpg" /></a></div> In Roman Catholic Mariology, Mother of the Church is a
title officially given to Mary by Pope Paul VI. It was first used in the 4th
century by Saint Ambrose of Milan, as rediscovered by Hugo Rahner. This title
was also used by Pope Benedict XIV in 1748 and by Pope Leo XIII in 1885. Pope
John Paul II placed it in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and in 2018,
Pope Francis decreed that the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of
the Church be inserted into the Roman Calendar on the Monday after Pentecost and
to be celebrated every year. The decree was signed on February 11, 2018, the
memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, at the 160th anniversary of the
Lourdes apparitions. It was issued on March 3, 2018.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Fr.%20Moses/Desktop/Weekday%20Homilies/Daily%20Tonic%20for%20Year%20I%20(2020-2021)/Ordinary%20Time%20(I)/Eighth%20Week%20in%20Ordinary%20Time%20(I)%20(2021).docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</a><o:p></o:p>

Topic: Here is your mother (Jn 19:27).<o:p></o:p>

In today’s gospel pericope, hanging
on the cross,<o:p></o:p>

When Jesus saw his mother and the
disciple whom he loved standing beside her,
he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple,
‘Here is your mother.’ And from that
hour the disciple took her into his own home (Jn 19:26-27)<o:p></o:p>

It is worth noting that Saint John (beloved disciple)
represented the whole church at the foot of the cross. Again, he was standing next to or very close to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Jesus referred to
His disciples as His brothers, cf. Matt
28:10. Mary was devoted to prayer together with the apostles and other
disciples, cf. Acts 1:14.<o:p></o:p>

However,
some are not comfortable seeing Mary recognized as mother by any Christian. How
can one explain to these that the woman they hate so much is their mother? <o:p></o:p>

In
the book of Revelation, we read: “And the dragon was angry at the woman and
declared war against the rest of her
children – all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for
Jesus” (Rev 12:17, NLT). This
implies that whoever truly keeps God’s
commandments and maintain his/her testimony for Jesus is a child of Mary
because she is that woman whose other children “keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus”. We
must be grateful to God for allowing us to be called His children and the
children of Mary and that is what we are, cf. 1Jn 3:1; Rev 12:17. She does in no way as some think block our
access to God instead she encourages us to do whatever He tells us, cf. Jn 2:5. Again, according to Pope Paul VI, Mary is the “Mother
of the Church because she gave birth to Christ” who is the head of the Church, cf.
Eph 5:23; Col 1:18. Hence, during the
closing of the third session of the Second Vatican Council on November 21,
1964, he said, “We declare Mary Most Holy Mother of the Church, that is, of all
the Christian people”. <o:p></o:p>

Bible
Reading: Rev
12:13-17; Jn 8:31-59.<o:p></o:p>

Let us pray: Lord, help us to appreciate the gift
of Mary in our lives and the life of the church – Amen.<o:p></o:p>

Mary, Mother of the Church – Pray for
us.<o:p></o:p>

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

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

</div>

Feast of Mary, Mother of the Church

Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of Mary, Mother of the Church (24 th May, 2021) on the Gospel and the Feast Gen 3:9-15.20; Ps 8...

Pentecost Sunday (B)

thepulpitonline.com 0 Solemnities and Feasts, Sunday homilies 04:33

Homily (Reflection) for Pentecost Sunday (B)
(23rd May, 2021) on the Gospel

Acts 2:1-11;

Ps 103:1.24.29-31.34 (R. cf. V. 30);

Gal 5:16-25;

Jn
15:26-27;16:12-15.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbsBve3fnoShjro6S1FeGiHwu4VoRSoTcmHWA1mWfkMfnquj-TpT76p8AReXdmzhx8kLakJh6FxAaYTWI4ADpobbU9kszqiGTFiX-G_QRdwr86gYM0VCBiJZ1x9jzK9zGnk6_26L2TaQ/s313/23.05.2021.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="161" data-original-width="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbsBve3fnoShjro6S1FeGiHwu4VoRSoTcmHWA1mWfkMfnquj-TpT76p8AReXdmzhx8kLakJh6FxAaYTWI4ADpobbU9kszqiGTFiX-G_QRdwr86gYM0VCBiJZ1x9jzK9zGnk6_26L2TaQ/s0/23.05.2021.png" /></a></div> The solemnity of Pentecost concludes
the fifty days of the sacred season of Easter. The “Church recalls the gift of
the Holy Spirit to the Apostles, the beginning of the Church, and the start of
her mission to all tongues and peoples and nations” (2021 Liturgical Calendar (Ordo)
for the celebration of Mass and the Liturgy of Hours for the church in Nigeria,
Iperu-Remo: The Ambassador Publications, p. 93).

Topic: Gifts of the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p>

Customarily, people seek varied gifts
during the solemnity of Pentecost. This for many is in line with Saint Paul’s
counsel “... earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may
prophesy” (1Cor 14:1). However, “The
unspiritual man does not receive the gifts of the Spirit of God, for they are
folly to him...” (1Cor 2:14).<o:p></o:p>

As we seek for the gifts of the Holy Spirit, it is important to
remember that they are for the common good, cf. 1Cor 12:7. However, many who seek them are doing so for their
personal gains. We tend to forget the injunction of Christ, “Heal the sick,
raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying,
give without pay” (Matt 10:8). What
many desire today under the pretext of spiritual gifts are in no way spiritual
because their intentions are evil, cf. Gal
5:17; Rom 8:5. In his letter, Saint Jude describes these people in this
way: “It is these worldly people, devoid of the Spirit, who are causing
divisions” (Jude 19). Holy Spirit is
God’s gift to those who love (obey) him and should be desired accordingly and
not as do or die affair, cf. Acts 5:32.
It is no body’s right. <o:p></o:p>

To further understand why the clamour for these ‘extraordinary’
gifts, let us read the words of our Lord Jesus Christ quoting Isaiah 61:1ff: <o:p></o:p>

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he
has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He sent me to proclaim release
to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, and let the oppressed go
free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour (Lk 4:18-19). <o:p></o:p>

Although there are many men and women who say today that they have
been anointed by God, how many of these were anointed "to bring good news
to the poor”, and/or sent “to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of
sight to the blind, and let the oppressed go free”? Just imagine these classes
of people; can they give tithe offerings among so many others the people of God
are expected to offer today?<o:p></o:p>

With no intention to undermine the words of Saint Paul already
cited, the gift we ought to desire most today before any other if there is need
for any other is the one that will enable us “... understand the gifts bestowed
on us by God” (1Cor 2:12). Saint
Paul rightly wrote, we “are not lacking in any spiritual gift” (1Cor 1:7). He went further, “I wish that all were as I myself am. But
each has his own special gift from God, one of one kind and one of another”
(1Cor 7:7). And to Timothy, “Do not
neglect the gift you have ...” (1Tim
4:14). We all ought “... to rekindle the gift of God that is within” us (2Tim 1:6).<o:p></o:p>

Ordinarily one who should be seeking for promotion to another
class must have done creditably well in the class he or she is. But many who
today desire other gifts have not even understood the gifts given to them by
God. Just imagine how wonderful someone who is not even aware of what he/she
has must have utilized them. Hence, I maintain that the problem is in the
ability to discern the gift/s one has been blessed with and the readiness to
put it/them into good use for the common good.<o:p></o:p>

When the people who gathered on the Pentecost day enquired of what
they would do, “Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you
in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy
Spirit’” (Acts 2:38). And the
Church in line with the scripture still believes and also teaches that we
receive the Holy Spirit at our Baptism and Confirmation. <o:p></o:p>

We read from the prophet Isaiah “And the Spirit of the LORD shall
rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel
and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD” (Is 11:2). And in the book of Exodus, we
also read: <o:p></o:p>

See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri
son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: and I have filled him with divine spirit
[spirit of God], with ability, intelligence, and knowledge in every kind of
craft, to device artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in
cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, in every kind of craft (Ex 31:2-5).<o:p></o:p>

The gifts of the Holy Spirit as we can
see are much more than what some run helter-skelter for today. It involves
every gift that one has. Hence, Saint Paul rightly wrote “... there are
varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit” (1Cor
12:4). He went further “All these are inspired by one and the same Spirit,
who apportions to each one individually as he wills” (1Cor 12:11).<o:p></o:p>

Let us conclude with the story of a certain guide who “lived in
the deserts of Arabia who never lost his way. He carried with him a homing
pigeon with a very fine cord attached to one of its legs. When in doubts to
which path to take, he threw the bird into the air. The pigeon quickly strained
at the cord to fly in the direction of home, and thus led the guide accurately
to his goal.<o:p></o:p>

“So, too the Holy Spirit, the heavenly Dove, is willing and able
to direct us in the narrow way that leads to the more abundant life if in
humble self-denial we submit to his unerring supervision”. (Culled from
Sagayanathan, A. (2009). Launching pad: Stories for Sunday Homilies
year – A, B & C. Bangalore: Asian Trading Corporation, p. 176). <o:p></o:p>

We have been sealed for the day of redemption in the Holy Spirit of God, cf. Eph 4:30. Like the dove man, every
Christian who does not want to miss his/her way to God must be humble enough
and allow the Holy Spirit to lead him/her even when the route is contrary to
what one expects. Hence, Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit is the one to guide
us into all the truth, cf. Jn 16:13.
His foolishness is better than the wisdom of the wisest of all creatures, cf. 1Cor 1:25; Is 40:13.<o:p></o:p>

Bible Reading: Hos 9:1-17; Jer 14:13-22; Jn 14: 15-31; Rom 8:
1-30; Acts 8:4-25; 1Cor 12:1-31; Col 3:1-17.<o:p></o:p>

Thought for today:
Why do you desire that gift of the Holy Spirit?

Let us pray: Let us therefore ask the Holy Spirit to come with
His fire, the fire of love:<o:p></o:p>

Come Holy Spirit
and fill the hearts of the faithful. <o:p></o:p>

And enkindle in
them the fire of your love. <o:p></o:p>

Send forth your
Spirit and they shall be recreated. <o:p></o:p>

And you shall renew
the face of the earth – Amen.

Wishing you and your entire family full realization of the gifts of the Holy
Spirit you have and their utmost use for the common good – Amen.

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