Twenty-Sixth Sunday of the Year (B)

 Homily (Reflection) for the Twenty-Sixth Sunday of the Year (B) (26^th September, 2021) on the Gospel

 

Num 11:25-29;

Ps 18:8.10.12-14 (R. V. 9);

Jas 5:1-6;

Mk 9:38-43. 45. 47-48 (9:38-48).

Ngozi, a little girl of about five years old had watched her mother with keen interest while preparing meals especially as she opens pots that has been on fire for a long time without using anything to protect her hands. One day, she enquired from her mother the secret behind the magic (act). In response, her mother told her that fire does not hurt elderly people. And without questioning further, Ngozi assimilated her mother’s reply as it was given.

After some weeks, Ngozi was at their neighbour’s house playing with her mates while their mother was cooking at the kitchen. The kitchen has no walls so the children could see virtually everything going on there. At a point, the woman opened the pot to see how the cooking was going but she could not bear the heat of the cover that made her to scream and threw the cover on the floor. Ngozi full of amazement asked her play mates (mostly children of the woman), ‘So your mother is still a little girl?’

Topic: Quo Vadis – Heaven or Hell?

Today’s gospel can be divided into two: teaching about Another Exorcist using Jesus’ name and teaching about Temptations to Sin. But we shall concentrate on the second one – Temptations to Sin.

Often people offer assorted reasons why they indulged in one sin or another. In today’s gospel however, we see how grievous is the consequences of sin in Jesus teaching,

If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one hand than to go into unquenchable fires of hell with two hands. If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one foot than to be thrown into hell with two feet. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out. It’s better to enter the Kingdom of God with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, ‘where the maggots never die and the fire never goes out.’ (Mk 9:43, 45, 47-48. LASB, NLT).

This teaching can be reframed in many ways for easier assimilation like: If earthly life, health, money, marriage, children, parents, friends, property, connection, and so on will cause you to sin, cut it/them out. It is better to enter the Kingdom of God without them than to have them and be thrown into hell fire, ‘where the maggots never die and the fire never goes out. Jesus warns,

For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their lives? (Matt 16:25-26).

Our lives here on earth affect others either positively or negatively. Hence, Jesus began the second part of the gospel in this way,

If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea (Mk 9:42).

The woman we saw in our introductory story could not endure the steam from her pot and the temperature of the cover of her pot, that are under her control. How can one endure the fires of hell? Jesus warns us of the fires of hell that were prepared for the devil and his angels, cf. Matt 25:41. Prophet Nahum rightly asked, “Who can stand before his indignation? Who can endure the heat of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken asunder by him” (Nah 1:6). It is therefore left for each and every one of us to choose where to go – heaven or hell.

Bible Reading: Matt 7:13-14; 10:16-33; 16:24-27; 2Pt 2:1-22.

Thought for today: Where are you preparing for – heaven or hell?

Let us Pray: God, our Father, help us to live the life that will earn us the kingdom prepared for your blessed from the foundation of the world – Amen.

For more homilies (reflections):

Visit our website: www.thepulpitonline.com

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline

Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313

Send us Email: thepulpitonline@gmail.com

 

To Contact and/or to support this ministry:

Tel: +234 813 305 0302

Email: thepulpitonline@gmail.com

May God bless you all+

Announcement

 Dear brothers and sisters,

Because of the circumstances beyond my control,

I will be off for sometime starting from Monday, 27^th September, 2021.

Please, do bear with me.

Blessings+

Saturday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

 Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time (I), (25^th September, 2021) on the Gospel

(B.V.M on Saturday, Opt. Mem.)

 

Zech 2:5-9.14-15;

Jer 31:10-13. (R. v.10);

Lk 9:43-45.

Topic: As you rise.

Jesus came into the world to save the world, cf. Jn 3:17. 12:47. In the words of Saint Paul, “...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1Tim 1:15). This mission He was to accomplish through His death on the cross, cf. Rom 5:10; Eph 2:16.

In today’s gospel, “While everyone was amazed at all that he [Jesus] was doing, he said to his disciples, ‘Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands.’” In other words, asking them to concentrate on the mission.

We are in this world for a mission. But the tendency of forgetting our mission seems to rise as we rise. We are admonished, “You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth” (Deut 8:18a). The Psalmist warns, “...if riches increase, set not your heart on them” (Ps 62:10). This is because, “...the wise die, the fool and the stupid alike must perish and leave their wealth to others” (Ps 49:10). Note, “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money; nor he who loves wealth, with gain” (Eccl 5:10).

Every increment comes with corresponding responsibility, cf. Eccl 5:11. However, not all who do everything possible to rise are ready for the corresponding responsibility. As you rise, do not lose your mission because it is based on the fulfilment of your mission that you shall be rewarded. How far do you fulfil yours?

Bible Reading: Ps 49:1-20. 52:1-9.

Thought for today: Every level has corresponding responsibility.

Let us pray: Lord, assist us in fulfilling all you required of us – Amen.

For more homilies (reflections):

Visit our website: www.thepulpitonline.com

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline

Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313

Send us Email: thepulpitonline@gmail.com

 

To Contact and/or to support this ministry:

Tel: +234 813 305 0302

Email: thepulpitonline@gmail.com

May God bless you all+

Friday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

 Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (24^th September, 2021) on the Gospel

 

Hagg 2:1-9;

Ps 42:1-4. (R. cf. v.5);

Lk 9:18-22.

Topic: Knowing Jesus.

In today’s gospel Jesus asked His disciples while praying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They thought He was John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the ancient prophets. He asked further, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter replied, “The Messiah of God.” He also foretold His death and resurrection.

The timing of these questions (when Jesus was praying), says a lot about their necessity. Jesus came that we may have life in abundance, cf. Jn 10:10. However, believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God is the key, cf. Jn 20:31. The letter to the Hebrews reads, “...without faith it is impossible to please him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Heb 11:6).

Believing in God only needs our cooperation; “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him” (Jn 6:44). We ought to beseech God earnestly to draw us to Himself.

Bible Reading: Heb 11:4-7.

Thought for today: Who is Jesus?

Let us pray: God, draw us to yourself that we may believe in you – Amen.

For more homilies (reflections):

Visit our website: www.thepulpitonline.com

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline

Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313

Send us Email: thepulpitonline@gmail.com

 

To Contact and/or to support this ministry:

Tel: +234 813 305 0302

Email: thepulpitonline@gmail.com

May God bless you all+

Memorial of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, P.

 

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, P., (23^rd September, 2021) on the Gospel and the Memorial

 

Hag 1:1-8;

Ps 149:1-6.9. (R.v.4);

Lk 9:7-9.

Saint Pio of Pietrelcina also known as Saint Padre Pio was born in Pietrelcina, Italy on 25^th May, 1887 as Francesco Forgione. His parents were both very religious and also very poor. As a result of this, he took up a job which affected his studies negatively. He took the name Pius (Pio) when he joined the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. Saint Pio was ordained in 1910 and was allowed to remain at home because of his poor health. He received the gift of stigmata on September 20, 1916 while hearing confessions. Saint Pio was known for his piety, charity and the quality of his preaching. He prophesied in 1947 that Fr. Karol Wojtyla who visited him would become a pope which fulfilled in 1978. He died in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy on 23^rd September, 1968. Pope Saint John Paul II beatified him in 1999 and also canonized him on 16^th June, 2002. He is the patron saint of civil defence volunteers, adolescents, and the village of Pietrelcina.[1]

Topic: Hurt not.

When Herod heard about Jesus, he was perplexed because some said that John had been raised from the dead. Herod wondered because he beheaded John.

The book of Proverbs reads, “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Prov 15:3). And He will repay everyone according to their deeds, cf. Matt 16:27; Rev 22:12.

Herod’s worry confirmed God’s words, “There is no peace...for the wicked” (Is 48:22; cf. Is 57:21; Gen 50:15). God threatened to send curses, confusion, and frustration upon the wicked, and in all they undertake until they are destroyed and perish on account of the evil they do, cf. Deut 28:20.

We must wash ourselves; make ourselves clean; remove the evil of our doings and cease to do evil, cf. Is 1:16. Our life is like a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes, cf. Jas 4:14. The book of Proverbs rightly warns, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Prov 27:1). We conclude with these words: Hurt not today that you may have peace tomorrow.

Bible Reading: Jas 4:13-17.

Thought for today: Prepare a peaceful tomorrow.

Let us pray: God, give us a heart of flesh to love you and our neighbours – Amen.

Saint Pio of Pietrelcina – Pray for us.

For more homilies (reflections):

Visit our website: www.thepulpitonline.com

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline

Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313

Send us Email: thepulpitonline@gmail.com

 

To Contact and/or to support this ministry:

Tel: +234 813 305 0302

Email: thepulpitonline@gmail.com

May God bless you all+

---

[1] http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=311

Wednesday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

 Homily (Reflection) for Wednesday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (22^nd September, 2021) on the Gospel

 

Ezra 9:5-9;

Tob 13:2.4.6-8. (R.v.1);

Lk 9:1-6.

Topic: Call to duty.

In today’s gospel Jesus sent the twelve out with the authority over the unclean spirits. He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money – not even an extra tunic” (Lk 9:3). They should stay in any house where they are welcomed until they leave the place and should shake off the dust on their feet while leaving the place where they are not welcomed. The twelve preached the good news and also cured the diseased.

Considering Jesus’ instruction to the twelve it looks as if God was about to repeat what He did during the Israelites’ journey to the promised land; they spent forty years in the wilderness yet their clothes did not worn out, and their sandals did not worn off their feet; cf. Deut 29:5. He also provided bread, meat, and water for them all through their journey, cf. Ex 15:23-25; 16:4, 10-15, 21, 35; 17:2-6. Otherwise, how could they survive?

In a parallel passage, there is a clue to how Jesus wanted them to survive: labourers deserve their food (Matt 10:10). And in Luke, Jesus sheds more light, “Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourer deserves to be paid.... eat what is set before you” (Lk 10:7,8).

Jesus is telling us in today’s gospel that we all have our respective tasks with regard to the spreading of the gospel. The faithful is to provide for their ministers. If ministers of God leave their work in search of bread, bag, money, tunics and so on surely they will find these but not without inflicting serious injuries to the souls they are to pasture. Simply put, souls will be lost. And dearest ministers of God remember Pauline maxim, “If anyone will not work, let him not eat” (2Thess 3:10).

Bible Reading: 2Thess 3:6-15.

Thought for today: You have a role in the spreading of the gospel.

Let us pray: Lord, help every one of us to do our parts in your vineyard so that the gospel will continue to spread to the ends of the earth – Amen.

For more homilies (reflections):

Visit our website: www.thepulpitonline.com

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline

Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313

Send us Email: thepulpitonline@gmail.com

 

To Contact and/or to support this ministry:

Tel: +234 813 305 0302

Email: thepulpitonline@gmail.com

May God bless you all+

Announcements

 

Dear brothers and sisters,

Because of the circumstances beyond my control,

I will be off for sometime starting from Monday, 27^th September, 2021.

Please, do bear with me.

Blessings+

Feast of Saint Matthew, Ap.

 Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of Saint Matthew, Ap. Evang. (21^st September, 2021) on the Gospel and the Feast

 

Eph 4:1-7.11-13;

Ps 18:2-5. (R.v.5);

Matt 9:9-13.

Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, is believed to be same as Levi recorded by Mark and Luke, cf. Mk 2:14; Lk 5:27. He was son of Alphaeus, cf. Mk 2:14. Matthew was a tax collector, cf. Matt 9:9; Mk 2:14; Lk 5:27. He was listed among the apostles, cf. Matt 10:3; Mk 3:18; Lk 6:15; Acts 1:13. Matthew wrote one of the gospels and is the patron Saint of Accountants, Actors, Bankers, Bookkeepers, Tax collectors, and Taxi Drivers.

Topic: Really well?

Jesus saw Matthew in today’s gospel sitting at the tax booth and said to him, “Follow me.” He got up and followed Him. At a dinner in his house, Jesus sat among many tax collectors and sinners.

The Pharisees complained against Jesus dinning and winning with tax collectors and other sinners because they judged themselves righteous. This pharisaic attitude continues till today. Many categorise themselves as righteous under different names.

How can we explain passages like: “Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins” (Eccl 7:20). Saint John also asserted, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1Jn 1:8). Again, Jesus’ command to continually pray for the forgiveness of our sins, cf. Matt 6:12; Lk 11:4.

Jesus replied them in part, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” By implication, those with pharisaic mentality do not look for Jesus. It requires great humility to admit one’s faults. Anyone who cannot admit his/her sins cannot pray, cf. Lk 18:9-14.

One’s inability to acknowledge his/her sinfulness retains one’s guilt, cf. Jn 9:41. Like the Jews, many who read the bible refused to come to Jesus to have life, cf. Jn 5:39-40. Jesus does not cast out anyone who comes to Him, cf. Jn 6:37.

Matthew followed Jesus when He called him because he acknowledged he was a sinner. And Saint Paul judged himself the worst of sinners, 1Tim 1:15. I confess that I am worse than all and ask God to have mercy on me, cf. Lk 18:13. What about you?

Bible Reading: 1Jn 1:5-10.

Thought for today: Who are you?

Let us pray: God, be merciful to me a sinner – Amen (cf. Lk 18:13).

Saint Matthew the Evangelist – Pray for us.

For more homilies (reflections):

Visit our website: www.thepulpitonline.com

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline

Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313

Send us Email: thepulpitonline@gmail.com

 

To Contact and/or to support this ministry:

Tel: +234 813 305 0302

Email: thepulpitonline@gmail.com

May God bless you all+

Memorial of Saint Andrew Kim Taegon & Comps., MM.

 

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Andrew Kim Taegon & Comps., MM., (20^th September, 2021) on the Gospel and the Memorial

 

Ezra 1:1-6;

Ps 125. (R. v.3);

Lk 8:16-18.

The evangelization of Korea began during the 17^th century through a group of lay persons. A strong vital Christian community flourished there under lay leadership until missionaries arrived from the Paris Foreign Mission Society. During the terrible persecutions that occurred between 1839 and 1867, one hundred and three members of the Christian community gave their lives as martyrs. They include a few bishops and priests, but for the most part lay people. Outstanding among these witnesses to the faith were the first Korean priest and pastor, Andrew Kim Taegon, and the lay apostle, Paul Chong Hasang. Pope Saint John Paul II, during his trip to Korea, canonized these martyrs on May 6, 1984.[1]

Topic: Your stuff.

Jesus said in today’s gospel, “No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light.” He also cautions, “...to those who have, more will be given; and from those who do not have, even what they seem to have will be taken away.” These words call for sober reflection on who we are.

Often we consider ourselves terribly helpless before both real and imaginary forces. We tend to forget that God created all things, and by His will we exist and are created, cf. Rev 4:11. God created us in His image and likeness, cf. Gen 1:26-27.5:1; Jas 3:9. And “everything created by God is good” (1Tim 4:4).

The stuff we are made of is by no means inferior and are made by the Master Himself. Whatever we are is what God has made us to be and His intention for us is to do good works, cf. Eph 2:10.

Before whatever that stands on our way, “...we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Rom 8:37). We must remember always God’s response to Saint Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2Cor 12:9a). Never feel inferior because you are not. Borrowing the words of Saint Paul, we can do all things in Him who strengthens us, cf. Phil 4:13. To live fully so that others might see the light that we are, we must wake up from our slumber.

Bible Readings: Eph 2:1-10.

Thought for today: You are of superior by superior to be superior.

Let us pray: May God assist us to live our lives fully for His greater glory and for our happiness – Amen.

Saint Andrew Kim Taegon & Companions – Pray for us.

For more homilies (reflections):

Visit our website: www.thepulpitonline.com

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline

Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313

Send us Email: thepulpitonline@gmail.com

 

To Contact and/or to support this ministry:

Tel: +234 813 305 0302

Email: thepulpitonline@gmail.com

May God bless you all+

---

[1] http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=20

Twenty-Fifth Sunday of the Year (B)

 Homily (Reflection) for the Twenty-Fifth Sunday of the Year (B) (19^th September, 2021) on the Gospel

 

Wis 2:12.17-20;

Ps 53:3-6.8 (R. V. 6);

Jas 3:16–4:3;

Mk 9:30-37.

In the company of a nobleman, Nasruddin visited the public bath. Once there, the nobleman jokingly asked Nasruddin, ‘If I were a slave, what would be a reasonable price for me?’

Responded Nasruddin: ‘Only 50 dinars.’

The nobleman angrily told him, ‘why, my bathing cloth costs 50 dinars!’

Nasruddin retorted: ‘Oh, that’s exactly what I told you – the price of your bathing cloth! Because, a nobleman has no value!’ Culled from Sagayanathan, A. (2009). Launching Pad: Stories for Sunday Homilies, Year – A, B & C. Bangalore: Asian Trading Corporation, p. 218.

Topic: Set priorities right.

In today’s gospel, Jesus began to reveal to His disciples the hard truth that “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again” (Mk 9:31). The gospel goes further, “But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him” (Mk 9:32).

Despite the fact that the gospel explicitly stated Jesus’ intention for the twelve: “And he appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message, and to have authority to cast out demons” (Mk 3:14-15), in their ignorance, they “argued with one another who was the greatest” (Mk 9:34). And this is quite contrary to Jesus’ intention for them, cf. Mk 10:41-45; Matt 20:24-28.

On our call as Christians, Saint Peter wrote, “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). He went on, “Once you were no people but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy but now you have received mercy” (1Pt 2:10). And in the gospel according to Saint John we read that “... to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God” (Jn 1:12). Saint John also wrote, “By this it may be seen who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not do right is not of God, nor he who does not love his brother” (1Jn 3:10). Earlier in the Book of Deuteronomy we read, “... what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deut 10:12). Similarly, in prophet Micah we also read, “He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Mic 6:8).

Juxtaposing the call of the apostles and their behaviour in today’s gospel on one side and our own call and our behaviour today on the other, are we better off? Through the prophet Hosea God complains, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” (Hos 4:6). Being a priest in this contest is not limited to the ministerial priests. Every baptised is a priest as already cited, cf. 1Pt 2:9. Through the prophet Jeremiah God also complains, “For my people are foolish, they know me not; they are stupid children, they have no understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but how to do good they know not” (Jer 4:22).

Dear friends in the Lord, God is embittered because of our wickedness, injustice, hatred, selfishness, faithlessness, and so on through which we have disorganized the world, cf. Gen 6:5-8. Just like the apostles who were ignorantly arguing over who was the greatest, what bothers us today is not our inability to do the will of God but the things we expect from God. Remember that for Nasruddin, the value of the nobleman in the slave market is just his bathing cloth. In like manner, God does not worth more than one of the channels we look for husbands, wives, children, wealth, protection, good health, longevity, power, breakthrough, connections, employment, and so on? We rarely see God as our Father who teaches us. And the relationships between ourselves seem to be worst. Most often we see the other just as a means to what we want. However, we ought to “... be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Phil 2:15).

Bible Reading: Jer 4:1-4; Jn 1:1-13; Phil 2:12-17; Mk 10:35-45; 1Jn 3:1-24.

Thought for today: Reflect briefly on why you search for God and again why you keep relationships including your marriage.

Let us Pray: God, our Father, give us the grace to follow you always as our Father, our Lord, and our Master. And may we also respect the dignity of others always – Amen.

For more homilies (reflections):

Visit our website: www.thepulpitonline.com

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline

Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313

Send us Email: thepulpitonline@gmail.com

 

To Contact and/or to support this ministry:

Tel: +234 813 305 0302

Email: thepulpitonline@gmail.com

May God bless you all+

Saturday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

 Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (18^th September, 2021) on the Gospel

(B.V.M on Saturday, Opt. Mem)

 

1Tim 6:13-16;

Ps 99. (R.v.2);

Lk 8:4-15.

Topic: Clear the ground.

Today’s gospel covers the parable of the sower (Lk 8:4-8), its purpose (Lk 8:9-10), and its explanation (Lk 8:11-15).

As a sower sowed his seed, some fell on the path where they were trampled on, and the birds ate them up. The ones on the rock withered for lack of moisture. Those among thorns were choked. Only the seeds in good soil produced a hundredfold. Jesus warns, “Let anyone with ears to hear listen!”

The seed is the word of God. Seeds on the path are those the devil takes away the word from their hearts lest they believe and be saved. The ones on the rock are those in whom the word has no root though they received it with joy. They do not stand trials. The seeds among thorns are those the word they received is choked. And the seeds in good soil are those “when they hear the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance.”

Whenever we hear or read God’s word, possibilities abounds. Their producing fruits or not is based mainly on us. Some who are aware of this only pray and wait for miracle. Praying is good but no one can fly with prayer alone. Prayer needs work and vice versa, cf. Jas 2:17, 26. The words of our prayer must be in tandem with our works.

Bible Reading: Eph 4:25 – 5:2; Jas 4:7-10.

Thought for today: Are you a path, a rocky, a thorny or a good soil?

Let us pray: God, help us make our hearts habitable for your word – Amen.

For more homilies (reflections):

Visit our website: www.thepulpitonline.com;

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline;

Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313;

Send us Email: thepulpitonline@gmail.com

 

To Contact and/or to support this ministry:

Tel: +234 813 305 0302;

       Email: thepulpitonline@gmail.com.

May God bless you all+

Friday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time (I)

 Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (17^th September, 2021) on the Gospel

 

1Tim 6:2-12;

Ps 48:6-10.17-20. (R. Matt 5:3);

Lk 8:1-3.

Topic: Part of the Church.

Jesus went through cities and villages proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. He was accompanied by the twelve and some women.

Recall that when Jesus met Peter, Andrew, James, and John, they were fishermen. He said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” They all left everything and followed Him, cf. Matt 4:19,21. 19:27; Mk 1:17,20. 10:28; Lk 5:10b-11. 18:28. Saint Mark summarized the purpose of the twelve in these words, “...he appointed twelve ... to be with him, and to be sent out to preach, cf. Mk 3:14.

The women who accompanied Jesus in today’s gospel were cured of evil spirits and infirmities. On their part, they provided for Jesus and His apostles.

Saint Paul describes the Church as a body, cf. 1Cor 12:12-13. Every part has specific function/s, cf. 1Cor 12:17-19. We are all members of His body, cf. Eph 5:30. And we all have functions. No healthy part of a body is functionless. Do you perform your function as a member of the church?

Bible Reading: 1Cor 12:12-31.

Thought for today: You have responsibilities.

Let us pray: God help us always to be conscious that we are parts of the Church and to do our duties well – Amen.

For more homilies (reflections):

Visit our website: www.thepulpitonline.com;

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline;

Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313;

Send us Email: thepulpitonline@gmail.com

 

To Contact and/or to support this ministry:

Tel: +234 813 305 0302;

       Email: thepulpitonline@gmail.com.

May God bless you all+