Walk in the Spirit May 2016 by Pubuduwa

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WALK IN THE SPIRIT May 2016 Volume 05 Issue 15

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!""

ISSN 1391-5967

Publication: Fr. Siri Oscar Abayaratne Kithu Dana Pubuduwa

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

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SHARING ON PRAYER May 2016

“The Lord is with you.” He is with the Blessed Mother. He is with me too and we with Him. There are different degrees of being with the Lord or for that matter with anyone. The Blessed Mother was with Him and He with her. She was with Jesus while in the womb. Then in proximate intimacy at Nazareth while Jesus was yet a child. The degree of intimacy would have matured as the days went by. I join her in the journey to the Cross – a journey of intimacy that is at the deepest, sans consolation, warm feelings or effusive expressions of love. We have it all here: Prayer, union and even contemplation, at its best. Blessed are you Mother and those who were your companions at the foot of the Cross. Fr. Siri Oscar Abayaratne

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Sunday 1st May 2016

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Acts: 15/1-2, 22-29 Psalm: 67/1-2, 4-5, 7 Revelation: 21/10-14, 22-23 John: 14/23-29 Introduction Today we are proceeding further into what the Lord Jesus Christ won for us by His suffering, death and resurrection. Last Sunday we spoke about salvation. We are asked to look at another aspect of this salvation; freedom and peace. Sometimes we are physically free, able to move from one place to another, but there are many other things which restrict and confine us. They are the restrictions coming from within ourselves acquired from society. They place restrictions on what we eat, drink and wear. They tie us down to age old traditions and rituals which have long lost their value and meaning. The good news is that the Lord has set us free from all these. The Entrance Antiphon sets the stage for us to absorb the good news coming to us through the proclamations of today. The Entrance Antiphon Speak out with a voice of joy; let it be heard to the ends of the earth. The Lord has set His people free. Alleluia The Gospel Proclamation Jesus answered and said to him, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me. “I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name – he will teach

you everything and remind you of all that (I) told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe. Gaze at Jesus Jesus who experienced the love of the Father while still being True Man is announcing that God’s love can be experienced in the same way by you and me by loving Jesus. He is offering us the experience of the PRESENCE of the Father as One who dwells within us. He is offering us the PEACE that He experienced even while in the throes of severe agony. Let us gaze at the eagerness in His whole manner as He is offering us all this. He is offering us the experience of true and lasting freedom and peace that can come only with the presence of the Author of all creation with you, in you and for you. He assures us without doubt that it is going to happen and asks us to wait for it. The First Proclamation Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the mosaic practice, you cannot be saved.” Because there arose no little dissension and debate by Paul and Barnabas with them, it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and presbyters about this question. Then the apostles and presbyters, in agreement with the whole church, decided to choose representatives and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas …. This is the let-

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

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ter delivered by them: “The apostles and the presbyters, your brothers, to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia of Gentile origin: greetings. Since we have heard that some of our number (who went out) without any mandate from us have upset you with their teachings and disturbed your peace of mind, we have with one accord decided to choose representatives and to send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, who have dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. So we are sending Judas and Silas who will also convey this same message by word of mouth: ‘It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities, …. If you keep free of these, you will be doing what is right. Farewell.’ Prayerful Awareness The early church which began amongst the Jewish community had to grapple with the problem of the criteria for belonging when the Gentiles began to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Naturally the Jews who had an identity that they were proud of tried with all genuineness to make the new converts accept their cultural norms as part and parcel of being followers of Jesus Christ. But Paul and Barnabas had witnessed how the Holy Spirit came down upon Gentiles who accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord. At their insistence the Christians were saved from becoming another Jewish cultural sect. The reference point of discernment of what is right and wrong became the receiving of the Holy Spirit rather than cultural norms. The Second Proclamation He took me in spirit to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. It gleamed with the splendor of God. Its radiance was like that of a precious stone, …. It had a massive, high wall, with twelve gates where twelve angels were stationed

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and on which names were inscribed, (the names) of the twelve tribes of the Israelites. There were three gates facing East, three North, three South and three West. The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation, on which were inscribed the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.. I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb. The city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gave it light, and its lamp was the Lamb. Our sonship The goal which we all yearn for in our endeavors is a state of freedom and peace amongst all humankind. The revelation given to John is what we desire which will be ultimately a gift given from above. In a mysterious way the ultimate state we are to receive is already here in sacramental form but not fully established. We as Christians are called to live in this now and the not yet reality The Christian families, the Christian communities at different levels all have the same vocation, to bear witness to what will be at the end of time in the present times. Prayer Starter Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me, mould me, fill me, use me, Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us Spirit of the living God fall afresh on us. Melt us, mold us, fill us, use us, Spirit of the living God, full afresh on us.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Monday 2nd May 2016 St. Athanasius, Bishop & Doctor Acts: 16/11-15 Psalm: 149/1-6, 9 John: 15/26-16/4 The First Proclamation Sailing from Troas we made a straight run for Samothrace; the next day for Neapolis, and from there for Philippi, a Roman colony and the principal city of that district of Macedonia. After a few days in this city we went outside the gates beside a river as it was the Sabbath and this was a customary place for prayer. We sat down and preached to the women who had come to the meeting. One of these women was called Lydia, a woman from the town of Thyatira who was in the purple-dye trade, and who revered God. She listened to us, and the Lord opened her heart to accept what Paul was saying. After she and her household had been baptised she kept urging us, 'If you judge me a true believer in the Lord,' she said, 'come and stay with us.' And she would take no refusal. When the Paraclete comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who issues from the Father, he will be my witness. And you too will be witnesses... I have told you all this so that you may not fall away. They will expel you from the synagogues, and indeed the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is doing a holy service to God...they have never known either the Father or me. But I have told you all this, so that when the time for it comes you may remember that I told you. Fix your gaze on Jesus Thank you Abba Father for coming to me through your blessed son and his witnesses....I am truly blessed! Unmerited grace......could we ever be grateful enough? Let's identify with the Lady Lydia. Do travel along on this virtual journey of dis-

covery.... I search for peace, for solace in prayer and in unity with the other; the others who gather there-for are so diverse and interesting, their experiences valued lessons in life for me. Some experiences at first hearing appear to be dull or atrocious, but on closer examination contain aspects that vivify life in its diversity and glory. I enjoy being of service to the community at large earning my keep in the purpledye trade. I know that my contributions go some way to make life taste better for my fellow travellers, and the fruit of my labour keeps body and soul together for the duration of this learning expedition. Today we met up with this person in flowing robes with a bushy moustache and flaming red hair at the prayer place. He is called Paul of Tarsus, and he is a very gifted orator. Paul's discourse makes my life appear so much of a gift; that the Creator God deigned to think of me as a person from amongst the uncountable other lives; and that my name is written indelibly up in his palm; would you dream that! That he wanted to come closer to me and therefore became man, and then gave up his life to the last drop of blood to prove his love for me, to save me from my incompleteness, my feelings of want, loneliness, unworthiness, misery and sin! That we have been granted a Paraclete, the complete Whole Holy Spirit of God, who will stay with us constantly being witness to the God and the Son who resides with us loving us and making us complete, together with All That Is, totally worthy and joyful! Is this not Good News indeed! I want to enter in to this more. I am going to take Paul home; spend more time with him to listen to the Good News! Will not take NO for an answer! Prayer Starter Thank you Lord for the Good News....I shall take the time to taste the Good News daily...

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

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Tuesday 3rd May 2016

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j k ao k d u ek j Z Z

Sts. Philip and James, Apostles

1 Corinthians: 15/1-8 Psalm: 19/1-4 John: 14/6-14 The First Proclamation Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you - unless you have come to believe in vain. For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received : that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. .... Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least f the apostles, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain. .... The Gospel Proclamation Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show me the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you, I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father

and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly I tell you, the one who believes in me also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it. Prayerful Awareness Jesus on the eve of His physical departure from this world, tries His best to teach His disciples some important issues in a most loving manner as a loving Father does to his children. They were not fully aware of Jesus’ Father and now they are facing this problem. Although Jesus had told His disciples that He came to this world in order to perform the Will of Father God, they were not fully aware and did not understand about Father God. Therefore, Jesus sees the need to speak to them to build up their confidence. Jesus goes on to say very specifically that He is in His Father and the Father is in Him. He who has seen Him has seen the Father and therefore the apostles have seen the Father. Also, Jesus says He is the Way because there is no other way to reach the Father except through Him. He is the Truth which confers real knowledge leading to liberation from sin. He is the Life, giving light to the world and leading us to everlasting life with the Father, thus emphasizing His oneness with the Father. Prayer Starter Thank You Father God for giving us Your Son Jesus. Although He is departing let us always be awake to His loving presence and experience His love throughout our lives. Help us Lord to welcome the Holy Spirit always as You promised us. May the Holy Spirit dwell in us and empower us in all our activities. Amen.towards you; to Love you....

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Wednesday 4th May 2016 Acts: 17/15, 22-18:1 Psalm: 148/1-2, 11-14 John: 16/12-15 The First Proclamation .... Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, "Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, "To an unknown god'. What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him though indeed he is not far from each one of us. For 'In him we live and move and have our being', as even some of your own poets have said..... The Gospel Proclamation "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Sprit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you."

Prayerful Awareness John's Gospel is a powerful argument for the Incarnation, a conclusive demonstration that Jesus WAS and IS the very heaven-sent SON of God and the ONLY source of ETERNAL LIFE. John the devoted follower of Christ has given us a personal look at Jesus. Through God's Holy Spirit we are drawn to Him in Faith. We must know the Holy Spirit to understand ALL Jesus taught. We can experience Jesus' LOVE and guidance as we allow the Holy Spirit to do His WORK in us. Jesus in His last moments with His disciples ASSURED them that they would not be LEFT ALONE, but that the Holy Spirit would COME to COMFORT, TEACH them the TRUTH and HELP. The TRUTH to which the Holy Spirit guides us, is the truth about CHRIST and helps us through patient PRACTICE to discern RIGHT from WRONG. Jesus said the Holy Spirit would tell "What is yet to come"- the nature of their mission the opposition they would face and final outcome of their efforts. They did not fully understand these PROMISES, until the Holy Spirit CAME after Jesus' death and resurrection. Then the Holy Spirit revealed the truths to the disciples, that they wrote down in the books that now form the NEW TESTAMENT. Prayer Starter We thank You Abba Father, for the power of the Holy Spirit Who lives inside every believer, giving hope, steering towards spiritual truth and pouring out God's love in our hearts.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

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uu k ui al dr l =u la±h s

T nj yk a f i ag l rñ' wK l<

j k ao k d u ek j Z Z

Thursday 5th May 2016 Acts: 18/1-8 Psalm:98/1-4 John: 16/16-20 Introduction Let us read today’s Proclamations meditatively where the central theme is that if we persevere in our faith and good deeds, our pain and sorrow will eventually turn to joy. Gospel Proclamation “In a short time you will no longer see me, and then a short time later you will see me again.” Then some of his disciples said to one another, ‘What does he mean, “In a short time you will no longer see me, and then a short time later you will see me again,” and, “I am going to the Father”? What is this “short time”? We don’t know what he means.’ Jesus knew that they wanted to question him, so he said, .....” ‘In all truth I tell you, you will be weeping and wailing while the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy. Prayerful Awareness Towards the end of His Ministry on earth, our Lord Jesus Christ did His best to prepare His followers to accept the fact that His mission on earth was to offer His life as a sacrifice as atonement for the collective sin of humankind in order to restore to man the ability to be sons and daughters of Almighty God, our Abba Father, through Him, with Him, and in Him! In order to accomplish this He had to undergo intense suffering and pain, meet with a most agonizing and cruel form of death, and be resurrected by the merciful Abba Father who restored Him to His former glory, and set Him above all names, and above all thrones! Today’s Gospel Proclamation describes one such instance where the Lord Jesus attempts to tell His disciples of His

impending death which will lead to weeping and wailing for those who loved Him, whereas it will be a time of rejoicing for those who hated Him. He however goes on to say that the sorrow of His followers will turn to joy, hinting at His resurrection/ victory over death, whereby we are empowered / enabled to boldly say, “oh death, where is thy victory? Where is thy sting?” Isn’t this Good News? For us Christians there is always hope that our sorrows will turn to joy both in this world, and in the world to come, if we persevere in faith and good deeds, being faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ and Abba Father! In the First Proclamation, we read of Saint Paul’s efforts at preaching the Good News to the Jews in Corinth. When they turned against him and started to insult him, he took the cloak and shook it out in front of them, saying ‘Your blood be on your own heads; from now on I will go to the gentiles with a clear conscience.’ Then he left the synagogue and moved to the house next door that belonged to a worshipper of God called Justus. Crispus, president of the synagogue, and his whole household, all became believers in the Lord. Many Corinthians when they heard this became believers and were baptised.’ Thus we see by persevering in his commitment to spread the Good News, Saint Paul’s sorrow turned to joy! Also, salvation was thus extended to encompass all, according to God’s Will. Song of Praise (Psalm 98:1-4) Sing a new song to Yahweh, for he has performed wonders, his saving power is in his right hand and his holy arm. Yahweh has made known his saving power, revealed his saving justice for the nations to see, mindful of his faithful love and his constancy to the House of Israel. The whole wide world has seen the saving power of our God. Acclaim Yahweh, all the earth, burst into shouts of joy!

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Friday 6th May 2016 Acts: 18/9-18 Psalm: 47/1-6 John: 16/20-23 The First Proclamation One night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, "Do not be afraid, to speak and do not be silent for I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to harm you, for there are many in this city who are my people. He stayed there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal. They said, "This man is persuading people to worship God by ways that are contrary to the law. Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of crime or serious villainy, I would be justified in accepting the complain of you Jews, but since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I do not wish to be a judge of these matters. And he dismissed them from the tribunal. .... The Gospel Proclamation Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy. When a woman is in labor, she has pain, because her hour has come. But when her child is born, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy of having brought a human being into the world. So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. On that day you will ask nothing of me. Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my

name, he will give it to you. Prayerful Awareness Jesus has come to the tail end of His stay on earth. He was thinking about His death and crucifixion. He knew that His disciples would undergo much turbulence as a result of His death. But Jesus was also thinking of the aftermath of His death, when the Holy Spirit would be poured out upon his disciples. Then, they would come to experience joy - "Your grief will become joy." (vs. 20) Jesus tries to explain this experience to His disciples, through a parable of a woman who is going to deliver a baby. (vs. 21) According to Johanne theology, the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the earth, took place, at the death of Jesus on the cross - "When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, "It is finished". And bowing His head, He handed over the spirit." (vs. 30) Yes, the Holy Spirit was conferred upon the small Christian community, who were at the foot of the cross. And it is significant that the Blessed Virgin Mary was present with the community, at this moment of conferring of the Holy Spirit. It may be recalled, that at every instance, the conferment of the Holy Spirit took place, the New Testament era, the Blessed Mother was present (Luke 1:41; Acts 2:1-4). It is a coincidence or is it a requirement? Let us reflect. Prayer Starter Come Holy Spirit I need Thee Come, sweet Spirit I pray, Come, in Thy strength and Thy power Come, in Thy own special way

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

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j k ao k d u ek j Z Z

Saturday 7th May 2016 Feast of St. John of Beverley, Bishop, Confesor Acts: 18/23-28 Psalm: 47/1-3, 8-9 John: 16/23-28 St. John of Beverley He was a native of Yorkshire, England and was educated at Canterbury. later he joined the Benedictines at Whitly. He was consecrated Bishop of Hecham and in 705 made Archbishop of York. He sensed his death to be near and retired to Beverley Monastery which he had founded. He went out of his way to be kind to all. He generously provided for the poor and unfortunate. He was a gifted preacher and was famous for the careful attention he paid to the training of the younger clergy. Died - May 07, 721. The Gospel Proclamation On that day you will ask nothing of me. Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive so that your joy may be complete. "I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures, but will tell you plainly of the Father. On that day you will ask in my name. I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world; again I am leaving the world and am going to the Father. Prayerful Awareness Here we see Jesus unveil the truth, i.e. He speaks clearly of God as His Father and the cross is the way back to the Father and it is not a criminal's death for Him. He came from God and is going back to Him. How do we look at God? When we read the Old Testa-

ment we tend to get the idea of God as an angry God, bent on taking revenge and harbouring anger. But what did Jesus do? He presented God as love. "Whoever does not love, does not know God, for God is love." (1 John 4:8). Jesus presented God in a way that seems to mean that He changed the attitude of the Father to mankind - not a God of judgement but a God of love. He came into the world not because the Father hated the world, but He so loved the world. This final stage closely linked to the fact, that is, to His descent from heaven in to Incarnation. Only the One who "came from the Father" can return to the Father: Christ Jesus. "No one has ascended into heaven but He who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. Left to its own natural powers humanity does not have access to the "Father's house", to God's life and happiness. Only Christ can open to man such access that we, His members, might have confidence that we too shall go where He, our Head and our Source has preceded us. (C.C.C. 661) In the First Proclamation, we have Apollo's experience in Ephesus. He was useful in convincing the Jews. He could find reference to Christ in the Old Testament and prove to them that the Old Testament looked forward to Christ's coming. He knew the Baptism of John. He must have seen the need for repentance and recognized Jesus as the Messiah but not as the Savior of all people and of the coming of the Holy Spirit in power. He knew of the task Jesus lay before all men but not of the help Jesus gave them. When Appolos came to know of the power of the Holy Spirit his preaching must have been increased dramatically. Prayer Starter O Holy Spirit increase our faith and help us preach without preaching. Amen.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Sunday 8th May 2016 Seventh Sunday of Easter, Ascension of the Lord Acts: 1/1-11 Psalm: 47/1-2, 5-8 Hebrews: 9/24-28; 10/19-23 Luke:24/46-53 Introduction We could say that the day that the disciples of Jesus dreaded had come. The day that their Lord and Master would leave them. We know the feelings when someone close to us leaves us even temporarily. But Jesus’ leaving the disciples had two things which were different. One was that Jesus made two promises before He left them. One to send another Paraclete to be with us and the second was the promise to come back at the end of time. The Entrance Antiphon taken from the first proclamation poses to us a pertinent question. What are we waiting for without getting on with the commission given us by Jesus before He was taken up? “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven. Alleluia” The First Proclamation In the first book, Theophilus, I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught until the day he was taken up, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for “the prom-

ise of the Father about which you have heard me speak; for John baptized with water; but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” When they had gathered together they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” … While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them .They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.” Prayerful Awareness It is clear that if God wanted He could have done what is necessary for the salvation of humankind all by Himself. But that is not the way of God. He seems to want man to take part in what He intends for the ultimate good of man. He wants us as active participants. Before He goes back to the Father He gave the following instructions: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” It is a commission which is not that simple. Jesus wishes that the disciples begin where they are (Jerusalem) and spread out to the neighboring regions of Judea, then to the Gentile regions

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

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uu k ui al dr l =u la±h s

of Samaria and then undertake the task of being witnesses to the ends of the earth. How does Jesus propose to equip them for this great task? The Gospel Proclamation

And he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And (behold) I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Then he led them (out) as far as Bethany, raised his hands and blessed them. As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven. They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God. Gaze at Jesus It is amazing indeed how Jesus was able to handover the task of completing His mission on earth to a group of disciples who seem not to understand head nor tail of what was expected of them and go back to His Father with such detachment. But on the other hand this detachment was the result of the trust He always had in Almighty God His Father who had promised to clothe them with power on high. The Second Proclamation May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of (your) hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory to his inheritance among the holy ones and what is the surpassing

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j k ao k d u ek j Z Z

greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might, which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens, far above every principality, authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way. Our Sonship This beautiful prayer of intercession of St. Paul should be enough to galvanize us into action without sitting around and waiting. We are to do something. ‘you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Clearly we are not to sit back and just let society and the culture around us rot. We are called to make society and the culture holy and we can do so by witnessing that we follow Christ. The Second Vatican Council (Vatican II) published 16 very important documents and one of the documents reminds us that the laity are called to make the world holy in ways which only the laity can. Now the laity are called in a special way to make the Church present and operative in those places and circumstances where only through them can it become the salt of the earth (Vatican II Lumen Gentium 836) Prayer Starter Here I am Lord Send me Lord I will go Lord Send me Lord, Send me Lord …

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Monday 9th May 2016 Acts: 19/1-8 Psalm: 68/1-6 John: 16/29-33 The First Proclamation It happened that while Apollos was in Corinth, Paul made his way overland as far as Ephesus, where he found a number of disciples. When he asked, 'Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?' they answered, 'No, we were never even told there was such a thing as a Holy Spirit.' He asked, 'Then how were you baptised?' They replied, 'With John's baptism.' Paul said, 'John's baptism was a baptism of repentance; but he insisted that the people should believe in the one who was to come after him -- namely Jesus.' When they heard this, they were baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus, and the moment Paul had laid hands on them the Holy Spirit came down on them,and they began to speak with tongues and to prophesy.... Fix your gaze on Jesus Thank you Lord Jesus for the gift of the Spirit of Truth you send us; we are now empowered to journey forward, towards becoming consciousness of who we truly are.... Paul found some persons who were religious at Ephesus, who were expectant of the Messianic arrival, been prepared by the teachings of John the Baptist. They were not apprised of the passion of the Lord nor led to expect the miraculous powers of the Holy Spirit, nor informed that the gospel was especially the ministration of the Spirit. But they were as prepared and ready to welcome it as anyone could ever be. Paul showed them that John did not intend for those he baptized to halt there, but were to believe on Him who comes after him, that is, on Christ

Jesus. They thankfully accepted the revelation, and were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. The Holy Spirit came upon them in a surprising, overpowering manner; they spoke with tongues, and prophesied, as the apostles and the first Gentile converts did. We do not nowadays expect miraculous powers, yet all who profess to be disciples of Christ, should be called on to examine whether they have received the seal of the Holy Spirit, in his sanctifying influences, to the sincerity of their faith. Many even today seem not to have heard that there is a Holy Spirit, and many deem all that is spoken concerning his graces and comforts, to be delusion. Is it now? Seriously? Of such it may be inquired, "Unto what, then, were ye baptized?" for they evidently know not the meaning of that outward sign (manifestation) on which this whole faith journey hinges on. Of what meaning are Jesus' promises then? Take for example 'These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world'. How are these promises to manifest in us except through the Spirit of Love? Our glorious martyrs clearly experienced this promise! Do we understand that the Divine nature we are infused with through the Spirit supports and extends our 'human' nature, and puts comfort and value into our (Christ's) sufferings? Prayer Starter Thanks be to the Lord, I am of course aware that the Spirit of Truth bestows power and freedom; that I am even now journeying towards being 'perfect even as our Father is'! I feel so good....

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

zz Y = o aOd; au hd f KkS" ud

hq; =

uu k ui al dr l =u laÂąh s

T nj yk a f i ag l rĂą' wK l<

j k ao k d u ek j Z Z

Tuesday 10th May 2016 Acts: 20/17-27 Psalm: 68/9-10,19-20 John: 17/1-11 The First Proclamation Please read Acts 20/17-27 meditatively. The Gospel Proclamation After Jesus had spoken these words he looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the gory that I had in your presence before the world existed. I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.

Gaze on Jesus Jesus is conscious and aware of the Father's call to make the Father known to all people which is eternal life and that His only Son was sent down on earth to glorify the Father by accomplishing the work given to Him. Lord Jesus Christ prays to His Father to protect all those who accepted the word for he says "I am not praying for the world but for those whom thou has given me. I am glorified in them and now I am no more in the world. Heavenly Father protect them and make them one as we are one." This was our Blessed Lord's prayer to His Father. Prayerful Awareness We read in the first proclamation of God's Love that Paul amidst trials and temptations carried out his mission without fear. He served the Lord with humility, tears and trials. Nothing deterred him from giving the Word of God. Paul a Pharisee and a convert was open to the Holy Spirit and faltered not, to give the Word of God even at Jerusalem for he says "Behold I am now going to Jerusalem bound in the Spirit not knowing what would befall me. I do not count my life of any value nor precious to me if I can accomplish the ministry given to me by Lord Jesus Christ." Thus he bore witness to the Lord Jesus Christ testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance to God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us pray to the Lord to help us to be true to our calling. Prayer Starter Lord, open my mouth to praise and thank Thee and to repent for all my sins. Thou hast no delight in sacrifices. It is a broken and a contrite heart that is pleasing to Him. The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken and a contrite heart. Amen.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Wednesday 11th May 2016 Acts: 20/28-38 Psalm: 68/28-29, 33-36 John: 17/11-19

lievers is a beautiful example of Christian fellowship. He had CARED for them and LOVED them, even CRIED over their needs. They responded with love and care for him and sorrow over his leaving. They had PRAYED TOThe First Proclamation GETHER and COMFORTED one anKeep watch over yourselves and other. Like Paul, we can build strong over all the flock, of which the Holy relationships with other Christians by Spirit has made you overseers, to shepSHARING, CARING, SORROWING, herd the church of God that he obtained with the blood of his own Son. I know REJOICING and PRAYING with one that after I have gone, savage wolves another. We will gather others around will come in among you, not sparing us only by giving ourselves to them. Paul was satisfied with whatever the flock. Some even from your own group will come distorting the truth he had, wherever he was, as long as in order to entice the disciples to fol- he could do God's work. Let us examlow them. Therefore, be alert, remem- ine our attitudes towards WEALTH bering that for three years I did not and COMFORT. If we focus more on cease night or day to warn everyone what we DON'T HAVE than on what with tears. And now I command you to we DO HAVE, it is time to re-examine God and to the message of his grace, a our priorities and put GOD'S WORK message that is able to build you up back in the FIRST PLACE. and to give you the inheritance among Paul was a tent-maker and he supall who are sanctified. I coveted no ported himself with the trade. Paul one's silver or gold or clothing. You know for yourselves that I worked with worked NOT in order to become RICH, my own hands to support myself and but to be free from being dependent my companions. In all this I have given on anyone. He supported himself and you an example that by such work we others who travelled with him. must support the weak, remembering Here, the words of Jesus are not the words of the Lord Jesus, for he recorded in the Gospels. Obviously, himself said, 'It is more blessed to give not all of Jesus' words were written than to receive.' down (John 21:26). This saying may When he had finished speaking have been passed on orally through he knelt down with them all and the apostles. prayed. There was much weeping Prayer Starter among them all; they embraced Paul Thank You Lord, for bringing toand kissed him, grieving especially because of what he had said, that they gether people of all tribes, tongues would not see him again. Then they and nations to be like-minded in brought him to the ship. Christ - to share a bond of love for Jesus, to build up Christian fellowPrayerful Awareness ship. Bind us together Lord! Paul's relationship with these be-

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

zz Y = o aOd; au hd f KkS" ud

hq; =

uu k ui al dr l =u la±h s

T nj yk a f i ag l rñ' wK l<

j k ao k d u ek j Z Z

Thursday 12th May 2016 Sts. Nereus, Achilleus, Pancras, Martyrs Acts: 22/30; 23/6-11 Psalm: 16/1-2, 5, 7-11 John: 17/20-26 Gospel Proclamation I pray not only for these but also for those who through their teaching will come to believe in me. May they all be one, just as, Father, you are in me and I am in you, so that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe it was you who sent me. I have given them the glory you gave to me, that they may be one as we are one. With me in them and you in me, may they be so perfected in unity that the world will recognise that it was you who sent me and that you have loved them as you have loved me. ....... Prayerful Awareness Let us meditate on the above beautiful prayer of our Lord Jesus Christ to Abba Father on the eve of His Passion and painful death on the cross, armed with the faith in His Resurrection as foretold in the Psalm below, whereby He prays for His close knit group of Apostles and Disciples, and also for those who through their preaching will forever become the body of Christ! That is, all believers, past, present, and future, to be one with Him and one with the Father! What outflowing Love! What Grace! The binding power which binds the body of Christ together is the Spirit of Love that emanates / proceeds from the Father and the Son, i.e. the Holy Spirit, which is the giving, receiving, and binding power of Love between the Father and the Son, which power is extended to us believers (the body of Christ) through the anointing of the Holy Spirit at our Baptism / Confirmation! In order to receive the benefit of the full power of being connected to the Holy

Spirit, let us strive to be conscious of this fact through constant awakening, developing the habit of ‘Walk in the Spirit’, whereby we can derive the gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11) and fruits (Galatians 5:22) of the Spirit! the foremost of which is Love (1 Cor.13:4-7), and also Joy (1 Thess.5:16-18). The quotations referred to in the above para are contained in the letters Saint Paul wrote to the community of believers living in that region. In today’s First Proclamation, we can see how Saint Paul gained the benefit of the gift of wisdom from the Holy Spirit in dealing with the situation that he was faced with at the time, and we read ‘Next night, the Lord appeared to him and said, ‘Courage! You have borne witness for me in Jerusalem, now you must do the same in Rome.’ Accordingly, we too will be guided by the Lord to do His Will, step by step, if we develop the habit of constant awakening to the Holy Spirit! and the World will know we are Christians by the Love & Joy we demonstrate. Song of Praise (Psalm:16/1-2, 5, 7-11) Protect me, O God, in you is my refuge. To Yahweh I say, ‘You are my Lord, my happiness is in none My birthright, my cup is Yahweh; you, you alone, hold my lot secure. I bless Yahweh who is my counsellor, even at night my heart instructs me. I keep Yahweh before me always, for with him at my right hand, nothing can shake me. So my heart rejoices, my soul delights, my body too will rest secure, for you will not abandon me to Sheol, you cannot allow your faithful servant to see the abyss. You will teach me the path of life, unbounded joy in your presence, at your right hand delight forever.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Friday 13th May 2016

Our Lady of Fatima

Acts: 25/13-21 Psalm: 103/1-2,11-12, 19-20 John: 21/15-19 or Isaiah: 61/9-11 Psalm: 45/11-12,14-17 Luke: 11/27-28 The First Proclamation Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. The Gospel Proclamation

But on the contrary, Jesus is in fact conferring "blessedness" on Mary, as the one person, who heard the Word of God, and observed it to the hilt. When the angel Gabriel brought the Word of God to Mary, she responded to it wholeheartedly, by saying, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me, according to your word." (Luke 1;28) Yes, Mary heard the Word of God and accepted it to such an extent that the "Word" became flesh and blood in her. Thus, Mary, not only became the first disciple of Jesus, but she truly was the finest disciple of Jesus. In spite of so many reversals of fortune, she held on to the "Word" spoken to her by God, till the very last moments of Jesus life on earth, when other disciples disowned Jesus, and yet others abandoned Him. So much so, that the last words Jesus uttered from the cross, moments before He breathed His last, was to His beloved disciple, who was with Mary at the foot of the Cross; thus, "Behold, your mother". (John 19:27). Thus, conferring upon Mary, the title Mother of all Jesus' disciples. Surely, through these words in verse 28, Jesus has in fact elevated Mary as His greatest and most trustworthy disciple. Prayer Starter

While he was saying this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, "Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!" But he said, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!" My soul proclaims the greatness Prayerful Awareness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God "Rather, blessed are those, who my Saviour. For, He has looked upon hear the Word of God and obey it." His handmaid's lowliness; behold, (vs.28) This verse tends to be inter- from now on, will all ages call me preted by some in a manner so as to blessed.... (Luke 1:46-55) downgrade the "blessedness" of Mary.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

zz Y = o aOd; au hd f KkS" ud

hq; =

Saturday 14th May 2016

uu k ui al dr l =u laÂąh s

T nj yk a f i ag l rĂą' wK l<

j k ao k d u ek j Z Z

St. Matthias, Apostle

the world for. But what is happening? We live as if we do not know a thing about love and quarrel with and envy others; and have even created competition with others. As Christians we are expected to be bearers of love. St. Matthias "God is love". (1 John 4:8). "The greatHe had been one of Our Lord's dis- est love a person can have for his ciples from the time of His baptism in friends is to give his life for them." (Jn the Jordan. After the Ascension of Our 15:13). What an outstanding example Lord, he was chosen by lot to fill the we have in Jesus. He not only gave place left vacant among the12 the commandment but also fulfilled it Apostles as a result of the betrayal Himself. "He talked of joy within a few and suicide of Judas Iscariot. This is hours of the kiss of Judas; but the joy all we know with certainty about him He expressed was not in the prospect from the first chapter of the 'Acts of of suffering, but rather the joy of makthe Apostles'. According to tradition, ing an absolute and complete submishe preached Christianity in Judaea (Is- sion in love to His Father for the sake rael) and Ethiopia. He was crucified of mankind. Just as there is a kind of but others hold that he was beheaded joy in giving a precious gift to a friend, at Jerusalem. He is the patron of car- so there is a joy in giving one's life for penters, tailors and reformed alcohol- humanity. That joy of self-sacrifice He ics and is invoked against smallpox. promised would be theirs, if they kept The Gospel Proclamation His commandments as the commandPlease read John 15/9-17 prayer- ments of His Father." (Archbishop F.J.Sheen). "Jesus unites them to the fully. mission He received from the Father. Prayerful Awareness As "the Son, can do nothing of His The close contact Jesus had with own accord" but receives everything the Father was the secret of His life from the Father who sent Him, so those and to deepen this closeness He with- whom Jesus sends can do nothing drew into a solitary place - "Jesus went apart from Him, from whom they reup a hill to pray and spent the whole ceived both the mandate for their misnight there praying to God." (Luke 6/ sion and the power to carry it out. 12) To keep contact with Jesus we too Christ's apostles knew that they were have to take steps deliberately. Prayer called by God as "ministers of a new is the best way to do this. The Holy covenant", "servants of God" "AmSpirit who indwells makes it possible bassadors for Christ", "Servants of to have that deep contact with Jesus. Christ and stewards of the mysteries And to keep it alive we have to keep of God." (C.C.C. 859) our prayer life in good health. It is God Prayer Starter who has chosen us, not vice versa. I always do what pleases Him. Out of His love He has showered us with His grace. To love one another, (John :29) Help us too to do the same yes that is what we are sent out into in our lives. Amen. Acts: 1/15-17, 20-26 Psalm: 113/1-8 John: 15/9-17

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Sunday 15th May 2016

Pentecost Sunday

Acts: 2/1-11 Psalm: 104/1, 24, 2931, 34 1 Corinthians: 12/3-7 12-13 John: 20/19-23 Introduction The last phase of commissioning the disciples to take the Good News to the ends of the earth takes place today with them being clothed with the power promised by the Father. It is relevant to ask as to the nature of the power bestowed on the disciples who had this massive task ahead of them. The Entrance Antiphon give us the clue. The love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Spirit living in us. Alleluia! The First Proclamation When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded,

and in amazement they asked, “Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? Then how does each of us hear them in his own native language? We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadonia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.” Prayerful Awareness The gift of tongues is described as one of the foremost gifs of the Holy Spirit. But why the gift of tongues? What is the necessity of this gift for the task of carrying out the commission of Jesus to His disciples? The reaction of the people from many nations to the disciples’ speaking in tongues is the answer. These people immediately felt that they belonged. They would have felt happy that they could understand what was taught by the disciples. Language is the power we have to communicate. The Holy Spirit who pours the love of God into our hearts gives us the power to communicate that love through the gift of tongues. The love manifested through the gift of tongues brought peoples of many nations speaking different languages together to one place. The Gospel Proclamation On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

zz Y = o aOd; au hd f KkS" ud

hq; =

uu k ui al dr l =u la±h s

the Jews,1st Jesus Friday Aprilcame 2016and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. (Jesus) said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them and whose sins you retain are retained. Gaze at Jesus The Gospel of today describes the “Pentecost” according to the evangelist John. He tells us that the Holy Spirit was given during one of the times that Jesus came to the disciples after the Resurrection. And what was the special power given as a result of the coming of the Holy Spirit? It is the power to FORGIVE. The love poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit equips us with the foremost power of love, the power to forgive. Let us gaze at Jesus using the power of forgiving love, especially the forgiving love He demonstrated from the cross. The Second Proclamation Therefore, I tell you that nobody speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be accursed.” And no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of

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j k ao k d u ek j Z Z

the Spirit is given for some benefit. As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons and we were all given to drink of one Spirit. Our sonship Love ultimately directs us towards unity. The reception of the Holy Spirit makes us one body in Christ. It is not our task nor is it in our power to include or exclude anyone from the Body of Christ. According to the Will of God, the others whom we encounter, in our family, community, church, neighborhood, become part of us in a mysterious manner The gifts we have been given are to be used for the benefit of the whole body. The more we use the gifts, the more united we will become. This unity amongst us will be the witness we bear to Jesus Christ our Lord. During the Lenten season this year we engaged in experiencing the Holy Spirit as the Beloved of our souls. It would be of immense benefit to continue this exercise rather than focus on one or other of the “gifts” He gives. Prayer Starter “O Holy Spirit, Beloved of my soul, I adore You. Enlighten me, Show me the way. Strengthen me. Comfort me. Tell me what I have to do. Command me to do what I should. I promise You that I will let You do what You hope to do to me and be obedient to you. Please let me know Your Will. (The prayer is from Cardinal Mercier)

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Monday 16th May 2016 James: 3/13-18 Psalm: 19/7-9, 14 Mark: 9/14-29 The Gospel Proclamation As they were rejoining the disciples...A man answered him from the crowd, 'Master, I have brought my son to you; there is a spirit of dumbness in him, and when it takes hold of him it throws him to the ground, and he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and goes rigid. And I asked your disciples to drive it out and they were unable to.' In reply he said to them, 'Faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you?....' They brought the boy to him, and at once the spirit of dumbness threw the boy into convulsions, and he fell to the ground and lay writhing there, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the father, 'How long has this been happening to him?' 'From childhood,' he said, '... if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us.' 'If you can?' retorted Jesus. 'Everything is possible for one who has faith.' At once the father of the boy cried out, 'I have faith. Help my lack of faith!' And when Jesus... rebuked the unclean spirit. 'Deaf and dumb spirit,' he said, 'I command you: come out of him and never enter him again.' Then it threw the boy into violent convulsions and came out shouting, and the boy lay there so like a corpse that most of them said, 'He is dead.' But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him up, and he was able to stand. When he had gone indoors, his disciples asked him when they were by themselves, 'Why were we unable to drive it out?' He answered, 'This is the kind that can be driven out only by prayer.' Fix your gaze on Jesus Terrible indeed are the afflictions upon us, only the Lord is wise; and magnificent

indeed that he has given this wisdom freely to all who love him.... Effectiveness towards realising goals arise from prudent understanding of 'What Is'; said differently, this means that when you know all the factors present and the way these factors relate/link/influence to form the existing status, you would also know what needs to change/be tweaked for the situation to trend towards your desired goals. As the theory goes, the fluttering of the wing of a butterfly here causes the arising of a tornado in a distant place. Effective, resourceful, and terrible indeed! If only we received even a little thereof, we would not have brought so much distress upon ourselves! Looking at the Gospel scenario, we see how ineffective the disciples were in exorcising the evil spirit; but, the situation called for other aspects that Jesus recognized! The faith of the father of the afflicted which Jesus inspired forth was one such. Another was the mental and spiritual readiness of the disciples through prayer and the denial of the flesh. Once these factors were corrected, the results were immediate! Effective indeed. Could we journey towards wisdom? Calls for love towards the Lord in our hard hearts! Prayer Starter Lord, from conception we have been training ourselves to think and feel selfishly; we tend to identify with our bodies forgetting that this is but temporary and evolving housing in perpetual relation with the surroundings; we become comfortable with certain patterns of thoughts, largely ignoring the truth that we are not our thoughts, but rather are the choosers thereof. These ego based falsehoods separate us from 'All That Is', and we create the chasm between ourselves, our Creator God, and His Creation. Lord, please help us break out from this self-made prison, and develop the sensitiveness towards you; to Love You....

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

zz Y = o aOd; au hd f KkS" ud

hq; =

uu k ui al dr l =u la±h s

T nj yk a f i ag l rñ' wK l<

j k ao k d u ek j Z Z

Tuesday 17th May 2016 James: 4/1-10 Psalm: 55/6-10, 27 Mark: 9/30-37 Gospel Proclamation After leaving that place they made their way through Galilee; and he did not want anyone to know, because he was instructing his disciples; he was telling them, "The Son of man will be delivered into the power of men; they will put him to death; and three days after he has been put to death he will rise again." But they did not understand what he said and were afraid to ask him.They came to Capernaum, and when he got into the house he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?" They said nothing, because on the road they had been arguing which of them was the greatest. So he sat down, called the Twelve to him and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all." He then took a little child whom he set among them and embraced, and he said to them, "Anyone who welcomes a little child such as this in my name, welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me, welcomes not me but the one who sent me." Gaze at the sonship of Jesus God is our Abba. The highest calling one can achieve is to be a son of the divine. The divinity of God’s sonship is in the humility of one’s attitudes, behavior and life style. As God is the greatest, it is He who would take us to the heights that He has planned for us. This is what Jesus is attempting to tell the disciples by isolating them from the crowd. Our sonship The world is like a wolf in search of the prey. We are hunted and trapped into the images that the world offers to us.

We pursue with vigor to achieve these goals for our lives. Letter of St. James in the first reading helps us reflect into the limitedness of such a life style. Let us close our eyes, take a deep breath – just become aware of your own thoughts. Identify what is contained in those thoughts. Aren’t they things to do with what you need to accomplish to make your life stable, or to be great in this world or do something towards achieving a worldly goal? Letter of St James verse 9 tells us “be sorrowful, cry, and weep; change your laughter into crying, your joy into gloom! Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will lift you up.” Jesus tells us remember, we are chosen to be great in the plan and vision of God. He tells us, be not afraid to be humble and little ourselves like a child, so that God will achieve many things through us. As Jesus isolated the disciples from the crowds to teach them about God’s greater objective for their life, we are also called by God to spend more time with Him through prayer alone or in fellowship with Christian communities where He is present in such gatherings, so that we may be ministered by His Holy Spirit about the greater plan God has for us. Prayer Starter (Psalm 55:7-8, 1011, 23) I would fly faraway and make my home in the desert. I would quickly find myself a shelter from the ranging wind and the storm surrounding it day and night, filling it with crime and trouble. But you, O God, will bring those murderers and liars to their graves before half their life is over. As for me I will trust you.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Wednesday 18th May 2016 James: 4/13-17 Psalm: 49/1-2, 5-10 Mark: 9/38-40 The First Proclamation Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a town and spend a year there, doing business and making money." Yet you do not even know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wishes, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, commits sin. Prayerful Awareness The uncertainty of life, its complete dependence on God and the necessity of submitting to God's will, all help one know and do what is right. To disregard this, is to live in pride and arrogance. The Gospel Proclamation John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us." But Jesus said, "Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward. Prayerful Awareness Jesus has said that no one can say Jesus is Lord unless the Spirit prompts him. Therefore, if the Spirit is moving a person, that person at the same time cannot speak against Jesus. So, Jesus

says "Whoever is not against us, is for us." Jesus came not to build a specific grouping of people, but to build His heavenly Father's Kingdom. In other words, to foster Kingdom values, among people. For Jesus, what is important is not "who" but "what". If any one builds or promotes kingdom values, then that person is building the Kingdom and therefore "is for us" as Jesus says. For Jesus, the Kingdom of Heaven is more important than the instruments used for that purpose. For instance, can we not say that religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam foster Kingdom values through some of their teachings, if not all. The "Panchaseelaya" of Buddhism is similar to the Ten Commandments of Christianity. It is obvious that the Holy Spirit would have moved Buddha to promulgate this doctrine. Let us keep the building of God's Kingdom uppermost in our minds as we look at others, rather than be narrow minded. Prayer Starter Hear this, all you peoples; give ear, all inhabitants of the world, both low and high, rich and poor together. Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the iniquity of my persecutors surrounds me, those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches? Truly, no ransom avails for one's life, there is no price one can give to God for it. For the ransom of life is costly, and can never suffice that one should live on forever and never see the grave. When we look at the wise, they die, fool and dolt perish together and leave their wealth to others. (Ps.49/12, 5-1-0

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

zz Y = o aOd; au hd f KkS" ud

hq; =

uu k ui al dr l =u laÂąh s

T nj yk a f i ag l rĂą' wK l<

j k ao k d u ek j Z Z

Thursday 19th May 2016 James: 5/1-6 Psalm: 49/13-19 Mark: 9/41-50

Prayerful Awareness The scripture passages of today warn us against accumulating wealth at the expense/exploitation of others, as it will lead to dire consequences. In contrast, the scriptures extol the virtues of caring and sharing. The Lord promises rewards in heaven to all those who look after the needs of His people, but the means through which one has earned one's wealth would determine whether even such acts will be pleasing to God. The Lord says, "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and everything will be added unto you." When we live according to Jesus' instructions, we are provided with everything we need, and we can live a life enjoying the gifts and fruits of the Spirit. There are people who sigh looking at the apparent success of evil doers, but the scriptures advise us: "See what happens to those who trust in themselves, the fate of those who are satisfied with their wealth they are doomed to die like sheep, and Death will be their shepherd. The righteous will triumph over them, as their bodies quickly decay in the world of the dead far from their homes. But God will rescue me; he will save me from the power of death. Don't be upset when someone becomes rich, when his wealth grows even greater; he cannot take it with him when he dies." (Psalm: 49:13-17) The Lord says His people who go through trials and tribulations in this life are being purified by fire as a sacrifice is purified by salt. "Happy are you poor, the kingdom of God is yours! Happy are you who are hungry now; you will

be filled! Happy are those who weep now; you will laugh! Happy are you when people hate you, reject you, insult you, and say that you are evil, all because of the Son of Man! Be glad when that happens, and dance for joy, because a great reward is kept for you in heaven. For their ancestors did the very same things to the prophets. But how terrible for you who are rich now; you have had your easy life! How terrible for you who are full now; you will go hungry! How terrible for you who laugh now; you will mourn and weep! How terrible when all people speak well of you; their ancestors said the very same things about the false prophets." (Luke 6:20-26). "If anyone should cause one of these little ones to lose his faith in me, it would be better for that person to have a large millstone tied round his neck and be thrown into the sea. So if your hand makes you lose your faith, cut it off! It is better for you to enter life without a hand than to keep both hands and go off to hell, to the fire that never goes out. .... "Everyone will be purified by fire as a sacrifice is purified by salt. Salt is good; but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have the salt of friendship among yourselves and live in peace with one another." (Mark 9:41-50)

Prayer Starter "Do not be afraid when some become rich, when the wealth of their houses increases. For when they die they will carry nothing away; their wealth will not go down after them. Though in their lifetime they count themselves happy - for you are praised when you do well for yourself they will go to the company of their ancestors who will never again see the light." (Ps: 49/16-19)

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Friday 20th May 2016 St. Bernadine of Siena, Priest James: 5/9-12 Psalm: 103/1-4, 8-9, 11-12 Mark: 10/1-12

The Gospel Proclamation He left that place and went to the region of Juda and beyond the Jordan. And crowds again gathered around him; and, as was his custom, he again taught them. Some Pharisees came and to test him they asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" He answered them, "What did Moses command you?" They said, "Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her." But Jesus said to them, "Because of your hardness of heart he wrote this commandment for you. But from the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female.' 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' so they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. Then in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery. Prayerful Awareness ".... as was his custom, he again taught them." (vs. 1) What would Jesus have taught the crowds that had gathered around Him? Jesus makes use of the opportunity to teach the crowds, about marriage and divorce. Jesus gives a direct answer and prohibits divorce. What could have been going on

in His mind when He prohibited divorce? In order to get at this, let us ask ourselves why does a person resort to divorce? Isn't it due to disagreements and incompatibility? Isn't it because one does not like to put up with such situations? Isn't it a device to escape from facing such situations? In and through Jesus' answer, He seems to be re-confirming His basic teaching of the necessity to die to one's self. "If you are my disciple, take up your cross daily, die to your self and follow me." Jesus seems to be applying this basic principle to a common life situation - marital state. married state is an arrangement where two persons of different likes and dislikes, different ideas, different backgrounds come together to live in a very close relationship. In such a situation, there is bound to be disagreements, hurt feelings, etc. In order to be able to continue living together, mutual adjustments become necessary This calls for dying to one's self - ideas, likes, dislikes, comforts, feelings, plans etc. "Dying to self" is the process by which God moulds persons in order to conform them to His image and likeness. Therefore, marriage needs to be considered as such an opportunity that God grants people. Similarly, divorce is a means by which persons deprive God of this opportunity to mould them. Apart from these considerations, marriage being the smallest unit the community is composed of, disintegration of marriage is the beginning of the disintegration of the community too. Prayer Starter Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger, abounding in kindness.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

zz Y = o aOd; au hd f KkS" ud

hq; =

uu k ui al dr l =u laÂąh s

T nj yk a f i ag l rĂą' wK l<

j k ao k d u ek j Z Z

Saturday 21st May 2016 St. Eugene de Mazenod, St.Christopher Magallanese, James:5/13-20 Psalm: 141/1-3, 8 Mark: 10/13-16 St. Eugene de Mazenod After some years if ecclesiastical labours, the young priest bewailing the sad fate of religion resulting among the masses from the French Revolution, gathered together a little band of missionaries to preach in the vernacular and to instruct the rural population of Province. On 17th February, 1826 under the name Congregation of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, was solemnly approved by Pope Leo XII. The Gospel Proclamation People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it." And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. Prayerful Awareness We see politicians cuddling children with the aim of getting at the heart strings of the parents and to have their photo published in the news media. It is the other side of the coin when we think of Jesus' love towards children. When the disciples scolded the parents for bringing their children to Jesus, He intervened and made sure that the children were not kept away. He did exactly what the parents expected of Him - placed His hands on them, blessed them and embraced them. They wanted Him to at least touch their little ones. Jesus' intention behind this scene was to teach a lesson both to His disciples and

us. He showed love and kindness to everyone who came across Him. But here He was using these children as a symbol - a symbol for the poor in spirit and the downtrodden. Here Jesus clearly shows us that God is always with the poor and afflicted. Some think that human affliction and poverty are a punishment for one's sins. Jesus heals the sick and blesses little children by laying hands on them. In His Name the apostles will do the same. Even more pointedly, it is by the Apostles' imposition of hands that the Holy Spirit is given. The Letter to the Hebrews lists the imposition of hands among the "fundamental elements" of its teaching. The Church has kept this sign of the all-powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit in its sacramental epicleses. (C.C.C.699). In the first proclamation we have Jesus placing before us certain dominant characteristics of the early Church. The Church has been a singing one - and from its beginning there has been music, music of praise. It is because Christians remember an infinite, unconditional love and enjoy glory that is present. Singing was an integral part of the meetings of the Church at Corinth. "What should I do then? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray also with my mind (1Corinthians 14:15). "When you meet for worship, one person has a hymn ...." (1 Corinthians 14:26) Then there is healing. The tradition has its origin in Judaism. First a sick Jew went to a Rabbi who prayed and anointed him with oil, Healing is a gift of the Holy Spirit and the usual practice is to pray with hands laid on the sick - the gift of healing must come from God. Then confession - the invitation is to put ourselves right both with God and with one another. Blessings galore in confession and let us do it often - do it with a heart. Prayer Starter Help us to have a strong life of prayer. Amen.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Sunday 22nd May 2016

The Most Holy Trinity

Proverbs: 8/22-31 Psalm: 8/3-8 Romans: 5/1-4 John: 16/12-15 Introduction Today we are celebrating the feast of the Most Holy Trinity. To say that the most Holy Trinity is ALL IN ALL is not an overstatement. It is the total reality. It is the Beginning of all beginnings but of itself with no beginning and no end. The Holy Trinity transcends all our human concepts, descriptions, experiments, etc. we have of it. To be able to believe in, experience, talk about, and adore the Holy Trinity is indeed a privilege and a blessing that we enjoy. Although the whole of humanity are the recipients of the love of the holy Trinity we as Christians are privileged to know It through revelation. Thus the Church confesses, following the New Testament, “one God and Father from whom all things are, and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom all things are, and one Holy Spirit in whom all things are.” The Entrance Antiphon is a fitting opening in our celebration of this very special feast. “Blessed be God the Father and His only begotten Son and the Holy Spirit for He has shown that He loves us.” The First Proclamation “The Lord begot me, the first-born of his ways, the forerunner of his prodigies of long ago, from of old I was poured forth, at the first, before the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were

no fountains or springs of water, before the mountains were settled into place, before the hills, I was brought forth; while as yet the earth and the fields were not made, nor the firs clods of the world…… ‘When he established the heavens I was there, when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep. When he made firm the skies above, when he fixed fast the foundations of the earth. When he set for the sea its limit, so that the waters should not transgress his command. Then was I beside him as his craftsman, and I was his delight day by day. Playing before him all the while, playing on the surface of his earth, and I found delight in the sons of men. Prayerful Awareness If you and I take our minds back down memory lane, we would only be able to remember our past upto the time when we were four to five years old. But that does not mean that we were not in existence prior to that. Our parents will be able to fill in the blanks upto the time when we were born into this world. But where were we before that? Today’s first proclamation tells us that we were in existence (one body in Christ Jesus of whom the proclamation is about) even before the world as we know it came into existence. And that existence was one of pure joy and contentment. Just read the highlighted phrases in the first proclamation imaginatively and try to enjoy the pre-existence you had with the Trinitarian God Who is love personified. The Gospel Proclamation “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes the Spirit of truth, He will guide you to all truth. He will not

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

zz Y = o aOd; au hd f KkS" ud

hq; =

uu k ui al dr l =u la±h s

speak on his own, but he will speak Friday 1st April what he hears, and2016 will declare to you the things that are coming. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Gaze at Jesus

Just imagine the joy Jesus as true Man would have experienced reading the section of the scripture chosen as the first proclamation for today Now Jesus tells us that “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now ….” It seems that the intensity of the love of God experienced by Jesus was so much that He is afraid that we may not be able to bear it. So He leaves it to the Holy Spirit the Beloved of each of our souls to decide, when and how much of God’s love we need to be revealed to us. The Second Proclamation Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access (by faith) to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. Our sonship The above proclamation states that “we have gained access (by faith) to this grace in which we stand ….” What is this grace we have gained access to? It is none other than the abil-

T nj yk a f i ag l rñ' wK l<

j k ao k d u ek j Z Z

ity to “boast of our afflictions …..” The love of God, nay the Love that is God that has been poured into our hearts has empowered us to embrace affliction as a sacrament of God’s love. Those of us who have gained access and stand in this grace experience meaning in suffering. Let us turn to our current experience. Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer! In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there. Prayer Starter O my God, Trinity whom I adore, help me forget myself entirely so to establish myself in You, unmovable and peaceful as if my soul were already in eternity. May nothing be able to trouble my peace or make me leave You, O my unchanging God, but may each minute bring me more deeply into Your mystery! Grant my soul peace. Make it Your heaven. Your beloved dwelling and the place of Your rest. May I never abandon You there, but may I be there, whole and entire, completely vigilant in my faith, entirely adoring, and wholly given over to our creative action. (Prayer of Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity)

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Monday 23rd May 2016 1 Peter: 1/3-9 Psalm: 111/1-2, 5, 6, 9-10 Mark: 10/17-27 He was setting out on a journey when a man ran up, knelt before him and put this question to him, 'Good master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?' Jesus said to him, 'Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not kill; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not give false witness; You shall not defraud; Honour your father and mother.' And he said to him, 'Master, I have kept all these since my earliest days.' Jesus looked steadily at him and he was filled with love for him, and he said, 'You need to do one thing more. Go and sell what you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.' But his face fell at these words and he went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth. Jesus looked round and said to his disciples, 'How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!' ... It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for someone rich to enter the kingdom of God.'...'By human resources it is impossible, but not for God: because for God everything is possible.' Fix your gaze on Jesus

Running to reach Jesus denotes the zeal in his mind regarding his quest. In his quest he did not seek for a place of special importance, not asking for nor needing a private audience with Jesus. Kneeling indicates humility and his address of Jesus the willingness to venerate and extol another being as higher to self. His quest too was not of the substance of this domain, for recognition and riches and comforts of this world, but for eternal things. All of which are very high goals we admire and all should aim for! We gather from the background that he must have had a high station in that society with quite an upright conduct. He knew this for himself too as in Jesus asking his whether he abided by the ten commandments the response was in the affirmative. Jesus watching him was filled with love and compassion for him, and sought to bring him before the real motives that lay underneath all that social and religious veneer. In our heart of hearts, whom do we serve? In order to serve god, are we willing to give up on the world and its allure? Do we not kneel before the World and our own Flesh for solace and succour? Do we recognise the Lies and Traps of the Liar that parade before us daily? Thus did the rich man find himself unable to respond to Jesus' invitation to give up on his riches and follow Jesus. In his heart of hearts, he found out that he was serving Mammon, not God! Isn't this true for you and me too...? Prayer Starter

Dearest Lord, You are indeed the Truth; and shall bring out the truth of our hearts.... Jesus observed the attributes of the man who ran up to him in public, kneeled before him and addressed him as Master and queried as to how to realise Eternal Life.

Lord, You are the Truth; and Life. Help me become more cognizant of the inner motives that drive me; bring me before the truth; make me aware of the powers that control me so that I could become more selective of the forces that guide me...that I give control more and more to the Living Word that will uplift and bring me to life....

The Gospel Proclamation

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

zz Y = o aOd; au hd f KkS" ud

hq; =

uu k ui al dr l =u la±h s

T nj yk a f i ag l rñ' wK l<

j k ao k d u ek j Z Z

Tuesday 24th May 2016 1 Peter: 1/10-16 Psalm: 98/1-4 Mark: 10/28-31 Gospel Proclamation Peter began to say to Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.” Gaze at Jesus

people among whom He proclaimed the Kingdom of God. On one occasion when His relations tried to limit His family to His mother and His brothers and sisters, Jesus said: “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother.” We also know how Jesus was accepted as an honored guest in any house He wished to visit; it did not matter whether it was a house of a Pharisee, tax-collector or a family whom He called His special friends. We hardly need to talk about the persecutions and the ultimate gift of eternal life He received. Our sonship Let us ponder on the Pubuduwa tradition of addressing each other as father, mother, brother, sister, son and daughter. Has this form of address maintained its significance or has it become mechanical? When as Catholics we address the priests in our parish as father, are we aware of its significance? This form of interaction with our priests and neighbors is the acceptance of our being “family” in the Kingdom of God. Also when we engage in works of charity the beneficiaries are not “outsiders” but members of our “family”; The Family, with God as our Father. Prayer

Peter is curious to know the type of reward that will be received by those who renounce everything to follow Jesus. The answer given by Jesus is preceded by the words “Amen I say to you ……” This is how Jesus spoke when He wished to emphasize the truth of what He says. Here He promises a hundred fold more of what has been given up and in addition persecutions and eternal life to those who give up what is theirs. When we gaze at Jesus we see that as the first to give up everything for the sake of the Gospel and His Father’s kingdom it is He who experienced the Our Father! Who art in heaven. truth of what He promised to those Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom who followed Him. Jesus left His mother and His home in Nazareth and come. Thy will be done. On earth as it was accepted into the homes of the is in heaven ……..

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Wednesday 25th May 2016 1 Peter: 1/18-25 Psalm: 147/12-15, 19-20 Mark: 10/32-45 Gospel Proclamation ‘… James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached him. ‘Master,’ they said to him, ‘We want you to do us a favour.’ He said to them, ‘What is it you want me to do for you?’... ‘Allow us to sit one at your right hand and the other at your left in your glory.’ But Jesus said to them, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I shall drink, or be baptized with the baptism with which I shall be baptized?’ They replied, ‘We can.’ Jesus said to them, ‘The cup that I shall drink you shall drink, and with the baptism with which I shall be baptized you shall be baptized, but as for seats at my right hand or my left, these are not mine to grant; they belong to those to whom they have been allotted.’ … Jesus called them to him and said to them, ‘You know that among the gentiles those they call their rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt. Among you this is not to happen. No; anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be slave to all ..... Our sonship Taking into account the different types of leadership roles in the world as church, community, institutional, family or political leaderships there is a certain degree of authority in them. It could be privileged treatment, attention and access to comfort, people seeking guidance and favour. All this creates a hierarchy and traps leaders to authority over others. At that time Jesus was called, teacher, master, Rabboni etc. However, Jesus was not tempted to live the worldly definitions

St.Bede, St.Gregory VII,Pope, St.Mary Magdalene Pazzi of leadership, instead he is reprimanding Christian leadership to be different. Christian leadership entail persecution, ”Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull. There they crucified him”;declined comfort, “The son of man has nowhere to lay his head”; humble themselves before the flock “he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet”. Therefore, Jesus is creating an atmosphere of preparedness in the Christian leadership of the 21st century, to be honest in our calling to truthfulness. In the business of animating faith in those whom God has called, all Christians have a role to be leaders to emulate Jesus in the society. Therefore, appointed church and community leaders have a responsibility to not to shine by emulating false power in our roles of leadership and tempt others into greediness. Prayerful Awareness God of mercy look with compassion, let us not implore in vain. Look with favour upon us and help us understand, we are nobodies if You did not take up the cross for us. Help us do the same. Prayer starter (Sing the Hymn) God of mercy and compassion Look with pity upon me Father, let me call thee father ‘Tis Thy child returns to thee By my sins I have abandoned Right and claim to heav’n above Where the saints rejoice forever In a boundless sea of love See our Savior, bleeding, dying On the cross of Calvary To that cross my sins have nail’d Him Yet he bleeds and dies for me.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

zz Y = o aOd; au hd f KkS" ud

hq; =

uu k ui al dr l =u laÂąh s

Thursday 26th April 2016

T nj yk a f i ag l rĂą' wK l<

j k ao k d u ek j Z Z

St. Philip Neri

1 Peter 2/2-5, 9-12 Psalm: 100/1-5 Mark: 10/46-52 The First Proclamation Like newborn infants, long for the pre, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation - if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God's sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into is marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh that wage war against the soul. .... The Gospel Proclamation They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus stood still and said, "Call him here." And they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take heart; get up, he is calling you." So 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." Jesus said to him, "Go; your faith has made you well." Immediately he regained his

sight and followed him on the way. Prayerful Awareness Jericho was a popular resort city built by Herod the Great, in the Judean desert not far from the Jordan River crossing. Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem. And after crossing over from He would naturally enter Jericho. Beggars were a common sight in most towns. Because most occupations required physical labour, anyone with a CRIPPLING disease or DISABILITY was at a severe disadvantage and was usually forced to BEG even though God's laws commanded CARE for such needy people (Leviticus 25:35-38). Blindness was considered a CURSE from God for sin. (John 9:2) but Jesus refuted this idea when He reached out to HEAL this blind man. The blind man called Jesus "SON OF DAVID" because the Jews knew the Messiah would be a descendant of David. This BLIND beggar could SEE that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah, while the RELIGIOUS LEADERS who witnessed Jesus' miracles were BLIND to His identity, refusing to OPEN their eyes to the TRUTH. Seeing with our EYES does not guarantee seeing with our HEARTS. Although Jesus was concerned about the coming events in Jerusalem, He demonstrated what He had told the disciples about SERVICE by stopping to CARE for the blind man. Jesus the Son of God already knew what the blind man wanted, yet, He asked him "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus wants us too to ask from our own mouths, what we need. The blind man's FAITH in Jesus as the Saviour, brought about his healing and he FOLLOWED Jesus along the road. Prayer Starter Almighty Father, we thank You for the Gift of faith offered through Jesus. Give us the strength to always act, believing in the Lord Jesus and to be saved.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Friday 27th May 2016

St. Augustine of Cantebury, Bishop

1 Peter: 4/7-13 Psalm: 96/10-13 Mark: 11/11-25 The First Proclamation The end of all things is near, therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of our prayers. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. Prayerful Awareness It appears that St. Peter considers one's prayer life as the foundation on which all other activities, resembling the building, is built on. Therefore, without a proper foundation (prayer life) one is not able to build a sound building (all activity). To be able to pray well, St. Peter admonishes one to be calm and sober in the mind (vs. 7). Therefore, it implies that prayer is something connected with one's mind. It is contem-

plative and meditative in nature. If one's prayer life is good, then, St. Peter says that one will be enabled to love others, be hospitable to others, serve others and preach to others what God dictates. (vs. 9-11) All these activities are to be carried out by the power that flows from God. It is when we pray that this power flows from God to us. Gaze at Jesus We see Jesus going to a mountain many a time, as we glance through the Scriptures. These were the moments that Jesus came in contact with His Heavenly Father, in prayer. Having got Himself filled with power from above, through prayer, Jesus was enabled to perform the many activities that He did. My sonship How serious am I about prayer? Is my prayer contemplative and meditative in nature as St. Peter admonishes? Do I neglect my prayer life in order to be engaged in various "good" activities? Prayer Starter Say among the nations, "The Lord is king! The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved. He will judge the peoples with equity. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it, let the field exult, and everything in it. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord; for he is coming, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with his truth. (Ps. 96/10-13)

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

zz Y = o aOd; au hd f KkS" ud

hq; =

Saturday 28th May 2016

uu k ui al dr l =u laÂąh s

T nj yk a f i ag l rĂą' wK l<

j k ao k d u ek j Z Z

Feast of St. Germanus

Jude: 1/17-25 Psalm: 63/1-5 Mark: 11/27-33 St. Germanus He was born at Autun, France in 496. He was ordained priest in 30 and was later chosen Abbot of Symphorian's. He led an austere, simple life and brought many sinners back to the flock. Even later he was consecrated Bishop of Paris, the same simplicity and frugality continued. His house was crowded with the afflicted and the poor and he had beggars to dine with. He had the gift of miracles. When the king fell ill and his condition worsened, he by his prayer and imposing of his hands miraculously healed him. Childebert, who until then was a worldly ruler, was fully converted by his discourses, founded many religious institutions and funded the work of the Bishop among the poor. Died - May 28, 576. The Gospel Proclamation Again they came to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him and said, "By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do them?" Jesus said ..., "I will ask you one question; answer me. And I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin? Answer me." They argued with one another. .... - they were afraid of the crowd, for all regarded John as truly a prophet. So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." And Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things." Prayerful Awareness Here we have a deputation from the Sanhedrin - Rabbis, Scribes and elders -

confronting Jesus regarding His authority. The incidents that prompted them to question Jesus were - He had entered Jerusalem triumphantly, had driven away the money changers from the temple and was now teaching in the temple premises. They challenge His action in the Church it touched a sensitive area as the temple was also a money spinner for them. The question about John the Baptist's work impaled them. If their answer was 'divine', they would be asked why they had stood against it. John led everyone to Jesus and therefore he was divinely attested, so no further authority is needed. John's work was 'human' - he was then a martyr and the people listening would rise against them. So came the weak reply - "We do not know". So there was no need for Jesus to give them any answer to their question. What is interesting to note here is that Jesus' answer too was a question. Jesus saw through their cunning question and the dilemma they wanted to involve Him in. The unexpected happened. His reply put them into a tight corner. This is a clear example of what happens to those who will not face the truth. When one twists and wriggles they end up in positions where no escape is possible. When one evades facing the truth, that one surely will have to face ineffective and helpless situations. "The exercise of authority is meant to give outward expression to a just hierarchy of values in order to facilitate the exercise of freedom and responsibility by all. Those in authority should practice distributive justice wisely, taking account of the needs and contribution of each, with a view to harmony and peace. They should take care that the regulations and measures they adopt are not a source of temptation by setting personal interest against that of the community. (C.C.C. 2236) Prayer Starter Help us to fix our gaze on Thee alone.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Sunday 29th May 2016

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Genesis: 14/18-20 Psalm: 110/1-4 1 Corinthians:11/2326 Luke: 9/10-17

From Genesis 14/18-20

Jesus as He listens to the sacred scriptures is led by the Spirit to ponder over the words He has given His ears to. “Melchizedech king of Salem brought bread and wine; he was a Introduction priest of God.” The Holy Spirit has begun to open Jesus is destined to be both priest the doors, even those that are tightly and victim, the offerer (priest) and the shut and that for long years. No action can be accomplished in our Chris- offered (the victim). He is a priest but tian walk without guidance of the Holy not of the tribe of Levi or a victim like Spirit, in and through whom Christ acts a lamb of the Jewish sacrifices. He is in His body, the Church. The Church to be a priest and victim of a new oris the Body of Christ. The same Holy der. Melchizedech and the bread and Spirit is teaching us further that the wine provide Jesus with a precedent. “He (Melchizedech) pronounced sacrament of the Body and Blood of the Lord is the source and summit of this blessing “Blessed be Abraham the Christian life. Hence a week after by God most High, creator of heaven our prayerful meditation on the and earth, and blessed be God most Blessed Trinity, the first outpouring High for handing over you. And of the Spirit on Pentecost day, the Abraham gave him a tribe of everyChurch wishes us in the Spirit to fix thing” our gaze on the sacrament of the Body We have here a covenant meal that and Blood of Christ. Jesus takes the gives expression to a special relationbread and blesses it and says ‘eat it’ ship between God and Abraham. as if He was allowing the Eternal Fa- Abraham has his offering (tithing). ther to take His body, bless it, break it God in turn provides him with victory and give it as food for the life of the over his enemies. world. The Spirit leads Jesus to see the We have for Entrance Hymn the value of a meal and the value of “tithbeautiful words of the psalmist (Psalm ing”. Jesus’ offer to God is not 10% 81/16) but a 100%. It is more. It is His own life to be offered in sacrifice – His Abba “The Lord fed His people with the will provide Him and the world a vicfinest wheat and honey, their tor unprecedented. hunger was satisfied.” It is the Body and Blood of His Son that will satisfy the deepest hunger of every man.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

zz Y = o aOd; au hd f KkS" ud

hq; =

Responsorial Psalm 110

uu k ui al dr l =u la±h s

T nj yk a f i ag l rñ' wK l<

j k ao k d u ek j Z Z

And all ate and were satisfied. And they took up what was left over, twelve baskets of broken pieces.” Abba, Your Son has already begun to dish out Your Love. This He will do in a most eminent manner, sacramentally and really at the last supper and on the cross. From St. Paul: 1 Corinthians 11/22-26

“The Lord says to my Lord: Sit at my right hand, till I make Your enemies your footstool The Lord send forth from Zion Your mighty scepter. Rule in The midst of your foes! The Lord has worn and will Not change His mind “For I received from the Lord what You are a priest forever, I also delivered to you, that the Lord After the order of Melchizedech.” Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had From the Gospel given thanks, he broke it, and said Jesus is welcomed by the crowds. “This is my body which is for you. Do He talks to them about the kingdom. this in remembrance of me.” In the He is given the opportunity by the same way also the cup. After supper, Abba to satisfy the people who other- saying, “This cup is the new covenant wise would have to go away hungry. in my blood. Do this, as often as you “Now the day began to wear away; drink it, in remembrance of me, for and the twelve came and said to him, as often as you eat this bread and drink “Send the crowd away to go into the this cup. you proclaim the Lord’s death village and country round about to until he come.”. lodge and get provisions, for we are Prayer Starter here in a lonely place.” But he said to Lord Jesus Christ, we worship You them ‘You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more living among us in the sacrament of than five loaves and two fish – unless Your Body and Blood. May we offer we are to go and buy food for all these our brothers and sisters a life poured people.” For there were about five out in loving service of the Kingdom thousand men. And he said to his dis- where You live with the Father and ciples “Make them sit down in com- the Holy Spirit one God for ever and panies, about fifty each.” And they did ever …….. so; and made them all sit down.” (Pause) Take note of the words “And taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Monday 30th May 2016 2 Peter: 1/2-7 Psalm: 91/1-2, 14-16 Mark: 12/1-12 Gospel Proclamation He began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenant farmers and left on a journey. At the proper time he sent a servant to the tenants to obtain from them some of the produce of the vineyard. But they seized him, beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. Again he sent them another servant. And that one they beat over the head and treated shamefully. He sent yet another whom they killed. So, too, many others; some they beat, others they killed.He had one other to send, his beloved son. He sent him to them last of all, thinking, ‘They will respect my son.’But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’So they seized him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. What [then] will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come, put the tenants to death, and give the vineyard to others. Have you not read this scripture passage: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes’? They were seeking to arrest him, but they feared the crowd, for they realized that he had addressed the parable to them. So they left him and went away. Prayerful Awareness First Reading from St. Peter’s 2nd Letter informs us that God’s Grace and Peace are multiplied to us in the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our Lord. God’s Divine power has granted to us everything we need to live a truly religious life through our knowledge

of Jesus Christ, who called us to share His own glory and goodness. By these Lord granted us His precious and magnificent gifts He promised, so that we may become partakers of the Divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. Therefore we are requested to apply diligence in our faith to supply moral excellence, and in our moral excellence and knowledge, self control and perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. In the Gospel Proclamation, Lord Jesus speaks to us through the parable of the Vine growers, who did not give the owner’s share. Servants sent to collect the share were beaten and some were killed. Finally his own son was sent thinking that growers will respect his son. The vine growers killed and threw him out of the vineyard. God created Heaven and Earth and all kinds of creatures and then created man in His image. God blessed them, saying to them: Be and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over all creatures (Genesis1:2829).Man was created to God’s image of Love to share His glory, to live according to His Will. When people started to live with lust, without respect for God, God sent prophets to warn them and correct them. People rejected the prophets and some were killed. Then finally God sent His only Son, to teach them and show them the way of salvation due to God’s Great Love for us. Prayer Starter Lord Jesus, forgive all our sins. I accept You as my Saviour and my Lord. Help me to follow all Your teachings and live according to Your Will and love others as You Love me. In the name of the Father, and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

zz Y = o aOd; au hd f KkS" ud

uu k ui al dr l =u laÂąh s

hq; =

Tuesday 31st May 2016

T nj yk a f i ag l rĂą' wK l<

j k ao k d u ek j Z Z

Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Zephania: 3/14-18 or Romans: 12/9-16 Psalm: Isaiah:12/2-6 Luke: 1/39-56 The First Proclamation Please read Zephania 3/14-18 prayerfully, Prayerful Awareness The Lord speak words of comfort and encouragement to the remnant of the people of Judah who have suffered persecution for more than fifty years during the reign of Manasseh. He tells them that they can sing joyfully for He is with them and they do not have to fear anyone. This same word was addressed to Mary at the Annunciation. "Hail full of grace, the Lord is with you." ":Do not fear Mary for God has looked kindly on you." (Luke 1:28, 30). The Gospel Proclamation Please read Luke 1/39-56 prayerfully. When the angel told Mary that her elderly kinswoman Elizabeth who was considered to be barren has also conceived, she would have taken it as an implicit request for her to go and share her joy with her. The moment Mary in the power of the Holy Spirit spoke the words of greeting, several things happened. The baby in her womb leaped for joy having been anointed by the Holy Spirit. This was the fulfilment of what was spoken by the angel to Zechariah, the husband of Elizabeth when the angel appeared to him in the Temple at Jerusalem (1:15). Elizabeth too was inspired to say what she said to Mary. "You are most blessed among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb .... And blessed is she who be-

lieved that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her by the Lord." (vs.1:42-45). Mary finds that her virginity has been fruitful. She who had given up the possibility of having children communicates the life of the Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus. She became the Temple of God. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit she proclaims in the Canticle, the historical revolution begun with the coming of the Saviour and she also proclaims that which is to take place in the human condition. The song of Mary also expresses the deepest feelings of the Christian soul. Prayerful Awareness When the angel Gabriel made it known to Mary that she has found favour with God and that she will conceive and give birth to the Son of God, she gave her whole hearted consent. "I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word." When the angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah in the Temple in Jerusalem and told him that his prayer for a son has been heard and that his wife Elizabeth will bear a son, he would not believe what the angel told him. He said that he is an old man and that his wife is advanced in years. Because he would not believe the angel, he was deprived of the ability to speak until the moment when the child was circumcised. (1:64) Prayer Starter Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and will not be afraid. For the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation. "Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name; make known his deeds among the nations, proclaim that his name is exalted."

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

WALK IN THE SPIRIT

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THE COVER STORY Rejoice! Full grace the Lord is with you! …… (Luke 1:28) In what has happened, in what is happening and in what will happen “The Lord is with you…” The experience of “The Lord is with you” has at its origins, that which take us to the source of Tranquility and Silence, the depth of prayer, and contemplation. It was not only at the moment of the Incarnation, at Bethlehem, in Nazareth, on Golgotha and in the Upper Room but also with the Christian community till the end of time; “THE LORD IS WITH YOU” - “BE AWAKE!” “The Lord Is With You. Be Awake” (Adapted from Luke 1:28)

Walk in the Spirit - May 2016

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!" ISSN 1391-5967