Walk In the Spirit July 2016 by Pubuduwa

WALK IN THE SPIRIT July 2016 Volume 07 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!"

SHARING ON PRAYER July 2016

I shouldn’t take for granted the gift of Emptying (the gift of the Blessed Virgin Mary that I have received – the great gift the Pubuduwa has received. I make use of the gift every time I become ‘AWARE’ of the hovering Holy Spirit

The Blessed Mother’s experience of the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit on that great day of the Incarnation, was for sure an apex experience of a life lived in the Spirit throughout her life. Holy Spirit may I this day become more and more alive to Your presence.

Fr. Siri Oscar Abayaratne

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Friday 1st July 2016 Amos: 8/4-6,9-12 Psalm: 119/2,10, 20, 30, 40, 131 Matthew: 9/9-13

apostles and further to become one of the writers of His four gospels. In fact Mathew is the writer of His first gospel. All of us need Jesus' mercy and The Gospel Proclamation forgiving love to change our lives. As Jesus was walking along, he As we are not worthy to enter God's saw a man called Matthew sitting Kingdom for God is so pure and holy at the tax booth, and he said to him, while we are so full of not just faults "Follow me." And he got up and but of sins which are abominable in God's eyes. Thus we who are full of followed him. weaknesses should show kindness and And as he sat at dinner in the mercy towards our neighbours who house, many tax collectors and are weak. Our divine Physician has sinners came and were sitting with come to cure the sick, to strengthen him and his disciples. When the the weak, to give life to the dying and Pharisees saw this, they said to his to rejuvinate the feeble. In the same disciples, "Why does your teacher way He wants us too, to follow in eat with tax collectors and sinners?" His footstesps and through our ways But when he heard this, he said, of kindness and love, to change the "Those who are well have no need lives of those who avoid God - into of a physician, but those who are His faithful followers. sick. Go and learn what this menas In order to change others we have 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have come to call not the righteous to change ourselves first. Instead of demandng we should be flexible in but sinners". our speech and ways, ready to see the Prayerful Awareness good in others and to forgive whatever It is love, mercy and forgiveness is not pleasing. This is rather difficult that make a sinner a saint. It is Jesus' for we are often self-centered. But forgiveness that He uttered on the Jesus always wants us to put others' cross at Calvaary, "Father forgive needs first as Jesus has said, "I came them for they know not what they do to serve and not to be served." Love Those are words of salvation we others first and Jesus will do what is can depend on in our lives for we are best for us. Prayer Starter all sinners and it is His Precious Blood that has redeemed us from the pangs Let us go forth, as called by God, of hell-fire. Redeemed by Jesus' Precious Blood It is Jesus' mercy and His forgiving His Love to show, His life to live, love that turned Mathew who was His message speak, His mercy give." considered a sinner, into one of Jesus' Whittle

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Saturday 2nd July 2016 Amos: 9/11-15 Psalm: 85/8, 10-13 Matthew: 9/14-17 First Proclamation On that day I will raise up the booth of David that is fallen, and repair its breaches, and raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old, in order that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations who are called by my name, says the Lord who does this. The time is surely coming, says the Lord, when the one who plows shall overtake the one who reaps, and the treader of grapes the one who sows the seed; the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it. I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit. I will plant them upon their land, and they shall never again be plucked up out of the land that I have given them, says the Lord your God. Song of Praise (Psalm 85: 8. 10-13) Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts. Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky. The Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before him, and will make a path for his steps. Prayerful Awareness Let us enter into meditative contemplative prayer on the saving grace of Almighty God our Abba Father described in the above scriptures using beautiful imagery depicting restoration of the “Gar-

den of Eden’ pristine glory of the creation as it was in the beginning. It also includes a warning to sinners who are self-content and contained and have no need for God, thinking they know and have everything under their control, giving into man’s original sin of pride, misled by the great deceiver, the Devil. To me, the flowing of new wine on mountains and hills depicts the life of love, joy and peace of the people of the New Testament that are led by the Holy Spirit. The Song of Praise describes the saving grace wrought by our Lord Jesus Christ by bridging and binding heaven and earth for those who believe, through His sacrificial death on the cross. In the Gospel Proclamation below, the Lord makes the distinction between the Law of the Old Testament and ‘New Way’ of Love of the New Testament. But to love like God and Jesus we need to be anointed with the Spirit of Love that emanates from the Father and the Son, i.e. the Holy Spirit, which is a ‘Born Again’ experience! Then people will fast in a spirit of service, love, or intercession, or even die for His sake, at the bidding of the Holy Spirit, and not as a fulfillment of a duty/obligation, but guided by Love for the Lord and neighbour! Gospel Proclamation Then John's disciples came to him and said, 'Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not?' Jesus replied, 'Surely the bridegroom's attendants cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is still with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one puts a piece of unshrunken cloth onto an old cloak, because the patch pulls away from the cloak and the tear gets worse. Nor do people put new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the skins burst, the wine runs out, and the skins are lost. No; they put new wine in fresh skins and both are preserved.'

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Sunday 3rd July 2016

Fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Isaiah:66/10-14 Psalm: 66/1-7,16,20 Galatians:6/14-18 Luke: 10/1-12,17-20 or 10/1-9 Introduction To those who yearn for justice and peace today’s proclamations would have meaning. All of us have had the experience of being tricked and betrayed by those who promised us peace and justice. But we will continue to hope for justice and peace because we feel that it is our heritage. “Who will give us this peace that we so desire?” Let us have this question in our hearts as we gaze at the experience of the people of God as related in the proclamations for today. Let us permit the ENTRANCE ANTIPHON to prepare our hearts to receive the Good News in store for us today. Within your temple we ponder our loving kindness God. A your name so also your praise reaches to the ends of the earth; your right hand is filled with justice. The First Proclamation Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad because of her, all you who love her; Exalt, exult with her, all you who were mourning over her! Oh, that you may suck fully of the milk of her comfort, that you may nurse with delight at her abundant breasts1 For thus says the Lord: Lo, I will spread prosperity over her like a river, and the wealth of her nations like an overflowing torrent. As nurslings you shall be carried in her arms, and fondled in her lap; as a mother comforts her son, so will

I comfort you; in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort. When you see this, your heart shall rejoice and your bodies flourish like the grass; The Lord’s power shall be known to his servants, but to his enemies, his wrath. Prayerful Awareness Mothers and their children are the most vulnerable at times of war and other calamities man-made and natural. Therefore children are among the first and greatest beneficiaries of peace. They have the ability to live in the present and enjoy what is, leaving what was and what might be aside. Isaiah paints a picture of a “Free Jerusalem” as a nursing mother, and the people as nurslings. A baby who is suckling at his mother’s breast is the epitome of peace. It is a peace which surpasses the condition of an absence of war. It is the presence of maternal-paternal love which will spread prosperity like a river, and wealth like an overflowing torrent. Let us for a moment gaze at Jesus who would have claimed this promise of His Father for Himself and the whole of humanity. The Gospel Proclamation After this the Lord appointed seventy two others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, and no sandals, and greet no one along the way. Into

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God is at hand for you.’ Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you, go out into the streets and say, ‘The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you.’ Yet know this: the kingdom of God is at hand. I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town. The seventy (-two) returned rejoicing and said, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning form the sky. Behold, I have given you the power ‘to tread upon serpents’ and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Gaze at Jesus In spite of the fact that Jesus lived at a time when Israel was under Roman domination He had the audacity to send out Hs disciples with a message of peace to the surrounding towns and villages. It was not so much a peace that will come in the future that they preached but peace because of the Kingdom of God which was at hand in the midst of them. The disciples experienced the presence of the Kingdom

of God when demons became subject to them. The Kingdom of God which came amongst men in the person of Jesus Christ was operative through them too. The Second Proclamation But may I never boast except in the cross of our lord Jesus Christ through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither does circumcision mean anything, nor does uncircumcision, but only a new creation. Peace and mercy be to all who follow this rule and to the Israel of God. From now on, let no one make troubles for me; for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body. The grace of our lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen. Our sonship Paul reminds of the challenge we have as followers of Christ to experience peace with the reality of the presence of the cross and the crucifixion in our lives. The temptation to get lost in achievements of conformity to the rules, regulations, rituals and traditions will distract us from what we should truly boast. about: the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. We who have been baptized into Christ are a new creation trough the presence of the holy Spirit within us. The disciples came back from their mission rejoicing and excited. They discovered they could do the same things that Jesus was doing. So can we. And, unless we try, we are not worthy of our baptism, which becomes an empty ritual like circumcision/ Prayer Starter Lord Holy Spirit, grant us the strength to be laborers of the harvest.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Monday 4th July 2016

St. Elizabeth of Portugal

Hosea:2/14, 16, 19-21 Psalm:145/2-9 Matthew: 9/18-26

The First Proclamation

...On that day, says the Lord, you will call me, "my husband," and no longer will you call me, "My Baal." And I will take you for my wife forever, I will take you for my wife in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love, and in mercy. I will take you for my wife in faithfulness, and you shall know the Lord. On that day I will answer, says the Lord, I will answer the heavens and they shall answer the earth. The Gospel Proclamation

Prayerful Awareness Prayer is defined by Jesus in His discourse given in Mathew 6:5-14. In this discourse, Jesus clearly says what prayer is not (verses 5,7,8) and how we ought to pray. (verse 6, 9-13). Prayer is a genral word, which encompasses actions such as supplications, petitions, thanksgiving, praise etc. Today's scripture reading describes two petitionary prayers. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to show us some important characteristics . Reflect ..... Let us note the following characteristics, which ultimately made the respective prayers, effective before God. In the first incident, there was no doubt in the mind of the official in the ability of Jesus to perform the humanly impossible task. (vs. 18). That Jesus began to act only after the people who had no faith in Jesus were taken out of Jesus' enviornment. (vs. 24, 25). Let us contemplate, if the words of Jesus that the "Kingdom of God is within you and around you" has any bearing on this incident. Reflect .... In the second incident, let us note the extent of active faith and hope the woman with haemorrhage had in Jesus. Let us note that the prayer was definitely not verbal. It was an interior matter in her heart and mind. Please refer Mathew 6:6 and contemplate., if this verse has any bearing on this incident. Prayer Starter

While Jesus was saying this, a Jewish official came to him, ... 'My daughter has just died; but come and place your hands on her, and she will live." So Jesus got up and followed him, and his disciples went along with him. A woman who had suffered from severe bleeding for twelve years came up behind Jesus and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will get well." Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, "Courage my daughter! Your faith has made you well! At that very moment the woman became well. Then Jesus went into the official's house .... "Get out everybody! The little girl is not dead, she is only sleeping!" ... Jesus went into the girl's room Everyday I will bless you, I will and took hold of her hand and she praise Your name forever. (Ps. 145:2) got up ....

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Tuesday 5th July 2016

St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, Confnessor

Hosea: 8/4-7, 11-13 Psalm: 115/3-10 Matthew: 9/32-38 St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria He was the only child of his mother who was widowed at 18. Since his infancy the mother got him to distribute all her alms. He became a doctor but gave up the practice and became a secular priest. He had an amazing record of charity among the poor and the sick in Milan and Cremona, Italy. The deplorable conditions in Northern Italy were due to wars fought on its soil. Anthony was engaged in social work there. He founded the Congregation of Clerks Regular of St. Paul in Milan. He also founded the Angelicals of St. Paul. He died at37 and the body was found to have remained incorrupt. Canonized by Pope Leo XIII on May 27, 1897. The Gospel Proclamation

is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest." Prayerful Awareness An attitude of neutrality towards Jesus - impossible. The attitude of the crowds was one of wonder, a positive one. "Whoever is not against you is for you." (Luke 9:50) We have both sides here - crowds for Him and the Pharisees against Him as is always the case. What our eyes see is dependent or is often controlled by what the heart feels. The crowds appreciated Jesus' words and deeds as they catered to or gave answers to their crying needs. But the Pharisees- their inner attitude was one of sheer indifference because they thought He was a threat to their life line and ways of thinking and acting. "Because they had said He had an unclean spirit, they were guilty of the unpardonable sin; they were putting themselves beyond forgiveness. If they poisoned the fountain of living water, from which alone they could slake their thirst, then they must die of the poison. If they blasphemed the One from Whom forgiveness flowed, then where was the hope of forgiveness? The deaf who deny they are deaf will never hear; the sinners who deny there is sin deny thereby the remedy of sin, and thus cut themselves off forever from Him Who came to redeem." (Archbishop FJ.Sheen) In the final verses we have Jesus' view of ordinary men and women - a harvest to be reaped and to be saved. "Without God I cannot do it. Without me, God will not." Prayer Starter

After they had gone away, a demoniac who was mute was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the one who had been mute spoke, and the crowds were amazed and said, "never has anything like this been seen in Israel." But the Pharisees said, "By the ruler of the demons he casts out the demons." Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then Help us to be missionaries and he said to his disciples, "The harvest reapers. Amen.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Wednesday 6th July 2016 Hosea: 10/1-3,7-8,12 Psalm: 105/2-7 Matthew: 10/1-7 The First Proclamation Israel was a luxuriant vine yielding plenty of fruit. The more his fruit increased, the more altars he built; the richer his land became, the richer he made the sacred pillars. Theirs is a divided heart; now they will have to pay for it. He himself will hack down their altars and wreck their sacred pillars. Then they will say, 'We have no king because we have not feared Yahweh, but what could the king do for us?'.... Samaria has had her day. Her king is like a straw drifting on the water. The high places of Aven, the sin of Israel, will be destroyed; thorns and thistles will grow over their altars. Then they will say to the mountains, 'Cover us!' and to the hills, 'Fall on us!' ... Sow saving justice for yourselves, reap a harvest of faithful love; break up your fallow ground: it is time to seek out Yahweh until he comes to rain saving justice down on you. Fix your gaze on Jesus Lord Jesus, what would You make of prophet Hosea's rambling account of the declarations of the Living WORD? Does it astound You as to how it reflects the dire state of humanity's inner brokenness and ruinous orientation? Not only have we distanced ourselves from the Loving Lord, but have left the security of the group and ventured each on his/her own way, leaving the space reserved for the Lord of the Hosts empty, allowing weeds and refuse to fill it up. Whereas contrarily, Jesus, spilling over with Love and the Spirit of God, infused the twelve disciples with power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease, and sent them out proclaiming

St. Maria Goretti, Virgin the Good News-the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand; turn and experience it. Remember- a vine is valuable only for its fruit; but Israel now brought no fruit to perfection; their hearts divided. God is the Sovereign of the heart; He will have all, or none. Were the stream of the heart wholly after God, it would run strongly, and bear down all before it. Their pretenses to covenant with God were deceitful. Even the proceeding of justice was as poisonous hemlock. Alas, how empty a vine is the visible church even at this day! All earthly prosperity is but a collection of bubbles, soon destroyed like foam upon the water. Look back at history; what of man's colossal efforts and edifices remain? The next tsunami or the quake will rubbish it. Sinners will seek shelter from the Judge whom they now despise as a Saviour in vain; there is no running away from the wrath or judgement of the Creator of this firmament. God however does not desire the death and ruin of sinners; therefore in mercy He desires their chastisement. The children of iniquity still remained in Israel. The enemies would be gathered against them. It is just with God to make those who indulge themselves in ease and pleasure, to know what hardships mean. Let them cleanse their hearts from all corrupt affections and lusts, and be of a broken and contrite spirit. Let them abound in works of piety towards God, and of justice and charity towards one another: herein let them sow to the Spirit; thus further the commandment to be stewards of the creation. Prayer Starter Dearest Lord, we admit to our share of lies entertained within, of our brokenness. Infuse Thy Spirit within...and bring us before the truth of your continued presence here and now

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Thursday 7th July 2016 Hosea:11/1, 3-4, 8-9 Psalm: 80/1-2, 14-15 Matthew: 10/7-15

The First Proclamation When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk. I took them up in my arms, but they did not know that I healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them. How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zebolim? My heart recoils within me, my compassion grows warm and tender. I will not execute my fierce anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and no mortal, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath. Prayerful Awareness Hosea wrote of God's love for His SINFUL people. The book of Hosea is a LOVE STORY - REAL, TRAGIC and TRUE. A covenant had been made and God had been faithful. His LOVE was steadfast and His COMMITMENT unbroken. But Israel, like Gomer, was adulterous and unfaithful, spurning God's love and turning instead to false gods. His love and mercy were overflowing, BUT, JUSTICE would be served.

God often required extraordinary obedience from His prophets who were facing extraordinary times. It is difficult to imagine Hosea's feelings when God told him to marry a woman who would be unfaithful to him. He may not have wanted to do it, but he OBEYED God. In any case, Hosea knew ahead of time that his wife would be unfaithful and that their married life would become a living object lesson to the adulterous Northern Kingdom. Hosea's marriage to an unfaithful woman would illustrate God's relationship to the unfaithful NATION OF ISRAEL. "I am God and not man". It is easy for us to define God in terms of our own expectations and behaviour. In doing so, we make HIM just slightly larger than ourselves. In reality God is INFINITELY GREATER than we are. Let us seek to become like Him rather than attempting to remake Him in our image. Let us remember that when we sin, we SEVER our relationship with God, breaking our commitment to Him. While we all must answer to God for our sins, those who seek God's forgiveness are spared eternal judgement. Prayer Starter Heavenly Father, we pause to consider all we have in You. Grant us eyes to see Your provision and help us to remember Your faithfulness, Your unbroken commitment and Love. Father God, we thank You for we always have Your attention.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Friday 8th July 2016 Hosea: 14/2-9 Psalm: 51/1-2, 6-7, 10-12, 15 Matthew: 10/16-23 The Gospel Proclamation "See I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you at that time, for it is not you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will he saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. Prayerful Awareness In this Gospel proclamation, Jesus speaks to His disciples of all times who will be facing persecution. Martyr means witness and we apply this word to the witnesses of Jesus who gave their lives and suffered for the faith. However, not every murdered Christian is a martyr. Let us spend a few moments meditating on the thirst Jesus had to do the Will of God. Whatever the draw-

backs Jesus' main issue was to build the kingdom of God on this earth. His constant dependence on Father God helped Jesus to implement this desire of God through Jesus' disciples. Even on the cross Jesus' firm faith in the love of God was unshaken. Jesus invites us to this level of faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus gives His disciples instructions saying they must be sheep in the midst of wolves. The prophet Isaiah foretells of a time where wolves and lambs will dwell in peace. This certainly refers to the Second Coming of Christ when all will be united under the Lordship of Jesus after He has put down His enemies and established the reign of God over heaven and the earth. Until such time the disciples must expect oppression and persecution from those who oppose the Gospel. Jesus never hesitated to tell His disciples what they might expect if they followed His task. Whatever the oppression that we have to face, let us dedicate our lives to God who is ever present in our lives. Also, when we go out to implement God's wish, the members of our own family, our relations and others may ridicule us. Here let us stay firm, unshaken, fortified with the Holy Spirit. Let us be wise as serpents and innocent as doves, leading an exemplary life according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit to win more and more people into the Kingdom of God. Prayer Starter Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love, according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. (Ps: 51/1, 2)

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Saturday 9th July 2016

St. Augustine Zhao Rong

Isaiah: 6/1-8 Psalm: 93/1-2, 5 Matthew: 10/24-33 First Proclamation In the year of King Uzziah's death I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne; his train filled the sanctuary. Above him stood seraphs, each one with six wings: two to cover its face, two to cover its feet and two for flying; and they were shouting these words to each other: Holy, holy, holy is Yahweh Sabaoth. His glory fills the whole earth. The door-posts shook at the sound of their shouting, and the Temple was full of smoke. Then I said: 'Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, Yahweh Sabaoth.' Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding in its hand a live coal which it had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. With this it touched my mouth and said: 'Look, this has touched your lips, your guilt has been removed and your sin forgiven.' I then heard the voice of the Lord saying: 'Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I, send me.' Prayerful Awareness Becoming aware of our utter sinfulness and unworthiness compared to God’s Awesome Love and Holiness is a pre-requisite to receiving God’s saving grace in our lives. When we repent of our sin (anything that hinders our ability to love others in the unconditional manner the Lord loves us, and anything that keeps us from carrying out God’s Will in our lives, can be ascribed a sin) and ask God’s pardon and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord we receive the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Love that emanates from the Father and the Son, and are empowered to overcome sin by being filled with the fruits of the Spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control (Galatians 5:22). When that happens, we

become filled with a thirst to share this new life and Good News with others, and like in the case of Prophet Isaiah in today’s First Proclamation, we are compelled to say, 'Here am I, send me' when we hear the Lord saying: 'Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?' This journey of discipleship is not easy. Therefore the Lord strengthens us thus: The Gospel Proclamation 'Disciple is not superior to teacher, nor slave to master. It is enough for disciple to grow to be like teacher, and slave like master. If they have called the master of the house "Beelzebul", how much more the members of his household? 'So do not be afraid of them. Everything now covered up will be uncovered, and everything now hidden will be made clear. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the daylight; what you hear in whispers, proclaim from the housetops. 'Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; fear him rather who can destroy both body and soul in hell. Can you not buy two sparrows for a penny? And yet not one falls to the ground without your Father knowing. Why, every hair on your head has been counted. So there is no need to be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. 'So if anyone declares himself for me in the presence of human beings, I will declare myself for him in the presence of my Father in heaven. But the one who disowns me in the presence of human beings, I will disown in the presence of my Father in heaven. Song of Praise (Psalm:93/1-2, 5) Yahweh is king, robed in majesty, robed is Yahweh and girded with power. The world is indeed set firm, it can never be shaken; your throne is set firm from of old, from all eternity you exist. Your decrees stand firm, unshakeable, holiness is the beauty of your house, Yahweh, for all time to come.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Sunday 10th July 2016

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Deuteronomy: 30/1014 Psalm: 69/13,16,29-30, 32-33, 35-36 Colossians:1/15-20 Luke: 10/25-37 Introduction The core of Christian living is service to the human family, the whole human family. But our sinful nature always compels us on our own happiness rather than the happiness of our neighbor. We are hurt when others don’t think of our concerns. We even criticize and blame others – or parents, husbands, wives and children for whatever shortcomings and deficiencies we experience in our day to day living. But what about our role in serving others? What is the norm against which I measure my justice? The Entrance Antiphon prepares us to become receptive to the standards of service expected of the Kingdom. In my justice I shall see your face O Lord. When Your glory appears my joy will be full. The First Proclamation If only you heed the voice of the Lord your God, and keep his commandments and statutes that are written in this book of the law, when you return to the Lord, your God, with all your heart and all your soul, “For this command which I enjoin on you today is not too mysterious and remote for you. It is not up in the sky, that you should say, ‘Who will go up n the sky to get it for us and tell us of it, that we may carry it out?’ Nor is it across the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross the sea to get it for us and tell us of it, that we may carry it out? No, it is something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts; you have only to

carry it out. Prayerful Awareness Measuring up to the standards of the Kingdom may always seem awesome We have only to think of the life-style of John the Baptist to feel intimidated. But we are told in today’s first proclamation of God’s love that the capability of carrying out the mandate as children of God is not remote but indeed near us. We do not have to climb every mountain, search high and low, follow every byway, every path we know to discover what God’s Will for our lives is. The Good News is that it is our first and not our second nature to carry out God’s command to love as He loves. After l we have been created in HIS IMAGE. Let us read the Gospel proclamation with the desire to discover what we seem to have lost: our God image. The Gospel Proclamation There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test him and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law” How do you read it/” He said in reply, “You shall love the lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” He replied to him, “You have answered correctly, do this and you will live.” But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, “Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ Which of these three, in your opinion was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” Gaze on Jesus Jesus is confronted by a person typical of those who profess a religion in any age. They are concerned with their own salvation. They would rather obey the letter of the law rather than its spirit. Through the parable of the Good Samaritan Jesus demonstrates the spirit of the law which states, “You shall love the lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Observing the letter of the law would more or less stop at having good feelings, thoughts and intentions towards God and our fellow men .But obeying the spirit of the law require of us to go beyond passive feelings, thoughts and intentions and move into practical actions which would be of benefit to the neighbor and be of apparent detriment to us. Jesus makes it clear that an act of mercy towards one’s neighbor is at a cost to one’s self. He became the Good Samaritan par excellence by shedding His blood on the cross for the whole of humanity. The Second Proclamation He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and

the invisible. Whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers, all things were created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn form the dead, that in all things he himself might be pr-eminent. For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the blood of his cross through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven. Our sonship If all of us really lived according to this way of seeing others, our world would become a transformed place. We can easily point out the “Priests” and the “Levites” who pass their true neighbor on the other side of the road and judge them and feel righteous. But it is less easy for us to see that even our family interests can also become a kind of god. If our family sees itself and its needs as prior to all of society’s other needs; and sees society as having an obligation to provide our family with the means of realizing all its ambitions, financial and otherwise, in such a family, the neighbor is then seen either as someone who can help this family in reaching its desired goals or as a threat to be feared or overcome. A good-Samaritan family, a good-Samaritan society is one which is anxious to put its giftedness and talents where they can most contribute to the well-being of others; especially those in greater need. Prayer Starter Lord let me see You abandoned in tee one who is in need and say: “Whenever you feel you need a friend to lean on, here I am . Whenever you call, you know I’ll be there. Let me be there in your morning. Let me be there in your night. Let me change whatever is wrong and make it right …..

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Monday 11th July 2016

St. Benedict

Isaiah: 1/10-17 Psalm: 50/8-9,16-17, 21, 23 Matthew: 10/34-11/1 The First Proclamation Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom! Listen to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah! What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the Lord; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed beasts. ... Trample my courts no more; bringing offerings is futile; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and sabbath and calling of convocation - I cannot endure solemn assemblies with iniquity. ... When you stretch out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you, even though you make many prayers, I will not listen, your hands are full of blood. ..... The Gospel Proclamation "Do not thin that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one's foes will be members of one's own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. "Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward .... and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple, truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward. .......

Prayerful Awareness Jesus desires that precedence be given to Jesus, in all our relationships and dealings, even with our closest relations,. What does this mean? Gaze at Jesus In verse 37and 38, we find Jesus making reference to Himself - "me". Let us reflect ... Jesus is the Word of God, become flesh. Jesus is the message and messenger of God. Therefore, let us note, when Jesus refers to Himself as "me" Jesus means, not only His words, but His actions, reactions, reflexes, gestures etc. My sonship Do I call myself a disciple of Jesus? In that case, do my thoughts and actions, my behaviour in general, conform to the thoughts,words and actions of Jesus in similar situations? Do I give preference to Jesus, as descried above, in my dealings with those who are closest to me, with those who are important to me? Am I prepared to fall into their bad books, in the event, I have to disagree with them, on account of Jesus? Jesus says, "Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." (Mt. 10:39) Am I ready to forsake my position, status, financial benefits, popularity, promotions, etc.for sake of Jesus? Or, am I a disciple of Jesus for name sake? Prayer Starter I need no bullock from, your house, no goats from your fold .... Were I hungry, I would not tell you, for mine is the world and all that fills it, ... Offer praise as your sacrifice ...(Ps: 50, 9....)

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Tuesday 12th July 2016 Feast of St. John Gualbert, Abbot, Confessor Isaiah: 7/1-9 Psalm: 48/1-7 Matthew: 11/20-24 St. John Gualbert He hailed from the noble Visdomini family of Florence (Italy). In accordance with the custom of his age he wanted to avenge the murder of a near relative. On Good Friday, 1013, he happened to meet the assasin in a narrow lane and was about to kill him. The latter threw himself at his feet with arms outstretched cross-like, begged for forgiveness and commended his soul to God. John forgave him. A little later John went to the Benedictine Church at San Miniato to implore God's pardon for his own sins. The large crucifix bowed its head in approval of his act of mercy. He joined the monks at San Miniato. In 1038. He founded a new monastery at Vallombrossa for those who like himself, wished to lead a life of extraordinary austerity and penance. They performed no manual labour. The innovation of John - lay brothers - was rapidly adopted by other orders. These lay brothers included illiterate men who had renounced the world and had reformed their notorious lives in mature age. They, the Vallombrosan Congregation, grew rapidly after the founder's death and their greatest contribution to the Church - fight against the then prevalent evils of simony and concubinage among the clergy. Died July 12,1073. Canonized by Pope Celestine III in 1193. The Gospel Proclamation Then he began to reproach the cities in which most of his deeds of power had been done, because they did not repent. "Woe to you Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would

have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, on the day of judgment it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. ......

Prayerful Awareness

Here we have Jesus reproaching two towns - Chorazin and Bethsaida. The reason - they had not heeded His words, miracles. The gospels do not give us any records of what Jesus had done there. A complete account of what Jesus had done in those towns and elsewhere - "The things Jesus did - if they were all written down one by one, I suppose that the whole world could not hold the books that would be written" (John 21:25). This passage also draws our attention to how little we know of Jesus. Unknown outnumbers known. Catch the accent in Jesus' voice. Surely it is not one because He has been insulted or His self-esteem has been touched. He gave them the most precious thing in the world and as it was disregarded by them - His anger is a holy one; it is condemnation of sin and the result of a broken heart. The people of Chorazin and Bethsaida had the privilege of or every chance to know and hear Him but they turned a deaf ear and a blind eye to Him. As they did the wrong thing they stand condemned. How ready are we to shoulder the responsibilities that accompany the privileges at our disposal? Do we face these obligations the way He wants us to? The attitude of indifference is a dangerous one as it kills. It does not burn or behead but suffocates or freezes a religion to death. When the world spoke of the negative Jesus spoke of the positive, "Do for others what you want them to do for you." (Mt. 7:12) Prayer Starter Save us from the sin of inaction. Amen.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Wednesday 13th July 2016

St. Henry

Isaiah: 10/5-7, 13-16 Psalm: 94/5-10,14-15 Matthew: 11/25-27

narrow-mindedness: of selfishness: of their insensitivity to the larger creation: from numbness, and bring them nearer to him; but is that Sennacherib's The First Proclamation design? No; he designs to gratify his own covetousness and ambition. The Woe to Assyria, rod of my anger, Assyrian boasts what great things he the club in their hands is my fury! I has done to other nations, by his own was sending him against a godless policy and power. He knows not that nation, commissioning him against it is God who makes him what he is, the people who enraged me, to pil- empowering him even in his ungodly lage and plunder at will and trample activities, putting the staff into his on them like the mud in the streets. hand. Because he conquered Samaria, But this was not his intention nor did he thinks Jerusalem would fall of his heart plan it so, for he dreamed course. It was lamentable that Jerusaof putting an end to them, of liqui- lem should have set up graven images, dating nations without number! ..... I but in this respect she was surpassed have abolished the frontiers between by the heathen. But is it not equally peoples, I have plundered their foolish for Christians to emulate the treasures, like a hero, I have sub- people of the world in vanities, instead jugated their inhabitants. My hand of keeping to things which are their has found, as though a bird's nest, special honour? For a tool to boast, the riches of the peoples. .... Does or to strive against him that formed the axe claim more credit than the it, would not be more out of the way, man who wields it or the saw more than for Sennacherib to vaunt himself strength than the man who handles against Yahweh. When God brings it? As though a staff controlled those before his people trouble, it is to bring who raise it, or the club could raise sin to their awareness, humble them, what is not made of good! ..... and to awaken them to a sense of their Fix your gaze on Jesus duty and bigger destiny; this must be Holy Lord, You are indeed Holy; the fruit, even the taking away of sin. and Mighty; and Awesome! How When these points are gained by the arrogant are the thoughts we choose, affliction, it shall be removed in merwere we-the created, to believe that cy. It becomes children to be grateful. we could go against the wishes of the This attempt upon Zion and Jerusalem Creator; live our lives out ignorant of should come to nothing. God will be as a fire to consume and in denial of the truth that we are but elements of S/His creative thoughts- the workers of iniquity, both soul and brought in to being to experience S/ body. Who is able to stand before this great and holy Lord God? His Love.... Prayer Starter The king of Assyria, in his pride, thought he acted by his own will. Lord, I understand a little; and Even the tyrants of the world are choose to be humbled and thankful tools of Providence! God designs (in before Your greatness and mercy..... and through everything) to correct his help me come before You, to stay in people for their hypocrisy: of their Your continued ever-lasting presence...

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Thursday 14th July 2016

St. Camillus de Lellis, Priest

Isaiah:26/7-9, 12, 16-19 Psalm: 102/12-20 Matthew: 11/28-30 Gospel Proclamation Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. " Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Prayerful Awareness Every time we feel weary and heavy laden, Jesus says, come to me and I will give you rest. This is a promise for ALL who are weary and heavy laden, including me and you. But what does Jesus promise?. This rest comes from taking His yoke and learning from Him. In St. Matthew 11:27 it is said “No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Jesus overcomes our weariness by showing to us God the Father, His Love and His Goodness. We are weary with too much to do - but Jesus shows us that the Father will give us the grace to do whatever He calls us to do. 2 Cor. 9:8 tells us that - God is able to make every grace abundant for us, so that in all things, always having all we need, we may have an abundance for every good work. In Galatians 5:1, St. Paul reminds us that by Lord Jesus’ death and Resurrection we were set free; therefore to stand firm not to submit to a yoke of slavery. The world try to imprison us into slavery in many ways. Sin imprison

us into slavery of the sin. A man who has sinful habits is a slave to his sinful habits. Worldly man tries to take other men to be their servants in various ways using money, fame, titles, symbols, status etc. But Lord Jesus who is our Saviour requests all to come to Him and receive His unending Love, Kindness and Mercy. Mercy that can forgive all our past sins without any punishment, penalty or condition if we repent for such sins, and ask for His forgiveness, not to sin any more. When this happens Lord Jesus sends the Gift of the Holy Spirit to all who accepts Him as Lord, to be strong and be able to resist sin. 2 Corinthians 3 : 17 says, - Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. In John 8 : 32, - Jesus said “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Jesus said in John 8: 36, - So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. In John 14 : 15 - 17 Lord Jesus said “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you. St. Paul in Galatians 5 ; 13 , said. - For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only, do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love to serve one another. Prayer Starter Lord Jesus, come to me in my weariness and discouragement, I Trust that You will Help me, I confess that I cannot see God the Father’s Great Love for me, His promises and goodness. Lord Jesus reveal God the Father to me and grant me His supernatural Holy Spirit and His wisdom and help, to live a holy life and bring glory to God our Loving Father, Amen.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Friday 15th July 2016

St. Bonaventure, Bishop & Doctor

Isaiah: 38/1-6,21-22, 7-8 Psalm: 38/10-12, 16 Matthew: 12/1-8

The First Proclamation

In those days Hezekiah .....was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah ... came to him, ..., "Thus says the Lord. Set your house in order, for you shall die; ..." Then Hezekiah ... prayed to the Lord: "Remember now, O Lord, I implore you, how I have walked before you in faithfulness with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight." ....Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah, "Go and say to Hezekiah, Thus says the Lord,... I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears, I will add fifteen years to your life. I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and defend this city. ....... The Gospel Proclamation At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath; his disciples were hungry and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. When the Pharisees saw it, ...., "Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath." He said to them, "Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him or his companions to eat, but only for the priests. .... I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. But if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath." Prayerful Awareness The Pharisees had established 39 categories of actions forbidden on the Sabbath, based on interpretations of God's law and on Jewish custom. Har-

vesting was one of those FORBIDDEN. Jesus and the disciples were picking grain because they were HUNGRY. NOT harvesting grain, for PROFIT. They were not WORKING on the Sabbath. The Pharisees had no room for COMPASSION. They were determined to accuse Jesus of wrong-doing. God did not punish David because his need for food was more IMPORTANT than the priestly regulations. The Pharisees missed the whole PURPOSE of the temple - to bring people to God. Our HEART ATTITUDE towards God comes FIRST. Only then can we properly obey and observe religious regulations and rituals. When Jesus said HE was the LORD of the SABBATH, He claimed to be GREATER than the Law and above the law. To the Pharisees this was HERECY. They did not realize that Jesus, the divine SON OF GOD had created the Sabbath. The CREATOR is always GREATER than the creation, thus Jesus had the authority to over-rule their traditions and regulations. Jesus FREES people from unbearable burdens. Jesus promises LOVE, HEALING and PEACE with God. A RELATIONSHIP with God changes meaningless wearisome toil into spiritual productivity and purpose. The Pharisees placed their laws above human need. They were so concerned about Jesus' breaking one of their rules. Jesus did not want DOGMA to be BLIND to human NEED. Jesus Christ is even greater than the TEMPLE. God is far more important than the CREATED instruments of worship. If we become more concerned with the means of worship than the ONE we worship, we will MISS God even as we think we are worshipping Him. Prayer Starter Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your wisdom that leads us along the path of life. Help us to follow your guidance to keep Your Commandments.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Saturday 16th July 2016 Micah: 2/1-5 Psalm:10/1-4,7-8,14 Mathew: 12/14-21 OR Zechariah:2/10-13 Psalm: Luke:1/46-55 Matthew: 12/46-50

Gospel proclamation But the Pharisees went out and took counsel against him, how to destroy him. Jesus aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all, and ordered them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah. Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my spirit upon him and he shall proclaim justice to the gentiles. .....

Gaze at Jesus

Lord patiently forebears the impulse to react to the wicked plans of the Pharisees. He also did not hesitate to derive guidance from the prophetic interpretations about Himself. Therefore, Jesus’ words and actions brought hope and fulfillment to God’s plan and His people. His words were not idle, nor arrogant nor was he tempted to work towards building his own self-image. His actions were loving and in every way he reflected God’s plans to bring man hope. He became the channel that God’s mercy flowed into the hearts and minds of the people. Therefore, in Him there was no wickedness or stubbornness or personal glory.

Gaze at our sonship

Selfishly driven human sonship brings wrath and disgrace to God’s plan. Such willful selfishness will always act to safe guard his/her personal interests. We read in Micah 2: 1-2 “How terrible it will be for

Our Lady of Mount Carmel those who lie awake and plan evil. When morning comes, as soon as they have the chance, they do the evil they planned. They seize them; when they want houses, they take them. No one’s family or property is safe”. As Christian, families, communities and leaders, Jesus calls us to have hope and confidence in God’s plan. (Micah 2: 5) “So then when the time comes for the Land to be given back to the Lord’s people, there will be no share for any of you”.

Prayerful Awareness

If the words we speak are to be a true reflection of God’s Holy plan, as Christians and as Christian communities and as community leaders of all the churches, there is a responsibility to speak the word of God in total submission and awareness to the Holy Spirit. Then alone, it will be devoid of personal visions and arrogance. As Christians and of course all spiritual leaders, in every community are called to counsel one another into God’s plan. Otherwise we all will be like the Pharisees who took counsel to destroy Jesus or as in Micah to bring destruction to others.

Prayer Starter

We embrace in prayer today, all Christians, Christian communities and their leaders to heed to the counsel of the Holy Spirit to bring Hope to the “Gentiles”. Their expectation to obedience will be through prayerful discernment in the Spirit. Lord we pray all Christians will be united in the Holy Spirit to fulfill the responsibility God has placed upon us to bring peace to all who need God's assuring love. Help us grow in prayer to derive God’s word as the Prophets did so that they became the reflection of God’s plan that people were able to take consolation and guidance from.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Sunday 17th July 2016 Genesis:18/1-10 Psalm: 15/1-5 Colossians:1/24-28 Luke:10/38-42 Introduction

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time yourselves; and afterward you may go on your way.” “Very well,” they replied, “do as you have said.” Abraham hastened into the tent and told Sarah, “Quick, three seahs of fine flour! Knead it and make rolls.” He ran to the herd, picked out a tender, choice steer, and gave it to a servant, who quickly prepared it. Then he got some curd and milk, as well as the steer that had been prepared, and set these before them; and he waited on them under the tree while they ate. “Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked him. “There in the tent.” He replied. One of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah will then have a son.” Sarah was listening at the entrance of the tent, just behind him. Prayerful Awareness

Last Sunday we were presented with the Good Samaritan as one who recognized his neighbor in a dire state and cared for him. Today we are presented with Abraham, Martha and Paul who were willing to play host to the Lord God who appears before them in different guises, as three strangers, as a dear friend, and as the body of Christ, the Church. While we play host to the Lord we receive more than we give. The Entrance Antiphon brings to our attention the very important aspect of being hospitable. God Himself is my help. The Lord upholds my life. I will offer you a willing sacrifice: I will praise your The eagerness of Abraham to greet name Lord for its goodness. the stranger and then to play host to them is indeed striking. Abraham goes The First Proclamation out of his way to make his visitors The Lord appeared to Abraham feel welcome and at home. He does by the terebinth of Mamre, as he sat so without expecting or demanding in the entrance of his tent, while the anything in return. He also seems to day was growing hot. Looking up, accept what the strangers promise he saw three men standing nearby. as a reward without false humility. When he saw them, he ran from This reward it is strangely implied, the entrance of the tent to greet is from God Himself. This is the sort them; and bowing to the ground, of treatment that strangers get when he said: “Sir, if I may ask you this God’s reign is operative. Strangers favor, please do not go on past your are friends whom we have not met servant. Let some water be brought. before. Furthermore, strangers are That you may bathe your feet, and those through whom God chooses to then rest yourselves under the tree. have an encounter with us. This fact Now that you have come this close is further consolidated by the fact that to your servant, let me bring you Jesus Christ appears as a stranger to a little food that you may refresh His loved ones after His Resurrection.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Let us see how Jesus of Nazareth is tions of Christ on behalf of his body, welcomed by His friends. which is the church, of which I am a minister in accordance with God’s The Gospel Proclamation stewardship given to me to bring As they continued their journey to completion for you the word of he entered a village where a woman God, the mystery hidden form ages whose name was Martha welcomed and from generations past. But now him. She had a sister named Mary it has been manifested to his holy (who) sat beside the Lord at his ones, to whom God chose to make feet listening to him speak. Martha, known the riches of the glory of this burdened with much serving, came mystery among the Gentiles; it is to him and said, “Lord, do you not Christ in you, the hope for glory. It care that my sister has left me by is he whom we proclaim, admonishmyself to do the serving? Tell her ing everyone and teaching everyone to help me.” The Lord said to her with all wisdom, that we may presin reply, “Martha, Martha, you are ent everyone perfect in Christ. anxious and worried about many Our sonship things. There is need of only one

thing. Mary has chosen the better Referring to the period before his part and it will not be taken from conversion, Augustine says to God: her.” Where were You then for me, and how far away? And I was a wanderer Gaze at Jesus far away from You …. But You were Like Abraham, in the first read- more internal than what was intimate ing, Martha is rushing up and down in me, and higher than what was trying to be a good host to her guest) highest in me.” “You were with me, s). Jesus points to another dimension and I was not with You.” Indeed, he in Christian living, which is also of insists: “You were in front of me; but prime importance and that is the direct I had gone away from myself and did personal relationship between a per- not find myself, much less find you.” son and God. It is the value in being Whoever does not find himself does with the guest to receive from whom not find God, because God is in the and what He is. Jesus was giving of depths of each one of us. Himself to those who would take the Prayer Starter time to be with Him. He who was the bread of life gave Himself as food to Lord Holy Spirit! Grant me the those whom would receive. He who grace to find Christ in me form mowas Life gave of Himself so that ment to moment as I journey through anyone willing to receive would have life …… a life of abundance. The Second Proclamation Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking n the afflic-

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Monday 18th July 2016 Micah: 6/1-4, 6-8 Psalm:50/5-6,8-9, 17, 21, 23 Matthew: 12/38-42 The First Proclamation Hear what the Lord says: Rise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice. Hear, you mountains, the controversy of the Lord, and you enduring foundations of the earth, for the Lord has a controversy with his people, and he will contend with Israel. O my people, what have I done to you? In what have I wearied you? Answer me! For I brought you up from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery and I sent before you Moses, Aaron and Miriam. With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? The Gospel Proclamation Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to him, "Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you." But he answered them, "An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so for three days and three nights the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth. The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgement with this generation

and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and see, something greater than Jonah is here! The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and see, something greater than Solomon is here! Prayerful Awareness In today's scripture reading, we find Jesus condemning the Pharisees, for seeking proof, that Jesus is of divine origin, after having seen the supernatural things Jesus had done. Gazeat Jesus Jesus Himself had to grow in His awareness, that He is of divine origin (Luke 2:40. 49-52). This awareness reached its climax at His Baptism, when He heard the voice, "You are my beloved son, with you I am well pleased." (Mark 1:11) From that moment, Jesus began to speak and act with authority, perform miraculous and supernatural deeds, which were unprecedented in the Jewish society. To convey about His divinity to others, Jesus said a simple parable, which put in a nutshell says, to judge a tree by its fruits. (Please read Mathew 12:2237). Jesus is convinced about His divine Sonship and calls God His Father. My sonship The Holy Spirit, that was fully operative in Jesus (Matthew 12:28) has now been gifted to me by Jesus. I am not expected to do supernatural deeds, but, does my behaviour in my normal day to day life situations, show that I am moved and led by the Holy Spirit. Prayer Starter Those who offer praise as a sacrifice honor me; to the obediet I will show the salvation of God.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Tuesday 19th July 2016 Mica: 7/14-15,18-20 Psalm: 85/1-7 Matthew: 12/46-50

Feast of Sts. Justin & Rufina

While he was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him "Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside wanting to speak to you." But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, "Who is my mother and who are my brothers?" And pointing to 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." Prayerful Awareness

a certain angle. We also note the love and how anxious His mother and relatives were about Him. May be they were puzzled by what He said and did. What was He to them? A source of encouragement or discouragement? The kinship based on blood or doing the Will of God? 'Blood is thicker than water.' Does He give the right place to kinship based on blood? Jesus hints at a kind of spiritual and supernatural kinship which comes from doing the Will of God. He neither wanted to deny the value of family affections nor play down His love for His mother and relatives. See through the whole episode - the Christian message is clear. It stresses the necessity and greatness of family bonds. Be in the good books of or in the same divine life - yes, that is what is in store for those who are near and dear to Him. Let us try to do His Will in our lives and we will be raised to the supreme dignity of intimacy with Him. Ours will be the friendship of all who love the Lord and the fellowship with Him. "The mystery came to an end on Calvary. There she became our mother the moment she lost her Divine Son. What seemed an alienation of affection was in reality a deepening of affection. No love ever mounts to a higher level without death to a lower one. Mary died to the love of Jesus at Cana, and recovered Jesus again at Calvary with His Mystical body which He redeemed. It was, for the moment, a poor exchange, giving up her Divine Son to win mankind, but in reality, she did not win mankind apart from Him. On that day when she came to him preaching, He began to merge the Divine maternity into the new motherood of all men; at Calvary He caused her to love men as He loved them." (Archbishop F.J.Sheen). Prayer Starter

The attitude of Jesus towards His family members and near and dear ones is a little disheartening when looked at in

Help us to bear fruit where You have placed us and guide us to a kinship based on divine values. Amen.

Sts. Justin & Rufina They lived at Seville in Spain and earned their living by selling earthenware. They refused to sell vessels for the use of heathen ceremonies. Then infuriated heathen broke up their stock. They retaliated by throwing the image of a false goddess and for this they were impeached before the governor. They were ordered to renounce their faith and offer sacrifice to the very image of the goddess they had overthrown. While declining the order politely they confessed Christ as their Lord. The order was that they be stretched on the rack and their sides be torn with hooks. An idol was placed near the rack with incense. If they changed their stand and offered sacrifice to the goddess they should be released. They were not shaken. Justa died on the rack while Rufina was strangled to death and their bodies were burned. They are greatly venerated in Spain. The Gospel Proclamation

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Wednesday 20th July 2016

St. Appollinarius, Bishop & Martyr

Jeremiah:1/1, 4-10 Psalm: 71/1-6, 15, 17 Matthew: 13/1-9 The First Proclamation The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests living at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin....The word of Yahweh came to me, saying: 'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you came to birth I consecrated you; I appointed you as prophet to the nations.' I then said, 'Ah, ah, ah, Lord Yahweh; you see, I do not know how to speak: I am only a child!' But Yahweh replied, 'Do not say, "I am only a child," for you must go to all to whom I send you and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of confronting them, for I am with you to rescue you, Yahweh declares.' Then Yahweh stretched out his hand and touched my mouth, and Yahweh said to me: 'There! I have put my words into your mouth. Look, today I have set you over the nations and kingdoms, to uproot and to knock down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.' Fix your gaze on Jesus Awesome Lord, You are indeed Holy; forever beyond us mortals, always bigger than (our own interpretations of who) we are; the localised (in terms of space and time) self-aware beings you have made! We seem however to forget that we are created in Your image and likeness, able to be in union and connected with You (and Your creation). O Holy Spirit of God, do continue to draw/trend us towards a higher consciousness; towards being more connected with Your creation;

towards being united and in unity with All-That-Is.... This is how we all start off in terms of our consciousness. The Lord has imbued us with His Spirit, and invites us towards a higher consciousness. So it is with the son if Hilkiah, Jeremiah. We are presented with sensory impressions in our life, and we interpret these impressions with the meaning of 'who we think we are'. Since we are fallen, our beliefs as to who we are fundamentally faulty. Which unfortunately trends towards us belittling ourselves. Accordingly, Jeremiah saw himself as being a youngster, lacking the capability of presenting the Will of the Creator God to his fellow beings. When he was clearly called to do so! Would it not be correct to say that we all of us succumb to this trap of the Evil One at one time or the other in our lives? I would admit to being in this trap of the Liar many a times, choosing to ignore the clearly revealed will of the Father, the way shown by Jesus our saviour. Let us today turn anew, and listen to the Good Lord who gives us our potential, our destiny, our heritage. Jesus was clear in today's Gospel that our hearts and minds are called to be fertile fields for the Living Word to be sown in! Shall we listen? Really Listen? And change our present beliefs that are contrary to the Lords revelations regarding who we are? Prayer Starter Lord, be with us as we go on this journey of changing our inherent beliefs and ways of thinking, and align with the thoughts and beliefs you want us to have; to abide in your commandments and thereby abide in your Love... open up our awareness to your continued presence with and in me...

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Thursday 21st July 2016

St. Lawrence of Brindisi, Priest & Doctor

Jeremiah:2/1-3, 7-8, 12-13 Psalm: 36/5-10 Matthew: 13/10-17

The Gospel Proclamation Then the disciples came and asked him, "Why do you speak to them in parables?" He answered, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. The reason I speak to them in parables is that seeing they do not perceive and hearing they do not listen, nor do they understand. With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah that say: 'You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive. For this people's heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes, so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn - and I would heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see and your ears, for they hear. Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.

Gaze on Jesus

Jesus answering the question posed by the disciples, "Why do you speak to them in parables?" said "To you the knowledge about the secrets of the kingdom has been given but not to them." In other words Jesus reminds the disciples that they are not second to these people but unlike them, they promptly answered His call

without questioning. Come! Follow me and leaving all things even their parents and dear ones. Compare and contrast the call of Israel in the First Proclamation with the call of the disciples and their reaction to this call. Though they are in the world they are not of the world. Bible specialists are of the view that all parables spoken by Jesus are truly His words and views. Jesus when He spoke in a parable always took things from nature and spoke to them. Even then some did not accept His words. This is why He says "Seeing you do not see. Hearing you do not hear nor understand." and quotes the prophetic words of Isaiah - You shall indeed see but do not see. You shall indeed hear but do not hear nor understand. For the people's heart has grown dull and told His disciples unlike these men you are a blessed lot because though in the world you are not of the world and Jesus says "Many prophets and righteus longed to see what you see, hear what you hear, but they did not because they are heavy of hearing and have closed their eyes and do not perceive." In this respect the disciples who believed Jesus and followed Him are blessed for they are with Him. While others bewildered by worldly things go after them and forget the Lord as stated in the first proclamation.

Prayerful Awareness

Let us look at Jesus. Listen to Him. Hear His call and like the disciples answer His call. Let us open our faith eyes and look at the world for the Lord speaks to us through all worldly things. Let us be open to the Holy Spirit and be led by the Spirit. Let us pray to the Lord for guidance and help.

Prayer Starter

Contend O Lord with those who contend me, fight against those who fight against me! Take hold of shields and bucklers and rise for my help. Amen.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Friday 22nd July 2016

St. Mary Magdalene

Song: 3/1-4 OR 2 Corinthians:5/14-17 Psalm: 63/1-5, 7-8 John: 20/1-2,11-18 The Gospel Proclamation Now on the first day of the week Mary Mag’dalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved and said to them, they have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him. But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stopped to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, woman, why are you weeping? She said to them, because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him. Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek? Supposing, him to be the gardener, she said to him, Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus said to her, Mary. She turned and said to him in Hebrew Rabboni. Which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, do not hold me for I have not yet ascended to the father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my father and your father, to my God and your God. Mary Mag’dalene went and said to the disciples, I have seen the Lord; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Gaze at Jesus Jesus had a message to give to Mary Mag’dalene. That is, do not search for Him. He is already there with us. Gaze at our sonship At the annual Pentecost Rally of the Pubuduwa community the theme was “Lord is with you, be awake." This is the good news we all carry forward. It gives us the confidence, that Jesus assured Mary. Be awake! With the floods in Sri Lanka, two incidents left a profound effect in my life. One was my nephew’s wedding. He married a non-Christian.The Poruwa Ceremony was scheduled after mass. However, the venue for the Poruwa Ceremony was flooded and they were informed during the wee hours of the wedding morning. We from then surrendered the new family to God. We experienced how the bride’s family courageously cancelled their time table according to the auspicious times. They hurriedly organized a simple traditional ceremony at their house without the auspicious times. This definitely was the work of the Lord. The second incident, Welivita a small suburban village in Colombo was badly hit by the floods. The community leader involved in rescue work, finally found his house too was going under water. When we contacted him, he said, “I have pulled all what I can to the upper floor of the house, now what is left with me is this year’s theme “Lord is with me and I am awake to His love” Prayer starter Help us dear Lord to be awake to this profound truth. Help us to recognize Him in our weeping and in our sorrow. Lord is with us. Be awake and awaken others too.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Saturday 23rd July 2016

Jeremiah:7/1-11 Psalm:84/2-5, 7-10 Matthew: 13/24-30

The First Proclamation The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: Stand in the gate of the Lord's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the Lord, all you people of Judah, you that enter these gates to worship the Lord, Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Amend your ways and your doings, and let me dwell with you in this place. Do not trust in these deceptive words: "This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord." For if you truly amend your ways and your doings, if you truly act justly one with another, if you do not oppress the alien, the orphan, and the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not go after other gods to your own hurt, then I will dwell with you in this place, in the land that I gave of old to your ancestors forever and ever. ......

The Gospel Proclamation

He put before them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, 'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where then, did these weeds come from?" He answered, 'An enemy has done this,' The slaves said to him, 'Then do you want us to go and gather them?' but he replied, 'No, for in gatherng the weeds

St. Bridget of Sweden you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.'"

Prayerful Awareness

Since God was aware of the sinful nature of the people, He continuously wanted the people to be reformed, according to the values of God's Kingdom. To achieve this God spoke to them through the prophets of the Old Testamemnt. God asks Jeremiah to proclaim to the Israelites that they should change their lives and keep His Commandments; if they are to experience His presence among them In the New Testament, the image Jesus uses is a common everyday example of planting, harvesting and sorting the good from the bad. Weeds can spoil nad even kill a good harvest if they are not separated and destroyed at the proper time. Uprooting them too early, though, can destory the good plants in the process. Just as nature teaches us patience so God's patience also teaches us to guard the Word He has planted in our hearts and to be aware of the destructive forces of sin and evil which can destroy it. God's Word brings life, but Satan seeks to destroy the good seed which has been planted in the hearts of those who have heard God's Word. God's judgement is not hasty but it does come and in the end God will reward each according to what they have sown and reaped in their life. On that day God will separate the evil from the good. Do you allow God's Word to take deep root in your heart?

Prayer Starter

Lord, may Your Word take deep root in my heart so that I may bear good fruit for Your glory. Amen.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Sunday 24th July 2016

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Genesis:18/20-32 Psalm: 138/1-3,6-8 Colossians:2/12-14 Luke:11/1-13 Introduction Many are the occasions in our lives when we feel desperately in need of help. When we have run out of all resources we turn to God. It is recorded that a die-hard agnostic when facing disastrous situation prayed thus: ‘God! I don’t believe in your existence. But please come to my aid if you are there.” Today we are presented with a God who is very much in existence and who willingly gives of Hs bounty to those who ask. The Entrance Antiphon states our faith in a ‘nutshell’ in the following words: God is in His holy dwelling; He will give a home to the lonely/ He gives power and strength to His people. The First Proclamation Then the Lord said: “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great, and their sin so grave, that I must go down and see whether or not their actions fully correspond to the cry against them that comes to me. I mean to find out,” While the two men walked on farther toward Sodom, the Lord remained standing before Abraham. Then Abraham drew nearer to him and said: “Will you sweep away the innocent with the guilty? Suppose there were fifty innocent people in the city; would you wipe out the place, rather than spare it for the sake of the fifty innocent people within it? Far be it from you to do such a thing, to make the innocent die with the guilty, so

that the innocent and the guilty would be treated alike! Should not the judge of all the world act with justice?” The Lord replied, “If I find fifty innocent people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.” Abraham spoke up again: “See how I am presuming to speak to my Lord, though I am but dust and ashes! What if there are five less than fifty innocent people? Will you destroy the whole city because of those five/” “I will not destroy it. He answered, “If I find forty-five there.” But Abraham persisted, saying, “What if only forty are found there?” he replied, ‘I will forebear doing it for the sake of the forty.” Then he said, “Let not my Lord grow impatient if I go on. What if only thirty are found there/” He replied, “I will forebear doing it if I can find but thirty there.” Still he went on, “Since I have thus dared to speak to my Lord, what if there are no more than twenty?” “I will not destroy it,” He answered, “for the sake of the twenty. But he still persisted: “Please, let not my Lord grow angry if I speak up this last time. What if there are at least ten there?” “For the sake of those ten,” he replied, “I will not destroy it.” Prayerful Awareness How was Abraham able to dialogue with Yahweh in such familiar terms? For Abraham to have the courage to bargain not once or twice but six times indicates a very intimate relationship with Yahweh. And what did Abraham do in order to initiate and develop this relationship? It was nothing more and nothing less than being n a persistent state of readiness

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

to encounter Yahweh whenever He presents Himself. It seems that Yahweh always took the initial step at each and every meeting. Yahweh on His part showed a desire to share what He thought and what He intended to do with Abraham More amazingly Yahweh shows a willingness to be swayed by the wishes of a mere human being. But the gap in the relationship is still wide. Let us now read the Gospel proclamation to see how Jesus relates to Yahweh. The Gospel Proclamation He was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be hour name your kingdom come, Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test.” And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, “Friend, lend me three loaves of bread for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him,”’ and he says in reply from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed, I cannot get up to give you anything,’ I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence. “And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives, and the one who seeks, finds; and

to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit. Gaze at Jesus Jesus shares His experience of Yahweh as His Abba. In Jesus the gap between God and man has been taken away. Jesus is the Son f God and Son of man. Let us read once again the Gospel absorbing the Abba experience of Jesus. The Second Proclamation You were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith n the power of God, who raised him from the dead. And even when you were dead (in) transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he brought you to life along with him, having forgiven us all our transgressions; obliterating the bond against us, with its legal claims, which was opposed to us, he also removed it from our midst, nailing it to the cross. Our sonship We too are sons of God through the reception of the sacrament of Baptism. Through Baptism we became the body of Christ and we received the Holy Spirit who dwells within and leads us to address God: ‘Abba Father” Prayer Starter Let us pray the Lord’s prayer fervently …..

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Monday 25th July 2016

St. James Apostle

2 Corinthians:4/7-15 Psalm: 126/1-6 Matthew:20/20-28 The First Proclamation But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed, perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken, struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. ........

The Gospel Proclamation Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, .... And he said to her, "What do you want?" ... "Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom." ..."You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?" They said to him, "We are able." ...."You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, ..... but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave. Just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give is life a ransom for many." Prayerful Awareness

Gaze at Jesus When Jesus said "... the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt" (vs. 25) and "But it shall not be so among you" (vs.26) Jesus contrasts the vast difference between a worldly kingdom and the Kingdom of God which Jesus proclaimed. Jesus elaborates an important characteristic that prevails in God's Kingdom, namely, the servant leadership (vs. 26, 27). Jesus Himself exhibited this quality when He offered His entire life as a ransom for all humanity. (vs. 28) (2 Cor.4:12). The important requirement in God's Kingdom is the attitude of not being self centred, but rather, being other person centred. What is required in the Kingdom of God, is to die to one's self, so that others may have life. Jesus did not advocate self immolation, for it's own sake. Jesus said "If you are my disciple, die to your self, take up your cross daily and follow me." This amounts to, dying to one's own desires, likings, inclinations for the sole purpose of living according to the teachings of Jesus. In today's first reading, St. Paul elaborates what Jesus said (2 Corinthians 4:7-15) My sonship In my family life, life in the community, life in Pubuduwa, am I prepared to undergo affliction, to be persecuted (not necessarily physically), in order to conform to the standards prescribed by Jesus? Prayer Starter

Those who go out weeping, bearing In this narrative, the misunderstanding even the apostles had, about the seed of sowing, shall come home with the Kingdom of God, which Jesus shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves. (Ps.126/6) proclaimed is highlighted.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Tuesday 26th July 2016 Jeremiah: 14/17-22 Psalm: 79/8-9, 11, 13 Matthew: 13/36-43 OR Sirach:44/1, 10-15 Psalm: 132/11,13-14, 17-18 Matthew: 13/16-17 Sts. Joachim & Anne - Parents of the Blessed Mother The Gospels give no indication to the parents of Our Lady. The Proto-Gospel of James, dating back to the second century names them and their daughter Mary was born in answer to their prayers after a long childless marriage. Anne is glorious among the saints for the sole reason that Immaculate Conception per se took place in her. She became the mother of the Mother of God and in effect grandmother of the Messiah. In fulfilment of St. Anne's promise, they took our Lady aged 3, to the temple and dedicated her to the service of God. They are a perfect role model for Christians of every age and time. The strong character of Mary as is evidenced in her decision making, her steadiness in the face of crises, her practice of continuous prayer, her devotion to the laws of her Jewish faith, her dedication to her relatives are all indicative of the close-knit, loving and God fearing family upbringing she had had. The Gospel Proclamation Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field." He answered, "The one who sows the good seed is the Son of man, the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom, the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them

Sts. Joachim & Anne is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age...... Prayerful Awareness The picture or the story in this parable is one in their experience. Interest is aroused and truth is clearly seen. Though the story is of the earth, it has a heavenly meaning. This parable is one of the most practical ones. It draws our attention to the fact that there is always a hostile power, the evil one, in the world. It seeks nothing but the ruin of souls. Then there is the other influence that helps the seed of the Word to grow well. As the sons of His kingdom we must be forever on our guard. The parable also draws our attention not to be quick with our judgements. "Judgement is the consequence of human decisions and proves that the world is guided by God's presence. His tears over the city showed Him as the Lord of History, giving men grace, and yet never destroying their freedom to reject it. But in disobeying His Will, men destroy themselves; in stabbing Him, it is their own hearts they slay; in denying Him, it is their city and their nation that they bring to ruin. Such was the message of His tears as the King goes to the cross." (Archbishop F.J.Sheen) There is attention not to classify and label people good or bad, without the knowledge of all the facts behind. It is interesting to note that judgement cannot come until the end. It comes but is not hasty. It is God's and we have no right to judge at all. Prayer Starter Help, guide and enlighten us to teach Your laws to our children. Amen.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Wednesday 27th July 2016 Jeremiah: 15/10,16-21 Psalm: 59/1-4,9-10, 16-17 Matthew: 13/44-46 The First Proclamation A disaster for me, mother, that you bore me to be a man of strife and dissension for the whole country. I neither lend nor borrow, yet all of them curse me....When your words came, I devoured them: your word was my delight and the joy of my heart; for I was called by your Name, Yahweh, God Sabaoth. I never sat in the company of scoffers amusing myself; with your hands on me I held myself aloof, since you had filled me with indignation. Why is my suffering continual, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Truly, for me you are a deceptive stream with uncertain waters! To which Yahweh replied, 'If you repent, I shall restore you to plead before me. If you distinguish between the precious and the base, you shall be as my own mouth. They will come back to you, but you must not go back to them. As far as these people are concerned, I shall make you a fortified wall of bronze. They will fight against you but will not overcome you, because I am with you to save you and rescue you, Yahweh declares. I shall rescue you from the clutches of the wicked and redeem you from the grasp of the violent.' Fix your gaze on Jesus Great Lord, You demand much from us! Yet You are right to do so, since You are standing by and behind us, backing us up totally when we do answer Your high call. The important question becomes as to how we are to stay conscious of Your continued eternal presence with and in us? O

consoling spirit of loving Jesus, bring us to awareness... Lord Jesus, you did remind us that 'we are in the world, but not of the world!' You were constantly aware of our spiritual nature, of our potential, our inheritance and destiny! Thus did you exhort your audience to search for that which was of great value; the Kingdom of Heaven, to be actively searched for and found right here and now. You would have being fully cognizant of the tumultuous battle raging within Jeremiah; of that eternal war waged by humanity to choose what is better and higher! The pull humanity feels towards your love; towards salvation, healing, freedom and communion. As against the attractions rendered by the Liar, Satan, the World and our Flesh. The seeming pleasures and sensory satiations offered by the world and our flesh, albeit with its hideous traps of enslavement and bondage. Of ever mounting cravings and dissatisfactions; of separation, isolation, pain and disillusionments. The call is to become aware, to develop the ability to distinguish between the Precious and the Base. That awareness, the developed consciousness would be what sets us apart from the naĂŻve and the deceived. To what extent do we subscribe to the lies of the Liar? Prayer Starter Dearest Lord, help us to become conscious; to become aware of the inner rives and motives that make us tick! Spirit of God, we stand consciously before your continued presence among and within us. Nurture us on our journey of becoming ever more conscious of 'What Is'; to understand the lenses through which we view the world and ourselves presently, enabling us to dismantle these mind filters and to come before the truth....

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Thursday 28th July 2016 St.Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception Jeremiah:18/1-6 Psalm: 146/1-6 Matthew: 13/47-53

The First Proclamation The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: "Come, go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words." So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him. Then the word of the Lord came to me, "Can I not do with you, O house of Israel, just as this potter has done? says the Lord. Just like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.

The Gospel Proclamation

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea, was full, they drew it ashore, sat down and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, were there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. "Have you understood all this?" They answered, "Yes,". And he said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old." When Jesus had finished these parables, he left that place.

Prayerful Awareness

The parable of the fishing net has the same meaning as the parable of the wheat and weeds. Jesus used a brief story using

physical symbols to illustrate a spiritual truth. This parable too teaches us about God and His Kingdom. They explain what the Kingdom is really like as opposed to our expectations of it. The Kingdom of heaven is NOT a geographic location, BUT a SPIRITUAL REALM where God rules and WE SHARE in His eternal life. We join that Kingdom when WE TRUST in CHRIST as SAVIOUR. We are to obey God and tell others about His GRACE and GOODNESS, but we cannot dictate who IS part of the Kingdom of heaven and who IS NOT. This sorting will be done at the last judgement by those infinitely more qualified than we. Anyone who understands God's real purpose in the law as revealed in the old Testament has a REAL TREASURE. The Old Testament points the WAY to Jesus, the MESSIAH. Jesus always upheld its authority and relevance. But there is a DOUBLE BENEFIT to those who understand Jesus' teaching about the Kingdom of heaven. This was a new treasure that Jesus was revealing both the OLD and NEW teaching give practical guidelines for FAITH and for living in the world. The religious leaders however, were TRAPPED in the OLD and BLIND to the NEW. They were looking for a future kingdom preceded by judgement. Jesus however taught that the Kingdom was NOW and the judgement was FUTURE. They were blind to the spiritual significance of the Kingdom that CHRIST BROUGHT. They were looking for a PHYSICAL and TEMPORAL Kingdom. (via military rebellion and physical rule).

Prayer Starter

Heavenly Father we thank you for the gift of Jesus to us. Help us to love and live through His teachings in deep faith.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Friday 29th July 2016

St. Martha, Disciple of the Lord

1 John: 4/7-16 Psalm: 34/2-11 John:11/19-27 OR Luke:10/38-42 The First Proclamation Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God's love was revealed among us in this way. God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. ..... Gospel Proclamation And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, to console them concerning their brother. Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet Him, but Mary stayed at the house. Martha then said to Jesus, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. "Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You." Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha said to Him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to Him, "Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world." Prayerful Awareness We know from St. Mathew 13:58

(And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith) that Jesus Christ did not carry out many miracles among people who did not believe in Him or had no Faith on Him. Jesus knew that God wanted Him to raise Lazarus, but He knew that the “Word” bear fruits only where it is accepted in to their hearts in Faith and allow it to grow, like a seed on rich soil. This is why He asked Martha, Do you believe? and Martha said “Yes Lord;” The question is, in our lives, Do we believe that He is the Son of God Almighty and He has the power to do anything and everything because He is with the Father united as one being. Lord said, whatever you ask God the Father in my name will be granted (St. John 14: 11 to 14) - Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it. ). In my name, because we are connected to Lord Jesus in True Faith as True Friends ( a friend, like Lord Jesus to us). True followers abide by all His Teachings and love others the same way Lord loves us. We adore Him as our Saviour, we worship Him as our Lord God, As such whatever we request will be pure, with no selfishness attached, with no hate or anger on any one, pure in heart so that Lord could grant it. Prayer Starter Lord Jesus, grant to us the Advocate You promised in St John 14: 15 to 17 – the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the Truth, to be sent to us from God the Father, who will be with us always and remain in us. Teach us by Holy Spirit the Truth and make us abide by Him, to guide us and raise us. In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Saturday 30th July 2016 St. Peter Chrysologus, Bishop & Doctor Jeremiah:26/11-16, 24 Psalm: 69/14-15,2930, 32-33 Matthew:14/1-12 The First Proclamation Then the priests and the prophets said to the officials and to all the people, "This man deserves the sentence of death because he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears. Then Jeremiah spoke ...."It is the Lord who sent me to prophecy against this house and this city all the words you have heard. Now therefore amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the Lord your God, and the Lord will change his mind about the disaster that he has pronounced against you. But as for me, here I am in your hands. Do with me as seems good and right to you. Only know for certain that if you put me to death, you will be bringing innocent blood upon yourselves and upon this city and its inhabitants, for in truth the Lord sent me to you to speak all these words in your ears." .... The Gospel Proclamation At that time Herod the ruler heard reports about Jesus and he said to his servants ,"This is John the Baptist, he has been raised from the dead, and for this reason these powers are at work in him." For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because John had been telling him, "It is not lawful for you to have her." Though Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded him as a prophet. But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before

the company, and she pleased Herod so much that he promised on oath to grant her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother she said, "Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter." The king was grieved, yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he commanded it to be given; he sent and had John beheaded in the prison. The head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who brought it to her mother. His disciples came and took the body and buried it, then they went and told Jesus. Prayerful Awareness What encouraged the vigor and zeal of the martyrs? They loved God and His truth more than their own life. The power of God's overwhelming spirit worked in them always. The constant dependance on God revealed God's desires and made them known or rather challenged the public. Standing for the truth, especially for the Gospel can be very costly. All prophets suffered abuse and most were martyred. Herod, a somewhat reluctant persecuter, was nevertheless a man with a guilty conscience. When Herod heard the fame of Jesus, he supposed that John the Baptist, whom he had beheaded, had returned from the dead. Unfortunately for Herod, he could not rid himself of sin by ridding himself of the man who confronted him with his sin. Herod was a weak man. He could take a strong stand on the wrong thing when he knew the right. Such a stand, however, was a sign of weakness and cowardice. Are you ready to stand for Jesus and for His truth and righteousness? Prayer Starter Lord, give me a strong conscience that I may recognize evil for what it is and repent for all the ways in which I

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

Sunday 31st July 2016 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Indigenous Clergy Religious Sunday Ecclesiastes: 1/2; and to another, who has not labored over it, he must leave his property. 2/21-23 Psalm: 90/3-6,12-14,17 This also is vanity and a great misfortune. For what profit comes to a man Colossians:3/1-5, 9-11 from all the oil and anxiety of heart Luke:12/13-21 with which he has labored under the OR son? All his days sorrow and grief are his occupation; even at night his mind Isaiah: 6/1-9 Psalm:145/10-11,15-18 is not at rest. This also is vanity. Prayerful Awareness Ephesians: 1/3-14 All wisdom literature that can be Matthew: 9/35-38 Introduction Is it not true that you and I dream of being rich someday? Don’t we as good Christians feel that we would be good to be free of all worries to ‘serve the Lord’? That it would be better if we were rich and had the money to spend on ‘spiritual’ enterprises? Some of us may even feel that once we have financial security, all our problems will be solved: housing, children’s education, cars and other desirable luxuries, retirement and old age. Wealth is also supposed to give us ‘success’, ‘respect’, and ‘status’. History records the existence of individuals and people who have achieved the above goals of material success. But whether they gained what they were really looking for is doubtful. Today’s proclamations give us a point of view other than that of the world regarding success. According to the entrance Antiphon it comes as a gift from the Lord our God. Entrance Antiphon ‘God come to my help. Lord quickly give me assistance. You are the only one who helps me and sets me free. Lord, do not be long n coming.’ The First Proclamation Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, vanity of vanities! All things are vanity! For here is a man who has labored with wisdom and knowledge and skill,

accessed tells us that there is more to life than worldly wealth. The book of Ecclesiastes too tells us the same. The drive within man to have values and to pursue them persistently is obvious. But to burn up our physical and mental energy on ‘values’ that will not last is foolishness. This has been the message put forward by the ‘wisdom literature’ throughout history. Having said that we also must admit that ‘get rich quick’ scheme promoted by books, lectures and training programs of various kinds continue to draw and keep the attention of the crowds. It seems that the seed of wisdom has no fertile soil to fall and take root. What was the attitude of Jesus our Master regarding this matte? What does Jesus our Lord propose as the value that we should be aiming at in life? Let us read the Gospel Proclamation reflectively …. Gospel Proclamation Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.” He replied to him, “Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator” Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” Then he told them a parable. “There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’ And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other gods and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!” But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’ Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.” Gaze at Jesus

what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory. Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly, immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and the greed that is idolatry. Stop lying to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed, for knowledge, in the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all and in all. Our sonship

The follower who approached Jesus praying for His intervention on his behalf in what appears to be a family dispute gets a reply which he did not bargain for. Jesus whose only desire was to fulfill the Will of His Father showed that it was quite irrelevant for Him that the man should get a fair share of an inheritance, especially if the man could satisfy his daily needs without it. He taught His disciples to pray: ‘give us this day our daily bread’. What a contrast to what ‘normal’ people would think. They would not hesitate to take even their brother/sister to courts, spending large amounts of money to get what they believed was due to them. It is frequent to see families torn apart in bitter disputes over land and other properties. Jesus tells us that for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God labours in vain because the wealth he amasses will ultimately be enjoyed by others. But the question needs to be asked as to what matters to God? Let us listen to St. Paul’s understanding of ‘what matters to God.’ The Second Proclamation

What matters to God is that we as His children live in the world with the full awareness that we don’t belong to it. Paul directs us to seek what is ‘above’. Think of what is ‘above’.. Put to death, then, the parts of you that are ‘earthly’. Stop lying to one another. It is a transcendent (above) form of existence that Paul wants us to seek. An existence that is free of immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, and the need to not lie to one another. It is an existence in Christ which unites us s deeply that it makes us one. We begin to see others as part of us as much as we are parts of the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ. This is how St. Paul expresses this experience: ‘But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ,. Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him.’ Prayer Starter

If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of

O Holy Spirit! We thank Thee for Thy indwelling presence. Grant that we may constantly be aware of Thy presence and Thy guidance, so that we may ‘find ourselves’ in Christ Jesus our Lord ….

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

THE COVER STORY

The Lord Jesus Christ taught the mysteries of the unlimited love of the Most High God Who is the Merciful Father through the parables He related. Thus Jesus awakens us to the necessity of recognizing our true neighbor who suffers with genuine needs. He taught that this has to be done by setting aside (emptying) all prejudices concerning nationality, religion, caste and social status including religious and political ideologies (-isms ) and theories that we hold dear. “The gift of emptying should not be treated in a cold or indifferent manner.” (Adapted from Rev. Fr.Oscar’s spiritual diary). “Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.” (Mathew 25:45). Therefore I pray:“O Holy Spirit of God! Grant me the grace of being always consciously awake.” Walk in the Spirit - July 2016 ISSN 1391-5967

WALK IN THE SPIRIT

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