Walk In the Spirit Auguts 2016

WALK IN THE SPIRIT August 2016 Volume 08 Issue 15

"The Lord is with you. Be awake"

ISSN 1391-5967

Publication: Fr. Siri Oscar Abayaratne Kithu Dana Pubuduwa

SHARING ON PRAYER August 2016

The Abba’s Glory, the pre-occupation of Jesus. He had to say ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ with His life when it came to the witnessing, the reflecting of the Abba’s Glory. That should be my pre-occupation.

May the Holy Spirit help me here and now to become aware of myself, to become more and more aware of the Abba’s life within me, breaking forth in an abundance of Light that carries “illumination” reaching out to others.

Fr. Siri Oscar Abayaratne

ISSN 1391-5967

1

Monday 1st August 2016

St. Alphonsus Marie de Ligouri

Jeremiah:28/1-17 Psalm:119/29,43,79-80, 95,102 Mathew: 14/13-21

Gospel Proclamation When Jesus received this news he withdrew by boat to a lonely place where they could be by themselves. But the crowds heard of this and, leaving the towns, went after him on foot. ...; and he took pity on them and healed their sick.

When evening came, the disciples went to him and said, 'This is a lonely place, and time has slipped by; so send the people away, and they can go to the villages to buy themselves some food.'

Jesus replied, 'There is no need for them to go: give them something to eat yourselves.' But they answered, 'All we have with us is five loaves and two fish.'

So he said, 'Bring them here to me.' He gave orders that the people were to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, raised his eyes to heaven and said the blessing. And breaking the loaves he handed them to his disciples, who gave them to the crowds. They all ate as much as they wanted, and they collected the scraps left over, twelve baskets full. Now about five thousand men had eaten, to say nothing of women and children.

Psalm (119/29, 43,79-80, 95, 102)

Keep me far from the way of deceit, grant me the grace of your Law. Do not deprive me of that faithful word, since my hope lies in your judgements. .........

Fix Your Gaze on Jesus

Let us enter into contemplative prayer on today’s Proclamations and fix our gaze

on our Lord Jesus Christ who is our best example of always being connected to Abba Father to know His Will and to carry it out to the letter! And He tells us to do likewise and follow Him! Jesus has just received the news of the manner of death of His beloved relative, John the Baptist. He is filled with grief and anguish, and also sees it as a precursor of His own suffering and death at the hands of the authorities who would rather eliminate the messenger than accept their culpability, repent, and mend their ways. He withdraws to a lonely place with the disciples, to come to grips with what has happened, and to be in communion with His Abba to be comforted by His Holy Spirit.

The manner in which a worldly person would respond to this type of situation would be to reconsider his future actions in order to avoid pain and harm to himself, but the words of today’s psalm may have been on the Lord’s lips and mind, to carry out the Father’s Will no matter what! Then they are met with this vast multitude of people, on whom He feels compassion and starts tending to their needs letting go of own needs, culminating with the miracle of feeding them all after discerning the Father’s Will in this regard too.

Our Sonship

In the First Proclamation we read of the account of Jeremiah the Prophet and false prophet Hananiah. We see how Hananiah curries favour with the priests and people of Israel by painting a rosy picture, which finds a good audience, rather than when telling people that they are in the wrong and needs to repent and mend their ways, which makes people hate and harass the messenger, most times killing them, as happened to most prophets. Let us reflect our stand in such situations, repent, ask for forgiveness, and ask for power from the Holy Spirit to make necessary amends!

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

2

Tuesday 2nd August 2016

St. Eusebius of Vercelim St.Peter Julian Eymard

Jeremiah: 30/2,12-15, 18-22 Psalm: 102/15-20,28, 21-22 Mathew: 14/22-36 The Gospel Proclamation Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear.

But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I, do not be afraid."

Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come."

So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" When they got into the boat the wind ceased.

And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."....

Prayerful Awareness Jesus distinguishes people, as either His "disciples" or the "crowds". In this

narrative, Jesus indicates that when we get frightened, we show little faith, in the ability of God. Gaze at Jesus Jesus dismisses the crowds (verse 22). Yes, Jesus is interested only in the disciples, those who wish to take up the cross and follow Jesus and not in people, the "crowds" who came to Him merely to get a favour.

In this narrative, getting into the boat, (verse 22), could be interpreted as living a life of discipleship, living according to Jesus' teachings. But in this life journey, the disciples are caught up with a storm, which indicates problems and difficulties in life. In this situation, we find Jesus coming to help them out, having seen the difficulty the disciples were facing (verse 25).

Let us also gaze at the words of Jesus, in verse 31, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" Yes, entertaining feelings of fear and doubt in the mind, when facing difficulties in life amounts to showing "little faith". In the contrary Jesus desires His disciples to show "much faith" in Him and in His ability.

My sonship Am I a "disciple" of Jesus, or one who belong to the "crowd"? Do I attend prayer meetings only at times, when I am facing problems and difficulties?

When I experience doubt and fear in my mind, when going through problems, do I neutralise these with the promises God has given through His Word?

Prayer Starter Lord, hear my prayer Let me cry come to you Do not hide your face from me Now that I am in distress

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

3

Wednesday 3rd August 2016 Jeremiah:31/1-7 Psalm: Jeremiah: 31/10-13 Mathew:15/21-28

St. Waltheof He was the second son of Simon, Earl of Huntingdon and Matilda. When his elder brother liked to build castles and play at soldiers, he took delight in building churches and monasteries of stone and wood. Not surprisingly, when he grew up he felt strongly inclined to religious life. When his father died his mother was given in marriage to St. David I, King of Scotland. He followed his mother there. He decided to be religious and later joined the Canons of St. Augustine at Nostell. He decided to spend a stricter way of life and joined Cistercial monks. Later when he was nominated Archbishop of St.Andrews, he sought the help of St. Aelfred in declining the office. Died: August 03, 1160.

The Gospel Proclamation Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David, my daughter is tormented by a demon." But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, "Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us." He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." He answered, "It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." She said, 'Yes Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as your wish." And her daughter was healed instantly.

Prayerful Awareness Here we have the foreshadow of the

going out of the Good News to the whole world. This is perhaps the beginning of the end of barriers. Jesus was outside the Jewish territory. Jesus wanted privacy, with His disciples to tell them things of paramount importance, which they were expected to understand,. He was safe from all hostilities of Pharisees and Scribes. This is the time of peace before the hustle and bustle of the end. The demand of human need - yes, He was not to be free even in foreign territory. Although Jesus pretended He paid no attention to her cry there was love and compassion.

Her cry for help was a nuisance to His disciples. They did not have compassion at all. What they wanted was to get rid of her. In such a situation a common reaction would have been to grant the request and be free of the nuisance. Surely it is contrary to Christian love and compassion.

There was ancestral enmity between Canaanites and Jews. But Jesus clearly saw her need and wanted to awaken true faith in her. To achieve that end the situation or the problem she was entangled in was a golden one. He made use of the same, never resorting to negative words or attitudes. The word 'dog' seems to be a negative one but the meaning is pet dog and not the street one, considered contemptuous. Jesus saw that she had love for her child which surely reflects God's love for his children. Love knows no barriers. She accepted His silence but did not stop her appeal. Beneath the apparent rebuff she saw compassion.

The very thing nearer to God is love and she was moved by it. It is interesting to note what happened when she confronted Christ. When she started following Him, it was a request but ended with a prayer upon her knees. Her approach and the inner disposition was such that Christ could not say 'No'.

Prayer Starter Help us with the correct attitude to prayer. Amen.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

4

Thurday 4th August 2016

Jeremiah:31/31-34 Psalm: 51/10-13,16-17 Mathew:16/13-23

The First Proclamation 'Look, the days are coming, Yahweh declares, when I shall make a new covenant with the House of Israel (and the House of Judah), but not like the covenant I made with their ancestors the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of Egypt, a covenant which they broke, even though I was their Master, Yahweh declares. No, this is the covenant I shall make with the House of Israel when those days have come, Yahweh declares. Within them I shall plant my Law, writing it on their hearts. Then I shall be their God and they will be my people. There will be no further need for everyone to teach neighbour or brother, saying, "Learn to know Yahweh!" No, they will all know me, from the least to the greatest, Yahweh declares, since I shall forgive their guilt and never more call their sin to mind.'

Fix your gaze on Jesus

The Lord Jesus, the apex of the response to Abba Father- the Creator God experienced the relationship explained in the scriptures today. The New Covenant was alive and real for Jesus, the beloved Son. Jesus, in all respects completely human, yet knew the Father intimately, wholly, completely, and was constantly open to receive the guidance and wishes of the Abba. Why and how could this be, you may ask? Our Dogma teaches us that even as Jesus was completely human, He was at the same time completely Spiritual.

Thanks be to progress in the understanding of the nature of this creation through our scientific advances, this is not so difficult for us to grasp today. Quantum mechanics takes us to the wondrous models of our

St. John Mary Vianney Cosmos where "Matter" is understood for its underlying essence of "Energy bound

by Intelligence". In everyday language, this means that we are Spiritual Beings experiencing a Material/Human Condition.

Now isn't this Good News? In essence, this means that 'We are Sons of God'Beings who are created in the image and likeness of the Intelligence that created this cosmos. We have a destiny/inheritance that far surpasses our present experienced state of being. Is this what is implied in the scripture today? That we are slowly awakening towards the consciousness of being attuned to the call of the Supreme Intelligence underlying this existence!

Now how was it stated, "Within them I shall plant my Law, writing it on their hearts... they will all know me, from the least to the greatest, Yahweh declares" ...Jesus was so attuned; and now we too shall be! What is your response now? Wouldn't it be great to open up totally, and get to know the Creator intimately? And be One with Him? Shed all the lies, the obfuscations and the deceit of the Lier? Be free of the illusions and shed the shackles of slavery?

Be blessed even as Jesus was! Believe in our true worthiness, and become messengers of Peace and Harmony; be fortresses for Justice, Righteousness and Freedom!

Remember, just remember that this is a unilateral covenant entered in to by our beloved Creator; extended to us freely! All we have to do is receive these... remembering that Jesus is 'The Christ-the Anointed!'

Prayer Starter

Thank you Lord; you are indeed gracious; let us now just remember that and remind ourselves of that constantly, be grateful, and give thanks constantly and joyfully....

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

5

Friday 5th August 2016

Dedication of the Basilica of St.Mary

Nahum:2/1,3; 3/1-3, 6-7 Psalm: Deut. 32/35-36, 39-41 Mathew:16/24-28 OR Revelation:21/1-5 Pslam: Judith: 13/1819 The First Proclamation A shatterer has come up against you. Guard the ramparts; watch the road; gird your loins; collect all your strength.

The shields of his warriors are red; his soldiers are clothed in crimson. The metal on the chariots flashes on the day when he musters them, the chargers prance.....

The Gospel Proclamation Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?

"For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."

Gaze at Jesus Our battle is with the world, the devil and the flesh. So Jesus says if any man would follow Him he will

have to deny himself and take up the cross. "Woe unto the world because of offenses." (Mathew 18/7). We are in the world but not of the world says the Lord. Do not forfeit your life to worldly things - "Deny yourself and take up the cross and follow me." Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Prayerful Awareness Beware of the snares of the devil, the world and the flesh. They are sugar coated pills in the deep sense of the word. They are most detestable, abominable and devastating as stated in the first proclamation. We shall become the gazing stock and all who look on you will shrink from you and say "Wasted is Nineveh. Who will bemoan her?

Whence shall I seek comforters for her?" Jesus says further "What profit is there for a man if he gains the whole world and suffer the loss of his soul.

He who strives to save his life will lose it and he who loses his life for the Lord's sake will gain it" Things may look gloomy and dark from outside but in depth there is light for Jesus is the light of the world. (John 8/12). "The world hates you because you are not of the world. I have chosen you out of the world." (John 15/19). "In the world you will have tribulations."

(John 16/13) The more tribulations, temptations and difficulties we come across in the world, this is a sure sign Jesus is close to us. So let us therefore bear up all tribulations and difficulties for the Lord's sake. "Life with Jesus is an endless hope. Life without Jesus is a hopeless end."

Prayer Starter Lord there is no God beside Thee.

There is none who could deliver us except Thee. I lift my head to heaven and swear I live for Thee and for Thee only. Amen.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

6

Saturday 6th August 2016

Transfiguration of the Lord

Daniel:7/9-10, 13-14 Psalm: 97/1-2,5-6, 9 2 Peter: 1/16-19 Luke: 9/28-36 The Gospel Proclamation Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep, but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah" - not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" When the voice had spoken Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.

Gaze at Jesus

was doing what God wanted Him to do. He never took a single step without consulting the Father. It is very interesting to see how the experience of Elijah and Moses matched with Jesus'. Both of them experienced God on mountain tops, Elijah - on Mount Horeb he found God not in the wind, and not in the earthquake, but in the still small voice (1 Kings 19:9-12).

Moses on Mount Sinai when he went to receive the tablets of Law (Exodus 31:18). In Jesus' prayer He always asked God, "What do you want me to do?" The greatest giver of law - Moses, and the greatest of the prophets - Elijah, both of them came to Jesus at a time when Jesus was about to set foot into the unknown.

Gaze at my sonship

The atmosphere there on the mountain of Transfiguration was glory. What did that do to the disciples?

They wanted to be there with Jesus.

So we see Peter speaking of tents.

They wanted Jesus to prolong that moment of glory and not to go back to the hum-drum life. We must be aware of this feeling. Very often we experience moments of peace, serenity, and intimacy with God which we desire to prolong. "Whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me." (Matthew 10:38). The moments of glory are given to us only to encourage us in our daily ministry, to enable us to take up our cross and tread the path ungrudgingly. It is there to pep us up, and throw ourselves into As the Luke Gospel puts it, Jesus the lap of the eternal Father.

Prayer Starter went to a mountain to pray. Jesus gave great importance to prayer time as it Help me not to confine religion was the time He used to consult God only to the Church, prayer and med- to make sure beyond doubt - that He itation but also be in Your presence.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

7

Sunday 7th August 2016

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary time

Wisdom:18/6-9 Psalm: 33/1,12,18-20, 22 Hebrews:11/1-2,8-19 OR 11/1-2,8- 12 Luke:12/32-48 OR 12/35-40 Introduction

summoned. For in secret the holy children of the good were offering sacrifice and putting into effect with one accord the divine institution.

That your holy ones should share alike the same good things and dangers, having previously sung the praises of the fathers.

Prayerful Awareness

The people of God preserved their faith in God Who had made a covenant with their patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Although a number of generations had been born into slavery in Egypt under the Pharaohs the elders did not let the flame of hope lit by their faith in God be extinguished.

Four hundred and thirty years after, on the night which God acted to take them out of their slavery, they were ready. (NB Exodus 12:40). By that time many who had taught their children of God who had made a covenant with their forefathers had died. Let us become mindful of the faith and hope of the people of God. Gospel Proclamation Lord be true to Your covenant, forget not the life of Your poor ones Gird your loins and light your for ever. Rise up, O God, and defend lamps and be like servants who Your cause; do not ignore the shouts await their master’s return from a of Your enemies. wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed The First Proclamation are those servants whom the master That night was known before- finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I hand to our fathers, that, with sure say to you, he will gird himself, have knowledge of the oaths in which them recline at table, and proceed they put their faith, they might to wait on them. And should he have courage. Your people awaited come in the second or third watch the salvation of the just and the and find them prepared in this way, destruction of their foes. For when blessed are those servants. Be sure you punished our adversaries, in of this: if the master of the house this you glorified us whom you had

Last Sunday we were encouraged to have a vision of life which has a goal which is beyond material possessions. Today we are awakened to another aspect of the life which we begin with our encounter with the Almighty and Eternal God. It has to do with the time-frame in which God operates. Though we are certain that God in whom we have faith will fulfill His promises the waiting sometimes is rather daunting. The entrance antiphon verbalizes the feelings of God’s people who have been kept waiting and waiting and waiting!

Entrance Antiphon

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

8

had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.

Gaze at Jesus Like when the people of God at the time of their enslavement were waiting in hope for the day of salvation, Jesus teaches His followers to be vigilant and prepared for the day of the Son of Man. Jesus at the tail-end of His mission on earth spoke about ‘the hour’ which had not yet come. What was the attitude of Jesus to the hour that was to come? He did what He told His followers to do. On the one hand He was vigilant, and recognized the signs that heralded the coming of His hour, and on the other hand he prepared for it y doing the Will of His Father from moment to moment.

Second Proclamation

it was that there came forth from one man himself as good as dead, descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sands on the seashore.

Our sonship Why do we need religion or God in our lives? Is it to have an insurance policy on the plans we have for our lives? Is it to have the assurance of succeeding in the plans we have for our lives? If we had the chance to ask Abraham the above questions what would be his reply? From standards of that time Abraham was a very rich man. He could have enjoyed a good life and died at a ripe old age. But with his encounter with God his life was given a new meaning. Life now meant being ‘a great nation’ and ‘a blessing’ by whom ‘all the families of the earth shall bless themselves.’

(Genesis 12:2-3). Abraham’s life was transformed from an ‘ordinary life’ to an extraordinary one. His overall expectations and aspirations came to be in harmony with God’s cosmic and eternal plan.

What about you and me? Let us ask ourselves how the encounter with God has affected our life. Has my life changed from being self-centered to God-centered? Let us thirst to be true offspring of our father of faith Abraham. Let us not permit the limitations of being human prevent us from putting our faith and hope in the fulfillment of God’s promises in our lives.

Prayer Starter

Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. Because of it the ancients were well attested. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was to go. By faith he sojourned in the Promised land as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise; for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and maker is God. By faith he received power to generate, even though he was past the normal age- and Lord! I believe, help my unbelief Sarah herself was sterile-for he ..... thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy. So

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

9

Monday 8th August 2016

Ezekiel:1/2-6,24-28 Psalm: 148/1-2,11-14 Mathew:17/22-27 First Proclamation

St. Dominic raised up again.' And a great sadness came over them.

When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the half-shekel came to Peter and said, 'Does your master not pay the half-shekel?'

'Yes,' he replied, and went into the house. But before he could speak, Jesus said, 'Simon, what is your opinion? From whom do earthly kings take toll or tribute? From their sons or from foreigners?'

And when he replied, 'From foreigners,' Jesus said, 'Well then, the sons are exempt.

However, so that we shall not be the downfall of others, go to the lake and cast a hook; take the first fish that rises, open its mouth and there you will find a shekel; take it and give it to them for me and for yourself.'

Fix Your Gaze on Jesus

On the fifth of the month.... the word of Yahweh was addressed to the priest Ezekiel ... There the hand of Yahweh came on him.

I looked; a stormy wind blew from the north, a great cloud with flashing fire and brilliant light round it, and in the middle, in the heart of the fire, a brilliance like that of amber, and in the middle what seemed to be four living creatures. They looked like this: They were of human form, but each of them had four faces and four wings‌... The sight was like the glory of Yahweh. I looked and fell to the ground, and I heard the voice of someone speaking to me.

Let us enter into contemplative Song of Praise (Psalm: 148/1-2,11prayer on today’s Proclamations, and 14) especially the First Proclamation and the Alleluia! Praise Yahweh from the Psalm, which describe using imagery the heavens, praise him in the heights. honour and glory our Lord Jesus Christ Praise him, all his angels, praise him, had in Heaven and which He willingly all his host! let go to take human form in the nature Praise Him, kings of the earth and of a servant (Philippians 2: 6-8), to all nations, princes and all judges on offer His body and blood in sacrifice to earth, young men and girls, old people pay the penalty for the collective sin of and children together. humanity, on account of the Love the Let them praise the name of Yahweh, Triune God has for us. for his name alone is sublime, his splenIn this backdrop, let us visualize dour transcends earth and heaven. For the thought processes that would have he heightens the strength of his people, flicked through the mind of Lord Jesus to the praise of all his faithful, the chil- when the temple tax collectors had the dren of Israel, the people close to him. audacity to check whether the temple tax is paid by the Master! However, The Gospel Proclamation awakening to the Holy Spirit within, He When they were together in Gal- instructs that it be paid through miracilee, Jesus said to them, 'The Son of ulous means in order to avoid giving a man is going to be delivered into the wrong message to the bystanders, whilst power of men; they will put him to using a worldly example to illustrate the death, and on the third day he will be absurdity of the situation!

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

10

Tuesday 9th August 2016

St. Theresa Benedicta of the Cross

Ezekiel: 2/8-3/4 Psalm: 119/14, 24,72, 103,111,131 Mathew: 18/1-5, 10, 12-14 The Gospel Proclamation At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a child whom he put among them, and said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

"Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. What do you think?

If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray.

So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.

Prayerful Awareness In this narrative, there is a dialogue between Jesus and the disciples (not the crowds). The topic of this discussion is about the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. It is interesting to reflect, as to who is a disciple and if there are levels in discipleship. Let us reflect ......

Gaze at Jesus Who is a disciple? Jesus says, "If you are my disciple, you must die to your self, take up the cross and follow me." And today, Jesus tells His disciples "Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of God. (verse 3) As we gaze at these words, it appears that every disciple is not able to "enter" or "experience" the Kingdom of heaven, but only those who are child-like, meaning dependent on God. Let us reflect ....

Therefore, the keeping of the Commandments and the obeying of Jesus' teachings ought to be performed, with an inner attitude of perfect dependence on God, inner attitude of trust in God, in order to be the greatest disciple.

Jesus takes a child as an example, in order to show that complete dependence on God is this additional requirement that is expected of a disciple, if he/she is desirous of experiencing the Kingdom of heaven.

Did not Jesus give the same advice to the rich young man (Matthew 19:16-30), when he inquired from Jesus, as to how he could experience eternal life?

Similarly in the "Sermon on the Mount" (Matthew 5:3) Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven."

Prayer Starter Blessed are you O Lord, teach me your ways I find joy in the way of your decrees more than in all riches. (Ps. 119:12, 14)

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

11

Wednesday 10th August 2016

St. Lawrence of Rome

is written, 'he scatters abroad, he gives to the poor, his righteousness endures forever." He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and St. Lawrence of Rome increase the harvest of your righteousHe is one of the saints whose mar- ness. tyrdom made a deep impression on the Prayerful Awareness early Church. Oral tradition has it that Be generous and you will never be his martyrdom consisted in being roasted alive to death. Emperor Valerian's the loser. Everything we have was given edict on Christians not only sentenced to us by God. He provides all our needs them to death but also confiscated their even without and before our asking. property. When Pope Sixtus and four Giving is like sowing seed. Those who of his deacons were sentenced to death sow stingily or sparingly cannot expect and were being led to die Lawrence a bountiful harvest. They are in for a grieved that he was not being taken too. meagre harvest. Those who sow with a The Pope said to him, "Don't cry, my generous hand will reap a bountiful or son, in three days you will follow us." generous harvest. 'Share what you have It happened that way. Lawrence was in and do not grasp it." And His promises charge of Church property and finances. to those who are generous - 'As the Lord The prefect of Rome demanded that has promised through Elijah, the bowl it be turned in for the Emperor's use. did not run out of flour nor did the jar run Lawrence agreed to his request and out of oil." (1 Kings 17:16) "Put me to managed to obtain a reprieve - 3 days. the test and you will see that I will open He disposed of all the money to the the windows of heaven and pour out dregs of society, even selling the sacred on you in abundance all kinds of good vessels. Three days later, he gathered a things. " (Malachi 3:10) Those who give huge number of poor, sick, widowed or share things with others with a pure and orphaned and brought them before heart will find a healthy return. If we the Prefect and told him, "These are are sparing in helping others we will the treasures of the Church." Furious see that we are paid back in the same at being so tricked he was ordered to coin. It is God who gives us both the be roasted alive. And on the grid iron substance to give and the right spirit to he said "It is well done; turn it over give it. What we do to others we do to God. The day will come when the things and eat it." we have done with a heart full of love The First Proclamation will stand in for our favour and vice The point is this: the one who sows versa. "When her mother reproached sparingly will also reap sparingly, and her for caring for the poor and the sick the one who sows bountifully will also at home, St. Rose if Lima said to her, reap bountifully. Each of you must give "When we serve the poor and the sick, as you have made up your mind, not we serve Jesus. We must not fail to help reluctantly or under compulsion for God our neighbours, because in them we loves a cheerful giver. And God is able serve Jesus." (C.C.C. 2449). to provide you with every blessing in Prayer Starter abundance, so that by always having Help us so to open wide our hearts enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good word. As it to the needy around us. Amen.

2 Corinthians:9/6-10 Psalm: 112/1-2, 5-9 John: 12/26

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

12

Thursday 11th August 2016

Ezekiel: 12/1-12 Psalm: 78/56-59,61-62 Matthew:18/21-19/1 The First Proclamation The word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows, 'Son of man, you are living among a tribe of rebels who have eyes and never see, they have ears and never hear, because they are a tribe of rebels. So, son of man, pack an exile's bundle and set off for exile by daylight while they watch. You will leave your home and go somewhere else while they watch.

Then perhaps they will see that they are a tribe of rebels....While they watch, you will shoulder your pack and go out into the dark; you will cover your face so that you cannot see the ground, since I have made you an omen for the House of Israel....Next morning the word of Yahweh was addressed to me as follows, 'Son of man, did not the House of Israel... ask you, "What are you doing?"

Say, "The Lord Yahweh says this: This prophecy concerns Jerusalem and the whole House of Israel who live there." Say, "I am an omen for you; as I have done, so will be done to them; they will be deported into exile.

Their prince will shoulder his pack in the dark and go out through the wall; a hole will be made to let him out; he will cover his face, so that he cannot see the country.

Fix your gaze on Jesus Gracious Lord, I know very well how obstinate and hard hearted humanity can be! After all, I myself am a member of that blessed species, and I've had done my share of being down-right cussed! The very same gift that was to lift us up so much higher; the Free Will

St. Clare, Virgin we're endowed with, we're turned in to a curse that points us away from our inheritance of being in love, relating to the Oneness of existence, opening up this awful chasm between us and our beloved Creator God. Something is foundationally wrong with us when we perennially transform a blessing in to a curse! No wonder the Lord calls us a tribe of rebels; we use the blessing of our senses, but transform / interpret the incoming impressions in to something that is hostile and threatening to our very existence.

Do we understand that anything that challenges us and calls upon us to a greater response (thereby bestowing upon us the assurance of a higher than so far experienced capacity and fulfilment), can also be viewed upon as a threat! What is your normal response to a perceived challenge? A challenge hat tests your ability to experience and stay in love; to be in mastery over your emotions; your ability to stay on the narrow, chosen path as against the inclination to give in to random feelings and desires...together with you will I lament; Oh, wretched man that I am!

Who will liberate me from this pain, this death, this trap; the enticing and beguiling traps of the Liar?

O Holy Spirit of God, search within me and bring before my consciousness the inner processors habitually driving me, so that I could turn anew to the Ever-Present Loving Presence of my Creator God who renews me, the Holy Spirit residing within...

Prayer Starter Thou art Blessed O Spirit of God, S/He who resides within me, calling on me to become conscious of Thee...to stay in your presence, to be in Love....

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

13

Friday 12th August 2016

St. Jane Frances de Chantal

Ezekiel: 16/1-15 OR 16/59-63 Psalm: Isaiah:12/2-6 Matthew:19/3-12 The First Proclamation Please read Ezekiel 16/59-63 prayerfully.

The Gospel Proclamation Some Pharisees came to him, and to test him they asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause?" He answered, "Have you not read that the one who made them at the beginning made them male and female' and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. They said to him, 'Why then did Moses command us to give a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her?" He said to them, "It was because you were so hard hearted that Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for unchastity, and marries another commits adultery."

His disciples said to him, "If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry. " But he said to them, "Not everyone can accept this teaching, but only those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others, and there are eunuchs who have made

themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can."

Gaze on Jesus Jesus referring to man's beginning said "It is God's plan and Will that a man leaves his father and mother and be attached to a wife for God has made them male and female. The two shall be one flesh. What God has joined together let no man put asunder." No one has the right to change God's plan and Will. The only exception for a divorce is unchastity and nothing else.

Prayerful Awareness The disciples based on this assumption posed a question. If such is the case then it is not expedient to marry. Jesus in this instance classified His view thus. There are born eunuchs, that is according to the plan and Will of God but there are yet other eunuchs who have willingly become so for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. This is a great act, a calling and a blessing to be unmarried and serve the Kingdom of God. St. Paul too says thus "It is well for them to remain single as I do. But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry for it is better to marry than to be aflame with passion." Let us always do God's Will as we say "May Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven." This we recite daily but do we really accept it and stick to it? Let us also emulate our Blessed Mother who consenting to God's Will and plan said "Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done according to thy word."

Prayer Starter Behold God is my salvation. I will trust and do His Will for He is my strength and my song.Amen.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

14

Saturday 13th August 2016

Sts. Pontian, Pope & Hippolytus

Ezekiel: 18/1-13,30-32 Psalm: 51/10-13,16-17 Matthew:19/13-15 Gospel Proclamation The children were brought to Him that He might lay His hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven”. And he laid His hands on them and went away.

Jesus’ sonship There is an invitation, an invitation to come, know and be embraced and be loved by God. His gospel commands us to come to the living waters who is Christ Himself. Let us awaken that today’s gospel invites us all to be rekindled in His loving embrace and enable others to come to Him too.

Our sonship Ezekiel in His prophesy reveals Lord's desire and His invitation to the people to walk in Lord’s statutes and ordinances. Scripture from Ezekiel also mentions the beautiful proverb, “The fathers have eaten grapes and the children’s teeth are set on edge”.

It is a fact; our personal sin has a flowing effect which we also identify as generational sin. Therefore, our life styles, our values and our outlook towards life and others influence our children. The society in return inherits our children and they influence their fellow human beings.

Prophet Ezekiel prophesied the downfall and the restoration of Israel and reveals God’s intentions in chapter 18 verse 4 in the following way, “behold all souls are mine, the soul of the father, as well as the soul of the son” and in

verse 32 “For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone says the Lord God, so turn and live”.

Lord who gives us second chances, invites us today not to deny but to take responsibility to accept Jesus in our life and also to lead God’s children to Him. In Lord’s embrace, we all feel secure, accepted and restored in a relationship with God. Prompts for Repentance: We as Christians do many things knowingly and unknowingly to deny others from receiving Christ. Let us reflect, our frivolous unacceptance of Christian ways, being untruthful in ways that harm others and being lukewarm towards time for Christian fellowship. Book of Ezekiel describes some of the actions that are against the statutes and ordinances of God. Therefore, we need to pay attention to our own willful ways that are against God. Jesus promises the power of the Holy Spirit who will bring us to all truths will also teach us about sin, righteousness and Justice in accordance to God’s wisdom. It is the Holy Spirit who will rekindle our faith as He intercedes on our behalf according to God’s Will (Romans 8: 26-27).

Therefore, let us prepare ourselves to pray in the Holy Spirit who is our intercessor and the communicator of God’s intentions to us as the Psalmist say.

Prayerful Awareness (Psalm 51:12-15) Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the Joy of thy salvation and uphold me with a willing Spirit.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

15

Sunday 14th August 2016 Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time Jeremiah: 38/4-6,8-10 Psalm: 40/1-3,17 Hebrews:12/1-4 Luke:12/49-53 Introduction Each one of us experience life in this world in a unique way. It is different from any other person in the world.

This ‘unique way” in which we see, enjoy, suffer is described by the word PARADIGM. Problems begin to occur when we as persons are convinced that the picture of life we see is the only one that is complete and authentic. We usually don’t stop there, we also say that all the others are wrong in their perspective. When the wheel turns and the rest of the world does not agree with our point of view we feel abandoned and misunderstood. To move forward from that point onwards we need someone who accepts us as we are and understands us, to be with us. It is in the presence of such a trustworthy person that one has the freedom to admit that (s)he is wrong. Our faith tells us that when everyone else have failed us there is one PERSON Who will not fail us no matter what, and that PERSON is God The Entrance Antiphon is a reiteration of that faith in God. God our protector, keep us in mind; always give strength to your people. For if we can be with you even one day, it is better than a thousand days without you. The prophet has the duty to present God’s point of view even when it means banishment and even persecution and death. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to give us the strength to exercise the prophetic ministry we received at Baptism and the humility to be ministered to by the prophetic ministry of our brothers and

sisters in Christ.

The First Proclamation In those days, the princes said to the king: “Jeremiah ought to be put to death; he is demoralizing the soldiers who are left in this city, and all the people, by speaking such things to them; he is not interested in the welfare of our people, but in their ruin.” King Zedekiah answered: “He is in your power”; for the king could do nothing with them. And so they took Jeremiah and threw him into the cistern of Prince Malchaih, which was in the quarters of the guard, letting him down with ropes.

There was no water in the cistern, only mud, and Jeremiah sank into the mud. Ebed-melech, a court official, went there from the palace and said to him: “My lord king, these men have been at fault in all they have done to the prophet Jeremiah, casting him into the cistern. He will die of famine on the spot, for there is no more food in the city.” Then the king ordered Ebed-melech the Cushite to take three men along with him, and draw the prophet Jeremiah out of the cistern before he should die.

Prayerful Awareness In seeking to make sense of life, people develop visions of life which influence everything that relates to life; the way they govern themselves, own and what they teach their children, their relationships amongst themselves and with their communities and nations, the way of entertainment and recreation, their value system et cetera. This is the so-called process of “civilization”.

Tough at the beginning it all seems good, as time goes on the limitations and dangers start surfacing. It begins

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

16

to serve a privileged few and oppress many. Corruption creeps into governance and general behavior patterns which are justified and defended as acceptable. It is not seen as wrong and sinful. It is at this point that the prophet comes into is own. (S)he is entrusted with the task of proclaiming the way it was meant to be by the Creator. Down the ages all genuine prophets have not been listened to and most of the time they have been persecuted and killed.

They were able to stick to their task despite trials and tribulations because of the relationship of trust they had with Yahweh God. They were also convinced of the crucial importance of proclaiming the message they had received from God. Jeremiah was such a prophet who stuck to his task against all odds.

The Gospel Proclamation: Luke 12/49-53 Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!

There is a baptism wit which I must e baptized and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother; a mother-in-law against her daughterin-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.

Gaze at Jesus The Lord goes about His prophetic role by proclaiming that His mission is not about fulfilling what people expected of Him. He shocks people out of their complacency. His words leave

the people with questions rather than answers. He lays the axe to the root itself. While we would like to put out a fire Jesus wishes it to blaze. While we desire the Lord to bring peace He says His coming will bring division, the family unity that we seek and work for is challenged as a value. Let us turn to St. Paul for an answer.

The Second Proclamation: Hebrews 12/1-4 Brothers and sisters; Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken is seat at the right of the throne of God. Consider how he endured such opposition from sinners, in order that you may not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood.

Prayerful Awareness St. Paul presents us with the cloud of witnesses who have tread this path of seeming paradox where giving and letting go is receiving, losing is winning last will be first, climbing down rather than up is the victory , dying is the entrance to real life. There is only one way to run and win this race and that is to “keep our gaze fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith.”

Prayer Starter Lead kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom, lead Thou me on! The night is dark, and I am far from home; lead Thou me on! Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see. The distant scene; one step enough for me.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

17

Monday 15th August 2016 The Assumption of the Bl. Virgin Mary Revelation:11/19;

12/1-6, 10 Psalm: 45/9-11, 15 1 Corinthians:15/2026 Luke:1/39-56

The Gospel Proclamation 56.

Let us reflectively read Luke 1/39Prayerful Awareness

On this day of the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary let us try to gaze at some of her great qualities.

When Angel Gabriel brought the message of God to Mary she was already betrothed to Joseph. She would have already formulated her own plans for her life with Joseph, just as any other girl would, in a similar situation.

So, when the Angel Gabriel brought God's message to Mary, her first reaction was one of shock, fear and anxiety (vs. 29). However, she "pondered" over it - thought over it, considered it, deliberated on it. She did not reject it outright. Then, as she kept "pondering" over the event, God reassures her, enlightens her and helps her to arrive at a decision. When taken into account the implications of such a decision - having to carry a baby before marriage, having to disclose the news to Joseph, the judgement meted out in such situations, etc. the decision was an enormous one.

But Mary "emptied" herself of all these and simply said "I am the handmaid of the Lord". Being a "handmaid" was yet another quality of Mary.

To be a "handmaid" is to surrender one's right to do what one desires, to be at the beck and call of the master.

What "faith" Mary would have had, in the God she believed, to stoop to

such depths - to surrender all rights and priviledges of her life to God! Then as she faced various sorrowful situations in her life, she never even for a moment doubted the words God spoke to her, such as "He will be called the Son of the Most High" (Vs 32). "... he will rule over the house of Jacob forever" (vs.33); "... of his kingdom there will be no end" (vs.33)., even though these words appeared to be ridiculous in the circumstances she faced, such as when Jesus was mercilessly tortured; crowned with thorns, crucified, and ultimately when the dead body was placed on her lap. Yes, her seventh eye was open and she saw the silver lining, in the dark cloud. She saw the light at the end of the tunnel, she saw the victory in the defeat.

As we reflect on verses 39 - 56, we find Elizabeth, the aunt of Mary, addressing her as "most blessed are you among women ....' (vs.42) "... mother of my Lord." (vs.43).

Mary was the first Eucharistic tabernacle, as she carried Jesus in her womb, when she went to meet Elizabeth. And, as Elizabeth met Mary, she and her son in her womb, both received an anointing of the Holy Spirit through Jesus and the words that Elizabeth uttered were at the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

And in verse 48, we find Mary being herself full of grace speaking the prophetic words ".... from now on will all generations call me blessed."

Prayer Starter Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you." (vs. 28) "... blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb." (vs. 42). Jesus, Holy Mary "Mother of God" (vs. 43) pray for us sinners ....

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

18

Tuesday 16th August 2016 Ezekiel:28/1-10 Psalm:Deut.32/26-28, 30, 35-36 Matthew:19/23-30 The First Proclamation The word of the Lord came to me: Mortal say to the prince of Tyre, thus says the Lord God: Because your heart is proud and you have said, "I am a god; I sit in the seat of the gods, in the heart of the seas," yet you are but a mortal, and no god, though you compare your mind with the mind of a god. You are indeed wiser than Daniel; no secret is hidden from you, by your wisdom and your understanding you have amassed wealth for yourself, and have gathered gold and silver into your treasuries. By your great wisdom in trade you have increased your wealth, and your heart has become proud in your wealth ....

The Gospel Proclamation

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God. When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astounded and said, "Then who can be saved?" But Jesus looked at them and said, "For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.

Then Peter said in reply, "Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?" Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or

St. Stephen of Hungary fields, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.

Prayerful Awareness In this narrative, through the parable of the camel (vs. 24) we are told the ill effects of being rich. We need to discern whether the word "rich" is applicable only to material possessions, or in a much wider sense. We are also told about the beneficial effects of dispossessing riches, for the sake of the name of Jesus.

In scriptures, the word "name" implies the characteristics of the person or the values the person was associated with, just like in the past, names such as "Gunasekera" or "Jayasekera" etc. indicated the characteristics of that person.

Gaze at Jesus "And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters ...... for the sake of my name will receive ...... will inherit eternal life." (vs. 29). By this, Jesus does not mean neglecting our duties towards others, or ignoring them, but rather, that the first place is given to the Name of Jesus and the values that Jesus stood for.

To those who live in this fashion Jesus promises blessings, in this present life, as well as in the hereafter. (vs. 29).

"Riches" in whatever form it comes, tend to make our minds and hearts, less dependent on God, makes our heart grow haughty, and to think that we are God. (Ezekiel 28:5, 6) My sonship What is the priority I give to live according to the teachings of Jesus in my daily life?

Prayer Starter Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for me a sinner, now and at the hour of my death .....

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

19

Wednesday 17th August 2016

Feast of St. Hycinth

Ezekiel: 34/1-11 Psalm: 23/1-6 Matthew: 20/1-16

not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. .... So the last will be first, and the first will be last.

St. Hycinth Prayerful Awareness He was a native of Polish Silesia and of noble ancestry. He was made This incident presented in this a Canon at Cracow after receiving parable is a common one in the wake his doctorate in Law and Divinity. He of the grape harvest being rushed in accompanied his Bishop to Rome in before the rains start. It presents us 1220. He joined the Order of Preachers. truth that reigns supreme in ChristianLater he was sent to Poland as head ity. A special place or honour because of a mission. He was successful and you have been a Christian longer than managed to found frieries wherever others - one must not claim such, as he went. He is called the "Apostle of all are equally precious to God. Some the North" - he covered Pomerania, people think that just because they Lithuania and Denmark in danger of have been members of a church for a barbarians and wild beasts. He also long time they can dictate terms or it preached in Russia and Ukraine in the belongs to them. New ideas or plans South, even reaching for off Tibet and new blood are taken as intrusion and, China in the East. He returned to his are resented. "Those who are last will central monastery at Cracow as an old be first" and vice versa. (vs.16) May be man of seventy two. Died: August 15th, the old hands or churches have much 1257. Canonized by Pope Clement VIII to learn from those who join in at the in 1594. eleventh hour. A silver coin a day was not a great wage. But the master knew The Gospel Proclamation if he went home with less or nothing, "For the kingdom of heaven there would be the hungry children and is like a landowner who went out a worried wife. What the master could early in the morning ... After agree- do - he went beyond justice and gave ing with the laborers for the usual them enough to solve the great need at daily wages, he sent them into his home. Two basic needs were fulfilled vineyard. When he went out about right of everyone to work and a living nine o'clock, .... "You also go into the wage for that work. How generous is vineyard, .... So they went. When he the master - irrespective of the number went out again about noon and about of hours the workers are paid a living three o'clock, he did the same. And wage. What matters most is the love about five o'clock ...., ...'You also go in which the service is given not the into the vineyard.' When evening amount of service. What should our came, .... 'Call the laborers and give attitude be - 'do the minimum and get them their pay, ....' When those hired the maximum' or work for the joy of about five o'clock came, each of them serving God and others? received the usual daily wage. Now Prayer Starter when the first came, ...'These last worked only one hour, and you have Help us to do what we do, do well. made them equal to us ..., 'Friend Amen.

I am doing you no wrong; did you

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

20

Thursday 18th August 2016 Ezekiel: 36/23-28 Psalm:51/10-13,16-17 Mathew: 22/1-14 The First Proclamation I am going to display the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned among them.

And the nations will know that I am Yahweh -- declares the Lord Yahweh -- when in you I display my holiness before their eyes. For I shall take you from among the nations and gather you back from all the countries, and bring you home to your own country.

I shall pour clean water over you and you will be cleansed; I shall cleanse you of all your filth and of all your foul idols. I shall give you a new heart, and put a new spirit in you; I shall remove the heart of stone from your bodies and give you a heart of flesh instead. I shall put my spirit in you, and make you keep my laws, and respect and practice my judgments.

You will live in the country which I gave your ancestors. You will be my people and I shall be your God. Fix your gaze on Jesus Lord, I have gone astray, and am experiencing the bitter results of my poor choices; the taste of life I experience is not to my liking, and I would like to change it for the better; I appreciate that I reap what I've sown, and I see that I've sown poorly; however, this is NOT my normal thinking!

I normally like to think that I'm good and that I do my very best! I routinely try to evade the possibility that my life situation is mostly a reflection of my choices. I tell myself that I'm mostly blameless for my present situation; that I'm mostly powerless to

change the situation and circumstances and the others, that I'm a victim. I habitually try to rationalise the blame away; putting it on my brother, sister, nature and the lady luck!

Today however I have realised to some extent that lying to myself is unlikely to improve my condition; ie; serve my purpose; that however bitter the truth is, it is time for me to turn away from the lies and deceptions and petty rationalisations I've been making to myself. Time I faced the truth, accepted the responsibility for forging / creating my life taste and journey, and empower myself with empowering thoughts and beliefs.

With this turning, I stand today before your Living Word. Listening to your assurances of cleansing from the guilt and repercussions of past transgressions, of being given a new empowered spirit and a heart, a heart sensitive to the calling of the moment passing before me! I shall be able to abide in your commandments and become the loving, kind, empowered being you're designed me to be! I shall have that purpose in my life that would bring fulfilment to my whole being. I together with my brethren will be Your People, and You will be our God; and we shall live in the Land You cast for us hereafter!

Prayer Starter Thank you dear Lord for turning us away from going astray; I, a prodigal son has come to realise how much better it is in Your Abode once I've come to my senses and now see that I am wallowing in a pig sty swilling away at the worm eaten morsels available....

Oh, miserable soul that I am! I am resolved to return to you; to become aware of your constant presence in the now and here...

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

21

Friday 19th August 2016 Ezekiel: 37/1-14 Psalm:107/2- 9 Matthew: 22/34-40 The First Proclamation Please read Ezekiel 37/1-14 prayerfully.

In this passage prophet Ezekiel announces the restoration of Israel which had been dead in every sense of the word. 'Our bones are dry'. - the dry and scattered bones represent the Israelites exiled and dispersed. For many years, the people of Israel believed that God manifested His glory in the world by granting them prosperity and by working miraculous liberations on their behalf. But these were nothing but human dreams. God's plan is to teach His people through centuries of struggling, mistakes and suffering.

Nations, like people, cannot reach true maturity without passing through the death of their pride and their ambitions.

This is precisely when God sends His word which makes the dead arise. "I will give you my Spirit that you may live". First God sent His prophets.

Their voices were not listened to during their lifetime, but they fell on ground as seed. After a few years, some people will emerge to restore the nation with Ezra and Nehemia.

The Gospel Proclamation

St. John Eudes Law however, in order to test Jesus, wanted to know the most important commandment in the Law. Jesus mentioned not only the first and most important of the commandments but also the other which is very similar to it - loving the neighbor. The first commandment to love the Lord your God is not among the Ten Commandments of Moses, which only speak of serving God, but it is in Deuteronomy 6:4. To love God is not a commandment like the others, because the commandments show specific actions that we should undertake or avoid. i.e. you shall rest on the day of the Lord or you shall not kill. On the other hand when it comes to loving the Lord there is no limit.

The commandments of Moses merely express in a clear manner the demands of our conscience. It should not be necessary to tell the people not to steal and not to slander others. Nevertheless, it is necessary to teach this to children and unscrupulous people. St. Paul in 1 Timothy 1:9 says that the Law was not intended for the good, but for those who do evil. Those who only obey the Ten Commandments fulfill only the minimum requirements of morality that Moses demanded of his primitive and irresponsible people more than thirty centuries ago. All the rest are meaningless if the First Commandment is not understood and observed.

Prayer Starter

Please read Mathew 22/34-40 meditatively.

Abba Father, we thank You for sending to us Your well-beloved Son Gaze on Jesus our Lord Jesus in order to reveal to Some Pharisees had been listening us Your unconditional, forgiving and to a discussion which Jesus had with pursuing love by word and example. the Sadducees who do not believe in May we ever be mindful of Your love, the resurrection, in regard to a woman very specially when we are rejected who had married seven brothers one and despised by those who ought to after the other. They all agreed with love and support us. what Jesus said, but one teacher of the

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

22

Saturday 20th August 2016 Ezekiel:43/1-7 Psalm: 85/8-13 Matthew: 23/1-12 Gospel Proclamation Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.

Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens [hard to carry] and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen. .... As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Messiah.

The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Prayerful Awareness A legislation was given by God to Moses at Mount Sinai, to teach Israelites that they should always keep themselves in a state of legal purity, or external sanctity, as a sign of their intimate union with God. “ Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy”. (Leviticus 19 : 2 ) Whilst Pharisees were members of a Jewish religious group who monitored that Jewish people adhered to Jewish religious laws, Scribes were writers, copyists and interpreters of the sacred writing, recognized as teachers in the Jewish society. These groups though continued teaching, enforcing people to do what Moses taught, lack practice of what they preached. Jesus Christ on the other hand, preached God’s Word and practiced it fully with Unending Love.

God is Love and God’s Word, and all rules contain His Love and comes with Love.

Where there is no Love, there is no God. Jesus Christ even in human form was full of God’s Love which He obtained from above as Son of God. This is why Lord Jesus said not to call anyone as ‘Rabbi’ as there is only one Teacher, Lord Jesus himself, as no human can match this Love.

No human father can match the Love of God our Loving Father in heaven, who so Loves us and Cares for us, and desire to save all of us what ever sins we have committed, asking us to repent and come back. God our Loving Father is waiting to receive us coming back, with such a Great Love for us. “ Seek the Lord while He may be found, call him while He is near. Let the scoundrel forsake his way, and the wicked man his thoughts; Let him turn to the Lord for mercy; to our God, who is generous in forgiving” ( Isaiah 55:6-7). He is a God who throws to the depths of the sea all our sins, no matter how huge (Micah 7 : 18-20 ). In Baptism we belonged to Lord Jesus Christ, when we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord .

Here we received the Holy Spirit as our Helper, Counselor and Advocate, and a new identity as children of God under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to call God Almighty, “Father” Prayer Starter I Worship You and Thank You God Almighty, our Loving Father for Your Great Love and Concern for all of us. I also Thank for Lord Jesus Christ, my Saviour and Lord and the Holy Spirit my Counselor and Advocate. Raise me and Help me to know all my sins which I commit with or without my knowledge, and repent and obtain forgiveness. Help me to receive and accept God’s Great Love, and be able to love God our Father with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my mind and with all my strength, and share this Love with others, Amen .

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

23

Sunday 21st August 2016 Twenty-first Sunday of Ordinary Time Isaiah:66/18-21 Psalm: 117/1-2 Hebrews: 12/5-7,11-13 Luke:13/22-30

Introduction It is a common tendency among people who believe in a religion to feel that they are a special group. The concept of a “chosen people” is not really confined to the Jews. We come across it among people who belong to other religions, even Christians. With this elitism comes a sense of complacency; ‘salvation’ is considered to be guaranteed. Today’s proclamations bring home to us the fact that being the People of God is not intended to become a cause for smugness. It is rather a call to first and foremost proclaim to the whole world the Good News about God’s love for the world, to share the message of the Gospel about what constitutes real living with the whole world.

This is done primarily by living the message we proclaim. Although sincere, we always fall short of God’s expectations. Therefore the Entrance Antiphon asking for God’s mercy is the ideal frame of mind to open ourselves to the liturgy of the word for today.

Entrance Antiphon

Listen Lord, and answer me. Save your servant who trusts in you. I call to you all day long; have mercy on me O Lord

The First Proclamation

I come to gather nations of every language; they shall come and see my glory. I will set a sign among them; from them I will send survivors to the nations; to Tarshish, Put and Lud, Mosoch, Tubal and Javan, to the distant

coastlands that have never heard of my fame or seen my glory; and they shall proclaim my glory among the nations.

They shall bring all your brethren from all the nations as an offering to the Lord on horses and in chariots, in carts, upon mules and dromedaries, to Jerusalem, my holy mountain, says the Lord, just as the Israelites bring their offerings to the house of the Lord in clean vessels.

Some of these I will take as priests and Levites, says the Lord.

Prayerful Awareness

Who decides as to who should be included and who should be excluded from The People of God? The above proclamation gives us the answer. It is God Who decides. It is stated that from some of those selected to be part of God’s people priests and Levites will be chosen.

Let us be conscious of God’s desire and will to present the gift of His Love to all who are willing to be receptive.

What is Jesus’ attitude towards the elitism and exclusivity that we experience amongst ourselves? Let us read the Gospel proclamation

The Gospel Proclamation

He passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved” He answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ And you will say, ‘We ate and drank in your company and

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

24

you taught in our streets.’ Then he will say to you, ‘I do not know where (you) are form Depart from me, all you evildoers!’ And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out People will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first and some are first who will be last.”

Gaze at Jesus

The words of Jesus ‘People will come from the East and the West and from the North and the South and will recline at table in the kingdom of God’ says it all. Jesus is talking about the Kingdom of God which includes rather than excludes people.

But Jesus also speaks about a category that will be excluded. Who are they? It seems that they are the ones who thought that physical proximity and apparent closeness to Jesus alone was sufficient to be counted as a disciple. But Jesus had laid down the criterion for discipleship thus: “By this will all know you are my disciples that you love each other.” By loving each other in the name and the spirit of Jesus is really all that is necessary to be “saved”.

That is the narrow door through which Jesus wants His disciples to enter And what is the broader way? It is the way of hatred, resentment, jealousy, competitiveness and revenge. When they seek entry into the Kingdom of God they will hear the words ‘I do not know were (you) are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!”

the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges.” Endure trials as “discipline”; God treats you as sons.

For what “son” is there whom his father does not discipline? At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it. So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees. Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed.

Our sonship

So let us ask ourselves the question: what kind of Christians are we? Do we deserve the final reward of brothers and sisters, disciples of Jesus? Can we stand correction? Do we say ‘leave me alone, mind your own business?’ As we journey in response to the call of Jesus, “Come follow me”, we need to be disciplined. This discipline should not only come from a well formed conscience, but also from a spiritual director whose discipline we shall take as coming in the name of Our Lord. Stubbornly following our own whims and fancies will result in finding ourselves cast out from the Kingdom of God.

Prayer Starter

Holy Spirit, fire of love, come rest over each of us, make our tongue ready to confess our sins, that in revealing everything and concealing nothing, we may attain heavenly life to sing eternal praise with the angels. With your help, you who live and reign through all ages.

Amen. (Saint Antony’s Prayer to the Holy Spirit)

The Second Proclamation

You have also forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons; “My son, do not disdain the discipline of

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

25

Monday 22nd August 2016 The Queenship of the Bl. Virgin Mary Isaiah:9/2-7 Psalm: 113/1-8 Luke: 1/39-47 or

said "Yes' to God's messenger (Luke 1:38). Thus, the prophesy of Isaiah in verse 5 was fulfilled.

As described in today's second 1/26-38 reading, the Son to be born to Mary The First Proclamation "... will be great and will be called Son The people who walked in dark- on the most High" (vs.32), and "... The ness have seen a great light; those most High will overshadow you" (vs. who lived in a land of deep darkness 35). Therefore, the Son to be born is not - on them light has shined. .... For merely human, but also divine. Mary the yoke of their burdens, and the therefore becomes the spouse of the bar across their shoulders, the rod Holy Spirit, who is the third person of of their oppressor, you have broken the God head. And so, it is appropriate as on the day of Midian. For all the to give Mary the queenship on account boots of the tramping warriors and all of these happenings.

Prophet Isaiah describes the role the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child that this Son who is to be born will has been born for us, a son given to us, accomplish. authority rests upon his shoulders; Man who lost the inner light due to and he is named Wonderful Counsel- the original sin, and thus had to grope or, Mighty God, Everlasting Father in the dark, will now have a light (vs.1) Prince of Peace. His authority shall in order to illuminate his journey on grow continually, and there shall be this earth. Jesus said, "I am the light of endless peace for the throne of David the world" His very lifestyle and His and his kingdom. He will establish teachings become a guiding light to man. and uphold it with justice and with Jesus shows us the way to the father. righteousness from this time onward He shows us the truth. Through the euand forever more. .... charistic presence Jesus gives us divine Prayerful Awareness life by assimilating us, into Himself "I 750 years before the birth of Jesus, am the Way, the Truth and the Life" .

Verse 3 says, For the yoke that burprophet Isaiah said ".... A child is born to us, a son is given us." (vs. 5) How could dened them,..' Yes the burden of our sin, these two events take place at the same Jesus took upon His shoulders, when time? The child to be born ought to be He carried the cross right upto Calvary. already existing somewhere else. How Thus, Jesus relieved us of the consequences, the burden of our sin. can ths be reconciled?

Verse 6 says, "They name him WonThrough today's Second reading we get a clue. God the Father wished the derful Counsellor..." Yes, Jesus through Second Person of the Godhead to be His death and resurrection, has given us born into this world as a human being, in a Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, who lives order to carry out the plan of salvation. in us. (John 14:16, 17) and guides us to God being God could have devised many the Truth. ways in order to accomplish this desire.

Prayer Starter But in His great wisdom God selectPraise the Lord! Praise, O servants ed a virgin called Mary in order to have of the Lord; praise the name of the His wish realized. This wish of God Lord..... (Ps:113/1...)

Almighty became a reality when Mary

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

26

Tuesday 23rd August 2016 2 Thessalonians:2/1-3, 14-17 Psalm:96/10,11-12,13 Matthew:23/23-26 The First Proclamation As to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we beg you, brothers and sisters, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as though from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here.

Let no one deceive you in any way, for that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first and the lawless one is revealed, the one destined for destruction.

For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter. .......

The Gospel Proclamation "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law; justice and mercy and faith, it is these you ought to have practiced without neglecting the others. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel!

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.You blind Pharisees!

First clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may become clean

St. Rose of Lima Prayerful Awareness Today, we find Jesus Christ, speaking not to the "crowds" or the "disciples' but to the scribes and the Pharisees who were the custodians of the prophets and the Law in the Old Testament era. Jesus was very critical of them, for their erroneous interpretation of the scriptures. yes, Jesus came to inaugurate the New Testament era.

Gaze at Jesus "You have neglected the weightier things of the Law; judgement, mercy and fidelity...."(Vs.23), "... you cleanse the outside of the cup and dishes, but inside ...." (vs. 25). Let us enter into the mind of Jesus, through these words ... Jesus has said that He did not come to change the Law and the prophets, but to complete them.

Therefore, Jesus seems to be clear in his mind that the scribes and the Pharisees were distorting and ignoring the essence of the Law, and were misinterpreting them. Jesus seems to be emphasising the importance of the inner nature, the motives etc. of the person, when keeping the Law, rather than the mere external acts, when observing the Law. This is the new era, the New Testament era, that Jesus was inaugurating, for which the Pharisees, the scribes and the priests, objected to.

My sonship Do I still cling to the outdated Old Testament rituals and practices and interpretations of the Word of God? Or, do I try to understand the new interpretation given by Jesus Christ and live accordingly.

Prayer Starter Say among the nations; the Lord is King ..... (Ps.96/10....)

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

27

Wednesday 24th August 2016 Revelation:21/9-14 Psalm:145/10-13,17-18 John: 1/45-51 St. Bartholomew St. Bartholomew's name appears in the Synoptic Gospel only in the list of apostles. He is probably to be identified with the Nathanael of Cana, whom Philip brings to Our Lord, preached the Gospel in India. Patron Saint of plasterers, tanners and leather workers. (from ORDO)

Gospel Proclamation

Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth? Nathanael ..., "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, "Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!" Nathanael asked him, "Where did you get to know me?" Jesus answered, 'I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you." Nathanael replied, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" .....

Prayerful Awareness

Jesus from Nazareth and Nathanael form Cana - both Galilean towns, There was jealousy and rivalry between town and town. Nathanael's reaction to Philip's news "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" (vs. 46). Considering this background the way Philip acted and what he said, "Come and see" are wise.

He did not argue to introduce Christ to Nathanael. Often more harm than good is done by our arguments. Philip did the best possible thing - invited Nathanael to meet Christ. He paved the way for Nathanael

St. Bartholomew, Apostle &Martyr to experience the supremacy of Christ, confront him with Christ. Not many have been argued into Christianity. In the area of winning men into Christianity the presentation of the story of the Cross reigns supreme over arguments and philosophical preaching. So our invitation to others should be "come and see". True, before we invite others to meet Christ we have to know him well, have made him the Lord of our lives. We cannot give another what we do not have. Nathanael was greatly surprised when Jesus, on seeing him and reading his heart said, "a great Israelite, there is nothing false in him!". Jesus had seen and read the innermost depth of his heart and this declaration laid the foundation stone - the start of is deep committed attachment to Jesus.

In the first proclamation we have the description of the city of Jerusalem. One could enter it from every side - North, South, East and West. East - we have sunrise, the beginning of the day. The gates on the East mean way into heaven or those who fond Christ in their youth, were faithful to Him and have entered heaven in their youth. North - cold region. These gates represent those who have dedicated their lives to prayer, silence, penance and contemplation. Surely heaven is theirs.

South - warm region. There is the sun, no heat and warmth are there. These represent those who are loving, kind, open, tender, friendly, frank and approachable. West sunset, represents those who die in old age.

They have given to God a long life spent in His vineyard. The invitation is open to all of us to enter heaven.

Prayer Starter

Make us carriers of Your Word. Help us to 'preach without preaching.', extend Your warm and loving invitation "Come to me" and to achieve all these cleanse our hearts of pride and prejudice. Amen.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

28

Thursday 25th August 2016 St.Louis of France, St.Joseph Calasanz, 1 Corinthians:1/1-9 Psalm: 145/2-7 Mathew:24/42-51 The First Proclamation Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and Sosthenes, our brother, to the church of God in Corinth, to those who have been consecrated in Christ Jesus and called to be God's holy people, with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord as well as ours. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I am continually thanking God about you, for the grace of God which you have been given in Christ Jesus; in him you have been richly endowed in every kind of utterance and knowledge; so firmly has witness to Christ taken root in you. And so you are not lacking in any gift as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed; he will continue to give you strength till the very end, so that you will be irreproachable on the Day of our Lord Jesus Christ. You can rely on God, who has called you to be partners with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Fix your gaze on Jesus Oh, my! God's Holy People; that's who we are! Can you believe that? We are God's Holy People! Would we now dare to believe/ accept such thoughts?

St. Paul in this epistle to the community at Corinth affirmed the liberating truth that we indeed are God's Holy People!

And the members of the Corinthian Community did experience this truth for themselves in no uncertain terms!

We can today see the miraculous work

of the Spirit of God enacted among the believers of that period. They experienced the filling by the Spirit of God in a manner that manifested within them, so that they were richly endowed in every kind of knowledge and their utterances reflected this. Praise be to God our Father and the Son, our Liberator!!!

They further experienced the close kinship with the incarnate Christ in the way of the Mind-Of-Christ taking root deep in their psyche, causing them to experience all kinds of gifts and blessings, manifested in the material realm too! They experienced that inner conviction and assurances peculiar to those who are ontologically anchored on the Living Word.

Now, are you of the opinion that the Spirit of God is deficient today in any respect from then? Definitely not, you'd say! Okay; then how come, we today experience this truth different to the communities of that time? Are we too ready to believe that we too are “God's Holy People�? That you are Holy? That you are indeed filled with the Spirit of God? That you have with certainty received a multiplicity of gifts and grace to be partners with Jesus, the son of God? That the Christ strengthens you in every life challenge you are confronted with, empowering you to be loving, and kind, and patient, and wise... Ready to accept this astounding truth? Okay...it simply needs for us to become aware of God's presence in the now and here; and for us to admit the truth that we indeed are Holy! Any thoughts and beliefs contrary to this are to be refused consistently...

Prayer Starter The Lord our God is here with me, God is here with me, is here with me, here with me, with me..

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

29

Friday 26th August 2016 1 Corinthians: 1/17-26 Psalm: 33/1-2, 4-5, 10-11 Mathew: 25/1-13 The First Proclamation For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power.

For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart." ....

Prayerful Awareness St. Paul in this passage speaks about the cross. He says that Christ sent him to proclaim the gospel and not to baptize.

"This would be like getting rid of the cross of Christ." Don't look for titles but bear the cross of Christ! The cross must be present in the message which is preached and in the way it is preached.

The means which are used to proclaim the Good News must be in accordance with announcement of a Saviour, poor and crucified. Faith is necessary to teach the life of poverty and renunciation that is presented by Christ. To the Jews waiting for a glorious saviour Paul presented a crucified man who had not been able to free his nation. And they were scandalised. Today the active non-violence of the Church is a scandal for all those who think this way is ineffective and too slow for the problems surrounding them.

St. Paul also says that the 'foolishness of God is wiser than humans and the weakness of God is stronger than humans."

The Gospel Proclamation Please read Mathew 25/1-13 meditatively.

Gaze on Jesus In the parable of the ten bridesmaids, Jesus presents one aspect of the judgement of God The Kingdom of God is compared to a wedding in which some young girls are chosen to form part of the bridal party. The girls were ready for the wedding, but the bridegroom delays and time passes by. The sleep which takes possession of the girls is not the result of negligence on their part; it simply means that the time when they could have entered without problems was over. We, likewise, when we begin our journey in faith, could not foresee that we would meet trials.

The careless did not take extra oil.

They did not think of developing their potential and ordering their lives or of surrendering themselves nor did they make the commitments that would allow them to endure. The oil for the flame is lacking; so also of the giving of oneself and of everything one has: faith, hope and love are like the fire that fades away when there is nothing to burn.

'I do not know you' - Neither baptism nor a period of fervent devotion are of value to us, if afterwards we are content with a life of routine practices. The Lord demands faithfulness and perseverance of those He has chosen; this is how we save a world which seeks everywhere for truth and does not know to which lord to surrender.

Prayer Starter Lord Jesus, You have made it very clear to us that if we wish to follow You we should deny ourselves, take up the cross and follow You. It has become a formidable task to resist the norms and the values of the world which we encounter at every turn and which are contrary to the values of the kingdom which You have presented to us. May we be ever alive to this danger and resist them through the power of Your Spirit before they could overwhelm us.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

30

Saturday 27th August 2016

1 Corinthians: 1/26-31 Psalm: 33/12-13,18-21 Mathew: 25/14-30

Gospel Proclamation "For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. "To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. "Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents. "In the same manner the one who had received the two talents gained two more. "But he who received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. Now after a longtime the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Both slaves who received five talents and two talents doubled what they received, but the third slave who received one talent had returned it as it is. Therefore this talent too was taken away and given to the one who and successfully made ten talents.

Prayerful Awareness

We Christians Trust and believe that we are born into this world to bring Glory to Almighty God, our Creator, by living a life pleasing to God. Therefore we are called to put aside our selfish desires of lust to satisfy our own body, and to love others as God Loves us. We are given Talents for our success according to the plans God has for us ( “I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” -Jeremiah 29: 11). Attending Holy Mass whilst getting ready to receive Lord Jesus by way of Holy Eucharist, I prayed to Lord Jesus to purify my heart to receive Lord and to grant me a drop

St. Monica of Lord’s blood into my heart , so that I will be able to develop it and Love others the same way Lord Loves me. May be receiving Talents is also of this nature. The Man in the parable knew the capabilities of his servants and gave each one Talents to develop and do better according to their capabilities. Both slaves who received five talents and two talents doubled what they received. But the third, the lazy one kept it buried in the sand without doing any work to develop it. If I did receive a drop of Lord’s blood and kept it in a corner of my heart not allowing it to move out with my blood and start working in me, what good could that do to me or for others. But the more I start using it with determination to share with others, the precious gift I received, how much it will act to Change me and Raise me to spread God’s Great Love to others, and also be able to share the Good news of God’s Great Mercy to save everyone. God sent His only Son to pay for the sins of everyone who believes in Him. (St. John 3:16). And God sent His Holy Spirit to all who accepted Jesus Christ and observed His Teachings (St. John 14: 23 - 26). We all received Holy Spirit at Baptism when we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord. With the Help of Holy Spirit, the Lord of Truth, Knowledge and Wisdom, the Helper, the Counselor, Advocate and Friend, we are called to know our Blessings, develop them and use them to bring Glory to God, our Loving Father.

Prayer Starter

Lord the Holy Spirit, Guide me into the correct path and Guide me in the correct path. Help me to focus on Lord Jesus and follow Him so that I will not fall or get drowned. Help me to Thank and Praise God, our Loving Father for His Great Love and all His Blessings.

Help me to Magnify all Blessings and use them efficiently and effectively. Thank You, Lord, Amen.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

31

Sunday 28th August 2016 Twenty Second Sunday of Ordinary Time Sirach: 3/17-18,20, 28-29 Psalm:68/3-6,9-10 Hebrews:12/18-19,

22-24 Luke: 14/1,7-14 Introduction

seek not, into things beyond our strength search not The mind o a sage appreciates proverbs and an attentive ear is the wise man’s joy.

Water quenches a flaming fire, and alms atone for sins.

Prayerful Awareness The need to be loved is universal.

As the popular sacred hymn tells us ‘Love it was that made us; Love it was that saved us; Love was God’s plan when He made man ….’ In a love relationship something that is neglected is the aspect of being ‘lovable’.

Humility is presented as a personality trait which endears another to us. It is presented as a quality which s more attractive than generosity. Humility is said to include, not seeking to be more than what you are, being attentive and receptive to wisdom which comes from those who are acknowledged as wiser than us.

What is Jesus’ attitude towards humility? Let us read the Gospel proclamation.

Gospel Proclamation

Each one of us has an outlook, a stance, a point of view on life and what it means. This will give us a goal in life which then drives us to behave n a particular way. In the society we live in, the goals which are presented have at their base the achievement of power, prestige and possessions. When a person comes to experience God and His kingdom he/she is challenged to a radical conversion of all of the above; there begins a battle between the old and the new. The remnant of the old worldly nature is seen to be in constant conflict with the developing new divine nature. The times that we fail in our efforts to be faithful to our divine nature far outnumber the times that we succeed. The response we can give in On a Sabbath he went to dinner these circumstances is expressed in at the home of one of the leading the Entrance Antiphon.

Pharisees, and the people there Entrance Antiphon were observing him carefully. He I call on you all day long, have told a parable to those who had mercy on me, O Lord. You are good been invited, noticing how they and forgiving, full of love, for all who were choosing the places of honor at the table. “When you are invited call to you. by someone to a wedding banquet, The First Proclamation do not recline at table in the place My son, conduct your affairs of honor. A more distinguished guest with humility and you will be loved than you may have been invited more than a giver of gifts. Humble by him, and the host who invited yourself the more, the greater you both of you may approach you and are, and you will find favor with say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ God. What is too sublime for you, and then you would proceed with

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

32

embarrassment to take the lowest place. Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position,’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For everyone who exalts himself will be exalted.” Then he said to the host who invited him, “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment.

Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you because of your inability to repay you. For you will be repaid ate resurrection of the righteous.

Gaze at Jesus The lord Jesus who attended the dinner party at the home of a Pharisee is observing the behavior of the other guests. He sees the guests who come in trying to flaunt their self-importance by competing for places of honor at the dinner table. Jesus tells them to rather permit the host to determine their comparative level of importance. Then Jesus turns His attention to the host and tells him he should not determine whom he invites according to what he might get back from them. What he might get back might be in the form of a reciprocal invitation to a function graced by higher dignitaries. Jesus tells the host to rather invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind who will e unable to repay or reciprocate. In all this Jesus is promoting His own attitude as presented to us in the letter of Paul to the Philippians 2:5-11.

(Please read)

The Second Proclamation You have not approached that which could be touched and a blazing fire and gloomy darkness and storm and a t blast and a voice speaking words such that those who heard begged that no message be further addressed to them No, you have approached mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and countless angels I festal gathering, and the assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven, and God the judge of all, and the spirits of the just made perfect, and Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and the sprinkled blood that speaks more eloquently than that of Abel.

Our sonship We are citizens, or rather sons and daughters of God’s kingdom. God Who is king is also our loving Father.

He is the God Who humbled Himself to become one like us. He is the God Who did not wait till we found Him but Who came in search of us. Having found us He has made a gift of Himself to us and now He dwells within us in His Holy Spirit. We are one with Jesus Christ in His mystical Body.

Prayer Starter O Lord! Holy Spirit may we be granted a mind like unto Jesus, Who though He was in the form of God, He did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied Himself taking on the nature of a servant. ‘Who humbled Himself by being obedient to death, death on the cross and waited till God exalted Him and gave him the Name which outshines all names’…

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

33

Monday 29th August 2016

The Passion of St.John the Baptist

Jeremiah:1/17-19 Psalm: 71/1-6,15, 17 Mark:6/17-29 Gospel Proclamation For Herod had sent and seized John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodi’as, his brother Phillip’s wife; because he had married her. For John said to Herod “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife”. And Herodi’as had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him.

But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man and kept him safe. When he heard him, he was much perplexed; and yet he heard him gladly. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and the leading men of Galilee. For when Hero’dia’s daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will grant it”. And he vowed to her, “whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom”. And she went out, and said to her mother, “what shall I ask? And she said, “The head of John the baptizer”. And she came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.

And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. And immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard and gave orders to bring his head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl and the girl gave it to the mother. When his disciples heard it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

Gaze at Jesus John the Baptizer received Jesus while he was still in his mother’s womb.

It is said in the scripture that when Elizabeth received blessed mother pregnant with Jesus in her house, the child in Elizabeth’s womb leaped with Joy. As an adult he became an instrument to proclaim the way to receive Jesus through repentance.

Our sonship The same invitation that John extended to the people of Israel to prepare their hearts to receive God’s merci through Jesus is available for all of us today. We are baptized in Christ with water and the Holy Spirit.

Prayerful awareness However, like Herodias, are we also living with denial of the invitation to repent and change our ways. Herodias challenged God’s merci and took every step to destroy herself, her daughter and Herod from God’s salvation when she requested the murder of John. If the first family of the nation at the time turned their hearts, so would have the people of Israel.

We need to take a serious glimpse at our own accountability to the call of repentance, a sacrament that prepares our hearts to receive the Good News and our enthusiasm to participate in Holy Mass and other fellowships that help us into a life in communion with Christ.

Prayer starter Merciful God, you have given us immense comfort and restored our spiritual wellbeing in Christ name. As we celebrate the memorial of the passion of John the baptizer, we awaken to the urgency that we should share Christ with our fellow brethren to renew their lives in a new spirit that comes through knowing Jesus.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

34

Tuesday 30th August 2016

1 Corinthians:2/10-16 Psalm: 145/8-14 Luke:4/31-37 Gospel Proclamation Jesus then went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee. He taught them on the Sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man with the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out in a loud voice, “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Be quiet! Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down in front of them and came out of him without doing him any harm. They were all amazed and said to one another, “What is there about his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” And news of him spread everywhere in the surrounding region.

Prayerful Awareness Even as a Human Being, Jesus Christ had the Power and Authority to cure the Demoniac by His Words “Be quiet, Come out of him”. This Power He received from above. But, even during the time Jesus Christ lived on earth, there were other people who cured demoniac patients in the name of Jesus Christ ( St. Mark 9:38 - 40).

Today too we hear various Christian Preachers who are using the name of Lord Jesus Christ to cure Demoniac Patients, and also cure various illnesses.

In this instance a question arises as to why we cannot use the same powers of Lord Jesus and carry out healing etc. as we are connected to Lord Jesus Christ .

Once when the disciples of Lord Jesus failed to cure a Demoniac, disciples asked Lord as to why they failed. Lord Jesus said to them that, in order to obtain such powers one must Pray (St. Mark 9:28 - 29) and have Faith (St. Mathew 17: 20). At the same time Lord Jesus said that the most important thing we should do to enter into Heaven, is to always do the Will of God The Father, and any one saying that he or she did miracles in the name of the Lord is not a suitability to enter into Heaven (St. Mathew 7: 21 – 23). On the other hand, if we are doing the Will of God always, Lord can use us anytime He wants to cure and heal the sick and many other duties what Lord wants, and make us True Witnesses of Lord, making us living Testimonies like St. Paul requested to be, a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God ( Romans 12 : 1 ) and finally to receive the Baptism of Blood to take us straight in to heaven, like the Thief who was on the Right Hand side to Lord Jesus on the Cross, who accepted Lord Jesus Christ at his last moments and Testified to it, to receive the Baptism of Blood. He was promised to be with the Resurrected Lord in Heaven.

As Baptised Christians we are called to live according to the Will of God. But as it is difficult for a normal Human Being to achieve this alone, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit to assist us all the time as He dwells within us and with us to guide us to live as Spirit driven Children of God (Rom. 8, 14).

Prayer Starter Lord Jesus, I accept You as my Teacher and my Lord. Forgive me all sins I have committed and wash me like the thief who repented for his sins.

Grant me Your Holy Spirit and put me under the Control of the Holy Spirit to sin no more, and live a life pleasing to God, Amen.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

35

Wednesday 31 August 2016 Feast of St.Nonnatus, Confessor 1 Corinthians:3/1-9 Psalm: 33/12-15,20-21 Luke:4/38-44 St. Raymond Nonnatus Nonnatus - non natus, means not born. His mother had died during his birth and he was delivered surgically. He joined the young Order or Mercedarians at Barcelona. He was remarkable for his zeal and piety and before long he was made Master General and Ransomer.

He went to Algiete and redeemed many Christian slaves. When the funds were exhausted he offered himself as hostage to free more unfortunates. In spite of terrible misery he underwent, he tried to convert his jailors. The infuriated authorities padlocked his lips. Later when he was released he returned to Spain. He was made Cardinal by Pope Gregory IX. Died August 30, 1240. Canonized by Pope Alexander VII in 1657.

His intercession is sought by women in childbirth, midwives and people falsely accused. The Church blesses candles and water for the sick in his honour.

The First Proclamation And so, brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but rather as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for solid food. Even now you are still not ready, for you are still of the flesh. For as long as there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not of the flesh, and behaving according to human inclinations? For when one says, "I belong to Paul," and another, "I belong to Apolos" are you not merely human? .....

Prayerful Awareness We possess two passports - one of the kingdom of this world and the other of the Kingdom of Heaven. Which one

do you give priority to? The one of this world does not go beyond life and the one of the kingdom of God can understand spiritual truths. All human beings are made of flesh. Paul finds fault with Corinthians as they are dominated by flesh. Human nature, devoid of God is easily attracted to sin. They are blamed for allowing the lower or mean side of their nature to dictate terms on their outlook and actions. We are created to His image and we are not expected to be slaves to sin. He is at the door and knocks,. The Holy Spirit who indwells us helps us to hear the sound of the knock above the hustle and bustle of the world. One who responds positively to this divine call is a son/daughter of His Kingdom. The way a person moves were God has placed him - relationships marked by love, forgiving and unity surely that person is a child of God. Paul attacks glorification of human leaders. One person may plant a seed in a garden and another may water it but neither can claim to have made the seed grow. That claim solely belongs to God and to Him alone. The one who plants and the one who waters are on the same level. Neither can claim precedence. Growth and bearing fruit are the work of God. His truth and love are brought to us through us. "The Church is, accordingly, a sheepfold, the sole and necessary gateway to which is Christ. It is also the flock of which God Himself foretold that He would be the shepherd, and whose sheep even though governed by human shepherds, are unfailingly nourished and led by Christ Himself, the Good Shepherd and Prince of Shepherds, who gave His life for His sheep. (C,C.C. 754).

Prayer Starter Help us see Your work in and around us and glorify You.

"The Lord is with you. Be awake!"

THE COVER STORY “ ….. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” (Mathew 6:23) When half of the dark night heavy with rain had moved on When the lamps had almost been extinguished Through the tempestuous wind comes the promise of old “ The Lord is with you !” (Luke 1:28) Be Awake!

The one who has not the light within himself; Because he prefers darkness to light Even in a place where there is light Calls unto darkness to come to him.

Be awake!

"I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of light" (John 8:12) Be awake!

He the Lord is with us ; He is within us.

Therefore, Let us live move and have our being in the light.

Walk in the Spirit - August 2016