Walk in the Spirit August 2018

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"Your Word, Your Will A Fire & A Blessing!"

WALK IN THE SPIRIT August 2018 Volume 08 Issue 16

"Your Word, Your Will A Fire & A Blessing"

ISSN 1391-5967

Publication: Fr. Siri Oscar Abayaratne Kithu Dana Pubuduwa

SHARING ON PRAYER August 2018 The “Amen” is becoming more and more meaningful in my life. It is humanly speaking a painful experience at times. The joy-filled ”Alleluia” is present. The transfiguration is the ‘Alleluia’ bursting forth. Calvary and Tabor are two sides of the same coin.

If Calvary carries the TABOR, The TABOR should carry the Calvary.

Fr. Siri Oscar Abayaratne

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St. Alphonsus De Liguori, Bishop & Doctor Jeremiah: 15/10, 16-21 their land after the invasion this practice made it easy for them to recover their Psalm: 58/2-5,10-11, belongings. "Suddenly as the man dis17-18 covered the treasure, there may flash (59/1-4, 9-10,16-17) upon us, in some moment of illuminaMathew: 13/44-46 tion, the conviction of what God's Will

Wednesday 1st August 20

"He was the eldest child of his family of seven children. He was extraordinarily gifted and brilliant and was awarded a doctorate in Law at the age of sixteen.

He achieved success rapidly but gave up his profession at 27 and devoted himself to discover God's Will in prayer and works of charity. He was ordained priest in 1726. In 1732 he founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (the Redemptorists). Died: 18th July 1787. Beatified by Pope Pius VII on 15th September 1816. Canonized by Pope Gregory XVI on 26th May 1839.

Declared Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX on 23rd March 1871.

The Gospel Proclamation "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid, then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Prayerful Awareness The contemporaries of Jesus in Palestine were familiar with the picture presented in these parables. For the ordinary people of that day the safest place to keep their cherished valuables was the ground. In the parable of the three servants (M athew25:14-30) "the third servant dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money there." (vs.18). The common practice of the people during invasions was to hide their valuables in the ground and flee. When they return to

is for us. To accept it may be to give up certain aims and ambitions which are very dear, to abandon certain habits and ways of life which are very difficult to lay down, to take on a discipline and self-denial which are by no means easy - in a word, to take up our cross and follow after Jesus. But there is no other way to peace of mind and heart in this life and to glory in the life to accept and to do the Will of God." (The New Daily Study Bible). In the first parable on pearls we find many pearls but one pearl of great price. There are many fine, nice, beautiful things in the world. There is loveliness in them - human relationships, serving our neighbours and the needy,, music, art, literature - to mention a few.

Yes, they are all pearls but the loveliest is in the acceptance of the Will of God and His plan. What matters is our willing obedience to His Will - through which we become His friends. The same point can be found in the second parable but with a difference. He was spending his life in the search. He found the treasure by chance. No matter whether the discovery was instant or a delayed one - the sacrifice and labour were great. It all adds to the same truth - one finds the Will of God for himself. Be it the result of life-long search or an instant one.

"Through His parables He invites people to the feast of the Kingdom, but He also asks for a radical choice; to gain the kingdom. Words are not enough, deeds are required. Will he (man) be hard soil or good earth for the word." (C.C.C. 546) Prayer Starter Help us to use the talents You have given us to gain the pearl of great price.

Amen.

"Your Word, Your Will A Fire & A Blessing!"

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St. Eusebius of Vercelli,Bishop St. Peter Julian Eymard,Priest

Thursday 2nd August 2018

for our sins and unbelief; for our refusal of the potential we’re been given. But sincere conversion from the evil of sin (going off-target-refusal to stay in love and communion) will prevent the evil of punishment, as to persons, and to families, and nations. Believe this, that The First Proclamation the Creator loves us; and calls on us The word that came to Jeremiah to be like him…. This what Jesus was from Yahweh as follows, 'Get up and conveying to the listeners when he said, make your way down to the potter's ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like house, and there I shall tell you what unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and I have to say.' So I went down to the gathered of every kind: Which, when potter's house; and there he was, it was full, they drew to shore, and sat working at the wheel. But the vessel down, and gathered the good into veshe was making came out wrong, as sels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be may happen with clay when a potter at the end of the world: the angels shall is at work. So he began again and come forth, and sever the wicked from shaped it into another vessel, as he among the just, And shall cast them into thought fit. Then the word of Yah- the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing weh came to me as follows, 'House of and gnashing of teeth.’

Israel, can I not do to you what this All who search the Scriptures, so as potter does? Yahweh demands. Yes, in them to find Christ and eternal life, like clay in the potter's hand, so you will discover such treasure as makes it are in mine, House of Israel. unspeakably valuable; they make it their Fix your gaze on Jesus own upon any terms. Though nothing can be given as a price for this salvation, You, were the obedient Son, O yet much must be given up for the sake Jesus! Free us from the ingrained mis- of it. All the children of men are busy; beliefs, the erroneous understandings one would be rich, another would be that shackle and prevent us from being honourable, another would be learned; obedient too.... but most are deceived, and take up with While Jeremiah looks upon the counterfeits for the real treasure. Jesus potter’s work, God reveals to him two Christ is a Pearl of great price; in having great truths. God has authority, and him, we have enough to make us happy power, to form and fashion his creation here and forever. When the convinced as he pleases; whether it be the earth, sinner sees Christ as the gracious Savthe stars and galaxies, quasars and black iour, the glory of the world fades; all holes, or inanimate matter and animated things else, become worthless in his sentient beings and varied species, or view / understanding. kingdoms and nations. He may dispose Prayer Starter of us as he thinks fit; and it would be as absurd for us to dispute this, as for the Gracious Lord, we are in the dark; clay to quarrel with the potter. But s/he are deceived and chase mirages. Bring is always just and good and merciful. us in to the light of Your Living Word; When God appears as coming against incarnate within, in that You become our us in judgement, we can be sure it is fire, the blessing....

Jeremiah:18/1-6 Psalm: 145/1-6 (146/1-6) Mathew:13/47-55

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Friday 3rd August 2018 Also in today's Gospel we see how Jeremiah: 26/1-9 Psalm: 68/5, 8-10, 14 the relatives of Jesus react when Jesus began His public ministry. Because of (69/4,7-9,13) their closeness to Jesus, they could not Mathew:13/54-58 see Him clearly. He was simply too familiar to them. They could not bring themselves to believe that their local carpenter is a great man. So we see The Gospel Proclamation that Jesus is not accepted by His own He came to his hometown and be- people. So He exclaimed "A prophet is gan to teach the people in their syn- not without honour except in his own agogue, so that they were astounded country and in his own house." and said, "Where did this man get The people of the Old Testament this wisdom and these deeds of power? Is not this the carpenter's son? era rejected the prophets and were not Is not his brothers James and Joseph willing to accept the Word through and Simon and Judas? And are not which the Will of God came to them.

In today's first proclamation we all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all this?" And they see the people did not accept Jeremiah took offense at him. But Jesus said and the Word of God which came to them, "Prophets are not without through him. The people seized him honor except in their own country and accused him saying "Why do you and in their own house." And he did prophesy with the Lord's name that this not do many deeds of power there, home will be like Shiloh and this city will be cursed and deserted." because of their unbelief.

Let us pause awhile and give food Prayerful Awareness for thought. I hear the Word of God Jesus Christ had a great faith and from many sources - During the Euchathe assurance of His Sonship, that He ristic celebration through the scripture is the most pleasant Son of the beloved readings. At prayer time through the Father God who is in heaven. He had words of the Holy Bible. Am I sensitive an intimate relationship with His Father to the Will of God which comes through God. That is why He had a clear vision them. God conveys to me His Holy Will of the mission He had to perform for through everyday events and situations. which He had come to this world. Jesus Through the storms of life, the Word of had a great thirst to impart and declare God only calms down and fortifies me. whatever He learnt from the Father.

Do I share my experiences with others On this particular day Jesus was whom I meet? All these help to blaze in Nazareth in His hometown. He was the fire of the Spirit in me, paving the at the synagogue teaching the people. way build up my spiritual life.

The people were so taken up and were Prayer Starter astonished in the way Jesus taught with Dear Jesus, without grudge or bitsuch wisdom and miraculous powers.

They could not reconcile with the idea terness You just moved out in situations that one who was so familiar to them where You were not accepted. Help me could be blessed with such extraordi- too to imitate You and act in similar situations for the greater glory of God nary wisdom. the Father, Amen.

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Saturday 4th August 2018 Jeremiah: 26/11-16,24 Psalm: 68/15-16,30-31, 33-34 (69/14-15,29-30, 32-33) Mathew: 14/1-12 The First Proclamation Please read Jeremiah 26/11-16, 24 prayerfully.

The priests and the people wanted Jeremiah to be sentenced to death for the crime of prophesying the same fate of Shiloh to Jerusalem.

Shiloh was the place where the tent of meeting (house of God) was set up

by Joshua who took over the leadership from Moses of the loosely bonded nation that was forming which will be known as Israel in the future. As the Hebrews were fighting the Philistines a tactical error was made by the leaders and Israelites lost the war as well as the ark of the covenant to the Philistines.

Gaze at Jesus Lord as You read Jeremiah what went through Your mind? You once said that You came to fulfil the law and the prophets. So I like to think that You connected today's proclamation with the prophesy of Jacob as he blessed his twelve sons in Genesis 49, in particular Genesis 49/8-12. You are the lion of Judah. You pitched Your tent among men.

You are the living temple Lord Jesus, my Lord and God! Prayerful Awareness Long before God Himself pitched His tent among us, He prepared a nation in order to accomplish His saving plan for humankind. Jacob the grandson of Abraham whose name was changed to Israel, calls his twelve sons and prophesies. Let us look at Genesis 49/89-12

St. John Mary Vianney, Priest - Judah your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of our enemies; your father's sons shall bow down before you. Judah is a lion's whelp; from the prey my son you have gone up.

He stooped down; he couched as a lion, and as a lioness, who dares rouse him up? The sceptre shall not depart from Judah; nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until IT COMES TO WHOM IT BELONGS. In the Hebrew language, and thus in the Hebrew scroll, that James studied, the word SHILOH meant UNTIL IT COMES TO WHOM IT BELONGS. As we study the human genealogy of Jesus, we know that He is the Son of Joseph, who was from the tribe of Judah (Mathew 1/2-16). As one studies the Old Testament and the history of the nation of Israel, one becomes conscious that the Hope of the Israel Nation was the Messiah or in English Christ. We also begin to understand the prophesies generally have a short term fulfilment and long term fulfilment. As man has been given only a limited understanding of time, my contention is that most prophets thought that their prophesy will happen soon and most probably during their own life time.

If we take today's Gospel proclamation, we meet John the Baptiser who was the last prophet according to the Old covenant and he had the unique priviledge of declaring and pointing out the Messiah.

Gaze at my sonship I have no doubt in my mind that Jesus is the Christ. My hope therefore is Jesus and eternal life which is God's hope for the bride of Christ of which I am a part.

Prayer Starter Lord, You have carved my name on the palm of Your hand. I am Yours. You are my only Hope.

"Your Word, Your Will A Fire & A Blessing!"

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Sunday 5th August 2018 Exodus: 16/2-4,12-15 Psalm: 77/3-4,23-25,54 (78/3-4,23-25, 54) Ephesians: 4/17, 20-24 John: 6/24-35 Introduction Let us encounter Lord Jesus, the Bread of Life and relate to Him. Today's Proclamations invite us to follow the Lord, strive for life eternal and to own him as the Lord and Master of our life.

Though we are called to live in the Love of God, sheer selfishness, arrogance and many undisciplined characteristics in us hinder the fulfillment of the plan of God in our lives says the word of God. However much we reject Him, He is forever persistent in his love for us.

Since in Him is the life giving word, let us turn around, repent and allow the Word to bear fruit in us. Let us enter into prayer invoking the power from above.

From the First Proclamation The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. The Israelites said to them, "If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.

Then the Lord said to Moses, "I am going to rain bread from heaven, for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day.

In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not.

I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, 'At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread, then

18th Sunday of Ordinary Time Ps. Wk II

you shall know that I am the Lord your God." In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was, Moses said to them, "It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.

Prayerful Awareness The Israelites subjected to bondage in Egypt are freed through the intervention of God alone. Thus they journey to the promised land under the leadership of Moses. While on journey, when faced with hardship, they grumbled impatiently forgetting the great deeds of God wrought through his immense love. Even in their arrogance and undisciplined nature God the Father had pity on their stubbornness: Loved them. The sensitivity of that love brought them back to their senses. Providing 'manna' for the hungry people in an unexpected moment guaranteeing love and security resulted in simply drawing them to himself.

From the Second Proclamation Now this I affirm and insist on in the Lord: you must no longer live as the Gentiles live, in the futility of their minds.

That is not the way you learned Christ! For surely you have heard about him and were taught in him, as truth is in Jesus. You were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created

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according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Prayerful Awareness Addressing the Ephesian community that embraced a new life in Christ St. Paul invites them to put off the old self and put on the new – to be a new man.

He exhorts them toward a total transformation leaving behind the past depraved life style and values. This will occur only through our submission to the working of the Holy Spirit, surrendering to our Lord Jesus Christ who bestows on us a new life and being united with Him. Among the Ephesians there were many who repented letting their sin to be crucified. Likewise, with a sincere repentance for our sins let us embark on a journey of the cross, renewing ourselves to become a new man and engage in prayer for the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

From the Gospel Proclamation

tors ate the manna in the wilderness, as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.' Then Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. They said to him, "Sir, give us this bread always."

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Prayerful Awareness

Our Lord performed great miracles in many a town and village He was frequented with. And the multiplication of loaves was one such miracle done out of compassion towards a multitude of people. Their hunger being satiated with bread they came looking for Him. Jesus was well aware of what was in So when the crowd saw that nei- their hearts. Being subjected to the Holy ther Jesus nor his disciples were there, Spirit He awakens them to the position they themselves got into the boats they should hold stating the importance and went to Capernaum looking for of achieving eternal life rather than Jesus. receiving food that gives temporary When they found him on the oth- satisfaction. Thus, He invites the people er side of the sea, they said to him, to claim the inheritance of a new life.

"Rabbi, when did you come here?"

Towards my son-ship Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I Let us awaken ourselves for a motell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because ment and invite Jesus into our hearts. you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not Acknowledge His presence within us. work for the food that perishes, but Welcome Him entering into our hearts in for the food that endures for eternal the form of a small host. Inhabitants of a life, which the Son of Man will give transient world as we are, let us follow you. For it is on him that God the Him who is eternal yielding ourselves to Father has set his seal. Then they said be fully transformed by him. Let us enter to him, "What must we do to perform into prayer allowing the Holy Spirit to the works of God?" Jesus answered work in us and empower us. them, "This is the work of God, that Throughout the Week you believe in him whom he has sent." *Let us hunger and thirst for the So they said to him, "What sign are you going to give us then, so that we Eucharistic celebration. may see it and believe you? What *Let us spend more time in prayer work are you performing? Our ances- before the Blessed Sacrament.

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Monday 6th August 2018 Daniel: 7/9-10, 13-14 Psalm:96/1-2, 5-6, 9 (97/1-2, 5-6, 9) 2 Peter: 1/16-19 Mark: 9/2-9 The Gospel Proclamation Six days later Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, .... Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if y u wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!" When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. ....

And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, "Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."

Prayerful Awareness Transfiguration - it is the one and only time Jesus let His divine glory to shine through His humanity. This unique incident prepared the disciples for the cross in the perspective of the resurrection. The Preface of the transfiguration - "He revealed His glory to the disciples to strengthen them for the scandal of the cross". The decisive hour was drawing near when the Son of Man would be mocked, scourged and crucified. So the voice from the cloud was necessary - the same voice at His Baptism, "This is my

Transfiguration of the Lord beloved Son, listen to Him!" (Mark 9:7). The two giants of the Old Testament - Moses and Elijah - yes, it is interesting to note how their experience matched the experience of Jesus. Both of them had their most intimate experiences of God on mountain tops. Elijah found God on Mount Horeb - not in the earthquake and not in the wind but in the still small voice (1 Kings 19/9-12). Moses experienced God on Mount Sinai and received the Ten Commandments on tablets of stone (Exodus 31:18) ".... talked with Jesus about the way in which He would soon fulfill God's purpose by dying in Jerusalem." (Luke 9:31). The way Moses died - lonely, buried in the land of Moab and no one knows his burial place. As for Elijah - his departure in a chariot of fire astonished Elisha. Jesus was setting out on the tremendous adventure of that journey; a journey full of perils, ending on the cross and culminating in glory.

It was Jesus both Moses and Elijah foretold. They urged Jesus to go ahead, as He was on the right track. On top of all these the Father Himself assured Him that He was on the right way. On the part of the disciples, there was something to lift up their hearts - to enable them to see the glory, yes, to see the triumph through the humiliation, glory through shame, the crown that followed the cross. The cross was not all humiliation.

Peter's wish was - prolong the great moment and wait upon the mountain, not to go down to the daily chores but be immersed in the radiance of glory.

We, on our part, wish almost the same - relish serenity, intimacy and nearness to God. We try as much as possible to avid the way of the cross. Shouldn't the experience of the Transfiguration provide us with the strength to enable us to walk the way of the cross.

Prayer Starter Help me not to confine my religion only to prayer and meditation, but to give due place to the cross. Amen.

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Tuesday 7th August 2018

St. Xystus II, Pope & Companions St. Cajetan, Priest

Jeremiahah:30/1-2, 12-15, 18-22 Psalm:101/16-23,29 (102/15-22, 28) Mathew:14/22-36 OR 15/1-2, 10-14 Introduction Let us meditate on today’s Proclamations, which are about the vicissitudes, the ups and downs, of human life. At times we have to face trials and tribulations, or storms in life, which is a natural condition of life. These may be as consequences of the five types of sin, i.e. original sin (of Adam and Eve whereby we all inherit the taint of & the tendency, to sin), generational sin, personal sin, societal sin & structural sin, or it may be due to the vagaries of the weather and the climate, which are also, at least partly, due to mankind’s sinful, selfish acts which cause pollution to the land, waterways, and air.

But the message in today’s Word is not to lose hope because all things are possible in the positives if we persevere in faith, without wavering and doubting.

Gaze at Jesus Let us gaze at the life of our Lord Jesus Christ who met life situations as they arose, without complaint, but carried out His Father’s Will one hundred percent, fully in line with this year’s theme ‘Your Word, Your Will, a Fire and a Blessing!

Let us trace back the events that had taken place just prior to the miracle of walking on water and calming the storm as described in today’s Gospel Proclamation.

Jesus had just been rejected by the people in His home town, and then He hears of the death of John the Baptist. Then He leaves in a boat by Himself, wanting to be left alone for some time, to deal with His sorrowful emotions by connecting with His Abba, Father. But on reaching the shore He finds a large crowd of people had followed by land, and His heart was filled with pity and He healed all who were in need of

healing. Thus we see Him awaken to the Father’s Will, His Abba’s Love for the people, and decides to sacrifice His needs for the sake of the people! When evening came, He again awakens to the Father’s Will and feeds the people, about 5,000 men alone, not counting the women and the children! Then He sends the people away, and sends the disciples by boat to the other side of the lake, and goes up a hill

by Himself, to pray, i.e. to connect with His Abba Father! After being sufficiently restored by His Father’s Love, He sets out to rejoin the disciples, having sensed they are now facing difficulty far out in the lake, tossed about by the waves because the wind was blowing against it. He is seen walking towards the boat having miraculously come closer to the boat, and the disciples are terrified thinking they are seeing a ghost. Then the Lord tells them, 'Courage! It's me! Don't be afraid.'…….

Jesus said, 'Come.' Then Peter got out of the boat and started walking towards Jesus across the water, but then noticing the wind, he took fright and began to sink. 'Lord,' he cried, 'save me!'Jesus put out his hand at once and held him. 'You have so little faith,' he said, 'why did you doubt?'And as they got into the boat the wind dropped. The men in the boat bowed down before him and said, 'Truly, you are the Son of God.' Having made the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret.

When the local people recognised him they spread the news through the whole neighbourhood and took all that were sick to him, begging him just to let them touch the fringe of his cloak. And all those who touched it were saved.

Prayer Starter Abba Father, Lord Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, help us to meet the ups and downs of life with courage and faith, knowing that You are always within and around us, guarding and protecting us, ready to give a helping hand when needed. Also, we trust your promise that all things will work for the good of those who Love You! (Romans, 8:28). Amen! Alleluia!

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Wednesday 8th August 2018 Feast of St. Dominic Guzman, Confessor great is your faith! Let it be done for Jeremiah: 31/1-7 you as you wish." And her daughter Psalm:Jeremiah:31/10 was healed instantly.

-13 Prayerful Awareness Mathew: 15/21-28 St. Dominic Guzman He was born at Caleruega, Castille, in Spain. The name Domingo (Spanish) means "I belong to God." He studied at Palencia and in 1196 joined the Canons Regular. He led a life of prayer and penance. When Pope Innocent III launched a crusade against the heresys, the Albigenses or Cathars, Dominic rose to the occasion. He was instrumental in founding the Dominican Order. Later he was appointed papal theologian, an office ever since held by a Dominican priest. To him goes the credit of stemming the tide of the Albigensian heresy.

His personal charm, obsession with truth, acute sense of duty tempered by a tender love for the soul of the sinner won him both souls and followers. Died: 6th August 1221. Canonized: 3rd July 1234 by his friend Pope Gregory IX. 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,

Doesn't this incident foreshadow the going out of the word of God, to the Gentiles or to the whole world? It surely marks the end of all barriers; that are made by man. May be He wanted privacy, to be alone with His disciples before the end and also to make them understand fully what He wanted to tell them. In order to be safe from all hostilities from the Pharisees, Sadducees and Scribes and also to have a quiet time undisturbed by the crowds He went to this foreign territory - Tyre and Sidon.

The demand of human need followed Him there. It cried out to Him. The woman in focus from the area followed Him. Her inner cry was a desperate one and it burst out to a loud appeal to Jesus.

But He did not seem to give any attention to her. The embarrassed disciples told Jesus to give her what she wanted just because they wanted to get rid of her trouble. In the disciples' reaction there was no compassion and was not compatible with Christian love. No doubt Our Lord was moved with compassion towards this woman; He saw through her request and He wanted to awaken true faith in her. The mention of dogs - yes, there is the difference here. The tone of His voice was such that there wasn't the slightest bitterness in it. "All things are possible to him who believes". Jesus is as saddened by the "lack of faith" of His own neighbours and the "little faith" of His own disciples as He is struck with admiration at the great faith of the Roman Centurion and the Canaanite woman." (C.C.C.2610).

Prayer Starter Help us not to get discouraged in prayer and have Christ as not jus a possible helper but our only hope. Amen.

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Thursday 9th August 2018 St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Virgin & Martyr Jeremiah:31/31-34 Psalm:50/12-15, 18-19 (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 is the perfect 'Yes!', the 'Amen' to Abba Father's Love, experiencing 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 love, the guidance and wishes of the Abba. We know 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 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, and the deceit of the Liar? 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 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 imbibe your Word, Your Will within, remembering and tasting Your blessings, allowing ourselves to be joyfully refined in to the image of the Christ through the Fire that You are....

"Your Word, Your Will A Fire & A Blessing!"

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Friday 10th August 2018 2 Corinthans:9/6-10 Psalm:111/1-2, 5-9 (112/1-2,5-9) John:12/24-26 St. Lawrence St. Lawrence was one of seven deacons who were in charge of giving help to the poor and the needy. When a persecution broke out (in August 258 AD), Pope St. Sixtus as condemned to death. As he was led to execution Lawrence followed him weeping.

"Father, where are you going without your deacon?" he said "I am not leaving you, my son," answered the Pope. "In three days you will follow me." Full of joy Lawrence gave to the poor the rest of the money he had on hand and even sold expensive vessels to have more to give away.

The Prefect of Rome, a greedy pagan, thought the Church had a great fortune hidden away. So he ordered Lawrence to bring the Church's treasure to him. The Saint said he would, in three days. Then he went through the city and gathered together all the poor and sick people supported by the Church. When he showed them to the Prefect, he said "This is the Church's treasure!""

In great anger, the Prefect condemned Lawrence to a slow, cruel death. The Saint was tied on top of an iron grill over a slow fire that roasted his flesh little by little, but Lawrence was burning with so much love of God that he almost did not feel the flames.

In fact, God gave him so much strength and joy that he even joked, "Turn me over," he said to the judge. "I'm done on this side!" And just before he died, he said, "It's cooked enough now."

Then he prayed that the city of Rome

St. Lawrence, Deacon, Martyr might be converted to Jesus and that the Catholic Faith might spread all over the world. After that, he went to receive the martyr's reward. Saint Lawrence's feast day is August 10th.

The First Proclamation But remember; anyone who sows sparsely will reap sparsely as well - and anyone who sows generously will reap generously as well. Each one should give as much as he has decided on his own initiative, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. God is perfectly able to enrich you with every grace, so that you always have enough for every conceivable need, and your resources overflow in all kinds of good work. As scripture says" To the needy he gave without stint, his uprightness stands firm forever. The one who so freely provides seed for the sower and food to eat will provide you with ample store of seed for sowing and make the harvest of your uprightness a bigger one.

The Gospel Proclamation In all truth I tell you, unless a wheat grain falls into the earth and dies, it remains only a single grain, but if it dies it yields a rich harvest.

Anyone who loves his life loses it; anyone who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me, must follow me, and my servant will be with me wherever I am. If anyone serves me, my Father will honour him.

Prayer Starter Dear Lord, let us experience Your Love so that we will be able to give of ourselves without reservation even to the point of death, to do Your Will at all times to be with You Always!

"Your Word, Your Will A Fire & A Blessing!"

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Saturday 11th August 2018 Habkuk:1/12-2/4 Psalm: 9/8-13 (9/7-12) Mathew: 17/14-20

St. Clare, Virgin Prayerful Awareness

I have read today's Gospel proclamation many times, but today the word "perverse" caught my attention. In this modern day, we talk of perverting justice, sexual perversions, but do not associate perversion with faithlessness.

The Gospel Proclamation Then the Holy Spirit reminded me that When they came to the crowd, a the Old Testament uses the word adulman came to him, knelt before him, tery for idol worship. Then I thought and said, "Lord, have mercy on my I will refer the Sinhala bible and the son, for he is an epileptic and he phrase used for perverse is obstinate suffers terribly; he often falls into in the wrong. Therefore the mindset of the fire and often into the water, and Jesus became clear. If any generation I brought him to your disciples, but does not fully put their trust in the one they could not cure him." Jesus an- True God, that is a perverse generation. swered, "You faithless and perverse Jesus points to the mountain He just generation, how much longer must I be with you? How much longer came down from and makes the decmust I put up with you? Bring him laration that "For truly I say to you, here to me." And Jesus rebuked the if you have the faith of a mustard demon, and it came out of him, and seed, you will say to this mountain the boy was cured instantly. Then move from here to there and it will the disciples came to Jesus privately move." In the withering of the fig tree and said, "Why could we not cast it incident, Mathew attributes a similar out?" He said to them, "Because of quote to Our Lord Jesus (Mathew your little faith. For truly I tell you, 21/21-22) - "Truly I say to you, if if you have faith the size of a mustard you have faith and never doubt, you seed, you will say to this mountain, will not only do what has been done 'Move from here to there,' and it will to the fig tree, but even if you say move, and nothing will be impossible to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea' it will be done. And for you." whatever you ask in prayer, you will Gaze at Jesus receive if you have faith."

Lord, I imagine You coming down Gaze at my sonship the mountain after Your TransfiguraWe have received this great gift of tion as witnessed by Peter, James and John. Your face is radiant and majestic faith from the Lord. What am I doing after the encounter with God. Your with it? Do I pray with conviction face shines with the Glory of Divine for the Catholic Church, my country, Love, but when the kneeling father of against the evil powers in high places the epileptic boy complains about the trying to destroy man made in God's inability of Your disciples to heal him, image?

Prayer Starter You admonish the whole generation.

You use strong adjectives Lord. If Lord I believe. Help my unbelief. faithlessness is perverse, please have mercy on our generation.

"Your Word, Your Will A Fire & A Blessing!"

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19th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Sunday 12th August 2018 Ps. Wk. III forty nights until he reached Horeb, 1 Kings: 19/4-8 the mountain of God. (Please read the Psalm: 33/2-9 whole Proclamation.)

(34/1-8) Prayerful Awareness Ephesians:4/30-5/3 To comprehend the incident unJohn: 6/41-51 folded here we should read the relevant chapter from the beginning.

Introduction During the rule of King Ahab in IsGet up and eat, or the journey will be too long for you; I am the living rael, the Israelites rejected Yahweh and bread which has come down from heav- led a sinful life worshipping Baal. Elien. Anyone who eats this bread will live jah was a very powerful prophet in the for ever.; Thus extends the invitation Old Testament entrusted with the task today through the First Proclamation of bringing the Israelites back to God. and the Gospel Proclamation. Try then, Although God Himself performed many to imitate God, as children of his that miracles through Elijah, the king's wife he loves, and follow Christ by loving Queen Jezebel with her vicious characas he loved you, giving himself up in ter was planning to destroy him. It was our place as a fragrant offering and a then that Elijah fled to the wilderness sacrifice to God; is the invitation of St. in fear and sitting under a furze bush Paul through the Second Proclamation. pleaded with God to take his life away.

Our journey of life on earth is not that Yet nourished by the food provided by easy. Physical nourishment alone would the angel, his strength was renewed and not suffice for our sustenance. The Lord he was able to accomplish his mission. has bestowed on us the heavenly food And, he arrives at his goal Horeb, the to provide us with sufficient energy to mountain of God which means reaching carry us through in leading the same out to God himself.

From the Gospel Proclamation life that He Himself walked on earth.

Hence, the Mother Church sets before Then the Jews began to complain us an invitation to nourish ourselves about him because he said, "I am the with the Eucharistic meal, which is bread that came down from heaven" His Body.

They were saying, "Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and From the First Proclamation mother we know? How can he now Elijah went into the wilderness, say, "I have come down from heava day's journey, and sitting under en'? Jesus answered them, "Do not a furze bush wished he were dead.; complain among yourselves. No one Lord, he said, I have had enough. can come to me unless drawn by the Take my life;‌.; Then he lay down Father who sent me and I will raise and went to sleep. that person up on the last day. It is But an angel touched him and written in the prophets, 'And they said, Get up and eat.‌.But the angel shall all be taught by God.' Everyone of the Lord came back a second time who has heard and learned from the and touched him and said, Get up Father comes to me. Not that anyone and eat, or the journey will be too has seen the Father except the one long for you. So he got up and ate who is from God, he has seen the and drank, and strengthened by that Father. Very truly, I tell you, whoevfood he walked for forty days and er believes has eternal life. I am the

"Your Word, Your Will A Fire & A Blessing!"

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bread of life. Your ancestors ate they manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the brad that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven.

Whoever eats of this bread will live forever, and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh."

Prayerful Awareness The Lord pronounces that He is the bread come down from heaven. He who conquered and rose from death is alive and present among us. By means of a tiny host the Lord Himself feeds us with eternal bread and bestows on us the life everlasting. but this is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that a man may eat it and not die ; which means the one who eats this bread will inherit a life eternal – a life that never dies. It is the heavenly life and also the meaning of the words, one who believes in me though dead will live forever. Further he confirms his statement with words; 'I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world.'

From the Second Proclamation And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God with which you were marked with the seal for the day of redemption. Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ has forgiven you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But fornication and impurity of any kind, or greed, must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints.

Prayerful Awareness The fundamental vocation of baptism is to lead a life guided by the Spirit whom we received through this sacrament. It is under His guidance that we inherit the son-ship of God in baptism. "All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God " (Romans 8:14).

What causes greatest grievance to the Holy Spirit is nothing other than ignoring Him, rejecting Him as well as not recognizing His presence with us. Thus we will also suffer the consequences of denying Him and fall prey to bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, slander and all kinds of malice. Therefore let us detect the sin within us and turn back to God every time we fail.

Towards our sonship Living in the Spirit means to grow up as beloved children of God. Accordingly we should imitate Him says St. Paul. Further, the invitation to follow Christ by loving as He loved us, giving Himself up in our place as a fragrant offering and a sacrifice to God; makes it obvious that a life guided by the Spirit is a life in conformity with Jesus Christ.

Thus St. Paul affirms that the Holy Spirit is the one in whom we have been sealed for the day of redemption. *As long as I live I shall nourish myself with the life giving bread, the Holy Eucharist. *I shall always long for a life guided by the Spirit. *I shall lead a life of love as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and a sacrifice to God. Prayer Starter Praise the Lord with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts. For the word of the Lord is upright and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice, the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.

"Your Word, Your Will A Fire & A Blessing!"

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Monday 13th August 2018

Sts. Pontian, Pope & Hippoltus, Priest, Martyrs

Ezekiel: 1/2-5, 24-28 Psalm:148/1-2, 11-14 Mathew: 17/22-27

Gospel Proclamation As Jesus and his disciples were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day." ... "Does not your teacher pay the temple tax?"

"Yes," he said. When he came into the house, before he had time to speak, Jesus asked him, "What is your opinion, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax? From their subjects or from foreigners?"

When he said, "From foreigners," Jesus said to him, "Then the subjects are exempt. ....

Prayerful Awareness

Jesus speaks on His Passion, Death and Resurrection to inform the disciples what fate will come on Him, in order to share with them the secrets of His life. It is the second time Jesus speaks of His death, after He spoke in Mathew 16:21, where He stated that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. Then, when he came to Capernaum the temple tax collectors were trying to find fault with Him and accuse Him, although He was not liable to pay temple taxes as a member of the same state. But, knowing the threats He and His disciples have to face, Jesus invented a method to make a payment more than sufficient for Him and also for His disciples. Let us turn towards ourselves and see as to how we would act in such situations. See how calm and patient and how practical Jesus was depending for Help from above. Also see, how people with power and position (the elders, the

chief priests and the scribes) plan to find fault with Jesus, who was free from all sins, only because they could not accept Him as the Messiah to come, since Jesus did not fall in line with them to protect and safeguard their wealth and luxury lives when the masses were suffering in poverty. These are the people of the world, who are ruled by power, position, wealth and money of the world. All who accept Jesus are called to change and correct their lives as Zacchaeus the Tax Collector did (Luke 19:1-10). All who accept Jesus as their Saviour and Lord are blessed with the Holy Spirit (the Third Person of the Holy Trinity) as in the Sacrament of Baptism, to be with them and be within them to help and strengthen and empower their lives to live as children of God (Rom 8 14 ).To all who accept Jesus, He said “If you love me, you will keep all my Commandments.

And I will ask Father and He will give you another Advocate (the Holy Spirit ) to be with you always” (John 14 : 15-16).

Let us pray and ask the Holy Spirit within us to shield us, help us, guide us, teach us and empower us always before we act, before we speak and before we think, to do everything the correct way, according to the Will of God, our Loving Father.

First Reading speaks of Ezekiel’s vision of God’s glory to show God’s personality, how fiery it could be if and when required.

Prayer Starter

Come Holy Spirit, fill our hearts and kindle in them the Fire of Your Love. Send forth Your Spirit and change us, raise us and use us to renew the face of the earth.

O God, our Father, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, We ask these through Jesus Christ Our Lord, Amen.

"Your Word, Your Will A Fire & A Blessing!"

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Tuesday 14th August 2018

Maximilian Kolbe, Priestst & Martyr

Ezekiel: 2/8-3/4 Psalm: 118/14,24,72, 103, 111, 131 (119/14, 24,72, 103,111, 131) Mathew:18/1-5, 10, 12-14

The Law you have uttered is more precious to me than all the wealth in the world. How pleasant your promise to my palate, sweeter than honey in my mouth! Your instructions are my eternal heritage, they are the joy of my heart. I open wide my mouth, panting eagerly for your commandments.

Gospel Proclamation

Introduction

At this 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 little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 'Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. 'See that you never despise any of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven are continually in the presence of my Father in heaven. 'Tell me. Suppose a man has a hundred sheep and one of them strays; will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go in search of the stray? In truth I tell you, if he finds it, it gives him more joy than do the ninety-nine that did not stray at all. Similarly, it is never the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.

Prayer Starter Abba Father, Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, Triune God, help us to be born again by your Spirit, to become like little children to have childlike faith in the promises contained in Your Holy Word, the Bible. Let us cultivate the thirst to be ignited by Your Word and Spirit to learn to discern Your Will on a moment to moment basis and to carry it out to our utmost ability to bring as many as we can to share this inheritance, singing praises to You in all circumstances!

Amen! Alleluia!

Let us meditatively read today’s Proclamations, which sing praises about God’s Word, which is likened to honey, joy, and of utmost value, as described below in the First Proclamation, and the Responsorial Psalm that follows!

Let us see how this connects to this year’s theme ‘Your Word, Your Will, a Fire and a Blessing! and note the Lord’s advice in today’s Gospel Proclamation that unless we take God’s promises contained in the Word at face value like little children, we will not be able to benefit from them. Also note John 3:3 where the Lord tells Nicodemus, ‘No one can see the Kingdom of God without being born again’, i.e. being born of the Holy Spirit whereby we become children of God! (Romans 8:14).

First Proclamation But you, son of man, are to listen to what I say to you; do not be a rebel like that rebellious tribe. Open your mouth and eat what I am about to give you.' When I looked, there was a hand stretching out to me, holding a scroll. He un-rolled it in front of me; it was written on, front and back; on it was written 'Lamentations, dirges and cries of grief '. He then said, 'Son of man, eat what you see; ...

Responsorial Psalm In the way of your instructions lies my joy, a joy beyond all wealth. Your instructions are my delight, your wishes my counsellors.

"Your Word, Your Will A Fire & A Blessing!"

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Wednesday 15th August 2018 The Assumption of the Bl. Virgin Mary to Elizabeth was also the visitation of Revelation:11/19, Jesus to John the Baptist. Surely there 12/1-6, 10 was certain communication between the Psalm: 44/10-12,16 two unborns and Elizabeth exclaimed "The baby within me jumped with glad(45/9-11, 15) 1 Corinthians:15/20- ness" (vs.44). Called in the Gospels "the Mother of Jesus" Mary is acclaimed by 27 Elizabeth, at the prompting of the Spirit Luke: 1/39-56 and even before the birth of her son, as "the mother of my Lord" - In fact the One whom she conceived as man by The Gospel Proclamation the Holy Spirit, who truly became her In those days M ary set ou and Son, according to the flesh was none went with haste to a Judean town other than the Fathe's eternal Son, the in the hill country, whee she entered Second Person of the Holy Trinity. the house of Zechariah and greeted Hence the Church confesses that Mary is Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard truly the "Mother of God". (Theotokes).

Mary's greeting, the child leaped in (C.C.C.495). her womb. And Elizabeth was filled In accordance with the angel's revwith the Holy Spirit and exclaikmed elation she believed she would become with a loud cry, "Blessed are you the mother of God's Son through the among women, and blessed is the power of the Most High, by the power fruit of your womb. A nd why has this of the Holy Spirit. OUr blessed motehr happened to me, that the mother of believed that there would be a fulfilment my Lord comes to me? For as soon of what was spoken to her by the Lord. as I heard the sound of your greeting, This was not restricted to that particular the child in my womb leaped for joy. moment of Annunciation, but to her And blessed is she who believed that whole life. At that point her journey of there would be a fulfilment of what faith or the pilgrimate began. When we was spoken to her by the Lord. And pray every day, our faith is nourished. It Mary said, "My soul magnifies the is strengthened by the holy sacraments.

Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my A person possessing such a faith cannot Savior, for he has looked with favor on be shekn by suffering, difficulties or the lowliness of his servant. Suyrely, defeat. Though an ordinary event, the from now on all generations will call visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary me blessed; for the Mighty One has to Elizabeth was extraordinary when we done great things for me, and holy is consider the things that happened. Jesus his name. ...... in His mother's womb brought numerPrayerful Awareness ous, untold blessings to Elizabeth and What a nice example we have in John. So does He even today. How alert our Blessed Mother - readiness to serve are we to His presence in the tabernacle others in need. She was told of Elizabeth and above all in us? Take the example by the angel Gabriel. It was the Word of from the Blessed Mother, take Jesus to God and she willingly obeyed it. She others. Preach without preaching.

Prayer Starter was ready and did what was expected Help us to be true and faithful carof her. What a historic visit it was!

The visitation of the Blessed Mother riers of Your word. Amen.

"Your Word, Your Will A Fire & A Blessing!"

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Thursday 16th August 2018 Ezekiel:12/1-12 Psalm:77/56-59,6-62 (78/56-59,61-62) Mathew: 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. You will pack your baggage like an exile's bundle, by daylight, while they watch, and leave like an exile in the evening, while they watch. While they watch, make a hole in the wall, and go out through it. 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.' I did as I had been told....

Fix your gaze on Jesus Dear Lord, the Abba Father is biased; He loves you! You in turn love Him, and are ready to obey Him even unto death. Where are we on this backdrop of communal dance of love and togetherness? Let the Lord speak.....

By the preparation for removal, and his breaking through the wall of his house at evening, as one desirous to escape from the enemy, the prophet foretold the conduct and fate of the

St. Stephen of Hungary prince of that kingdom. God delivers us, and we in return glorify him publicly and thereby edify others, by acknowledging our sins and turning.

We, who by afflictions, are brought to salvation, come to know that God is our Lord, and help others to know him so too.

Though we live wholly on mercy and forgiveness, on 'Unearned Grace', are however backward to forgive the offences of our brethren. The parable in today’s Gospel shows how much provocation God has from his family on earth, and how untoward his servants are. There are three things in the parable: The master’s wonderful clemency.

The debt of sin is so great, that we are not able to pay it (see what every sin brings about and deserves- to be sold as a slave).

The servant’s unreasonable severity toward his fellow–servant, notwithstanding his lord’s clemency toward him. Let our complaints, both of the wickedness of the wicked, and of the afflictions of the afflicted, be brought to God, and left with him. And choose to be joyful.

The master reproved his servant’s cruelty, his lack of clemency. We who experience the Lord's mercy, his sanctifying grace, are to reflect those same attributes; our conduct showing that we have entered into the spirit, extending and manifesting the loving garnering of the Lord's flock.

Prayer Starter Despite our brokenness, You have accepted us O Lord. This is Your Will!

Implant within us the same fiery spirit of acceptance and forgiveness You manifest towards us O Lord....

"Your Word, Your Will A Fire & A Blessing!"

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Friday 17th August 2018 Ezekiel:16/1-15, 60, 63 OR Ezekiel: 16/59-63 Psalm: Isaiah:12/2-6 Mathew: 19/3-12 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 anther 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 made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can."

Prayerful Awareness Old Jewish society was a male centered society where women did not have much place. Jesus knew how hard the hearts of the people at the time of Moses were, to allow their wish to divorce the woman they were married to, and said

it was not so from the beginning as God did not introduce marriage to end up in separation. God created man in His image, male and female. He created them to be in equal status - (Genesis 1:27 ).

And in the second story of creation, Lord God said: “It is not good for the man to be alone, I will make a suitable partner for him” (Gen. 2:18). And according to Genesis 2 :21- 22, God created woman from a rib (bone closer to the heart) to give her a dignity of same level, although she belonged to him as being created from his bone. Therefore a question arises as to how a man who marries a woman could just dismiss her issuing a bill, like an unwanted object. This reminds me of what a friend shared with me having made a joke to his elderly father-in-law, saying he does not want the daughter any more and wants to give her back. He was shocked by the reply his smiling fatherin-law gave “Sure, I will take her back, my daughter is not a burden to me, but, see that you return her to me in the same state I gave her to you”. This world and the society is full of selfishness; most people only want what is good for them to satisfy their personal desires, without any concern for the other. Although most families live well, every day we hear stories of how men (the stronger sex) try to harass women (the weaker sex) in some areas. We, as Christians should try to educate everyone, in every possible way to honour God’s plan and see that due respect is given to each other as the new Commandment Jesus gave us “Love one another. as I have Loved you” (John 13:34).

Prayer Starter We are called to pray and give thanks to the Lord, acclaim His Name among the nations and make known His deeds, proclaim how exalted is His Name and bring Glory to Him and His Word in everything, Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

"Your Word, Your Will A Fire & A Blessing!"

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Saturday 18th August 2018 Ezekiel:18/1-13,30-32 Psalm: 50/12-15,18-19 (51/10-13.16-17)

placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

Mathew:19/13-15

In the first Proclamation God claims the parent and child both to himself and Identifies the sins for which man surely will die. And in the Gospel Proclamation Jesus tells us that the Kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like children.

A child depends on a parent for all his needs and we who have aspirations to go to heaven too should always depend on the Lord who provides us with all we need.

We know that God is our father and He loves us with an unconditional love. He knows everything about us, even before we came into our mother’s womb. If we understand this concept why do we fret or keep banging our heads against the wall like unbelievers? Emulating little children we should hold our fathers hand because we know He loves us, and accept His will for us because we know He will never give us anything bad or something we are not able to handle. Trust him implicitly and constantly thank and Praise Him because we have a living God who loves us inspite of our sinful selves.

The First Proclamation The word of the Lord came to me: “What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel:” ‘The parents eat sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge’? “As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel. For everyone belongs to me, the parent as well as the child— both alike belong to me. The one who sins is the one who will die. “Suppose there is a righteous man who does what is just and right. He does not eat at the mountain shrines or look to the idols of Israel. He does not defile his neighbor’s wife or have sexual relations with a woman during her period. He does not oppress anyone, but returns what he took in pledge for a loan. He does not commit robbery but gives his food to the hungry and provides clothing for the naked. He does not lend to them at interest or take a profit from them. He withholds his hand from doing wrong and judges fairly between two parties.

He follows my decrees and faithfully keeps my laws.

That man is righteous; he will surely live, declares the Sovereign Lord.

The Gospel Proclamation

Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had

Prayerful Awareness

Prayer Starter

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and pt a new and right spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners iwll return to you.

For you have no delight in sacrifice; if I were to give a burnt offering, you would not be pleased. The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

(Ps/.51/10-13,16-17)

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Sunday 19th August 2018 Proverbs: 9/1-6 Psalm: 34/1-2, 9-14 33/2-3,10-15 Ephesians:5/15-20 John: 6/51-58 Introduction For Christians every Sunday is a day of obligation and accordingly as Catholics it is our utmost duty and responsibility to be present and participate in the full Celebration of the Eucharist. While this participation provides us with the opportunity of nourishing ourselves with the word of God as well as the bread from heaven we are also equipped with God's blessings to place before the world a fitting witness to our Christian vocation. It is simply venturing into missionary activity that is sacrificial and missionary orientation of breaking the word of God for others through a meaningful celebration of the Paschal Mystery. What is presented by today's proclamations is the importance of participating in the Paschal Mystery in order to enjoy the promised life amidst many trials and tribulations.

Entrance Antiphon Turn your eyes, O God, our shield; and look on the face of your anointed one; one day within your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.

First Proclamation Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn her seven pillars. She has slaughtered her animals, she has mixed her wine, she has also set her table. She has sent out her servant-girls, she calls from the highest place in the town, 'You that are simple, turn in here!" To those without sense she says, 'Come, eat of my

20th Sunday of Ordinary Time Ps. Wk IV bread and drink of the wine I have mixed! Let aside immaturity, and live, and walk in the way of insight.

Prayerful Awareness The mention here is about a banquet feast. Senseless and foolish people are invited to participate in it.

It is a calling to set aside one's foolishness and enter into a way of wisdom through the nourishment received at the banquet. This will only come to its fulfillment in the great banquet of the New Testament. Every time we partake of this great feast we are reminded of the opportunity at hand to rid ourselves of folly and live within the sphere of Divine wisdom.

From the Responsorial Psalm Taste and see that the Lord is good Revere the Lord you his saints.

They lack nothing, those who revere him. ‌But those who seek the Lord lack no blessing‌.Turn aside from evil and do good; seek and strive after peace.

From the Second Proclamation Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayerful Awareness Experiencing the Holy Spirit, St. Paul entered into a new life experience

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in the Risen Lord. Accordingly from there onwards and as a result of being subject to the guidance of the Holy Spirit profoundly, he could experience the infilling of the Spirit at every moment. The person who experiences the guidance of the Spirit bears the significant quality of discerning the will of God and being docile to His voice. Likewise, enjoying the fullness of life he praises the Father always and at all times.

St. Paul draws a contrast between a man who finds happiness in filling himself with wine and worldly pleasures and a Christian who finds happiness in being filled with the Holy Spirit. It is a warning signal for us to see the danger that may be lurking within us, in our communities etc. How far do I open myself to His guidance? Is the theme, the fire of fulfilling His will a constant experience within me?

From the Gospel Proclamation I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh."

The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying; "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" So Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink.

Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them.

Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which

your ancestors ate, and they died.

But the one who eats this bread will live forever.

Towards Our Son-ship Here Jesus speaks of giving his life for the life of the world. This is a sign of his sacrificial death. Mention of the world refers to the whole human race anticipating redemption. This teaching presented as a strong authoritative affirmation of Jesus Christ against the attacks of the Jews is unfathomable to the ordinary human mind. Nourished by the experience of the Johannine community for whom the Gospel was written around 100 B.C, we are fortunate to comprehend this statement today after nearly 2000 years hence, as it is through the Holy Eucharist that we eat his flesh and drink his blood. Yet, to the first disciples, as well as to the Pharisees and Scribes who were against his word this was a stumbling block since they subjected this to the scrutiny of human wisdom and reasoning.

As a person journeying with the theme, Lord your word and will is a fire and a blessing, how much do I listen to the word of God? When this word frightens me and presents facts beyond my understanding how ready am I to deal with it in confidence?

In fact, has the freedom and redemption received in the sacrificial experience of Our Lord in the Eucharist and Communion been real good news to me? Do I hunger and thirst for the heavenly food?

Lord Almighty, exalt us to a life of experiencing the infilling of the Holy Spirit in order to enjoy the eternal life promised to those who believe in you through the sacrificial death of your son, and to arrive at a life of deep intimacy with you. Grant us a docile heart and an inner thirst to search and accomplish your holy will at all times.

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Monday 20th August 2018 Ezekiel: 24/15-24 Psalm: Deut.32/18-21 Mathew:19/16-22 The Gospel Proclamation Then someone came to him and said, "Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?" And he said to him, "Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments."

He said to him, "Which ones?' And Jesus said, "You shall not murder; you shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honour your father and mother; also, you shall love your neighbor as yourself." The young man said to him, "I have kept all these; what do I still lack?'

Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possesions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." When the young man heard this word he went away grieving, for he had many possessions.

Prayerful Awareness This young man wanted to be SURE he would get ETERNAL LIFE, so he asked what HE could DO. He said he'd never once broken any one of the laws. Jesus mentioned and perhaps he had even kept the Pharisees' loophole filled version of them. But Jesus LOVINGLY broke through the young man's pride with a challenge, that brought out his TRUE MOTIVES. 'Go sell everything you have and give to the poor." This

St. Bernard challenge exposed the barrier that could keep this young man out of the kingdom, his love of MONEY. Money represented his pride of accomplishment and self-effort. Ironically, his attitude made him UNABLE to keep the first Commandment of God. "Thou shall not have strange gods before me" to let nothing be made more important than God. He could not meet the ONE REQUIREMENT Jesus gave - to turn his whole heart and life over to God. The man came to wondering what he could DO, he left seeing what he was UNABLE to DO. Money was his god, his whole life - Let us reflect ... , what barriers are keeping us from turning our lives over to Christ? What does money mean to us? - Is money my servant or is money my master?

Jesus showed genuine love for this young man, even though He knew that the man might not follow Him. Love is able to give tough advice, it does not hedge around the truth. Christ loved us enough to DIE for us, and also loves enough to TALK STRAIGHT to us. If His love were superficial, He would only give us His approval but because He loves us completely, He gives us LIFE CHANGING CHALLENGES This young man needed a whole new starting point instead of ADDING another commandment to keep or good deed to perform. He needed to submit humbly to the LORDSHIP of Christ.

Prayer Starter Lord help us to be willing to give up anything, God asks us to do. Keep us from using our God-given wealth selfishly. Help us to remember "What is impossible with MAN is possible with God.

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Tuesday 21st August 2018

St, Pius X, Pope

ALL THIINGS ARE POSSIBLE. Even Ezekiel:28/1-10 rich people can enter the Kingdom, if Psalm:Deut. 32/26-28, God brings them in. Faith in Christ, 30, 35-36 NOT in self or riches, is what counts.

Mathew:19/23-30 The disciples were astonished. They thought that if anyone could be saved, it The Gospel Proclamation would be the RICH, whom their culture considered especially blessed by God. Then Jesus said to his disciples, In the Bible, God gives rewards to "Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of His people according to His justice. In heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier the Old Testament, OBEDIENCE often for a camel to go through the eye of brought rewards in this life (Deuterona needle than for someone who is rich omy 28) but obedience and immediate to enter the kingdom of God." When reward are not always linked. If they the disciples heard this, they were were, good people would always be greatly astounded and said, "Then rich, and suffering would always be who can be saved?" But Jesus looked a sign of SIN. As believers, our true at them and said, "For mortals it is reward is God's PRESENCE and impossible, but o God all things are POWER through the Holy Spirit. Later in eternity, we will be rewarded for our possible. faith and service. If material rewards in Then Peter said in reply, "Look, this life came to us for every faithful we have left everything and followed deed, we would be tempted to boast you. What then will we have?" Jesus about our achievements and act, out of said to them, "Truly I tell you, at the WRONG motivations. Jesus assured renewal of all things, when the Son the disciples that anyone who gives up of Man is seated on the throne of his something valuable for HIS sake will glory, you who have followed me will be repaid many times over in this life. also sit on twelver thrones, judging For example, a person may be rejected the twelve tribes of Israel. And every- by his family for accepting CHRIST. one who has left houses or brothers or He or she will gain a larger family of sisters or father or mother or children believers. Be willing to accept human or fields, for my name's sake, will re- disapproval, knowing that we have ceive a hundredfold, and will inherit God's approval. The camel, the SHIP eternal life. But many who are first in the desert, carries loads on its back, will be last, and the last will be first. bulging on either side. But when it Prayerful Awareness returns to its stable to rest for the night, We cannot love God with ALL it cannot enter through the stable door, our hearts and yet keep our money to unless it sheds all the goods outside. ourselves. Loving Him totally means Likewise, unless we empty our selves using our money, wealth in ways that from our earthly goods, possessions, riches, we too cannot enter through the please God. door, to the Kingdom of God. Because it is impossible for a camel Prayer Starter to go through the eye of a needle, it appears impossible for a RICH person Dear Lord, thank You for heaven, to get into the Kingdom of God. Jesus our eternal home, to be with the Lord however explained that "WITH GOD forever.

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Wednesday 22nd August 2018 The Queenships of the Bl. Virgin Mary the devil. She collaborated with her divine Son for the establishment of the Kingdom. What a model of Christian life we have in her - the humble handmaid of the Father, the most pure mother of the Son made Man. and the faithful bride of the Holy Spirit. The extraordinary The Gospel Proclamation lessons of the life of a disciple - silence, In the sixth month the angel Ga- listening and service - yes, we learn these briel was sent by God to a town in from her. It was God's Word or message Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin that the Archangel Gabriel brought both engaged to a man whose name was to the Blessed Mother and Zechariah.

Joseph, of the house of David. The Then why was this difference of attitude virgin's name was Mary. ."Greetings, of the Archangel towards Mary and favored one! The Lord is with you." .... Zechariah?

In the case of the Blessed Mother, "Do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you her reaction to the message, which rewill conceive in your womb and bear ally was one of total surrender and an a son, and you will name him Jesus. unconditional one. She did not question ......" Mary said to the angel, "How or think of the consequences- which can this be, since I am a virgin?" The were all taken care of by the Almighty angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit - "For there is nothing that God cannot will come upon you, and the power do." (Luke 1:37). "At the announcement of the Most High will overshadow that she would give birth to "the Son of you, therefore the child to be born the Most High" without knowing man, will be holy, he will be called Son of by the power of the Holy Spirit, Mary God. ....Then Mary said, "Here am I, responded with the obedience of faith, the servant of the Lord; let it be with certain that "with God nothing will be me according to your world. Then the impossible". "Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me accordangel departed from her. ing to Your word." Thus, giving her Prayerful Awareness consent to God's words, Mary becomes "And of His kingdom there will be the mother of Jesus. Espousing the dino end." (Luke 1:33). "When the Son vine Will for salvation wholeheartedly, of Man is seated on the throne of His without a single sin to restrain her, she glory" (Matthew 19:28). All these refer gave herself entirely to the person and to to Christ the King. Then of His mother the work of her Son; she did so in order in the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary to serve the mystery of redemption with we have, "Queen of the Angels, Queen Him and dependent on Him, by God's of Patriarchs, Queen of Prophets, Queen grace." (C.C.C. 494) "The knot of Eve's of Martyrs, Queen of Confessors, Queen disobedience was untied by Mary's of Virgins, Queen of all Saints, Queen obedience; what the virgin Eve bound conceived without Original Sin, Queen through her disbelief, Mary loosened by Assumed into Heaven, Queen of the her faith." (St. Irenaeus) Most Holy Rosary, Queen of Peace. She Prayer Starter is Queen by the grace of God and not by Mother of the only Son of God! Pray birth. She is Queen as the part played by her in our Saviour's work of redemption for us sinners now and at the hour of our is unmatched. She conquered death and death. Amen.

Isaiah: 9/1-6 Psalm:112/1-8 (113/1-8) Luke:1/26-38

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Thursday 23rd August 2018 Ezekiel: 36/23-28 Psalm: 50/12-15, 18-19 (51/10-13, 161-17) 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. ....You will be my people and I shall be your God. Fix your gaze on Jesus Let us pray...Lord, I like to think that I'm good and that I do my very best! Yet, the taste of life I experience is not to my liking, and I would like to change it for the better; please show me whom I should re-mould, and what circumstances to re-arrange, so that my life gets to be more to my liking....

This is the thrust of a typical prayer from the faithful to the Lord. But, is this the way of the Lord? Is that the vein of how the Lord would like us to think in, and our take of his creation to be? Buy in to the illusion that by re-creating the earth, the sun, the stars and my brethren according to my-will, I will get to be a more satisfied and fulfilled person? From the first loving communion of the Lord, we realise that it is NOT so.

It seems that the Lord is exhorting us to think in a different vein; some thing

St. Rose of Lima

along the lines of: Lord, I have gone astray, and am experiencing the bitter results of my poor choices; I appreciate that I reap what I've sown, and I see that I've sown poorly.... I routinely try to evade the possibility that my life situation is mostly a reflection of my choices. I habitually 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 creating my life taste and journey, and empower myself with the empowering thoughts and beliefs you give us.

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....let your word, will become my command, the fire that lifts me up and blesses...

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Friday 24th August 2018

Revelation:21/9-14 Psalm: 144/10-13,17-18 (145/10-13,17-18) John: 1/45-51 Gospel Proclamation

St. Bartholomew, Apostle why at the beginning, he did not accept Jesus coming from Nazareth. But the encounter with Jesus helped him to understand that God’s plans are not always as people imagine or desire that it be. He recognizes, acknowledges his deception or mistake, changes his idea, to accept Jesus as Messiah and confess: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God: you are the King of Israel !” Then Jesus said to Nathanael he will see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending over the Son of Man, the new bond of union between God and us human beings, the dream of Jacob becomes a reality (Gen 28, 10-22).

In Jesus' incarnation, the divine Son of God taking on human flesh for our sake, we see the union of heaven and earth -God making His dwelling with us and bringing us into the heavenly reality of His kingdom through His Son, Jesus Christ. We are called to be faithful to God, our loving Father obeying all His Commandments and the Commandment Jesus gave us “to love one another as Jesus loves us”.

The First reading described the angel showing John the bride, the wife of the Lamb - the church, Lord’s people and heavenly Jerusalem, the holy city, coming down from heaven from God. Prayer Starter

Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth." But Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, "Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him." Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree."

Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel." Jesus answered and said to him, "Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this." And he said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man." "Heavenly Father, through Your Son Jesus Christ, You have opened Prayerful Awareness the way to heaven for each one of us.

Philip, a true friend wanted to As You personally revealed Yourself to introduce Nathanael to Jesus and said Your beloved apostles, reveal Yourself “come and see”, but even before this, to me that I may recognize Your presJesus saw Nathanael waiting under ence with me and know the power of the fig tree, and Lord knew Nathanael Your kingdom at work in my life. May was a trustworthy honest man who was I always find joy and peace in Your fit to be called a True Israelite. He presence and never lose sight of Your was expecting the Messiah to come everlasting kingdom, in the name of my according to the official teaching of Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, Amen". the time (John 7, 41-42.52) and this is

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Saturday 25th August 2018

St. Louis, St.Joseph Calasanz, Priest

Ezekiel:43/1-7 Psalm: 84/9-14

(85/8-13) Mathew:23/1-12 The First Proclamation Then the man brought me to the gate facing east, and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. .... The glory of the Lord entered the temple through the gate facing east. Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. While the man was standing beside me, I heard someone speaking to me from inside the temple. He said: “Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place for the soles of my feet. This is where I will live among the Israelites forever. The people of Israel will never again defile my holy name—neither they nor their kings—by their prostitution and the funeral offerings The Gospel Proclamation Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples. “The teachers of the Law and the Pharisees are the authorized interpreters of Moses' Law. So you must obey and follow everything they tell you to do; do not, however, imitate their actions, because they don't practice what they preach. .... They do everything so that people will see them. .... They love the best places at feasts and the reserved seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to have people call them ‘Teacher.’ You must not be called ‘Teacher,’ because you are all equal and have only one Teacher.

And you must not call anyone here on earth ‘Father,’ because you have only the one Father in heaven. Nor should

you be called ‘Leader,’ because your one and only leader is the Messiah.

The greatest one among you must be your servant. Whoever makes himself great will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be made great.

Prayerful Awareness These words of Jesus were addressed to the Pharisees. Their many rules and regulations were a hindrance to sincere worship of the Lord. Even today we have certain religious figures who like the exaltation of their congregation. As Jesus said then, we should follow everything they tell us to do but never imitate their actions. We must not look at the man (because even in his vestments he is sinful) but at Jesus and all what he has done for sinner like us.

Our total religious experience should be focused on the Lord. We should worship the Lord from the very core of our being where we are in total mental, physical and emotional silence not give attention to other distractions, as seen sometimes in our own parishes.

Jesus insists that the Christian should remember that he has one teacher only--and that teacher is Christ; and only one Father in the faith--and that Father is God. The whole design of the Pharisees was to dress and act in such a way as to draw attention to themselves; the whole design of the Christian should be to obliterate himself, so that if men see his good deeds, they may glorify not him, but his Father in Heaven. A ny religion which produces ostentation in action and pride in the heart is a false religion.

Prayer Starter Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed. For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than live in the tents of wickedness. (Ps. 84/9-10)

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Sunday 26th August 2018 Joshua: 24/1-2,15-18 Psalm: 33/2-3,16-23 (34/1-2,15-22) Ephesians: 5/21-32 John: 6/60-69 ….."Lord, who shall we go to? You have the message of eternal life, and we believe; we know that you are the Holy One of God." Introduction Foundation for a covenantal life is love and faith. They exist together, both standing intertwined as almost inseparable. Right throughout the history of salvation, we find many occasions of covenant making where the Love of God was manifested to man in a tangible way. Even through the proclamations of today, we can see how beautifully God unfolds his covenant love.

Prayer Starter O God, who cause the minds of the faithful to unite in a single purpose, grant your people to love what you command and to desire what you promise, that, amid the uncertainties of this world, our hearts may be fixed on that place where true gladness is found. (Collect) From the First Proclamation "'Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, lchoose this day whom yu will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods ofthe Amorites in whose land you are living, but as for me and my househod, we will serve the Lord.

Then the people answered, "Far be it from us that we should forsake

21st Sunday of Ordinary Time Ps. Wk. I the Lord to serve other gods, for it is the Lord our God who brought us nd our ncestors up from the land of Egypt, ut of the house of slavelry, and who did hthose great signs in our sight. He protected us along all the the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed and the Lord drove out before us all the people, the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the Lord for he is our God."' Prayerful Awareness Out of bondage in Egypt, when the Israelites were journeying towards the promised-land, it was Joshua who led the people as the successor of Moses.

The meaning of the word Joshua is 'God saves.' For which the Greek term is 'Jesus.' The most significant covenant after the covenant at Sinai is "Shechem" in which there were three sects of participants – People out of bondage in Egypt, the group that joined them on the way and the inhabitants of Canaan at the time of their arrival. It was under the leadership of Joshua that the Israelites entered the promised-land. The decision taken by Joshua and his family to acknowledge God as their Lord and Master influenced the people to do the same with regard to the covenant relationship.

The leader who lives out his vocation is a blessing to others.

From the Gospel Proclamation "…It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh has nothing to offer. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew….Simon Peter answered,

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From the Second Proclamation 'Lord who shall we go to? You have the message of eternal life, and we "Be subject to one another out believe; we know that you are the of reverence for Christ.

Holy One of God.' Wives be subject to your husPrayerful Awareness bands as you are to the Lord. For Chapter six of St. John's Gospel the husband is the head of the wife starts with the multiplication of loaves. just as Christ is the head of the It shows how Jesus comes to us in our church, the body of which he is the difficulties, in turbulent times and also Savior. Just as the church is subject when we are disgusted with life. His to Christ, so also wivs ought to be, in words disturb us at times, like a fire everything, to their husbands. it inflames us, acts as a hammer that Husbands, love your wives, just breaks down rocks, and pierces our as Christ loved the church and gave hearts like a two edged sword. When himself up for her, in order to make things seem unbearable we even think her holy buy cleansing her with the of leaving him. Yet, with him alone washing of water by the word, so as are the life-giving words. Hence the to present the church tohimself in necessity of taking a decision arises. splendor, without a spot or wrinkle It is with great reassurance that he or anything of the kind - yes, so that has given us the promise – I am with she may be oly and without blemish. you. Thus, the covenant relationship Prayerful Awareness renewed every moment fills us with The letter of St. Paul to the blessings uncountable.

Ephesians guides us to equip ourPrayer Starter selves with the values proper to a You are my only hope, O Lord‌ Christian marriage and the covLet us enter into praise and worship. enant love fitting to the Church, A sharing: As a young couple the body of Christ. Family is the with two kids, at times our life is domestic Church, the primary unit full of joy. Yet, since I couldn't still of community. A group of families experience the love I expected from thus united lays the foundation for her I was feeling disgusted. And once a community lifestyle that provides I met him when I was in such terrible an authentic role model for a parpain. 'Human love is limited and con- ticipatory Church.

Throughout the Week ditional. Since we are human beings we neither give nor do get the love we Let us be conscious of our commost desire. Despite this, when you mitment at Baptism to surrender ourenter marriage there is a third party, selves to the Lordship of Jesus Christ Jesus Christ enters into your marriage and how we could accommodate it as a bride or a groom. Simply allow with personal, family and community him to flow down his own love that life. surpasses all human love on to you Our decision to walk hand in hand and channel it through you to each with the Lord, affects the society we other.' The instant change occurred in me is beyond words. I felt the impact live in as well as all those who we come into contact with us. of renewal. How deep is His love!

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Monday 27th August 2018

St. Monica

Please read Mathew 23/13-22 prayerfully.

Prayerful Awareness

and way of life made a bad impact on the Jewish society. In their zeal to win the converts, they required unnecessary and burdensome rules which obscured the more important matters of religion, such as love of God and love of neighbour.

They were misleading people rather than bringing them close to God. Jesus also chastised them for their evasion of binding oaths and solemn promises. Oaths made to God were considered binding, but the Pharisees found clever ways to evade the obligation of their oaths when convenience got in the way. They forgot that God hears every word we utter and sees the intention of the heart even before we speak or act.

The scribes and Pharisees preferred their idea of religion to God's idea. They failed as religious leaders to teach others the way of God's kingdom because they failed to listen and understand the intension of God's Word. Through their own pride and prejudice they blindly shut the door to their own hearts and minds to God's understanding of His Kingdom. How can we shut the door of God's Kingdom in our lives? By closing our ears to Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords who speaks words of life and love, truth and freedom, hope and pardon. The Lord Jesus wants to dwell with us and to bring us to His Kingdom.

He opens the way for each of us to ascend to heaven and to bring heaven to earth in the daily circumstances of our lives. God's Kingdom is present in all who seek Him and who do His Will. Do you pray as Jesus taught, "May your kingdom come and your Will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Prayer Starter

Why did Jesus lament and talk to the scribes and Pharisees in a very rude manner? Jesus was angry with the religious leaders because they mislead the people they were supposed to teach and lead in the ways of God. Their attitude

Lord, Your Word is life for me. May I never shut the Kingdom of Heaven through disbelief, indifference or disobedience. Help me to listen to Your voice and to conform my life more fully to Your Word. Amen.

2 Thessalonians:1/1-5, 11-12 Psalm: 95/1-5 (96/1-5) Mathew:23/13-22 The First Proclamation Please read 2 Thessalonians 1/1-5, 11-12 prayerfully.

Prayerful Awareness Let us reflect on today’s reading in 2 Thessalonians and specifically verses 3 -4. What does it mean to have faith?

Have you heard people say, “Just have faith and nothing will happen to you.”

Does this mean that faith is a means to an end? Is it just a means of living a peaceful and healthy life? Is it similar to having a healthy diet which will benefit our body, so a faithful life will provide us with what we need? In contrast, in today’s reading the author of the text is praising this particular congregation for their increasing faith, because their faith has helped them to persevere through persecutions and trials. Therefore, their faith did not end the persecutions or the trials. Their faith helped their perseverance and increase their faith and love even more. Having faith is to surrender to God even though we do not know how things will work out. Faith is know that the path ahead of you is dark, but that God will take us through this situation without us falling apart.

The Gospel Proclamation

"Your Word, Your Will A Fire & A Blessing!"

35

Tuesday 28th August 2018 2 Thessalonians:2/1-3, 14-17 Psalm: 95/10-13

(96/10-13) Matthew: 23/23-26 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.

Gaze at Jesus Our Lord Jesus Christ emptied His heavenly divinity and came to this world to establish the Kingdom of God with all the richness of the values - love, faith, peace, justice, righteousness, forgiveness and mercy. Such was the dream of Father God to win the whole creation and grant salvation and an everlasting life of bliss. God proclaimed His wish through prophet Isaiah by revealing the mission of Jesus in the presence of the congregation at the synagogue in His own hometown Nazareth. Jesus believed that this proclamation is for no other than Himself and henceforth dedicated His life to fulfil this purpose. With many challenges and set-backs, Jesus had to fulfill His mission ever depending from moment to moment on Father God. The biggest set-back to Jesus' mission came from the Pharisees, scribes

St. Augustine Bishop & Doctor and religious leaders. The Pharisees and scribes were distorting and ignoring the essence of the Law and were misinterpreting them. So Jesus challenged their conduct by saying "You hypocrites! You pay your tithe of mint and dill and cummin and have neglected the weightier matter of the law - justice, mercy and faith. You clean the outside of the cup and of the plate but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.

Jesus pointed against the religious leaders who are frauds and who shut the door to the Kingdom of God to those seeking to enter. He called them blind guides and fools, laying stress and importance on things of no value or worth. Their priorities were twisted and destructive of those in search of the truth.

According to the first proclamation, we have to be awake to what Paul said of the traditions. The traditions are the customs, rites and teachings which people pass down from one generation to the other. Jesus condemned the exaggerated importance the Pharisees give to their own traditions, to the point that they prevailed over God's commandments.

Jesus while He was with the apostles taught them how to pray. These then are the traditions which the apostles were preserving in the Church.

Gaze at my sonship How is my attitude regarding religious observances? Do I realise that I can come closer to God only when I am pure in my intentions and practices. I know that justice and mercy are the essential aspects of being religious. I must not give undue importance to the religious observance of rules, if I cannot help my neighbour in need.

Prayer Starter Dearest Lord, help me to be more and more conscious and sensitive to my neighbour's needs and free them of their distress.

"Your Word, Your Will A Fire & A Blessing!"

36

Wednesday 29th August 2018 Jeremiah:1/17-19 Psalm: 70/1-6, 15, 17 (71/1-6, 15, 17) Mark: 6/17-29 Beheading of St. John the Baptist St. John the Baptizer, lived in a desert until the day when he started preaching penance. The aim was to prepare for the Lord a perfect people. He urged his hearers to be faithful and honest in fulfilling their worldly duties and to be baptized in the river Jordan for the remission of repented sins. The zenith of his life perhaps is when Jesus submitted to this ceremony, the Father manifested Him to the world: "This my Beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased."

John gathered many disciples together and taught them to lead a life of prayer and fasting. Then, for having openly rebuked king Herod Antipas for his incestuous relationship with Herodias, his half-brother's wife, he was arrested and imprisoned in the mountain fortress of Machaerus.

Herodias never forgave him and did not rest until Herod ordered the Precursor's decapitation, the result of a rashly taken oath on the occasion of Salome's notorious dance at Herod's birthday celebrations. All this took place about a year before Jesus' own passion.

The Gospel Proclamation

For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him..... But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee.

The Passion of St. John the Baptist .... She went out and said to her mother, "What should I ask for?" She replied, "The head of John the baptizer."....

Prayerful Awareness

How wonderful to note that John the Baptizer proclaimed the truth irrespective of the danger to his life. He knew it was dangerous to rebuke the king. But his staunch stand for nothing but the truth, did not waver. Yes, finally he lost his life for bearing witness to the truth. When a marriage is sacramental and is consummated it attains its indissolubility. It was the flaws in Herod's married life that John the Baptiszer saw and wanted him to put right. But he was not courageous enough to admit his sin. What a nice example of correcting the sinful ways we have in King David! When he was challenged by prophet Nathan to give up his lustful life with Uriah's wife he repented and turned to the Lord. What a difference we notice in Herod and in David - the former did not repent while the latter repented. What a song of repentance we have in Psalm 51 written by David. Why did John speak directly to Herod about his grave sin? John gave priority or was bent on pleasing God. It is interesting to note that John was more bent on saving Herod's soul. He wanted to win back Herod to God. "Herod was thrown into confusion because of his oath.

He thought of all his past respect for the prophet; but at the same time, he was afraid of the taunts and the whispered jests of the guests if they should see him draw back from his promise. Unfaithful to God, to conscience, to himself, not ashamed of any crime, but ashamed of public opinion, he decided to be faithful to his drunken oath.

Above all, he trembled at the wrath of his second wife." (Archbishop F.J.Sheen)

Prayer Starter

Help us O Lord to glorify You with our own lives.

"Your Word, Your Will A Fire & A Blessing!"

37

Thursday 30th August 2018 1 Corinthians:1/1-9 Psalm: 144/2-7

(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

The miraculous work of the Spirit of God enacted among the believers of that period is revealed. They experienced the filling of the Spirit of God manifested within them, in 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 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

Oh, my! Partners with Jesus Christ; that's who we are! Can you believe that? We are going to be irreproachable on that day! 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!

The Lord's Will abides in me, The And the members of the Corinthian Word incarnate within, the Fire of the Community did experience this truth Spirit is my Blessing.. for themselves in no uncertain terms!

"Your Word, Your Will A Fire & A Blessing!"

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Friday 31st August 2018 1 Corinthians:1/17-25 Psalm:32/1-2,4-5,10-11 (33/1-2,4-,10-11) Mathew:25/1-13 Gospel Proclamation At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Once there were ten girls who took their oil lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.

Five of them were foolish, and the other five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any extra oil with them, while the wise ones took containers full of oil for their lamps. The bridegroom was late in coming, so the girls began to nod and fall asleep.

It was almost midnight when the cry rang out, “Here is the bridegroom! Come and meet him! The ten girls woke up and trimmed their lamps. Then the foolish ones said to the wise ones, “Let us have some of your oil, because our lamps are going out”. No indeed the wise ones answered, there is not enough for you and for us. Go to the shop and buy some for yourselves. So, the foolish girls went off to buy some oil and while they were gone, the bridegroom arrived. The five girls who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast, and the door was closed. .... And Jesus concluded, “Be on your guard then, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Gaze at Jesus

human wisdom, in order to make sure that Christ’s death on the cross is not robbed of its power.” The gospel identifies Christ as the bridegroom.

The Psalmist (33:6) describe Jesus as the “word of the Lord”. Therefore, all things including our sinfulness lead us to Jesus. It was God’s purpose that in all things we wait for Christ who reveals God’s love to us.

Our sonship Let us meditate on our own priorities. Do we belong to the group of five who awaited Jesus with their full attention or the five girls who were distracted, but tried to make a last moment leap to be included?

When we gaze at our sonship we could all agree that we are not with the five girls who were completely prepared for Jesus.

Prayerful Awareness Let us become aware that our whole being is in the Lord. Whether we eat, move, clean ourselves, meet friends, our employment, everything is part of God’s love. As we awaken to God’s wonderful presence in all things i.e. as we engage in all these activities we also know that we have a prophetic responsibility to behave as Christians.

However, before we lose everything like the other five girls let us ask for God’s pardon for the times we were careless and ask the Holy Spirit to help us change our attitudes.

Prayer Starter

Happy are those whose transgresThe three scripture passages today sion is forgiven, whose sin is covered. identify Christ in different perspecHappy are those to whom the Lord tives. Letter to Corinthians say, “He imputes no iniquity, and in whose sent me to tell the Good News, and spirit there is no deceit. (Ps.32/1-2) tell it without using the language of

"Your Word, Your Will A Fire & A Blessing!"

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