Walk in the Spirit May 2019 by Pubuduwa

WALK IN THE SPIRIT May 2019 Volume 05 Issue 16

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

ISSN 1391-5967

Publication: Fr. Siri Oscar Abayaratne Kithu Dana Pubuduwa

SHARING ON PRAYER May 2019 The emptiness of the Blessed Mother is her privilege. It is the fruit of her fullness. The door is opened for her to believe. “Blessed are you who believed” To experience in some little way the emptiness of the Blessed Mother is to have the door open to a leap of faith i.e. to see the fullness in the dark alley of emptiness. Let the awareness of my discomfitures be an important step to arrive at the awareness of the presence of the Blessed Mother, so very, very close to me. Her faith should be mine. What wonders the Spirit can effect in my life. I am challenged by the words in John 14:16-17. “You know the Spirit” Do I? Fr. Siri Oscar Abayaratne

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Wednesday 1st May 2019

St. Joseph, the Worker

For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its Saviour. ... but whoever does not believe has already been judged, because he has not believed in God’s only Son. ... the light has come into the world, but people love darkness rather than the light, because their deeds are evil. Anyone who does evil things hates the light and will not come to the light, because he does not want his evil deeds to be shown up. But whoever does what is true comes to the light in order that the light may show that what he did was in obedience to God. Prayerful Awareness

taught us by the parable of the prodigal son. Here the father could not sleep, and kept waiting looking at the road till the son who went away with all the wealth, to realize his foolishness, repent and come back one day, and this father was so merciful to embrace and receive his son back, ready to forgive him. God made a plan to get the generations of men who went away from Him due to lack of WISDOM, to derive satisfaction from the earthly wealth that does not last forever which comes with all the impurities one can think of. Today’s Gospel also reflects on the symbols of light and darkness; the light stands for good while darkness stands for evil. Jesus is the light of world and the Gospel calls us to “come to the light” so that our “works may be clearly seen as done in God.” We can use the examples of the Apostles from today’s First reading. They were called to spread the Gospel, but the high priest put them in prison, a place of darkness. During the night, the angel of the Lord released them into the light and they continued to preach the Gospel. Although God is there to guide us to live and love Him, it is certainly difficult to remain in a place of light especially since the world around us is oftentimes a place of darkness. It is our challenge as people of faith to let God help us live in the light and to remove obstacles of darkness from our lives so that we may remain in that light and act as salt called to nourish the Church and the human society. Prayer Starter

God Loved His creation so much and most of all, the Best of all creation, man (human being). He could not wait and allow man to go in the evil way to satisfy his flesh in selfishness for worldly desires, to own and enjoy everything for himself and end up in self destruction, and thereby evade His responsibility of creating man to His own image of LOVE and granting him the power to develop the world. This is what Jesus Christ

Dear God, our Loving Father we thank and praise You for Your Great Love for us and for Jesus Christ Your only Begotten Son who came into this world to save us and show us the correct path. We accept Him as our Saviour and Lord through whom we received Your Holy Spirit to empower us spread Your Word, to continue on the work of building Your Kingdom to fulfill Your Will for our lives, in Jesus’ Name, Amen

Acts: 5/17-26 Psalm: 33/2-9 (34/1-8) John: 3/16-21 OR Genesis:1/26-3/4 OR Colossians:3/14-15, 17, 23-24 Psalm:89/2-4, 12-14,16 (90/2-4,12-14, 16) Matthew:13/54-58 Gospel Proclamation

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

Thursday 2nd May 2019 Acts: 5/27-33 Psalm:33/2,,9,17-20 (34/1,8,16-19) John: 3/31-36 The First Proclamation When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man's blood on us." But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him. When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. The Gospel Proclamation The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is of the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified this, that God is true. He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son, and has placed all things in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; Whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but

St. Athanasius, Bishop & Doctor must endure God's wrath. Prayerful Awareness According to the first proclamation the apostles were preaching in the temple premises. The soldiers in fear of the people brought them before the Sanhedrin without violence. From the early times the authority and leadership of Peter was visible for he spoke on behalf of everybody. What is quite significant in this event is the great transformation occurred in the apostles with the Resurrection and the grace of the Holy Spirit. St. Peter as well as the other apostles with him boldly proclaimed the divinity of Christ in public. Although the Church authorities tried their best to thwart their efforts the apostles pointed out that they should above all obey God and not man. What is revealed through the Gospel Proclamation today is how St. John the Baptist explained to his disciples in a comprehensible way witnessing to Jesus Christ, who comes from heaven and with his arrival and mission that he himself should decrease while Christ should increase. Also it is stated that those who do not believe in Christ will have to face the judgment of God wherein every man will be rewarded according to his deeds. For those who act selfishly, adhere to irreligion denying the truth and does evil will receive persecution and heartache whereas whoever does good will receive high esteem, honour and serenity because God does not discriminate between peoples. Prayer Starter God our loving Father, just as St. Athanasius was engaged in the work of proclaiming the gospel amidst varied obstacles fill us with the Holy Spirit that we may witness to the truth with steadfast faith in Christ.

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

zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrñ' ud l< hq;= l=ula±hs ug wK l< uekjZZ

Friday 3rd May 2019 1 Corinthians:15/1-8 Psalm: 18/2-5 (19/1-4) John: 14/6-14 The Gospel Proclamation Jesus said: I am the Way; I am Truth and Life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father too. From this moment you know him and have seen him. Philip said, 'Lord, show us the Father and then we shall be satisfied.' Jesus said to him, 'Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? 'Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father, so how can you say, "Show us the Father"? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? ...Whatever you ask in my name I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. Responsorial Psalm Yahweh is my rock and my fortress, my deliverer is my God. I take refuge in him, my rock, my shield, my saving strength, my stronghold, my place of refuge. I call to Yahweh who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my foes. With Death's breakers closing in on me, Belial's torrents ready to swallow me, Sheol's snares every side of me, Death's traps lying ahead of me (Psalm 18:2-3, 4-5). Prayerful Awareness Let us read today’s Proclamations meditatively where the common thread is the central position that our Lord Jesus Christ holds in the entire Creation and especially in mankind’s restoration to divine Son-ship! All three persons in the Holy Trinity

Sts. Philip and James

were involved in the creation process of the physical universe/s because Almighty God expressed in word/s (Word) what He desired, and it was done (action, the Holy Spirit). Accordingly the Holy Trinity is present in everything created including space / vacuum because Time and Space exist only in relation to the material Creation. Everything is subject to laws of physics, etc., and mankind too were given laws, the violation of which is SIN, the wages of which is death. Hence when man chose to disobey being misled by the Devil (fallen angels) born out of jealousy for man’s potential to be sons and daughters of the Almighty (a position higher than that of angels) he brought disease, decay, destruction and death upon himself. But because God so loved the Creation He Himself took mankind’s wages for sin upon Himself and set up a process by which man can transform to a glorious Spirit being, which was demonstrated as a preview at the Transfiguration and completed at the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ! Thus He paved the way for the restoration of mankind’s potential to be sons and daughters of God whereby anyone who admits and repents his sinful nature and believes the Lord Jesus died for his/her sins and willingly submits to be subject to God’s Spirit can become children of God (Romans 8:14, ‘those led by the Holy Spirit shall be called children of God’). That is why our Lord is able to make the boldest claim ever, ‘I am the Way, the Truth, and Life!’ And St. Paul says in today’s First Proclamation, ‘The tradition I handed on to you in the first place, a tradition which I had myself received, was that Christ died for our sins, in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried; and that on the third day, he was raised to life, in accordance with the scriptures; and that he appeared to Cephas; and later to the Twelve; ………’ What Grace! Amen! Alleluia! Praise the Lord!

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

Saturday 4th May 2019 Acts: 6/1-7 Psalm:32/1-2,4-5,18-19 33/1-2,4-5,18-19) John: 6/16-21

The First Proclamation Please read Acts 6/1-7 prayerfully Prayerful Awareness Jews as a nation had a great sense of responsibility for the down-trodden or the less fortunate. When the problem in focus grew to be severe, the Church authorities or the apostles had to intervene. This was the first time they had to take action regarding an issue not connected to the word of God. It is very, very interesting to see, to know, how they were guided by the Holy Spirit. With His help the solution par excellence was arrived at. Surely it is an eye-opener for us who inhabit this earth in the 21st Century, The office-bearers were selected, prayed for and laid hands on by the apostles. What was expected of them was an honest, dedicated service. "By this power of the Spirit, God's children can bear much fruit. He who has grafted us on to the true wine, will make us bear "the fruit of the Spirit .... love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, self-control." "We live by the Spirit", the more we renounce ourselves, the more we "Walk by the Spirit." (C.C.C.736). The Gospel Proclamation When evening came, his disciples went down to the sa, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed

about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid." Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going. Prayerful Awareness John, the Evangelist, was a fisherman, an expert at it. He could very well remember the particular night because of the unforgettable experience he and the other disciples were exposed to. Although Jesus was up on a hill busy with his Father the disciples were in his thoughts. Though not within eyesight, Jesus saw the predicament they were in. Because of a strong wind that had started blowing their voyage was made not only a hard one but also a dangerous and challenging one. Jesus' loving and all caring look was on them. Isn't this incident an eye-opener to us Christians who are His followers in the 21st Century? Jesus is there al the time keeping a watchful eye on us. Although He lets us fight our own battles He is there behind the scene watching, guiding and helping us. And on our part, we have to invite and let Him take control of the situation. He does not force His way in although He is Almighty. The reason is clear - the free Will He gave man when he was created. "The solitary crew were not as solitary as they thought. The same rhythm of joy and sorrow that ran through His life was present here" for it was in the midst of darkness, storm and danger that Christ came, planting His feet on the white crests of the raging sea." (Archbishop F.J.Sheen). Prayer Starter Help us to do, what we do, do well. Amen.

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

zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrñ' ud l< hq;= l=ula±hs ug wK l< uekjZZ

Sunday 5th May 2019 Acts:5/27-32,40-41 Psalm: 29/2,4-6,11-13 (30/2-5,10-12) Revelation:5/11-14 John:21/1-19 OR 21/1-14 Introduction Today, on this third Sunday of Easter the First Proclamation shows how the Lord's statement "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the world"; has already started flourishing. The Second Proclamation reveals how much praise, honour and glory has been bestowed on the Lamb that was sacrificed. In the Gospel proclamation today, the Lord appears to the disciples including Peter thrice, through which affirming their vocation, He appoints Peter to the position of permanent servant leadership and initiates the establishment of the Early Church. With this let us present ourselves before the Lord and enter into prayer conscious of our vocation to discipleship. First Proclamation

Third Sunday of Easter PS WK III has given to those who obey him." And when they had called in the apostles, they had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. As they left the council, they rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. Prayerful Awareness While the disciples were engaged in their mission bearing witness to Christ's Resurrection, God worked wonders through them among the people. Filled with the Holy Spirit they preached Christ fearlessly. Disturbed by their preaching, the Jewish high priests and the Sadducees out of sheer jealousy imprisoned the apostles but the Lord released them miraculously by night. And then, according to the Lord's command the following day they taught in the temple (Acts 5:1719). Again taking them into custody the high priests presented them before the Sanhedrin. The complaint against them was preaching without hearkening to their command. Peter and the apostles responded with the reply "We obey God and not man." What a transformation? Peter who denied the Lord thrice and the other disciples who ran away in fear now consider suffering dishonor for the sake of Christ a blessing. Let us turn towards us. How much have we been successful in saying 'Amen' to the Will of God? How ready are we to follow the example of Peter and the rest of the disciples in responding fully to the Christ discipleship in the Name of Jesus Christ who sacrificed Himself in severe dishonor and shame? From the Gospel Proclamation

… We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, …. But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Saviour, that he might give repen… Just after daybreak, Jesus tance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, stood on the beach; but the disciples and so is the Holy Spirit whom God did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus

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

said to them, "Children, you have no fish, have you?" They answered him, ";No". He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" â&#x20AC;Ś. Prayerful Awareness

on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" And the four living creatures said "Amen!" And the elders fell down and worshiped. Prayerful Awareness What is presented here is the worship offered before the Lamb in heaven. It can be termed as a sung response given consecutively. That is, a worship including the song of the angels in response to the elders'; and the great sung praise of the entire universe in response to the angels'.. With the new song sung by the great multitudes before the Lamb, Christ our Redeemer is being offered the praise of all the inhabitants on this earth. Just as during Exodus, through the covenant at Sinai Israelites became a kingly, priestly and prophetic nation, through suffering, death and resurrection of Christ all nations have become a new kingly, priestly and prophetic nation (Rev. 5:10). Living creatures and the elders presented here represent the people of God in both Old and New Testaments. Their "Amen" is an affirmation, a witness to the truth of everything that is proclaimed. Towards our son-ship

After the Resurrection of Christ the disciples get ready to go back to their former lifestyle. It seems as if they have forgotten the invitation given to them by the Lord, the reason being the promised Holy Spirit has not yet been received by them. Jesus reveals himself to them. "It is the Lord.". The disciple whom Jesus loved thus recognizing Him reveals Him to Peter. Peter, who encountered Jesus, would have come to realize his sinful state and he felt so uncomfortable that he jumped into the sea. Moreover, he would have been reminded of his denial of Him thrice. Most probably to counteract this, Jesus asks him thrice, "Peter do you love me?" Thus, giving ample opportunity for repentance, the Lord envelopes him in His love. Finally, entrusting him with the responsibility of shepherding His flock, He appoints How do we respond to the calling of Peter as the Shepherd of His flock, the Christ, "Follow me, come take the same Holy Church. path that I trod". Have I been hesitant The Second Proclamation in introducing the risen Lord to those Then I looked, and I heard the whom I met throughout the week? How voice of many angels surrounding the much do I labour to build up the Kingthrone and the living creatures and dom of God with the Resurrection powthe elders; they numbered myriads of er I experience through my community myriads and thousands of thousands, and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit? singing with full voice, "Worthy is the Let us be awake and present ourselves Lamb that was slaughtered to receive before Abba Father. power and wealth and wisdom and Prayer Starter might and honour and glory and Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his blessing!" Then I heard every creature in name; worship the Lord in holy splenheaven and on earth and under the dor. The voice of the Lord is powerful; earth and in the sea, and all that is the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. in them, singing, "To the one seated (Ps.29/2,4...) r

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

zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrñ' ud l< hq;= l=ula±hs ug wK l< uekjZZ

Monday 6th May 2019 surmounted this sickness, the question then becomes 'What is Right?' We have Stephen facing this issue today, and as those others could not answer Stephen’s attestations on the 'Good News', they prosecuted him as a criminal, and brought false witnesses against him. Our ‘Fallen State’ is evident in our The First Proclamation habitual inclination to think in excluding terms; it is said that humanity is ‘fragStephen was filled with grace and mented’, ‘broken’, ‘separated’, ‘alienated’, power and began to work miracles and ‘isolated’, ‘disconnected’…..however you great signs among the people. Then express it, the simple underlying thought certain people came forward to debate pattern is where we think in terms of ‘Us' with Stephen...They found they could and 'Them'. ‘Them’ are those who are not not stand up against him because of his with us in some way or the other, and are wisdom, and the Spirit that prompted perceived as a threat to our well-being and/ what he said. So they procured some or existence in some form! Instead of findmen to say, 'We heard him using blasing reasons for being together, of finding phemous language against Moses and ‘common ground’, of being ‘In Love’, we against God.' Having turned the people are more inclined to find ‘differences’, so against him... arrested him and brought that we could ‘exclude’, ‘reject’, ‘distrust’, him before the Sanhedrin. There they and ‘hate’! We create a reality where the put up false witnesses to say, 'This man ‘others’ are ‘out to get us’! This ‘tribal’ is always making speeches against this mind-set is so ‘Old Testament’, where you Holy Place and the Law. We have heard are allowed ‘an eye for an eye’! Jesus has him say that Jesus, this Nazarene, is opened up a new paradigm for us, in that going to destroy this Place and alter the Creator God is now our ‘Father’! In the traditions that Moses handed down other words, this creation is purpose driven to us.' The members of the Sanhedrin for being ‘In Love’! We could call it co-deall looked intently at Stephen, and his pendency! We only need to change our face appeared to them like the face of mind-sets for this to become our reality! an angel. Apparently, Stephen believed in Jesus, Fix your gaze on Jesus the incarnate ‘Word’, the ‘One’ sent! And it Stephen quite clearly believed in the reflected in his thinking and experiencing ‘One’ the Father sent, and was thus ‘full of ‘Love’; he knew that he lived in a benevpower’ carrying out ‘miracles’ and being olent universe. This translated to ‘Service quite eloquent in the proclaiming of the for his brethren’, so that they too would ‘Good News’! Please give me the same come to meet the Living Lord and thereby thirst O Holy Sprit of God..... come to experience the resultant liberation We all of us have this issue called and saving. 'Ego', which translates in our day-to-day Prayer Starter lives, in our transactions with each other, O that I were to come closer to the as the question of 'Who is Right?' This leads to a host of strife and schisms in Living Lord/Word, and getting to know him humanity. For those amongst us who have better experience the fire and blessing.....

Acts: 6/8-15 Psalm:118/23-24,26-27, 29-30 (119/23-24.26-27,29-30) John:6/22-29

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

Tuesday 7th May 2019 Acts:7/51-8/1 Psalm: 30/3-4,6-8,17,21 (31/2-3.5-7.16, 20) John: 6/30-35 The First Proclamation "You stiff-necked people, ... you are forever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do. ... They killed those who fore-told the coming of the Righteous One, and now you have become his betrayers and murderers. ....When they heard these things they became enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen. But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ..... The Gospel Proclamation So they said to him, "What sign are you going to give us then ... 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. ...." 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 Today's Gospel reading highlights a very important truth about Jesus Christ. who says "I am the bread of life. No one who comes to me will ever huner. No one hwo believes in me will ever thirst." In the past when the Israelites wandered in the desert and ran short of everything, Gd gave them a provin cial meal, the manna. But theu did not give thans to God. They thought Giod is only their benefctor and they should sek Him only for favours and later they would ask

and compain. Some rebelled against God and died in the desert. Material things, although they may com e from heaven, do not make things better nor do they give true life.\For this readon God now proposes something new. The brad that comes down from heaven is not something, but someone and it is Christ. That bread communicates eternal life to us, but to receive it, it is necessary to take a step, that is to believe Christ and make a personal commitment to HIm. Jesus is the true bread for all the people, for all times. This is because He promises complete fulfilment of the human need. Whoever receives Him in faith wil never ask for anything further. From the first proclamation we see Stephen, the preacher becomes a prophet by the power of the Spirit and tells the people and the leaders the truth about themselves - that they are always in opposition to the Spirit, Just like their ancestors. And because of this they did not listen to Jesus and so mrdered Him. They were hard-hearted and filled with anger. Stephen has a vision of Jesus in glory and when he speaks of it, they rush at him and stone him to death. And just as Jesus did, Stephen dies forgiving those who murdered him. Stephen lived on the Word of God, the Bread of life. Stephen had come to Jeuss in Baptism and in service to the poor and he fulfilled Jesus' words to the crowd who asks for God's bread always. "No one who comes to me shall ever be hungry, no one who believes in me shall thirst." Do I believe in this bread and recognise the food as none other than Jesus when I partake in the Holy Eucharist? Prayer Starter Lord Jesus, You love us so much that You are rady to be our food and drink. IT is a mystery as to how You are doing this for us. We thank You for this gift to beieve in faith and to accept it truly.

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

zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrñ' ud l< hq;= l=ula±hs ug wK l< uekjZZ

Wednesday 8th May 2019 lists” so that we all know what each one of us are doing, may it be going on a hol iday, about our finances or about careers, education and our future expectations. In one of these conversations, we had the opportunity to tell them about the time they were still too young, how we made decisions based on our priorities Gospel Proclamation and how the Lord provided for us from Jesus said to them, “I am the bread the beginning of our family life. To bring of life. Whoever comes to me will never the conversation to a climax, one of the be hungry, and whoever believes in me children now pursuing a business career will never be thirsty. But I said to you who probably sees what others do in that you have seen me and yet do not his office said, “how did you do all this believe. Everything that the Father with your kind of income which has been gives me will come to me, and anyone only the salaries from both of you”. We who comes to me I will never drive simply smiled and said “we walked out away; for I have come down from of our homes with our clothes suitcase heaven, not to do my own will, but the and our jobs and a lot of faith to start our will of him who sent me. And this is the family and the rest God did”. will of him who sent me, that I should Therefore, we invite all our Chrislose nothing of all that he has given me, tian brethren to reflect on the invitation but raise it up on the last day. This is from Christ “I am the bread of Life, indeed the will of my Father, that all whoever will come to me will never who see the Son and believe in him be hungry”. If we value our life in Rs may have eternal life; and I will raise and Cts whatever we do to earn will not them up on the last day.” be enough. However, if we manage our lives with simplicity with God’s grace, Gaze at Jesus His abundance is ours to hold not only What do you perceive as success for ourselves and our families, but we in your life? Does it relate to our daily enter God’s larger vision i.e the society, living about education, position, wealth the community at large. etc. In simple terms to do we value our Described in Acts, church emerged Christian journey in Rs and Cents? inspite of the persecutions. The early According to Jesus Christian success Christians did not deny their knowledge is not measured with human perceptions, about Christ. Therefore, the Catholic but with a greater vision set by God. In Church emerged as a community or as this God promises healing through His an assembly of Healed people. son Jesus “is the bread of life” that unites Prayer Starter heaven and the earth. We bring before You Lord the Holy Our sonship Catholic Church and pray for the Renew(Personal Experience) al of the Church. That it’s members will We are a family involved in service not seek Christ, only to solve their family in the church through Pubuduwa at dif- problems and debt problems, but every ferent levels. Therefore, our routines are healed family will take up service in challenging and we often feel the need to Christ to uplift society at large. Alleluia! sit down, touch base and plan our “to do

Acts: 8/1-8 Psalm: 65/1-7 (66/1-7) John: 6/35-40

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

Thursday 9th May 2019 Acts: 8/26-40 Psalm:65/8-9,16-17,20 (66/8-9, 16-17, 20) John: 6/44-51 The Gospel Proclamation No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will raise that person up on the last day. It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught by God.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God, he has seen the Father. Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread 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

God. (Isaiah 54:13, Jeremiah.31:31-34). He was stressing the importance of not merely HEARING but LEARNING. We are taught by God through the Bible, our experiences, the thought the Holy Spirit brings, and relationships with other Christians. Are we open to God's teaching? "BELIEVES" means "Continue to believe". Keep on believing. We do not believe merely once. Believe and Trust Jesus always. The religious leaders frequently asked Jesus to prove to them why He was better than the prophets they already had. Jesus referred to the manna that Moses had given their ancestors in the desert. (Exodus 16). This bread was PHYSICAL and TEMPORAL. The people ate it, and it sustained them for a day. They had to get more bread everyday, and this bread could not keep them from DYING. Jesus who is much greater than Moses, offers HIMSELF as the SPIRITUAL BREAD from heaven that satisfies completely and leads to eternal life. How can Jesus give us His flesh as bread to eat? To eat living bread means to ACCEPT Christ into our lives and become united with Him. We are united with Christ in two ways: (1) by believing in His death (the sacrifice of His flesh) and Resurrection and (2) by devoting ourselves to living as He requires, depending on His teachings for guidance and trusting in the Holy Spirit for power. Because Jesus is God, He lives forever. Before the world began, He lived with God and He will reign forever with Him. Jesus is the Great "I AM" . When Jesus uses this phrase, He affirms His pre-existence and eternal deity.

The apostle John brings to us a powerful argument for the Incarnation, a conclusive demonstration that Jesus WAS and IS the very heaven-sent SON of God and the ONLY SOURCE of eternal life. IT is the TRUTH. God, not man, plays the most active role in salvation. When someone chooses to believe in Jesus Christ as Saviour, he or she does so only in response to urging of God's Holy Spirit. God does the urging, then we decide whether or not to believe. Prayer Starter Thus no one can believe in Jesus without Almighty and loving Father, we thank God's help. Jesus was indirectly referring to an Old You for giving us Jesus, for Your kindness Testament view of the Messianic Kingdom and mercy. You have given us the promise in which all people are taught directly by of eternal life.

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

zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrñ' ud l< hq;= l=ula±hs ug wK l< uekjZZ

Friday 10th May 2019 Acts: 9/1-20 Psalm:116/1-2 (117/1-2) John: 6/52-59 The Gospel Proclamation Then the Jews started arguing among themselves, 'How can this man give us his flesh to eat?' Jesus replied to them: ‘In all truth I tell you, if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Anyone who does eat my flesh and drink my blood has eternal life, and I shall raise that person up on the last day. ... This is the bread which has come down from heaven; it is not like the bread our ancestors ate: they are dead, but anyone who eats this bread will live forever.’... Prayerful Awareness Let us read today’s Proclamations meditatively. The Gospel Proclamation describes the awesome potential of the Holy Eucharist if we partake of it meaningfully, mindful of and claiming all that our Lord Jesus Christ promises therein! Which sort of summarises the entire message of Christianity, the Good News! What awesome Grace! Amen! Praise the Lord! We who admit and repent of our sinful nature and believe that the Lord Jesus died for our sins and the redemptive suffering resulting in the outpouring of blood leading to His sacrificial death on the cross is what saved us can reap the benefit/s of what the Lord promises in today’s Gospel Proclamation, ‘Anyone who does eat my flesh and drink my blood has eternal life, and I shall raise that person up on the last day’. The Wisdom of the Catholic Church enriched over two millennia ensures that we have fulfilled all the pre-conditions for receiving salvation and eternal life before

we receive the Holy Eucharist at Mass, which we must receive very reverently, understanding the full implications thereof! After receiving I spend quiet time with the Lord asking Him to permeate into my blood and circulate cleansing and healing every cell in my being ridding me of any and every disease and affliction that may be lurking within me, and then exuding outwards to all my loved ones likewise, especially remembering everyone known to us who needs help, healing, and/or liberation, and all those who have asked for our intercessory prayers. Salvation is brought to us by the anointing of the Holy Spirit (which we qualify to receive by fulfilling the same preconditions stated above) and those who are led by God’s Spirit become children of God (Romans 8:14, ‘those led by the Holy Spirit shall be called children of God’), and thereby we begin a journey of ‘Walk in the Spirit’ in the Kingdom of God enjoying gifts and fruits of the Spirit! This brings a transformation in our lives moulding us to eventually become a true Son of God, like our elder brother, our Lord Jesus Christ! In Today’s First Proclamation we see this transformation taking place in Saul (who is renamed Paul after his ‘Born Again’ experience) in this post resurrection era, who went on to become one of the greatest Evangelists the World has known, and author of virtually half the books in the New Testament of the Holy Bible! Let us also meditate on the lives of people described in the Gospels (apart from the Apostles and the Blessed Mother!) whose lives changed after they encountered Jesus, such as Zacchaeus, blind Bartimaes, the Samaritan woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery, etc., etc. Song of Praise Praise the Lord, all nations! Praise Him, all peoples! His love for us is strong and His faithfulness is eternal! Praise the Lord! (Psalm 117: 1-2).

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

Saturday 11th May 2019 Feast of St. Ignatius of Laconi, Confessor Acts: 9/31-42 Psalm:115/12-17 (116/12-17) John:6/60-69

St. Ignatius Laconi He was born on 10th December 1701, in Sardinia, Italy. He was the second of the seven children of Matilia and Anna Maria. He grew up to be an illiterate and delicate boy of frail health and the work on his father's land was a severe strain. At 17 he fell seriously ill and promised to offer his life to St. Francis of Assisi, should he recover. He did recover, but his father would not let him keep his promise. Notwithstanding his father's objections he joined St. Benedict's Friary near Cagliari. He was allowed to take his vows in 1722. He progressed in the love of God and men. he was sent out to beg for alms, which he continued for the remaining 4o years of his life. He breathed his last on 11th May 1781. The Gospel Proclamation ... "This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?" But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, "Does this offend you? Then what if you were to see the Son of man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But among you there are some who do not believe." .... "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father."..... " Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy one of God."

Prayerful Awareness The focal point of disagreement between Jesus and many f HIs followers was HIs claim that He was the bread come down from heaven. The discourse was not a hard one to understand but was hard to accept,. Here Jesus divulges the secret that He is the very life of God come down from heaven and one cannot live that life without submitting to Him. To be a true Christian one has to surrender to Christ, unconditionally and accept Him as the final authority and the Lord; also it is necessary to have a moral standard of the highest level. The reluctance of many to be Christians is mainly due to the fact that Christ challenges their lives and puzzles intellect. "Jesus' messianic consecration reveals His divine mission", for the name 'Christ' implies 'He who anointed', 'he who was anointed' and 'the very anointing with which He was anointed'. The one who anointed is the Father, the one who was anointed is the Son, and He was anointed with the Spirit who is anointing. "His earthly life at the moment of His baptism by John, when God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power", that He might be revealed to Israel as its Messiah. His works and words will manifest Him as "the Holy One of God." (C.C.C.438) "But the heart of Christ already had a cross in it. One of His own twelve was a traitor. The elite, who were divided among themselves, would now unite against Him. And the five thousand that had been in contact with His hand refused to be in contact with His heart. The forces were shaping up for "the Hour". (Archbishop F.J.Sheen) Jesus knew very well that some would reject His offer with hostility. No one can accept Jesus without being moved by the Spirit of God. Prayer Starter Help us to be steadfast citizens of Thy Kingdom. Amen.

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

zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrĂą' ud l< hq;= l=ulaÂąhs ug wK l< uekjZZ

Sunday 12th May 2019

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Acts:13/14, 43-52 Psalm:99/2, 3, 5 Revelation:7/9, 14-17 John:10/27-30

Introduction Lord Jesus Christ should be the true shepherd of our lives. Only He will lead us along the correct path. Let us focus on Him who died and rose and lives among us. Let us thirst for such contemplation and leaving our sins behind let us turn to Him in repentance to be purified in His precious Blood that we may heartily hear His voice. Let us be servants of the Gospel, helping others to be filled with the love of God while we follow the same procedure, praising God the Father, and disposing ourselves for a total transformation of our lives through the Lord God who gifted us with life. Let us now enter into prayer invoking the power from above to accomplish this task. Turn from your usual way of life, Open your eyes to the marvelous deeds of God, time is fulfilled and the hour is at hand to walk the new path of repentance. The First Proclamation but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. When the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God. The next sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word

PS Wk IV of the Lord. But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy; and blaspheming, they contradicted what was spoken by Paul. Then both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. Since you reject it and judge yourselves to be unworthy of eternal life, we are now turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, 'I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles, so that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'" When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and praised the word of the Lord; and as many as had been destined for eternal life became believers. Thus the word of the Lord spread throughout the region. ..... Prayerful Awareness Jews then went to the synagogue for their prayer service. While they proclaimed words from the Jewish Faith, it also consisted of reading the Deuteronomy 6:4, worship, the leader's prayer, reading from the Law of Moses and from the prophets on special occasions, the sermon by one of the church leaders or by an invitee and his blessing. Paul and Barnabas who went for this purpose, teach the people of Christ. While they accept the gospel wholeheartedly, on the second day a large crowd assembles at the synagogue where the Jews raise their opposition. Paul first entered the synagogue and preached the Gospel to the Jews but when they reject it, he points out the guidance of the devil and the value of freeing their lives and belonging to God and submitting to His guidance implying that there will be a life transformation when you allow the Lord to lead you. Further he says that in order

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

to gain eternal life, one should follow Christ and believe in Him. Moreover, one who rejects Christ rejects eternal life. St. Paul is the chosen vessel to carry the gospel to the gentiles, the messenger of good news to them. One who preaches the gospel is a bearer of Christ. The Second Proclamation After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no man could count, from every nation, from all tribes, and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. I said to him, "Sir, you are the one that knows." Then he said to me, "These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them, They will hunger no more, and thirst no more, the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Prayerful Awareness The Lamb in the New Testament is the Lord Jesus Christ. Here, getting their robes washed means being purified by the precious Blood of Christ through His death. The term "robes"; refers to one's interior or spiritual condition which implies passing over from one's sinful nature. Further it denotes participating in the Resurrection of Christ who won victory through death. Similarly, white was the symbolic colour of victory. Moreover, while it indicates that the victory was spotless, it also shows forth the close relation-

ship of the crowd with the Holy Trinity. They are filled with immense joy and are in a blessed state. Since they are with Christ the Lord and God, there will be no more weeping, suffering, hardship, death, persecution, calumny and rejection. There will only be one great delight. That is to be enjoying the blessed state of eternity praising the God Almighty. If so, let us in repentance dispose ourselves to be purified through the precious Blood of Jesus Christ the Lord that we may be worthy of eternal life. The Gospel Proclamation "My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me; I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me, is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father's hand. The Father and I are one." Prayerful Awareness One who follows the Lord and believes in Him will never go astray because he will always listen to His voice. Lord Jesus Christ was nothing but the Son who always listened to the Father's voice. Hence He would have been continuously led along the correct path by the Holy Spirit. If man would follow him, he would never fall prey to the devil. Since our Lord is our protector and guide let us follow him, enter into prayer and listen to him. Our Sonship Let us turn to the Lord, if we have not crossed over still, let us wake up, repent and turn. Be purified by the precious Blood of the Lord and follow Him thirsting for our inheritance of life giving water. Prayer Starter The Lord is great in Zion; he is exalted over all the peoples. Let them praise your great and awesome name. Holy is he!

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

zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrñ' ud l< hq;= l=ula±hs ug wK l< uekjZZ

Monday 13th May 2019 Acts: 11/1-18 Psalm:41/2-3; 42/3, 4 (42/1-2; 43/3-4) John:10/1-10 OR Isaiah:61/9-11 Psalm:44/11-12,14-17 45/11-12, 14-17 Luke:11/27-28 The First Proclamation ... "What God has made clean, you have no right to call profane." This was repeated three times ... Just at that moment, three men stopped outside the house where we were staying; ... 'I had scarcely begun to speak when the Holy Spirit came down on them in the same way as it came on us at the beginning, and I remembered that the Lord had said, "John baptised with water, but you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit." .... Fix your gaze on Jesus In our dualistic realm, the holy conjunction ‘And’, has no place! We emphatically don’t want it in on our lives! Let's consider the 'Habits' of Mind: from childhood, we are trained to ‘Label’, to categorize, to separate, to differentiate, and to segregate. This is in addition to another habit formed; that of focusing and searching for what is lacking. Our educational systems too are designed thereto; and this training carries over to our everyday lives, in all its aspects. Since we all are creatures of habit, we become conditioned to follow these founding programs of the psyche without conscious volition. Look at the response of the faithful of Judea! Circumcised Vs Not So! We, the circumcised are the chosen; we received the Good News; we are more worthy than the others; we are together- they are ‘The Other’; the

Our Lady of Fatima Eaters of the ‘Unclean’; we take care, follow the Commandments- they are ignorant, are not principled, are savage and are gentiles. How could you, Peter, even think of sitting down with such! This was the thinking then, and this remains the prevalent thinking today! The reality is that, God is a community; he created man-kind as man and women. Each part reflects and images God; but is not complete by itself. Humanity too is a body, each aspect (nation, race, ethnicity, colour, language, culture, or whatever!) by itself is incomplete, and becomes ‘One’ only in conjunction with the other. God rejoices and cherishes within Himself, recognising and valueing the richness of the diversity of the Trinity. And we too are to follow suit. ‘The Other’ being different should NOT be a threat to us; we have to look at the difference with a view to enjoying the variety! Look at S/His creation in nature; how many different colours of green are there? And don’t we enjoy/cherish visible light, itself consisting of such a wide spectrum percieved as Violet through the Blues, Greens, Yellows and the Reds! This season of Easter, awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit, could we review these deeply ingrained habits of thought we’re inculcated within, and turn around to the ‘Inclusive’ ways of thinking that our Heavenly Father wants us to imbibe? Replace the defective thought patterns with truthful, embrasing, inclusive and more complete thought patterns? Look at St. Peter’s response. He bore the infirmities of the accusing brethren calmly; and instead of taking offence, or answering with warmth, explained the motives, and showed the nature of proceedings. Prayer Starter Lord, help us to become aware, erase these faulty thought patterns within, rid ourselves of the garbage ....

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

Tuesday 14th May 2019 Acts: 1/15-17, 20-26 Psalm:112/1-8 (113/1-8) John: 15/9-17 From the Biography of the Saint As given in the first proclamation, Matthias was chosen to replace Judas who betrayed Jesus Christ. While he travelled carrying the gospel from place to place he was martyred in Jerusalem at a time he was preaching. A significant statement of St. Matthias is, "eradicating the suffering within due to my inability to love others fully, claim the abundant joy of in the love of Christ." The Gospel Proclamation "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; … If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. … No longer do I call you servants, …. but I have called you friends, ….You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you…." Prayerful Awareness A vocation is a call from our Lord Jesus given to a certain person not based on his or her worthiness or capacity but because it is simply the Lord's own desire and choice. Even among the 12 apostles there were people of different caliber and characteristics. From the beginning, God has been electing people for different tasks according to His good pleasure of which we cannot question since it is mysterious, holy and something extraordinary. There-

St. Matthias, Apostle fore, Christian calling is ecclesiastical as well as personal which means every Christian is called to journey with a 'community' as well as to walk in deep personal communion with the Lord. This journey towards fulfillment in Christ will progress and manifest only within the sphere of a community. Thus, blessed is the calling we have received to journey in the footsteps of the Lord. He lavishly bestows on us every gift needed to respond to this vocation. His choice is quite different from that of the society. Very often those considered weak, sinful, and unlearned are called and exalted to the arena of God's love inviting them to a friendship, to a God-man relationship. Can there be any other blessedness greater than this? Our sonship *Let us be faithful to the vocation we have received and give thanks and praise to God. *As shown in the first proclamation even though Judas deceived by the evil of money denied his vocation Maththias faced martyrdom giving a positive response, let us always be alert in order to safeguard our vocation from the triple temptation of the devil, flesh and the world and help others too in this endeavour. * For this purpose let us be united to the Lord in prayer and surrender ourselves to the Holy Spirit. Prayer Starter Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord, who greatly delight in his commandments. Their descendants will be mighty in the land, the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.....(Ps.112/1,2....)

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

zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrñ' ud l< hq;= l=ula±hs ug wK l< uekjZZ

Wednesday 15th May 2019 one who sent me.” Acts: 12/24-13/5 So whatever Jesus did or said is Psalm:66/3-4, 5-6, 8 because of that deep connection He had (71/1-6,15-17) with God. So He knew exactly what God John:12/44-50 wanted Him to do, and He did it with divine pride. So most of the people saw God through Jesus. Our Sonship The Gospel Proclamation We as Christians are called to imitate Then Jesus cried aloud: "Who- Jesus, so that others may experience ever believes in me beieves not in me Jesus through us. We are called to live but in him who sent me. And whoever like children of God. Are we living up to sees me sees him who sent me. I have that calling? Let us look into ourselves, come as light into the world, so that let’s ask ourselves, do we live our lives everyone who believes in me should in a way that everyone around us see not remain in the darkness. I do not Jesus in us? Or are we also set in our judge anyone who hears my words own ways, that we are controlled by and does not keep them, for I came our own sinfulness rather than the Holy not to judge the world, but to save Spirit? Do we have a thirst to meet and the world. The one who rejects me gaze at Jesus to experience God’s Love and does not receive my word has a through Him? Have we accepted Jesus judge, on the last day the word that I as our Lord? Because if we truly accept have spoken will serve as judge, for I that our Lord and Saviour is Jesus, it have not spoken on my own, but the should be visible in our lives. Father who sent me has himself given He has to become the foundation me a commandment about what to of our life. When this happens we start say and what to speak. And I know to experience the divine Sonship. This that his commandment is eternal life. is not possible without the gift of faith What I speak, therfore, I speak just and deep connection with God through as the Father has told me." the Holy Spirit. God has already given Gaze at Jesus us what we need, but we need to own In this passage Jesus is talking with the gift of faith and let the Holy Spirit authority. He is talking with conviction. guide us. So let us fix our gaze on Jesus What is the core belief or experience He and experience the love of God. Let us had to talk like this? It is his core belief own the salvation that Jesus won for us and experience that He is the beloved on the Cross this Easter season. Let us Son of God. He experienced and knew experience the love of God and start to God to be His ABBA Father. From the act it out in our lives and live as true day of His Baptism at river Jordan He Christians. Prayer Starter had a constant and deep relationship with God. Jesus was one with God Say to God, "How awesome are your through the Holy Spirit. He proclaims deeds! Because of your great power, this truth to the people saying; “Who- lyour enemies cringe before you. All the ever believes in me does not believe in earth worships you; they sing praises me only, but in the one who sent me. to you, sing praises to your name." The one who looks at me is seeing the (Ps. 66/3, 4)

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

Thursday 16th May 2019 order to achieve this, Jesus dedicated His Acts:13/13-25 body, mind, heart and soul. Therefore He Psalm:88/2-3,21-22, became a perfect model for us. 25, 27 Christian life is to serve. Service (89/1-2,20-21,26) for Jesus is to do the Will of God. Just before the Last Supper, Jesus showed John: 13/16-20 The First Proclamation .... "You Israelites, and others who fear God, listen. The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. For about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness.... After that he gave them judges until the time of the prophet Samuel. Then they asked for a king; and God gave them Saul son of Kish,... When he had removed him, he made David their king.... Of this man's posterity God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised; ... The Gospel Proclamation Very truly I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But it is to fulfill the scripture. 'The one who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.' I tell you this now, before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe that I am he. Very truly, I tell you, whoever receives one whom I send receives me; and whoever receives me receives him who sent me." Prayerful Awareness Today's Gospel reading highlights the importance of observing and executing some rites God Himself has revealed to us through Jesus. Father God's main purpose is to build the Kingdom of God on this earth through Jesus Christ. In

us how to serve and by that sacred act He also showed what is expected of His followers. Jesus did not intend merely to make the disciples clean and comfortable. His washing of their feet was a sacred act which symbolised purifying them as Baptism does. They were already in the grace of God. The word of Jesus which they received in faith had purified them. However, they needed more preparation, before sharing the bread of life at the table of their Lord. By washing the feet of the apostles, Jesus performed a significant act, which shows us, who our Lord and God is and how He acts. Today's first reading signifies how Paul witnesses to the Good News. Earlier he was harassing the Christians but later, his encounter with the Resurrected Lord made him to dedicate his whole life for the Good News. He went from village to village, country to country spreading the Word of God. Nothing barred him, in spite of painful experiences, discrimination and jailing, he lifted the hearts of the people closer to God. By the Sacrament of Baptism, I am also entrusted by God with a special mission. Therefore I am also a person who has been sent out to the world. What is my response to this mission? Do I have a concern for others, who are marginalized, desperate and laden with problems? Do I take steps to eradicate them? Let me be awake to the Spirit of God Who is in me. Prayer Starter Dear Holy Spirit, guide me to see life in reality. I repent for not being of much help to serve my neighbour. Allow Jesus to wash me and truly love Him and serve Him always. Amen.

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

zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrñ' ud l< hq;= l=ula±hs ug wK l< uekjZZ

Friday 17th May 2019 Acts: 13/26-33 Psalm:2/6-11 John: 14/1-6 Gospel Proclamation Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. ... Prayerful Awareness Jesus spoke the above words at the Last Supper as a farewell. He said that there are many dwelling places in the Father’s house for all and He is going to prepare a dwelling place for us and afterwards He will return to take us there, therefore not to be troubled, but remain in Faith. Jesus cares for us so much and wants to be with us forever and help us whenever we ask for or in need of His help. The return which Jesus spoke about was the coming of the Spirit that He sent and who acts in us, in such a way that we can live as He lived (John 14:16-17, 26;16:13-14). Jesus ends by saying: “You know the way to the place where I am going!” “I am the way, I am the Truth and Life. No one can come to the Father except through Me” Anyone who knows Jesus, knows the way, because the way is the life that He lived on earth, and led Him through death to the Father. He is the Truth, because looking at Him, we see the image of the Father, as He said “He who has seen me has seen the Father “ (John 14 : 9), and He is the Life, when Christ is in us, the Spirit is alive in us through righteousness (Romans 8:10-11). Let us focus our attention at our Lord Jesus Christ as true followers and derive

Strength and encouragement to continue on what Lord started and spread His Word to everyone, to save more souls to enter Father’s Kingdom. Proclaim the Good News of Salvation opened to all who accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord. It is stated in Romans 10:9-10 “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For, one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confess with the mouth and so is saved”. There is no other way, but this one way is open for all who will come. The Lord makes an absolute declaration, “no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” We can be certain that there is only one way to the Father, one way to Heaven, one way of salvation : through Lord Jesus Christ. We are called to spread this message to everyone in every way possible and also pray for this objective in order to save many souls as possible. The First Reading speaks to all children of the family of Abraham, and those others who are God-fearing to whom the Word of salvation has been sent to proclaim the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ through which God opened doors of Salvation to every one who is willing to Accept Jesus and Change. Let us all pray towards this. Prayer Starter Lord Jesus, my Saviour and Lord, Help me to live my life according to Your WORD and follow all Your Commandments and Teachings with the Help of the Holy Spirit. I ask for forgiveness for all sins I have committed knowingly or unknowingly in things that I have done and in things that I have failed to do as a son or a daughter of Father. Guide me to truly Repent for all such sins and receive forgiveness and change casting out all weaknesses I have to lead a new life pleasing to You carrying out the Will of God, our Loving Father with the Help of the Holy Spirit. Amen

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

Saturday 18th May 2019 Acts: 13/44-52 Psalm:97/1-4 (98/1-4) John:14/7-14 The Gospel Proclamation If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him. Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father and we will be satisfied. Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it." Prayerful Awareness The thought pattern about God was that he was invisible and also that no one had ever seen God at any time. It is to people who thought thus that Jesus said, "Now that you have seen me, you will know my Father also and from now on you do know Him and you have seen him." People were fascinated by the transcendence of God and also by the thought of the distance between God and human beings. They would never

St. John, Pope & Martyr have dared to think that they could see God. Luke shows us that the Father in Jesus is taking a share in the most homely and intimate thins. "No man can love anything unless he can get his arms around it, and the cosmos is too big and too bulky. But once God became a babe and was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger, men could say, "This is Emmanuel, this is God with us." By His reaching down to frail human nature and lifting it up to the incomparable prerogative of union with Himself, human nature became dignified. So real was this union that all of His acts and words, all of His agonies and tears, all of His thoughts and reasonings resolves and emotions, while being properly human were at the same time the acts and words, agonies and tears thoughts and reasonings, resolves and emotions of the Eternal Son of God. What men call the Incarnation is but the union of two natures, the Divine and the human in a single person Who governs both." (Archbishop F.J.Sheen) "When Jesus openly entrusts to His disciples the mystery of prayer to the Father He reveals to them what their prayer and ours must be, once He has returned to the Father in His glorified humanity. What is new is to "ask in His name". Faith in the Son introduces the disciples into the knowledge of the Father, because Jesus is "the Way and the Truth and the Life." Faith bears its fruit in love: it means keeping the word and the commandments of Jesus, it means abiding with Him in the Father who, in Him, so loves us that He abides with us. in this new covenant the certitude that our petitions will be hard is founded on the prayer of Jesus. (C.C.C. 2614) Prayer Starter Thank You Jesus for bringing God's message, heart and mind to us.

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

zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrĂą' ud l< hq;= l=ulaÂąhs ug wK l< uekjZZ

Sunday 19th May 2019 Acts:14/21-27 Psalm:144/8-13 (145/8-13) Revelation:21/1-5 John:13/31-35 Introduction 'As Christians, let us rejoice and be glad even amidst trial and hardship'; is the theme presented to us by Holy Mother the Church on this fifth Sunday of Easter. We shall rejoice in the redemption bestowed on us through the resurrection of Our Lord Jesus. Let us rejoice at the divine inheritance received through His divine Son-ship. Grace and power to rejoice even in the face of trial and hardship, suffering and challenge is simply the result of the divine inheritance won by Christ on our behalf. Acts of the Apostles recalls how the early Christian community who bore witness to this divine inheritance went over country and city encountering the risen Lord and preaching the Gospel joyfully amidst much suffering. Even the psalmist pronounces the spreading forth of the mercy and compassion of God over all creation. Through the Gospel St. John announces of the desire and love we should possess for to experience the joy of Resurrection. As such we are invited to pay heed to the command given by the Lord. "Love each other just as I have loved you." Thus, let us pray that we may be gifted with the grace of loving others. The First Proclamation After they had proclaimed the good news to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, then on to Iconium and Antioch. There they strengthened the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith, saying, "It

Fifth Sunday of Easter PS Wk I is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God." And after they had appointed elders for them in each church, with prayer and fasting they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they had come to believe. .... Prayerful Awareness The first disciples under much suffering and tribulation passed over land and city capable of proclaiming with a deep inner freedom the necessity of seeking entrance to the kingdom of God simply because of their openness to the power from above. The first proclamation of the day reminds us as well to be conscious of the vocation received to experience the kingdom through every hardship and trial in life. The Gospel Proclamation When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, 'Where I am going you cannot come.' I give you a new commandment that you love one another. just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." Prayerful Awareness Our Lord who equipped Himself with the full knowledge of the Will of God was conscious at every moment of accomplishing the task entrusted to Him. Even the proclamation "Now has the Son of Man been glorified" proves His realization of arriving at the climax of His mission and the great hope in Him for the appointed moment of the Father.

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

The Lord who showed forth through his life the lesson of loving stated that one should love their neighbor to the measure that one loves oneself. Similarly, his new commandment for us is, to love others to the measure that He loved us which means an invitation to enter into the love He demonstrated through His life sacrifice. The Second Proclamation Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as their God, they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more, mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away." And the one who was seated on the throne said, "See, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true." Prayerful Awareness What is contained in the book of Revelation is divine revelation that is incomprehensible and concealed from man. A special characteristic of this is an exhortation and an encouragement to people under persecution to patiently endure their trials. Accordingly, the author of the book of Revelation through the second reading today and in the vision presented before us is engaged in an attempt to educate us on a time of peace and prosperity that would dawn on the people of God once the present action of evil forces pass away. Similarly, while the New Jerusalem symbolizes the new people of God born through Christ, it also refers to the origin of the new peo-

ple of God to be from God Himself as stated in the vision "I saw the holy city coming down from heaven." The good news for us Christians under persecution is to stay awake in order to receive the eternal life that would be ours when we endure everything with patience. Our sonship The theme for the Eucharistic Celebration today reveals the blessedness we are to inherit as Christians. That is, to rejoice and be glad even amidst trial and tribulation. Just imagine the joy and happiness the first disciples experienced when faced with many a persecution for the sake of the Gospel. You and I have received a special vocation in our calling to inherit divine son-ship through our Baptism. That is to enjoy the joy of salvation bestowed on us through the joy that Christ experienced by totally fulfilling the Will of God facing immense suffering that a human being could never think of, simply by way of taking upon oneself the sin of suffering of the entire humanity. For a Christian, pain and sorrow, persecution and oppression, death and failure is not the end of everything but a resurrection in Christ. How awake are we to the grace filled experience open for us in life? Am I living in despair, groaning and wallowing in self pity as a helpless victim of trial and tribulation? Or else am I leading a life full of joy experiencing the presence of the risen Lord who conquered death and is still living among us? Let us turn to ourselves. With our inability to comply with the command to love one another let us pray for the power of God. Prayer Starter Abba Father Most High, thank You for the great blessing of divine son-ship that makes us worthy to call You Abba Father. Encourage us to call Your Name at every moment so as to experience Your fatherly and motherly love in pain, trial and sorrow. Amen.

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

zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrĂą' ud l< hq;= l=ulaÂąhs ug wK l< uekjZZ

Monday 20th May 2019 Acts:14/5-18 Psalm:113/1-4,15-16 (115/1-4,15-16) John:14/21-26

The First Proclamation but eventually with the connivance of the authorities a move was made by gentiles as well as Jews to make attacks on them and to stone them. When they came to hear of this, they went off for safety to Lycaonia where...they preached the good news. There was a man sitting there who had never walked in his life... Paul looked at him intently and saw that he had the faith to be cured. Paul said in a loud voice, 'Get to your feet-stand up,' and the cripple jumped up and began to walk. When the crowds saw what Paul had done... The priests of Zeus-outside-the-Gate, proposing that all the people should offer sacrifice with them, brought garlanded oxen to the gates....they just managed to prevent the crowd from offering them sacrifice. The Gospel Proclamation Whoever holds to my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me; and whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I shall love him and reveal myself to him.' Judas -- not Judas Iscariot -- said to him, 'Lord, what has happened, that you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?' Jesus replied: Anyone who loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we shall come to him and make a home in him. Anyone who does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not my own: it is the word of the Father who sent me. I have said

St. Bernadine of Siena, Priest these things to you while still with you; but the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you. Fix Your Gaze on Jesus Thank You O Holy Spirit of God, the promise of Jesus; you live within us, constantly guiding and strengthening, bringing us ever closer to the indwelling divinity .... We are so blessed Jesus....and we choose to heed your commandments; to obey and follow the Living Word, and as a direct result are so cleansed in the fire and are blessed completely! We are at peace within as well as without, regardless of the hostility and the adulations the externals hoist upon us. The apostles faced this hostility, the adulation and the scheming with positivity, alive to the working of the Spirit of God, and turned the situation around where then they were put up on pedestal as gods! Of course being humble and truthful, they gave all glory to our Creator God, inviting those who were not conscious of and did not experience their divine son-ship to turn around and embrace this inheritance. Blessed be the Lord our God! Would you make the effort now to seek carefully within to identify your own idols, the graven images you're cast for yourself, every person or thing who/ which (we'd like to) would serve me and mine, before whom we habitually kneel down to obtain succour.... And of course the false self-images we habitually idolise, defending them against all comers? These, we have to turn away from, back to the Living God who manifests in all things and persons! Prayer Starter Lord of the Hosts, turn us from our own ways back to your ways; to abide in thy commandments and to rest comforted and loved....

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

St.Eugene de Tuesday 21st May 2019 St. Christopher Magallanes, Mazenod, Bishop News about Jesus Christ. We too are Acts:14/19-28 created and called to accept Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord and become Psalm: 144/10-13,21 Children of God guided by the Holy (14510-13.21) Spirit. According to the parable of the John:14/27-31 sower (Luke 8:4), the seed, the Word of Gospel Proclamation Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. .... Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. ... ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. ... I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me. ... Prayerful Awareness Kithudana Pubuduwa Theme Word from June 2018 till end of May 2019 is “Lord, Your Word, Your Will A Fire and A Blessing” (Luke 11: 28 & Luke 12:49). Jesus said “blessed are those who hear the Word of God and observe it” (Luke 11:28). Lord also said “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed (John 20:29). In “Isaiah 43” it is said that ‘We belong to God. We are created by God, and redeemed by God to serve Him, to be His witnesses and bring Him glory in everything’. St. Paul never met Jesus Christ as the Twelve disciples of the Lord, but heard the words “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting" (Acts 9:1–22) and changed to accept Jesus to become a strong disciple of the Lord and proclaim the Good News to Jews that Jesus is the Messiah. First Reading is related to a Bible passage where certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium stoned Paul and drew him out of the city, thinking him to be dead. But when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and entered into the city, and the next day again he departed with Barnabas to Derbe to preach the Good

God is accepted and allowed to grow in our hearts only by few people, as seeds that fell on the rocks withered for lack of moisture. Most of us may act and live as the seed that fell among thorns, and thorns grew with it and choked it. We accept the Word and try to practice it and allow it to grow in us and bear fruit only for some time and after some time we may lose interest due to earthly chaos and may not bear fruit. From time to time we may renew the Word as a new seed and give it a boost and allow it to grow, but again and again when we are weak, we may fall back to the same old level guided by acts connected to earthly pleasures of various kinds such as making or looking after money, wealth, fame, pride and various other desires. Therefore it is necessary for us to repent and change from time to time to correct our lives to bear fruit in abundant. In the Gospel Proclamation Jesus said “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world gives, I give unto you." Peace is Christ's distinctive gift -not money, not worldly gifts, but Spirit of the Lord to proclaim the Good News of Salvation God has offered to everyone who accepts Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord and receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give Thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ.” ( 1 Thes. 5 : 16-18). Prayer Starter Let us ask Holy Spirit to give us WISDOM. Raise us and purify us to make all our thoughts Holy, to make all our words Holy, to make all our acts Holy and make us always stand for all that is Holy in the name of Jesus Christ.

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

zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrĂą' ud l< hq;= l=ulaÂąhs ug wK l< uekjZZ

Wednesday 22nd May 2019 Acts: 15/1-6 Psalm:121/1-5 (122/1-5) John:15/1-8

St. Rita of Cascia,

St. Rita of Cascia Since childhood St. Rita was used to an upright lifestyle in obedience to her parents. Even though her only desire was to enter religious life she was compelled to embrace wedded life most unwilling at the urgent request of the parents. Unfortunately her husband was a criminal and a drunkard full of violence due to which she was subjected to much suffering. She endured everything with patience in the name of Jesus and offered it all for the conversion of her husband. Time passed and he himself was killed by a group of criminals. Even her two sons were seeking vengeance against those responsible for their father's death. In this pathetic situation St. Rita pleaded with the Lord day and night in tears. After sometime even her two sons faced death and following her original desire she sought entrance to several congregations finally to meet with success by the mercy of God. St. Rita is invoked against those facing trial and hardship. The First Proclamation Then certain individuals came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers. "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to discuss this question with the apostles and the elders. So they were sent on their way by the church and as they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, they reported the conversion of the Gentiles and brought great joy

to all the believers. ... The Gospel Proclamation I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes, to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me, and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you. ask for whatever you wish and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. Prayerful Awareness Through Baptism we have been called to divine son-ship. God is always calling us to abide in His everlasting love. Vine and the vineyard is a symbol signifying the relationship between God and man in the Old Testament. Jesus is the true vine. When we are united with Him and come to experience Him the result will be a life bearing fruit. There is a constant calling for us to stay united to Him since the breaking down of this unity would result in our failure to bear fruit. As such, let us move toward constant encounter and contact with the risen Lord and bear witness to Him in word and deed. Prayer Starter O Holy Spirit, make us conscious of our vocation to witness to the gospel and increase in us the longing and desire to encounter Him in an effort to be united with the Lord.

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

Thursday 23rd May 2019 is to be immersed, surrounded, to be comforted and empowered by the love of Jesus. The secret of the life of Jesus was his contact with God; again and again he withdrew into a solitary place to meet him. We must keep contact with Jesus. We cannot do that unless we deliberately take steps to do it. For The First Proclamation example to pray in the morning, if it be After there had been much debate, for only a few moments, is to have an Peter stood up and said to them, "My antiseptic for the whole day. Remaining brothers, you know that in the early in Christ will be a mystical experience days God made a choice among you, which is beyond words to express. For that I should be the one through most of us, it will mean a constant conwhom the Gentiles would hear the tact with him. It will mean arranging message of the good news and be- life, arranging prayer, and arranging come believers. And God who knows silence in such a way that there is never the human heart testified to them by a day when we give ourselves a chance giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he to forget him. Remaining in the love of did to us, and in cleansing their hearts Christ enriches our own life; makes us by faith, he has made no distinction fruitful branches. We bring glory to God; between them and us. Now therefore the sight of a good disciple’s life turns why are you putting God to the test men's thoughts to the God who made by placing on the neck of the disciples him like that. God is glorified, when we a yoke that neither our ancestors nor bear much fruit and show ourselves to be we have been able to bear? On the disciples of Jesus. The greatest glory of contrary we believe that we will be the Christian life is that by our life and saved through the grace of the Lord conduct we can bring glory to God.The Jesus just as they will." ..... emphasis is love. Love begins with the Father and flows through the Son to the The Gospel Proclamation disciples. It depends on obedience. Jesus Even as the Father has loved me, provides us with a model of obedience. I also have loved you. Remain in my He has come to do the will of the one love. If you keep my commandments, who sent him. He keeps the Father’s you will remain in my love; even as word. He does the Father’s will so that I have kept my Father’s command- the world might know that he loves the ments, and remain in his love. I have Father. The Father loves Jesus because spoken these things to you, that my joy he lays down his life in obedience to may remain in you, and that your joy the Father’s command. Jesus promises may be made full.” to love the disciples if they obey his Prayerful Awareness commandments. Prayer Starter In the preceding verses Jesus, told us that the Father is the vinegrower, Jesus Lord we thank and praise You for is the vine and we are the branches. In loving us, help us to abide in Your the above verses Jesus tells us to remain love always and give us the grace to in his love. This suggests a steadfast be obedient to Your Will so that our joy relationship. To remain in Jesus’ love, may be complete in You. Amen

Acts:15/7-21 Psalm: 95/1-3, 10 (96/1-3, 10) John:15/9-11

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

zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrĂą' ud l< hq;= l=ulaÂąhs ug wK l< uekjZZ

Friday 24th May 2019 Acts: 15/22-31 Psalm: 56/8-12 (57/7-11) John:15/12-17 The First Proclamation Then the apostles and the elders, .... decided to choose men from among their members and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leaders among the brothers, with the following letter: "The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the believers of Gentile origin in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. Since we have heard that certain persons who have gone out from us, ... have said things to disturb you and have unsettled your minds, we have decided unanimously to choose representatives and send them to you, along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, who have risked their lives for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. ... The Gospel Proclamation This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing, but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another. Prayerful Awareness Being loved is the most powerful

motivation in the world. Our ability to love is often shaped by our experience of love. We usually love others as we have been loved. Some of the greatest statements about God's loving nature were written by a man who experienced God's love in a unique way. JOHN, Jesus' disciple, expressed his relationship to the SON OF GOD, by calling himself, "the disciple whom Jesus loved". Because of his own experience of Jesus' love was so STRONG and PERSONAL, John was sensitive to those words and actions of Jesus that illustrated how the ONE who is LOVE loved others. Jesus commands us to LOVE each other as Jesus loved us. Jesus loved us enough to give His life for us. We may not have to die for someone, but there are other ways to practice sacrificial love: Listening, helping, encouraging, giving, There are many who need this kind of love today. Let us give all the love we can and then try to give a little more. Because Jesus is Lord and Master, He should call us servants. Instead He calls us FRIENDS. How comforting and reassuring to be CHOSEN as Christ's friends. Because He is the Lord and Master, we owe Him our unqualified obedience, but most of all Jesus asks us to obey Him because we love Him. Jesus made the first choice - to love and to die for us, to invite us to live with Him forever. We made the next choice - to accept or reject His offer. Without HIS CHOICE, we would have no choice to make. Let not small problems get in the way of loving other believers. Jesus commands that we love them, and He will give us the strength to do it. Prayer Starter Lord You opened Your arms to everyone. Help us to do the same in Your power.

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

Saturday 25th May 2019 St. Bede the Venerable,St.Gregory VII, Pope Confessor,St.Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, Virgin Acts:16/1-10 Psalm:99/2,3,5 (100/1-3,5) John:15/18-21 St. Gregory VII He was the son of a humble carpenter of Tuscany (Italy). He became a Benedictine Monk, Cardinal sub-Deacon and administrator of the patrimony of St. Peter. He showed his genius for administration by securing the restitution of Church properties which had unduly sipped into the hands of the Normans and the Roman nobility. On the day after pope Alexander II died, he was, by spontaneous acclamation, elected successor and took the name Gregory VII. A man of austere sanctity, he now dedicated his entire genius and dynamism to a relentless purification of the Church in the matter of lay investiture, simony, and clerical incontinency. His much needed reforms survived. His heroic, daring reforms brought lasting fruit. He was canonized by Pope Paul V in 1606. The Gospel Proclamation If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world - therefore the world hates you. ... Prayerful Awareness Between the divine kingdom and the kingdom of this world - between the values of the Church and of the temporal - yes, there cannot be contacts and fellowship. "My kingdom does not belong to this world; if my kingdom belonged to this world, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish authorities. No, my kingdom does not belong here!" (John 18:36). "Unfaithful people! Don't you know

that to be the world's friend means to be God's enemy, Whoever wants to be the world's friend makes himself God's enemy." (John 4:4) Seven times during this discourse on the world, He used the word "hates" - a solemn witness to its persistence and enmity. The world loves the worldly, but to preserve its codes, practices and mental fashions, it must hate the unworldly or the divine. Let the apostles or any of His followers join sun cult or an Oriental sect; will they find themselves hated - No. That is because the world knows its own. Let them be one in Christ following rigorously His commandments; will they be hated - Yes, "Because I have singled you out of the midst of the world". For the moment, the apostles could not understand this hate; even after His resurrection they were unmolested and permitted to go back to their nets and boats. But once He ascended into heaven and sent His Holy Spirit, they would experience the full malignity of the world's hate." (Archbishop F.J.Sheen) Because the Christians insisted that they had no other king than Jesus Christ, they were persecuted. Christians who made Christ the Lord of their lives, ended up being persecuted. On looking at the history of the Church, it is clear that persecution was and is part and parcel of a Christian's life. "To share His life was to share His fate. The world would hate His followers, not because of evil in their lives, but precisely because of the absence of evil or rather their goodness. Goodness does not cause hatred, but it gives occasion for hatred to manifest itself. The holier and purer a life, the more it would attract malignity and hate. Mediocrity alone survives. Perfect innocence must be crucified in the world where there is still evil. As the deceased eye dreads the light, so an evil conscience dreads goodness which reproves it. Prayer Starter Guide us to take the risk to be different and be true Christians. Amen.

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

zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrĂą' ud l< hq;= l=ulaÂąhs ug wK l< uekjZZ

Sunday 26th May 2019 Acts: 15/1-2, 22-29 Psalm: 66/2-3,5-6,8 (67/1-2,4-5,7) Revelation:21/10-14. 22-23 John:14/23-29 Introduction Today we are entering the sixth Sunday of Easter, the season in which we celebrate the victory of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Just as much His resurrection has given a ray of hope to human life and the entire universe, has it been a piece of good news to my life as well? Holy Spirit gifted by the risen Lord, is for us to build up the body of Christ endowed with the varied charismas that brings us to unity. Just as the early Christian community under the guidance of the Holy Spirit ventured forth with correct decisions, let us also spend our capabilities, talents and charismas to build up the body of Christ in the present world as invited by the theme of the day. The First Proclamation Then certain individuals came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to discuss this question with the apostles and the elders. Then the apostles and the elders, with the consent of the whole church, decided to choose men from among their members and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. ...

Sixth Sunday of Easter PS Wk II For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to impose on you no further burden than these essentials: that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from blood and from what is strangled and from fornication. If you keep yourselves form these, you will do well. Prayerful Awareness People who experienced the Resurrection of Christ as good news joined the Church day by day. They abandoned their beliefs and other teachings and experienced the Lord Jesus Christ who suffered, died, and rose again as their Savior and Lord. The Gentiles thus come together received baptism and endowed with the gifts of the Spirit turned out to be Christians witnessing through their lifestyle in union with the community, the Mystical Body of Christ. With regard to the Gentiles thus gathered not being circumcised was a problematic issue and how the early Christian community ventured to solve this conflict was a pre-eminent example to the Church even at a later period. Here we come to see how surpassing personal ideas and opinions they opened themselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It should be acknowledged unarguably that the decision taken embodied the Church with accelerating speed not only encouraging the gentiles but also having a great impact on the progress of the Church. The Gospel Proclamation Jesus answered him, "Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.

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

I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, 'I am going away, and I am coming to you.' If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. Gaze at Jesus The harmony between the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit could be seen today through Holy Mother the Church. Similarly, it is the Holy Spirit who teaches us everything including how one should live accordingly as well as the method of taking the correct path facing challenges. The proclamation of Jesus Christ before leaving the world was "I give you peace". Here the word "Shalom" means welfare and fulfillment in life for man which means bestowing on the people every blessing connected with salvation gifted by the Father. Accordingly, let us listen to the Holy Spirit leaving aside tradition, rules and regulations or whatever that hinders experiencing the freedom of redemption through Christ in order to enjoy the good news of redemption inherited through the Son. The Second Proclamation And in the Spirit he carried me away to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. It has the glory of God and a radiance like a very rare jewel, like jasper, clear as crystal. It has a great, high wall with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates are inscribed the names of the

twelve tribes of the Israelites, on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city has twelve foundations, and on them are the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. having the glory of God â&#x20AC;Ś I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. â&#x20AC;Ś Prayerful Awareness The heavenly Jerusalem or the people of Christ that could be seen at the end times are picturesquely depicted in relation to the people of Old and New Testaments. Here it means the entire people of God. This proclamation of the book of revelation unfolds not a particular place where man encounters God but of a temple emerging through the relationship between God and man. Shining forth of this would be a result of the spiritual experience involved. Our son-ship The aim of our Lord Jesus was not producing another organization or an institution consisting of authority, power and various rituals and strategies but a dominion under which people submit themselves to the reign and authority of the Father from now itself on earth. Have I entered into a life journey of experiencing the reign of God? Whatever circumstances I live in or whatever experience I am faced with do I experience the reign of God within my life, in my family and community? Do I experience the Holy Spirit as my guide, my comforter and my only teacher? Prayer Starter God our loving Father, I implore You to pass me over to a life journey of opening myself to the guidance of the Holy Spirit to experience the divine son-ship bestowed on me through the life sacrifice of Your Son.

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

zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrĂą' ud l< hq;= l=ulaÂąhs ug wK l< uekjZZ

Monday 27th May 2019

St. Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop

Acts:16/11-15 Psalm:149/1-6, 9 (149/1-6,9) John:15/26-16/4 The First Proclamation Sailing from Troas we made a straight run ... for Philippi... After a few days in this city we went outside the gates beside a river as it was the Sabbath and this was a customary place for prayer. We sat down and preached to the women who had come to the meeting. One of these women was called Lydia, a woman from the town of Thyatira who was in the purple-dye trade, and who revered God. She listened to us, and the Lord opened her heart to accept what Paul was saying. After she and her household had been baptised she kept urging us, 'If you judge me a true believer in the Lord,' she said, 'come and stay with us.' And she would take no refusal. When the Paraclete comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who issues from the Father, he will be my witness. And you too will be witnesses... I have told you all this so that you may not fall away. They will expel you...they have never known either the Father or me. But I have told you all this, so that when the time for it comes you may remember that I told you. Fix your gaze on Jesus Thank You Abba Father for coming through to me, by Your blessed Son and His witnesses....I am truly blessed! Unmerited grace......could we ever be grateful enough? Let's look at the Lady Lydia. She searches for peace, for solace in prayer and in unity with the other; the others

who gather there-for, are so diverse and interesting, and their experiences becomes valued lessons in life for her. Some experiences at first hearing may have appeared to be dull or atrocious, but on closer examination contained aspects that vivifies life in its diversity and glory. She enjoys being of service to the community at large earning her keep in the purple-dye trade. She knows that her contributions go some way to make life taste better for her fellow travellers, and the fruit of her labour keeps body and soul together for the duration of this learning expedition. That day she meets up with this person in flowing robes with a bushy moustache and flaming red hair at the prayer place. Called Paul of Tarsus, he was a very gifted orator. Paul's discourse makes her life so much of a gift; she's astounded that the Creator God deigned to think of her as a person chosen uniquely from amongst the uncountable others; and that her name was written indelibly up in his palm; this was incredible! That God wanted to come closer to her and therefore became man, and then gave up his life to the last drop of blood to prove his love for her, to save her from incompleteness, and feelings of want, loneliness, unworthiness, misery and sin! That we're furthermore granted a Paraclete, the complete Whole Holy Spirit of God, who will stay within, constantly being witness to the God and the Son who resides within, loving and making her complete, together with All That Is, totally worthy and joyful! Is this not Good News indeed! Let's enter in to this good news more. She decides to take Paul home; spend more time with him in listening to the Good News! Would not take NO for an answer! Prayer Starter Thank You Lord for the Good News....I shall take the time to taste the Good News daily...

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

Tuesday 28th May 2019 Acts:16/22-34 Psalm:137/1-3, 7-8 (138/1-3, 7-8) John:16/5-11 Gospel Proclamation “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: .... Prayerful Awareness Starting from the Judean to the contemporary society which is multi religious and ethnic the interpretations about societal values and about sin and judgement vary. Repentance through Jesus is a unique experience to Christians based on the two commandments Jesus gave, love your God and love your neighbor as yourself. Therefore, repentance is continuous growth until we become a vessel of love. The Holy Spirit is given to us as the helper, Counselor and as the Advocate who pleads before God and guide us to a word according to God’s purpose and Will. Gaze at Jesus Romans 8:1-2 say, “there is no condemnation now for those who live in union with Christ Jesus. For the law of the spirit, which brings us life in union with Christ Jesus, has set me free from the law of sin and death”.

Our sonship For us to experience this state of grace, Jesus han to take our condemnation on the cross and in His Resurrection has become the universal Christ who is not confined to one geographic location nor a time. Prayer Starter Kithudana Pubuduw community is led to prayer and awakening to this profound experience of the Holy Spirit through the fivefold awareness. To experience it, let us first find a time and a place devoid of distractions. Close our eyes, let us become aware of the breadth inhale and exhale and as we experience meditative breathing, let us become aware of our thoughts that interfere our contemplative breathing. It becomes a dual awareness process when you can become aware of your breathing pattern the thoughts that come to you at that moment. In the dual awareness process, you also become of the Holy Spirit in you as you read the scripture verse meditatively from John 14: 16-17. Listen to the Holy Spirit in you and now you also can listen to other sound/s around you and become aware of the Holy Spirit active around you. While you continue in meditative breathing becoming aware of the Holy Spirit in you and your thoughts, there will be a word of guidance, consolation or encouragement or a prophesy from the Holy Spirit. This is a contemplative moment of listing to the word that the Holy Spirit gives you or you can also read the word of the day from the scripture and allow the Holy Spirit to help you claim a word from the scripture which will guide, counsel you or lead you to repent. Lord we uphold the reader today to make a change in their personal prayers practice to experience Your Holy Spirit. Lord, refine and enlighten their Christian life.

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

zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrñ' ud l< hq;= l=ula±hs ug wK l< uekjZZ

Wednesday 29th May 2019 Acts: 17/15, 22-18/1 Psalm:148/1-2,11-14 John: 16/12-15 The First Proclamation ... Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, "Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, 'To an unnown god.' What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. ....... The Gospel Proclamation "I have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of Truth has come, he will lead you into all the truth. For he will not speak on his own authority and out of his own knowledge, but he will speak all that he will hear, and he will tell you of the things to come. He will glorify me, for he will take of the things which belong to me, and will tell you of them. All things that the Father has are mine. That is why I said that the Spirit will take of the things which belong to me, and tell them to you." Prayerful Awareness Jesus knew His disciples. He had pointed to the cross, but the disciples have not been able to understand. They expected a warrior-king, and not a suffering servant. Jesus knows they are weak, and in His concern for them He

does not burden them but leaves them to a time when the Holy Spirit will be present with the disciples to guide and strengthen them. This Spirit of Truth/ Holy Spirit will not lead us wrongly, but will show us the right pathway. The path might be narrow and rough, but the Spirit will help us to walk with confidence. Spirit of truth will give us wisdom and will not lead us into foolishness and will be with us in our very darkest night. The Holy Spirit will not speak his own words, but will speak “whatever he hears.” There is a direct line from the Father through the Son and the Spirit to the disciples. Every word of Jesus and the Spirit is rooted in the truth of the Father. Throughout the writings of Paul and other disciples we can see how they were guided by the Spirit to reveal the truth to the world and the work of the Holy Spirit can be seen all around us and in our lives. In every new circumstance, the same faithful Spirit guides us to re-learn old, faithful truths and to apply those old truths in new and faithful ways. The role of the Son is to glorify the Father. The role of the Spirit is to glorify the Son. We, his disciples should wait to be directed by the Holy Spirit and not play God in our hastiness. Otherwise we will not understand, we will grope in the dark and stumble and fall and bring upon us disaster. In any difficult situation we should “be still” and wait upon the Lord and know He is able, He is the Lord Almighty, He is our Abba who loves us. Prayer Holy Spirit, grant us the wisdom to be still and know in our times of trial, and when the world is closing around us and we don’t have a place to hide, that our Lord is already in control of the situation and knows what to do. Grant us the grace to let go and let Him handle the matter bothering us, because He knows best. Amen

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

Thursday 30th May 2019 Acts:18/1-8 Psalm:97/1-4 (98/1-4) John:16/16-20 The Gospel Proclamation "A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while and you will see me." Then some of his disciples said to one another "What does he mean by saying to us, 'A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me'; and 'Because I am going to the Father'? They said, "What does he mean by this 'a little while'? We do not know what he is talking about." Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them "Are you discussing among yourselves what I meant when I said, 'A little while, and you will no longer see me and again a little while, and you will see me'? Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy. Prayerful Awareness Jesus was talking about not being seen for a little while, and then of being seen again after a little while. Although Jesus was addressing His death and resurrection to His disciples, there is a duality to His words as He does not tell of not 'being there' for a little while but only of not being 'seen'. There is not a second of the entire span of the Universe that Jesus is ever absent, although we question God about where He is amidst our troubles. During times of distress, we do not see God for a little while. Not that He is ever absent in our lives but we in our limited understanding of God, do not see Him. If you do

'accept' that He is absent amidst problems, you unknowingly commit a sin of reducing the mysterious, almighty and ever loving Father to one that leaves His children to suffer at the hands of worldly problems. Jesus's words attest to the impossibility of the Father EVER abandoning us. As creations of God, as a part of the mystical Body of Christ, we too go through death and resurrection not only physically in the future but also emotionally and spiritually at present. When we experience 'death' at the hands of everyday sorrows, we fail to see the presence of God. Not until we resurrect from our problems by completely surrendering ourselves through our faith in Him, that we are able to experience the presence of God in full force. As it says, distance makes the heart grow fonder, the short moments you feel as if He is absent in your life are what actually put your faith into test and cement your faith. At the same time we should never dwell on the 'distance' so much that we lose our faith altogether but we should keep ourselves vulnerably open to whatever He is going to do with our lives. We must recognize such moments as those that prepare you for a closer encounter with God. It is a process of forming a relationship Satan can only dream of tearing apart. Prayer Starter The Lord is king! Let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! Clouds and thick darkness are all around him, righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Fire goes before him, and consumes his adversaries on every side. His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees and trembles. (Ps.97/1-4)

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

zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrĂą' ud l< hq;= l=ulaÂąhs ug wK l< uekjZZ

Friday 31st May 2019

Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Zephania:3/14-18 OR Romans:12/9-16 Psalm: Is. 12/2-6 Luke:1/39-56 Concluding the Marian Month today, we celebrate the feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Gospel Proclamation In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? ... And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord." ........... Prayerful Awareness Today the Gospel proclamation presents to us two experiences which two great women of the heavenly earth have experienced. The first person is the mother of John the Baptist, Elizabeth, who under the impulse of the Holy Spirit was the first in the history of the church, to proclaim the marvels that God has brought about in the little girl from Nazareth and sees it fully realized in Mary - the bliss of faith. Because she has believed there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord. (Luke 1:45). Not only is she

a tower of faith, another attribute of the inner life of the Blessed Virgin, our heavenly Mother is her attitude of humble service and great love for those in need. This inner attitude of our Blessed Mother brought about the meeting of the forerunner and the Messiah. This occasion made John the Baptist to leap with joy when still in his mother's womb. "Joyful in hope" - the atmosphere that pervades the evangelical episode of the visitation is joy. The mystery of the visitation is a mystery of Joy. John the Baptist exults with joy in the womb of his mother, and she rejoicing in the gift of motherhood, bursts out into blessings of the Lord; Mary our blessed Virgin, pours forth the Magnificat, a hymn overflowing with Messianic joy. In the letter of Romans, we realise that there emerges from it an effective image of the behaviour of the Blessed Virgin, for our edification; her charity knew no insincerity; she loved others deeply, fervent in spirit, she served the Lord, joyful in hope; strong in tribulation, persevering in prayer; solicitor for the needs of others (Romans 12:9-13). Our sonship The month of May cannot end; it must continue in our lives, because veneration, love, devotion to Our Lady cannot disappear from our hearts. On the contrary, it must grow and be expressed in a testimony of Christian life, modeled on the example of Mary, the Mother of God. Prayer Starter Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; Make known his deeds among the nations; proclaim that his name is exalted. (Isaiah 12:4)

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

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