Walk in the Spirit July 2019

WALK IN THE SPIRIT July 2019 Volume 07 Issue 16

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

ISSN 1391-5967

Publication: Fr. Siri Oscar Abayaratne Kithu Dana Pubuduwa

SHARING ON PRAYER July 2019 He became Sin without committing sin.

(2 Corinthians 5/21)

Isn’t this revealed word that allows us a glimpse into the inner experience of Jesus as Son of Man-sinless Man. Therefore not sinful but harrowed by sinfulness. Therefore crying out to God to be saved. (Hebrews 5/7) I experienced sinfulness because of sin, personal sin and other weaknesses due to generational, social, and structural sin. I cannot do better than Jesus’ cry out for salvation. In the longing for salvation, I found the key to salvation.

It makes me dependent on Him; makes me cling on to Him. He becomes my Father and Mother.

Fr. Siri Oscar Abayaratne

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Monday 1st July 2019 for the redemption of mankind through

Genesis:18/16-33 Himself paying the price for mankind's Psalm: 102/1-4,8-11 collective sin by offering His life in sacri(103/1-4,8-11) fice in the form of the Second Personage in the Holy Trinity, His Only Begotten Mathew:8/18-22 Son, the Word, Our Lord Jesus Christ, Let us read today's Proclamations meditatively where the common theme is the super abundant mercy, Almighty God, our Abba Father/Mother has shown and continues to show us throughout human history. We know that Almighty God created the Universe for the purpose of sharing the Love relationship, the Creative Force (Father) has with the Son (Word).Let us read today’s Proclamations meditatively where the common theme is the super abundant mercy Almighty God, our Abba Father/ Mother has shown and continues to show us throughout human history. We know that Almighty God created the Universe/s for the purpose of sharing the Love relationship the Creative Force (Father) has with the Son (Word) The constant flow of giving and receiving Love between the Father and the Son manifests as a binding force of Love, i.e. the Holy Spirit, thus completing the Holy Trinity. God created the most precious creation, MAN to be on equal terms with Him as an extension of Himself, as part of a God Family and gave man the ability to procreate, to enlarge the Family! The physical Creation must operate on a set of rules for its sustenance, i.e, Universal, Sacrificial, Humble/Serving and constant Unconditional Love, which we observe in nature, everything being cyclically inter-connected. Physical creation is a testing ground for a more wonderful and eternal reality to be unfolded in due time.

Our first parents gave up God's family status when they willingly chose to disobey God by being misled by Satan the Devil who sowed a different set of rules steeped in selfishness and we now pay the price in terms of disease, destruction, decay and death. But our merciful Abba Father had a plan from the beginning

whereby divine Sonship is now restored to whosoever willingly submits his life to God and receives the Holy Spirit to be a constant guide to discern to do God's Will. IT is not an easy life, as we see in today's Gospel Proclamation thus: "...

And a certain scribe came and said to him, "Master, I will follow thee wherever, whithersoever thou shalt go. And Jesus said to him,"The foxes have holes and the birds of the air nests, but the Son of Man hath nowhere to lay his head&quot;.

And another of his disciples said to him, "Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father." But Jesus said to him, "Follow me and let the dead bury their dead."

What the Lord says here is that unless we receive and claim the power of the Holy Spirit, in our lives we are as good as dead and hence let the dead bury their dead. We have seen this many times over in the lives of people considered to have achieved the pinnacle of success and fame. All this outward glory disappears like the dew at some point in their lives when they realise all they have achieved is meaningless, empty, and then they become enveloped by such desolation and loneliness that they are driven to destroy their lives. What the disciple means when he says "Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father"; is a plea to allow him first to attend to his worldly duties and decide to make the move later, like most of us would want are wont to do! But the Lord says (Mt.6:33): ‘Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and everything else will be added on to you!’ and one will then find a life of fulfillment, in this life and hereafter!

Song of Praise

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and let all that is within me bless his holy name.

(Ps.103/1,..)

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Tuesday 2nd July 2019 Feast of Sts. Processus & Martinian, Martyrs Genesis:19/15-29 Psalm:25/2-3,9-12 (26/2-3,9-12) Mathew:8/23-27 Sts. Processus & Martinian The veneration of these martyrs by the Christians of Rome goes beyond the fourth century. But about their life and passions nothing much has come down to us. However, according to Roman martyrology, they were wardens of the Memtime prison and were converted along with 40 others by the teachings of Sts. Peter and Paul while they were imprisoned. The wardens offered the apostles their liberty. It is said that a sudden flow of water miraculously sprang into being in the prison, thus enabling Peter to baptize them. Paulinus, the officer in charge, tried his best to get Processus and Martinian to denounce Christianity.

Then, they were subjected to torture and scourging; the only words that came out of their mouths were, "Blessed be the name of the Lord." Finally they were slain by the sword. In the course of time many miracles and healings took place drawing great crowds. In the fourth century, a basilica was built over their tomb.

Gospel Proclamation

And when he got into the boat his disciples followed him. A wind storm arose on the sea, ... so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. ... "Lord, save us!

We are perishing!" And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, you of little faith?"Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a dead calm. They were amazed, saying, "What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?"

Prayerful Awareness

over 600 feet below the sea level, and the surrounding areas made of gullies and valleys act like a funnel. The wind rushes down the lake with suddenness and violence. So the calm experienced one moment can be a severe storm the next. Is this just an isolated incident that happened during Jesus'; life time. If so, it would have little to do with us. Why doesn't He repeat it now-a-days? Why doesn't He intervene when the forces of nature devastate both property and lives?

These may be problems for some of us, heartbreaking ones. The core meaning of this incident is a greater one. It is not just that Jesus stopped or becalmed a storm but that the storms of life become a calm where He is or with His words or His touch. When the events take a turn for the worst, the solution or redress is in the presence of Jesus. When doubt in all its severity, engulf us and foundations of faith are shaken, it is in the presence of Jesus we find the oasis. Whatever the storm that shakes the human heart, peace is found in Him alone. There is this nice experience of a school teacher in a remote village. The teacher had just finished telling the children this story, of stilling the tempest in the Sea of Galilee

by Jesus. Shortly afterwards there came a terrible storm and the school was closed.

The teacher had to drag the children to safety. They were in real danger. In the midst of all these, the teacher heard a little boy say as if to himself, "We could be doing with that chap Jesus here right now." The teacher must have been extremely happy as his pupil had got it right. When the very foundations of our lives are shaken, Jesus is there to help and guide us. In His presence storms of life turn to the peace that no storm or storms can take away.

Prayer Starter

Help us anchor all our hopes in You alone, O Lord! Amen.

The location of the Sea of Galilee,

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Wednesday 3rd July 2019

St. Thomas, Apostle

since the Big Bang, 14.7 billion years ago.

Ephesians:2/19-22 Psalm:116/1,2 You have to recognize this momentous truth as already and always so. But big (117/1,2) truth can only be understood through a John:20/24-29 process of growth, starting off on small

The First Proclamation Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone ; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Fix your gaze on Jesus Thank You Lord for Your enlightening Word! Help us discern the meaning there-of ....

Bodies; Systems; Cities; Buildings; Groups making up a whole; Components, incomplete by themselves, but complete and whole together; Synergy: we use words, languages to articulate the concept in many ways. Foundational issue is that we (who believe / see / experience ourselves as separated) are nevertheless all together in this creation of the Lord, inter-related, not divisible, finding our selves truly only in relationship to each other. This is an aspect of our divine creator, imparted us! S/He would but create us only in accord to s/ his image and likeness! The whole of this creation mirrors the Creator.

As such, we are already One with God, and NOT separated as we believe / interpret our experience to be. Spirit and Matter are not separate; As Fr. Rohr says, ‘You don’t have to put spirit and matter together; they have been together ever

and specific stages. The Eucharist offers a microcosmic moment of what is cosmically true. It will surely take a lifetime of kneeling and surrendering, trusting and letting go, believing and saying, “How could this be true?”’ Even Gandhi said, “If I really believed what you believe, I wouldn't get up from my knees.”

Today we celebrate St. Thomas the Apostle, who at first lacking understanding, limited his possibilities to what was touchable through the primary five senses. Jesus, who is comfortable with his simultaneous material / spirit being, invites Thomas to that higher plane of being where through faith you are conscious of our immaterial state of being too! We on the other-hand, were born in to this paradigm, though might not yet consciously be so. Now, enter in to this higher plane of being! You are one of the family; a servant, and a child in God’s house. God dwells in all believers now; they become the temple of God through the working of the blessed Spirit. Let us then ask if our hopes are fixated on Christ, according to the doctrine of his word?

Have we devoted ourselves as holy temples to God through him? Are we habitations of God by the Spirit, are we spiritually–minded, and do we bring forth the fruits of the Spirit? Let us take heed not to grieve the holy Comforter. Let us desire his gracious presence, and his influences upon our hearts. Let us seek to discharge the duties allotted to us, to the glory of God. Prayer Starter One with the Creator! I am now in Him, S/He in me, receiving and returning/ reflecting His Love, overflowing with His mercy, justice, graciousness ......O Abba, O Amma...

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Thursday 4th July 2019 Genesis:22/1-19 Psalm:114/1-6, 8-9 (115/1-6, 8-9) Mathew:9/1-8

The First Proclamation After these things God tested Abraham. ... "Take your son, your only son Isaac, ... and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering ..." So Abraham ... took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac ... and set out and went to the place ... that God had shown him. ... Isaac said to his father Abraham "Father!" And he said, "Here I am, my son." He said, "The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?"Abraham said, "God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son." ....

The Gospel Proclamation

.... And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son, your sins are forgiven."Then some of the scribes said ... "This man is blaspheming." But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Stand up and walk'? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"he then said to the paralytic - "Stand up, take your bed and go to your home." And he stood up and went to his home. ....

Prayerful Awareness

In the 22nd chapter of Genesis is one of the most famous stories in the Bible, the story of Abraham offering up Isaac.

And it is a remarkable foreshadowing in

St. Elizabeth of Portugal the Old Testament of the work of Christ in the New. It seems to us that no one watching old Abraham binding his dear son to the altar and his heart breaking within him, can miss the parallel with God sending His own Son to Calvary's mountain centuries later.

As we study the life of Abraham, we could see how God has written this man's story in such a way that he is a "sample man of faith, that is, the pilgrim's progress of the Old Testament and all the incidents recorded in Abraham's life form clear pictures for us of what occurs in our life of faith. Therein we learn some instructive lessons.

In the Gospel proclamation, we read that some men brought a paralyzed man lying on a mat to Jesus. If we were faced with this scene, we would say that his main problem is that he is unable to walk. But for Jesus this is not the primary issue. Instead, we read "when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, 'Take heart, son, your sins are forgiven'.

It was the man's spiritual needs, rather than his physical needs that mattered the most. Being put back into a right relationship with God, through the forgiveness of sins, mattered more to Jesus than his inability to walk. But to prove that Jesus has the power to forgive sins, he also said to the man &quot;Get up, take your mat and go home.&quot; Then the man got up and went home.

When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe and praised God. Like this paralyzed man, what we need more than anything else is to be put back into a right relationship with God through the forgiveness of our sins and that matters more than anything else.

Prayer Starter

Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turns the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a spring of water.

(Ps.114/7,8)

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Friday 5th July 2019 Genesis:23/1-4, 19; 24/1-8,62-67 Psalm: 105/1-5

(106/1-5) Mathew:9/9-13

St. Anthony Zaccaria, Priest he heard this, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means. 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice'; For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners."

Gaze on Jesus

Sara lived one hundred twenty-seven years, this was the length of Sarah's life. And Sarah died at Kiriatharba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan; and Abraham went in to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her. Abraham rose up from beside his dead, and said to the Hittites, "I am a stranger and an alien residing among you, give me property among you for a burying place, so that I may bury my dead out of my sight."The Hittites answered Abraham, "Hear us, my lord, you are a mighty prince among us. Bury your dead in the choicest of our burial places; none of us will withhold from you any burial ground for burying your dead."Abraham rose and bowed to the Hitites, the people of the land. He said to them "If you are willing that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me ...

The Gospel Proclamation

The Spirit of God prompts Jesus. He acts accordingly. As we gaze at Jesus one thing is very clear. He is absolutely certain of His mission; He has come to redeem sinners. When questioned by the Pharisees, Jesus paraphrases Hosea 6/6, "Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice';. For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

These transformed sinners acknowledged their sinfulness publicly and took no credit for their ministry as they were fully aware that it was the Lord in and through the Holy Spirit who was animating them. For example Paul writing to Timothy states, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.

And I am the foremost of sinners. (1 Timothy 1/15).

Saul the self righteous Pharisee has by the grace of Jesus, become aware of his real state. Thereafter !!!

Levi the sinner has become the Evangelist Mathew. He really understood and preached God's mercy.

Our Sonship

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him.

And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples,"Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"But when

Am I aware that I am a sinner? Do I proclaim that I am a redeemed sinner?

If so, am I aware that I am a temple of the Holy Spirit? If so, do I strive to be at the centre of God's Will?

Prayer Starter Thank You Jesus for redeeming me.

Animate me Lord the Holy Spirit that I am continually aware of the Father's Will for me and thus consciously move, live and have my being in the Holy Trinity.

The First Proclamation

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Saturday 6th July 2019

St. Maria Goretti, Virgin & Martyr

Genesis:27/1-5,15-29 Psalm:134/1-6 (135/1-6) Mathew:9/14-17

Gospel Proclamation Then the disciples of John came to him, saying "Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?" And Jesus said to them, "The wedding guests cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one sews a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak, for the patch pulls away from the cloak and a worse tear is made. Neither is new wine put into old wineskins, otherwise the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed, but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved."

Prayerful Awareness Fasting is carried out by people mainly for religious purposes as a way of making penance and attaining conversion, mainly by cutting down meals or by not eating meat or some food they would desire to take.

Some people fast for health purposes for an operation or to reduce weight.

Fasting could also be used as a method to control desires or to get rid of bad habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol etc. It helps a person to get detached from desires of the world or desires of flesh. This will help them to develop their minds to control emotions not to get angry, and be humble and patient.

Fasting can also be a form of identification with the poor who may be forced to fast throughout the year in many ways.

There are also those who fast in order to protest. Even though fasting and abstinence are no longer observed today in a big way, basic objective of this practice continues to remain unchanged among Christians to participate in the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus. Surrender one’s life in order to be able to possess it in God. Jesus also fasted for 40 days prior to commencing work on His Public Ministry. But Jesus did not insist His disciples to fast. He leaves them free. For this reason, the disciples of John the Baptist and of the Pharisees, who were obliged to fast, want to know why Jesus does not insist on fasting.

Jesus said during a wedding feast, when the bridegroom is with the friends it is not necessary for them to fast. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.

Thereafter Jesus speaks in parables to show the unsuitability of attempting to combine the old and the new. To show that Jesus’ teachings is not a patching upof Judaism, nor can the Gospel be contained within the limits of Mosaic Law. The new Law surpasses the old. As Christians we are called to abide and live by the Teachings of Jesus Christ with Love and bring Glory to God. First Reading is on how Jacob the second son of Isaac, with the help and guidance of his mother Rebecca fooled his father to steal the Blessing which Isaac intended to give to his elderly son Esau. We see this as something we cannot understand where God allows the Blessing to be taken by Jacob, to be blessed as “May God give to you of the dew of the heavens and of the fertility of earth abundance of grain and wine”.

Prayer Starter Lord Jesus, guide me to bring glory to God the Father for His great love and the salvation provided to us through Your Passion and Death and Resurrection as a result of this great love, Amen .

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Sunday 7th July 2019 PS Wk II

Isaiah:66/10-14 Psalm:65/1-7,16,20 (66/1-7,16-20) Galatians:6/14-18 Luke:10/1-12,17-20

Introduction One who submits himself to the dominion and authority of God will always be subjected to his mercy and protection.

At the same time, Lord God the creator of the universe is constantly in search of persons to act on his behalf. Therefore when a man receives the power and the breath of God, it is God himself who works through him or her. What the disciples who were with the Lord, the seventy two and the community of hundred and twenty two gathered in the upper room experienced was this power of God. Just as in the past even today God is in search of people to act on his behalf.

Thus through the person who allows access to God or rather who is at his disposal God will definitely work out his plan.

The First Proclamation Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice with her in joy, all you who mourn over her; that you may nurse and be satisfied from her consoling breasts; that you many drink deeply with delight from her glorious bosom. … and you shall nurse and be carried on her arm, and dandled on her knees.

As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem Prayerful Awareness In God we come to see the image of

a father as well as of a mother. For the compassion of God the Hebrews used the same word that they used for the womb 'Rachamim'. The womb is where a human being is sustained and borne.

Similarly the womb that a man could experience deep security and receive life feeds the child with the nourishment required, makes him grow and will eventually give him birth. As Christians we are mostly familiar with the paternal love of God. Yet, as stated in the first proclamation, how much do we experience the maternal love of God? How much do we enjoy his/her comfort, nourishment, the experience of an infant being dandles upon a mother's knees? Let us meditate.

From the Gospel Proclamation …"The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves.

Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, "Peace to this house!' And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, "The kingdom of God has come near to you."; But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, 'Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this; the kingdom of God has come near.' I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Prayerful Awareness The seventy two are sent forth as another step in preparing the way for the mission of Jesus.

They are sent in twos which denotes mutual corporation and bearing witness to the truth.

Harvest here is the people of God destined to be called into the Kingdom of God. God the Father the Lord of the harvest is always in great concern for the progress in the reaping of the harvest.

Lord Jesus was well aware that this task involves both highly dangerous and painful experiences.

The Second Proclamation May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

For neither circumcision, nor uncircumcision is anything, but a new creation is everything! As for those who will follow this rule - peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. From now on, let no one make trouble for me, for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.

Prayerful Awareness St. Paul who inherited the participation in suffering for the gospel constantly, experienced the paternal and maternal love of the Father. Therefore, different persecutions as well as trials, tribulations and attacks from people when engaged in mission, neither discouraged him nor made him reluctant.

Every physical and mental pain and suffering he was faced with was a sign of entering into the pain and suffering of Christ on the cross in body and mind.

Our sonship Along with the Pentecostal celebrations held last month we stepped on

to a new year of the Spirit. Our theme for the New Year is Abba Father, Abba Mother. How much do we enjoy this theme in our life experiences and in our mission? How much do I enjoy the security and deep protection of the Father and the warmth and love of a Mother shown to us?

A life experience: In the recent past we set off for a new area in the middle of the night in preparation for the mission of St. Joseph Vaz and reached the appointed place by bus only around 10.00 in the morning.

Since those who invited weren't there most unexpectedly we had to stay in a church till 3.00 p.m. Further on we were forced into a situation of depending on the providence of God since we were neither familiar with the place nor knew anybody of the area. Very strangely, a mother who happened to come that way offered us a scanty meal for lunch.

When we made our return journey after offering the gift of the gospel we had freely received to all gathered there, we were brimming with joy.

Do we experience the security and nourishment bestowed on us by the Father when engaged in mission?

How ready are we to accomplish whatever task entrusted to us by the Lord for the sake of the Kingdom?

For this purpose how much do I keep my hope in the paternal and maternal love of the Father?

God, Our Father, grace us with power and guidance to walk gazing at the cross of Your Son, when confronted with obstacle, persecution and harassment, not to succumb to self pity or self glory but enjoying Your deep protection.

Prayer Starter Praise is due to You, O God, in Zion, and to You shall vows be performed, O You who answer prayer! To You all flesh shall come. When deeds of iniquity overwhelm us, You forgive our transgressions.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Monday 8th July 2019 Genesis:28/10-22 Psalm: 90/1-4,14-15 (91/1-4,14-15) Mathew:9/18-26 The Gospel Proclamation While he was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, "My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live." And Jesus got up and followed him, ... Then suddenly a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years .... "If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well." Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter, your faith has made you well." And instantly the woman was made well. .... "Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping." ...., he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. And the report of this spread throughout that district.

Prayerful Awareness Let us read today’s Proclamations meditatively, where the central theme is the importance of persevering in faith in order to receive God’s grace.

In the First Proclamation we see Jacob always alert to experience God’s paternal and maternal Love in his life and the environment in which he lived, on a moment to moment basis, as the Lord continued to pour forth on him the blessings He had bestowed on Jacob’s grandfather, Abraham, the Father of faith, and Jacob’s father, Isaac. ‘.…And when he was come to a certain place, and would rest in it after sunset, he took of the stones that lay there, and putting under his head, slept in the same place. And he saw in his sleep a ladder standing upon the earth, and the top thereof touching heaven: the angels, also of God, ascend-

ing and descending by it; And the Lord leaning upon the ladder, saying to him: I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac; the land, wherein thou sleepest, I will give to thee and to thy seed. And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth: thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and IN THEE and thy seed all the tribes of the earth SHALL BE BLESSED. And I will be thy keeper wherever thou goest, and will bring thee back into this land: neither will I leave thee, till I shall have accomplished all that I have said. And when Jacob woke out of sleep, he said: ….. this is no other but the house of God, and the gate of heaven.’ We know that the parts of the above passage highlighted in italics refers to the promise of our Lord Jesus Christ who opened the gate of heaven for all the tribes of the earth! Let us therefore meditate and learn also from the salient features in today’s Gospel Proclamation (see also Mark:5/21-43): - Faith and humility shown by Jairus, President of the Synagogue, to fall at Jesus’ feet and adore Him! Jairus’ faith and humility would have struck Jesus, and He was filled with love and compassion for Jairus and his situation, and immediately set out with him.

- Praiseworthy faith shown by the woman who was instantly healed of a persistent hemorrhage, demonstrating also the importance of claiming healing in faith.

- The lack of faith of the masses, onlookers - Jesus took only those who had faith into the inner chamber because lack of faith can be a hindrance to the process of healing!

Prayer Starter Lord, help us to shape our lives in the light of the examples given in today’s Proclamations! Amen! Alleluia! Praise the Lord!

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Tuesday 9th July 2019 Feast of Sts.Nicholas Pieck & Companions, Gorkum Martyrs his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, Genesis:32/22-32 but the laborers are few, therefore ask Psalm:16/1-3,6-7,8,15 the Lord of the harvest to send out (104/1,24,29-31.34 labourers into his harvest."

Mathew:9/32-38 Prayerful Awareness

St. Nicholas Pieck & Companions Of the 19 priests and religious who were hanged on account of their faith by Calvinists in Gorkum, Holland, the martyrology indicates that 12 were hanged specifically because of their belief in the Eucharist and the primacy of the Pope. They were Nicholas Pieck, Jerome Weerden, Leonard Vichel, Nicholas Janssen, Godfrey Van Duynen, John Van Oosterwy, John, Adrian, James, Andrew Anthony (90 years) and Nicasius. After their death, their bodies were cast into 2 ditches where they lay till 1616 when, during a truce between Spain and the United Provinces, they were taken to the Franciscan church in Brussels, Belgium.

They were canonized on 29th June 1867

by Pope Pius IX. Gospel Proclamation After they had gone away, a demoniac who was mute was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the one who had been mute spoke; and the crowds were amazed and said, "Never has anything like this been seen in Israel." But the Pharisees said, "By the ruler of the demons he casts out the demons." Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness.

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to

Can a person harbor an attitude of neutrality towards Jesus. It is impossible. Here we see the picture of two reactions to Jesus. Amazed wonder - yes, that was the attitude of the crowds and that of the Pharisees, was hatred. The crowds, mostly of the ordinary people, saw that in Jesus their need could be satiated and that, in an astonishing way. Though the Pharisees did not deny Jesus' wondrous powers, they attributed His power as one coming from the evil one. From the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, certain Pharisees and partisans of Herod together with priests and scribes agreed together to destroy Him. The Pharisees were satisfied with the way they lived and imposed rules and regulations on ordinary people.

Not a single word could be added or deleted from the Law. Something new was looked on with disdain. As they hated the prophets, they hated Jesus too.

Change was something foreign to them.

No wonder they hated Him and labeled Him a traitor. They hated anyone who wanted to change them. The gateway to the Kingdom of God is repentance. See, admit and change erroneous ways - that is what repentance is. It is in Christ alone we can find life, life to the full. Want a real change - then surrender to Him unconditionally. The Pharisees could not see in Jesus the truth and the power of God as they were prejudiced to see. They were really blinded by their own deeds.

Jesus wants us to change our old habits and put on the new garment tailor-made for each and everyone.

Prayer Starter Help us to take Your word to others by our own lives. Amen.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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

Wednesday 10th July 2019 Genesis:41/55-57; 42/5-7,17-24 Psalm:32/2-3,10-11, 18-19 (33/2-3,10,11,18,19) Mathew:10/1-7 The First Proclamation And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do. And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt. And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.....And the sons of Israel came to buy corn among those that came: for the famine was in the land of Canaan. And Joseph was the governor over the land....and Joseph’s brethren came, and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth. And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them...

But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so....

And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us..

Fix your gaze on Jesus

tation thereof; help us to follow You; You were totally focused on bringing about the Kingdom of the Father; and even the direst of physical and mental agony and bodily death could not stop You! Really truly Awesome! Alleluia Master...!

Joseph, the best loved son of Jacob chose not to focus on his misery; rather he chose even in facing the most straitened of circumstances to focus on serving his brethren; to love and to be grateful of what blessings he had. He did not bemoan his colourful coat torn off his shoulders by his brothers, nor miserable about not being with his loving father Jacob. Living in the moment, responding beautifully and lovingly to what the Almighty brought before him, his loving service orientation brought him to the attention of the Powers-That-Be in the alien land he found himself in. Potiphar found him useful and highly beneficial; and assigned more and more responsibility over his estate. Falling from grace because of the lustful scheming wife, Joseph nevertheless found favour with the prison Goaler; opening up the channel to interpret the long term weather forecasts dreamed by the Pharaoh.

Assigned the responsibilities of managing the Egyptian Nile valley economy, Joseph excelled and became a Prince of the Land. Such is the fruitfulness of a heart and mind obedient to the Will of the Almighty! Where are we? As Joseph found out, there is provision in plenty for us all in Christ; but we must come to Him, and seek it from Him. We are Christ's messengers, sent forth to proclaim His Kingdom, empowered to heal all manner of sickness. Given this power, we are yet reminded but to rejoice that our names are written in heaven......

Prayer Starter

Jesus, Lord, teach us to align our Thank You Abba; help us to search desires to Your mind, and to stay focused there-on, so that our innate creative abil- for and abide in Your Will! Train and ities are channeled towards the manifes- nurture our focus and desire Mother...

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Thursday 11th July 2019 Genesis:44/18-21, 23-29; 45/1-5 Psalm:104/16-21 (105/16-21) Mathew:10/7-15

The First Proclamation Then Judah stepped up to him and said, "O my lord, let your servant please speak a word in my lord's ears, and do not be angry with your servant; for you are like Pharaoh himself." My lord asked his servants, saying, "Have you a father or a brother? And we said to my lord, 'We have a father, an old man, and a young brother, the child of his old age. His brother is dead; he alone is left of his mother's children, and his father loves him'.

Then you said to your servants, "Bring him down to me, so that I may set my eyes on him." ....

Prayerful Awareness Judah was Jacob's fourth son. Judah was a natural leader - outspoken and decisive. When he recognised his mistakes, he was willing to admit them. His experience with the final confrontation with Joseph was an example of Judah's willingness to bear the blame when confronted. It was one of the qualities he passed on to his descendant David.

When Judah was younger, he showed no regard for his brother JOSEPH or his father JACOB.

St. Benedict, Abbot First he convinced his brothers to sell Joseph as a SLAVE. Then joined his brothers in lying to his father about Joseph's fate. But what a change had taken place in Judah! The man who sold one favoured little brother into slavery, now offered himself to BECOME A SLAVE himself to SAVE another favoured little brother. He was so concerned for his FATHER and BROTHERS that he was willing to DIE for them. When we are ready to give up HOPE on ourselves or others, let us remember that God can work a complete change in even the most selfish personality. Judah's offer to substitute his life for Benjamin&#39;s is a picture of what his descendant JESUS would do for ALL people.

Although Joseph's brothers had wanted to get rid of him, God used even their evil actions to fulfill HIS ultimate plan. God sent Joseph ahead to preserve their lives, save Egypt.

When others intend evil towards us, let us remember that they are only God's TOOLS. Joseph's positive response transformed each setback into a step forward. He did not spend much time asking "why?" His approach was "What shall I do now?" Wherever he went and whatever he did, God was with him. When we are facing a setback, let us acknowledge that God is with us.

Prayer Starter Lord God Almighty Father, we thank You for there is nothing like Your presence to shed new light on a dark situation. Help us with our hardships like that which Joseph experienced.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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

Friday 12th July 2019 Genesis:46/1-7,28-30 Psalm:36/3-4,18-19, 27-28, 39-40 (37/3-4,18-19,27-28, 39-40) Mathew:10/16-23

Gospel Proclamation Jesus said to his Apostles: "Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. But beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. ....

Prayerful Awareness Jesus blessed and empowered the twelve disciples and sent them to preach to the lost sheep of Israel that the Kingdom of God is near and to heal the sick, raise the dead, purify lepers and chase out demons. Sending out disciples as above looks like a test, after having guided and empowered them over a period, to enable them to prove their faith, and to be His witnesses of what they have learned and trained. Likewise we are also called to be His witnesses, and put to test what we have learnt and received from Lord, and specially the greatest gift we received from Lord, the Holy Spirit. The only qualification Jesus asks from us to receive this gift (John14 : 15-16), is whether we keep all

His Commandments. We are expected to share with othersall what Lord has commanded to us (Mathew 28:20) and spread the Good News of Salvation of eternal life made available to all who accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Generally it is recommended to go out in two or three to preach the Word of God, united in the name of Jesus Christ, to receive the Lord’s Power and Blessings, as Lord has promised and said that “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them&quot;. (Math. 18:20). In the outside world there are wolves eager to destroy us, because despite our message of love, justice and peace, we are seen as a threat to their activities and ambitions.

We are to be clever as snakes and innocent as doves and to be as inventive and creative when dealing with the world. It is essential to have the help that comes from God. That is to say that we should not trust our own security and resources.

We should depend on the Spirit of the Father, the Holy Spirit received by us and with us, to act in our mission of evangelization and allow the Spirit to speak through us. The Holy Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness (Rom. 8:26).

The First reading is on God’s message for Jacob to go to Egypt as arranged

by God promising to bring back the generation one day when Joseph, the son of Jacob who held a powerful position, is no more. Then Jacob took all his possessions and migrated to Egypt.

Prayer Starter Jesus the Son of Almighty God our Creator, teach me and help me to follow all Your Commandments and accept You as my Teacher, my Lord and my Saviour.

Intercede for me in the presence of God the Father and grant to me the Holy Spirit of God and lead me to be a witness to proclaim the Word of Salvation to everyone. Thank You Jesus, Amen

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Saturday 13th July 2019 Genesis:49/29-32; 50/15-26 Psalm:104/1-4, 6-7 (105/1-4,6-7) Mathew:10/24-33

Prayerful Awareness The underlying theme in today's scripture passages is that God's people should have implicit faith in Him, secure in the knowledge that God is in full control of all His creation and everything that happens to the smallest of the creatures and that He will bring His plans to fruition no matter what.

In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gospel Proclamation, our Lord Jesus Christ says, "For only a penny you can buy two sparrows, yet not one sparrow falls to the ground without your Father's consent. As for you, even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth much more than many sparrows!"

In the First Proclamation of God's Love, Joseph tells his brothers, "Don't be afraid; I can't put myself in the place of God. You plotted evil against me, but God turned it into good, in order to preserve the lives of many people who are alive today because of what happened. You have nothing to fear, I will take care of you and your children.&quot; From the beautiful story of Joseph in the Old Testament, we see how God uses even the evil acts of men to transform a situation to something good and wonderful, not just for that particular person but for a multitude of people.

Evil actions, disease, decay, death and destruction, etc. that we witness in the

St. Henry world are the flowing consequences of man's sinful state born of the original sin of pride. With the sin of pride comes man's seven deadly sins of anger, hatred (born of jealousy), greed, avarice, lust and sloth. The result is selfishness, exploitation etc., which is the opposite of good fellowship, leading to all the social ills of the world of wars, squalor and ugliness.

Through all this, however, our Abba Father is still able to work out His plan for His creation as depicted in Joseph's story. God's chosen people had a part to play in God's plan for the redemption of man set in motion from the beginning, till the willing supreme sacrifice of Our Lord Jesus Christ. But after this was accomplished, through His death and resurrection, and the outpouring of His Spirit, God's chosen people are now those who are led by His Holy Spirit, because the scripture tells us that those who are led by the Spirit are His children to whom will the truth about God and His creation, be revealed.

Gaze at Jesus And so our Lord Jesus Christ tells us, "So do not be afraid of people.

Whatever is now covered up will be uncovered, and every secret will be made known. What I am telling you in the dark you must repeat in broad daylight, and what you have heard in private you must announce from the housetops ....

Song of Praise Give thanks to the Lord, proclaim his greatness; tell the nations what he has done. Sing praise to the Lord; tell of the wonderful things he has done. Be glad that we belong to him; let all who worship him rejoice. Go to the Lord for help and worship him continually.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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

15th Sunday of Ordinary Time Sunday 14th July 2019 PS Wk III

cross to the other side of the sea for Deuteronomy:30/10-14 us, and get it for us so that we may Psalm:68/14,17,30-31, hear it and observe it?" No the word 33-34, 35 is very near to you; it is in your mouth (69/13-16,29-30,32-33, and in your heart for you to observe.

35-36) Prayerful Awareness Colossians:1/15-20 Through the Eucharistic theme of the Luke:10/25-37 day "Let us be a covenant community by Introduction Today, as we step on to the fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Eucharistic theme presented by Holy Mother the Church is ";Let us be a covenant community by growing closer to man in God." Throughout salvation history, the intimate relationship that man had with God is called the covenant relationship.

The Will of God for man called to this relationship, is to surrender oneself to the love of God and enter into an existence of loving one's neighbor with that same love. One who is filled with God naturally tends to fulfill His Will.

Accordingly, let us pray today for the power of the Holy Spirit, to lead a life of witnessing as a Christ disciple and to empower us to be a true neighbor to our family, parish, village and country.

The First Proclamation

growing closer to man in God", what the Holy Mother the Church points out to us is that the love of God was always with the people of Israel in the past. When the Israelites, the chosen people of God journeyed to the land of promise, even though they totally depended on God in faith and hope, there had been times that they felt doubtful and lost their faith in God. Even in the face of such experiences the love of God was forever with them. Thus indicates the Eucharistic theme of the day. It is an invitation to return to the Lord acknowledging one's sin and frailty. The proclamation affirms that His abundant blessing will be bestowed on those who return to the Lord in obedience to His voice.

The Second Proclamation

He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation, for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers - all when you obey the Lord your things have been created through God, by observing his commandhim and for him. He himself is before ments and decrees that are written in all things, and in him all things hold this book of the law, because you turn together. He is the head of the body, to the Lord your God with all your the church, he is the beginning, the heart and with all your soul. first-born from the dead, so that he Surely, this commandment that I might come to have first place in evam commanding you today is not too erything. For in him all the fullness of hard for you, nor is it too far away. It God was pleased to dwell, and through is not in heaven, that you should say, him God was pleased to reconcile to "Who will go up to heaven for us, and himself all things, whether on earth or get it for us so that we may hear it and in heaven, by making peace through observe it?" Neither is it beyond the the blood of his cross. sea, that you should say, "Who will

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

19

Prayerful Awareness When we read Colossians don't we find St. Paul's experience of the risen Lord of utmost importance to us? Don't we feel fascinated as to gaze on the Lord in amazement? Christ is the image of God as God incarnated. He is the visible manifestation of the invisible God. He is the first in all creation and the beginning of everything. He is also the mediator in the work of creation for which reason St. Paul declares that all perfection is found in Him. God who made the Father manifest through the Son, has called you and me to divine son-ship through the Son Himself. Therefore, let us focus on Him in our life journey.

The Gospel Proclamation Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he said, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? What do you read there?" He answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." And he said to him, "You have given the right answer, do this, and you will live." But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while travelling came near him, and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, "Take care of him, and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend." Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

Prayerful Awareness The Lord who is the total fulfillment of the Will of God looked on everything, staying rooted in the totality of the power given to Him by the Father. The ability to see through the lawyer coming to test Him and to elicit from Him the answer to his own question was simply the Will of God being fulfilled in Him. The Lord who teaches us that if we are to truly love others, we should fill ourselves with God, the source of love, affirms through the Gospel proclamation that loving others is the prime duty and responsibility of Christians. Let us model our lives on Him who manifested through the redemption brought forth by His life sacrifice that loving others irrespective of caste, creed, nationality and status does indeed surpass love itself.

Our sonship The fundamental vocation of every Christian is to experience and manifest love, the likeness of God. One who is filled with love has a natural tendency to fulfill the Will of God. In spite of our human frailty, sin and weakness, let us surrender ourselves to the immense love of God who loves everyone equally and thus love each other. Let us also pray for the power to witness in love to a society where hatred, conflict and evil power reigns.

Prayer Starter Awesome is God in his sanctuary, the God of Israel, he gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God!

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Monday 15th July 2019 Exodus:1/8-14,22 Psalm:123/1-8 (124/1-8) Mathew:10/34-11/1

The Gospel Proclamation Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. ..... Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.

Prayerful Awareness Christ the Prince of Peace reveals to us through the Good News of today, something which is quite radical and contradictory to His usual teaching. "Do not think I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace but a sword"; are the challenging words of Jesus. The disciples would have never expected a sword in place of peace, contentment and harmony in families. No, He is here to bring a sword, the double edged sword of the truth of the Word of God. The sword would tear families, marriages, children and parents apart.

As I meditated pensively, I questioned myself, whether we, as His followers give priority to God in our lives.

In a materialistic world we crave for many things according to our wishes.

We forget or are not being aware that there are so many people, suffering due to poverty, who are in great need, even for their minimum requirements. That

St. Bonaventure is why, Jesus challenges us and gives a warning. He warns us not to be self centred and confined to our own families, but more specifically be conscious of the stranger, the one in need, the beggar who asks, the drink of cold water we give to the lowly. Although, it is difficult, we have to please God at all times. It may mean dying to oneself, but Jesus says, "Whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me."

The Gospel reading stresses the most needed qualities of a true disciple of Jesus. Jesus requests, not only to walk in His footsteps, but to follow His way of life so closely we could be identified with Him. Then our very life styles will give witness to His abiding presence.

Our parents, brothers, sisters and children are all gifts given by God. My life too is a gift of God. So it is my responsibility to safeguard my life and my family. But, more than this, I should love God wholeheartedly because my life belongs to God alone.

According to the First Proclamation, the Egyptians were in fear of the Israelites, because their numbers were increasing day by day. The new King who was somewhat foolish imposed hard work on the Israelites to build the city and treated them harshly. The king ordered the midwives to kill all the new baby boys. But they refused to execute the order because of their compassion for the oppressed people. God blessed the midwives and the population increased in number. In the same manner, the infant baby son 'Moses'; was saved and gave leadership for the deliverance of the Israelites. Such is the mysterious plan of God the Father.

Prayer Starter Dear Father God, reveal more and more about Your truths and let the power of Your Spirit make me understand them and live accordingly. Amen.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Tuesday 16th July 2018 Exodus:2/1-15 Psalm:68/3,14,30-31, 33-34) (69/2,13,29-30,32,33) Mathew:11/20-24 OR Zechariah:2/14-17 Psalm:Luke:1/46-55 Mathew:12/46-50

The First Proclamation Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman.

The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was a fine baby, she hid him three months.

When she could hide him no longer she got a papyrus basket for him, ... she put the child in it and placed it among the reeds on the bank of the river. His sister stood at a distance, to see what would happen to him.

The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, ... She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid to bring it. When she opened it, she saw the child. He was crying, and she took pity on him ....

"This must be one of the Hebrews' children," she said.

Then his sister said to Pharaoh's daughter, "Shall I go and get you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?" Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Yes." So the girl went and called the child's mother. Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will give you your wages."

So the woman took the child and nursed it .....

Prayerful Awareness

Observe the order of Providence;

Our Lady of Mount Carmel just at the time when Pharaoh's cruelty rose to its height by ordering the Hebrew children to be drowned, the deliverer was born. When men are contriving the ruin of the church, God is preparing for its salvation. The parents of Moses saw he was a goodly child. A lively faith can take encouragement from the least hint of the Divine favour. It is said, that the parents of Moses hid him by faith; they relied upon. Faith in God's promise quickens to the use of lawful means for obtaining mercy. Duty, the call to become conscious, and to choose positive responses as the Creator wills, is ours; Manifestation of our beliefs, our choices, and the life's events thereof are God's. Faith in God will set us above the fear of man.

At three months' end, when they could not hide the infant any longer, they put him in an ark of bulrushes by the river's bank, and set his sister to watch.

And if the weak affection of a mother were thus careful, what shall we think of Him, whose love, whose compassion is, as Himself, boundless. Moses never had a stronger protection about him, no, not when all the Israelites were round his tent in the wilderness, than now, when he lay alone, a helpless babe upon the waves. No water, no Egyptian can hurt him. When we seem most neglected and forlorn, God is most present with us. Do we see this reality? Is our faith the stuff that can move mountains? Recall - many who, by their birth, are obscure and poor, by surprising events of Providence, are raised high in the world to make men know that God rules. Holy be His Name!

Prayer Starter

Lord God, You are holy indeed. You work at levels that cannot be perceived by our senses. Teach us to become conscious, so that we will knowingly channel these forces and powers that You would have us marshal, as becomes Your children!

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Wednesday 17th July 2018 Exodus:3/1-6, 9-12 Psalm:102/1-4, 6-7 (103/1-4, 6-7) Mathew:11/28-30 The First Proclamation Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law.... and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, .... And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, 'Moses, Moses'. And he said, 'Here am I'. And he said, 'Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground'. Moreover he said, 'I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.

Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.....And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; .....

Fix your gaze on Jesus O most obedient Son, teach us the goodness of being obedient to the Higher Will...

The years of the life of Moses are divided into three forties; the first forty he spent as a prince in Pharaoh's court, the second as a shepherd in Midian, the third as a leader in the desert trek.

How changeable is the life of man!

The first appearance of God to Moses, found him tending sheep. This seems a poor employment for a man of his background, yet he seems content; and thus learns meekness and contentment, for which he is more noted in sacred writ, than for all his learning. Formerly Moses thought himself able to deliver Israel, and set himself to the work too hastily. Now, when the fittest person on earth for it, he knows his own weakness. This was the effect of more knowledge of God and of himself. Satan loves to find us idle; God is pleased when he finds us employed.

Being alone, is a good friend to our communion with God. The bush burning without a fire to kindle it is an emblem of the church in bondage in Egypt; and fitly reminds us of the church in every age, under its severest persecutions kept by the presence of God from being destroyed. Fire is an emblem, in Scripture, of the Divine holiness and justice, also of the afflictions and trials with which God proves and purifies his people, and even of that baptism of the Holy Ghost, by which sinful affections are consumed, and the soul changed into the Divine nature and image. In coming to know Jesus- the living Word, we proceed to the Father; “All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him”.

Prayer Starter Jesus Lord, do keep us focused on You- for in coming to know and taste You, we will be guided and nourished.... then shall we be in the Kingdom of Abba, nurtured by Amma.....

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Thursday 18th July 2019 Exodus:3/13-20 Psalm:104/1,5,8-9, 24-27 (105/1,5,8-9,24-27) Mathew: 11/28-30

The First Proclamation But Moses said to God, "If I come to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' what shall I say to them?"

God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." He said further, "Thus you shall say to the Israelites, 'I AM has sent me to you.......

The Gospel Proclamation "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Gaze on Jesus In the Old Testament God commands Moses to serve the people under bondage and He equipped him to do so.

Similarly in the new Testament with the coming of Jesus Christ the true Son of Man and true Son of God reveals to us Abba Father thus: "All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him." Jesus invites us to accept Him if we are to be relieved of all burden for He says, "My yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Prayerful Awareness Let us put ourselves in the position and situation of those in the Old Testament who were slaves under the Egyptians. Abba Father seeing the afflictions of the people commissioned Moses to bring them out of the bondage of the Egyptians. In the New Testament people are sold to sin and are heavy laden. "Abba Father so loved man that He sent His only Son Jesus to redeem mankind." (John 3/16) and Jesus the true Son of Man and true Son of God comes to our midst to save us from the bondage of sin. Jesus addressing man calls him "Come to me all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." This is confirmed by a person of the calibre of St. Paul who once hated the Christians and killed them when he states in his letter to the Romans: "Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then with my mind I am a slave to the law of God, but with my flesh I am a slave to the law of sin. There is, therefore now, no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 7/24-8/1).

Let us also like Saul who became Paul after meeting the Risen Lord strive to meet Jesus and be delivered from the body of death.

Prayer Starter The Lord works vindications and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known His ways to Moses. His acts to the people of Israel through Jesus Christ. Abba Father shows His steadfast love for mankind. Amen.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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

Friday 19th July 2019 Exodus:11/10-12, 14 Psalm:115/12-13,15-18 (116/12-13,15-18) Mathew:12/1-8

Gospel Proclamation At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath, his disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. When the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, “Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath!”

He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him or his companions to eat, but only for the priests. Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests in the temple break the sabbath and yet are guiltless? I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. But if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.

Gaze at our sonship In the Christian world, Catholics are well known for their religious observances. Rituals of the church are twofold. First the living traditions such as the sacramental life, Virgin Mary etc.

Then the rest of the observances such as, various prayers, litanies to saints, venerating statues and observance of vows.

The above are not part of the living traditions of the Church. However, they have deep roots in the prayer life of many holics. We could comfortably say, these observances overdone obscure

the faithful in accepting Jesus as the “Lord” in their life. Hosea 6:6 say “… I would rather have my people know me than burn offerings to me”. Therefore, what could change our mindset to live God’s dream and convert ourselves to be “Children of God”?

It is opportune then for us to gaze at Jesus’ promise in Matthew 9: 13. “…

It is kindness that I want, not animal sacrifices. I have not come to call respectable people, but outcasts”. Let us therefore consider Lord’s invite - seek God’s forgiveness that raises us up from condemnation, trust Him to take care of our needs unlike the Pharisees who could not see life beyond rules and rituals. We too have certain priorities that obscure us from accepting Jesus as the giver of life.

Accepting Jesus’ presence in our life will change our priorities. Therefore, resolve to give Jesus a special place in your prayer life.

Disciples were joyful and carefree while they were getting to know Jesus as Messiah.

However, when they received the Holy Spirit they began to live the Eucharistic life as strong Christian communities who united to share and care for each other and to evangelize.

Let us too ask the Holy Spirit to create a repentant heart within us by reflecting on our priorities - the ways we seek to establish our worth in the society, power, position, wealth, leadership, beauty, prayer routines that distract us away from Jesus. If they have become idol worship that distract us from living our true identity, then let us repent.

Prayer Starter Lord in Your love we have complete freedom to be a “whole person” who can take co-responsibility with You to create the “new heaven” on earth.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Saturday 20th July 2019

St. Apollinaris, Bishop & Martyr

Exodus:12/37-42 Psalm:135/1,23,24, 10-15 (136/1,23-24.10-15) Mathew:12/14-21 The First Proclamation The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides children. A mixed crowd also went up with them, and livestock in great numbers, both flocks and herds. They baked unleavened cakes of the dough that they had brought out of Egypt; it was not leavened, because they were driven out of Egypt and could not wait, nor had they prepared any provisions for themselves......

The Gospel Proclamation

healing and justice to those who thirst for it. When we speak about Jesus' obedience, it is how He facilitated the Holy Spirit to flow through Him into His relationships with people. "Behold my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I shall place my spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles." (Mathew 12:18).

Our sonship

But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him. When Jesus became aware of this, he departed. Many crowds followed him, and he cured all of them, and he ordered them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "Here is my servant, whom I have chosen, my beloved, with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not wrangle or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. He will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope."

Gaze on Jesus

We are born of the human spirit.

Therefore, by birth we inherit the generational sin. Our visions and our principles, which may be socially just, are a barrier for the free flow of the Holy Spirit. Embedded in our visions and principles are the seven deadly sins. If we do not have a relationship with the Holy Spirit, we will not see the limitations therein.

"Since the dough they had brought out of Egypt was not leavened, they baked it into unleavened loaves." (Exodus 12:39). According to the old Jewish custom, leavened bread equaled sins. It has always been the Lord's vision that we come empty like the unleavened bread so that we may receive the Good News of the Lord and be redeemed of our sins. Thus, we enter into God's plan through Jesus. God gives us the Holy Spirit as our helper who leads us to this truth.

Jesus challenges us today to accept the gift of the Holy Spirit who counsels to us to show the qualities in us, which are an obstruction to enter into the fullness of God's vision. Spirit of God will lead us to Jesus whose healing will restore us back into the fullness of God's love.

Prayer Starter

Born of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit moved in and through Jesus to bring

Give thanks to the Lord because he is good; his love is eternal.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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

16th Sunday of Ordinary Time PS Wk IV to meet them, and bowed down to Genesis:18/1-10 the ground.

He said, "My lord, if I Psalm:14/2-5 find favour with you, do not pass by (15/1-5) your servant. Let a little water be Colossians:1/24-28 brought, and wash your feet, and Luke:10/38-42 rest yourselves under the tree. Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on. …"; So they said, "Do as you have said." (Please read the whole proclamation.)

Introduction Prayerful Awareness An apt theme for the day is preThe experience of Abraham presented by the Responsorial Psalm. 'O Lord, who shall sojourn in thy tent? sented today affirms that "God is not Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He a being far away from us but one who who walks blamelessly, and does is close to us, who constantly comes in what is right and speaks the truth from search of us, and always walks with us his heart. ....'; (Ps. 15:1-5). Thus the in our life journey." This clearly shows theme for the day can be depicted that Abraham lived in intimacy with as 'living close to God in union with the Lord. When we reflect on the way Him.' In this regard the first procla- Abraham treats the three angels of God mation points out how God appeared we see clearly the nature of a person to Abraham in a vision and how he in close contact with God. What is sent three of his angels to him. The our nature? Am I leading a life close Gospel proclamation for the day states to God? Let us become aware and that what is pleasing to God is being recognize where and how we should close to him attuned to his voice. The change and enter into repentance. second proclamation reveals 'the inThe Gospel Proclamation dwelling of Jesus Christ' as a hidden Now as they went on their way, secret that was unveiled for ages and he entered a certain village, where generations. Let us ask ourselves. Are a woman named Martha welcomed we leading a life of intimacy with the him into her home.

She had a sister Lord? Are we in union with Him? Let us enter into prayer asking for named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was this favour. saying. But Martha was distracted The First Proclamation by her many tasks; so she came to Sunday 21st July 2019

The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, ….

He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance

him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are wor-

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

27

ried and distracted by many things; everyone mature in Christ. there is need of only one thing. Mary Prayerful Awareness has chosen the better part, which St. Paul who persecuted the will not be taken away from her.

Church, the body of Christ as Saul, Prayerful Awareness now proclaims his joy in his sufferings "Martha, Martha, you are anxious saying, "In my flesh I complete what and troubled about many things; only is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the one thing is necessary. Mary has cho- sake of his body, that is, the church." sen the better part, which shall not be At the same breath he states the mistaken away from her." Let us pause for sion entrusted to him as a servant of a moment. Where am I? Am I in the the Church which is to make the word place of Martha or Mary? As recorded of God fully known. This message of in the above Gospel passage it is Mar- God, the mystery and the magnificent tha who welcomes and serves Jesus in hope in it is "Christ in you." How her home. Yet He is more pleased with aware am I of this truth? Is Christ our Mary. What the Lord indicates here is sublime hope? Are we mature Chrisnot that Martha's activity is unneces- tians? Do we counsel everyone in all sary but what is much needed is acting wisdom on this matter? as Mary did. Therefore, in whatever Towards our sonship we think or do if we can always be in Let us desire as Abraham our the presence of the Lord? (Col. 2:6) As such, let us invoke the blessings of father of faith did to live in intimacy the Holy Spirit to be in union with the with the Lord. In the light of Martha Lord in everything we do, say or think. and Mary narrative, let us pray for the grace to be at the feet of the Lord in The Second Proclamation everything we do, say or think (Acts I am now rejoicing in my suffer- 17:28). In keeping with St. Paul, let us ings for your sake, and in my flesh not be immature, nominal Christians I am completing what is lacking but rather mature Christians who in Christ's afflictions for the sake encounter Christ dwelling in me, in of his body, that is, the church. I others and in the community. Let us became its servant according to ask for the grace to be engaged in the Gods commission that was given mission of St. Joseph Vaz to gift Him to me for you, to make the word of to those whom we come into contact God fully known, the mystery that with daily. has been hidden throughout ages The Almighty God who is Abba and generations but has now been Mother says as follows: "I am the revealed to his saints. To them God Lord God who walks with you, you chose to make known how great are forever being held in my hands." among the Gentiles are the riches Prayer Starter of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

The Lord looks down from heaven It is he whom we proclaim, warning on humankind to see if there are any everyone and teaching everyone in who are wise, who seek after God. all wisdom, so that we may present

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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

Monday 22nd July 2019

Song:3/1-4 OR 2 Corinthians:5/14-17 Psalm: 62/2-6,8-9

(63/1-5,7-9) John:20/1-2, 11-18 The Gospel Proclamation ... Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. ... "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him."

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, ....

"Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?

Whom are you looking for?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni!" .... Jesus said to her, "Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father; to my God and your God" Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord" and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Prayerful Awareness Mary Magdalene is a heart-warming example of thankful living. Her life was

St. Mary Magdalene miraculously freed by Jesus. Mary's FAITH was not complicated, but it was direct and genuine. She was more eager to BELIEVE and OBEY than to understand everything. Jesus honoured her childlike Faith by appearing to her FIRST and by ENTRUSTING HER with the first message of His RESURRECTION. Jesus relates to women as He created them - as equal reflectors of God's image.

Mary did not want to lose Jesus again. She had NOT yet understand the resurrection. Jesus did not want to be detained at the tomb. If He did not ascend to heaven, the Holy Spirit could not come.

Both He and Mary had important work to do. Filled with Joy by the good news, she ran to share it with others.

Mary did not recognize Jesus at first.

Her GRIEF had BLINDED her,. She could not see Him because she did not EXPECT to see Him. Imagine the love that flooded her heart when she heard her SAVIOUR saying her name. Jesus IS near us, and He is calling us by name. We must like Mary, regard Him as OUR LORD. Mary did not meet the risen Christ until she had discovered the EMPTY TOMB. We cannot meet Christ until we discover that he is INDEED ALIVE, that His tomb is empty.

Jesus' Resurrection is the key to the Christian faith. Just as He promised Jesus rose from the dead. We can be confident that He will accomplish all He has promised. We can be certain of our resurrection because He was resurrected. Death is not the end - there is future life. The resurrection is the basis for the Church's witness to the world. Jesus is more than just a human leader. He IS the SON OF GOD. Prayer Starter Lord open our hearts to all people who enter our lives. Help us to make everyone we meet to know that Jesus is truely risen and is among us. May we feel the warm welcome of Jesus' love.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Tuesday 23rd July 2019 Exodus:14/21-15/1 Psalm:Exodus/15/8-10, 12, 17 Mathew:12/46-50

The First Proclamation Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. The Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry land; and the waters were divided.

The Israelites went into the sea on dry ground, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left. The Egyptians pursued, and went into the sea after them, all of Pharaoh's horses, chariots, and chariot drivers. At the morning watch the Lord in the pillar of fire and cloud looked down upon the Egyptian army, and threw the Egyptian army into panic. ... "let us flee from the Israelites, for the Lord is fighting for them against Egypt."....

Gaze on Jesus Glorious, Wondrous Lord, You are Holy Indeed! Your hand creates the most beautiful sights to behold .....

The dividing of the Red Sea was the terror of the Egyptians; the praise and triumph of the Israelites. A form of baptism, Israel's passage through the Red Sea was typical of the conversion of souls; the Egyptians being drowned in it was typical of the final ruin of all un-repenting sinners. God showed His almighty power, opening a passage through the waters some miles over.

God can bring His people through the

St. Bridget of Sweden, Religious greatest difficulties, and force a way where He desires. It was an instance of His wonderful favour to His Israel.

They went through the sea, they walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea.

This was done to encourage God's people in and of all ages to trust Him in the greatest straits. What cannot He do who did this? What will not He do for those that fear and love Him, who did such for murmuring unbelieving Hebrews?

Then followed the just and righteous wrath of God upon His and His people's enemies. The ruin of sinners is brought on by their own rage and presumption. They might have let Israel alone, but would not; now they would flee from the face of Israel, and cannot.

Men will not be convinced, till it is too late, that those who meddle with God's people, meddle at their own risk. Moses was ordered to stretch out his hand over the sea; the waters returned, and overwhelmed all the Egyptians. Pharaoh and his servants, who had hardened one another in sin, now fell together, and the Israelites saw all the Egyptians dead upon the sands. While men see God's works, and feel the benefit, they fear Him and trust in Him. How well were it for us, if we were always in as good a frame as sometimes! Behold the end to which a Christian may look forward.

His enemies rage, and are mighty; but while he holds fast by God, he shall pass the waves in safety guarded by that very power of his Saviour, which shall come down on every spiritual foe. The enemies of his soul whom he hath seen today, he shall see no more for ever.

Prayer Starter Mighty Lord, teach us of Your mighty works! Let us be silent .....

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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

Wednesday 24th July 2019 Exodus:16/1-5, 9-15 Psalm:77/18-19,23-28 (78/18-19, 23-28) Mathew:13/1-9

The Gospel Proclamation

St. Sharbel Makhulf, Priest nected with you (and your creation). O Holy Spirit of God, do continue to draw/ trend us towards a higher consciousness; towards being more connected with your creation; towards being united and in unity with All-That-Is....

This is how we all start off in terms of our consciousness. The Lord has imbibed us with His Spirit, inviting us towards a higher consciousness. We are presented with sensory impressions in our life, and we imbibe these impressions with meanings. Since we are fallen (our thinking/ beliefs are faulty/in error), our take on reality is fundamentally faulty. Which regrettably means we are in a state of being numbed / insensitive to 'What Is'; we listen, but do not hear; look, but do not really see.

We choose to be limited to what we 'already know'. Would it not be correct to say that we all of us succumb to this evil trap at one time or another in our lives?

I would admit to being in this trap of the Liar many a times, choosing to ignore the clearly revealed will of the Father, the way shown by Jesus our Saviour.

Let us today turn anew, and listen to the Good Lord who gives us our potential, our destiny, our heritage.

Jesus was clear in today's Gospel that our hearts and minds are called to be fertile fields for the Living Word to be sown in! Shall we listen? Really Listen?

And change our present beliefs that are contrary to the Lords revelations regarding who we are?

Prayer Starter

That same day, Jesus left the house and sat by the lakeside, but such large crowds gathered round him that he got into a boat and sat there... he told them many things in parables. He said, 'Listen, a sower went out to sow. As he sowed, some seeds fell on the edge of the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Others fell on patches of rock where they found little soil and sprang up at once, because there was no depth of earth; but as soon as the sun came up they were scorched and, not having any roots, they withered away. Others fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Others fell on rich soil and produced their crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Anyone who has ears should listen!'

Then the disciples went up to him and asked, 'Why do you talk to them in parables?' In answer, he said, 'Because to you is granted to understand the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven, but to them it is not granted. Anyone who has will be given more and will have more than enough; but anyone who has not will be deprived even of what he has. The reason I talk to them in parables is that they look without Lord, be with us as we go on this seeing and listen without hearing or journey of changing our inherent beliefs understanding. and ways of thinking, and align with the Fix your gaze on Jesus thoughts and beliefs you want us to have; Awesome Lord, you are indeed Holy; to abide in your commandments and forever beyond us mortals, always bigger thereby abide in your Love... open up our than who we are! We however seem to awareness to Your continued presence forget that we are created in your image with and in me ... to admit the love of and likeness, able to be in union and con- Abba, our Amma...

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Thursday 25th July 2019 2 Corinthians:4/7-15 Psalm:125/1-6 (126/1-6) Mathew:20/20-28

The Gospel Proclamation Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, ... she asked a favor of him. And he said to her, "What do you want?" ..."Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom." But Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?" They said to him, "We are able." He said to them, "You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father."

When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. ... but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave, ...

Gaze at Jesus Amidst much objections and challenges from the Pharisees, Sadducees and Chief Priests, Jesus was implementing Father God's call in building the Kingdom on earth. People became more and more thirsty for the Good News of the Father God and they were relieved from all sorts of bonds they were enslaved with and healing them from various sicknesses. In this way people experienced the signs of the Kingdom. However, all this made Jesus to undergo a lot of pain and

St. James, Apostle agony from the opposition. Father God was the only One who comforted Him, giving Him tremendous strength. Jesus never foretold the cross without foretelling the glory of Resurrection.

Jesus knew that shame lay before Him, but He was equally certain that glory lay before Him. That is why He took His disciples aside and told them what is going to happen to Him. Jesus was telling them in detail of His suffering and torture, rejection, physical and psychological pain. But they did not listen.

Incidentally, the mother of James and John came and asked for the seat of power in Jesus' kingdom. Jesus explained the seriousness of the request, They should be able to drink the cup of suffering.

However, Jesus offered James and John the privilege of sharing in His suffering, but this does not mean that their suffering would take away people's sins. Only Jesus could redeem the whole world by His death and resurrection. No other sacrifice is needed. It was Jesus' very act of self-giving, that was so pleasing to God, precisely because it did not seek reward, but sought only the blessing of those He loved. Also, Jesus made use of this occasion to explain how the disciples become part of the Kingdom of God. The role that they have to perform. They should be available for service with no desire for position or possessions.

Do we share in Jesus' suffering?

In our own ways, each of us is called to drink from Jesus' cup. Everyday we get opportunities to lay down our lives for others. As Jesus told His disciples to serve and not to be served, we too should reflect the life and love of Jesus, and share in His suffering, that we may also share in His glory.

Prayer Starter Do good, O Lord to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts. (Ps.125/4 ....)

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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

Friday 26th July 2019 Sts. Joachim & Anne, Parents of the Bl.Mother Exodus:20/1-17 Psalm:18/8-11 (19/7-10) Mathew:13/18-21

The First Proclamation Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, you shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.

You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.

Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God, you shall not do any work - your, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all hat is in them but rested the seventh day, therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it.

Prayerful Awareness Let us meditate on the readings today. What is the common theme of todays’ scriptures? In the first reading: “1 God spoke, and these were his words” God is giving the first two commandments to Moses. And points out that committing to obey the law, will be beneficial not only to you but generations to come “6 But I show my love to thousands of generations[a] of those who love me and obey my laws.”

This is the Kingdom of God. It is God’s will that is reviled to us through the words of God. So it is important to regard the word of God with utmost reverence.

In the Gospel today Jesus is explaining to his disciples about the parable of the sower. Here Jesus explains how you should receive the word of God and understand it. We need to prepare ourselves to receive the word of God, which we will do only if we receive the word with the utmost reverence. If we regard it as just a beautiful message we will fail to own its grace and the Evil one will take us away from the truth.

Let us turn to ourselves and see how we treat the word of God? Do we give the word of God the respect and the reverence it commands? Do we believe the word to be true and act accordingly and bare witness? Or do we let our personal convictions and doubts steer us away from the will of God, and fall into darkness and sin?

Prayer Starter Dear Lord fill us with your Holy Spirit. Give us the gift of faith to act according to the word and will of God. So that we may bear fruit….

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Saturday 27th July 2019 Our sonship

Exodus:24/3-8 We as children are fostered and Psalm:49/1-2,5-6,14-15 nourished under different circumstanc(50/12.5-6.14-15) es. However, the quality of care we Mathew:13/24-30 received is visible in our actions and

Gospel Proclamation Jesus told them another parable: “The Kingdom of heaven is like this.

A man sowed good seed in his field.

One night, when everyone was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away.

When the plants grew, and the ears of corn began to form, then the weeds showed up. The man's servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, it was good seed you sowed in your field; where did the weeds come from?’ ‘It was some enemy who did this,’ he answered.

‘Do you want us to go and pull up the weeds?’ they asked him. ‘No,’ he answered, ‘because as you gather the weeds you might pull up some of the wheat along with them. Let the wheat and the weeds both grow together until harvest.

Then I will tell the harvest workers to pull up the weeds first, tie them in bundles and burn them, and then to gather in the wheat and put it in my barn.

Gaze at Jesus According to the parable, the slaves want to remove the weeds from the wheat. However, the owner says, wait until the harvest is ready to reap. Then it would be bundled separately for different outcomes. The weeds were also not visible at plant stage. However, at maturity the difference became visible.

that is attributed to the environment we grew up. For one to grow spiritually, does not mean that the evil was removed from their environment totally. It simply means that like the land owner who sowed good seeds, the parents take spiritual decisions and directions even under challenging circumstances that each child will have the skills to live with integrity despite the values of good, the bad and the ugly around them.

I would also like to draw your attention to a much-loved Psalm, 51: verses 10 – 15. This Psalm depict our personal struggles to remove evil from our hearts. Once again, the skill is identification of evil within us.

Therefore, we could develop a prayer life led by the Holy Spirit to identify the enduring truth in us. Create a pure heart in me, O God, and put a new and loyal spirit in me. Do not banish me from your presence; do not take your Holy Spirit away from me. Give me again the joy that comes from your salvation and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach sinners your commands, and they will turn back to you. Spare my life, O God, and save me, and I will gladly proclaim your righteousness. Help me to speak, Lord, and I will praise you.

Prayer Starter “I gave them your message, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I do not ask you to take them out of the world, but I do ask you to keep them safe from the evil one.”

(John 17: 14 – 15)

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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

17th Sunday of Ordinary Time PS Wk I to the outcry that has come up to me, Genesis: 18/20-32 and if not, I will know."

Psalm:137/1-3,6-8 So the men turned from there and (138/1-3.6-8) went toward Sodom, while Abraham Colossians:2/12-14 remained standing before the Lord.

Luke:11/1-13 Then Abraham came near and said, OR "Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? ….. Then Isaiah:6/1-9 he said, "Oh do not let the Lord be Ps:144/10-11,15-18 angry if I speak just once more: Suppose ten are found there." He (145/10-11,15-18) answered, "For the sake of ten I will Ephesians:1/3-14 not destroy it" Mathew:9/35-38 Prayerful Awareness Abraham had an intimate relationship with God. Therefore, may be because God the Father wished not to hide anything from him that he revealed his future plan on Sodom and Gomorrah Introduction – that he was going to destroy them.

Christian prayer is a simple proc- Also Abraham does enter into dialogue lamation of a religion that has great with God the Father. What he intended depths. Let us surrender ourselves to here was to mediate on behalf of the the Holy Love of God through Christ just in those cities. In another sense the under the guidance of the Holy Spirit mediator is entering into prayer. This who transforms us into a new creation. prayer and the aspect of mediation was We should give a loving response to this pleasing to God. God is also calling us, love. Let us fill ourselves with this love Christians to courageously meet the and let it flow down to others as well. common needs and confront the timely To the extent we surrender ourselves to issues like Abraham without evading him we would achieve our redemption them. Therefore let us wake up to the and salvation. voice of God the Father, get involved Today being the indigenous clergy and do the needful.

Sunday, let us pray for all priests and The Second Proclamation religious that they may receive power When you were buried with him and strength from the Father to be committed in service for the people and to in baptism, you were also raised with him through faith in the power of reach the depths of His love.

God, who raised him from the dead.

The First Proclamation And when you were dead in trespasses Sunday 28th July 2019

Then the Lord said "How great an outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah! and how very grave their sin! I must go down and see whether they have done altogether according

and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive together with him, when he forgave us all our trespasses, erasing the record that stood against us with its legal demands. He set this aside, nailing it to the cross.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Prayerful Awareness

Prayerful Awareness

No words suffice and no one on earth could actually explain or give total praise to God for the great depths of His love, mystery and His marvelous acts. Also there are no limits to God's forgiveness. It was through the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ that God showed forth the magnanimity of His love.

Through the paschal mystery He opened access for us to be reconciled with Him. And we are able to enjoy this great gift through the sacrament of reconciliation of the Holy Church. Let us worship God the Father who thus forgives our sins and praise Him for the life won for us.

The Gospel Proclamation

Our Lord maintained such intimacy with God that he could call God the Father, "Abba". He spent time on prayer. In solitude he listened to Him. With the infilling of the love of God equipped himself with the power of the Holy Spirit. Thus he was the Son who constantly attuned himself to the voice of God. The disciples noticing the difference in his prayer life requested the Lord to teach them also to pray. Being sensitive to this he teaches them to pray and in conformity with the Holy Spirit guides them on prayer.

My son-ship

He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said, to him "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples". He said to them, "When you pray, say: "Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial."â&#x20AC;Ś So I say to you: Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.

For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches, finds and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish. Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!

Let us be awake for a moment and reflect on our prayer life. Do we pray only for our needs? If so, it is a prayer full of mere selfishness. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and then He will offer up as a prayer to God the Father even our groaning that we are unable to express in words. Let us give more and more space in us to the Holy Spirit to be filled with the love of God. Prayer Starter O Holy Spirit, the lover grace me with power to spend time in solitude and in solidarity with the Lord Jesus that I may touch the depths of God's love. Enrich us that we may share your love with others and love all equally with an unconditional love. Empower us that we may triumph over our narrow attitudes, unhealthy thoughts and painful memories in order to have a clear vision and to perceive everything with enlightened minds.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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

Monday 29th July 2019 1 John:4/7-16 Psalm:33/2-11 934/1-10) John:11/19-27 OR Luke:10/38-42

Gospel Proclamation ... “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise.” Martha said to him, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. ....

Prayerful Awareness

Jesus was informed the sickness of Lazarus (Jn 11:3). This is why Martha said, Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. Jesus remained for two days in the place He was.

Then, when He said “Let us go back to Judea” disciples warned that the Jews were trying to stone Him (Jn 11:6-8).

In spite of the threat Jesus decide to go, and when He reached there, He found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days (Jn 11:17). Although we cannot understand why Jesus went to the place after four days have lapsed, it appears that He had a purpose for all this, to bring glory to God and that Son of God may be glorified through it. Jesus by bringing Lazarus to life, who was dead for four days made a great miracle.

There was an ancient Jewish belief that a soul remain around the person’s body up to three days. Therefore according to this belief Lazarus’ soul could not have been there with the dead body at the time of raising Lazarus to life, making it a great miracle. It is worthy to note that when Jesus said “your brother will rise”,

St. Martha Martha who believed the Word said that she knows that her brother will rise in the resurrection on the last day. But that was not enough and Jesus had to affirm as to who He is and test Martha’s belief where she confirmed that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God who was to come into the World. Martha’s Faith would have enabled Jesus to carry out the miracle, as it is said “Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive (Mt 21:22)” and “whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (Jn 14: 13). Do we submit our Prayer requests to God our Father in the name of our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ in Faith. Do we follow His Commandments and live pious lives to bring Him glory. God only listens to ones who are devout and do His Will (Jn 9:32).

The First Reading is on John’s letter to Christians to love one another, because Love is of God (God is Love); everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Due to His Great Love God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through Him. It is not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His only Begotten Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in us, and His love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in God and He in us, because He has given us of His own Spirit. We know and testify that the God the Father sent his Son as the Saviour of the world. God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. Through His Spirit -we have known and believe the love that God has for us.

Prayer Starter

Lord Jesus, our Savior, please send to us the Holy Spirit to receive Wisdom to know the Will of God, our Father and make us always abide by it with Your Help to bring Him Glory, Amen.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

37

Tuesday 30th July 2019 Exodus:33/7-11; 34/5-9, 28 Psalm:102/6-13 (103/6-13) Mathew:13/36-43

The First Proclamation And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation.

And it came to pass, that every one which sought the Lord went out into the tabernacle of the congregation, which was without the camp. And it came to pass, when Moses went out unto the tabernacle, that all the people rose up, and stood every man at his tent door, and looked after Moses, until he was gone into the tabernacle. And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses. And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the tabernacle door; and all the people rose up and worshipped, every man in his tent door. And the Lord spoke unto Moses face to face, as a man speaks unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp; but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man departed not out of the tabernacle.

Gaze on Jesus Blessed art Thou O Holiest of Holies, deigning to speak Your creatures .....

Moses took the tabernacle, which contained the Ark of the Covenant, and pitched it outside (without) the camp.

This seems to have been a temporary building, set up for worship, and at which he judged disputes among the people. The people looked after him, they were very desirous to be at peace with God, and concerned to know what would come to pass. The cloudy pillar which had withdrawn from the camp when it was polluted with idolatry, now returned to the tabernacle.

If our hearts go forth toward God to meet Him, He will graciously come to meet us. If we but take one step towards Him, He would take 10 steps to meet us. The choice is always ours, and the Lord of the Hosts shall respect our free choice.

The Lord God places the choice of Life or Death before us, and calls upon us to make a free choice. S/He has gifted/empowered us with Response - Ability along with the Freedom of Choice; these two gifts walk side by side and complement each other. The Lord then reveals Himself to us and tries to teach us of His Living Word (the essence of His Own Being) through the Scriptures and our very life situation, which mirrors to us who we presently are, outlining the journey before us.

The repercussions of NOT allowing the Living Word to abide within is also outlined. (For this please read today's Gospel proclamation where the Lord Jesus narrates the parable of the tares of the field).

We are called upon to awaken to the Holy Spirit of God, who will guide us towards the Truth, the Word of God, the Lord Jesus.

Prayer Starter Lord, You call upon us to listen carefully and to remember who we really are! We are His children, created in His image and Likeness! Let us imbibe the Lord Jesus, and be so!

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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

Wednesday 31st July 2019

St. Ignatius of Loyola, Priest

Exodus:34/-29-35 Psalm:98/5-, 9 (99/5-7,9) Mathew:13/44-46 The First Proclamation 'The kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field which someone has found; he hides it again, goes off in his joy, sells everything he owns and buys the field. 'Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls; when he finds one of great value he goes and sells everything he owns and buys it.

Fix your gaze on Jesus Lord Holy Spirit, You who bring us to look at the Lord Jesus, the Living Word, the 'God Program' as it were, the 'Information Component' directing the Creative Energies towards desired results, and so on, now help us to be mesmerized by the Mind-Of-The-Christ...

Treasure: a collection of valuable things, found hidden with the owner unknown; a person who is much loved and valued. All of these definitions are equally applicable to the Second Person of the Triune God we believe in and worship.

The Kingdom of Heaven is in some measure an experience of abiding in accord with the Will of the Abba and enjoying that Love and Harmony, of worthiness and contentment in the fulfilment of all heartfelt desires, of continued bliss, and responding in an unending chorus of praise and thanksgiving, of glorifying and magnifying the Source of All Goodness. It's a relationship, a give and take, a binding together in Love, that fulfills our hearts desires. What more do you want? Nothing, really.

This is what our Lord Jesus wants for us! This is what the Father desires for us, and the Holy Spirit would have us awaken to!

The glories of this world, this wondrous creation of the Almighty, so entrancing in its variety and lustre, so alluring and enchanting and satiating to the primary senses, however pales in significance beside that of the heavenly experience described earlier.

Moses awakened to this reality; today's scripture say that his face was radiant when he came down from the mountain after spending some time talking with the Godly presence. So much so, that Aaron and the Israelites were fearful of coming near Moses. If just a vestige of God's presence transforms a human to such an extent, try to imagine what being in His presence fully would be like!

Decision time: Shall we become cognizant of the true nature of reality?

That there are other layers / dimensions to reality that simply cannot be grasped with our five primary senses. That we, humanity has a calling to transcend our present narrow focus on searching for succour on the material plane of being; that our drive for sensory gratification can but give us transitory fulfilment.

That a higher level of satisfaction and fulfilment is realisable by awakening to our spiritual nature. Search more diligently, steadfastly for that 'Treasure', for that 'Fine Pearl' which we know will bring us lasting happiness and fulfilment. It's your decision. Go for it!

Prayer Starter Thank You O Holy Spirit for being here for us! Now, help us awaken to this bigger reality where the heavenly wonders open up to us, and we rest in the presence of Abba, comforted by Amma....

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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