WALK IN THE SPIRIT September 2019 Issue 331 Commencement March 1992
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
ISSN 1391-5967
Publication: Fr. Siri Oscar Abayaratne Kithu Dana Pubuduwa
SHARING ON PRAYER September 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
4
zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrñ' ud l< hq;= l=ula±hs ug wK l< uekjZZ
Sunday 1st September 2019 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time Ps Wk II Sirach:3/19-21,30-31 Psalm: 67/4-7,10-11 (68/3-6,9-10) Hebrews:12/18-19, 22-24 Luke:14/1, 7-14
Introduction On this twenty second Sunday of Ordinary Time Humility is pointed out as the foundation of all virtues. Christian humility is steeped in God. God Himself became the highest epitome of humility in sending His only begotten Son to us in flesh and allowing Him to humble Himself till death on the cross. Every talent and skill we are endowed with is a precious gift from God. In order to direct everything for the greater glory of God and to help our brother in his need, we should be dressed in humility. Since everything is from God, let us take a firm decision today to totally depend on Him. Today is also the day on which the entire Pubudu community present themselves before God to mediate for our motherland, Sri-Lanka. Therefore let us in humility pray to God as a true intercessor.
The First Proclamation
The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so you will find favour in the sight of the Lord. Neither seek what is too difficult for you, nor investigate what is beyond your power. As water extinguishes a blazing fire, so almsgiving atones for sin. Those who repay favors give thought to the future, when they fall they will find support.
Prayerful Awareness The above instruction of the Old Testament reflects the inner self of Jesus. The Lord Jesus, the only begotten Son of the Almighty God, the Creator and the Sustainer of the Universe, coming to earth and living among men clearly depicts the quality of humility embodied in Him. When reflecting on the life events of the Lord, at times going in search of the most helpless, another time visiting a sinner and having dinner with him, washing the feet of the disciples by whom He is addressed as "Master", sacrificing Himself on the cross taking upon Himself the burden of sin of the entire universe, we are awestruck with His supreme example of humility, kindness and generosity.
The Gospel Proclamation
…When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. "When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, 'Give this person your place,' and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher', then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.....
Gaze at the Lord
Undoubtedly, for the banquet the Lord Jesus participated in were invited nobles, elites and leaders of the Jewish society. Even when Jesus was among such a crowd His heart was constantly oriented towards
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
5
the poor and the vulnerable. Contained in the exhortation proclaimed by Jesus in seeing the competitive atmosphere of picking the places of honour, on His arrival at the house of the leading Pharisee is His own experience: "Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the man who humbles himself will be exalted." Also the instruction given to the chief Pharisee, His host, contains that he should not forget the poor, the handicapped as well as the most vulnerable, the heirs of the heavenly banquet. Only a person with an attitude of humility could step on to such a higher degree.
ever comes to Him and whoever falls under His gaze would never be forsaken, but in the presence of God, the symbol of mercy and kindness, Jesus the Mediator of the New Testament will intervene on their behalf consistently.
Towards our son-ship
The person who leads a life of humility before God will certainly inherit eternal life. When we reflect on the lives of all those who have been called to the life eternal throughout the ages and the hosts of saints who forever intercede for us as well as the Blessed Mother, we realize that they have all been symbols of humility. These The Second Proclamation heavenly hosts even today intercede for You have not come to something us on our behalf in the presence of God, that can be touched, a blazing fire, and singing heavenly praises. It is the attitude of Humility that darkness, and gloom, and a tempest, and the sound of a trumpet, and a voice should shine through in our service of whose words made the hearers beg that mediation. In the Old Testament, Abraham pleaded with God on behalf of Sodom and not another word be spoken to them. But you have come to Mount Zion Gomorrah (Gen. 18:22-32). Moses mediand to the city of the living God, the ated before God requesting not to destroy heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumer- the chosen people (Exodus 32:31-32). able angels in festal gathering, and to Likewise, in the mediation of Queen Esthe assembly of the firstborn who are ther too we see how she engaged herself in enrolled in heaven and to God the judge this intercessory mission in an attitude of of all, and to the spirits of the righteous humility providing us with an apt example. At a time that Christians all over the made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled world including Sri-Lanka are being perseblood that speaks a better word than the cuted, our response too should be to orient ourselves towards earnest prayer. When blood of Abel. the first Christians facing persecution Prayerful Awareness prayed for the persecutors in an attitude of The author of the letter to the Hebrews love, God listened to their prayer. Therecomparing the Old and the New Testa- fore let us enter into prayer earnestly and ments speaks of the Heavenly Jerusalem with great hope for an authoritative power that is our inheritance. He states that based on religion and the reign of uplifting Mount Zion of the New Testament and the poor and the vulnerable as presented the city of the living God, the heavenly in the Gospel today. Jerusalem is not like the Mount Sinai Prayer Starter where the Ancient Israelites experienced Let the nations be glad and sing for a blazing fire or a gloom turning into total darkness, or a storm or trumpeting thunder joy, for You judge the peoples with equity which means that in the New Testament the and guide the nations upon earth. Let the mediation of God is experienced through people praise You O God, let all the peothe living mediator, the Lord Jesus. Who- ples praise You. (Ps.67/4, 5...)
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
6
zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrĂą' ud l< hq;= l=ulaÂąhs ug wK l< uekjZZ
Monday 2nd September 2019 1 Thessalonians:4/13-18 implications of the prophecy to varying Psalm: 95/1,3-5,11-13 degrees but they raised questions in their minds about the Lord. How can the Son (96/1,3-5,11-13) of Mary speak such exalted words as Luke:4/16-30 the great prophet Isaiah was bothering Please read the proclamations prayerfully. Gaze on Jesus Lord, You have begun Your ministry in Galilee, having come out of the wilderness. You are full of confidence that You are the Son of God. In the desert, the Holy Spirit of God has formed You to overcome the evil spirit and the flesh. You have now entered the new paradigm of being animated by the Holy Spirit. Now You enter Your hometown of Nazareth. You visit the synagogue that You frequented from Your childhood with Your mother. The Scroll of Isaiah is given to You. You immediately become aware of the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit animates You to select the scripture passage which first referred to Isaiah's experience but right now is a prophecy that is fulfilled in Your life. Lord, You as a man were literally immersed in the holy scripture under the tutelage of Your Blessed Mother, and the Holy Spirit directed You to appropriate what was required when it was required. Thank You for giving us Your Holy Spirit that we also may be animated by Your Spirit. Prayerful Awareness The scripture quoted by Our Lord is Isaiah 61/1-2. Isaiah referred to his ministry to the Jewish captives in Babylonia, when he lived in the period of the exile. But Jesus paraphrased the scripture to suit the liberation that the Son of God was to bring to Israel and not only to Israel but whole of mankind. The Jews in the synagogue at Nazareth perceived the
them! So Jesus with His knowledge of the scripture and under the animation of the Holy Spirit quotes two incidents from two other great prophets, Elijah and Elisha. The Jews get into a rage and want to kill Him. Again the Holy Spirit animates Him to walk out of the raging mob. Because it was not the time, the place or the method prepared by God the Father. The actual time and place was the Cross on Calvary. The Resurrection occurred three days later. Let us reflect on today's first proclamation. But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who have died. For the Lord Himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel's call and with the sound of God's trumpet will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first....... Gaze at my sonship Have I realized that I have to be animated by the Holy Spirit to work for the Kingdom at my full potential? What is the criteria to be animated by the Holy Spirit, just like Jesus was? Let us listen to St. Paul, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by Faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Prayer Starter
Lord animate me by Your Holy Spirit .......
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
7
Tuesday 3rd September 2019
St.Gregory the Great, Pope & Doctor Jesus' life and teachings had only
1 Thessalonians:5/1-6, one purpose. To usher the Kingdom of 9-11 God - where the poor would no longer Psalm: 26/1,4,13-14 be hungry, the oppressed no longer in torment, the people no longer abandoned (27/1,4,13-14) as Jesus had an action plan to heal the Luke:4/31-37 broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to
The First Proclamation Please read 1 Thessalonians 5/1-6, 9-11 meditatively. The Gospel Proclamation He went down to Capernaum, ..., and was teaching them on the sabbath. ..... In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, "Let us alone! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God." But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" When the demon had thrown him down before them, he came out of him without having done him any harm. They were all amazed and kept saying to one another, "What kind of utterance is this? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and out they come!" And a report about him began to reach every place in the region. Prayerful Awareness From the time Jesus received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit at the river Jordan, He became confident that He is the most beloved Son of Father God. "This is my beloved Son; He is my Chosen One." (Mathew 3017) These words would have begun to resound in His ears in such a way, influencing Him to be obedient to Father God throughout the mission in building the Kingdom of God in this world.
captives, to give new sight to the blind and set the downtrodden free. Jesus came to this world to fulfill all these. Jesus was at the synagogue teaching the congregation. He was speaking with much authority and the power of His words influenced them a lot. When the man possessed by the unclean spirit shouted, "What have you to do with us Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God" Jesus silenced him and ordered the spirit to leave the man. It is a clear sign that in Jesus' presence the power of the evil one is reduced to helplessness and God's rule is supreme. We should recognize Jesus as the Messiah with authority - even over evil spirits. This authority He shared with the disciples, "Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions and all power of the enemy; nothing shall hurt you." (Luke 10/10-19) According to the letter to the Thessalonians the day of the Lord will come, we do not know the day and time, probably not in our lifetime. We are to live in this world as God's children, as the children of the Light. It is then that we are beyond, transparent before God with nothing to hide. The unbeliever sleeps but the believer stays awake, he likes to pray all night long until dawn, as if waiting for the day to welcome Christ. Prayer Starter One thing I ask of the Lord, One thing I seek, that I may dwell in His house all the days of my life, to gaze at His beauty and seek counsel in His sanctuary (Ps.27/4..)
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
8
zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrñ' ud l< hq;= l=ula±hs ug wK l< uekjZZ
Wednesday 4th September 2019 Colossians:1/1-8, Psalm: 51/10, 11 (52/8-9) Luke:4/38-44
Gospel Proclamation After leaving the synagogue he entered Simon's house. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. Then he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them. As the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them. ..... Prayerful Awareness Let us read today’s Proclamations meditatively where the central theme is the mercy of God, our Abba Father, Abba Mother, which He manifested to us through His Only Begotten Son, the Word, our Lord Jesus Christ. In today’s Gospel Proclamation we see Jesus ministering to the people without a rest, starting with healing Simon Peter’s mother-in-law, and going on throughout the evening and night, healing all who were brought to Him for healing, and for evil spirits to be cast out. And when it was day He went out to a desert place perhaps to be alone with Abba Father Abba Mother to be rested and to be refilled with His /Her Love, to enable Him to continue the work of ministering to His people! But we see the multitudes sought Him even in the desert place, and He had to continue until all who needed ministering could be ministered to.
And the people tried to keep Him from leaving them, but here He insisted that He has to move on to other cities also and preach the Kingdom of God, as He had come down taking human form in order to pay the supreme price to restore God’s Kingdom to mankind, to reinstate divine son-ship which man had lost on account of disobedience, born out of pride and self centeredness (ego). Today’s Gospel Proclamation starts with the phrase, “And Jesus rising up out of the synagogue, went into Simon’s house” and ends with the phrase “And He was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee.” Thus we see how much our Lord Jesus Christ was attuned to carry out His Father/Mother’s Will at all times. Let us see this being proclaimed by Jesus in John 4:34, 5:17 and 5:19, as follows respectively: "My food is to do the will of the one who sent me, and to complete his work." "My Father still goes on working, and I am at work, too". ' "In all truth I tell you, by himself the Son can do nothing; he can do only what he sees the Father doing: and whatever the Father does the Son does too." God’s paternal/maternal Love is Universal, Sacrificial, Humble / Serving, and Constant Unconditional, and Jesus as a human was always attuned to God through the Holy Spirit, so that He was able to respond to people and situations through the eyes of Abba Father /Mother, and in so doing was able to project the Father in all His actions and responses, and the same is expected from us, His children! Song of Praise (Psalm 51:10-11,) Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your Holy Spirit from me.
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
9
Thursday 5th September 2019 Colossians:1/9-14 Psalm: 97/2-6 (98/2-6) Luke:5/1-11
St. Theresa of Calcutta From native Yugoslavia she came to Calcutta in 1929. It was in 1946 that she got what she referred to as "the call within the call." She started the great service aimed at relieving the problems of the poorest of the poor. Her Congregation "Missionaries of Charity" was started in October 1950. The First Proclamation For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Prayerful Awareness What a nice extract we have here on the essence of prayer's request. Prayer is simply communicating or conversation with God. Prayer can be either private or public. Then it can be formal or informal. It also can be either vocal
St. Theresa of Calcutta or silent; speaking to God or listening to God. "Prayer is both a gift of grace and a determined response on our part. It always presupposes effort. The great figures of prayer of the Old Covenant before Christ, as well as the Mother of God, the saints and He Himself, all teach us this: prayer is a battle. Against whom? Against ourselves and against the wiles of the tempter who does all that he can to turn man away from prayer, away from union with God. We pray as we live, because we live as we pray. If we do not want to act habitually according to the Spirit of Christ, neither can we pray habitually in His Name. The "spiritual battle" of the Christian's new life is inseparable from the battle of prayer. (C.C.C.2725). In the "Our Father" which He taught men to pray there were seven petitions. In His "My Father" there were also seven petitions, and they had reference to His Apostles who were the foundation of His Kingdom on earth. First, their continual union with Him, second, their joy as a result of this union; third, their preservation from evil; fourth, their sanctification in the truth which is Himself; fifth, their unity with one another, sixth, that eventually they may be with Him; and seventh, that they may perceive His glory." (Archbishop F.J.Sheen) The main aim or the purpose of prayer is to know His Will; give priority to listen to Him and not make God listen to us. Our aim in prayer should not be to persuade God to do what we want but to find out what He wants us to do. It is always good to end prayers with "Thy will be done." If we are adamant in our prayer requests God may say to us, "Thy will be done." It is good to know that, when we ask for good things, He gives us better things. Prayer Starter Help us and keep us in the right track of prayer. Amen.
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
10
zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrñ' ud l< hq;= l=ula±hs ug wK l< uekjZZ
Friday 6th September 2019 Colossians:1/15-20 Psalm:99/2-5 (100/1-5) Luke:5/33-39 The First Proclamation He is the image of the unseen God, the first-born of all creation, for in him were created all things in heaven and on earth: everything visible and everything invisible, thrones, ruling forces, sovereignties, powers -- all things were created through him and for him. He exists before all things and in him all things hold together, and he is the Head of the Body, that is, the Church. He is the Beginning, the first-born from the dead, so that he should be supreme in every way; because God wanted all fullness to be found in him and through him to reconcile all things to him, everything in heaven and everything on earth, by making peace through his death on the cross. Fix your gaze on Jesus Jesus, Lord, You were the physical localised embodiment of the Cosmic Christ, the 'Word' of God instrumental in manifesting the physical reality in which we have our being / existence. We relate more easily to You Lord, given our propensity to relate with reality through our primary five-fold senses, the material realm of Your creation. O Holy Spirit of God, please evolve us now, to take that next step higher, to become conscious and to own up to our own divine nature, as proclaimed by You whilst You walked the earth…! Jesus is the Divine, presenting Himself in a human form, incarnate and materialized so as to enable humanity to relate the divine more easily. He is
our visible, tangible discovery of the invisible God, and whoever sees Him also sees the Divine, the Father. It is only relatively recently that advances in science have opened up our understanding in to the real nature of this creation, the reality we perceive we exist in. We are slowly beginning to comprehend the dual nature of what we name as material; how these tangible visible things are actually made up of the intangible and the invisible; how things are really composed of no-thing; that essentially, the inner nature of material is that of energy- of information! With this changed/shifted foundational understanding, let us read again the scripture for today. Experience firsthand how your mind broadens, and your heart becomes lighter. Let’s adore these mysteries in humble faith, and behold the glory of the Lord in Christ Jesus. All things being created by Him were created for Him; being made by His power, they were made according to His pleasure, and for His praise and glory. He not only created them all at first, but it is by the word of His power that they are upheld. And there is no wonder as to why Jesus told those who queried Him to rejoice in the presence of the Bridegroom….. Prayer Starter Dearest Lord, we stand in awe before Your creative genius..... we now comprehend ever so slightly how we are in You at all times, and You in us throughout..... the whole of this universe, and this ecosphere we are nurtured in, is Your 'womb'; the cradle You designed for us! We are not alone, neither abandoned, and we rest in You for eternity.....You are our Abba Father, and our Abba Mother...Alleluia, Alleluia....
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
11
Saturday 7th September 2019 Colossians:1/21-23 Psalm: 53/3-4,6,8 (54/1-2, 4,6 Luke:6/1-5
The First Proclamation And you who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his fleshly body through death, so as to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him provided that you continue securely established and steadfast in the faith, without shifting from the hope promised by the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven. I, Paul, became a servant of this gospel. The Gospel Proclamation One sabbath while Jesus was going through the grainfields, his disciples plucked some heads of grain, rubbed them in their hands, and ate them. But some of the Pharisees said, "Why are you doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?" Jesus answered, "Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and gave some to his companions?" Then he said to them, "The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath." Prayerful Awareness What do we think of ourselves? Are we righteous or sinful? Are we lawful in our deeds, or unlawful? But
does it really matter? We sometimes fall in to despair because of our repeated sinful actions and we fail to see God’s grace. This is not what God intended for us. God is not waiting for a chance to punish us or to condemn us to hell. Because if it was so, God would never have sent His own Son to die for our redemption. Let us reflect on the scripture today. In today’s Gospel passage Jesus is confronted by Pharisees about the unlawful actions of Jesus’ disciples during Sabbath. But because Jesus knew ABBA Father so well, He knew what God meant by each commandment, and that it should be interpreted with nothing else but LOVE, and answered the Pharisee accordingly. In the first reading St. Paul brings out the good news of our faith. That we no longer have to distance ourselves from God as He has already made us holy and pure with the physical death of His own Son. “But now, by means of the physical death of his Son, God has made you his friends, in order to bring you, holy, pure, and faultless, into his presence.” We need to believe this truth wholeheartedly, and be hopeful and remain in God’s grace even when we fail and fall into sin, so that we may have the strength to repent and to return to God every time. So it does not matter who you are now, what matters is the faith you have in Jesus Christ, who can and have saved you already. Prayer Starter But I am like an olive tree growing in the house of God; I trust in His constant love forever and ever.
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
12
zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrĂą' ud l< hq;= l=ulaÂąhs ug wK l< uekjZZ
Sunday 8th September 2019 Wisdom:9/13-18 Psalm:89/3-6,12-14 ,17 (90/3-6,12-14,17) Philomen:1/9-10,12-17 Luke:14/25-33
Introduction Today, the first proclamation gives us the answer to the question 'What man can understand the Will of God?' Through the Gospel Proclamation the Lord unfolding the value of authentic Christian discipleship invites us to enter into His own experience. St. Paul in the Second Proclamation responding as a true disciple, invites Philemon to abide by it. The challenge posed before us is to respond as true disciples. Certainly, the Wisdom of God and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit will guide us in fulfilling this task. So, let us enter into our journey of prayer longing for the light to respond through our lifestyle to an authentic Christian discipleship.
The First Proclamation
For who can learn the counsel of God? Or who can discern what the Lord wills? For the reasoning of mortals is worthless, and our designs are likely to fail; for a perishable body weighs down the soul, and this earthly tent burdens the thoughtful mind. We can hardly guess at what is on earth, and what is at hand we find with labor, but who has traced out what is in the heavens? Who has learned your counsel, unless you have given wisdom and sent your Holy Spirit from on high? And thus the paths of those on earth were set right, and people were taught what pleases you, and were saved by wisdom."
23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time Wk III
Prayerful Awareness
What man can know the mind and the intention of God? Inquiring about the deep reality of man, this is what the first proclamation presents. Man is mortal, transient, his reasonings are limited and his ideas are unstable. It is quite difficult for him to have a correct understanding of what is on earth. The proclamation poses the question, how can a human of such caliber know the intentions and the Will of God? Thus it further proclaims that God bestowing His wisdom and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit on man, has taught him what is pleasing to the Lord and shown the way he is to traverse. Let us turn to ourselves. Are we working according to the narrow ways of God or do we allow the wisdom of God and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to work in us? Let us pause for a moment to ponder.
The Gospel Proclamation
Now large crowds were travelling with him; and he turned and said to them, "Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' Or what king going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
13
of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.
Prayerful Awareness
Jesus turning to the crowds accompanying Him and says: 1. "If any man comes to me without hating his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes and his own life too, he cannot be my disciple." 2. Anyone who does not carry his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple." 3. "None of you can be my disciple unless he gives up all his possessions." He also speaks the same words to us today, and invites us to 1. Love Him more than all the others 2. Give up everything for His sake 3. Carry one's cross and follow Him. Through this, what does He expect from us? Unfolding the authentic values of Christian discipleship He invites us to enter into His own experience. It is an invitation to overcome human desires, limitations and expectations and take up the cross to walk His path and to let go of everything for the sake of the Abba Father. Let us be mindful of where we are at present and pray for the wisdom of the Sprit to respond fully to the invitation.
The Second Proclamation
yet I would rather appeal to you, on the basis of love - and I, Paul, do this as an old man, and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus. I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment. I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. I wanted to keep him with me, so that he might be of service to me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel, but I preferred to do nothing without your consent, in order that your good deed might be voluntary and not something forced. Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother -
especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.
Prayerful Awareness
Let us open ourselves to the experience of Paul through this revelation. While in prison he appeals lovingly to Philemon and his community. It is about the slave Onesimus. Though he was considered a slave till now, he pleads with Philemon and his community to accept him from now on as a 'brother in Christ' not as a slave any more, but as a 'blood-brother'; Isn't the challenge before Philemon the same as what the Lord Jesus presents through the Gospel proclamation? Yes, welcoming Onesimus who was his slave as a brother is certainly giving up a societal value he was clinging on to. It would never have been easy for him. And most probably his relatives and friends would have made it worse by condemning his action. "Unless you give up everything you cannot be my disciple." Isn't it similar to the challenge St. Paul poses at Philemon?
Towards our son-ship
The journey of true discipleship presented by the Lord today and the life journey of a true community presented by St. Paul is a challenge to us. In order to give a positive response, we need to open ourselves to the divine wisdom and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Abba Father, Abba Mother, I am willing. I shall be conscious and claim my divine son-ship with eager longing.
Prayer Starter
Let the heavens praise Your wonders, O Lord, Your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord? Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord, a God feared in the council of the holy ones, great and awesome above all that are around Him?
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
14
zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrñ' ud l< hq;= l=ula±hs ug wK l< uekjZZ
Monday 9th September 2019 Colossians:1/24-2/3 Psalm: 61/6-7, 9 (62/5-6,8) Luke:6/6-11
Gospel Proclamation On another sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him to see whether he would cure on the sabbath, so that they might find an accusation against him. ... he said to the man who had the withered hand, "Come and stand here." ...Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to destroy it?" After looking around at all of them, he said to him, "Stretch out your hand." He did so, and his hand was restored. But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus. Gaze at Jesus In the Gospel today, we see Jesus led by the Holy Spirit identifies the man in the crowd with a paralyzed hand. Healing the man on a Sabbath day angers the teachers of the Law. However, Jesus nullifies the law as worthless, if it does not defend the rights of the society in need. Towards our sonship (Colossians 1:25-29) Letter to the Colossians, St Paul points out that Christian maturity is to become aware with the knowledge that “Christ is within each one of us” and in Colossians 2:3 St Paul says that the same awareness of Jesus will be “the key that opens all the hidden treasures of God's wisdom and knowledge” Church continually tells us about the importance of repentance which is much more than repenting for sin. It is turning to God in all things in discernment.
St. Peter Claver, Priest Recently I was praying with a close companion who was diagnosed with a pre-cancer growth. When we prayed, the word of the Lord was “There is so much for us to be grateful for.” She went for the surgery with a praising heart. This is Jesus in us enriching our prayer moments, when we implicitly rely on Him. Following is a short prayer meditation which in Pubuduwa we call the fivefold awareness to the Holy Spirit that guides you to unfold the secret that Jesus is in you. This can be developed into a continuous practice throughout the day, while, not only praying, but also while working, walking, eating, cleaning, even talking. Prayerful Awareness Step 1 - *In solitude sitting in a comfortable posture read meditatively John 14: 16 – 17. Repeating the scripture confirms in you the words, Holy Spirit in you and with you. Step 2 - *While breathing mindfully with your eyes closed, become aware of the breathing patterns and become aware that action within is the Holy Spirit is in you. Step 3 - *Pay mindful attention to the activities happening around you (sounds, the wind). Repeat the words 'Holy Spirit is with me.' At this stage you will realize the intruding thoughts. Without trying to remove the thoughts sing an appropriate hymn to the Holy Spirit to come and hover over and overshadow your thoughts. Holy Spirit does not condemn you. However, in conversation with the Holy Spirit who is overshadowing your thoughts, will guide you to see the true status of your thoughts. Step 4 - *Invest enough time in conversation with the Holy Spirit who will speak to you. Step 5 - *Finally, the word you encounter from the Holy Spirit through this awareness is Jesus. He is the “hidden treasures of God's Wisdom and Knowledge”.
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
15
Tuesday 10th September 2019 Colossians:2/6-15 Psalm:144/1-2,8-11 (145/1-2, 8-11 Luke:6/12-19
The First Proclamation .... See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ. ..... when you were buried with him in baptism, you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead..... The Gospel Proclamation Now during those days he went out to the mountains to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles..... He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them. Prayerful Awareness Gospel writers note that before every IMPORTANT event in Jesus' life, He took time off to SPEAK/PRAY to His Father. This time Jesus was preparing to choose His INNER CIRCLE, the 12 disciples. Let us follow this example and make sure that all our important decisions are grounded in prayer.
Jesus had many disciples (learners), but He chose only 12 APOSTLES (Messengers). The apostles were His inner circle, to whom He gave special training and whom He sent out with His own authority. These were the men who STARTED the Christian Church. In the Gospels these 12 are usually called disciples, but in the book of Acts, they are called apostles. People at that time would have seen Jesus as only the "Carpenter's Son" from His outward appearance, but right within, He was and IS the "Son of God". We see that Jesus selected "ordinary" men with a mixture of backgrounds and personalities to be His disciples. TODAY, God calls 'ordinary' people together to build His church, to teach salvation's message, and serve others out of LOVE. Alone we may feel unqualified to serve Christ effectively but TOGETHER we make up a group strong enough to serve God in any way. We must accept the diversity of people in our Church and build the variety of strengths represented in our groups Once word of Jesus' healing power spread, crowds gathered just to TOUCH Him. For many, He had become a symbol of good fortune, a lucky charm or a magician. Instead of desiring God's PARDON and LOVE, they only wanted physical healing or a chance to see spectacular events. Some people still see God as a cosmic magician and consider PRAYER as a way to get God to do His tricks. But God is NOT a MAGICIAN. He is the MASTER. Prayer is not a way for us to control God, it is a way for us to put ourselves UNDER HIS CONTROL. Prayer Starter Thank You Abba Father for blessing us with the pleasure and priviledge of seeking You and giving us chances to share You with others.
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
16
zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrñ' ud l< hq;= l=ula±hs ug wK l< uekjZZ
Wednesday 11th September 2019 Colossians:3/1-11 Psalm:144/2-3,10-13 (145/2-3,10-13) Luke:6/20-26
The First Proclamation So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above; where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not the things that are on earth, for you have died; and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly; fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). On account of these the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient. These are the ways you also once followed, when you were living that life. But now you must get rid of all such things - anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive language from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator....... The Gospel Proclamation And he, lifting up his eyes on his disciples, said: Blessed are ye poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for you shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for you shall laugh. Blessed shall you be when men shall hate you, and when they shall
separate you, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Be glad in that day and rejoice; for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For according to these things did their fathers to the prophets. But woe to you that are rich: for you have your consolation. Woe to you that are filled: for you shall hunger. Woe to you that now laugh: for you shall mourn and weep. Woe to you when men shall bless you: for according to these things did their fathers to the false prophets. Prayerful Awareness Let us read today’s Proclamations meditatively, where the central theme is that going through suffering and sacrifice in our lives will not be in vain and will seem minute when compared to life everlasting in God’s Bosom / Kingdom. Those who are having a good time in this life run the risk of becoming too entwined in satisfying their senses at the expense of their spiritual life, thus distancing themselves from God and salvation. That is why our Lord Jesus Christ says ‘Woe to you’ to people who tend to become too complacent with their status quo and who do not feel any need to depend on God. Whereas those who are poor and in need have to always depend on Almighty God, Abba Father, Abba Mother, to provide for them thus bringing them to a lifelong, step by step journey with the Lord! Song of Praise (Psalm 145: 2-3, 10-13) Every day I will bless thee: and I will praise thy name for ever; yeah, for ever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised: and of his greatness there is no end. ...... Amen! Alleluia! Praise the Lord!
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
17
Thursday 12th September 2019 Colossians:3/12-17 Psalm:150/1-6 Luke:6/27-38 OR Galatians:4/4-7 or Ephesians:1/3-6 Psalm: Luke1/46-55 Luke:1/39-47
The First Proclamation As God's chosen ones holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Prayerful Awareness St. Paul uses the illustration of a garment to describe Christian life. The garment in focus is an interior one, not an exterior one. This interior garment
The Most Holy Name of Mary is made of compassion, kindness, humility and patience. Christians are expected to adorn themselves with the garment of grace and beauties of holiness. "The human satisfactions of the cravings of body have one defect; they do not satisfy forever. They only serve to redeem the present need but they never extinguish it. The want always revives. The waters the world gives fall back to earth again, but the water of life which He gives is a supernatural impulse, and pushes onwards even to heaven itself." (Archbishop F.J.Sheen). To become a new personality in Christ, the inner transformation is necessary. And with that the Christian becomes a new creation, or a member of the community of God's people. Our relationships should reflect this. And on forgiving, the C.C.C. has this: "This parable of the merciless servant, which crowns the Lord's teaching on ecclesian communion, ends with these words: "So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart". It is there, in fact "in the depths of the heart" that everything is bound and loosed. It is not in our power not to feel, or to forget, an offence; but the heart that offers itself to the Holy Spirit turns injury into compassion and purifies the memory in transforming the hurt into intercession. (C.C.C.2843). The final word of advice from St. Paul: "Everything we do or say should be done and said in the Name of Jesus". Prayer Starter "Mary remembered all these things and thought deeply about them. Amen." (Luke 2:19)
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
18
zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrñ' ud l< hq;= l=ula±hs ug wK l< uekjZZ
Friday 13th September 2019 St. John Chrysostom, Bishop & Doctor claiming the raising of a dead blasphem1 Timothy:1/1,2,12-14 er. He had everything going for him, Psalm:15/1-2.5.7-8,11 and received a license to kill, a highly 6/1-2,5,7-8,11) acclaimed honour bestowed rarely, and only to the most privileged. Luke:6/39-42
His only shortfall was ignorance of the Truth. He believed something other than what the Divine intended, and thus became an instrument of injury, destruction and death. So do we all become, The First Proclamation the moment we believe anything other Paul, apostle of Christ Jesus than what the Divine tells us! When we appointed by the command of God believe a lie/s, we unwittingly become our Saviour and of Christ Jesus our instruments of the dark angel, the Devil. hope, to Timothy, true child of mine On the other-hand, when we accept the in the faith. Grace, mercy and peace Divine Word in to our hearts and minds, from God the Father and from Christ we become instruments of the Divine, Jesus our Lord .... I thank Christ and bring about the kingdom of Love Jesus our Lord, who has given me here on earth. strength. By calling me into his service God’s nature is Love, and s/he dehe has judged me trustworthy, even sires an inner transformation of all His though I used to be a blasphemer children as regarding their true nature; and a persecutor and contemptuous. an awakening of the potential imbued! Mercy, however, was shown me, be- We are able to stay in love and be loving! cause while I lacked faith I acted in We receive life only to the extent we ignorance; but the grace of our Lord filled me with faith and with the love receive and incarnate Christ within; He is a Christian’s hope and destiny; our that is in Christ Jesus. hope of glory. We do not go there so Fix your gaze on Jesus long as we change our path from that Let us stand before Thy life giving set by Jesus; by being judgmental, by Word O Lord, in that we may learn to an orientation to be ‘Holier than Thou’, excluding and rejecting brethren who choose Life... are as lost as we are! We pithily mouth that the Word of Prayer Starter God gives us life; but to what extent do we really understand and experience Lord, turn me anew that I may the mechanics of HOW God’s WORD become an instrument of Thy Love and gives us life? Looking at St. Paul’s dec- Mercy; help me start believing that I larations today would perhaps clue us to am an empowered individual; able, and some extent in this respect! constantly becoming aware of the inner Who was Saul? He was a child of processors in my relating to the external Rabbi’s, a Rabbi himself, a Roman citi- reality, and thus rejecting error/lies, zen, a learned Scholar of the Scriptures, and staying in Love constantly! I can and a Zealous individual. Given this therefore be loving and merciful, even background, it was no wonder that he as our heavenly Father is; caring and became a protector of the Jewish faith, nurturing, even as our heavenly Mother and as such a feared persecutor of the is .... Alleluia, Alleluia, Amen. Glory be followers of this new found religion to Him, to Her ......
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
19
Saturday 14th September 2019 Numbers:21/4-9 Psalm:77/1-2,34-38 (78/1-2,34-38) Philippians:2/6-11 John:3/13-17
The First Proclamation The Israelites left Mount Hor … But on the way the people lost their patience and spoke against God and Moses. ... “Why did you bring us out of Egypt to die in this desert, where there is no food or water? We can't stand any more of this miserable food!” Then the Lord sent poisonous snakes among the people, and many Israelites were bitten and died. The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Now pray to the Lord to take these snakes away.” So Moses prayed for the people. Then the Lord told Moses to make a metal snake and put it on a pole, so that anyone who was bitten could look at it and be healed. ... Gospel Proclamation And no one has ever gone up to heaven except the Son of Man, who came down from heaven.” As Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the desert, in the same way the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its savior. .... Prayerful Awareness In the first Proclamation John tells the reader that just as Moses lifted up the
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross serpent in the wilderness which brought about life to the dying Israelites in the Old Testament story the Son of Man must be also be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. The serpent was lifted up; men looked at it; their thoughts were turned to God; and by the power of that God in whom they trusted, they were healed. Even so Jesus must be lifted up; and when men turn their thoughts to Him, and believe in Him, they too will find eternal life. If eternal life is what we seek we have to believe in Jesus with all our heart that God is as Jesus declared Him to be. It means believing that God loves us, that God cares for us, that God wants nothing more than to forgive us. We must believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that in Him is the mind of God, that He knew God so well, was so close to God, was so one with God, that He could tell us the absolute truth about Him. This passage also tells us the unconditional love of God in giving us His only begotten Son so that mankind will have salvation if only they believe. The line says “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son…”It was the world that God so loved. The unlovable and the sinful, the man who loves God and the man who never thinks of Him, the man who rests in the love of God and the man who spurns it--all are included in this vast inclusive love of God. As Augustine said: "God loves each one of us as if there was only one of us to love." Prayer Starter Heavenly Father we come to You in the mighty Name of Jesus and in His righteousness to give You thanks and praise for Your unconditional love for us. Grant to those who refuse to accept Your Son and the salvation You have offered to them the grace to believe and accept Jesus as their Saviour. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
20
zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrĂą' ud l< hq;= l=ulaÂąhs ug wK l< uekjZZ
Sunday 15th September 2019 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time National Catechetical Sunday PS Wk IV Exodus:32/7-11,13-14 Psalm:50/3-4,12-13, 17, 19 (51/1-2,10-11,15,17) 1 Timothy:1/12-17 Luke:15/1-32 OR 15/1-10
Introduction Today is the National Catechetical Sunday. And we who are graced with the gift of addressing God Almighty as Abba Father, Abba Mother are endowed with the vocation of taking the good news of the paternal and maternal love of God to the entire Universe. Even through the Eucharistic theme for the day "God the Father welcomes sinners"; we are made conscious of the importance of Catechesis. The word of God explains that, to draw closer to God once again, man should be ready to admit his failures. Let us make the sin and frailty we experience, a sacrament of experiencing the love of the Father. Our life transformation can be an occasion of leading another to God. Therefore let us repent and turn to God the Father and pray for the power to do so. The First Proclamation The Lord said to Moses, "Go down at once! Your people whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt have acted perversely; they have been quick to turn aside from the way that I commanded them, they have cast for themselves an image of a calf, and have worshiped it and sacrificed to it, and said, 'These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!" The Lord said to Moses, "I
have seen this people, how stiff-necked they are. Now let me alone, so that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them; and of you, I will make a great nation." But Moses implored the Lord his God and said, "O Lord, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? .... And the Lord changed his mind about the disaster that he planned to bring on his people. Prayerful Awareness The first proclamation reveals how God, Abba Father, Abba Mother extends His immense love to His chosen people as a mother and a father. While the Father's heart is merciful and compassionate as a mother in seeing the people brought out from Egypt moving in the dark neglecting His commands, His wrath also blazes out against them. In order to bring them back to the correct path, the Lord is not hesitant in rebuking them. However, the deep relationship Moses had with God is such that he is able to converse with Him and also to plead with Him. This relationship and intimacy is so deep to the extent that the promise given to Abraham is fulfilled through Moses who stood faithful to Him in spite of the unfaithfulness of the people. The Second Proclamation I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is sure and
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
21
worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the foremost. But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. Prayerful Awareness The Second Proclamation reveals the paternal and maternal love of the Father that St. Paul came to experience through the risen Lord. St. Paul witnessing to the salvation received through faith in Jesus Christ who came to save sinners invites everybody to rely on this truth. It is simply out of his experience that St. Paul shows forth the divine love that would be ours to enjoy when we turn from sin. The Gospel Proclamation Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them." So he told them this parable: "Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' Just so I tell you; there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. "Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house,
and search carefully until she finds it. When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Prayerful Awareness Every word and deed of our Lord filled with the perfect love of the Father was a manifestation of the Father. The Scribes and Pharisees who viewed this with misunderstanding and distrust complained against Him since they did not really know His heart. The overflowing love with which He loved sinners, the alienated and the rejected was a gift from the Father Himself. Through the parable of the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son what He tries to send home is the good news that the sinner who turns to God with a repentant heart would be welcomed back unconditionally. Our Sonship Every time we fall victim to sin we are separated from God. When the love of God is rejected, man not only alienates himself from God but also denies his divine son-ship as well as the divine image in him. The Lord, who awakens us through the parable of the prodigal son, presents repentance as a pre-requisite for divine son-ship. Let us recall when and where we rejected the love of God and alienated ourselves from Him and enter into repentance. Let us gaze at the Lord requesting us 'to turn'; when we too behave like the prodigal son. Let us desire divine son-ship. Prayer Starter Thank You Lord, for the inheritance to call You Abba Father and Abba Mother! Forgive me for the times I deny my divine son-ship through human frailty. Make me conscious of the moments that I act in contradiction.
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
22
zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrĂą' ud l< hq;= l=ulaÂąhs ug wK l< uekjZZ
Monday 16th September 2019 Sts Cornelius, Pope & Cyprian Bishop be a person worthy enough to welcome Jesus under his roof. His words, "Lord do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. But only speak the word and my servant would be healed." These words express his humility. He also had great faith in Jesus as to believe that a word from Jesus would be enough to heal his The Gospel Proclamation servant. Jesus admired the Centurion's After Jesus had finished all his concern for his servant and said to His sayings ... he entered Capernaum. disciples, "I say to you, not even in A centurion there had a slave whom Israel have I found such great faith." he valued highly, and who was ill and So saying Jesus restored the servant close to death. When he heard about back to life. My sonship Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him, asking him to come and heal his Isn't the Roman Officer's way of life slave. When they came to Jesus, they a challenge to me? When I think of his appealed to him earnestly, saying, "He is worthy of having you do this love, my love for others should lead me for him, for he loves our people, and to approach God in faith, asking Him it is he who built our synagogue for to bestow His mercy upon me. Faith us." And Jesus went with them, but gives me access to the power of God when he was not far from the house, and in turn allows God's love to work the centurion sent friends to say to powerfully in my life and the lives of him, "Lord, do not trouble yourself, those I love. The First Proclamation for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, therefore I did not Please read 1 Timothy 2/1-8 prayerpresume to come to you. But only fully. speak the word and let my servant Prayerful Awareness be healed. For I also am a man set St. Paul urges that petitions, prayers, under authority, with soldiers under me, and I say to one, 'Go.' and he intercessions and thanksgiving be goes, and to another 'Come.' and he made on behalf of everyone, for rulers comes, .... When Jesus heard this he of states and all in authority that we was amazed at him, and turning to may enjoy a quiet and peaceful life in the crowd that followed him, he said, godliness. "I tell you, not even in Israel have I At a time like today, we have to infound such faith." When those who tercede God on behalf of all, especially had been sent returned to the house, the political leaders of the country, to they found the slave in good health. set aside power craziness and to serve the people, immaterial of caste, creed Prayerful Awareness and religion. Today's Gospel reading highlights Prayer Starter some of the most important characBlessed be the Lord, for He has teristics found in the Centurion's life. The two most striking are humility and heard the sound of my pleadings. faith. He did not consider himself to (Ps. 28/6)
1 Timothy:2/1-8 Psalm:27/2,7-9 (28/2,7-9 Luke:7/1-10
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
23
Tuesday 17th September 2019 1 Timothy:3/1-13 Psalm: 100/1-3,5-6 (101/1-3, 5-6 Luke:7/11-17 The Gospel Proclamation Soon afterwards he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother's only son, and she was a widow; .... When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, "Do not weep." Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, rise!" The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized all of them, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen among us!" and "God has looked favorably on his people!".... Prayerful Awareness Today's Gospel presents the resurrection of the son of the widow of Nain. The Evangelist wants to show that Jesus opens the road, revealing the novelty of God which is presented to us in the announcement of the Good News. And in this way the transformation and openness take place. The way in which Jesus reveals the Kingdom surprises the Jewish brothers who were not accustomed to such great openness. Jesus denounces the incoherence of His patricians: "They are like chldren shouting without knowing what they want!" (Luke 7/31-35) In this incident Luke is like a painter. With few words he succeeds to paint a very beautiful picture on the encounter of the two processions: the procession of death which is going out of the city and
St. Robert Bellarmine, Bishop accompanies the widow who is taking her only son towards the cemetery, the procession of life which enters the city and accompanies Jesus. The two meet in the small square at the side of the gate of the town of Nain. Compassion begins to act here. "When the Lord saw her, he felt sorry for her and said to her; "Do not cry!". It is compassion which moves Jesus to speak and to act. Compassion signifies literarily: "to suffer with, to assume or make ours the suffering of the other person, feeling the pain and the suffering. It is compassion which puts into action the power of Jesus, the power of life over death, the creative power. Our sonship Sometimes we consider the episode of the resurrection of the son of the widow of Nain as an event of the past which arouses nostalgy and also certain envy. The intention of the Gospel, instead, is not that of arousing nostalgia or envy, but rather of helping us experience better the living presences of Jesus in our midst. IT is the same Jesus, who continues alive in our midst, capable of overcoming death and the sorrow of death. He is with us today and in the face of the problems of sorrow which strike us, He tells us "I tell you, get up!" * Compassion moves Jesus to resurrect the son of the widow. Does the suffering, the sorrow of others produce in me the same compassion? * What do I do to help the others to overcome sorrow and to create a new life? * God visited His people. Do I perceive the many visits of God in my life and in the life of the people? Prayer Starter Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. (Ps.100/1-2...)
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
24
zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrñ' ud l< hq;= l=ula±hs ug wK l< uekjZZ
Wednesday 18th September 2019 1 Timothy:3/14-16 Psalm: 110/1-6 (111/1-6) Luke:7/31-35 The Gospel Proclamation Jesus said ... "To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, "We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. ...; For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, 'He is possessed by a demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, 'Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, .....
Prayerful Awareness
People of this generation live to satisfy their own desires, trying to gather for themselves the riches of this world and seek glory for themselves. In this way of life, most of them try to judge and find faults of others considering themselves as supreme. They lack Godly Wisdom to give prime place to God and His Great Love, to depend on His Great LOVE as God Cares for all of us. John 3:16 reminds us that God so loved the world (man) that He sent His begotten Son (Jesus) to pay for man’s sins and save him from eternal death, and also to show man the path for salvation. Man is called to follow Jesus and acquire it. People of that time clearly showed lack of their seriousness and of coherence in the opinions given on Jesus and on John. Their bad will is so evident that it needed no proof. I recall the response of Job to his friends who believed that they were wise: “Oh that you would be altogether silent. This for you would be with wisdom.” (Job 13, 5). When we express opinions on others, we should not be like
the Pharisees and the Scribes who gave their opinion on Jesus and John. They expressed only their preconceptions and said nothing on the persons whom they judged. At the same time, Jesus stressed the difference between Him and John. John was more severe, more ascetical, did not eat nor drink. He remained in the desert and threatened the people with the punishment of the Last Judgment (Lk 3 : 7-9). Because of this, people said that he was possessed. Jesus was more welcoming; He ate and drank like everybody else. He went through the towns and entered the houses of the people; He accepted the tax collectors and the prostitutes. This is why they said that He was a glutton and a drunkard. Even considering His words regarding “the men of this generation” (Lk 7 : 31), in a general way, probably, Jesus had in mind the opinion of the religious authority who did not believe in Jesus. We should not think of us as superior to others as God created all equal. We should not judge others as Lord said judgment belongs to Him. Do not criticize others as that could be due to a result of a judgment. Everyone who belongs to Lord is a free person. First Reading tells us that we should know how to behave in the house of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. Undeniably great is the mystery of devotion, who was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed to the Gentiles, believed in throughout the world and taken up in glory. Prayer Starter God our Loving Father, our Creator and Guide, grant us Your Holy Spirit through the intercession of Your Begotten Son, our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ. May we serve You with all our hearts and know Your forgiveness in our lives. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
25
Thursday 19th September 2019 1 Timothy:4/12-16 Psalm:110/7-10 (111/7-10) Luke:7/36-50
St. Januarius Virtually nothing is historically known about the life and death of St. Januaris. He is believed to have been the Bishop of Beneventum in Sothern Italy and to have suffered for the faith under Diocletian. Legend has it that he along with a number of deacons and lectors were thrown to wild beasts and then decapitated. His relics in the Cathedral of Naples are famous for the regularly recurring miracles. Here in a silver and glass reliquary, are enshrined two hermetically sealed phials of the holy bishop's blood, traditionally believed to have been collected by a certain Eusebian. Normally appearing as a dark solid mass, 18 times on three public occasions during the year, when this reliquary is brought near the silver bust which encases the saint's head, defying all scientific explanation it liquefies, turning a bright ruby red, and frothing and bubbling as though it were just shed. He is the patron of Naples. The First Proclamation Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Put these things
St. Januarius, Bishop & Martyr into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers. Prayerful Awareness "Preach without preaching." (Archbishop F.J.Sheen). The essence of the advice given to Timothy can be expressed in these words. It is perhaps the hardest to follow. It is perhaps the only possible one. Timothy was advised or expected to silence criticism by his conduct. One's conduct is a powerful way to silence criticism; it is more powerful than verbal defences. IT is well worth to examine the characteristics of Timothy's conduct. The first and foremost is love. The aim or the goal of love is that we will seek nothing but the good of others; irrespective of what they say to us or do to us. In the New Testament divine love, Agape, is described as His unconditional love to mankind; His offer of forgiveness to the repentant, and the quality of following mankind to offer His salvation. This divine love should be evident in us in three ways, i.e. engage in merciful acts without regarding qualifications, status etc., forgive others as we have been forgiven by Him, engage oneself actively in the service of others. The other quality is purity - i.e. unconditional or unconquerable allegiance to the values of His Kingdom. The goal set by Christ is above the standards of the world. Then, finally, we have loyalty unwavering faithfulness to Our Lord Jesus Christ. It defies circumstance and human understanding. Help is available at our door step. Prayer Starter Help us to be true Christians, a beacon to our brethren. Amen.
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
26
zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrĂą' ud l< hq;= l=ulaÂąhs ug wK l< uekjZZ
Friday 20th September 2019 Sts.Andrew Kim Tae-gon, Paul Chong, Ha-Sang and Companions, Martyrs 1 Timothy:6/2-12 Psalm:48/6-10.17-20 (49/5-9.16-19) Luke:8/1-3
The Gospel Proclamation Now it happened that after this he made his way through towns and villages preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. With him went the Twelve, as well as certain women who had been cured of evil spirits and ailments: Mary surnamed Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their own resources.
Fix your gaze on Jesus
Lord Jesus, when You walked the earth in Your human body then, You brought so much relief and 'Back to Grace' Bliss to those who encountered You! It was for that experience that the Twelve followed You leaving their 'Father' and their 'Home'. It inspired Mary Magdalene who was freed from demonic possession. It motivated the many others including Joanna and Susanna, who even provided for Your mission from their own means. A simple fore-taste of God's plan as to 'What is To Come'! That was then! The question for now is different. God the Father has raised You up from the dead since, and what does it mean for us to encounter You now? Of course, the historical fact of Your being raised up, of being present in the midst of Your followers for some time, of the many deeds and miracles You manifested; these we accept today in faith. This is similar to us accepting that Sri Lanka was invaded by
various European nationalities many times in the recent past. The more significant question is, what does it mean for us to encounter You now? This is what St. Paul writes to Timothy, who was residing with the community at Ephesus, about. Our redemption from the 'Fallen' state, the sinful condition we all experience, of the pain, the rejections, the alienation, the lack of harmony, the self-sabotage we indulge in, the guilt we are ridden with, in essence all the 'ILLs' of our present condition is to be healed by the admittance of the Risen Christ in to our lives. The Risen Christ is the fountain-head of our hope; the link-pin on which everything pivots; the foundation on which all rest. The Living Word is the Way, the Truth and Life for all Intelligence.... But what do we do? We assign the power to provide us with satisfaction through the satiation of our senses, brought-about through the world, our flesh. And the medium for that these days is 'Money'. So we love money for its perceived power to satisfy us! This fallen thinking / understanding has to be vehemently rejected. God's solution to bring awareness/ intelligence back to S/His Creation is to Give of S/Himself- the Living Word, again and again to the created! Shall we welcome He Who Is To Awaken Us? He who would empower us? He who is to imbue us with the divine potential to stay in love and be in eternal bliss...
Prayer Starter
We are astounded at Your Intelligence O Lord! Your creation is fallen asleep; is not aware of Your Eternal Presence, woven right in to our being! Jesus, the incarnate was the first to awaken fully in being raised up; and now the Son is coming, again and again, to process us and to awaken us! Alleluia...!!!
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
27
Saturday 21st September 2019 St. Mathew, Apostle & Evangelist accept our sins and change to receive His Ephesians:4/1-7,11-13 Mercy. This reminds me of the thief who Psalm: 18/2-5 was hanged to death on the right side of Jesus. He was a thief in the desert area, (19/1-3) and knew that he received his punishMathew:9/9-13 Gospel Proclamation As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me"; .... While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees ... said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" He ... said, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. ... 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice'. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners." Prayerful Awareness When travelling or walking Jesus was looking for people, people who could be listeners and then followers, becoming citizens in His Kingdom. Mathew was a tax collector as his job or profession. As a tax collector of the time he too may have been unreasonable at times, when collecting taxes for the authorities and may have made undue gains for himself. But Jesus seeing him would have known that he could be changed. On receiving Jesus’ call he got up and followed Jesus.
Pharisees could not accept this as tax collectors were identified as sinners by the then Jewish society. Jesus said that He came to call the sinners to change and not the righteous or the ones who think they are righteous. We all sin in whatever way as we are born with a body full of various desires. Jesus was full of mercy to forgive all who accept their sin, repent and willing to change. Change to love others, and live up to God’s image of Love as God created us to His own image of Love. This is why Jesus gave us a special Commandment to love others as He loves us. We should
ment for his wrongdoing, but Jesus was suffering for no sin of His. It appears that this thief experienced God and His Love at the last moments of his life. He then accepted Jesus with due respect and glory and said “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom”. Jesus replied and said “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise ” (Lk. 23: 40-43). What a wonder. How much this thief changed to accept his sins, repent and accept Lord to receive Lord’s forgiveness to purify him to the highest level to enter the Kingdom of Lord that very day. First Reading on St. Paul’s letter to Ephesians. Eph. 4: 1-7 &11-13 - Brothers and sisters: I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace: One Body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one Baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. And he gave some as Apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ. Prayer Starter God our Loving Father, we thank You for Your Great Love and for sending Your begotten Son Jesus as our Saviour and Lord. Jesus who is full of Mercy to save all of us who are ready to change, repent and accept Him as our Saviour and Lord.
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
28
zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrñ' ud l< hq;= l=ula±hs ug wK l< uekjZZ
Sunday 22nd September 2019 Amos:8/4-7 Psalm: 112/1-2,4-8 (113/1-8) 1 Timothy:2/1-8 Luke:16/1-13
Entrance Antiphon I am the salvation of the people, says the Lord. Should they cry to me in any distress, I will hear them, and I will be their Lord for ever.
Introduction
Our Lord God the Almighty leads us to good behavior and thus to perfect righteousness. Similarly He instructs us as how to be of sincere and honest service to our neighbor. Therefore let us invoke the Holy Spirit to grace us with power to abandon our sinful past and to enter a new life journey full of divine mercy.
The First Proclamation
Hear this, you that trample on the needy and bring to ruin the poor of the land, saying, 'When will the new moon be over so that we may sell grain, and the sabbath, so that we may offer wheat for sale? We will make the ephah small and the shekel great, and practice deceit with false balances, buying the poor for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, and selling the sweepings of the wheat. The Lord has sworn by the pride of Jacob: 'Surely I will never forget any of their deeds,'
Prayerful Awareness Accusation aimed at Israel is not with regard to the violation of state-subject relationship but against breaking the covenant with God. This is the highest point of judgment. Tampering with the scales – Bushel was the measuring unit of corn and shekel was the measuring unit
25th Sunday of Ordinary Time PS Wk I
of weight. Also, selling the needy and the innocent was a custom of the Middle East. Selling for a pair of sandals is setting a very low price for a human being which means the person being evaluated at a low cost. God condemns such procedure. God saw their evil and malicious deeds. Even their crafty and unlawful acts were not hidden from His eyes. Therefore through the prophet, God indicates symbolizing the Nile where sudden changes occur that God's judgment will approach them most unexpectedly. God will work His way out at an unexpected moment and hence the need to be vigilant.
The Second Proclamation
First of all, then I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, there is also one mediator between God and humankind. Christ Jesus himself human, who gave himself a ransom for all - this was attested at the right time. For this I was appointed a herald and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. I desire then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument;
Prayerful Awareness
Redemption of the entire humanity is the Will of God. Brought out in the Old Testament was the commandment 'you shall worship one and only God' for at the time polytheism was mostly wide spread. And it required one's Church or community to be awakened to this matter. Further,
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
29
through the blood of Christ and for those called accordingly, He becomes the mediator of the New Covenant through whom we receive the promise of God (Hebrew 9:14-15). Therefore, gazing at Him we should offer up our praises since through Him we have received redemption and forgiveness of sins. Jews as well as Christians in the past used to pray with their hands raised. In another sense it was their experience that through this act there was an outpouring of God's immense power. We too are privileged but are we aware?
The Gospel Proclamation
Then Jesus said to the apostles: "There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was squandering his property. ... "What is this that I hear about you? Give me an accounting of your management, because you cannot be my manager any longer.'' ..., 'What will I do, now that my master is taking the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I have decided what to do so that, when I am dismissed as manager, people may welcome me into their homes.' So, summoning his master's debtors one by one, he asked the first, 'How much do you owe my master?' He answered, 'A hundred jugs of olive oil'. ..., 'Take your bill, ..... and make it fifty.' Then he asked another, 'And how much do you owe'? He replied, 'A hundred containers of wheat.' ... 'Take your bill and make it eighty'. And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly, for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes. Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much, and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest
also in much. If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own? No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth."
Prayerful Awareness
It was a custom among the stewards then to set apart for oneself a portion of the master's possessions as his commission. At this instance when he hears that the master is going to terminate his services what the steward reduces from the debtors is what is allotted to him as his commission. Thus the readjustment of the bond kept the capital of the master intact but the commission that would be to the profit of the steward was cancelled. So he forgoes his profits with an eye to receiving future favours from his co-workers. It is for his quick decisiveness and prudence in a critical situation that Jesus praises him. Further He points out the difference between the children of the world and the children of the light. Bringing out the stark contrast between serving God and being a slave to money, He challenges us to choose between the two. Let us be sensitive to His message.
My son-ship
Loving God the Father, make us conscious of where we are. Guide us to lead a life of honesty in this world. Show us to conform ourselves to Your Will in our actions and behavior. Enrich us with the power of Your Spirit to witness as a true disciple of Christ, by following the way of the Eucharistic Lord and being charitable to one another.
Prayer Starter
Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord, who greatly delight in his commandments. (Ps.112/1...)
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
30
zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrñ' ud l< hq;= l=ula±hs ug wK l< uekjZZ
Monday 23rd September 2019 Ezra:1/1-6 Psalm:125/1-6 (126/1-6) Luke:8/16-18 The First Proclamation On the fifth day of the fourth month of the thirtieth year I, Ezekiel the priest, son of Buzi, was living with the Jewish exiles by the Chebar River in Babylonia. The sky opened, and I saw a vision of God. (It was the fifth year since King Jehoiachin had been taken into exile.) There in Babylonia beside the Chebar River, I heard the Lord speak to me, and I felt his power. I looked up and saw a windstorm coming from the north. Lightning was flashing from a huge cloud, and the sky around it was glowing. Where the lightning was flashing, something shone like bronze. At the center of the storm I saw what looked like four living creatures in human form, but each of them had four faces and four wings. The Gospel Proclamation “No one lights a lamp and covers it with a bowl or puts it under a bed. Instead, it is put on the lampstand, so that people will see the light as they come in. Whatever is hidden away will be brought out into the open, and whatever is covered up will be found and brought to light. Be careful, then, how you listen; because those who have something will be given more, but whoever has nothing will have taken away from them even the little they think they have.” Prayerful Awareness God has lit the lamps in our lives, His disciples, which radiate the truth
St. Pius of Pietrecina, Priest of God, which is designed to reveal and guide and lead. The psalmist says “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path”. Jesus tells us that we have to be a light. That light of life is kindled in us by the Word of God. And God’s Word comes to us in the life and teaching of Jesus. When the Word dwells in us and when we let it control our lives, then we reflect the light of Christ. The Word gives us knowledge and knowledge of God gives light to the soul. Jesus says “I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” We who carry the light of God's truth are required to make this truth known to this dark world. When God illuminates our lamp we are not supposed to conceal its light, if the light is covered we do so purposely. The Gospels refer to the lamp being covered with a vessel, a bushel, a bed; drink, food and shelter. They all refer to basic necessities of life. What is being said here is not to get preoccupied with the material things of this world to an extent that they dominate our life and becomes a hindrance to us that we forget to seek God and His kingdom, and our light will get dimmer and dimmer. Then Jesus gives us a warning, He says, ‘be careful how you hear”. God’s words come to us either as words of grace and salvation or as words of judgment and condemnation. Prayer Starter Dear Lord, You know the many times we have not radiated the light You have given us and have been so caught up in the things of this world. We pray that with Your grace and strength we will not only carry Your light but make it radiate with Your love so that Your truth may be known to everyone. Use us Lord for Your Glory. Amen
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
31
Tuesday 24th September 2019 Ezra:6/7-8.14-20 Psalm:121/1-5 (122/15) Luke: 8/19-21
Gospel Proclamation Please read Luke 8/19-21 prayerfully. Prayerful Awareness Jesus said “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it” to inform us that people who abide by His teachings and commandments and live accordingly are the people who are connected to Him as His mother and brothers. In other words to say that all who accept the teachings of Jesus and live accordingly should be in one family, one divine family with Jesus Christ at the Centre. All to be connected as branches to the main creeper, Jesus Christ. This is why Jesus gave us a special Commandment to love others as Jesus loves us. God did not intend for us to be alone, but to be with others. He gives us many opportunities for developing relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Why do you think Jesus seem to ignore His own relatives when they pressed to see Him? Jesus never lost an opportunity to teach His disciples a spiritual lesson or truth about the Kingdom of God. On this occasion when many gathered to hear Jesus, He pointed to another and higher reality of spiritual kinship, namely the family of God. An early martyr once said that "a Christian's only relatives are the saints." Those who follow Jesus Christ and who seek the Will of God enter into a new family, a family of "saints"; here on earth and in heaven. Jesus changes the order of relationships and shows
that true kinship is not just a matter of flesh and blood. Our adoption as sons and daughters of God transforms all our relationships and requires a new order of loyalty to God and His Kingdom. Paul the Apostle warns us to not form friendships with those whose influence would lead us into sin and unfaithfulness (see Ephes. 5:7). We certainly must pray for them, seek their good, and look for ways to witness the joy of the gospel. True friendship for a Christian should strengthen us in our love for God and for neighbor. Do you seek the company of Godly friends and advisors and do you look for ways to help others grow in the knowledge and wisdom of God and His Will for their lives? First Reading is on King Darius issuing an order to the officials of West-of-Euphrates: “Let the governor and the elders of the Jews continue the work on that house of God; they are to rebuild it on its former site. I also issue this decree concerning your dealing with these elders of the Jews in the rebuilding of that house of God: From the royal revenue, the taxes of West-of-Euphrates, let these men be repaid for their expenses, in full and without delay. I, Darius, have issued this decree; let it be carefully executed.” The elders of the Jews continued to make progress in the building, supported by the message of the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, son of Iddo. They finished the building according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus and Darius and of Artaxerxes, king of Persia. Prayer Starter God, our Loving Father, We accept Your Begotten Son Jesus Christ sent to this world to save us, as our Saviour and Lord. Grant to us Your Holy Spirit to give us Strength and Wisdom to know Jesus Christ better to Love Him as He Loves us and to Love others as He Loves us, Amen.
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
32
zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrñ' ud l< hq;= l=ula±hs ug wK l< uekjZZ
Wednesday 25th September 2019 Ezra:9/5-9 Psalm:Tobit 13/2-5,8 (Tobit 13/2-4,6-8) Luke: 9/1-6
Gospel Proclamation 'Jesus called the twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases. ...“Take nothing with you for the journey: no stick, no beggar's bag, no food, no money, not even an extra shirt. Wherever you are welcomed, stay in the same house until you leave that town; wherever people don't welcome you, leave that town and shake the dust off your feet as a warning to them.” .... Gaze at Jesus The social structure of the Jews as a tribe was to live, depending totally on the grace and mercy of God. The laws of Moses were an interpretation of God’s love. However, by Jesus’ time this social attribute of the living presence of God had ceased and the law of Moses was enforced merely to distinguish themselves from the gentiles. According to the Gospel today, when Jesus sent His twelve disciples to go forth among the people to proclaim the Good News, He wanted the disciples themselves to experience the living presence of God with them. Hence, He gives them divine authority to encourage and prepare them to live the lifestyle they were predestined. Our sonship For our sonship, let us reflect with the first reading from the books of Ezra. Here we find grieving Ezra for the sins of the Jewish community. It is said that Jews who returned from the Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem had the attention
of God who inspired the Persian Kings to commission the leaders from the Jewish community in various tasks to continue their worship in Him. One such was the rebuilding of the temple. However, here is grieving Ezra who was saddened to see the inter-marrying Jewish community with Non-Jews, thereby putrefying the life style they were predestined to live. There is a Catholic saying “family that prays together stays together”. It is family life that is set apart to God that will continue to teach their children about the living presence of God through example. Thus, family life needs to become the Good News like Ezra in the Old Testament and the twelve disciples Jesus sent who will bring change and revival, healing the broken society. As it was in the historical context and in Jesus’ time, the challenge modern church faces is to direct the community to live a lifestyle that acknowledges God’s presence in their personal lives. However, this attribute is the one that is getting contaminated due to various reasons. One mostly challenging today too is inter-marriage. Secondly, the understanding of the marriage vow. The sacrament of marriage sets the couple apart with an authority from Christ to carry the Good News to the society. The vow taken before the priest and the community gives each couple the mandate that Jesus gave the disciples to live the sacredness of God’s image in the family life and in procreation they transmit this to the society. Prayer Starter Lord we pray, that couples united forever for better or for worse will have the understanding that they need each other’s help to understand God's love in them. Therefore, Lord intervene and sanctify the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony to be deeply rooted in Christ.
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
33
Thursday 26th September 2019 Haggai: 1/1-8 Psalm:149/1-6, 9 (149/1-5,9) Luke:9/7-9
Sts. Cosmos and Damian They were considered twins. They were Arabian Christians, and practiced their medical professions in Aegae, Cilicia, Turkey. They refused to accept any payment for their medical services. They earned the epithet, "silverless ones". They were equally interested in mending the souls of their patients. Their miraculous healing powers combined with exemplary holy living brought many pagans to faith. During Diocletian persecution they were beheaded. Druggists, barbers, physicians, surgeons and dentists regard them as their patrons. They are invoked against hernia and pestilence. The First Proclamation .... Then the word of the Lord came by the prophet Haggai, ... Is it a time for you yourselves to live in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now therefore thus says the Lord of hosts; Consider how you have fared. You have sown much and harvested little; you eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and you that earn wages earn wages to put them into a bag with holes. ...... Prayerful Awareness When the Jews returned from captivity in Babylon to Jerusalem, they gave priority to building the temple but were interrupted by the opposition
Sts. Cosmas & Damian, Martyrs of Samaritans. Then they busied themselves with building their houses and agriculture. May be they thought that building the temple did not contribute towards economy or living. At this point the Lord spoke through the prophet Haggai. He told them that they were living in comfortable houses whereas the temple was not completed. Pay attention to agriculture - how have you fared. You have sown much but gathered little; you eat but never have enough; you drink and do not have your fill; clothe yourselves but are not warm. Human efforts alone, devoid of God, fall short of expectations. It was not proper to devote all their attention to the construction and completion of their own houses while the temple lay in ruins. Has the picture changed now. Aren't we in the same boat - God must be given the first place. Then everything will take the right place. Giving prime place to temporal things would not satiate us. We have got to give our priorities the due place. It is God's Will that we pay due attention to building and maintenance of the Christian Church. No Church means streams of graces will diminish and we lose sight of God. Along with that we lose sight of the interests of our brethren. Love towards God and neighbour is inseparable. When one is forgotten the other too is forgotten. As true lovers of God, neighbour and country, let us maintain our churches and not let the houses of God be empty. The spiritual temple of ours - yes, God had presented to us the pattern in which to build it. What a perfect example He has provided us in His Son Jesus Christ. He is at our door-step, with all the help and advice necessary to be a good citizen of the divine kingdom. Prayer Starter The Lord takes pleasure in His people; He honours the humble with victory. Amen.
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
34
zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrñ' ud l< hq;= l=ula±hs ug wK l< uekjZZ
Tuesday 27th September 2019 Haggai:1/15-2/9 Psalm:42/1-4 (43/1-4) Luke:9/18-22
The First Proclamation In the second year of King Darius, on the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the word of Yahweh was addressed through the prophet Haggai, as follows, 'You are to speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel governor of Judah, to Joshua son of Jehozadak the high priest and to the remnant of the people. Say this, "Is there anyone left among you who saw this Temple in its former glory? And how does it look to you now? Does it not seem as though there is nothing there? But take courage now, Zerubbabel!-Yahweh declares. Courage, Joshua son of Jehozadak high priest! Courage, all you people of the country!-Yahweh declares. To work! I am with you Yahweh Sabaoth declares - and my spirit is present among you. Do not be afraid! For Yahweh Sabaoth says this: A little while now, and I shall shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I shall shake all the nations, and the treasures of all the nations will flow in, and I shall fill this Temple with glory, says Yahweh Sabaoth. Mine is the silver, mine the gold! -Yahweh Sabaoth declares. The glory of this new Temple will surpass that of the old, says Yahweh Sabaoth, and in this place I shall give peace -Yahweh Sabaoth declares." ' Fix your gaze on Jesus Our Super Model Lord Jesus prophecies of His coming passion and glory in today’s Gospel. He has perfected the practice of searching for, and becoming
St. Vincent de Paul, Priest aware of the 'Will of the ABBA' moment by moment, and responding with a resounding “Yes” there-to... How well practised are we in this regard? We need to look inwardly in to our inner reality to identify our own placement: the world of thoughts, desires, drives, beliefs, feelings, motives, understandings, passions and compulsions; the whole rigmarole / miasma of what makes me 'Me'. How do we respond to the calling to stand in S/His presence every given moment? The call is to respond with all our mind (attentive, focused), our heart (with gladness, gratefully and with passion), and our strength (will, resolve, steadfast decision), to walk the narrow path (staying in that place) of receiving / giving unconditional love, even as Jesus our Lord and Master did, and Not be tossed here-there-all-over by ungoverned desires and emotional storms... This seems to be the same vein of thought/belief the First proclamation points us to! The nation has had not been focussed, nor been oriented in accord with the way the Lord has desired. The (physical) Temple of the Lord has fallen in to disarray, portraying the falling of the 'Living Temple' (the people) of the Lord! This is abhorrent to the Lord who desires so much more for His progeny. Speaking through the prophet, the Lord promises, and undertakes to re-build His people, working together with them, manifesting as a glorious physical Temple. Shall we too turn anew, back to the experience of Abba as our Father, as our Mother? Prayer Starter Gracious Lord, You are so beyond us! Will there ever be an end to our coming to know You? Paradoxically, You are right here with me too...and all Your splendour becomes accessible right now-here too...Oh my soul, now you become aware of these blessings...!
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
35
Saturday 28th September 2019 St. Wenceslaus, Martyr St.Lawrence Ruiz & Companions He would have prepared Himself daily Zecharia:2/1-5,10-11 for the life sacrifice He had to offer for Psalm:Jeremiah:31/10- this purpose. Since He felt the pang of 13 it as a human being, He revealed this to His disciples several times but they Luke:9/43-45 could not understand what He said. The Gospel says it was hidden from them. Thus, neither of them was able to really listen or comprehend His sayings. Our Son-ship The First Proclamation ... Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! For lo, I will come and dwell in your midst, says the Lord. Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord on that day, and shall be my people; and I will dwell in your midst. And you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. The Gospel Proclamation And all were astounded at the greatness of God. While everyone was amazed at all that he was doing, he said to his disciples, "Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands." But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was concealed from them, so that they could not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying. Prayerful Awareness For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. He gave everything He had. And this great treasure, the precious gift is Christ Himself. And such was God's unbounded love for man. Christ made flesh lived among us and He was involved in every pain and suffering of man. Though He was the Son of God, He underwent immense suffering just as any human being with the object of reconciling man with God.
What does the Holy Spirit say to us through these proclamations? Does He tell us too, 'Listen attentively to what I say?" Do we listen to His voice or like the disciples simply stay at the level of being amazed at His work and keep talking about it? The Lord is addressing us to realign ourselves. He speaks to us in face of our problems, trials and sicknesses. He speaks to us when we have estranged ourselves from Him and are engulfed in sin. Do we hear Him speaking? He speaks to us through myriad of events taking place in our land, in our families and in our life circumstances. Do we keep awake? Are we attuned to His voice? "â&#x20AC;ŚO nations, hear the word of the Lord, proclaim it to the far-off coasts" (Jeremiah 31:10). Claiming the words of the responsorial psalm let us stay awake consistently to listen to the voice of the Lord, act accordingly and be a witness to everybody. Allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us, let us pray to Him to lead and guide us. Prayer Starter Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow. (Ps/31/13)
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
36
zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrĂą' ud l< hq;= l=ulaÂąhs ug wK l< uekjZZ
Sunday 29th September 2019 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time PS Wk II Prayerful awareness Amos: 6/1,4-7 The prophet vehemently proclaims Psalm:145/6-10 how the Lord condemns the Jewish (146/5-10) leaders who lead extremely luxurious 1 Timothy:6//11-16 and comfortable lives with no concern Luke: 16/19-31 for the people, since the entire humankind is privileged with the common inheritance of enjoying divine love for which purpose man has been created. When this does not materialize people terribly fall into sin by rejecting the Introduction Will of God. Man is created to the Exclaimed by the Lord through image and likeness of God endowed the day's proclamations is that justice with the ability to give and receive love. God is love and man in whatever and right be done to the poor and the oppressed without delay so that they condition and status should be subjectwould enjoy His love and mercy. Since ed and submissive to the mandate of God is the Creator of the humankind, love. One who does not love does not condemning the poor and the oppressed know God. From the individual to the is a grave matter deserving His pun- universal society, God's administration ishment. In the same vein, working is steeped in love. Nothing is devoid contrary to love, we dishonor the pa- of love and nothing exists without ternal and maternal love of God. The love. Therefore self centeredness is Lord honours those who love others the greatest sin of man. Experience proves how the sin distorts the divine in His Name. image in man and terrific is the fate of The First Proclamation him who is dominated by power, riches Alas for those who are at ease in and egoism. Zion, and for those who feel secure The Second Proclamation on Mount Samaria, the notables of But as for you, man of God, the first of the nations, to whom the shun all this, pursue righteousness, house of Israel resorts! Alas for those who lie on beds of godliness, faith, love, endurance, ivory, and lounge on their couches, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the and eat lambs from the flock, and faith, take hold of the eternal life, to calves from the stall, who sing idle which you were called and for which songs to the sound of the harp, and you made the good confession in the like David improvise on instruments presence of many witnesses. In the of music; who drink wine from presence of God, who gives life to all bowls, and anoint themselves with things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his the finest oils, but are not grieved testimony before Pontius Pilate made over the ruin of Joseph! Therefore the good confession, I charge you to they shall now be the first to go keep the commandment without spot into exile, and the revelry of the or blame until the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will loungers shall pass away.
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
37
bring about at the right time - he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is he alone who has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see; to him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. Prayerful Awareness St. Paul in his letter to Timothy states how the Christian community should lead their lives. To live in Christ is to live in accordance with the mind of God for the total accomplishment of His Will. Thus a Christ disciple is shown the importance of daily abiding by Christian values and improving his virtues. As Christians our final goal should be to arrive at the Kingdom of God and nothing else. There is no Christian life without faith, hope and love. The Gospel Proclamation "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, 'Father Abraham, pity me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in agony in these flames.' 'My son,' Abraham replied 'remember that during your life good things came your way, just as bad things came the way of Lazarus. Now he is being comforted here while you are
in agony. But that is not all: between us and you a great gulf has been fixed, to stop anyone, if he wanted to, crossing from our side to yours, and to stop any crossing from your side to ours.' The rich man replied, 'Father, I beg you then to send Lazarus to my father's house, since I have five brothers, to give them warning so that they do not come to this place of torment'. Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets, they should listen to them.' He said, 'No father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets. neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead. Prayerful Awareness Through the parable of the rich man and Lazarus the Lord awakens us to the paternal and maternal love of God. Why does God love man so much? Why does the Son bear the same love towards the entire humanity? - For the simple reason that man has been created in the image of God and for the Son of God. Therefore, in God's eyes humanity takes pride of place. Since God has no preferences, we should show equal concern to the powerful, the rich, the strong, the weak, oppressed and the poor. Physical, mental and spiritual riches are bestowed on man through Christ to be spent for the good of each other. As such, Christian life would not achieve perfection by simply showing love to others, while thinking about ourselves and minding our own business. If we are to inherit eternal life we should love others as Jesus loved us. Prayer Starter The Lord brings justice to the oppressed, feeds the hungry, raises up the fallen and loves the righteous. Let us pray to be empowered with such love.
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
38
zzY=oaOd;auhdfKkS" uu Tnjykafiag jkaokd kuialdr lrĂą' ud l< hq;= l=ulaÂąhs ug wK l< uekjZZ
Monday 30th September 2019 Zechariah:8/1-8 Psalm: 101/16-23,29 (17/1-3,6-7) Luke: 9/46-50
The First Proclamation The word of the Lord of hosts came to me, ... I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I am jealous for her with great wrath. Thus says the Lord: I will return to Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem; Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city, and the mountain of the Lord of hosts shall be called the holy mountain. Thus says the Lord of hosts; Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with staff in hand because of their great age. And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets. Thus says the Lord of hosts: Even though it seems impossible to the remnant of this people in these days, should it also seem impossible to me, says the Lord of hosts? .... I will save my people from the east country and from the west country, and I will bring them to live in Jerusalem. They shall be my people and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness. The Gospel Proclamation An argument arose among them as to which one of them was the greatest. But Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts, took a little child and put it by his side, and said to them, "Whoever welcomes this child in my name, welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all of you is the greatest." John answered, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, be-
St. Jerome, Priest & Doctor cause he does not follow with us." But Jesus said to him, "Do not stop him; for whoever is not against you is for you." Prayerful Awareness The disciples did not understand Jesus' words, words about His death. They still thought Jesus as only an earthly king, and they were concerned about THEIR places in the kingdom He would set up. So, they ignored Jesus' words about death and began arguing about 'WHO WOULD BE THE GREATEST". Our care and concern for others is a measure of greatness, especially the helpless, the needy, the poor - those who cannot return love and concern. Adults are not as trusting as little children. Jesus said that people should BELIEVE in HIM with childlike faith. This does not mean that we should be CHILDISH or immature like the disciples arguing as to which of them would be the greatest. We should TRUST GOD with a child's simplicity and receptivity. The disciples were jealous of a man who healed in Jesus' Name because they were more concerned about their own group's position, than in helping to free those troubled by demons. We do the same today when we refuse to participate in worthy causes because other people or groups are not affiliated with our denomination. There should never be an excuse to avoid helping people in need. The disciples saw a man who was NOT one of their group driving demons, they told him to STOP. Our pride is hurt when someone else succeeds where we have failed, but Jesus says there is NO ROOM for such jealousy in the spiritual warfare of His Kingdom. We should share Jesus' open-arms attitude to Christian workers outside our group. Prayer Starter Lord Jesus, thank You for reminding us of Your loving care for children and any who are vulnerable.
"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"
Walk in the Spirit Application for obtaining the publication by post. Name: ..................................................................................................... To be sent to (Address) .......................................................................... ...................................................................................... For six/twelve months from ................. 20 till .............20 Money Order/Cheque for Rs. ............. is sent herewith. Date: ............... .................................. Signature
“Walk in the Spirit” Publication Including postage - For six months Rs. 255/= For 12 months Rs. 510/= Money Orders/Cheques to be drawn only in favour of “Kithudana Pubuduwa” payable at (Post Office) Walpola (W.P.) Pubudu Headquarters - Sri Prasansaramaya, Walpola, Ragama, Sri Lanka. Tel. No. 011-2230300, 011-5764123 Fax No. 011-2231490 E-Mail: office@pubuduwa.org Web: www.pubuduwa.org Press: Pubudu Press, 452, National Basilica Avenue, Ragama Tel: 011-5288343/344 Fax :011-2958439 E-Mail: press@pubuduwa.org Distribution: Pubudu Publication & Distribution Service Sri Prasansaramaya, Walpola, Ragama. Tel: 011-2230300, 011-2231490, 011-5764123 Places from which the Walk in the Spirit publication can be obtained: Kithu Dana Pubuduwa, 7th Floor, Paul VI Centre, Malwatte Road, Colombo 11. 011-2325132 / 011-5736240 Sri Ramyaramaya, Palakudawa, Talawila Church 032-3325688 / 032-5678645 Sri Christudharmaramaya, Deduru Oya, Manuwangama, Chilaw 032-2221979 / 032-5675585 Pubudu Nivasa, Dankotuwa 031-3617917 Pubudu Nivasa, Negombo 031-2222256 / 031-5675763 Christu Centre, Ja-Ela 011-2243301 / 011-5736834 Cost: Rs. 20/=