Walk in the Spirit January 2020

WALK IN THE SPIRIT January 2020 Issue 335 Commencement March 1992

"Abba Father ! Abba Mother!"

ISSN 1391-5967

Publication: Fr. Siri Oscar Abayaratne Kithu Dana Pubuduwa

SHARING ON PRAYER January 2020 Incarnation: It touches the mystery of being nobody on the way to be somebody.

To be born in a stench covered stable of domestic animals is as good as saying, the one who is born is a nobody. Yet for us today He is more than a mere somebody. He is the “ONE” before whom thousands, nay millions fall on their knees and pay obeisance.

“In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” Jesus is born as a nobody, brought up in insignificance, appears on the scene to be a witness to the new way of life. He is crucified. He rises from the dead and continues to die and rise in God’s creation today and always.

I should pay more attention to the mind boggling and heart challenging words: “This is my BODY” This is my BLOOD”

Fr. Siri Oscar Abayaratne

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Wednesday 1st January 2020 Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

Numbers:6/22-27 Psalm:66/2-3,5,6,8 67/1-7 Galatians:4/4-7 Luke:2/16-21

The First Proclamation The Lord spoke to Moses saying: Speak to Aaron and his sons saying, Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them, The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. So they shall put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.

The Gospel Proclamation

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what they had been told them about this child and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary, treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Gaze on Jesus At the commencement of a new

year, think about this: we are under the protection of the Almighty God, our Saviour; we enjoy His favour as the smile of a loving Father, as the cheering beams of the sun; while He mercifully forgives our sins, supplies our wants, consoles the heart and prepares us by His grace for eternal glory. This is the substance of the blessing and the sum total of all blessings.

In so rich a list of mercies, worldly joys are not even worthy to be mentioned.

Others may think there is some mystery; but we know what it is, the New Testament having explained it. There we are directed to expect the blessing from the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit. Three Persons, yet one Lord.

Under the laws of Moses that could not be fully understood, there was a dispensation of darkness, but tied to many burdensome rites and observances. We learn the happier state of Christians under the gospel dispensation. We get to see the wonders of Divine love and mercy from these verses; particularly of God the Father, in sending His Son into the world to redeem and save us; of the Son of God, in submitting so low, and suffering so much for us; and of the Holy Spirit, in condescending to dwell in the hearts of believers, a close presence akin to that of a Mother, for such gracious purposes.

By nature children of wrath and disobedience, we become by grace, children of love and partake in the nature of the children of God; for He will have all His children resemble Him. Among men the eldest son is heir; but all God's children shall have the inheritance of eldest sons.

May the temper and conduct of sons ever show our adoption; and may the Holy Spirit witness with our spirits that we are children and heirs of God. Prayer Starter Thank You O Lord for Your love bestowed so freely on us, O Father, O Mother‌.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Thursday 2nd January 2020 1 John:2/22-28 Psalm 97/1-4 98/1-4 John:1/19-28 Gospel Proclamation This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, "I am not the messiah." And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?' He said, "I am not." "Are you the prophet?'

He answered, "No," Then they said to him, "Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" He said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,'" as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, "Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?" John answered them, "I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal."

This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

Prayerful Awareness The priests and Levites were respected religious leaders in Jerusalem. The leaders who came to see John were Pharisees, a group that both John the Baptist and Jesus often denounced. Many of them outwardly obeyed God's laws to look pious, while inwardly their hearts were filled with PRIDE and GREED. These leaders came to see John the Baptist for several reasons -

1) Their duty as guardians of the faith caused them to want to investigate any new preaching 2) They wanted to find out if John had the credentials of a prophet 3) John had quite a following and it was GROWING. They were jealous and wanted to see why this man was so POPULAR. The Pharisees had four options regarding John's identity: he was the PROPHET foretold by Moses or ELIJAH, or the MESSIAH or a FALSE PROPHET. John denied being the first three personages. Instead he called himself, in the words of the Old Testament Isaiah, "A voice of one calling in the desert: prepare the way for the Lord". The leaders kept PRESSING John to say who he was because they were expecting the Messiah to come. The Pharisees missed the point. They wanted to KNOW WHO JOHN WAS, but John wanted them to know WHO JESUS WAS. John was baptizing Jews. Then, when the Pharisees questioned John's authority to baptize, who gave John the right to treat God's chosen people, John said: "I baptize with WATER" - he was merely helping the people as a symbolic ACT OF REPENTANCE. But soon, one would come who would TRUELY FORGIVE SINS. Something only the SON OF GOD - the MESSIAH, could do. John, the greatest of all prophets, was humble, he felt inadequate even to be Christ's slave! When we truly understand who Christ is, our PRIDE and SELF-IMPORTANCE MELT AWAY. Prayer Starter Lord, help us to lay aside our undue pride and self-importance to serve Christ. Make us humble, patient and pure in all that we do, and forgive all our sins and weaknesses. Amen.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Friday 3rd January 2020 1 John:2/29-3/6 Psalm:97/1, 3-6 98/1, 3-6 John:1/29-34 OR Philippians:2/1-11 Psalm:8/4-9 Luke:2/21-24

The First Proclamation If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who does right has been born of him. See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed.

What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

Everyone who commits sin is guilty of lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him sins; no one who sins has either seen him or know him.

Prayerful Awareness Let us carefully read the scripture readings today.

“You know that Christ appeared in order to take away sins, and that there is no sin in him. So everyone who lives in union with Christ does

The Most Holy Name of Jesus not continue to sin, but whoever continues to sin has never seen him or known him."

Let us reflect on the above passage.

(1 John 3:5-6). Jesus’ closest disciple is expressing what it means to know Christ honestly. And what happens when we accept Him as our Lord and start living in union with Christ. It is evident in the gospel that whoever met Christ and accepted Him as their Lord, turned away from sin and followed Him. As John the Baptist says in the Gospel: “There is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

It is a fundamental truth of our faith.

Our sonship Let us ask ourselves, do we experience this truth? Do we believe in our heart and soul that Jesus Christ takes away the sins of the world? If we do, why don't we allow Christ to take away our sins? Why are we still trying our best to stay away from sin ourselves without accepting the grace of Christ?

As St. Thomas Aquinas says, "Without sanctifying grace, it is not possible to refrain long from mortal sin."

So it is through the grace of our Lord and Savior that we stay away from sin.

He is always there for us, and He will still accept us for what we are and heal our hearts and soul so that we may stay away from sin.

Prayer Starter O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory. He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. (Ps.98/1.3...)

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Saturday 4th January 2020 1 John:3/7-10 Psalm: 97/1,7-9 98/1, 7-9 John:1/35-42

Gospel Proclamation The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.

When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?”

He said to them, “Come and see”. ..... One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John.

You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).

Prayerful Awareness John the Baptist was brought into this world by the grace of God when Elizabeth, who was considered barren, conceived at her old age (Luke 1:7-13).

When Holy Mary visited her cousin, Elizabeth, after accepting God’s call and greeted her, the baby (John) in Elizabeth, gave an impulse to the mother, which prompted Elizabeth to praise God for bringing Holy Mary the mother of God to her doorstep (Luke 1: 41). Holy Mary was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35), and in the same way Elizabeth too was conceived by the

power of the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist was awakened by the Spirit about Jesus, when Jesus came to receive Baptism from John. Therefore, John knew who Jesus was, “the Lamb of God”. The two disciples of John heard what John said and followed Jesus to see where He lives. Jesus invites them to come and see. Andrew, one of the two, takes the message to his brother Simon that he has found the Messiah. Jesus accepts Simon and called him Peter. We observe that it was John the Baptist who first took the message across to people, the message of Salvation God has offered to all through Jesus. After Jesus, the message was taken to the people by His disciples. Now it is up to all Christians to take the word of Jesus and the Good News of salvation to everyone in the world. Jesus asks all who accept Him as their Saviour and Lord, to follow His Commandments and live pious lives, for whom Jesus will intercede and send to them the Holy Spirit, the Helper, to be with them all the time and strengthen them and empower them to carry out all tasks.

The first reading tells us to be strong and cautious and not to allow anyone to deceive us, always to be righteous as our Lord is righteous and to always act as children of God and love others.

We must take this message to everyone through all our acts, all our words and all our thoughts, as stated in St. Augustine’s prayer to the Holy Spirit. This is the call given to us as children of God, created according to His own image. Isaiah 43:7 reminds us that we belong to God and brought into this world to bring Him glory through our lives, by displaying and spreading God’s love and mercy.

Prayer Starter Lord Jesus, I accept You as my Saviour and Lord. Help me to be a faithful witness to You with the help of the Holy Spirit, to take Your Word to everyone in this world. Amen.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Sunday 5th January 2020 Isaiah:60/1-6 Psalm:71/2,7-8,10-13 72/1-2,7-8,10-13 Ephesians:3/2-3,5-6 Mathew:2/1-12

Introduction Today, Holy Mother the Church celebrates the feast of Epiphany. Kings coming to visit people was a special occasion in the ancient times. People were seen waiting in great joy for this event with much preparation. The Epiphany proclaimed in the feast today means manifestation or revelation.

With the fall of man, the people succumbed to darkness, alienated themselves from the love and light of God. With the advent of Christ, the light once again dawned on the earth. Just as the kings who came in search of the light, finding it, prostrated before Him, let us also worship Jesus through our life's existence, since He is intimately present to us, having come among us as the life incarnated, during this Christmas season. Let us enter into the Word of God for the day with a great desire to receive the power of this light into our hearts as well.

Entrance Antiphon Behold, the Lord, the Mighty One, has come; and kingship is in his grasp, and power and dominion.

First Proclamation Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise

The Epiphany of the Lord upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look around: They all gather together; they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses' arms. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. ....

Prayerful Awareness The prophet is inviting the people to live in the light of the Lord. "The glory of the Lord is rising on you, though night still covers the earth and darkness the peoples". How the hope of the ancient people was fulfilled could be seen even through the feast of Epiphany that we celebrate today.

Similarly, the ancient prophecy, "The nations come to your light and kings to your dawning brightness" being fulfilled could be seen with the arrival of kings in Bethlehem. Let us fix our hearts on Jesus Christ the Light dawned and take steps to maintain contact with the Lord who is waiting to enlighten our life.

The Second Proclamation For surely you have already heard of the commission of God's grace that was given me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, ... In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Prayerful Awareness St. Paul emphasizes that through Jesus Christ, Jews as well as pagans have now been called to share the same inheritance. Bringing to unity both Jews and Gentiles in the Church, is also pointed out as a fulfillment of the plan of God. And further, he shares with the Ephesians that this has been revealed through the Holy Spirit.

The Gospel Proclamation In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed the star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.' ‌‌ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising; until it stopped over the place where the child was.

When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Prayerful Awareness In the Gospel proclamation, we find two responses contrary to each other, which are, acceptance and rejection.

For hundreds of years the Jews waited in expectation for the advent of the Messiah, yet, finally when He made His appearance, the great king Herod as well as the people of Jerusalem rejected Him. In spite of this, the Wise Men of the other nations coming from the East, paid Him homage, whereas the Jews did not. Rather, their response was getting confused and disturbed

and ultimately planning to put Him to death. We could consider this as a very unfortunate incident.

While the Evangelist Matthew does not mention the birth of Jesus in a manger as Luke does, his is an indication of Jesus being born in a house in Bethlehem. In Matthew, we find that Jesus was introduced as the King of the Jews at His birth (2:2), as well as at His death (27:37). We get a hint of the arrival of three Wise Men according to the gifts offered of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Lately it has been interpreted that gold symbolizes royalty, frankincense His divinity and myrrh His humanity.

Our sonship The journey of the non-Jewish Wise Men led by a star, going in search of the King of the Jews, represents the journey of humanity seeking Christ.

Irrespective of the position or situation at present, am I a Christ disciple leading my way, impacted by the light of Christ? As a Christian, do I and my family live in the light of Christ that dawned on earth dispelling darkness?

Or else, are we Christians living under the influence of the voice of the evil of the flesh and the world? Let us reflect.

Just as the Wise Men saw the child Jesus and prostrated before Him, let us also pay our homage to Him through our lifestyle.

Prayer Starter God our loving Father, guide us that the thick darkness we are engulfed in may be lightened by the light of Your Son, so as to accept Him as the only light of our lives. Moreover, direct us to identify the regal, prophetic and priestly mission that originates from Him and through our lifestyle to give witness as participants of the Faith He has taught us.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Monday 6th January 2020 1 John:3/22-4/6 Psalm:2/7-8.10-11 Mathew: 4/12-17, 23-25

Introduction Let us read today’s Proclamations meditatively where the central theme is the mercy of God, our Abba Father, Abba Mother, who, despite our sinfulness, set in motion a plan for the restoration of divine son-ship, i.e. to make us qualify to be a member of God’s Kingdom / Family, for us to be with Him in eternity. ‘and whatever we ask we shall receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what is acceptable to him. His commandment is this, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and that we should love one another as he commanded us. Whoever keeps his commandments remains in God, and God in him. And this is the proof that he remains in us: the Spirit that he has given us.’ (1 John 3:22-24).

So it is clear that those who have the Spirit are full of God’s Love for those around them, and we know that those who are led by His Spirit are called children of God (Romans 8:14).

Gospel Proclamation Hearing that John had been arrested he withdrew to Galilee, and leaving Nazareth he went and settled in Capernaum, beside the lake, on the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali.

This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: Land of Zebu-

lun! Land of Naphtali! Way of the sea beyond Jordan. Galilee of the nations!

The people that lived in darkness have seen a great light; on those who lived in a country of shadow dark as death a light has dawned. From then onwards Jesus began his proclamation with the message, 'Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is close at hand.'

He went round the whole of Galilee teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing all kinds of disease and illness among the people. ...

Prayerful Awareness In today’s Gospel Proclamation we see our Lord Jesus Christ drove out unclean spirits and cured the people of all kinds of disease and illness, sharing God’s Love with the people around Him and those who came to Him to receive healing and deliverance from evil spirits, thus giving a taste of heaven/ God’s Kingdom, on earth itself. What we need to do in order to qualify to become part of God’s Kingdom is thus explained in the foregoing, but the first step, according to our Lord himself, is to ‘repent’. Repent is to look inwards to understand how far we have strayed from God’s Love, feel sorry for all the wrong things in our current way of life, and to turn back to God to do His Will!

Amen! Alleluia!

Song of Praise (Psalm 2:7-8, 10-11) I will tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to me, 'You are my son, today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.

Now therefore, O kings, be wise, be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear,

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Tuesday 7th January 2020 1 John:4/7-10 Psalm:71/1-4,7-8 72/1-4,7-8 Mark:6/34-44

St. Raymond He was born in Catalonia, Spain.

He was a blood-relative of the king of Aragon and was named after the castle of Penyafort. He entered the Order of Preachers in 1222. Together with St. Peter Nolesco, he established the Order of Our Lady of Mercy, for the redemption of the captives from the Moors. He was a powerful preacher and is credited with the conversion of over 10,000 Saracens, Waldenses and Albigenses. He was called to Rome by Pope Gregory IX and was entrusted the task of systematizing, condensing and codifying into convenient form, the Church's decrees which had been accumulating for several centuries.

He was elected third Dominican General in 1238. It was he who directed St. Thomas Aquinas to compile his great Summa Contra Gentiles. Died: 6th January 1275 at the age of 100 and is the Patron Saint of Canonista.

The First Proclamation Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. ... God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Prayerful Awareness The entire Holy Bible brings the Word of God. Probably the greatest single statement is found in this passage - "God is love". What a statement it is - it con-

St. Raymond of Pentafort, Priest tains answers to a diversity of questions about God - it also helps to clear our doubts about Him. Does His creation bring Him satisfaction? Doesn't it bring Him nothing but trouble? The main thing that offends Him is the disobedience and lack of respect in human beings - the summit of His creation. Creation was a must or essential to His very nature.

Love consists of both giving and receiving aspects. Love must have someone to love and someone to love it. In the very nature of love there is free will. God created man to His own likeness. This was necessary, for He wanted to have a personal relationship between Himself and man. 'Fix and forget' creation .... Had He been simply mind, law and order, He would have done so. But because He is Love, His act of creating is followed by His unending care and correction ... Had He been only justice and law... He would have left mankind to suffer the consequences of their sin. The very fact that God is love meant He had to be the Good Shepherd - seek out and save the lost. A remedy for sin had to be found. Words cannot describe the excellent way God handled this problem. Because He is love, the love that knows no limits, He solved it in a magnificent way - through His one and only Son - Jesus Christ. "Before the world was created, the Word already existed; He was with God." (John 1/12). Christ's whole earthly life - His words and deeds, His silences and sufferings, indeed His manner of being and speaking - is a revelation of the Father. Jesus can say "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father" and the Father can say: "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to Him!" "Because our Lord became man in order to do His Father's Will, even the least characteristics of His mysteries manifest God's Love .... among us." (C.C.C.516) Prayer Starter His Kingdom will reach from sea to sea, from Euphrates to the ends of the earth. Amen. (Ps.72:8)

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Wednesday 8th January 2020 1 John:4/11-18 Psalm:71/1-2,10-13 72/1-2,10-13 Mark:6/45-52

The First Proclamation My dear friends, if God loved us so much, we too should love one another. No one has ever seen God, but as long as we love one another, God remains in us and his love comes to its perfection in us. This is the proof that we remain in him and he in us, that he has given us a share in his Spirit. We ourselves have seen and testify that the Father sent his Son as Saviour of the world. Anyone who acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him and he in God. We have recognised for ourselves, and put our faith in, the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him. Love comes to its perfection in us when we can face the Day of Judgement fearlessly, because even in this world we have become as he is. In love there is no room for fear, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear implies punishment and no one who is afraid has come to perfection in love.

Fix your gaze on Jesus The Spirit of God is the Spirit of love. He that does not love the image of God in His people and in S/His creation, has no real saving knowledge of God. For it is God’s nature to be kind and to give happiness. The law of God is love; and all would have been perfectly happy, had all obeyed it. The provision of the gospel, for the forgiveness of sin and the salvation of

sinners, is consistent with God’s glory and justice; clearly showing that God is love. Mystery and darkness rest upon many things as yet. God has so shown Himself to be love, that we cannot come short of eternal happiness, unless through unbelief and impenitence; only our choice of rejecting the Living Word would bring upon us separateness, loneliness, pain, death. We get to choose what we really want. Strict justice however would condemn us to hopeless misery, because we break our Creator’s laws. None of our words or thoughts can do justice to the free, astonishing love of a holy God towards sinners, who could not profit or harm Him, whom He might justly crush in a moment, and whose deserving of His vengeance was shown in the method by which they were saved, though He could by His almighty Word have created other worlds, with more perfect beings, if He had seen fit. Search we the whole universe for love in its most glorious displays? It is to be found in the person and the cross of Christ. Does love exist between God and sinners?

Here was the origin, not that we loved God, but that He freely loved us. His love could not be designed to be fruitless upon us and when its proper end and issue are gained and produced, it may be said to be perfected. So faith is perfected by its works. Thus, it will appear that God dwells in us by His new–creating Spirit. A loving Christian is a perfect Christian; set him to any good duty, and he is perfect to it, he is expert at it. Love oils the wheels of his affections and sets him on that which is helpful to his brethren.

Prayer Starter Thank You Lord Holy Spirit for bringing us before the truth of Your being, and of our being.... let us now revel in the Love of our Father, our Mother...

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Thursday 9th January 2020 1 John:4/19-5/4 Psalm:71/1-2,14-15,17 (72/1-2,14-15,17) Luke:4/14-22

The First Proclamation We love because he first loved us, those who say "I love God," and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars, for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. ....

Prayerful Awareness The word of God is a sharp sword with power to penetrate the deep recesses of the human heart. In prayer and praise, how many times have we uttered the words "Jesus, I love you! God the Father I love you!" Today, it is as if the Lord wishes them to be affirmed through our actions. "How can you love the invisible me, when you avoid talking to your brother who is visible, for days, weeks and months, due to various conflicts?

How can you who are blind, deaf and dumb to the needs of your visible brother, love the invisible me? Let us listen today to the voice of our heavenly Father questioning us.

It is easy and comfortable to love God whom we have not seen rather than love the brother whom we have seen.

Yet, God does grace us with the ability of accomplishing this difficult task. He bestows on us His love in great measure that breaks down all barriers. Let us with this infilling of God's love, love our brother, forgive and receive forgiveness.

The Gospel Proclamation Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit returned to Galilee ... He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.

When he came to Nazareth, ... he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day ... He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him.... "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

Gaze at Jesus Today, the Gospel proclamation gives the account of the Lord owning the divine son-ship and being filled with the Holy Spirit, coming to the villagers with whom He is very familiar. The Lord Jesus shares the words of hope given by God through prophet Isaiah to the Israelites. Therein He gave a proclamation to the people expecting to hear from Him a meaningful sermon never expected.

"This text is being fulfilled today even as you listen". Rather than rejoicing at the moment the promise of God they had been waiting for hundreds of years is being fulfilled, they are surprised and move on to question in doubt.

Let us turn to ourselves. God the Father gives us promises in our times of difficulty when we raise our hands and cry out in prayer to God. Yet at the precise moment He fulfills these promises, rather than owning them with faith, don't we create an unbelieving atmosphere? Don't we disown the graces that God is waiting to bestow on us? Therefore, without looking surprised at the merciful words of Jesus, let us own them for ourselves, our families and communities.

Prayer Starter In you O Lord, I take refuge, let me never be put to shame. In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me. Be to me a rock o refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Friday 10th January 2020 1 John: 5/5-13 Psalm:147/12-15,19-20 Luke:5/12-16

Gospel Proclamation Once, when he was in one of the cities, there was a man covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground and begged him, "Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean."

Then Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, "I do choose.

Be made clean." Immediately the leprosy left him. And he ordered him to tell no one. "Go," he said, "and show yourself to the priest, and, as Moses commanded, make an offering for your cleansing, for a testimony to them." But now more than ever the word about Jesus spread abroad; many crowds would gather to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. but he would withdraw to deserted places and pray.

Gaze at Jesus The Psalmist sums up the background of today’s three scripture readings when he writes, “He gives a command to the earth, and what he says is quickly done”. For anyone who believes that Jesus has the authority over life and death will have life beyond the limits of the earth which we call as eternal life. Thus, the man with the skin disease recognizes Jesus’ authority over his life when he tells Jesus with absolute faith “Sir, if you want to, you can make me clean!” and it was done for Him.

Our sonship (First Proclamation) Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth.

There are three that testify; the Spirit and the water and the blood, and these three agree. If we receive human testimony, the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has testified to his Son. Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony in their hearts.

Those who do not believe in God have made him a liar by not believing in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son. ....

Prayerful Awareness The first reading from the letter of St. John explains the saving grace that the person Jesus holds as the one anointed with the Spirit at His baptism and revealed to the world as the Son of God. He conquered sin by allowing His body to be tortured and hung on the cross. Even with excruciating pain and suffering on the cross, He had no grudge or curse in His mouth for the torture He was being subjected to, other than love, compassion and forgiveness.

Therefore, in all life’s circumstances, let us walk to the foot of the Cross to meet crucified Jesus, He lets out His healing breath upon us and redeems us.

Prayer starter 'Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem!

Praise your God, O Zion! For he strengthens the bars of your gates; he blesses your children within you. He grants peace within your borders;

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Saturday 11th January 2020 1 John:5/14-21 Psalm:149/1-6, 9 John:3/22-30

The First Proclamation This is the boldness we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have obtained the requests made of him. If you see your brother or sister committing what is not a mortal sin, you will ask, and God will give life to such a one - to those whose sin is not mortal. There is sin that is mortal. I do not say that you should pray about that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that is not mortal.

We know that those who are born of God do not sin, but the one who was born of God protects them, and the evil one does not touch them. We know that we are God's children, and that the whole world lies under the power of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true, and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

Little children keep yourselves from idols.

Prayerful Awareness It is amazing how St. John who acknowledged Jesus Christ his only Lord and Master made him his lifestyle and vision unfolds before us the secret, power and light of life. This is the confidence which we have in him. Having spanned the depths of faith St. John proclaims the marvelous deeds that faith could mani-

fest while experiencing them through his life. He who had the confidence that what is asked in faith is sure to be received reminds us that it should be prayed for in accordance with the Will of God thus posing a challenge to our lives.

Also he brings to our minds that those who belong to God will receive the understanding to know Him in and through Christ. In addition, we will receive the inheritance for eternal life by living in Christ.

The Gospel proclamation of the day presents how John the Baptist born ready for the task of being the fore-runner of Jesus Christ accomplished his mission with humility.

Baptism is an anointment from God, a vocation to be a beloved son and daughter, an immense grace to call God, Father and Mother. It is also being anointed for the priestly, prophetic and kingly mission.

A great gift given to those who receive Baptism is – faith, hope and love.

Similarly, there is another strong promise declared through the First Proclamation which is, one who is born of God does not sin, and on this God will keep him so that the evil one will not touch him.

We have received wisdom to understand what is given above. And so, we should live in Him alone. Yet, if we are still living according to the world, if we are still living to satisfy our flesh, allowing it to be attracted and to be led by the evil, we should realize that we have not made access for the life of God to work in us.

Therefore, let us be conscious of our baptismal vocation through which we receive our priestly, kingly and prophetic vocation, thirst for a life of faith and pray, pleading for wisdom.

Prayer Starter Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Sunday 12th January 2020

Baptism of the Lord

will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching.

I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the Introduction eyes that are blind, to bring out the Today, Holy Mother the Church prisoners from the dungeon, from celebrates the feast of the Baptism the prison those who sit in darkness. of the Lord. Recalling through the Prayerful Awareness Eucharistic theme that Jesus the Lord The song we meditated upon (Isais precisely the Son of God and the iah 42:1-4, 6-7), was the first of four Servant of God, she awakens us to the songs written on the "Servant of the fact that our role as Christians is to be Lord" which is known as "the servant engaged in the role of Christ Himself. song". According to some, the servant When the Lord Jesus was baptized at mentioned here is a person and for river Jordan, the voice He heard was, others, it is a nation. The action of the "You are my beloved Son in whom I servant given in the psalm is at times am well pleased." Just as the Son of that of a prophet and at other times that God, you and I too have been called of the Messiah. The favour and grace through Baptism to receive the same bestowed on the person chosen for a powerful baptism through which He special mission of God is clearly dewas invited to take part in His servant picted in the verse, "I have endowed Son-ship. Therefore let us walk in the him with my spirit". Crushed reed baptism of son-ship we are called for, and the wavering flame symbolize the to accomplish the royal, prophetic people abandoned. It is quite obvious and priestly mission and pray for the that the prophet Isaiah is indicating power to do so. the mission entrusted to the person The First Proclamation anointed by God to save sinners.

Isaiah:42/1-4,6-7 Psalm:28/1-4,9-10 29/1-4.9-10 Acts:10/34-38

Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the streets, a bruised reed he will not break and a dimly burning wick he

From the Responsorial Psalm O give the Lord you sons of God, give the Lord glory and power‌ The voice of the Lord makes the oaks to whirl, and strips the forest bear; and in his temple all cry, "Glory!" (Ps. 29:1, 9)

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Second Proclamation Then Peter began to speak to them. "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ - he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced; how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil; for God was with him.

Prayerful Awareness This proclamation makes it clear that Peter, having become a follower of Christ, knew and realized who God is through Christ. The Lord who demonstrated through His life existence, what is pleasing to God, expects from those who follow Him, also the same. One who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to Him. Let us invoke to receive grace to acknowledge Jesus Christ as our Lord and Master and thus become a son and daughter, pleasing to God. The Gospel Proclamation Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"

But Jesus answered him, 'Let it be so now, for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness'.

Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came

up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.

And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased."

Prayerful Awareness Jesus too, with no reluctance, joined with the people drawn to St. John to receive the baptism of repentance for their sins. He who had not committed any sin did never reject journeying likewise, simply to allow the Will of God to be accomplished in His life. The only longing in the heart of the Lord that replied to the response given by St. John, seeing Jesus coming to him for baptism, was to see the Will of God being fulfilled. 'Leave it like this for the time being; it is fitting that we should, in this way, do all that righteousness demands.'

The humility the Lord possessed with which to fully conform to the Will of God is a challenge to us. Let us reflect as to how far we have entered into the experience of the sacramental Baptism and Confirmation of the Holy Spirit, as well as the experience of son-ship, received through the constant Baptism of the Holy Spirit as revived Christians.

Prayer Starter Almighty ever-living God, who, when Christ had been baptized in the River Jordan and as the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, solemnly declared Him Your beloved Son, grant that Your children by adoption, reborn of water and the Holy Spirit, may always be well pleasing to You.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Monday 13th January 2020 1 Samuel:1/1-8 Psalm:115/12-14, 17, 18-19 (116/12-19) Mark: 1/14-20 Introduction Today’s First Proclamation describes the anguish of Hannah, who was barren until she pleaded with the Lord to give her a child who she promised to dedicate to the Lord, and was blessed with a son who she named Samuel, who was the last of the prophets to rule Israel, and was used by God to anoint Saul as the first King (at the pleading of the people who asked for a king) of Israel, and also, David, who was chosen by God to replace Saul. Today’s Gospel Proclamation starts with a reference to John the Baptist, which is significant when we see the parallels between Hannah, and Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist, who was barren till then, and Hannah’s song of praise (1 Samuel 2:1-10) and the Magnificat of Mother Mary (Luke 1:46-55).

Song of Praise (Psalm 116/12-19) What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord, I will pay my vows to the Lord, in the presence of all his people. ....

The Gospel Proclamation After John had been arrested, Jesus went into Galilee. There he proclaimed the gospel from God saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the gospel.' As he was walking along by the Lake of Galilee he saw Simon and Simon's brother Andrew casting a net in the lake -- for they were

St. Hilary of Poitiers fishermen……

Prayerful Awareness In today’s Gospel Proclamation we read the account of our Lord Jesus Christ beginning His Ministry, going into Galilee after John the Baptist had been arrested. calling His first disciples, and how they at once left their nets and followed Him. Today we commemorate Saint Hillary of Poitiers. Let us see how he responded to the Lord’s call in his life.

Saint Hillary "They didn't know who they were."

This is how Hilary summed up the problem with the Arian heretics of the fourth century. Hilary, on the other hand, knew very well who he was -- a child of a loving God who had inherited eternal life through belief in the Son of God. He hadn't been raised as a Christian but he had felt a wonder at the gift of life and a desire to find out the meaning of that gift. … So Hilary went looking for the gift giver. He was told many things about the divine -- that there were many Gods, that God didn't exist, but all creation was the result of random acts of nature, that God existed but didn't really care for his creation. One look in his own soul told him these images of the divine were wrong. God had to be one because no creation could be as great as God. God had to be concerned with God's creation -- otherwise why create it?

At that point, Hilary tells us, he "chanced upon" the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. When he read the verse where God tells Moses "I AM (WHO) I AM" (Exodus 3:14), Hilary said, "I was frankly amazed at such a clear definition of God, which expressed the incomprehensible knowledge of the divine nature in words most suited to human intelligence." In the Psalms and the Prophets he found descriptions of God's power, concern, and beauty….. (extracts from Internet).

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Tuesday 14th January 2020 1 Samuel:1/9-20 Psalm:1 Samuel:2/1, 4-8 Mark: 1/21-28

St. Felix of Nola He was a native of Nola, Italy. When his younger brother Hermias preferred to serve the profession of arms, he resolved to serve Jesus Christ, the King of Kings. He distributed most of his possessions among the poor. Later he was ordained priest. Following the persecution begun by Emperor Decius, he was seized by the persecutors and was scourged and cast into a dungeon. But he was miraculously saved by an angel and was led to where Maximus, the Bishop of Nola, lay in hunger and cold. Later when peace was restored after the death of the emperor, he re-emerged in public.

He died at a very old age. Many miracles are attributed to his intercession. He is invoked in finding lost articles and also as the avenger of perjury.

The Gospel Proclamation They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, "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!" And the unclean spirit, ... came out of him. ....

Feast of St. Felix of Nola, Priest Prayerful Awareness The synagogue was not a church but primarily a teaching institution. How different was Jesus' teaching from that of the scribes? When Jesus spoke, it was as if He needed no authority beyond Himself. In His speech there was independence. He neither quoted experts nor cited authorities. The finality of the word of God was there. His note of personal authority captured the attention of everybody. Are we impressed by the teaching of Jesus? Have we taken steps to take His word to others in our society - both with our words and actions? In other words do we preach without preaching?

Or else, have we become so familiar with the word of God that we take it for granted? "When the Church asks publicly and authoritatively in the Name of Jesus Christ that a person or object be protected against the power of the Evil One and withdrawn from his dominion, it is called exorcism. Jesus performed exorcisms and from Him the Church has received the power and office of exorcizing. In a simple form, exorcism is performed at the celebration of Baptism.

The solemn exorcism, called "a major exorcism", can be performed only by a priest and with the permission of the Bishop. The priest must proceed with prudence, strictly observing the rules established by the Church. Exorcism is directed at the expulsion of demons or to the liberation from demonic possession through the spiritual authority which Jesus entrusted to His Church. Illness, especially psychological illness, is a very different matter, treating this is the concern of medical science. Therefore, before an exorcism is performed, it is important to ascertain that one is dealing with the presence of the evil one, and not an illness." (C.C.C.1673) Prayer Starter Lord Jesus Christ! Free us completely from the snares of the devil. Amen.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Wednesday 15th January 2020 1 Samuel:3/1-10,19-20 Psalm: 40/1, 4, 6-9 Mark:1/29-39

The First Proclamation

Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba, knew that Samuel was a trustworthy prophet of the Lord.

Fix your gaze on Jesus The call which Divine grace designs shall be made effectual; will be repeated till it is so, till we come to (become aware of and respond to) the call. Eli, perceiving that it was the voice of God that Samuel heard, instructed him what to say. Eli did not consider it a disgrace for God’s call to be directed to Samuel and instructed him on how to meet it.

Thus should elders do their utmost to assist and improve the younger that are rising up. Let us never fail to teach those who are coming after us, even such as will soon be preferred before us, good thoughts and words should be put into children’s minds and mouths, by which they may be prepared to learn Divine things and be trained to regard them.

All increase in wisdom and grace, is owing to the presence of God with us.

God will graciously repeat His visits to those who receive them aright. Early piety will be the greatest honour of young people. Those who honour God, He will honour. Let young people consider the piety of Samuel, and from him learn to remember their Creator in the days of their youth. Young children are capable of religion training. Samuel is a proof that their waiting upon the Lord will be pleasing to Him. He is a preview of Jesus, of the patterns of all those amiable tempers to adorn ourselves with, which are the brightest ornaments of youth, and a sure source of happiness.

Prayer Starter

Now, the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.

At that time Eli whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called, 'Samuel! Samuel!' and he said, '"Here I am!" and ran to Eli, and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But he said, "I did not call, lie down again." So he went and lay down. The Lord called again, "Samuel!" Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, '"Here I am, for you called me." But he said, "I did not call, my son; lie down again." Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. The Lord called Samuel again a third time.

And he got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me."

Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, 'Speak, Lord; for your servant is listening.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

Thank You O Lord for Your guidance Now the Lord came and stood towards being perfect even as You are .... there calling as before, 'Samuel! Coach us, O our Father, and guide us O Samuel!' And Samuel said, 'Speak, our Mother... for your servant is listening.'.... As

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Thursday 16th January 2020

St.Joseph Vaz, Apostle of Sri Lanka

Isaiah:52/7-10 Psalm:96/1-3,6-8,10 Acts:20/17-18,28-32, 36 Mark:16/15-20

The First Proclamation How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see the return of the Lord to Zion. Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. The Gospel Proclamation And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them, they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover."

So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up to heaven and sat down at the right

hand of God. And they went out and proclaimed the good news everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that accompanied it.

Prayerful Awareness This final command and instruction given to us by the Lord is to "Go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to all people.” There is one Savior and only one Gospel for all the world. He addresses universal humanity. The matter is left in our hands. Therefore we cannot ignore this and shrug our shoulders and say ‘it’s the duty of the priests.’ Since we are the church of God, we need to obey this command that is given to us directly by our Saviour. It is our duty to preach the gospel and if anyone believes in the saving grace of the Lord in faith and is baptized, he will be saved. If not he will be condemned.

To every sinner, He offers life. The entire world is included in His message of mercy, every child of Adam is offered eternal salvation. No one can blame God if he chooses to reject God and does not want to be saved.

He manifests His mercy and boundless grace by offering life to a creature so guilty as man.

Prayer starter Lord we pray that we will have the fearless desire to take this message of Your love and mercy and saving grace to those who do not know You. That we will not think of our positions in life and be ashamed of You. We pray that You will guide us by Your Holy Spirit to reach those who scoff and laugh at us, with love and strengthen us to go forward when the going gets difficult and we are discouraged. Help us to do Your Will. Amen

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Friday 17th January 2020 1 Samuel:8/4-7,10-22 Psalm:25/4-9 ( 89/15-18) Mark:2/1-12

The Gospel Proclamation When he returned to Capernaum ..., it was reported that he was at home.

So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, ... and he was speaking the word to them.

Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and ... they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven". Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone." At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, "Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Stand up and take your mat and walk'? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" - he said to the paralytic - "I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home." And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"

Prayerful Awareness The people who brought the paralytic

St. Anthony, Abbot to Jesus had great faith that Jesus would heal him. They did not bother about the draw-backs they would face in bringing the paralytic closer to Jesus. Because of the crowd, they could not get close to Jesus. So they opened the roof where Jesus was and lowered the paralytic on his mat. Jesus was amazed at their faith and said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Jesus first healed the man's soul and then his body.

What does the Holy Spirit tell us about the power Jesus has to pardon the sins of the people? The Holy Spirit assures us that the power to forgive sins is only with the Son of Man, i.e. Jesus Christ, because He has authority on earth to forgive sin. So let us accept Jesus in faith to forgive our sins and console our hearts.

When facing day to day crisis, our body and mind get paralysed like the paralytic and become lifeless. This is mainly because we do not depend on God but depend on worldly things to solve our problems. Let us resolve to build our faith in Jesus, because, He has won redemption for all mankind.

How can we have faith like the paralytic and the people who brought him to Jesus? Faith is a gift for which we must pray. It increases with use. The more we practice faith, the more active it becomes.

Through faith we experience the joy of knowing Jesus Christ and receive all the blessings He wants to bestow on us. As faith increases, we will come to understand more about the nature of God and His work in our lives.

Prayer Starter Dear Father God, let us be joyful in the midst of Your presence and share Your warm love with all around us. Father You know how weak we are in our faith. Forgive us our doubts and fears. Empower us with the faith to move mountains, the faith to witness to an unbelieving world.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Saturday 18th January 2020 1 Samuel:9/1-4,17-19; 10/1 Psalm:21/1-6 Mark:2/13-17

Gospel Proclamation Jesus went out again beside the sea; the whole crowd gathered around him, and he taught them. As he was walking along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, "Follow me" And he got up and followed him.

And as he sat at dinner in Levi's house, many tax collectors and sinners were also sitting with Jesus and his disciples ... When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to his disciples, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?"

When Jesus heard this, he said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.

Prayerful Awareness

second dream told him how to protect the Child's life. Although Joseph was not Jesus' natural father, he was Jesus' legal father and was responsible for His safety and well-being. Divine guidance comes only to prepared hearts. Going to Egypt was not unusual because there were colonies of Jews in several major Egyptian cities. As an infant nation Israel went to Egypt, just as Jesus did as a child. God led Israel out. God brought Jesus back. Both events show God working to save His people.

Herod was a ruthless ruler. His suspicions and jealousy led to the murder of all the boys under two years of age, in an obsessive attempt to kill Jesus, the new born King. He stained his hands with blood, but he could not harm Jesus. Jesus was King by DIVINE APPOINTMENT. Herod was king by human appointment. No one can thwart God's plans.

Herod's title, king of the Jews, was granted by Rome but never accepted by the Jewish people. He was NOT part of the Davidic family line and he was only PARTLY Jewish. Herod was AFRAID that this NEW BORN KING would one day take his throne. He completely misunderstood the reason for Christ's coming. Jesus did not want Herod's throne, He wanted to be King of Herod's life. Jesus wanted to give Herod eternal life; not take away his present life. Herod's suspicions did not spare even his own family. His life was self-destructive.

Prayer Starter

Joseph was Jesus' chosen legal and earthly father. A person sensitive to God's guidance and willing to do God's Will, no matter what the consequence.

This was the second dream or Almighty Father, help us to give vision that Joseph received from God. Jesus the throne of our lives. Lead us His first dream revealed that Mary's to understand that great power brings Child would be the Messiah. Joseph's neither peace nor security.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Second Sunday of Ordinary Time Sunday 19th January 2020 Ps. Wk II sight of the Lord, and my God has Isaiah:49/3,5-6 become my strength - he says, "It is Psalm:40/1,3,6-9 too light a thing that you should be 1 Corinthians:1/1-3 my servant to raise up the tribes of John:1/29-34 Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel: I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth."

Prayerful Awareness Introduction

Here, by the term 'Israel', it is meant the Israelites chosen by God. Also it is given here that the Lord has chosen the people of Israel as His 'servant' for a specific mission.

In addition, there is an indication of the service expected by God which is obviously a pre-figuration of Jesus Christ. The 'Suffering Servant' presented by Isaiah and the specific relationship challenges us to hold the post we are meant to, as chosen people. Let us read the above proclamation more meaningfully once again replacing the words, 'Israel,' 'me,' 'my' and 'you', with Catholics and Pubudu members and enter into the challenging vocation God is calling us to and move into prayer.

The Gospel Proclamation

Today is the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time as well as the Second Sunday of the Liturgical Year.

Through the First Proclamation it is stated, "I will make you the light of the nations so that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth."

The Second Proclamation, the first letter to the Corinthians by St. Paul, contains a greeting, "May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ send you grace and peace." In the Gospel proclamation, the Lord is presented as the "Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world." Certainly, it is the great desire of Holy Mother the Church that all these greetings may be fulfilled with regard to you and me.

Therefore bearing such expectations The next day he saw Jesus comwithin our hearts, let us enter into our ing toward him and declared, "Here prayer journey with the Holy Spirit. is the Lamb of God who takes away First Proclamation the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, 'After me comes a man And he said to me, "You are my who ranks ahead of me because he servant, Israel, in whom I will be was before me.' I myself did not glorified." know him; but I came baptizing And now the Lord says, who with water for this reason, that he formed me in the womb to be his might be revealed to Israel." And servant, to bring Jacob back to him, John testified, "I saw the Spirit and that Israel might be gathered descending from heaven like a dove, to him, for I am honored in the and it remained on him. I myself

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God. Prayerful Awareness "Here is the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world."

"He is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit."

"He is the Chosen One of God." John the Baptist bears witness to all of the above which he reveals as a revelation received from the Holy Spirit Himself. John the Baptist introducing Jesus as the person coming after him, declares that he is the one who prepares the way for Him. Proclaiming that Jesus is greater than John since the former had been present before the latter, what he declares is of the pre-existence of the Lord Jesus (John 1:1, 2). In the light of these challenges, isn't the invitation directed to us to take the place of John the Baptist in our society?

The Second Proclamation ‌ to the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayerful Awareness Given here are the first three verses of the first letter of St. Paul to the

Corinthians. The first verse declares to whom and by whom it is sent.

Along with the name of St. Paul, the name of the Christian Sosthenes is also mentioned as the senders which could be found in most of the Pauline letters. Doesn't it show the thirst he had to work in community rather than working alone? Next is a description of those who belong to the community and that the letter is sent to the holy people of Jesus Christ, who pray to our Lord Jesus Christ. It also includes a greeting, all of which clearly depicts the sort of experience they should hold together in community. Let us awaken ourselves to the light presented to our lives through St. Paul.

My sonship Let us reflect on our praise village, our community and our parish community. 'You are my servant through whom the people will proclaim my glory'. Let us present ourselves before the Lord in the face of this vocation.

How is my response to this calling in comparison to the response given by Isaiah, John the Baptist and St. Paul?

Do I act under the guidance of the Holy Spirit in my praise village, my community and parish? Shouldn't we awaken ourselves to the call given to us to be a 'new John the Baptist' who prepares the world for the glorious Second Coming of the Lord and act accordingly? Let us realize where we are and repent, present ourselves before the Lord in prayer and petition, wake up and move into action.

Prayer Starter To witness to the mission of God, I shall commit myself to You O Holy Spirit. Permit me to surrender to You so that I may be fully Yours.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Monday 20th January 2020 1 Samuel:15/16-23 Psalm:50/8-9,16-17, 21,23 Mark:2/18-22

Gospel Proclamation Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; ... “Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus said to them, “The wedding guests cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them, can they?

As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day......

Prayerful Awareness

fasted for 40 days prior to commencing work on His public ministry. Jesus did not enforce or ask His disciples to fast and they were free to decide whether to fast or not. Jesus is the Lord of the Word and every teaching of God or the Mosaic Law. Therefore, Jesus had the right to give instructions as to what steps should be taken. This is why Jesus said that, when the Bridegroom is there, they cannot fast, but they will, when the Bridegroom is not there. Jesus speaks of parables to show that old and new should not be taken together. By this, He was speaking of the New Covenant set up by Him. The First Proclamation

Samuel said to Saul: “Stop! Let me tell you what the Lord said to me last night.” Saul replied, “Speak.”

Samuel said: “Though little in your own esteem, are you not leader of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king of Israel and sent you on a mission, saying, ‘Go and put Fasting is the willing abstinence the sinful Amalekites under a ban of or reduction of some or all food, destruction. Fight against them until drinks or both, for a period of time. you have exterminated them.’ Why Absolute fasting is normally defined then have you disobeyed the Lord? as abstinence from all food and liquid You have pounced on the spoil, thus for a defined period. Other fasts may displeasing the Lord.” - (King) Saul be partially restrictive, limiting only has disobeyed instruction of the Lord particular foods or substances or be due to their greed to obtain wealth of enemies, acting against the instrucintermittent. tion of the Lord. Because he has The disciples of John and Pharisees rejected the command of the Lord, used to fast. Fasting was a measure Lord too has rejected Saul as ruler. practiced among Jewish society, mainPrayer Starter ly as a measure of penance for sins committed. Even though fasting and Lord God, Our Father, forgive all abstinence are no longer observed today sins I have committed through my own in a big way, basic objective of this fault, in all what I have done, in action practice continues to remain unchanged or in words or in thoughts, knowingly among Christians, to participate in the and unknowingly and all what I have Passion, Death and Resurrection of failed to do. In Jesus my Saviour’s Jesus. Surrender one’s life in order to Name Amen. be able to possess it in God. Jesus also

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Tuesday 21st January 2020 St. Agnes, Virgin & Martyr to the Lord; sanctify yourselves and 1 Samuel:16/1-13 come with me to the sacrifice." And Psalm:89/19-21, 26-27 he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. .....

Mark:2/23-28 Prayerful Awareness

St. Agnes of Rome She has ever been held in the highest honour throughout the Church, and her name occurs in the Canon of the Holy Mass. Little is known with certainty about her short life. Yet, even from that little, it is clear that she was desirous of consecrating herself solely to Christ and so declined the hand of many a suitor.

She was eventually martyred at the age of 12 and buried at her parents' country place, near Rome. The Basilica built in her honour over her tomb, has remained almost unaltered since, a beautiful gem of old Roman architecture. She is the patron of modesty and young girls. Gardeners also revere her as their patron.

The First Proclamation The Lord said to Samuel, "How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons."

Samuel said, "How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me." And the Lord said, "Take a heifer with you, and say, 'I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.' Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you." Samuel did what the Lord commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, "Do you come peaceably?" He said, "Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice

The first proclamation speaks of anointing of David as King of Israel and successor to Samuel. There were many young, strong and handsome men fit to be king. Both prophet Samuel and Jesse thought God would choose one of the elder brothers as they too were strong, young and handsome. But God's choice was different. "Man looks at the outward appearance, but I look at the heart." God's standards are different.

Our judging is necessarily imperfect because it is influenced by social considerations, personal interests, prejudice etc. We view others by the narrow standards we ourselves have set. David was a 'Jack of all trades' - a man of war, an inspired poet and prophet, a musician, a psalmist, a hero and a ruler over men.

When David was called, he was doing his ordinary job - watching over his father's flock of sheep. Even many of the apostles who were engaged in their ordinary work of fishing - were called to be the fishers of men. "Do what you do, do well" is a common saying. Let us do our work, big or small, well and glorify the Lord. "Finally, it was the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead.

Now, fully established as "Christ" in His humanity, victorious over death, Jesus pours out the Holy Spirit abundantly until "the saints" constitute - in their union with the humanity of the Son of God - that perfect man" to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" "the whole Christ" in St. Augustine's expression. (C.C.C. 695) Prayer Starter Help us to be loyal to the work we are doing and thereby to glorify Thee.

Amen.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Wednesday 22nd January 2020

1 Samuel:17/32-33, 37, 40-51 Psalm:144/1-2, 9-10 Mark:3/1-6

The First Proclamation David said to Saul, 'Let no one be discouraged on his account; your servant will go and fight this Philistine.'...'Yahweh,' David went on, 'who delivered me from the claws of lion and bear, will deliver me from the clutches of this Philistine.' Then Saul said to David, 'Go, and Yahweh be with you!'.... The Philistine said to David, 'Come over here and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the wild beasts!' David retorted to the Philistine, 'You come to me with sword, spear and scimitar, but I come to you in the name of Yahweh Sabaoth, God of the armies of Israel, whom you have challenged. Today, Yahweh will deliver you into my hand; I shall kill you, I shall cut off your head; today, I shall give your corpse and the corpses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the wild beasts, so that the whole world may know that there is a God in Israel, and this whole assembly know that Yahweh does not give victory by means of sword and spear -- for Yahweh is lord of the battle and he will deliver you into our power.'... Thus David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone ... When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.

Fix your gaze on Jesus Thank You Lord for setting before us the likes of David, the shepherd boy made king .... the wonder of Your deeds

St.Vincent, Deacon & Martyr

astounding us and empowering us to follow ….

David's character is such that he had embraced fully his given position in life; that of a shepherd's. He was not in to whining and complaining about his life's circumstances. The care and security the simple beasts needed were provided in ample measure by David, dutifully and lovingly. The mind-set of entering fully in to the situation, inevitably gravitates to continuous improvement of the skill set required to face the circumstances.

And David's circumstances were that of providing for his flock and safeguarding them from the carnivores hunting in the area. This is amply evidenced by his response to Saul who wanted to discourage this simple lad from facing off against the trained Philistine killer. Hear him again, “The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine”. In the course of his duties, David had faced off the mountain lions and bears of that area, armed with his staff and catapult. He had protected his charges, and may be even hunted the carnivores out of the area the flock needed to grace. He had the confidence in using these weapons, which in his hands were as deadly as the sword was in the hands of his adversary, and at a longer range. Thus did he cast off the (unfamiliar) protective gear Saul gave him for the battle. Taking care of the flock had trained and nurtured him well, imbibing within the attitudes critical towards being responsible for the Lord's chosen.

Prayer Starter Lord, thank You for enlightening us regarding the nurturing and training of the model King David. Turn us anew to look upon him closely, and learn the needed lessons, so that we too would begin to experience the confidence of being in Your Fatherly love and Motherly care ....

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Thursday 23rd January 2020 1 Samuel:18/6-9; 19/1-7 Psalm:56/1-2,8-13 Mark:3/7-12

The Gospel Proclamation Jesus departed with his disciples to the sea, and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, hearing all that he was doing, they came to him in great numbers from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond the Jordan, and the region around Tyre and Sidom. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him; for he had cured many, so that all who had diseases pressed upon him to touch him. Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and shouted, "You are the Son of God!"; But he sternly ordered them not to make him known.

Prayerful Awareness

they still press on to touch Him. All who bear the name Christians are called to ongoing conversion. We are invited to co-operate with grace and give our whole lives over to the Lord who takes up His residence within us and continues His mission through us.

Our sonship We as Christians live differently because we live in Jesus Christ. We love differently because we love in Jesus Christ. We become different at the deepest level, when we co-operate with grace and allow the character of Christ to be formed in us.

Christians, who are the living plants of the Church are commanded to bring forth the fruits of devotion, each one in accord with his character, his station and his calling.

Is devotion ridiculous, unorganized and intolerable? Yet this absurd error occurs very frequently, but in no way does true devotion destroy anything at all.

On the contrary, it perfects and fulfills all things. In fact, if it ever works against, or is inimical to, anyone's legitimate station and calling, then it is very definitely false devotion.

The bee collects honey from flowers in such a way as to do the least damage or destruction to them and he leaves them whole, undamaged and fresh, just as he found them.

True devotion does still better. Not only does it not injure any sort of calling or occupation, it even embellishes and enhances it.

Prayer Starter

What is clear in the Gospel passage is the compassion of Jesus. The Latin root from which we derive the English word compassion means to enter into the suffering of another. The crowds were going to crush Jesus. His solution was not to back away, but to find a boat so that He could reach more of them.

That compassion is meant to be manifested in each of our lives as His For you have delivered me from disciples; no matter what our state in death and my feet form stumbling, that I life or vocation. may walk before God in the light of life.

These crowds are still looking for (Ps. 56:13). the Lord. When He is made manifest,

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Friday 24th January 2020 St. Francis de Sales, Bishop & Doctor 1 Samuel:24/3-21 Psalm: 57/1-3, 5,10 Mark:3/13-19

The First Proclamation He came to the sheepfolds beside the road, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the innermost parts of the cave. The men of David said to him, "Here is the day of which the Lord said to you, 'I will give your enemy into your hands, and you shall do to him as it seems good to you." Then David went and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul's cloak. Afterward David was stricken to the heart because he had cut off a corner of Saul's cloak. He said to his men : "The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord's anointed, to raise my hand against him, for he is the Lord's anointed....'

The Gospel Proclamation He went up the mountain and called to him those whom he wanted, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message, and to have authority to cast out demons.

So he appointed the twelve: .....

Prayerful Awareness

these twelve to be His ASSOCIATES and COMPANIONS because of their FAITH. faith often faltered. He did not choose them because of their TALENT and ABILITY: no one stood out with unusual ability. The disciples represented a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences, but apparently they had no more LEADERSHIP potential than those who were NOT chosen. The one characteristic they all shared was their WILLINGNESS TO OBEY Jesus.

After Jesus' Ascension, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered to carry out their special roles in the growth of the early church. We too should not disqualify ourselves form service to Christ because we do not have the expected credentials. Being a good disciple is simply a matter of following Jesus with a WILLING HEART. Why did Jesus choose 12 men? The number 12 corresponds to the 12 Tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:25) showing the continuity between the OLD religious system and the NEW one based on Jesus message. Many people followed Jesus, but these 12 received the most intense training. We see the impact of these men throughout the rest of the New Testament. In Jesus; training of His 12 disciples, He gave them the necessary warnings. He gave them authority to drive out evil spirits. He gave the power to heal every disease and sickness. Jesus sent them out to preach. Among them Simon was a Zealot. The Zealots were Jewish nationalists who opposed the Roman occupation of Palestine.

Prayer Starter

Jesus Lord, help us and give us From the hundreds of people who followed Jesus from place to place, willingness to obey, when You call us, Jesus chose twelve to be His apostles. even when we do not have the expected 'Apostle' means Messenger, or autho- qualifications. rised representative. He did not choose

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

31

Saturday 25th January 2020 Acts:22/3-16 OR 9/1-22 Psalm:116/1-2 (117/1-2) Mark:16/15-18

The Gospel Proclamation Please read Mark 16/15-18 meditatively.

Gaze at Jesus Jesus, having come to this world to fulfill Father God's greatest desire to build the Kingdom of God on earth, had to face a tedious time. Once, the whole night He was praying fervently and depending on the power of God, to select the twelve disciples for this great mission. Let us recall the maiden words Jesus proclaimed after the forty days in the wilderness, "This is the time of fulfilment; the Kingdom of God is at hand. Change your ways and believe the Good News." So saying, He started His mission.

Today's Gospel passage highlights the entrusting of responsibilities of an assignment to His beloved disciples to proclaim the word of God to all creation.

The disciples got a thorough training and were well informed about the duties they had to perform and were anointed by the Holy Spirit to achieve this goal.

The Good News is the seed that will be planted in the world and will flourish in the proper time, in every field of human activity. Thanks be to God for Jesus, for His sacrificial love, for the Word of God is active and blossoming everywhere in His creation. Salvation is not confined to serve isolated souls or individual beings. The Gospel is to be proclaimed to all creation in all activities and acts of those who have been renewed

The Conversion of St. Paul

by Baptism. They are to be the yeast that transforms human history.

Jesus asks us to believe in order to be saved. He has won eternal salvation for all who believe in Him. By His death and resurrection, Jesus has conquered every power that would stand against Him. Today's first proclamation reminds us about the conversion of St. Paul the Apostle. He was a traditional Jew who did not accept Jesus and implemented the law to the very letter and was responsible for killing Christians. On his way to Damascus to seek Christians, the resurrected Lord Jesus appeared to him and during the encounter he was thrown from his horse and heard the voice of the Lord: "I am Jesus whom you persecute" He reflected and understood that the voice was no other than the voice of the Christians whom he was persecuting. Through repentance there was a complete change in his life and as a result he introduced Jesus to all Christians who are experiencing solitude and pain, thereby dedicating his whole life for Jesus. He pledged Jesus to be his only Saviour and salvation. Later he became an instrument in proclaiming the word of God, mostly to the Gentiles.

Our sonship It is our baptismal calling as Christians and it is our prime duty to proclaim the Word of God whatever the field we are engaged in. However, what counts most is our association with Jesus which is of utmost importance. How frequently do we listen to His loving voice and live according to His ideals. The word of God is our spiritual food which we should consume every day. Whenever we are in despair, the only consolation is the word of God. Prayer Starter I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my supplications. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

32

Sunday 26th January 2020 Isaiah: 9/1-4 Psalm:27/1,4,13-14 1 Corinthians:1/10-13, 17 Mathew:4/12-23 OR 4/12-17

Third Sunday of Ordinary Time as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.

Prayerful Awareness

Our Lord dawns on us a light dispelling darkness. This light overcomes the darkness, the evil. When we start giving the authority of our life to Him, we will be able to enjoy the heavenly joy, full of the love of God that surpasses the freedom and joy the world offers.

Then, however much the problems, Introduction struggles and oppression we are faced Christ is our only light. "In him with, what we would experience is the was life, and the life was the light of joy and freedom that exceeds all of the men. The light shines in the darkness, above. Jewish teachers of the past equatand the darkness has not overcome ed the Law of Moses and wisdom to a it" (John 1:4-5). When the light comes, bar across the shoulders, which signify darkness will vanish. Light dispels the person surrendering himself to the darkness and there will be no space love of God, being freed of the burden for sin. Therefore let us make Christ he had been shouldering so far, since our Lord and let Him manifest in and the love of God not only redeems man among us. Let us recognize what hin- but also lets him experience deep joy. ders unity and overcome them. Then we The Second proclamation will hear the voice of the Lord: "Come Now I appeal to you brothers and follow me‌." Let us be authentic Christ disciples attuned to this voice, sisters by the name of our Lord Jesus and be at the service of the Gospel Christ, that all of you be in agreement embracing the mission entrusted to us. and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the The First Proclamation same mind and the same purpose. For But there will be no gloom for it has been reported to me by Chloe's those who were in anguish. In the for- people that there are quarrels among mer time he brought into contempt you, my brothers and sisters. What I the land of Zebulun and the land of mean is that each of you says, "I beNaphtali, but in the latter time he will long to Paul," or "I belong to Apolos," make glorious the way of the sea, the or "I belong to Cephas," or "I belong land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of to Christ." Has Christ been divided? the nations. The people who walked Was Paul crucified for you? Or were in darkness have seen a great light; you baptized in the name of Paul? .... those who lived in a land of deep For Christ did not send me to baptize, darkness - on them light has shined. but to proclaim the gospel, and not You have multiplied the nation, you with eloquent wisdom, so that the have increased its joy; they rejoice cross of Christ might not be emptied before you as with joy at the harvest, of its power.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

33

Prayerful Awareness St. Paul is inviting the Corinthian community not only to unity, but also to act in union with each other. When people are united with one mind and heart, Christ will be manifested. It is an invitation to give the authority of our life to Jesus Christ freed from the ideologies and people we are trapped in and without confining ourselves to human intelligence and logic. Moreover, what is needed is the spread of the Gospel.

Therefore we are invited to listen to the voice of the Lord freeing ourselves from the evil and sin we are entangled in. When we follow Christ, our lives will be changed and renewed. This new revolution itself will proclaim Christ.

Let us focus on and move towards a life experience through which Christ would be proclaimed and glorified.

The Gospel Proclamation

(Please read the whole proclamation.)

Prayerful Awareness

Our Lord starts His missionary journey after John had been arrested which was like a signal to start His mission. Also in his days Capernaum was a famous town since there was an international roadway running through it and hence a place where tolls were taken. Also it was the birth place of Andrew and Peter. Maybe during His long service in Galilee He frequented their home as a center for His mission.

Further, Messiah Himself is the person who dispels darkness. Wherever He is proclaimed, manifested, there would be no room for darkness since light dawns there dispelling darkness and there will not be any space left for either death, sin or the devil since the great light has dawned on the earth.

Accordingly, the voice 'Follow me' was Now when Jesus heard that John so powerful and appealing that they left had been arrested, he withdrew to everything in his wake as soon as it was Galilee. He left Nazareth and made heard. The Lord is also calling us in his home in Capernaum by the sea. the same manner. Let us be conscious, in the territory of Zebulun and Naph- respond and walk in His way. tali, so that what has been spoken My sonship through the prophet Isaiah might be Let us stay awake for a moment, pay fulfilled. heed to the voice of the Lord, 'Come "Land of Zebulun, land of Naph- follow me' and respond to His calling, tali, on the road by the sea across the hand over the authority of our life to Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles - the Him and enter into a Christ encounter. people who sat in darkness have seen Let us also plead for the guidance of a great light; and for those who sat in the Holy Spirit to lead us to introduce the region and shadow of death a light the risen Lord to others so that their life has dawned. too would be enlightened.

From that time Jesus began to Prayer Starter proclaim, "Repent, for the kingdom The Lord is my light and my salvaof heaven has come near".

As he walked by the Sea of Galilee tion; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the he saw two brothers, Simon, who is stronghold of my life; of whom shall I called Peter, and Andrew his brother; be afraid?

One thing I asked of the Lord, that casting a net into the sea - for they were fishermen. And he said to them, will I seek after: to live in the house "Follow me and I will make you fish of the Lord all the days of my life, to for people." Immediately they left behold the beauty of the Lord, and to their nets at and followed him. ‌ inquire in his temple. (Ps. 27/1, 4 ....)

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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Monday 27th January 2020

St. Angela Merici, Virgin

Jesus stresses the need to distin2 Samuel:5/1-7, 10 guish between the working of these Psalm: 89/19-21, two distinctive spirits amongst us. We 24,25 commit an unforgivable sin when the workings of the Holy Spirit are attributMark:3/22-30 ed to the evil spirit.

However, in today's context, we need to be mindful of the workings of the evil spirit amongst us and not to The Gospel Proclamation attribute these to the Holy Spirit. For And the scribes who came down the word of God says in Matthew ch. from Jerusalem said, "He has 24 vs. 11 and 24 as follows: "Many Beelzebul, and by the ruler of the false prophets will arise and deceive demons he casts out demons." And many ...." and "False messiahs and he called them to him, and spoke to false prophets will arise and they will them in parables. "How can Satan perform signs and wonders so great cast out Satan? If a kingdom is as to deceive, if that were possible, divided against itself, that kingdom even the elect."

Today in our society, miraculous cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will healings and prophesies are supposed not be able to stand. And if Satan to take place in healing services conhas risen up against himself and is ducted by various people. Let us awake divided, he cannot stand, but his end to discern if these are the workings of has come. But no one can enter a the Holy Spirit or the evil spirit, in the strong man's house and plunder his light of what Jesus has said. property without first tying up the Can those who denounce our Blessstrong man, then indeed the house ed Mother whom God Himself has can be plundered. called "Hail favoured one" (Luke 1:28); "Truly I tell you, people will be "Most blessed are you among woman" forgiven for their sins and whatever (Luke 1:42); "Blessed are you who beblasphemies they utter, but whoever lieved ...." (Luke 1:45), "Behold, from blasphemes against the Holy Spirit now on, will all ages call me blessed" can never have forgiveness, but is (Luke 1:48) possess the power of the guilty of an eternal sin: - for they Holy Spirit to do mighty deeds? had said, "He has an unclean spirit."

Let us reflect on Genesis 3:15 in order to discern such happenings.

Prayerful Awareness Let us reflect ......

In the previous weeks, our attenPrayer Starter tion was drawn to God's Kingdom which Jesus inaugurated on earth My faithfulness and steadfast love where the Holy Spirit reigns. shall be with him; and in my name his Today, Jesus draws our attention to horn shall be exalted. the existence of yet another kingdom I will set his hand on the sea and his the kingdom of Beelzebul, the Satan, right hand on the rivers. (Ps.89/24,25) where the evil spirit reigns.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

35

Tuesday 28th January 2020

St. Thomas Aquinas, Priest & Doctor

2 Samuel:6/12-15, 17-19 Psalm:(24/7-19 Mark:3/31-35

St. Thomas Aquinas He was the youngest in his family.

He wanted to become a Dominican at 18, but was opposed by his parents and was imprisoned in a tower for two years. His sister helped him with books on Philosophy and Scripture. Later, he managed to escape imprisonment and was sent to Paris to complete his studies under St. Albert the Great. Thomas was a genius. He is known to have composed some 60 works, among which was the unrivalled Summa Theologica, a summary of Christian Philosophy and Theology. Before taking up any study he invoked God's assistance to complete it, and also undertook special fasts. The beautiful Office and Mass for Corpus Christi with its much loved hymns Tantum Ergo and O Salutaris Hostia, were composed by him on the Pope's orders.

He died on his way to the Council of Lyons. Canonized by Pope John XXII on 18th July 1323. Elevated to the dignity of Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius V on 11th April 1567 and in 1918 his name was included in the Code of Canon Law.

The First Proclamation

It was told King David, "The Lord has blessed the household of Obededom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God." So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom to the city of David with rejoicing; and when those who bore the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fatling.

David danced before the Lord with all his might, ... So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet ....

Prayerful Awareness

Here we have the account of how the Covenant Box was fetched and brought to Jerusalem by King David. David had a big plan - that is to bring the ark, which was the visible sign of the presence and favour of God for the people of Israel, and locate it in the centre of the nation or in the capital. What a happy king must David have been at the thought that God was going to establish a permanent abode in the midst of his subjects. David's dance - surely it was a natural expression of personal gratitude and joy of a man whose devotion to God was unreserved and humble. Not only that, he wanted to infuse a similar spirit to his subjects. This feast later became a national one. It was marked by great rejoicing and festivity. Later on Jerusalem became the destination of pilgrimages. In Our Lord's Incarnation, the Ark of the Covenant has found its permanent fulfilment. "The Word became a human being and full of grace and truth, lived among us." (John 1/14).

"The prophets later on said that the exile of the Israelites was a punishment because they had broken the Covenant; but as they were restored to the old Covenant, so would there be a new Covenant or Testament which would include all nations. The Lord speaking through Jeremiah told the people 'This is the covenant which I will make with Israel after those days'; I will set up my law within them and write it on their hearts." (Jeremiah 31:33) (Archbishop Fulton J.Sheen)

Prayer Starter

"You have written Your Law in our hearts and carved our names on Your Palms". Praise to You O Lord. Amen.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

36

Wednesday 29th January 2020 2 Samuel:7/4-17 Psalm:89/3-4,26-29 Mark:4/1-20

The First Proclamation But that same night, the word of the Lord came to Nathan: 'Go and tell my servant David, "Thus says the Lord: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? ..." Thus says the Lord of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be prince over my people Israel; and I have been with you wherever you went; and have cut off all your enemies from before you, and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth...

Moreover the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house .... I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.

He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be a father to him and he shall be a son to me. When he commits iniquity, I will punish him with a rod such as mortals use, with blows inflicted by human beings ...

Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever. " ...

Fix your gaze on Jesus The Lord our God is complete and whole .... let us stay a moment before this perfection ....

King David had started off to build the Lord of the Hosts a magnificent house, as he was instructed by the Lord through the prophet Nathan. Then, here we see the same instruction superseded.

David is re-directed towards other tasks

more suited to his profile - temperament and skills, with the promise that his son will carry on and complete the task of building the house of the Lord. Both revelations are channeled through the same prophet so as to not confuse David with different prophets saying different things. In testing the heart of David with the first command, the Lord is pleased and re-directs David with another. A reminder of the great things the Lord had done in the life of David too is delivered.

Looking at King David, we see that though he was king, he yet stayed open to the revelations the Lord makes through the prophets. In today's language, he does not become a 'control freak' with a bloated ego. He recognises that he is part of a body; i.e. though the mind decides and issues the instructions to the body, yet it depends on the eyes to see and the ears to hear. How relevant this is for us today! Staying open and receptive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit is a prime requisite for all of us.

It is of this necessity that the Lord Jesus speaks in today's 'Parable of the Sower'.

Our hearts and minds have to become like a 'Rich Soil' before the ministration of the Holy Spirit of God. It is only the Holy Spirit of God who knows the completeness - the Whole of God; and knowing so, can provide us the best, optimal guidance for the situation before us. That again, considering the present state we ourselves are in. How fortunate we are when we are able to stay flexible and open before the ministrations of the Whole Spirit of God! Prayer Starter Lord, help us realise how blessed we are when we become open to Thy guidance and ministrations ... help us in breaking down the defences we've created defending the 'Self' and become more and more like Your 'Vulnerable Son', experiencing Your Fatherly and Motherly love ...!

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

37

Thursday 30th January 2020 2 Samuel: 7/18-19, 24-29 Psalm:132/1-5, 11-14 Mark: 4/21-25

Gospel Proclamation He said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand? For there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!" And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. For to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.”

Prayerful Awareness God created the sun and placed it high in the sky, within an empty space, so that light could freely flow in all directions without any obstruction. The sun does its job well and gives light to everyone and everything. In the same way God brought His only begotten Son into this world, to pay for man’s sin and to be a Light to this world, to spread God’s Love and Mercy to everyone through His life. I am sure, from day one, His life must have been a powerful one, becoming a light to all around.

We do not know much about Jesus’ childhood, but from what is stated in the Gospel of Luke 2: 46, we see how great His knowledge and wisdom would have been to sit in the midst of the teachers

and ask them questions. Jesus said, a lamp has to be placed on a lamp stand, at a higher place to give light to all and not be hidden. After receiving baptism from John, Jesus came out to the open world and started His public ministry to spread the Word of the Lord and the Good News of Salvation to save all who accepted Him and followed the Commandments.

We received Baptism in the Name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, to be adopted as sons and daughters of God when we or our God Parents accepted Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord. Jesus Christ intercedes for all who accept Him and follow His Commandments to send the Holy Spirit, the Helper, to be with them throughout this new life (John 14:15-16). Then we will be a light to this world. Jesus said we should be like salt that gives taste (Math 5:13), but if salt loses its taste, it is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

Let us ask the Holy Spirit to purify our thoughts, our words and our acts and guide us to live according to the Will of God. Help us to rejoice always, Pray without ceasing, Thank and praise in all circumstances (as God is in control) – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

The first reading is on King David’s Prayer to Lord God after he received the message from Nathan, the prophet and his thanksgiving. The prophecy was the basis for Jewish expectation of a Messiah, son of David, which Jesus fulfilled in a transcendent way.

Prayer Starter All-powerful and ever loving God, direct Your love that is within us, that our efforts in the Name of Your Son may bring mankind to unity and peace. 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!"

38

Friday 31st January 2020

St. John Bosco, Priest

eye. This parable can be explained in the following way. Kingdom of God is within the human heart, mind and soul.

What goes on within the human heart is not known to anyone. God searches man’s heart and puts him through situations that will prune him/her until he abides into God’s plan. The person who experiences the Kingdom of God is the one who can fully surrender to God and is restored into faith by God’s love and Gospel Proclamation mercy.

'Jesus went on to say, “The KingOur sonship dom of God is like this. A man scatters The first reading is an account of seed in his field. He sleeps at night, is up and about during the day, and King David’s relationship with Bethall the while the seeds are sprouting sheba, who was Uriah’s wife. Although and growing. Yet he does not know King David was known as a righteous how it happens. The soil itself makes king, seeing Bethsheba, he loses his the plants grow and bear fruit; first self-control and falls into sin. From then the tender stalk appears, then the onwards he plans so many hateful things ear, and finally the ear full of corn. to get over the situation. By the time he When the corn is ripe, the man starts repents, God yields King David’s heart cutting it with his sickle, because completely and he was restored into a harvest time has come. “What shall complete relationship with God. Repentance made King David turn we say the Kingdom of God is like?” asked Jesus. “What parable shall we back to God where he had forgiveness use to explain it? It is like this. A man from God. Therefore, Kingdom of takes a mustard seed, the smallest God cannot be defined as being a good seed in the world, and plants it in person, but in the way one experiences the ground. After a while it grows up God’s love. The source of God’s love and becomes the biggest of all plants. is Jesus. Even though we are driven by It puts out such large branches that our heart’s desires, God’s invitation is to the birds come and make their nests repent and turn to Jesus. Then we will in its shade.” Jesus preached his mes- experience the Kingdom of God. sage to the people, using many other Prayer Starter parables like these; he told them as 'Be merciful to me, O God, because much as they could understand. He of your constant love. Because of your would not speak to them without using parables, but when he was alone great mercy wipe away my sins!

Wash away all my evil and make me with his disciples, he would explain clean from my sin! I recognize my faults; everything to them.

I am always conscious of my sins. I Gaze at Jesus have sinned against you — only against Jesus compares the Kingdom of God you — and done what you consider evil. to a seed that grows and sprouts natuSo you are right in judging me; rally. What goes inside the seed is not completely understood by any human you are justified in condemning me. ....

(Ps.51/1-5..)

2 Samuel:11/1-10, 13-17 Psalm:51/1-5, 8-9 Mark:4/26-34

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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