Walk in the Spirit March 2020 by Pubuduwa

WALK IN THE SPIRIT April 2020 Issue 338 Commencement March 1992

"Abba Father ! Abba Mother!"

ISSN 1391-5967

Publication: Fr. Siri Oscar Abayaratne Kithu Dana Pubuduwa

SHARING ON PRAYER April 2020 I have set before you life and death. Choose. (Deuteronomy:30 /19)

Jesus chooses life. His choice has something special about it. It is not human life but the resurrected life in the Spirit that He opts for. ‘Resurrected life’ more than 30 years is challenging, can be unnerving and a never ending death experience. It is on the human plane, a choosing of death in preference to human life. Jesus reveals the secret for such daring. He was firmly and strongly girt with Love. The Abba’s Love was His possession and passion. Ought else did He need! 1 John 4/10 says: “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.” The door thus is open for us to enter : Death or Life. Fr. Siri Oscar Abayaratne

Wednesday 1st April 2020 Daniel:3/14-20,91-92, 95 Psalm:Daniel:3/52-56 John:8/31-42

Introduction The message in today's scripture readings is the freedom one can opt to receive if only one were to have a strong and unwavering faith in the Lord, and hold fast to His promises. In the First Proclamation, we read of how three youth bore witness to the Lord even risking life, and how the Lord sent an angel to save them from the fire. The impact this act of faith had on the world ruler of the day is described thus: "Suddenly Nebuchadnezzar leapt to his feet in amazement. He asked his officials, "Didn't we tie up three men and throw them into the blazing furnace?" They answered, "Yes, we did, Your Majesty" "Then why do I see four men walking about in the fire?" He asked, "They are not tied up, and they show no sign of being hurt - and the fourth one looks like an angel." The King said, "Praise the God of Shadrack, Meshach and Abednego! He sent his angel and rescued these men who serve and trust him. They disobeyed my orders and risked their lives rather than bow down and worship any god except their own." This baring of witness to the Lord by the three young men made the King respect God and he promoted the three youth to higher positions in the prov-

ince of Babylon. Gaze on Jesus So Jesus said to those who believed in him, "If you obey my teaching, you are really my disciples; you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." ..... Jesus said to them, "I am telling you the truth; everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave does not belong to a family permanently, but a son belongs there forever. If the Son sets you free, then you will be really free." Our sonship Man is influenced by the cravings of his flesh, the beckoning of the world around us and the misleading of the great deceiver, the devil. These factors interfere with our ability to respond in love to God and people / situations, and these barriers can be described as 'sin'. In order to break free of these barriers which enslave / bind us, we need the liberating power of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Love that is the binding force between the Father and the Son in giving and receiving love, In John 14:15-17, Our Lord Jesus Christ tells us, "If you love me, you will obey my commandments. I will ask the Father and he will give you another Helper, who will stay with you for ever. He is the Spirit who reveals the truth about God. The world cannot receive him, because it cannot see him or know him. But you know him, because he remains with you and is in you." Prayer Starter Dear Lord give us true freedom from all kinds of fears and enslavements, giving us the freedom to love unconditionally! Amen!

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Thursday 2nd April 2020 Genesis:17/3-9 Psalm: 104/4-9 (105/4-9) John:8/51-59

Introduction In this last week of Lent leading to the Holy Week, let us meditate on today’s Proclamations 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. For this is how God loved the world: he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. (John 3:16). Gospel Proclamation Amen, amen I say to you: If any man keep my word, he shall not see death for ever. ... "Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest: 'If any man keep my word, he shall not taste death for ever'. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Whom dost thou make thyself? Jesus answered: If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father that glorifieth me, of whom you say that he is your God. And you have not known him, but I know him. And if I shall say that I know him not, I shall be like to you, a liar. But I do know him, and do keep his word. Abraham your father rejoiced that he might see my day: he saw it, and was glad. The Jews therefore said to him: Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said to them: Amen, amen I say to you, before Abraham

was made, I AM. They took up stones therefore to cast at him. But Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple. Gaze at Jesus What a stupendous claim our Lord Jesus Christ makes at the beginning of today’s Gospel Proclamation! Also, ‘Amen, amen Isay to you, before Abraham was made, I AM’ a reference to His oneness with Almighty God, Abba Father/Mother! Let us pause and prostrate ourselves before the Lord, for He is worthy of our utmost Adoration and Gratitude! Prayerful Awareness In today’s First Proclamation we read: ‘Abram fell flat on his face. And God said to him: I AM, and my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. Neither shall thy name be called any more Abram: but thou shalt be called Abraham: because I have made thee a father of many nations. And I will make thee increase, exceedingly, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.’ We know the Israelites are descendants of Abraham. Abraham’s grandson Jacob (who was later named Israel) had twelve sons through whom there were twelve tribes comprising the nation of Israel. At some point later in the history of Israel there was a rift between the tribes which led to the splitting into Northern (Israel) and Southern (Judah) kingdoms. Today Israel is mainly populated by the descendants of Judah. All twelve tribes got dispersed throughout the world being taken captive after defeats, and that is how God’s promise ‘I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee’ was fulfilled! Prayer Starter You set the earth on its foundations, so that it shall never be shaken. You cover it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains (Ps.104/5, 6)

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Feast of St.Richard of Chichester, Bishop, Confessor to stone Jesus. In answer Jesus drew Jeremiah:20/10-13 their attention to what He had been Psalm:17/2-7 doing and was doing - feeding the hun(18/1-6) gry, healing the sick, and comforting the sorrowing. Surely these acts bore John:10/31-42 enough witness to show that He came from God. "A word is something about which people can argue; but a deed is something beyond argument. Jesus is The Gospel Proclamation the perfect teacher in that He does not The Jews took up stones again base His claims on what He says, but to stone him. Jesus replied, "I have on what He is and what He does. His shown you many good works from invitation to the Jews was to base their the Father. For which of these are verdict on Him, not on what He said, you going to stone me?' The Jews but on what He did; and that is a test answered, "It is not for a good work which all His followers ought to be able that we are going to stone you, but and willing to meet. The tragedy is that for blasphemy, because you, though so few can meet it, still less invite it. " only a human being, are making (The New Daily Study Bible). yourself God." Jesus answered, "Is Blasphemy was punishable by stonit not written in your law, 'I said, you are gods'". If those to whom ing. But the little cordon of men around the word of God came were called Him, with stones in their hands, could 'gods' - and the scripture cannot be not lay their hands on Him; for "His annulled - can you say that the one hour had not yet come." It appeared so whom the Father has sanctified and easy to take Him, and yet so difficult. sent into the world is blaspheming When the moment would come, when because I said, 'I am God's Son'? He would deliver Himself over to their If I am not doing the works of my hands, then, the first thing that would Father, then do not believe me. But happen to them was that they would if I do them, even though you do not all fall backwards upon the ground." believe me, believe the works, so that (Archbishops Fulton J.Sheen). "The signs worked by Jesus attest you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the that the Father has sent Him. They Father." Then they tried to arrest invite belief in Him. To those who turn him again, but he escaped from their to Him in faith, He grants what they ask. So miracles strengthen faith in the hands ..... One who does His Father's works; they Prayerful Awareness bear witness that He is the Son of God. "Anyone who curses God must But His miracles can also be occasions suffer the consequences and be put to for "offence"; they are not intended to death. Any Israelite or any foreigner satisfy people's curiosity or desire for living in Israel who curses the Lord magic. Despite His evident miracles shall be stoned to death by the whole some people reject Jesus. (C.C.C. 548) community (Leviticus 24:15-16). They Prayer Starter found fault with Jesus - "You are only a You are the one and only Lord in man, but you are trying to make yourself God." (John 10:33). They got ready our lives. Amen. Friday 3rd April 2020

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Saturday 4th April 2020 So, humility preserves peace and Ezekiel:37/21-28 order in all Christian churches and Psalm:Jeremiah:31/10-13 societies – as we enter in to the truth John:11/45-57 that we are part of One Body; and each in a unique way contribute to the well-being of the collective being. The reality that we exist In Him, through The First Proclamation Him and For Him. Pride, a set of thought patterns Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird which are fundamentally defensive, yourselves with humility, to serve one generated to offset/nullify the erroneanother for God resisteth the proud, ous beliefs/ feeling of unworthiness, but giveth grace to the humble. disturbs our collective being in that Humble yourselves therefore under they aggravate our erroneous beliefs the mighty hand of God, that he may of separateness. exalt you in due time; casting all your Where God gives grace to be humanxiety upon him, because he careth ble, he will give wisdom, faith, and hofor you. Be sober, be watchful: your liness. To be humble, and be reconciled adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, to God, will bring greater comfort to walketh about, seeking whom he may the soul than the gratification of pride devour, whom withstand steadfast and ambition. Like a machine running in your faith, knowing that the same smoothly and well when it conforms to sufferings are accomplished in your its specifications, we too, who are His brethren who are in the world. And creatures will experience our worthithe God of all grace, who called you ness and connectedness when we abide unto his eternal glory in Christ, in His Word. after that ye have suffered a little What difficulties will not the firm while, shall himself perfect, estabbelief of His wisdom, power, and lish, strengthen you. To him be the goodness get over! Then be humble dominion for ever and ever. Amen…. under his hand. Cast "all you care;" Salute one another with a kiss of personal cares, family cares, cares for love. Peace be unto you all that are the present, and cares for the future, for in Christ. yourselves, for others, for the church, on God. These are burdensome, and Fix your gaze on Jesus often very sinful, when they arise Let us look upon our glorious from unbelief and distrust, when they Master the Christ and contemplate on torture and distract the mind, unfit us His orientation in the Holy Word today. for duties, and hinder our delight in the Humility – a minority definition of service of God. The remedy is, to cast this word states “as that of being utterly our care upon God, and leave every truthful of your place in the scheme of event to his wise and gracious disposal. things”. In other words, the state of Prayer Starter mind of an individual who has learnt to Be Still my heart; Stand ye before deny the false self – the ego- our sense of being separate; paving the pathway thy beloved Abba the Mother, and exto enabling unity with the greater self. perience the peace…

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord Ps Wk II those who struck me, and my cheeks (Procession): to those who pulled out the beard; I Matthew:21/1-11 did not hide my face from insult and Isaiah:50/4-7 spitting. The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; Psalm:22/7-8,16-19, therefore I have set my face like flint, 22-23 and I know that I shall not be put to Philippians:2/6-11 shame. Mathew:26/14-27,66 Prayerful Awareness OR 27/11-54 As a pre-figuration of the passion of Christ, four songs on Isaiah contained in 42:1-7, 49:1-6, 50:4-11 and 52:1353:12 have been given depicting him as the Suffering Servant. While the third song is presented here the rest would Introduction be proclaimed each day of the Holy While there are fifty two weeks for a Week. Some theologians call these four year, today we are starting the week that songs as the fifth gospel. Let us read the is of the greatest significance. Spiritu- proclamation for today several times to ally ennobled with the forty day retreat focus our attention on the experience period, today we enter into Holy Week of our Lord Jesus. And if possible let to participate in the most supreme Eas- us picture this experience in our mind's ter mystery of the suffering, death and imagination and enter into His inner resurrection of Christ along with Him. experience with the Holy Spirit, pray This Sunday termed Palm Sunday of the to Him to show us how our life journey Passion of our Lord, the Eucharistic cel- should be as a Christ disciple, a child ebration starts with a procession through of God and plead for the power to cross which we are awakened to Christ's over to where we should be. triumphant entrance into Jerusalem. Based on the responsorial psalm of The Gospel passage Matthew 21:1-11 the day including verse one let us be is proclaimed before the procession in the presence of the inner experience today. The Holy Week ends with Easter of our Lord and praise God for His Sunday. Let us enter into prayer pleadresponse. Can we attempt to make this ing with the Holy Spirit to anoint us as our experience too? to awaken ourselves to know how this The Gospel Proclamation holy journey started today, to be grafted to our life journey. Now Jesus stood before the govThe First Proclamation ernor; and the governor, asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" The Lord God has given me the Jesus said, "You say so". But when he tongue of a teacher, that I may know was accused by the chief priests and how to sustain the weary with a word. elders, he did not answer. Then Pilate Morning by morning he wakens said to him, "Do you not hear how wakens my ear to listen to those who many accusations they make against are taught. The Lord God has opened you?" But he gave him no answer, my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not even to a single charge, so that the not turn backward. I gave my back to Sunday 5th April 2020

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

governor was greatly amazed. Now at the festival the governor was accustomed to release a prisoner for the crowd, anyone whom they wanted. At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Jesus Barabbas. So after they had gathered, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release for you. Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?" ... Prayerful Awareness Today we commemorate how Jesus steps on to the final three days of the last year of His earthly life (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday) and the final three hours. Really, the final three hours He spent on the cross would surely have been a deep contemplative prayer. Certainly, it would have been a very long hour of totally accomplishing the Will of God and glorifying the Father. It would be of benefit to awaken oneself to each external incident as they unfold and to His inner experience at each moment as well as His responses with perfect love. Through it all He experiences an Easter or a cross-over inviting us to follow Him. The Second Proclamation who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death - even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Prayerful Awareness This passage contains the "Hymn of the Incarnation of Christ our Lord" sung by the first Christian communities in which is proclaimed the emptying and letting go experience of our Lord in coming to earth and His being exalted above everything in existence. Consequently, this is also called the hymn of condescension and exaltation of our Lord. Undoubtedly this hymn would have been the dignity of the early Christian community that proclaimed the glory of God. It is to be a challenge and be a light to our society to proclaim the power and glory of the resurrection of Christ and witnessing to this fact as a family, community and church. Towards my son-ship With the statement, "Deny yourself, take up your cross and come follow me," is His invitation for us to experience Easter at every life phenomena of our life journey. Let us start today a journey of perfect love in which we participate in a mystical Easter experience without being moved by any success or failure that we come across. During the coming week embodying in us the same experience as that of Christ, let us enter into a journey of experiencing the fullness of the Resurrection, allowing the constant guidance of the Holy Spirit and traversing through the great three-fold experiences of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday every day of our lives throughout our life journey. Prayer Starter "Commit your cause to the Lord; let him deliver - let him rescue the one in whom He delights!" I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you. You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him; stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel! (Ps.22/8,22-23)

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Monday 6th April 2020 Isaiah:42/1-7 Psalm:26/1-3,13-14 (27/1-3,13-14) John:12/1-11 The Gospel Proclamation Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home f Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume ... anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" ... Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me." When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus. Prayerful Awareness According to today's Gospel, Jesus' days are numbered and there are only six days left for the Passover. So, every minute is precious as He had to depend on His Father God and impress in their minds some of the important truths to add to their way of living. Jesus was invited to Bethany where He had raised Lazarus from the dead. As Jesus dines with His beloved friends, Mary does

something which only sheer love could do. She takes the most precious thing she had and anointed the feet of Jesus, wiping them with her hair. She did it with a heart filled with love and as a gesture of respect to the mysterious personality of Jesus The whole house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. What Mary had done brought sweetness not only in the physical sense, but in the spirit as well. The Pharisees and the chief priests could not bear this action as many Jews believed in Jesus and followed Him. Not all the disciples understood her gesture because they still had much to learn about loving Jesus. Judas, the disciple who later betrayed Jesus remarked in order to find fault "The perfume could have been sold for three hundred silver coins and made use for the poor." But Jesus convinced him by saying, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me." The Lord's command is not to give but to love. To love the poor is to reveal their call from God and help them share as persons by overcoming their weaknesses and fulfilling the mission that God has entrusted to them. If we are to really love the poor we should have a passionate love for Jesus. The first reading is a revelation of the Prophet Isaiah about 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. The Prophet reveals that the Messiah would be a servant, not an emperor, who as the Jews thought would come to free them. Accordingly Jesus gladly predicts what He is going to become and how He will act as a light of the nation, to open the eyes that do not see, to free captives from prison and bring to light those who sit in darkness. Prayer Starter The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Tuesday 7th April 2020 knew that one of His disciples, close to Him, was going to betray Him. In this corrupt world, we also may come across people who may betray us for various reasons, to gain some worldly pleasure, fame, wealth, power, etc., or due to some anger or for some personal gain. This may sometimes Gospel Proclamation be from someone who is very close After saying this Jesus was trou- to us, or whom we have associated bled in spirit and declared, “Very with. This is why Jesus said to us, “Be truly I tell you, one of you will betray awake”. To be on alert and be ready, me.”... Simon Peter therefore mo- as the ruler of this world is wicked and tioned to him to ask Jesus of whom so are the people whom he poisons. he was speaking. So while reclining We who accept Jesus as our Lord and next to Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, as our Saviour who came down from who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is God to save us are called to be ready the one to whom I give this piece of to testify for His Great Love, and work bread when I have dipped it in the towards saving mankind from sin. We dish.” So when he had dipped the too are called to change, develop and piece of bread, he gave it to Judas purify ourselves step by step to raise son of Simon Iscariot. After he ourselves to be close to Lord (this is received the piece of bread, Satan the call on us). In order to do so, the entered into him. Jesus said to him, Holy Spirit, the Advocate, is gifted to “Do quickly what you are going to us by Jesus through His intercession do.” .... So Judas took the morsel and to all who follow His Commandments left at once. ... Jesus said, “Now is the (14:15-16). Holy Spirit will guide Son of Man glorified, and God is glo- us and strengthen us and alleviate us rified in him. .... My children, I will through life experiences and trials (1 be with you only a little while longer. James 2-12). We must say 'Amen' and You will look for me, ... ‘Where I go allow the Holy Spirit to act within us you cannot come,’ so now I say it and change us and raise us in every way to you.” Simon Peter said to him, to serve the Lord. In the First Reading, God calls the “Master, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am servant, Israel, to a new task: to be a going, you cannot follow me now, light to the nations, as God’s chosen though you will follow later.” Peter ones. said to him, “Master, why can I not Prayer starter follow you now? I will lay down my God our Loving Father forgive me life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? for my weaknesses and grant me Your Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock Wisdom to know everything and to be will not crow before you deny me righteous in everything I do. Raise me and make all my thoughts holy, make three times.” all my words holy and all my acts holy Prayerful Awareness by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was deeply troubled since He Amen. .

Isaiah:49/1-6 Psalm:71/1-6, 15,17 John:13/21-33,36-38

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Wednesday 8th April 2020 Isaiah:50/4-9 Psalm:68/8-10,21-22, 31,33-34 (69/7-9,20-21,30,32-33) Mathew:26/14-25

The First Proclamation The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious. I did not turn backward. I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting. The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; he who vindicates me is near. ... The Gospel Proclamation ... and while they were eating, he said, "Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me." And they became greatly distressed and began to say to him one after another, "Surely not I, Lord?" He answered, "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me." The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! it would have been better for that one not to have been born." Judas, who betrayed him, said, "Surely not I. Rabbi?" He replied, "You have said so." Prayerful Awareness

Jesus? Judas like the other disciples expected Jesus to start a political rebellion and overthrow Rome. As treasurer, Judas certainly assumed that he would be given an important position in Jesus' new government. But when Jesus praised Mary for pouring out perfume worth a year's salary, Judas may have realized that Jesus' Kingdom was NOT PHYSICAL or POLITICAL but SPIRITUAL. Judas' greedy desire for money and status could not be realized IF he followed Jesus, so he BETRAYED Jesus in exchange for money and favour from the religious leaders. 30 silver coins, the price of a SLAVE! The religious leaders had planned to wait until after the Passover to take Jesus, but with Judas' unexpected offer they ACCELERATED their plans. The Passover took place on ONE night at ONE meal, but the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which was celebrated with it, continued for a week. The people removed all yeast from their homes in commemoration of their ancestors' exodus from Egypt, when they did not have time to let the bread dough rise. Thousands of people poured into Jerusalem form all over the Roman Empire for this feast. This holiday found people gathering for a special meal that included lamb, wine, bitter herbs and unleavened bread. Eventually the whole week came to be called PASSOVER. In Jesus' time, some food was eaten from a common bowl into which everyone dipped their hand. Jesus knows all our inner-most thoughts, words and actions. Judas in cold blooded hypocrisy shared the fellowship of this meal. Judas had the audacity to say "Surely not I Rabbi?" Jesus answered "Yes, It IS YOU" Prayer Starter

Lord Jesus, help us to be true to You Why would Judas want to betray in life and in death.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Thursday 9th April 2020

Maundy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper (Evening Mass)

Exodus:12/1-8,11-14 Psalm:115/12-13, 15-18 (116/12-13,15-18) 1 Corinthians:11/23-26 John:13/1-15

Introduction Today is Holy Thursday of Holy Week, and is also known as Maundy Thursday, where Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples, which came to be known as the Last Supper. Hence today evening begins the Easter Triduum of the Lord’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection with the commemorative mass celebrating the establishment of the Holy Eucharist with the Last Supper, and the Washing of the Feet of the disciples thereafter. The word Maundy is derived from the Latin word for “command.” The “Maundy” in “Maundy Thursday” refers to the command Jesus gave to the disciples at the Last Supper, that they should love and serve one another in humility, as He had loved and served the disciples! Let us meditate on today’s Proclamations which cover the Passover, the Last Supper, and the Washing of the feet (Gospel Proclamation). Let us recognize that the physical saving of the Israelites from death by the blood of the lamb, and the freedom from slavery to foreign masters that it had brought about, as related in the First Proclamation from the Old Testament is a pre-enactment of the spiritual saving of the believers (new Israel) to eternal life by the washing away of sin by the sacrificial blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, as described in the New Testament! The First Proclamation

Aaron ... And it shall be a lamb without blemish, a male, of one year: …And they shall take of the blood thereof, and put it upon both the side posts, and on the upper door posts of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. ..., and you shall eat in haste: for it is the Phase (that is the Passage) of the Lord. And I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and will kill every firstborn in the land of Egypt both man and beast: and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. And the blood shall be unto you for a sign in the houses where you shall be: and I shall see the blood, and shall pass over you: and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I shall strike the land of Egypt. .... The Second Proclamation For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night when he was betrayed, took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said: This is my body, that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread, and drink the cup, you proclaim the of the Lord's death until he comes. Song of Praise (of David: from Psalm 116/12-13...)

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. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones. O Lord, I am your servant: I am your servant, the child of your serving girl. You have loosed my bonds. I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice and call on the And the Lord said to Moses and name of the Lord ..... (Ps.117/12....)

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Friday 10th April 2020

Good Friday of the Passion of the Lord

Isaiah:52/13-53/12 Psalm:30/2,6,12-13, 15-17,25 (31/1,5,11,12,14-16,24) Hebrews:4/14-16; 5/7-9 John:18/1-19,42

The Second Proclamation Since, then, we have a great high priest ..., Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. ... Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered, and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, Gaze at Jesus' Sonship Jesus Christ brought us the voice of God and ushered us on to the presence of the Father. As the High Priest Jesus knew what it is to be human and also know God. The absolute deity and sheer greatness are presented here. He experienced everything that an individual has to go through - the only exception being that He emerged from it al totally sinless. When we face temptations, often we collapse but Jesus experienced temptations as we do but He passed that level and went far beyond without collapsing. An untouchable God - yes it was the picture presented to masses before the Incarnation. In Christianity, God is presented to us as One Who

identified Himself with the sufferings of this world. How comforting to know that God had deliberately undergone every human experience. The revolution Christianity brought about to the relationship between humanity and God is so vast and is beyond our comprehension. When we read the Passion of Our Lord, it is worth paying our attention to His last sermon on the cross - "Forgive them Father! They do not know what they are doing." (Luke: 23:34) Forgive whom? Forgive enemies? The soldiers in the courtroom of Caiaphas who struck Him with a nailed fist? Pilate, the politician, who condemned a God to retain the friendship of Caesar? Herod, who robed Wisdom in the garment of a fool? The soldiers who swung the King of kings on a tree between heaven and earth? Forgive them? Why? Because they know what they do? No, because they know not what they are doing. If they knew what they were doing and still went on doing it, if they knew what a terrible crime they were committing by sentencing Life to death; if they knew what a perversion of justice it was to prefer Barabbas to Christ; if they knew what cruelty it was to take the feet that trod everlasting hills and pinion them to the limb of a tree; if they knew what they were doing and still went on doing it, unmindful of the fact that the very Blood which they shed was capable of redeeming them, they would never be saved! Rather they would be damned! It was only the ignorance of their great sin that brought them within the pale of the hearing of that cry from the cross. "Remember me, Jesus, when you come as King." (Luke 23:42). A thief at his death on the cross asked to die like a thief and stole paradise. The thief's request touched the reason of Jesus' coming to earth, viz. to save sinners. " (Archbishop F.J.Sheen). Prayer Starter Help me to come to Thee with a penitent heart. Amen.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Saturday 11th April 2020 1) Genesis:1/1-2/2 OR 1/1,26-31 Psalm:103/1,2,5-6,10, 12-14,24,35 OR 32/4-7,12-13,20,22 2) Genesis:22/1-18 OR Genesis:22/1-2,9-13,15-18 Psalm:15/5,8-11 3) Exodus:14/15-15/1, Ps: Ex:15/16,17-19;(4) Isaiah:54/5-14; Ps.29/2, 4,5-6,11-13; (5)Isaiah:55/1-11; Ps:Isaiah:12/2-6;(6)Baruch:3/9-15, 32-4/4; Ps:18/8-11;(7)Eze:36/16-28; Ps:41/3,5;42/3,4;(8)Romans:6/3-11; Ps:117/1,2,16-17,22-23; (9) Matthew:28/1-10

The First Proclamation Then the Lord said to Moses, "Why do you cry out to me? Tell the Israelites to go forward. But you lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the Israelites may go into the sea on dry ground. Then I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them; and so I will gain glory for myself over Pharaoh and all his army, his chariots, and his chariot drivers. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gained glory for myself over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his chariot drivers.".... Israel saw the great work that the Lord did against the Egyptians. So the people feared the Lord and believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.

Holy Saturday relationship between the Creator and the Creation; This too is a Team Effort. Team work is what creates “What Should Be”! The Creator wants our contribution to “Bring Forth” His Kingdom. He chooses to allow our actions to enable His Glory to shine forth: team work, between the Creator and the Creation... So, His ability to do mighty deeds rests on our choices! Moses has a role to play in the parting of the seas-Have faith, hold up the Staff and stretch it over the sea; be ready to face ridicule as the sea would not part instantaneously. The Israelites have a role too-exercise faith enough to march between Walls of Towering Water that could collapse any moment, drowning you out (which may be acceptable to you); and also killing all whom you hold dear (which will be VERY difficult to accept for a loving person)! Given our response, the Lord will harden the hearts of the enemy so that they will come to their doom! That is the deal! Do you wish to take it up? Progressing towards divinity entails working with a faith which is active; going against some of our basic instincts/beliefs; nurturing the aspects within that develop our enlightenment, freedom, power and beauty. It also entails giving up on our basic beliefs that our satisfaction and succour lies outside of ourselves; the belief that we need to search for what makes us happy and worthy outside of ourselves. We need to accept that the Triune God comes to reside within; that what we are searching for, is already within; that the Kingdom of the Father is very close at hand...

Fix your gaze on Jesus

Prayer Starter

Lord, You who explained that, “I do nothing by myself” clearly brings out that “What Is” is “Teamwork”. You, the Father, and the Holy Spirit are a Trinity and simultaneously are One. You work together to create what You intend. This Oneness is passed on....to the

A transformed heart O Lord manifest within; help us to turn away from the paths we're been traversing and turn anew to You; to Your Word that brings out the life entombed within...! Jesus is going to rise up from the tomb we're put him in....and you shall be glorified in and through us, O Abba our Mother...!

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Sunday 12th April 2020 Easter Sunday of the Lord's Resurrection doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All Introduction the prophets testify about him that Passing through the Lenten period everyone who believes in him receives of forty days and Holy Week of seven forgiveness of sins through his name. days today we come to celebrate the Prayerful Awareness Solemnity of the Lord's Resurrection. St. Peter with the anointing of the Prior to this victory first he had to undergo rejection and denial, suffering Holy Spirit, observing everything that and death. His death was a gateway to a has already taken place and are still taknew life. Through baptism we too have ing place and reflecting on the marvelous died to our sinful life and embracing a deeds performed by our Lord Jesus and new life entered into the life of divine his teachings, comes to the conclusion son-ship. As such we who have renewed that God does not consider man's status our baptismal promises during this or his physical appearance and also that Easter season should develop hope in whom they killed by hanging on a tree, the glorious life like our Lord Jesus has been raised to life God. St. Peter has who bestows on us this gift through his clearly pointed out that the first disciples have been destined and chosen by God suffering and death. to witness to this great Good News. The Also let us witness to our Christian sermon containing these facts starts with discipleship that spreads the seeds of the the baptism of John and ends with the kingdom of God as people who love all final missionary mandate given to the as well as the Sri-Lankan culture and apostles by Jesus. the land in this New Year growing in The Gospel Proclamation noble human qualities such as peace, love and patience. Early on the first day of the week while it was still dark, Mary MagdaThe First Proclamation lene came to the tomb and saw that Then Peter began to speak to the stone had been removed from the them: "I truly understand that God tomb. â&#x20AC;ŚThen Peter and the other shows no partiality, .â&#x20AC;Ś That message disciple set out and went towards the spread throughout Judea, beginning tomb. The two were running together. in Galilee after the baptism that John but the other disciple outran Peter and announced; how God anointed Jesus reached the tomb first. He bent down of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit to look in and saw the linen wrappings and with power; how he went about lying there, but he did not go in. Then

Acts:10/34, 37-43 Psalm:117/1-2,16,17, 22, 23 Colossians:3/1-4 OR 1 Corinthians:5/6-8 John:20/1-9 OR Matthew:28/1-10

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple who reached the tomb first also went in; and he saw and believed for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Prayerful Awareness We can recognize two testaments for attesting the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. One is appearing to the disciples and the other is the empty tomb. Through the Gospel proclamation of the day, we are presented with the empty tomb thus creating a beautiful picture in our mind. There can be several reasons for finding a tomb empty which can be either the body being stolen or entering into the wrong burial place. A thief would steal only the precious clothes used to wrap the body and not the dead body that the Jews consider unclean and of no value. Also if the disciple went to the wrong place they wouldn't have seen the linen clothes on the ground and with the cloth that had been over His head rolled up in another place. Accordingly, it is well affirmed for us today by the disciple whom Jesus loved that what has really happened is nothing else but Jesus being resurrected. The one who reaches the tomb first passing St. Peter is the disciple whom Jesus loved. Yet we could see in the Gospel how he allows St. Peter to enter the tomb first respecting him for the leadership given. Second Proclamation So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died,

and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. Prayerful Awareness St. Paul as a follower of Christ exhorts the disciples not to follow the man- made rituals, rules and regulations and not to desire things on earth that men value. Similarly, he awakens the Christ disciple to enter into the witnessing life of resurrection inherited through the life sacrifice of Christ. Our son-ship The disciple who experiences the Good News of the resurrection of Jesus should invariably give witness to it. As a revived Christian we started the life of a Christian disciple with our encounter with the risen Lord. Has this encounter been good news to my life even today? With varied experiences I have been faced with, where am I stranded with regard to this witnessing aspect? In face of pain, suffering and helplessness, whom do I take refuge in? Have I entered into an experience of a life journey of encountering the risen Lord Jesus living among us and making contact with Him? Let us reflect on this great feast day. As the Sri-Lankan Christian Church last Easter Sunday we were faced with a most unexpected event, tearful and painful memories of which still haunt us. Let us pray today for those afflicted with this calamity and those still suffering with the loss of their loved ones remembering the souls departed as well. Let us move, live and have our being in the risen Lord living among us. Prayer Starter Praise the Lord, all you nations! Extol him, all you peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Monday 13th April 2020 Prayerful Awareness Acts:2/14,22-33 Jesus' resurrection is the key to the Psalm:15/1-2,5,7-11 Christian faith because just as He prom(16/1,2,5,7-11) ised, Jesus rose from the dead. Mathew:28/8-15 Jesus told the women to pass a message on to the disciples that He would meet them in Galilee, as He had previously told them. (Mark 14:28). "But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." But the disciples afraid of The First Proclamation the religious leaders, stayed HIDDEN ... You that are Israelites, listen to behind locked doors in Jerusalem (John what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, 20:19). Jesus came and stood among a man attested to you by God with them and said, "Peace be with you." So deeds of power, wonders and signs Jesus met them first there (Luke 24:36) that God did through him among you, and later in Galilee (John 21). as you yourselves know - this man, Jesus' Resurrection was already handed over to you according to the causing a great stir in Jerusalem. A group definite plan and foreknowledge of of women was moving quickly through God, you crucified and killed by the the street, looking for the disciples to hands of those outside the law. But tell them the AMAZING NEWS that God raised him up, having freed him Jesus was ALIVE. At the same time, a from death, because it was impossible group of religious leaders was plotting for him to be held in its power..... how to COVER up the Resurrection. They bribed the guards to tell a lie to The Gospel Proclamation the governor. So they left the tomb quickly with Today there is still a great reaction fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them of excitement over the Resurrection, and said, "Greetings!" And they and there are still only two choices - to came to him, took hold of his feet, and BELIEVE that Jesus rose from the dead, worshipped him. Then Jesus said to or be CLOSED to the TRUTH - denythem, "Do not be afraid; go and tell ing it or ignoring it. To us, as followers my brothers to go to Galilee, there of Jesus Christ, DEATH is NOT the END - there is future life. Beginning of they will see me." ETERNAL life. The power that brought .... After the priests had assembled Jesus to life is AVAILABLE to us, to with the elders they devised a plan bring our spiritually dead selves back to give a large sum of money to the to life. The Resurrection is the basis for soldiers, telling them, "You must the Church's witness to the world. Jesus say, 'His disciples came by night and is more than just a human leader, He is stole him away while we were asleep.' THE SON OF GOD. If this comes to the governor's ears, Prayer Starter we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." So they took the money Almighty Father, help us too, to and did as they were directed. And spread the great news about Jesus' Resthis story is still told among the Jews urrection. To go quickly and tell, :Jesus to this day. is not dead, He is alive."

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Tuesday 14th April 2020 Acts:2/36-41 Psalm:32/4-5,18-20,22 (33/4-5,18-20,22) John:20/11-18

The Gospel Proclamation But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and she saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for? Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni!"... Jesus said to her, "Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, "I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord.".... Prayerful Awareness Jesus meeting Mary at the tomb says to her, "I am going to your

Father and mine and your God and mine", indicating that we are now destined to be children of God. St. Peter with an experience of the Holy Spirit too is inviting the Jewish community to repent and embrace Jesus; so that the same power Jesus had to conquer sin may be bestowed upon them. In the past weeks, the Church invited us to take the journey the apostles took, with Jesus, through the daily Word during the Eucharistic celebration and share in Jesus' passion, death and resurrection. Today we are in the second day of the Easter week with renewed hope in the promise of new life after repenting of our sins that were overshadowing us thus far. Let us be awakened to the promise of Jesus, about the Holy Spirit who is with us, who gives us the power to be truthful, embrace repentance, and qualifies us to be worthy children of God. Let us also rejoice in Jesus, our Savior, for the new life He obtained for us, through meditating on the words of the Psalmist, whose words depict Jesus, God Incarnate. The words of the Lord are true and all His works are dependable. The Lord loves what is righteous and just; his constant love fills the earth. The Lord watches over those who obey Him, those who trust in His constant love. He saves them from death; He keeps them alive in times of famine. We put our hope in the Lord, He is our protector and our help. Prayer Starter May Your constant love be with us Lord, as we put our hope in You.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Wednesday 15th April 2020 Acts:3/1-10 Psalm:104/1-4,6-9 (105/1-9) Luke:24/13-35

The Gospel Proclamation Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus... While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?" ... Then one of them, ... answered him, "Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?" He asked them "What things?" ... "The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how your chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel, .. it is now the third day since these things took place.... Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said but they did not see him." Then he said to them, "Oh how foolish you are and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared. Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?" ... As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him ... "Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now

nearly over." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight.... "The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread. Prayerful Awareness Jesus loved His disciples so much that He did not desert them even for a minute. According to the spirituality they have received, Jesus called the twelve to Him and began to send them out two by two. Jesus told them that He had to suffer and offer His life to win redemption for the whole of mankind. With the crucifixion the Pharisees thought that Jesus was now finished. But Our Lord Jesus Christ was born again and was not confined to His hometown but open to the whole Universe. Jesus has risen from the dead. The first reading discloses how Peter was able to cure a man who was crippled from birth. This miracle was done in the Name of Jesus, that is in the power over every creation that Jesus had received from the Father at the time of His Resurrection. His Name was a way of stating His divinity. Prayer Starter Bless the Lord, O my soul,. O lord my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honor and majesty, wrapped in light as with a garment. You stretch out the heavens like a tent, you let the beams of your chambers on the waters, You make the clouds your chariot, you ride on the wings of the wind, you make the winds your messenger, fire and flame your ministers. (Ps.104/1-4)

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Thursday 16th April 2020 Acts:3/11-26 Psalm:8/2,5-9 (8/1,4-8) Luke:24/35-48

Gospel Proclamation ....While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you frightened and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, see that it is I myself. ..." And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence. Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures”. ....... Prayerful Awareness The disciples were frightened upon seeing Jesus as they did not recognize Him. Before them was Jesus in person, but they thought that they were seeing a ghost, a phantasm. They could not believe it, as for them it was an encounter between Jesus of Nazareth and the Risen Jesus, whom they thought was a spirit. Jesus helps them to overcome fear and unbelief, and shows them His hands and His feet, saying “It is I Myself!”, and tells them to touch His body saying, “A

ghost has no flesh and bones as you can see I have!” Jesus showed His hands and feet because on them is the sign of the nails (Jn 20:25-27). This proved that He was the Risen Christ the Jesus of Nazareth, the same one who was nailed to the Cross and not a phantasm, Christ as the disciples imagined when they saw Him. He orders them to touch His body, and asks for food and eat to prove that the Resurrection is the Resurrection of the whole person, body and soul. Disciples have forgotten the words that Jesus will come back to them (Jn. 14:28.), and that He will be with them till the end times (Math 28: 20). These words, apply to everyone who has accepted Jesus into their lives as their Saviour and Lord. Check within your heart and mind whether you have accepted Jesus into your life as your Lord and Saviour. For all such people Jesus said, to follow His Commandments, to live according to His teachings and prove that we are His followers and disciples. Jesus promised to be with them and to intercede for them and send the Holy Spirit of God (Jn. 14: 15-16) to be with them. When the Holy Spirit, the Advocate comes, He will teach us about everything and remind of all what Jesus has said ( John 14:26). First Reading tells us about the crippled man who begged for alms at the entrance to the temple, receiving healing in the name of Jesus Christ. People hurried in amazement towards Peter and John, but Peter addressed the people and explained that the healing was received through Christ who people put to death, about whom the prophets have predicted. Prayer Starter Jesus Christ the Son of the Almighty God, I accept You as my Saviour and my Lord . Forgive all my sins and Help me to live a pious life as a son of God under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Amen .

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Friday 17th April 2020

Feast of St. Anicetus, Pope & Martyr

Acts:4/1-12 Psalm:117/1-2,4,22-27 (118/1-2,4,22-27) John:21/1-14 St. Anicetus Born probably in Emesa, Syria, he was the 11th in the succession of Popes. During his 11-year papacy the Church was disturbed by two major heresies, viz. "Gnosticism" and "Marcianism". During his reign, St. Polycarp the aged Bishop of Smyrna, came to confer with Ancetus on the long disputed question of the date on which Easter should be celebrated. Though no agreement was reached on the issue known as "Paschal Controversy" the bonds of charity were not severed either. It was Pope Anicetus who introduced the tonsure. He was probably martyred under the persecution of Macus Aurelius. The First Proclamation While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came to them, much annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming that in Jesus there is the resurrection of the dead. So they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, ... When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, "By what power or by what name did you do this?" Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is the stone that was

rejected by you, the builders, it has become the cornerstone." .... Prayerful Awareness The news of the healing of the lame man spread quickly as it took place in the temple area crowded with people. The authorities - including priests, Sadducees and the officer in charge of the temple were disturbed. Though they had enough irons in the fire, their attention was drawn to this incident. They arrested the two apostles as they thought the healing was violation of both the ordinary laws and their vested rights. It is worth examining the reasons why they were disturbed. They were more bent on keeping and fostering the friendly terms with the Romans. The big idea behind was to retain their power, wealth and comfort. The Roman authorities wanted good order and if it was disturbed the Romans were merciless. The authorities were the custodians of good order in society. Surely they were more bent on fostering their private affairs than public welfare. We see that they and not the apostles, were blind. How blind they were on one hand and on the other hand how selfish and reserved they were. Are we too in the same boat - in a lesser degree or vice versa? It is worth turning our full attention to this matter. Let us be guided on this matter by our Helper par excellence - the Holy Spirit. Then we have the bold, undaunted speech of the fisherman, Apostle Peter. What courage, induced by the Holy Spirit did he show in front of the audience that consisted of the most intellectual, the most powerful and the wealthiest - the elite of the society. Surely it was the Holy Spirit who spoke through Peter. What courage was shown, not intimated at all. Peter knew the dangers he was courting but refused to be intimated. Prayer Starter Help us see things clearly and take appropriate action with Your guidance and wisdom. Amen

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Saturday 18th April 2020 Acts:4/13-21 Psalm:118/1,14-21 Mark:16/9-15

The First Proclamation

personalities. What a change of heart the disciples have had, after receiving the promised Spirit of God! A vibrant and renewed heart O Lord, create anew within all of us! All the Pharisees cared for, it appears is for the status quo to be continued; that their lively-hood is not threatened; that their hypocrisy, wickedness, and tyranny not revealed; that the truth does not emerge; that the chosen do not journey higher in, to experience freedom, healing, acceptance, mercy and a real personal relationship with their Creator God! The aim was to secure their jobs; that the priest-centric worship patterns of the Deity continue; as such the doctrine of Christ must not spread among the people, even though they cannot say it is false or dangerous, or of any ill tendency. Those who know how to put a just value upon Christ’s promises, know how to put just contempt upon the world’s threatenings. The apostles look with concern on perishing souls, and know they cannot escape eternal ruin but by Jesus Christ, therefore they are faithful in warning, and showing the right way. None will enjoy peace of mind, nor act uprightly, till they have learned to guide their conduct by the fixed standard of truth, and not by the shifting opinions and fancies of men. Especially beware of a vain attempt to serve two masters, God and the world; the end will be, you can serve neither fully. Prayer Starter

They were astonished at the fearlessness shown by Peter and John, considering that they were uneducated laymen; and they recognised them as associates of Jesus; but when they saw the man who had been cured standing by their side, they could find no answer. So they ordered them to stand outside while the Sanhedrin had a private discussion. 'What are we going to do with these men?' they asked. 'It is obvious to everybody in Jerusalem that a notable miracle has been worked through them, and we cannot deny it. But to stop the whole thing spreading any further among the people, let us threaten them against ever speaking to anyone in this name again.' So they called them in and gave them a warning on no account to make statements or to teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John retorted, 'You must judge whether in God's eyes it is right to listen to you and not to God. We cannot stop proclaiming what we have seen and heard.' The court repeated the threats and then released them; they could not think of any way to punish them, since all the people were giving glory to God for what had happened. We have no better news than that of Fix your gaze on Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Let us experience In the Gospel today, we see the this personally in our lives, revel in the disciples unwilling to be receptive to salvation and healing experienced, and the witnessing of Mary Magdalene, and carry the good news out to the parched the couple who journeyed to Emmaus. and weary world….lift us up anew O But, the Acts narrate of entirely different Lord Abba, our Mother….

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Sunday 19th April 2020

Second Sunday of Easter Divine Mercy Sunday

Acts:2/42-47 Psalm:117/2-4,13-15, 22-24 (118/2-3,13-15,22-24) 1 Peter 1/3-9 John:20/19-31

they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. Prayerful Awareness

The risen Lord Jesus Christ is present all over the universe. One who encounters him and relates to him is an authentic Christian since he naturally surrenders himself to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He or she is guided by the Holy Spirit and counsels him or her as how to be active as a son or daughter in the kingdom of God. The early Christian community lived out this experience and hence they bore fruit. They led their lives in deep union engaged in prayer and praise and with great joy. Today as we celebrate the feast of Divine Mercy of Christ manifested among them we are awakened and invited to engross ourselves in the over flowing love of God and to share it with others. Let us enter into prayer asking the Lord for the power to do so. The First Proclamation

According to Jewish rites the banquet is a special aspect of their rituals. The early Christian community too took over the breaking of bread and praying thrice a day prevalent among the Jews. Similarly, breaking of bread took place symbolically at Our Lord's Last Supper. In the past the Jews engaged themselves in prayer with the rising of the sun, at three O'clock in the evening and at the setting of the sun which was of much help to the disciples. Yet there was a difference since their prayer also involved experiencing the risen Lord and while praying they surrendered themselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit which would have had an impact on those around. Also they lifted up others - the fallen and the poor, with the love of Christ and were generous at heart. They considered the needs of others most unselfishly and gave the risen Christ to the world through their life witness which resulted in increasing their number while the Lord too blessed them. This poses a great challenge to us. Does the other person see Christ in and through me? The Second Proclamation

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple,

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, even if now for a little

Introduction

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith - being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire - may be found to result in praise and glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed. Although you have not seen him, you love him, and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy. Prayerful Awareness St. Peter is proclaiming an encouraging word of light to the Christian community faced with persecution. Likewise, when one is being molded in the oppression and struggle he or she is faced with at times, it burns you like fire out of which is born a new creation. And facing struggles and hardships helps strengthen one's faith, receives special grace which further confirms the gift of faith. Therefore, St. Peter is inviting the community to win the crown of eternal life with steadfast faith in God. The Gospel Proclamation

in his side, I will not believe..... Prayerful Awareness With the crucifixion of Our Lord the disciples went into hiding in fear and the risen Lord appeared in their midst . And entrusting them with the mission He Himself accomplished, bestowed on them the gift of the Holy Spirit. They were sent out to preach the Good News as well as to make disciples of all nations and to bear witness to Him. Also it is an invitation to stay in steadfast faith surrendering oneself to the Holy Spirit. Further He gives them another promise of being with them always. Let us too on this day awaken ourselves to the mission entrusted to us as the Lord's disciples, and dedicate ourselves and spend ourselves for the cause of the Kingdom and pray for the power to do so. Towards my son-ship

As people with a Christ encounter we should live and act as true Christian disciples. Yet, if we reflect on ourselves, how much do we neglect the mission When it was evening on that day, entrusted to us? Are we entrapped within ... and the doors of the house where me and my family and thus fail to be the disciples had met were locked for other centered? If so, let us repent. Let fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood us convert ourselves. First we need to among them and said, "Peace be with create in us a thirst for a Christ encounyou." After he said this, he showed ter. Let us dedicate ourselves and spend them his hands and his side. Then ourselves for the sake of the Kingdom. the disciples rejoiced when they saw In face of obstacles, persecutions and the Lord. Jesus said to them again, struggles let us cling to the Lord and "Peace be with you. As the Father journey in a life of surrender to the Holy sent me, so I send you." When he Spirit. Let us enter into prayer to receive had said this, he breathed on them, the power needed. and said to them, "Receive the Holy Throughout the week Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain * Let us act in union with each other the sins of any, they are retained. engaged in prayer and with generous But Thomas ..., one of the twelve, hearts. was not with them when Jesus came. * Being conscious of the presence So the other disciples told him, "We of the risen Lord let us experience Him have seen the Lord|" But he said to * Let us be a witness to the risen them, "Unless I see the mark of the Lord in our family, community, in our nails in his hands, and put my finger village and in our land. in the mark of the nails and my hand

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Monday 20th April 2020 Acts:4/23-31 Psalm:2/1-9 John:3/1-8

The Gospel Proclamation Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God." Jesus answered him, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above." Nicodemus said to him, "How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother's womb and be born?" Jesus answered, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.? Do not be astonished that I said to you, 'You must be born from above.' The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it; but you do ot know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit. Prayerful Awareness In today's Gospel, we see the paradox of the two realms; the faith realm and the knowledge realm (or basic human thinking). Jesus tells Nicodemus; “I am telling you the truth: no one can see the Kingdom

of God without being born again.” Nicodemus tries to understand Jesus’s statement with pure human logic and says; “How can a grown man be born again?” Nicodemus asked. “He certainly cannot enter his mother's womb and be born a second time!” It's physically impossible to be born again. Yet Jesus is not talking about being born again physically, but born again in Spirit. Nicodemus was a Pharisees a leader of the Jews, yet he fails to understand the word of God. Even though Nicodemus was a leader, he did not know the Holy Spirit. So he relied on his knowledge and his human thought to understand the word, which can never be done because the word of God is beyond rational thought. Our Sonship Let us look at ourselves; are we also like Nicodemus trying to understand God's words with our limited human knowledge? And reject the word of God when it is not logical, or it seems foolish to rational thought. Or are we open to the Holy Spirit to teach us and help us interpret the word of God? Because it is impossible to understand the word of God without the Holy Spirit. So let us be reborn in the Spirit through the Holy Spirit. Prayer Starter Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit; please help us interpret your word through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and be bold as the apostles to proclaim the word of God without being held back by human knowledge and logic...

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Tuesday 21st April 2020 St. Anselm, Bishop & Doctor the things Jesus did and he was struck, Acts:4/32-37 surprised. He wishes to speak with JePsalm:92/1-2, 5 sus in order to understand the truth. He (91/1-2,5) thought he knows the things of God. He was comparing the past with the newness John:3/7-15

The First Proclamation Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. .... The Gospel Proclamation Do not be astonished that I said to you, 'You must be born from above.' The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." Nicodemus said to him, "How can these things be?" Jesus answered him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? "Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. Prayerful Awareness Today's Gospel speaks about the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. Nicodemus had heard people speak about

announced by Jesus. Jesus answers him saying that the only way to understand things of God was to be born again. Born from above, born anew and born of the spirit. In Greek, the same word means anew, again and from above. Jesus had said "No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of Water and the Spirit." "What is born of human nature is human, what is born of the spirit is spirit". Here, human means born only from our own ideas. What is born from us has our mark, our own measure. What is born of the Spirit is totally different. Towards our sonship Faith comes from witness and not from miracle. For Jesus, if people believe only when things are according to their own arguments and ideas, then faith is not perfect. Faith is perfect when it is the faith of one who believes because of the witness. He leaves aside his own arguments and gives himself because he believes in the one giving witness. * Jesus compares the action of the Holy Spirit with the wind. What does this comparison of the action of the Spirit of God reveal in our life? * Have you already set the sais of your life in sync with the wind of the Spirit? * The action of the Holy Spirit is often not like a hurricane, but rater like a small voice, a whisper of the wind. Am I attentive enough to hear when the Holy Spirit speaks to me so softly? Prayer Starter In memorial of one year to the 'Eucharistic saints' who laid their souls on God's hands, on behalf of all of us, let us pray a decade of the Holy Rosary for their souls and for their relatives who are suffering without their presence .....

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Wednesday 22nd April 2020 Acts:5/17-26 Psalm:33/2-9 John:3/16-21

The First Proclamation Then the high priest took action; he and all who were with him... being filled with jealousy, arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison... But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, brought them out, and said, "Go, stand in the temple and tell the people the whole message about this life." When they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and went on with their teaching..... The Gospel Proclamation For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its savior. Those who believe in the Son are not judged; but those who do not believe have already been judged, because they have not believed in God's only Son. This is how the judgment works: the light has come into the world, but people love the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds are evil. Those who do evil things hate the light and will not come to the light, because they do not want their evil deeds to be shown up. But those who do what is true come to the light in order that the light may show that what they did was in obedience to God. Prayerful Awareness

all started. It was God who sent his Son, and he sent him because he loved men. At the back of everything is the love of God. Sometimes men picture a stern, angry, unforgiving God and a gentle, loving, forgiving Jesus. But it was all Gods idea. Even when God saw manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disobedience and rebellion he thought of us and how we could be saved. God wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t acting for his own sake, but for ours, not to satisfy his desire for power, not to bring a universe to heel, but to satisfy his love. It was the world that God so loved. It was not the good people; it was not only the people who loved him; it was the world. The unlovable and the unlovely, the man who loves God and the man who never thinks of him, the man who rests in the love of God and the man who spurns it--all are included in this vast inclusive love of God. St. Augustine says "God loves each one of us as if there was only one of us to love." This passage also says that when a man is confronted with Jesus, his soul responds to that wonder and beauty, he is on the way to salvation. But if, when he is confronted with Jesus, he sees nothing lovely, he stands condemned. His reaction has condemned him. God sent Jesus in love for man's salvation as a free gift but that which was sent in love has become a condemnation. It is not God who has condemned the man; God only loved him; the man has condemned himself. Such a man loves the darkness rather than the light. Prayer Starter

Thank You Heavenly Father for giving us Your beloved Son Jesus. We thank and praise You. We also pray for the ones who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to know about Your gift of salvation and ask that You open their eyes to Your love which is freely available to them. Change their This is one of the most beautiful pas- heart Oh God that they might not be lost. sages in the Bible. It was with God that it In Jesus name we pray. Amen

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Thursday 23rd April 2020 Acts:5/27-33 Psalm:33/2,9,17-20 (34/1,8,16-19) John:3/31-36

The First Proclamation When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man's blood on us." But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him." When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. Prayerful Awareness "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life ...." (John 3:36) In the Acts of the Apostles, it is said in 5:32 :.... We are witnesses to these things, as is the Holy Spirit that God has given, to those who obey him." Let us reflect on these two verses, and see what is the common idea that emanates from them. "Eternal life" is synonymous with the "Holy Spirit". Then, what must one do, in order to be filled with the Holy Spirit? (or eternal life). One needs to "believe in the Son" or obey God. Belief entails acting accord-

St. George, Martyr, St.Adalbert, Bishop & Martyr

ing to one's faith. If one believes, one is obliged to act accordingly. Otherwise, it is not belief. Because of the gift of faith, one is enabled to act accordingly. This is belief. Similarly, because of faith, one obeys God. Therefore, the end result of believing and obeying God is the receipt of the Holy Spirit. It appears that to be filled with the Holy Spirit, is something that happens in a cycle. In the process, one can be "being filled" with the Holy Spirit. My sonship "We must obey God, rather than men ." (vs.29). In my family, in my community/parish, in my workplace, in my country, when issues have arisen, did I take a stand, in accordance with this saying? It was easy, to have gone along with the tide, and satisfy people. But to obey God entails generally going against the tide. Did I act, according to my beliefs? The Gospel Proclamation The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The man who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified this, that God is true. He whom God has sent speaks the words of God for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God's wrath. Prayer Starter Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love. (Ps. 33/18 ....)

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Friday 24th April 2020

St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Priest & Martyr

Acts:5/34-42 Psalm:26/1,4,13-14, (27/1,4,3-14) John:6/1-15 St. Fidelis Mark Roy was a native of the town of Sigmaringen, Germany, where his father was the Mayor. He practised law for some six years and was famed for scrupulous honesty. He was named as the sympathetic "Advocate of the poor". But the law courts then were so corrupt that at 34, he abandoned his profession in favour of priesthood. He joined Capuchins at Freiburg in Black Forest, taking the name Fidelis, on 4th October 1612. His burning zeal was directed especially towards the conversion of those who had fallen prey to Calvinism and Swinglianism. On 24th April 1622 he was dragged from the pulpit by an angry mob, and on his refusal to apostalize to the Protestant preachers, he was slain. Canonized by Pope Benedict XIV on 20th June 1746. The First Proclamation But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, ... stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a short time. Then he said to them, "Fellow Israelites, consider carefully what you propose to do to these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him; but he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and disappeared. .... So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them - in that case you may even be found fighting against God!".....

Prayerful Awareness Gamaliel was one of the teachers of St. Paul (Acts 22:3). He was one of the admirers of Our Lord and he went to Him secretly. In Gamaliel the apostles found an unexpected helper. We can clearly see that Gamaliel was guided by the Holy Spirit. He was a Pharisee and Pharisees were highly respected in the society. They kept the law in every detail. Guided by the Holy Spirit Gamaliel intervened. He quoted two examples - Theudas and Judas. In both these cases, they stirred the people but were silenced by the authorities. Their rebellion died down as they were not from God. Gamaliel then turned their attention to the apostles. Gamaliel alerted them to the fact that if what the apostles were doing was from God, it will go on and on. If it was not from God it will die down without much ado. The apostles were so happy that they went out rejoicing. It gave them opportunity to show their loyalty to Christ. The Name "Jesus" signifies that the very name of God is present in the person of His Son, made Man for the universal and definitive redemption from sins. It is the divine name that alone brings salvation. and henceforth all can invoke His Name, for Jesus united Himself to all men through His Incarnation, so that "there is no other name under heaven given among man by which we must be saved." (C.C.C. 432). The contradiction we see in this trial is also evident in Christ's life - Simeon, "a sign to be contradicted"; Annanas and Caipas - "too divine", Pilate and Herod - "too human". His church too would be condemned on contradictory charges either for claiming to be too divine by some or else too human by others. Prayer Starter O Lord! You not only let powers of darkness have the way in Job's life but also returned his prosperity. Help us surrender to You unconditionally. Amen.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Saturday 25th April 2020

St. Mark, Evangelist enabling unity with the greater self - God

1 Peter 5/5-14 who is eternally linked ... Psalm:88/2-3,6-7,16-17 So, humility preserves peace and order in all Christian churches and so(89/1-2,5-6,15-16) cieties – as we enter in to the truth and Mark:16/15-20

The First Proclamation Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you. Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, whom withstand steadfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world. And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you. To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen…. Salute one another with a kiss of love. Peace be unto you all that are in Christ. Fix your gaze on Jesus Let us look upon our glorious Master the Christ and contemplate on His orientation in the Holy Word today. Humility – a minority definition of this word states “as that of being utterly truthful of your place in the scheme of things”. In other words, the state of mind of an individual who has learnt to deny the false self – the ego- our sense of being separate; paving the pathway to

experience of that we are part of One Body; and each in a unique way contribute to the well-being of the collective being. The reality that we exist In Him, through Him and For Him. Pride, a set of thought patterns which are fundamentally defensive, generated to counter/offset/nullify the erroneous beliefs/ feeling of unworthiness, disturbs our collective being in that they aggravate our erroneous beliefs of separateness. Where God gives grace to be humble, he will give wisdom, faith, and holiness. To be humble, and be reconciled to God, will bring greater comfort to the soul than the gratification of pride and ambition. Like a machine running smoothly and well when it conforms to its specifications, we too, who are His creatures will experience our worthiness and connectedness when we abide in His Word. What difficulties will not the firm belief of His wisdom, power, and goodness get over! Hence be humble under his hand. Cast "all cares" personal cares, family cares, cares for the present, and cares for the future, for yourselves, for others, for the church, on God. These are burdensome and painful, and often very sinful, when they arise from unbelief and distrust, when they torture and distract the mind, unfit us for duties, and hinder our delight in the service of God. The remedy is, to cast our care upon God, and leave every event to his wise and gracious disposal. Prayer Starter Be Still my heart; Stand ye before thy Abba Mother, and experience the peace…

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Sunday 26th April 2020

The Third Sunday of Easter

Acts:2/14,22-28 Psalm:15/1-2,5,7-11 (16/1-2,5,7-11) 1 Peter:1/17-21 Luke:24/13-35

Introduction As we step on to the third Sunday of Easter the Holy Mother the Church is awakening us to encounter the risen Lord dwelling with us. A Christian is a person who encounters Christ, relates and follows Him. It is an invitation for us to recognize and experience the presence of the Lord with us in people whom we meet day to day, in nature, in different life incidents and in the experiences we pass through. The community of disciples, the early Christians who experienced the presence of the risen Lord, gave witness to His Resurrection. Let us invoke the Lord today to transform every Christian community into a community that encounters the risen Christ, experiences and gives witness to Him. Entrance Antiphon Cry out with joy to God all the earth; O sing to the glory of his name. O render him glorious praise, alleluiah. The First Proclamation But Peter standing with the eleven raised his voice and addressed them. "Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say.

PS Wk III You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say. Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know - this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. But God raised him up, .... Prayerful Awareness

There are many instances in the life of St. Peter who moved and had his rest in Jesus witnessing to His miracles wherein he failed due to human frailty and weakness. Many are the times he succumbed to fear, doubt, curiosity and lack of faith. It is also true that he was so fragile as to deny Jesus, to proclaim that he does not know Him. Yet at the same time it is also clear that the promise of Christ was fulfilled in him. Thus after Christ's Resurrection, receiving the Holy Spirit and with the new life bestowed, he was able to work with an unusual power that not only many wondrous deeds were performed through him but the power of the Spirit in him was such that he was unafraid to speak of the prevalent religious, socio-political structure. The Second Proclamation If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. Through

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God. Prayerful Awareness As Christians we are not without hope. Neither are we are people forsaken. Even though we are trapped in various stages of darkness due to sin and simply sinners we have been purified through the precious blood of Christ. Making use of the epistle written by St. Peter to his community of the Good News of redemption through the death and resurrection of Christ, Holy Mother the Church is also inviting us in this present age to save ourselves from many instances of temptation that are lurking at our door to drag us into sin. Let us pray to God as a people purified through the blood of Christ that we may be graced with the power to avoid the stain of sin, and renew our hope in Him at every moment of our lives. The Gospel Proclamation Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. â&#x20AC;Ś As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he

was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us? ... The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how the had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread. Prayerful Awareness The Gospel proclamation of the day reveals how we should proclaim the identity of the Lord's Resurrection. The conversation of the two disciples heading to Emmaus shows that the hope in them was the same as that of the Israelites of their day. Christ the Lord approached the two who were passing through an experience of hopelessness and despair bringing them new hope. They recognized the Lord only when He took the bread and said the blessing, broke it and handed it to them. Having meals together is a sign of unity at which Christ manifested Himself. Every fear, doubt, worry and anxiety were driven away and they recognized that it was the Lord. Towards us The risen Lord is in us, with us and among us. Are we awake to experience the Lord abiding with us? Like the disciples, aren't there times that we too did not recognize Christ? How many are the moments under life struggles, pain and sickness that we have acted without recognizing His presence with us? Let us reflect, repent and transform ourselves into a witnessing community of encountering and having intimacy with the risen Lord. Let us pray for the small Christian communities. Prayer Starter Oh Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill? Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right and speak the truth from their heart .....

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Monday 27th April 2020 Acts: 6/8-15 Psalm:118/23-24, 26-27, 29, 30 (119/23-24,26-27,29-30) John:6/22-29

The Gospel Proclamation Next day the crowd which had stayed on the other side of the lake realized that there had been only one boat there. They knew that Jesus had not gone in it with his disciples, but that they had left without him. Other boats, which were from Tiberias, came to shore near the place where the crowd had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. When the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they got into those boats and went to Capernaum, looking for him. When the people found Jesus on the other side of the lake, they said to him, "Teacher, when did you get here?" Jesus answered, "I am telling you the truth: you are looking for me because you ate the bread and had all you wanted, not because you understood my miracles. Do not work for food that spoils; instead, work for the food that lasts for eternal life. This is the food which the Son of Man will give you, because God, the Father, has put his mark of approval on him." So they asked him, "What can we do in order to do what God wants us to do?" Jesus answered, "What God wants you to do is to believe in the one he sent." Prayerful Awareness We are sometimes like these peo-

ple. Most of us need God to satisfy our physical and material needs. But Jesus wants us to look for something more permanent/eternal. Here the people received a free meal; and they wanted more. Mankind has more hungers which can only be satisfied by him. The hunger for truth--in him alone is the truth of God. There is the hunger for life--in him alone is life more abundant. There is the hunger for love--in him alone is the love that outlasts sin and death. Christ alone can satisfy the hunger of the human heart and soul. He said that God's work was to believe in him whom he had sent. Jesus is speaking about mans faith. Faith is the relationship man has with God. He is our Father and our friend and we need to trust him and be obedient to him and submit to his will which naturally arise from this new relationship. Jesus came to tell us that God is our Father and loves us and wants nothing more than to forgive, that the old distance and enmity are taken away and the new relationship with him made possible through him. In this new relationship with God we have to learn to love and forgive since God is love and our forgiveness of others should correspond to forgiveness of God. Our lives must be pure and resemble to the holiness of God. It must be a complete submission and trust conforming to the wisdom of God. Let us emulate St Stephen who pleased God. Prayer Starter Heavenly Father help us to totally submit to Your Holy Will, grant us Your grace to be pure in heart and give us a drop of Your love that we may love unconditionally our fellow brothers and sisters and be pleasing to You; in Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Tuesday 28th April 2020 Acts:7/51-8/1 Psalm:30/3-5,6-8,17,21 (31/2-3,5-7,16,20) John:6/30-35

Gospel Proclamation So they said to him, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.' Then Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the true bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. They said to him, "Sir, give us this bread always" Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Prayerful Awareness

People who did not want to accept Jesus based on the miracles He has done in the past, kept on asking “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you?" This means that they did not accept the multiplication of the loaves and other miracles Jesus did due to His Great Love, healing the sick and raising the dead, which no man could do. They were signs from God to legitimize Jesus before the people, as the One sent by God! People continue to argue: In the past, our fathers ate the manna which Moses gave them! They called it “bread from Heaven” that is, “bread of God”. Moses continues to be the great leader in whom to believe. Jesus did not want to act like a magician to prove that

He is the Son of God, and He responds to such people and said that the bread given by Moses was not the true bread from heaven. Though it came from above, it was not the bread of God, because it did not guarantee life to anyone. All of them who ate that bread died in the desert (Jn. 6:49). The true bread of heaven, the bread of God, is the one who conquers death and gives life! It is the one who descends from Heaven and gives life. It is Jesus Himself! Jesus tries to help the people to liberate themselves from the way of thinking of the past. Faithless people who did not want to believe or accept God’s Word did not want to accept Jesus as the Son of God. People who accept God’s Word and accept Jesus as the Son of God who came down to earth to save mankind and believe will be saved to enter the Kingdom of God (Acts 16:31). They who believe the Word and follow His commandments, bear fruits of Love, Mercy, Kindness, etc. as children of God guided by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8: 14). In John 6:34-35 some people requested Jesus “give us this bread always”. Jesus answers clearly: “I am the bread of life!” To eat the bread of heaven is the same as to believe in Jesus and accept and follow the word He teaches, that is: “My food is to do the Will of the one who has sent me and to complete his work!” (Jn.4:34). We are called to live according to the Will of God to bring Glory to God. (Isaiah 43:7). First Reading (Please read Acts 7:5-8:1) refers to St. Stephen preaching the Word to put aside what their ancestors did and follow Jesus.

Prayer Starter

God our Loving Father, we thank You for Jesus, Your Son who came down from heaven, to give Life to mankind. Intercede for us and grant us the Holy Spirit to know more about You and Your Great LOVE and to know the Will of God to bring Glory to You in everything we do, in the name of our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ, Amen.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Wednesday 29th April 2020 St. Catharine of Siena, Virgin & Doctor Acts:8/1-8 Psalm:65/1-7 (66/1-7) John:6/35-40

The First Proclamation That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. Devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house, dragging off both men and women, he committed them to prison. Now those who were scattered went from place to place, proclaiming the word. ...... So there was great joy in that city. The Gospel Proclamation Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. .... Prayerful Awareness People eat bread to satisfy physical hunger and to sustain life. We can satisfy spiritual hunger and sustain spiritual life only by right relationship with Jesus Christ. No wonder He called Himself the BREAD OF LIFE. But bread must

be EATEN to sustain life, and Christ must be invited into our daily walk to sustain spiritual life. Jesus did not work independently of God the Father, but in union with Him. This should give us even more assurance of being welcomed into God's presence and being protected by Him. Jesus' purpose was to do the Will of God, not to satisfy Jesus' human desires. When we follow Jesus, we should have the same purpose. Jesus said He would not lose even ONE PERSON whom the Father had given Him. Thus anyone who makes a sincere commitment to believe in Jesus Christ as Saviour is secure in God's promise of eternal life. Christ will not let His people be overcome by Satan and lose their salvation. Those who put their faith in Jesus Christ WILL BE RESURRECTED from physical death to eternal life with God when Christ comes again in glory. John wrote to prove conclusively that Jesus is THE SON OF GOD and that all who believe in Him will have life everlasting. John makes it clear that Jesus is NOT just a man. If Jesus is the eternal Son of God, we should pay attention to His divine identity and life giving message. In every chapter Jesus' deity is revealed. And Jesus' true identity is understood through the titles He is given. - WORD, THE ONE AND ONLY, LAMB OF GOD, SON OF GOD, TRUE BREAD, LIFE, RESURRECTION, VINE, GATE, GOOD SHEPHERD. John, the devoted follower of Christ has given us a personal and powerful look at Jesus. As we read His story, we can and must commit ourselves to believe in and follow Him. Prayer Starter Heavenly Father, we thank You for the promise of eternal life forever with You. Bless us, fill us, and use us to tell of Your love, of Your goodness, until we see YOU.

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

Thursday 30th April 2020 Acts:8/26-40 Psalm:65/8-9,16-17,20 (66/8-9,16-17,20) John:6/44-51

The First Proclamation .... Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, ... and was returning home, seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go over to this chariot and join it." So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?" He replied "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. .... Then Philip began to speak, ... he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus.... "Look there is water; and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?" ... Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip; baptized him...... The Gospel Proclamation No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will raise that person up on the last day. ... Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. Prayerful Awareness

verses, "No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me." (vs. 44 and "Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from Him, comes to me." (vs.45) If one superficially were to understand verse 44, one might get the understanding that God is selective, favours some and ignores others. But, this superficial understanding is corrected by what is said in verse 45, that not only listening to the Father (Father's Word which is Jesus), but also learns from Him, can only come to the Father. So, it is seen that in order to be dawn to the Father, it is imperative that one does something - live according to the Word of God. (Father). Word of the Father becomes flesh is Jesus. So if one listens to Jesus, and endeavours to live according to His teachings, one will be drawn to the Father. And Jesus continues to say that "whoever believes has eternal life." (vs.47). Therefore, in order to have "eternal life" it is necessary to live according to the way Jesus proclaimed, by word and deed. For our further reflection, let us ask the Holy Spirit to teach us, what is meant by "eternal life"..... My sonship Sometimes, I tend to be misled into believing that the more knowledge of the scriptures that I acquire, by attending seminars, retreats etc. would help me. On the contrary, it would be better to learn and understand few scripture verses, believe them and live accordingly. Otherwise, attending seminars and retreats can simply turn out to be an exercise to acquire head knowledge. Prayer Starter Blessed be God, because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me. (Ps.66/20)

Let us compare and contrast the two

"Abba Father! Abba Mother!"

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