Walk in the Spirit December 2020 by Pubuduwa

WALK IN THE SPIRIT December 2020 Issue 346 Commencement March 1992

"Abba Father ! Abba Mother!"

ISSN 1391-5967

Publication: Fr. Siri Oscar Abayaratne Kithu Dana Pubuduwa

SHARING ON PRAYER December 2020 The Incarnation! Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love in the flesh. The flesh is elevated; is raised up. It spelt death to the sinful part of man and resurrection to a life of Divine Sonship. The elevation is infinitely greater than the state man could ever attain as man. With the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the incarnation of the Word continues to the fullest and complete manifestation in the Second Coming of the Lord. Jesus is the perfect Man and no other. Fr. Siri Oscar Abayaratne

Tuesday 1st December 2020 Isaiah:11/1-10, Psalm:72/1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 Luke:10/21-24

“How fortunate you are to see the things you see! I tell you that many prophets and kinds wanted to see, but they could not, and to hear what you hear, but they did not.”

Prayerful Awareness

The First Proclamation "A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. the Spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, ... and the fear of the the Lord ... but with righteousness he shall judge the poor ... Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea ... the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious."

The Gospel Proclamation

The first message here is on the wisdom of simplicity – a simple mind that could receive truths which the learned find difficult to grasp. Christianity does not mean knowing about Christ. To achieve this end one requires not earthly wisdom but heavenly grace. “Millions in this world have white grace in their souls; they feel the divine presence. Millions of others have black grace; they feel not God’s presence; but his absence. The Samaritan woman who first felt His absence came to feel his presence. But if she had never sinned, she never could have called Christ “Saviour”. He had come not with a book in his hand only to read to those who wanted to be taught; He did more: He came with Blood in His Body to pour it out in full acquittal of a debt man could never pay.”(Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen) Jesus spoke of the unique relationship between God and Him. In Jesus Himself there were God’s heart and image. In Jesus we find the consummation of all history. Centuries of waiting, longing for a saviour climaxed or came to fulfillment in Jesus. Thus, what many a prophet had predicted came true in Jesus.

"At that time, Jesus was filled with joy by the Holy Spirit and said, “Father, Lord of heaven and earth! I thank you because you have shown to the unlearned what you have hidden from the wise and the learned, Yes, Father, this was how you wanted it to happen. My Prayer Starter Father has given Me all things. No May we be in that lucky group, one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the whom Jesus has chosen to reveal His Father is except the Son and those Father to. Amen. to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.” Then Jesus turned to the disciples and said to them privately, "O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Wednesday 2nd December 2020 Isaiah:25/6-10 Psalm: 23/1-6 Mathew:15/29-37

The First Proclamation "On this mountain, for all peoples, Yahweh Sabbaoth is preparing a banquet of rich food, a banquet of fine wines, of succulent food, of wellstrained wines. On this mountain, he has destroyed the veil which used to veil all peoples, the pall enveloping all nations; he has destroyed death for ever. Lord Yahweh has wiped away the tears from every cheek; he has taken his people's shame away everywhere on earth, for Yahweh has spoken. And on that day, it will be said, 'Look, this is our God, in him we put our hope that he should save us, this is Yahweh, we put our hope in him. Let us exult and rejoice since he has saved us.' For Yahweh's hand will rest on this mountain, and Moab will be trodden under his feet as straw is trodden into the dungheap." Fix your gaze on Jesus Let us exult and rejoice since he has saved us...! Dearest Lord, yours is a done deed; proof is in the incarnation of the Christ in human form as Jesus, Him living a very ordinary life under deprived circumstances, albeit in the extraordinary manner of experiencing the love of the Creator in every moment. Your loving response to 'Abba' in loving humanity's entire gamut till your death on the cross conveys the simple message, that the 'Creator loves and cherishes you, regardless of your present state/condition'; your life is proof positive that humanity in it's

fallen state is yet able to experience and stay in a state of experiential love! This is God's dream for us; S/His plan is no other. The onus however is on us to now believe this, own up to this, and to experientially taste/live it. The journey before us is to awaken to the liberty and the healing, the tasting of the bounty we've been given in all of its aspects! It is ours for the taking, were we to work up the courage to claim it! And, the wonder is that this courage too is gifted to us, were we to choose so! Let us liken this to a big fat deposit our big brother has made to our account at the bank. To enjoy the benefits of this gift given us, firstly we have to accept (believe in) the deposit made. Secondly, we have to take the steps necessary to claim it. So we have to get dressed and go to the Bank or ATM to draw-upon it. The Holy Spirit, the facilitator stands ready to teach us how to access God's love and bounty right now, right here. So eat-up the Living Word; simply change our thinking and affirm these scriptures to ourselves; let it become our mantra for today... let Jesus' assurance, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is my Father's will that whoever sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and that I should raise that person up on the last dayâ&#x20AC;? echo and re-echo in our hearts today...! Prayer Starter Thank you Lord for your constant Love and Care. It is indeed liberating to know that to experience this love, all we're got to do is believe, and turn from our erroneous thinking...back to your ways, the ways you want us to think and believe, like our Blessed Mother model for us. All grace is ready to flow through once this simple turn is made...

"O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Thursday 3rd December 2020 Isaiah:26/1-6 Psalm: 118/1,8-9,19-21 25-27 Mathew:7/21,24-27

The Gospel Proclamation

St. Francis Xavier trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock.” (Isaiah 26:2-4) In the Gospel today, Jesus speaks on the same lines as Isaiah. Jesus speaks about the importance of acting out the word of God. As Jesus says just by calling him Lord will not save you, as he saw that some people who were following him did not act according to his word, but continued calling him lord and following him. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) So, Jesus confirms by saying that it is through action (Living the word) in faith that strengthens the foundation of your belief. If not, you will fall, when the world challenges you. “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand……. that house… fell and great was its fall!” (Matthew 7:26-27)

"Not every one who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my father of heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?...Everyone then who hears these words of mind and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mind and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who Our Sonship built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds Let us look into our hearts. How blew and beat against that house, and often do we call Jesus, our Lord? And it fell-and great was its fall!" how often do we ignore his word? And how often do we blame God for our Prayerful Awareness failures? In the first reading, the prophet IsaLet us repent in the presence of the iah presents us with the victory song of lord for all the times we have neglected Judah. God had brought them Victory. his Holy Spirit and his word and did And it is because they were righteous what we want and not what he wanted and kept their faith in the Lord, and from us. Trusted in the Lord. Prayer Starter “Open the gates, so that the righ…Open to me the gates of righteousteous nation that keeps faith may enter in. Those of steadfast mind you ness, that I may enter through them and keep in peace-in peace because they give thanks to the Lord… "O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Friday 4th December 2020 Isaiah:29/17-24 Psalm:27/1,4,13-14 Mathew:9/27-31

The Gospel Proclamation "As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!” When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread word of him through all that land."

Prayerful Awareness The two blind men followed Jesus pleading for healing, but Jesus wanted to test their Faith and asked “Do you believe that I can do this?” They confirmed their belief for Jesus to heal them saying “Let it be done to you according to your Faith”. Jesus asked them not to speak about the miracle, but both of them went out and spread the Word of the healing they received from Lord to everyone. To proclaim the Good deeds means to share with others the good God does in our lives. Jesus healed the two men because of the Faith they had. Do we have this kind of Faith when we ask for Lord’s Help and Healing? All who accepted Jesus and abide by His Commandments are anointed by the Holy Spirit and adopted by God as His children. They can call God “Abba, Father” (Rom 8:15). Also the Spirit of His own Son, our Saviour and Lord calling Him “ABBA Father” in his human form

manifests us as His sons (Gal. 4 : 6). Therefore we can call Almighty God, “ABBA, Father” when we are in need of His Help or at times of distress or agony. Faith is how much we Trust God and His Promises (the Word) that God LOVES us immensely, a Love which we can never measure or imagine by our human mind, yet some people cannot believe or accept it due to their ignorance as they cannot see it in material form. They are like the Israelites who made a golden calf and called it their god when Moses was away, following what the pagans did in Egypt. How sad God will be, but still He awaits for their return one day, like the Prodigal Son, due to His Great Love and Mercy. According to the First Proclamation Thus says the Lord GOD: But a very little while, and Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard, and the orchard be regarded as a forest! On that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book; And out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see. The lowly will ever find joy in the LORD, and the poor rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. For the tyrant will be no more and the arrogant will have gone; Its God’s plan of redemption in terms of unheard-of-natural phenomena as if such changes in nature took place.

Prayer Starter Lord God, Father of all, in Your Son Jesus Christ, You invite everyone of us to know You and Your LOVE for us to realize a thirst to Love You and live in Your unending Peace. Keep alive in us the zeal to bring the light of Your truth and the riches of Your life and love all without any distinction of race, language or culture. May everyone on earth come to know You as the merciful Father of all through our Leader and Saviour, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

"O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Saturday 5th December 2020 Isaiah:30/19-21,23-26 Psalm:147/1-6 Mathew:9/35-10/1, 6-8

The First Proclamation "For the people of Zion shall dwell in Jerusalem: weeping thou shalt not weep, he will surely have pity on thee: at the voice of thy cry, as soon as he shall hear, he will answer thee. And the Lord will give you spare bread, and short water:...and thy eyes shall see thy teacher. And thy ears shall hear the word of one admonishing thee behind thy back: This is the way, walk ye in it: and go not aside neither to the right hand, nor to the left. And rain shall be given to thy seed, ...The lamb in that day shall feed at large in thy possession: And thy oxen, and the ass colts that till the ground, shall eat mingled provender as it was winnowed in the floor....and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days: in the day when the Lord shall bind up the wound of his people, and shall heal the stroke of their wound." Responsorial Psalm "Praise ye the Lord, because psalm is good: to our God be joyful and comely praise.The Lord buildeth up Jerusalem: he will gather together the dispersed of Israel.Who healeth the broken of heart, and bindeth up their bruises. ....Great is our Lord,..and of his wisdom there is no number...."

Prayerful Awareness Let us read today’s Proclamations meditatively, where the central theme is the salvation that God has planned

for mankind. In today’s Gospel Proclamation we read: And Jesus went about all the cities, and towns, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease, and every infirmity. And seeing the multitudes, he had compassion on them: because they were distressed, and lying like sheep that have no shepherd. We see in God’s Kingdom there is no place for evil spirits, diseases and infirmities, etc. Hence when preaching the Gospel our Lord Jesus Christ went about healing the people of all diseases, all infirmities, and casting out evil spirits. And He empowered the disciples to do likewise, and later He empowered some 72 more, and has bestowed this power to all baptized Christians, after the Pentecost! Then he saith to his disciples, The harvest indeed is great, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth labourers into his harvest. …..These twelve Jesus sent: commanding them, saying: Go ye not into the way of the Gentiles, and into the city of the Samaritans enter ye not. But go ye rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And going, preach, saying: The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils: freely have you received, freely give. Initially, Jesus says to first go in search of the people of Israel, because extending God’s favour to all peoples, Samaritans (also descendants of the Patriarch Jacob, but considered second class by the Israelites because they had intermarried, etc.) and Gentiles (all others) occurred only after Jesus had reconciled mankind with Almighty Holy God by His sacrificial death on the cross, according to God’s Holy Will! Amen!

"O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Sunday 6th December 2020 Isaiah:40/1-5,9-11 Psalm:84/9-14 (85/8-13) 2 Peter 3/8-14 Mark:1/1-8

Second Sunday of Advent PS Wk II the wilderness a way for the Lord. Make a straight highway for our God across the desert…then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed."

Prayerful Awareness

At a time the Israelites in Babylonian Captivity, were suffering in despair, prophet Isaiah encourages them creating a new hope. The prophet Isaiah gives them the prophecy of a precursor preparing the way Introduction of the Lord and the proclamation of Today, the Second Sunday of Ad- the coming of a person who would vent is yet another day on which we care for the people as a shepherd are invited as Christians to experience guards and feeds his flock through the unlimited love of God. Even the which he brings comfort and consoGospel Proclamation places before us lation to their hearts. "Then the glory this great revelation. "God is faithful of the Lord shall be revealed and all to his promises." Holy mother the mankind shall see it." Church too desires seeing an ever The Second Proclamation increasing hope in us of the glorious second coming of the Lord. The first "….The Lord is not being slow proclamation reminds us that through to carry out his promises, as anythe prophet the merciful voice of God body else might be called slow; but is revealed to the Israelites awaiting …..wanting nobody to be lost and the fulfillment of His promise by everybody to be brought to change sending Jesus Christ the Saviour des- his ways. The Day of the Lord will tined to redeem the people engulfed come like a thief, and then with a in the sin of darkness. While the sec- roar the sky will vanish, ...the earth ond proclamation reminds that God and all that it contains will be burnt does not desire anyone's destruction, up. Since everything is coming to an the Gospel too recalls Jesus Christ, end like this, you should be living the Son of God as the very source holy and saintly lives while you and origin of Good News. wait and long for the Day of God to come, when the sky will dissolve in flames and the elements melt The Gospel Proclamation in the heat. What we are waiting "Console my people, console for is what he promised; the new them' says your God. 'Speak to the heavens and new earth,... So then, heart of Jerusalem and call to her my friends, while you are waiting, that her sin is atoned for, that she do your best to live lives without has received from the hand of the spot or stain so that he will find you Lord double punishment for all her at peace." crimes.' A voice cries, 'Prepare in "O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Prayerful Awareness One point that echoes in the second proclamation taken from the second letter of St. Peter is that God does not wish any to perish. Though we may get disheartened at the seeming delay of God in carrying out his promises, God has his own way of dealing with things with regard to time and space. In that sense, every moment is a moment of opportunity for repentance. Even the widely spreading pandemic is an eye opener to see the transient nature and powerlessness of man and a call for repentance. Our duty is to give a positive response while waiting in faith and hope for the day that God will bring the whole world to himself through His Son.

The Gospel Proclamation "â&#x20AC;ŚIt is written in the book of Isaiah: "Look, I am going to send my messenger before you; he will prepare your way. A voice cries in the wilderness: Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight, and so it was that John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins....In the course of his preaching he said, 'Someone is following me, someone who is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to kneel down and undo the strap of his sandals. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." Prayerful Awareness

As reminded by the Eucharistic theme of the day, we could observe throughout the Gospel how the Good News that God is faithful to

his promises is being confirmed. The revelation written by prophet Isaiah 'Look I am going to send my messenger before you is about John the Baptist who being well aware of his missionary vocation prepares the way of the Lord, thus fulfilling the duty and responsibility entrusted to him. On the same lines he explains quite clearly who Jesus is. John the Baptist reveals the Lord Jesus as the one who will baptize us with the Holy Spirit.

Towards us God, in being faithful to his promises, worked out his plan of redeeming Israel. With the decision of sending his son to redeem the world, He chose John the Baptist to prepare the way. John the Baptist getting to know himself and fulfilling his part, proclaimed the great Good News of the Lord. Today, we too are preparing the way for the second coming of the Lord. Let us come to realize what our vocation is and be heralds proclaiming the Gospel of Christ.

Prayer Starter Abba Father, grace us with the ability to embody the heavenly graces as we await the second coming of Jesus our Lord by letting go of worldly attitudes, hopes and desires. Instill in us a deep repentance that paves the way to sanctify the world and show us how we should celebrate this Christmas. Throughout the Week What does Christmas really mean and how should I celebrate Christmas?

"O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Monday 7th December 2020 Isaiah:35/1-10 Psalm:85/9-14 (85/8-13) Luke:5/17-26

The Gospel Proclamation "One day, while he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting near by (they had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem);and the power of the Lord was with him to heal. Just then some men came, carrying a paralyzed man on a bed. They were trying to bring him in and lay him before Jesus; but finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the middle of the crowd infront of Jesus. When he saw their faith, he said ,"Friend, your sins are forgiven you." Then the scribes and the pharisees began to question, "Who is this who is speaking blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone".....

Prayerful Awareness The religious leaders spent much time refining and discussing the huge body of religious tradition accumulating for more than 400 years since the Jews return from exile. They were so concerned with these man-made traditions, in fact, that they often lost sight of scripture. Here, these leaders felt threatened because Jesus

challenged their sincerity and people were flocking around Him. In the times of the Bible, houses were built of stone and had flat roofs made of mud mixed with straw. Outside, stairways led to the roof. These men carried their FRIEND up the stairs to the roof where they took apart as much of the mud and straw mixture as was needed and necessary to lower him in front of Jesus. It wasn’t the paralytic’s FAITH that impressed Jesus, but the FAITH of his FRIENDS. Jesus responded to their faith and HEALED the man. For better or worse, our faith affects others. WE CANNOT make another person a Christian, but we do much through our WORDS, ACTIONS and LOVE to give him or her a chance to respond. Let us look for opportunities to bring our friends to the LIVING CHRIST. When Jesus told the paralytic his sins were forgiven, the Jewish leaders accused Jesus of BLASPHEMY – claiming to be God or to do what ONLY GOD CAN DO. In Jewish law, blasphemy was punishable by DEATH. (Leviticus 24:16) In labelling Jesus’ claim to forgive sins is blasphemous, the religious leaders showed that they did not understand that JESUS IS GOD, and He has God’s power to heal both the BODY and the SOUL. Forgiveness of sins was a sign that the Messianic age had come.(Isaiah 42:2, Zep 13:1)

Prayer Starter Heavenly Father, thank You that salvation is available to anyone who put their FAITH in JESUS.

"O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Tuesday 8th December 2020 Genesis:3/9-15, 20 Psalm: 98/1-4 Ephesians:1/3-6, 11-12 Luke:1/26-38

Immaculate Conception a virgin. How, the, can this be.” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and God’s power will rest upon you. Remember your relative Elizabeth. … She is now six months pregnant even though she is old. There is nothing that God cannot do.” “I am the Lord’s servant, said Mary, “May it happen to me as you have said.”

The First Proclamation

Prayerful Awareness

....."I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers;he will strike your head, and you will strike his heel. The man named his wife Eve, because she was the mother of all living..."

The announcement in this reading is unique as it won’t be repeated. We are familiar with announcements of new presidents, Popes, Bishops, a feast day, a birthday, etc. However, this announcement is so vital that the church bells help us relive it three times a day. God became man without ceasing to be God. “It was not so much that His birth cast a shadow on His life, and thus led to His death; it was rather that the cross was there from the beginning and cast its shadow backward to His birth. Ordinary mortals go from the known to the unknown submitting themselves to forces beyond their control; hence we can speak of their “tragedies”. But he went from the known to the known, from the reason for His coming, namely to be “Jesus” or “Saviour”, to the fulfillment of His coming, namely, the death on the Cross. Hence, there was no tragedy in His life; for, tragedy implies the unforseeable, the uncontrollable, and the fatalistic.” (Archbishop F. J. Sheen)

The second Proclamation ".....In the Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory." The Gospel Proclamation

"In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy God sent the angel Gabriel to a town in Galilee named Nazareth. … The angel came to Mary and said, “Peace be with you! The Lord is with you and has greatly blessed you!” Mary was disturbed. … The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid; Mary; God has been gracious Prayer Starter to you. You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will O Lord! Help us not to get disname him Jesus. He will be great and heartened on facing trials and tribwill be called the Son of the Most ulations but to await patiently the High God. The Lord God will make resurrection that follows. Amen. Him a king. … His kingdom will never end. Mary said to the angel, “I am "O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Wednesday 9th December 2020 Isaiah:40/25-31 Psalm:103/1-4, 8,10 Mathew:11/28-30

The First Proclamation “To whom can you compare me, or who is my equal?' says the Holy One. Lift your eyes and look: he who created these things leads out their army in order, summoning each of them by name. So mighty is his power, so great his strength, that not one fails to answer. How can you say, Jacob, how can you repeat, Israel, 'My way is hidden from Yahweh, my rights are ignored by my God'? Did you not know? Had you not heard? Yahweh is the everlasting God, he created the remotest parts of the earth. He does not grow tired or weary, his understanding is beyond fathoming. He gives strength to the weary, he strengthens the powerless. Youths grow tired and weary, the young stumble and fall, but those who hope in Yahweh will regain their strength, they will sprout wings like eagles, though they run they will not grow weary, though they walk they will never tire.”

The Gospel Proclamation “Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Fix your gaze on Jesus O Holy Lord, we have turned away from you, and are in denial regarding your magnanimity, your splendour, your mercy and willingness to set-aside our erroneous, scandalous, wasteful wretch-

ed ways, and our so prevalent inclination to be ungrateful, to take this wonderful world and all it's blessings for granted, and to rape it for the satiation of our primary senses. We would like to turn back and get in to your ever-lasting loving bosom again. Our beliefs as to what really matters, what really satisfies, what we are really searching for in running through our lives appears to be really wrong; in the sense, that nothing seems to bring us lasting succour. We hear your reproof, your displeasure over our wrong thought patterns, your desire to bring us back to the experience of your love and tender care, your earnest efforts to again and again call upon us to stop sinning, to stop these destructive and harmful thinking (thoughts) and living (words and deeds, both commissions and omissions), to stop believing the Liar, the Deceiver and the Accuser. To search for the Truth, to hold yourself to go on the (narrow) Way, and and to receive the vibrant Life. We know that you love us with an eternal all embracing zeal, and commit today to turn back, to zealously search for the Truth, in the person of Jesus our lord, who today is cosmic and available to all the faithful as the Living Word. Prayer Starter Come Holy Spirit of Abba, overshadow me(us) today, now, in the same manner you overshadowed our Blessed Mother yesterday! Let the Living Word of God be incarnate within me. Let me eat, and taste this Word, and see how good it is! Let the Mind of Christ be more within me, my earlier self-image and concept be denied, be swept away, become less...and let me Test everything that comes before my consciousness so that the erroneous beliefs I've accepted be cast out! Let me learn from the Christ how light my(our) own york is(are), and how blessed I(we) really am(are) ...all Glory to God...!

"O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Thursday 10th December 2020 of the Kingdom and snatch it away from Isaiah:41/13-20 Psalm:145/1, 9-13 those who have received it. From the Bible we know that most who joined Mathew:11/11-15 as disciples of Jesus had heard the

The Gospel Proclamation

Word of the Messiah from St. John the Baptist. The kingdom belongs to those who believe and accept Jesus and have the courage to create a community to spread the Word of God on the Salvation offered to all who accept Jesus and follow His Commandments, and live as Children of God led by the Holy Spirit of God. Do you also have this courage to do the Will of God abiding His teachings, offer your life for this purpose for your spirit to finally reach the Kingdom of heaven to spend the rest of your life away from the earthly selfish desires and the earthly body, to live with God’s immense LOVE?.

“Jesus said to the crowds: “Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force. All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of The First Proclamation John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come. “I am the LORD, your God, who Whoever has ears ought to hear.” grasp your right hand; It is I who say to you, “Fear not, I will help you.” Fear not, O worm Jacob, O magPrayerful Awareness got Israel; I will help you, says the Jesus spoke to the crowd about John LORD; your redeemer is the Holy the Baptist and said there has not been One of Israel. I will make of you a any one born of women greater than him. threshing sledge, sharp, new, and douIt was of him the Prophet Isaiah spoke ble-edged, To thresh the mountains (Is. 40: 3-7). John the Baptist’s function and crush them, to make the hills was to announce the imminence of the like chaff. When you winnow them, Kingdom. To be in the Kingdom is so the wind shall carry them off and the great a privilege. This is why Jesus said, storm shall scatter them. But you shall that the least already in the Kingdom rejoice in the LORD, and glory in the is greater than John. John was the last Holy One of Israel.” ( Is. 41:13 - 16. prophet of the Old Testament who was Please read up to 20). brought into this world to prepare (the Prayer Starter path) the people, to receive the Word of Lord our God, You do not abandon the Salvation opened to all who repent and change, to be able to receive the those who rely on You. Take us by the Word of the Messiah and be able to hand when we are afraid, help us when accept Him. As a sign of repentance and we call out to You, for we experience change, John Baptised them with water. that we are powerless to establish Your kingdom of justice and love. Send Your Jesus also speaks of the opposition. Opponents of Jesus are trying to Son again among us today to be our prevent people from receiving the Word Lord and Savior now and forever. Amen. "O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Friday 11th December 2020 Isaiah:48/17-19 Psalm:1/1-4,6 Mathew:11/16-19

The First Proclamation "Thus says Yahweh, your redeemer, the Holy one of Israel: I am Yahweh your God and teach you for your own good, I lead you in the way you ought to go. If only you had listened to my commandments! Your prosperity would have been like a river and your saving justice like the waves of the sea. Your descendants would have been numbered like the sand, your offspring as many as its grains. Their name would never be cancelled or blotted out from my presence." The Gospel Proclamation "What comparison can I find for this generation? It is like children shouting to each other as they sit in the market place: we played the pipes for you, and you wouldn't dance;we sang dirges, and you wouldn't be mourners. 'For John came, neither eating nor drinking, and they say, "He is possessed ." The son of man came, eating and drinking, and they say, "Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners." Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds."

Prayerful Awareness The underlying theme in today's Proclamations is regarding the blessings that can accrue to those who give heed to God's instructions, which are self-explanatory!

However, as our Lord Jesus Christ says in the Gospel Proclamation, people do not heed instructions given to them for their own good, but act contrary as if they are deaf and blind to the message and the Deliverer of the message! They tend to disregard the message by attributing preconceived negative opinions regarding the one delivering the message, because giving credence to what is been said would mean they would have to mend their ways which would require them to let go of their opinions, preconceptions, comfort zones, etc., which people find difficult to do. This was often the case with the prophets of the Old Testament, and also with the regard to John the Baptist who was the last of the prophets, and finally, with Jesus, the son of God! This behaviour is so aptly described by our Lord Jesus Christ in the 'Parable of the Tenants in the Vineyard' narrated in the Gospel of St. Mathew(Chapter 21: verses 33-43). People see God's messengers as a threat to their accustomed way of life, and generally go to any length to get rid of the messenger rather than give heed to it. Gaze at my sonship Let us prayerfully discern where do we stand in this scenario. On one hand is continuing with our lives the way we are used to, hankering after more and more material wealth, power, position, and fame, in a selfish manner whereby we will be successful for a time in the eyes of the world, but lose our soul when we die, or are we prepared to live by the teachings of God's Holy Word, where our Lord Jesus Christ says, 'Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and everything else will be added on to you' and thereby enjoy all the blessings He has promised to those who unselfishly heed His instructoins, in the here and now, as well as in eternity?

"O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Saturday 12th December 2020 Sirach:48/1-4, 9-11 Psalm:80/1-2, 14-15,1718 (79:2-3,15-16,18-19) Mathew:17/10-13 OR Isaiah:7/10-14,8:10 Psalm:1Samuel:2/1,4-8 Luke:1/39-47

The First Proclamation Yahweh spoke to Ahaz again and said: Ask Yahweh your God for a sign, either in the depths of Sheol or in the heights above. But Ahaz said, 'I will not ask. I will not put Yahweh to the test.' He then said: Listen now, House of David: are you not satisfied with trying human patience that you should try my God's patience too? The Lord will give you a sign in any case: It is this: the young woman is with child and will give birth to a son whom she will call Immanuel. The Gospel Proclamation Mary set out at that time and went as quickly as she could into the hill country to a town in Judah. She went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. Now it happened that as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, 'Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? Look, the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb

leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.' And Mary said: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour; Prayerful Awareness Let us read today’s Proclamations meditatively and prayerfully, which contains God’s elaborate Plan of action for the Redemption of Mankind, which He had devised in His infinite Mercy even before embarking on the creation of the material universe/s, knowing that man will abuse the gift of free will given to him! Today’s Gospel Proclamation follows the scripture passage from which this year’s theme is derived from! In it we see the Blessed Mother is initially troubled by the greeting, and also questions Angel Gabriel. as to how it could be as she had not been with a man! But on being told that it will happen through the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit,

and also strengthened by Angel Gabriel’s words of encouragement that nothing is impossible with God, she submits and says ‘YES’ to carry out God’s Will! The testimony the Angel Gabriel gave Mary was to tell her that her relative Elizabeth, said to be barren, and too old to conceive, is now six months pregnant! Then Mary hurries to see Elizabeth, and is greeted with the famous words now incorporated in to the Holy Rosary, and the baby jumps with joy! Both Elizabeth and the baby John (the Baptist) are thus filled with the Holy Spirit to give those specific responses! Also, we see these events being foretold hundreds of years earlier as contained in today’s First Proclamation and the Psalm! Amen! Alleluia! Praise the Lord!

"O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Sunday 13th December 2020 Isaiah; 61/1-2,10-11 Psalm:Luke:1/46-50, 53-54 1 Thessalonians:5/16-24 John:1/6-8,19-28

Third Sunday of Advent PS Wk III proclaim a year of favour from the Lord. I exult for joy in the Lord, my soul rejoices in my God, for he has clothed me in the garments of salvation, he has wrapped me in the cloak of integrity, like a bridegroom wearing his wreath, like a bride adorned in her jewels."

Prayerful Awareness

Introduction Arriving at the third Sunday of Advent, how do we prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth of Christ? Let us pause for a moment and reflect. Often our preparation consists of cleaning the premises, purchasing clothes and other material needed to have a great celebration which is wholly external. Yet, shouldn't there be an internal preparation? Let us turn in repentance and prepare ourselves to welcome Christ into our hearts. The Gospel of the day awakens us to set aside our internal bonds of slavery and to witness to him with a real union of hearts. Thus, let us decide to make this Christmas an occasion to encounter Christ and enter into prayer pleading for the power needed.

The First Proclamation

"The spirit of the Lord has been given to me, for the Lord has anointed me. He has sent me to bring good news to the poor, to bind up hearts that are broken; to proclaim liberty to captives, freedom to those in prison; to

Here, given by the prophet Isaiah is an indication of the Messianic Era, for it is proclaiming liberty and freedom to the poor as well as the oppressed and the blind as well as the captives. Further, the prophet declares that a time will come when God himself will make his presence among the people to judge the unrighteous giving liberty to the righteous and to eradicate all evil from the world. And it was thus that the people waited in hope for the dawn of the Messianic Era. Moreover, a year of favour from the Lord was the fiftieth year that the Israelites considered as the Jubilee Year during which unpaid debts were cancelled, the generational land sold out were given back to the original owner or his children and the Hebrew slaves were released. This indirectly implies that the coming of the Messiah will bring about an internal redemption of breaking the bonds of sin. The Second Proclamation "Be happy at all times; pray constantly; and for all things give thanks to God, because this is what God expects you to do in Christ Jesus. Never try to suppress the

"O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Spirit or treat the gift of prophecy with contempt; think before you do anything – hold on to what is good and avoid every form of evil. May the God of peace make you perfect and holy; and may you all be kept safe and blameless, spirit, soul and body, for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. God has called you and he will not fail you."

Prayerful Awareness

stands among you – unknown to you – the one who is coming after me; and I am not fit to undo his sandal-strap."

Prayerful Awareness The Jewish leaders wanted to find out about what St. John said and what he preached. The reason was to know who he really was. That was their problem. They did not know of whom he was preaching. In response John the Baptist witnessed through his preaching to the fact that he was only the precursor of the Lord, the real Messiah who will bring light to the world. Also he bravely testified that Jesus is the Lamb of God who will baptize the people with the Holy Spirit and Christ the Lord, the Son of God. Further, out of his own experience he proclaimed that the Son of God is the most supreme person bearing an incomparable personality.

With the phrase 'pray constantly' St. Paul is inviting the Thessalonican community as well as us, to live, move and have our being in the Lord and also to thank Him for everything that we have received for He is Holy, Unique and incomparable while His Love is infinite. The person who has a deep relationship with God will never be defeated. The devil will have no room in him since God himself will defeat all evil and sin on his behalf. In the same breath, St. Paul invites and exhorts the community to Towards my son-ship enter into deep prayer with the Lord Let us focus for a moment on and to keep ready for His second the person who is with us, in us coming. and among us. He is truly alive. In the past, there was a set of people The Gospel Proclamation awaiting his coming and he made his "A man came, sent by God. presence among them. Even today, His name was John. He came as a we are waiting in the hope of his adwitness, as a witness to speak for the light, so that everyone might vent at the end times. Let us prepare believe through him. He was not our hearts to welcome him. As we light, only a witness to speak for the anxiously wait for his coming, if sin light. …When the Jews sent priest is a hindrance to our preparation let and Levites from Jerusalem to ask us repent and plead with the Lord to him, 'Who are you?' he not only de- empower us to be free. The Almighty has done great clared, but declared quite openly, 'I am not the Christ.' ….So John said, things for me (Luke 1:49). 'I am as Isaiah prophesied: a voice that cries in the wilderness: Make a straight way for the Lord.' …'I baptize you with water; but there "O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Monday 14th December 2020 Numbers:24/2-7,15-17 Psalm:25/5-9 Mathew:21/23-27

The First Proclamation " Balaam looked up and saw Israel camping tribe by tribe. Then the spirit of God came upon him, and he uttered his oracle, saying: "The oracle of Balaam son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eye is clear, the oracle of one who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty..."

The Gospel Proclamation ".....By what authority are you doing "these things, and who gave you this authority?" Jesus said to them," I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?" And they argued with one another, "If we say ,' from heaven,' he will say to us , 'Why then did you not believe him?' But if we say , 'Of human origin,' we are afraid of the crowd; for all regard John as a prophet. "So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." And he said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things."

Prayerful Awareness In today’s Gospel Jesus is questioned about his authority, after seeing him come into Jerusalem with people singing “Hosanna” and driving out all who were buying and selling in

the Temple courts. And then cursing a Fig tree for not bearing fruit. The chief priests and the elders were furious with Jesus they could not believe what was happening and yet couldn’t stop it either. So, they put this question to him to catch him by his word. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?” (Matthew 21:23) But Jesus being aware of the Holy Spirit knowing their intensions answers the question with another question. “John’s baptism-where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?” (Matthew 21:25) Jesus did not try to prove himself to non-believers who were too stubborn to see the truth. Faith is a gift from God, not something you can force on someone.

Our Sonship We have received this gift of faith during our baptism. But have we used this gift? Have we nourished our faith? And we see in today’s world people are moving away from the church or losing their faith, because they are trying to prove their faith. But it is not something you have to prove; it is a personal relationship with God and an experience of Love. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to nourish our faith so that we may build up a personal relationship with Jesus.

Prayer Starter Lead me in your truth, and teach me,for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old….

"O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Tuesday 15th December 2020 Zephania:3/1-2,9-13 Psalm:34/3-4,6-7, 17-19,23 ( 34/1-2, 5-6, 16-17, 18, 22 ) Mathew:21/28-32

Jesus said to them, “I tell you: the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John the Baptist came to you showing you the right path to take, and you would not believe him; but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. Even when you saw this, you did not later change your mind and believe him." Prayerful Awareness

The First Proclamation "...At that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him with one accord. From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, my scattered ones, shall bring my offering.... For I will leave in the midst of you a people humble and lowly. They shall seek refuge in the name of the lord-the remnant of Israel; they shall do not wrong and utter no lies, nor shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouths. Then they will pasture and lie down, and no one shall make them afraid." The Gospel Proclamation

The classification put forward is clear. In this picture people, imperfect as all of them are, are put into two categories. Of the two one set is nonetheless better than the other. The pathetic thing brought forward is that none of the two sons were able to bring satisfaction to the father. We also can see a parallel in the Jewish society. The Jewish leaders were the ones who said they obey God but did not. Then the sinners and the tax-collectors – they trod their own way but later turned to or took God’s way. Of the two common classes of people, one’s promises are better than their practice. They will promise anything but in real practice they lay far behind. Then the other class - their practice is far better than their promises. Though they claim to be tough or stern, they are found to be kind and generous. Neither this class nor the other is anything like the perfect. If we can see professed faith and practice meet and match in a man or a woman, that one is really a good one.

“Now, what do you think There was once a man who had two sons. He went to the older one and said, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ Í don’t want to,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father Prayer Starter went to the other son and said the same thing. ‘Yes sir,’ he answered, O Lord! Help and guide us to but he did not go. Which one of the active faith. Amen. two did what his father wanted? “The elder one,” they answered. So "O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Wednesday 16th December 2020 Isaiah:45/6-8,18, 21-25 Psalm:85/9-14 (85/8-13) Luke:7/18-23

The First Proclamation "Though you do not know me, I have armed you so that it may be known from east to west that there is no one except me. I am Yahweh, and there is no other, I form the light and I create the darkness, I make well-being, and I create disaster, I, Yahweh, do all these things...blossom with salvation, and let justice sprout with it; I, Yahweh, have created it!...Speak up, present your case, let them put their heads together! Who foretold this in the past, who revealed it long ago? Was it not I, Yahweh? There is no other god except me, no saving God, no Saviour except me! Turn to me and you will be saved, all the ends of the earth, for I am God, and there is no other..."

The Gospel Proclamation ".. John, summoning two of his disciples, sent them to the Lord to ask, 'Are you the one who is to come, or are we to expect someone else?' When the men reached Jesus they said, 'John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, "Are you the one who is to come or are we to expect someone else?" ...he gave the messengers their answer, 'Go back and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind see again, the lame walk,..and the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life..."

chosen people that He is their God, the Singular Lover, the Source of All that is Good, even to that of correcting and bringing back the people who turn away from him. God explains how he stands by them, strengthening them to face all the challenges and vicissitudes of life. He expounds how they will find their joy and fulfillment in Him and Him Alone. This is echoed in a manner in the Gospel too. We have here the message John Baptist sent to Christ, and the response he received. Applied to ourselves too, what we are to enquire concerning Christ is, whether he be the One Who comes to redeem and save me(us/sinners), or whether we are to look for another. We are sure that God has promised that a Saviour shall come, an anointed Saviour; we are as sure that what he has promised he will perform in its season. If this Jesus be that promised Messiah, we will receive him, and will look for no other; but, if not, we will continue our expectations, and, though he tarry, will wait for him. Christ had publicly declared himself to be indeed the Christ, and the proofs of his being so were completed in his resurrection. While he walked on earth, he left it to his own works to tell what he was and to prove it. While Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s messengers were with him, he wrought many miraculous cures, cured many of their infirmities and plagues in body, and of evil spirits that affected the mind either with frenzy or melancholy, and unto many that were blind he gave sight. He multiplied the cures, that there might be no ground left to suspect a fraud; and then he bade them go and tell John what they had seen. Prayer Starter

Fix your gaze on Jesus

We are indeed grateful Lord Jesus that you came to save and redeem us. The Lord our God affirms in the Let us open up to receive the salvation! First reading in many ways to his "O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Thursday 17th December 2020 Genesis:49/1-2,8-10 Psalm:72/1-4,7-8,17 Matthew:1/1-17 The Gospel Proclamation "An account of the genealogy of the Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob,.... and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth,...and Jesse the father of king David. And David the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah,...and Josiah the father of Jachoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. And after the deportation to Babylon;...and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah. So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David to the deportation to the Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the deportation to Babylon to the Messiah, fourteen generations."

Prayerful Awareness

Mathew opens his Gospel with a genealogy to prove that Jesus is the descendant of both Kind David and Abraham. Presenting this genealogy was one of the most interesting ways that Mathew could begin a book for a Jewish audience. As a person’s family line proves his or her standing as one of GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE. Jesus entered human history when the land of Palestine was controlled by Rome was considered an insignificant

outpost of the vast and mighty Roman empire. The presence of Roman soldiers in Israel gave the Jews military peace, but at the price of OPPRESSION, SLAVERY, INJUSTICE and IMMORALITY. Into this kind of world came the promised MESSIAH. In the first 17 verses we meet 46 people whose lifetimes span 2000 years. All were ancestors of Jesus but they varied considerably in PERSONALITY, SPIRITUALITY and EXPERIENCE. Some were heroes by faith – like Abraham, Isaac, Ruth and David. Some led shady reputations - like Rahab and Tamar. Many were ordinary – like Hezron, Nahshon and Akim. And others were evil – like Manasseh and Abjah. God’s work in history is NOT LIMITED by human failures or sins, and He works through ordinary people. Just as God used ALL KINDS OF PEOPLE to bring His Son into the world, He uses all kinds of people to bring His SON to other people. He uses all kinds today to accomplish his will. And, God wants to use US. Since Mary was a virgin when she became pregnant, Mathew lists Joseph ONLY as the HUSBAND of Mary, NOT the FATHER of Jesus. Mathew’s genealogy gives Jesus’ legal (or royal) lineage through Joseph. Both Mary and Joseph were direct ascendants of David. Mathew traced the genealogy back to ABRAHAM. Mathew wrote to the JEWS, so Jesus was shown as a descendant of THEIR FATHER ABRAHAM. Prayer Starter Father God, thank you for using scripture to teach, instruct and to guide us. Please show us always which way to go.

"O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Friday 18th December 2020 Jeremiah:23/5-8 Psalm:72/1-2,12-13, 18-19 Mathew:1/18-25

The Gospel Proclamation "Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But Just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 'Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel' Which means, "God is with us." When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him;he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son;and he named him Jesus."

Prayerful Awareness Today’s Gospel shows us the action of the Spirit of God. “Behold the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” These words uttered by Mother Mary reflects the action of the Spirit of God. Neither the people nor the future husband knew the origin of this pregnancy. If Joseph had the same idea of justice as held by the scribes and pharisees, he would have denounced Mary. The penalty she would have suffered would have been death by stoning. However, when the Holy Spirit started to act, the reality was totally different. Mother Mary’s response of ‘Amen’, and foster father, Joseph’s reaction was entirely the action of the Holy Spirit within them. Towards our sonship In the Bible, the discovery of God’s call takes place in different ways. In this incidence, it was taking place by means of a dream. • In our day to day incidences, do we turn to God in prayer for light? • How do we discover the call of the word of God in our life? • In the eyes of the scribes, the justice of Joseph would be disobedience. Is there a message for us in this? Prayer Starter Lord, I thank you for the generous and courageous risk taken by Joseph. He trusted completely your words, “Do not be afraid,” and allowed his carefully made plans to be unravelled. May I too be open when you invite me to risk.

"O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Saturday 19th December 2020 Judges:13/2-7,24-25 Psalm:71/3-6,16-17 Luke:1/5-25

The Gospel Proclamation ... there was a priest named Zechariah, ... His wife .... was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before God, ... But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years. Once when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, he was chosen by lot ... to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense. ... Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord... When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified, ... But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have joy and gladness and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. ..... Prayerful Awareness

God's love for His creation is infinite and mysterious. No one can comprehend how much He loves us within one's limited intelligence. In order to save us from worldly evils and illusions and establish His Kingdom, He did not spare anything and finally God sacrificed His only Son for the entire Universe. In order to bring about this loving sacrifice, Father God had to implement a mysterious plan which came down from generation to generation throughout the history of the world. According to the Gospel reading Zechariah and Elizabeth waited long, in fact too long, to have their prayer answered. Zechariah was almost a priest, very old indeed, coming from a priestly family and from time to time he had the privilege and duty to fulfill priestly

functions in the Jerusalem temple. Elizabeth too was past child bearing age, but the couple was God fearing, believing, praying and obedient. During the prayers, when the angel appeared and declared the good news, Zechariah was deeply troubled and a holy fear took hold of him. He questions how this can be and is struck dumb, because he did not believe the word of God. But the words, even if not believed, came true and Elizabeth conceived and this was how John the Baptist was born. This shows us, nobody and nothing could obstruct God's holy plan. Thanks be to the Lord for everything wonderful that happens when one is open and submissive to the Holy Spirit, The Spirit of the Lord is with John the Baptist and so he became very great. He was the voice in the wilderness and the role he played in the mission during the short period he lived was unmatched and very important. He paved the way to the coming of Jesus and for His mission. He witnessed to the truth. The reading from the book of Judges, reminds us of God's faithfulness. An angel of the Lord appeared to the wife of Manoah and said "Although you are barren, having borne no children, you shall conceive and bear a son." God lifted them up and rescued them on account of them being childless and also from societal alienation. The result was Samson, and he grew up to a man of extra-ordinary strength and fought for his own against the Philistine. God used him to liberate the Israelites. My sonship Am I too, open to God's plan for me and do I serve Him and His people accordingly? Prayer Starter Upon you I have leaned from my birth; it was you who took me from my mother's womb. My praise is continually of you. (Ps.71/6....)

"O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Sunday 20th December 2020 2 Samuel:7/1-6,8-11,16 Psalm:89/2-5,27,29 (89/1-4, 26,28) Romans:16/25-27

Introduction The Scripture Texts for today reveal that through the first advent of Christ God has come to dwell among his people. The Eucharist theme of recalling to our minds that God is with us in fortune as well as in adversity, is a reminder to keep our hope in the providential plan of God that surpasses human understanding and knowledge. The Lord, who reveals his inner most secrets to those closest to him, did reveal his plans throughout the entire history of salvation through different people. All of us as Catholics are eagerly waiting to celebrate Christmas in a few days. Let us try to reflect and discern what message this Christmas brings to us. Let us lead our lives truly experiencing the Lord who dwells among us in fortune and in adversity. The First Proclamation "Now when the king dwelt in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies round about, the kind said to Nathan the prophet, "See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the God dwells in a tent," â&#x20AC;Ś."Go and tell my servant David, 'Thus says the Lord:..." Prayerful Awareness

When we look at the different

Fourth Sunday of Advent PS Wk IV people whom God has chosen to carry out his plan we see how different and unique his choice is. The action of God that far surpasses human thought, opinion and wisdom is quite mysterious of which King David is the best example. King David who danced praising God before the Ark of the Covenant was a shepherd boy and a man enslaved to sinful desires of the flesh but God chose him and accomplished what he wanted through him. The love God displayed in guiding him for repentance shows us that His love is a forgiving love, a love that renews and restores sinners back to their original state of grace. When King David who experienced this love presumed that his God given task is to build a dwelling place for Him, he was so close to God that God revealed his special plan to him thus guiding him specifically on the path he should take. The Second Proclamation "Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed and through the prophetic writings is made known to all nations according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to the only wise God be glory for evermore through Jesus Christ! Amen." Prayerful Awareness St. Paul who had an encounter with the risen Lord was a disciple of Christ that gave his life witness to the risen Lord in fortune and adversity. Even his joyful exclamation, "I proclaim Jesus Christ, the revelation of a mystery

"O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

kept secret for endless ages," is his way of giving praise to God through his own experience of enjoying his presence. Jesus Christ whom St. Paul encountered is in us and among us. Let us also encounter him and joyfully glorify God our Father. The Gospel Proclamation "The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. He went in and said to her, 'Rejoice, so highly favoured! The Lord is with you.' She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean, but the angel said to her, 'Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God's favour. Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David; he will rule over the House of Jacob for ever and his reign will have no end.' Mary said to the angel. 'But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?' 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you' the angel answered 'and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called the Son of God. â&#x20AC;Ś.'I am the handmaid of the Lord,' said Mary 'let what you have said be done to me."

Prayerful Awareness The blessed Mother who was blessed with giving birth to the Living Word was more fortunate than any other Jewish woman. She led her life in steadfast faith and in hope of the fulfillment of God's promise. She was open to the voice, the revelation of God and in willing obedience allowed

the divine infant to take flesh in her womb. What would have been her thoughts and feelings when she heard the greeting of the angel? Certainly as a human being she would have been disturbed and confused for which reason St. Luke writes, 'she asked herself what this greeting could mean.' Whatever the circumstances she was faced with, subjecting herself to the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discern the will of God, to bow down to it and accept it in humble submission, she became the Mother of faith and hope who could put a stop to the consequence of sin flowing down from Adam and Eve. Let us wake up for the abiding presence of Jesus the Lord come to save us from every sin. He is with us every day and every moment of our lives. Let us make access to him in our hearts. Towards us The Lord, who took flesh in the womb of the Blessed Mother, does incarnate himself today and everyday in the entire universe and that with no exception. Do we lead our lives believing in this great truth? Are we ready to make room in our hearts to allow the Lord to enter and remain in us? Let us join with Mary and receive the love of God with the prayer 'Rejoice O Mary.' Let us ask for the intercession of the Mother of God who with the power of her intercessory prayer worked out the redemption of all sinners, the vulnerable and the oppressed and give witness to the Lord being mindful of Him come to make his abiding presence in us. Prayer Starter Drop down dew from above, you heavens, and let the clouds rain down the just One; let the earth be opened and bring forth a Saviour. (Entrance Antiphon)

"O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Monday 21st December 2020 Song of Solomon:2/8 14 OR Zephania:3/14-18 Psalm:33/2-3,11-12, 20-21 Luke:1/39-45

The Gospel Proclamation “Mary set out in those days and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believe that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

Prayerful Awareness When Elizabeth herd Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb”. Elizabeth was overjoyed and said “how does this happen to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” For Mary had travelled around 100 km from Nazareth to the house of Elizabeth spending about four days. How humble and how loving and caring young Mother Mary was to travel so far to help Elizabeth

her aged relative, after young Mary received the angel’s announcement of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. At the meeting of the mothers the infants in their wombs too would have met in their Spirits. St. John Baptist was the last Prophet of the Old Testament and Jesus the Beginning of the New Testament. Elizabeth represented the Old Testament, which was about to end. Mary represented the New Testament. The Old Testament accepts the New one with gratitude and trust, recognizing in it God’s gift which is going to be realized and is going to satisfy people’s expectations. In the encounter of the two women, the gift of the Spirit is manifested. The child leapt with joy in Elizabeth’s womb, Elizabeth says to Mary: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb”. To this day, these words form part of the most prayed prayer in the whole world: “And blessed is she who has believed that the promise made to her by the Lord would be fulfilled”. This is the Elizabeth’s praise of Mary and the message to believe in the Word of God, because the Word of God has the power to fulfill all that it proclaims. It is a creative Word. It generates new life in the womb of the Virgin, and in the hearts of people who accept it with faith. In this encounter, they discover in each other a mystery which they had not known before, which fills them with great joy. Let us pray to God, our Father to make us also to be like Mother Mary.

Prayer Starter Lord God, Please help us to understand and experience Your presence in everything in the most simple and common things of our everyday life as Elizabeth and Mary did. Grant us your Spirit and Guide us to follow the teachings of Your Son, our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

"O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Tuesday 22nd December 2020 1 Samuel:1/24-28 Psalm:1 Samuel:2/1, 4-8 Luke:1/46-56

lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty handed. He has kept the promise He made to our ancestors, and has come to the help of his servant Israel. He has remembered to show mercy to Abraham and to all his descendants for ever! Prayerful Awareness

The First Proclamation "When she had weaned him, she took him up with her , along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah or flour, and a skin of wine. She brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh, and the child was young. Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli. And she said,"Oh, my Lord! As you live, my Lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. For this child I prayed; and the Lord has granted me the petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he is given to the Lord." The Gospel Proclamation Mary said, “My heart praises the Lord; my soul is glad because of God my Saviour, for He has remembered me, His lowly servant! From now on all people will call me happy, because of the great thing the Mighty God has done for me. His name is holy; from one generation to another He shows mercy to those who honour him. He has stretched out His mighty arm and scattered the proud with all their plans. He has brought down mighty kings from their thrones, and lifted up the

The Magnificat is one of the great hymn of the Church and it has its roots in Hanna’s Song of Praise in 1 Sam 2:1-10. “He has stretched out His mighty arm and scattered the proud with all their plans.” Christianity had blown a deathblow to pride. What a revolution, a moral one we have here. If one makes Christ the Lord of one’s life, Christ will surely tear down the garment of pride from him. There is the story of a village lad that can be brought up here. In school he used to sit beside a lass and they were fond of each other. When he grew up he went to the city and became a pickpocket. One day he snatched an old lady’s purse. According to his standards it was a clever deed and he was happy. Just then, he saw, coming down the lane, the girl he used to know, with the radiance of innocence. He realised what a cheap person he was. Burning with shame he leaned against a lamp post. He saw himself and said, “God, I wish I could die.” Christ enables us to see our inner self and delivers a deathblow to all what is evil in us. Prayer Starter Empower us in our battle against the evil one. Amen.

"O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Wednesday 23rd December 2020 ministry of his word and the convictions Malachi:3/1-4;4/5-6 Psalm:25/4-5, 8-10,14 of his Spirit, and he enters it as the Bringer of peace and consolation. Luke: 1/57-66

The First Proclamation “Look, I shall send my messenger to clear a way before me. And suddenly the Lord whom you seek will come to his Temple; yes, the angel of the covenant for whom you long, is on his way, says Yahweh Sabaoth. Who will be able to resist the day of his coming? Who will remain standing when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire, like fullers’ alkali...he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they can make the offering to Yahweh with uprightness. ...'Look, I shall send you the prophet Elijah before the great and awesome Day of Yahweh comes. He will reconcile parents to their children and children to their parents, to forestall my putting the country under the curse of destruction.”

Fix your gaze on Jesus O Holy Lord, the promise of salvation, the effect of consolation is offered to us; have mercy on us Your faithful….! The first words of this chapter seem an answer to the scoffers of those days. Here is a prophecy of the appearing of John the Baptist. He is Christ's harbinger. He shall prepare the way before him, by calling men to repentance. The Messiah had been long called, "He that should come," and now shortly he will come. John the Baptist here promised is the Messenger of the fulfilment of the covenant. Those who seek Jesus, shall find pleasure in him, and treasure, often when not looked for. The Lord Jesus, prepares the sinner's heart to be his temple, by the

No hypocrite shall endure his doctrine, or stand before his tribunal. Christ came to distinguish men, to separate between the precious and the vile. He shall sit as a Refiner. Christ, by his gospel, shall purify and reform his bride the church, and by his Spirit working with it, shall regenerate and cleanse souls. He will take away the dross found in them. He will separate them from their corruptions within, which render their faculties worthless and useless. The believer needs not fear the fiery trial of afflictions and temptations, by which the Savior refines his gold. He will take care that it is neither more intense nor longer than is needful for his good; and these trials will end far sooner than that of those choosing wickedness. Christ will, by interceding for them, make them accepted. Where fear of God is, only good shall prevail. Evil pursues sinners. God is unchangeable. And though the sentence against evil works will not be executed speedily, yet it will be executed; evil can but bring forth its own evil result-long lasting torment and estrangement. The Lord is as much an enemy to sin as ever. We may all apply this to ourselves. We relate to and deal with a God that changes not, therefore it is that we are not consumed; because his compassions fail not.

Prayer Starter O Comforter, O Great Spirit of God, You who abides with us through the thick and the thin, do keep us oriented towards the Living Word, the Lord Jesus even as our Blessed Mother did. Bring us to awareness step by step; process us as You will, so that the dross, the error we have admitted within will be replaced Word by Word with the Truth…

"O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Thursday 24th December 2020 2 Samuel:7/1-6,8-12,16 Psalm:89/2-5,27;29 (89/1-4, 26, 28) Luke: 1/67-79

The Gospel Proclamation "John's father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he spoke God's message: “Let us praise the Lord, the God of Israel! He has come to the help of his people and has set them free. He has provided for us a mighty Savior, a descendant of his servant David. He promised through his holy prophets long ago that he would save us from our enemies, from the power of all those who hate us. He said he would show mercy to our ancestors and remember his sacred covenant.....“You, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High God. You will go ahead of the Lord to prepare his road for him, to tell his people that they will be saved by having their sins forgiven. Our God is merciful and tender. He will cause the bright dawn of salvation to rise on us and to shine from heaven on all those who live in the dark shadow of death, to guide our steps into the path of peace.”

Prayerful Awareness “Let us praise the Lord, the God of Israel! He has come to the help of his people and has set them free.” (Luke 1:68) In the first proclamation of God’s love, we see David, out of gratitude for the victory over his enemies, yearning to honour the Lord by upgrading God’s dwelling from tent to temple. God says,

“You are not the one to build a temple for me to live in,” but also gives David a promise that echoes the promise he gave to Abraham: “You will always have descendants, and I will make your kingdom last forever.” (2 Sam 7:16) In the Gospel, “filled with the Holy Spirit, …[Zechariah] speaks God’s message.” He exclaims about the goodness of God as he is released from silence upon the birth of his son John. Most notably, he reflects on God’s promises throughout the ages, aware that Israel stood at the cusp of a new age of all they had waited for. He prophesied the fulfilment of the promises of God in the birth of Jesus, including the covenant with David. Though David does not build a temple, Jesus is born of his lineage. Through His Son, Jesus Christ, God established an indestructible temple that will one day unite heaven and earth in absolute glory. In Jesus, we experience the profound mercy of God. As Zechariah proclaims, “Our God is merciful and tender. He will cause the bright dawn of salvation to rise on us and to shine from heaven on all those who live in the dark shadow of death, to guide our steps into the path of peace.” (Luke 1: 78-79) As we prayerfully meditate on today’s readings throughout today, may the song of God’s faithfulness that has resounded throughout the ages continue in our hearts 2000 years later as we prepare to celebrate the coming of our saviour, Jesus Christ.

Prayer Starter Let us sing the hymn, “O come, divine Messiah! The world in silence waits the day; When hope shall sing its triumph And sadness flees away…”

"O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Friday 25th December 2020 Nativity of the Lord (Christmas Day) Mass during Night: Isaiah:9/2-7 Psalm:96/1-3,11-13 Titus:2/11-14 Luke:2/1-14 Mass at Dawn: Isaiah:62/11-12 Psalm:97/1,6,11-12 Titus:3/4-7 Luke:2/15-20 Mass during the day: Isaiah:52/7-10 Psalm:98/1-6, Hebrews:1/1-6 John:1/1-8 Introduction The original literal meaning of Christmas is a special church service ,or mass, to celebrate the birth of Christ. Simply Christmas bring a new birth to our spiritual life. The liturgical calander starts from the season of Advent This also shows the beginning of the new thing. However, many tradition that are surrounding Christmas today have their roots in pre-christian winter festivals. The decoration that we do with the candles, evergreen bushes and trees, symbolizes the everlasting light and life. Though we celebrate it on December 25 the bible does not give a precise date for the birth of Jesus. Prayerful Awareness According to the Isaiah 62/11-12, way shall be made for Christ's salvation; all difficulties shall be removed. He brings a reward of comfort and peace with him. They shall be redeemed. Redemption has to do with being freed from bondage, usually by the payment of a redemption fee. In Old Testament a person might pay a fee to redeem a slave or a prisoner. However, in the New Testament, redemption is also used to speak of being redeemed by Christ from sin. In here, the price of redemption was the blood of the savior.

Today the Gospel Proclamation speaks so deeply. The shepherds need the call. Not content to praise God with their lips, they praise him with their feetby going to see that of which the angels spoke. Surely God will not cause them to return to devastated flocks. The next hidden act was Mother Mary's silence while she heard all these sayings. God tapped her for a special mission, and she embarked on it willingly. We tend to forget that the whole of Mary's earthly life was passed under the veil of faith which neither saw nor comprehended, but continued to trust in the unfathomable dispensation of God's providence. As in the book of Titus, these "manifestations"or "appearances" of Christ, one hidden in the flesh in the incarnation; one promised in glory to be experienced by all creatoin, revel the transforming, saving power and scope of God's grace. It is God's grace/favor that underlies both manifestation and provides the continuity between the celebration of the birth of Jesus and the parousia of the glorified Christ. Towards Our sonship What Jesus has done for us is a rush of forgiveness, a rush of peace, a rush of God's love that cannot be tapped by anything at anytime from anyone. Christmas shopping and baking and all that other stuff makes the Christmas rush not so delightful. But Jesus the Savior who is Christ the Lord? He is worth all our attention as we leave everything else behind. The path to lead for a wonderful Christmas eve is the grace of god which is always accompanied by a commission. In Mother Mary's case the exquisite grace, "the Lord is with you," went together with her sublime commission to be with the Lord. Prayer Starter In this new Advent , let's pray for God the father's grace to be accompanied by the commission to be with him.

"O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Saturday 26th December 2020 St. Stephen, First Martyr, Feast Acts: 6/8-10;7/54-59 Psalm:31/3-4,6,8,16,17 (31/3-7, 15-16) Mathew:10/17-22

The First Proclamation "Stephen, a man richly blessed by God and full of power, performed great miracles and wonders among the people. But he was opposed by some men who were members of the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), which had Jews from Cyrene and Alexandria. They and other Jews from the provinces of Cilicia and Asia started arguing with Stephen. But the Spirit gave Stephen such wisdom that when he spoke, they could not refute him."

The Gospel Proclamation "Watch out, for there will be those who will arrest you and take you to court, and they will whip you in the synagogues. For my sake you will be brought to trial before rulers and kings, to tell the Good News to them and to the Gentiles. When they bring you to trial, do not worry about what you are going to say or how you will say it; when the time comes, you will be given what you will say. For the words you will speak will not be yours; they will come from the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. "People will hand over their own brothers to be put to death, and fathers will do the same to their children; children will turn against their parents and have them put to death. Everyone will hate you because of me. But whoever

holds out to the end will be saved." Prayerful Awareness

In this Gospel Proclamation Jesus tells his apostles how the world is going to treat them because of Him. He did not tell them that their lives are going to be a bed of roses as preached today. All their dreams were not going to come true. But their lives were going to be one of trials, whipping, betrayal and death. This was what was offered then, to the apostles of the Lord. But this did not deter them. They trusted Jesus and knew as told to them, that Jesus will strengthen them and that the Holy Spirit will talk on their behalf. They did not leave and run away because they were filled with the Holy Spirit and the Lord's grace was upon them. Now we represent the faithful of the Lord. Do we have the assurance that He will be there for us when we need to speak and proclaim the good news to our unbelieving brothers and sisters. Tell them that there is forgiveness for sin and salvation and eternity. Yes we are going to be ridiculed and mocked and laughed at. But is that going to deter us. The apostles faced far worse than ridicule yet they did not give up. They believed in His word. Likewise we need to trust Jesus and pray for the Holy Spirit to overshadow us and proclaim the good news of salvation to this perishing world at every opportunity we get. Prayer Starter Lord grant us the faith and strength to be your messengers and tell others about your love and your saving grace. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, and use us to bring your word to them and, opening their ears so that they may receive your word and accept you as their Lord and savior. Amen!

"O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Sunday 27th December 2020 Sirach:3/2-6,12-14 OR Genesis:15/1-6, 21/1-3 Psalm:128/1-5 OR 105/1-6,8-9 Colossians:3/12-21 OR Colossians:3/12-17 OR Hebrews:11/8,11-12, 17-19 Luke:2/22-40 OR Luke:2/22,39-40

Introduction

Today, the Holy Mother the Church solemnly celebrates the feast of the Holy Family. The existence of a family depends on the mutual and reciprocal love and respect between parents and children wherein a great responsibility falls on both parties. Let us reflect on our vocation to enter the way of the cross of loving each other bearing one another's burdens. For this task let us model our lives on the Holy Family. Let us enter into our meditation on the Word of God, asking for the power and guidance to lead our lives just as Jesus the Lord, the Son of God led a life of humility, loving and taking guidance from his parents and also to follow the example of the Holy Family that lived in obedience to the will of God. The First Proclamation "The word of the Lord was spoken to Abram in a vision, 'Have no fear, Abram, I am your shield; your reward will be very great.' 'My

PS Wk I Lord,' Abram replied, 'what do you intend to give me? I go childless….' The Lord dealt kindly with Sarah as he had said, and did what he had promised her. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the time God had promised." Prayerful Awareness

The shield used in war is a useful protective armour in defending oneself from the enemy. God says to Abraham, 'have no fear, I am your shield.' Abraham who believed in God walked a journey of faith. While the time and moment of God fulfilling his promises is beyond our time and space, we have a vocation to walk a journey letting God to have his way. Abraham too walked the same path during which he realized who God is through his own experience. We are also called to know God through our life experience. For this let us have faith in God, the Most High who is our shield always acting in our defense and experience his protection. The Gospel Proclamation "…Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the Law required, he took him into his arms and blessed God; and he said: 'Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace, just as you promised; because my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations to see, a light to enlighten the pagans and the glory of your people Israel.' ….'You see this child: he is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected – and a sword will

"O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

pierce your own soul too – so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare." Prayerful Awareness

St. Luke who shares with us many infancy narratives of the Lord Jesus today presents a sequence of events that the other evangelists do not mention. The Holy Family came to the temple to perform the ritual of purification as prescribed by the Law of Moses. In face of this traditional rite there occurred something spectacular. Simeon, meaning the One who listened to God, represented the people awaiting salvation. They were waiting in hope for the coming of Messiah. This upright and devout man, taking Jesus in his arms proclaimed that his eyes have seen the salvation. He enjoyed this moment as a blessed occasion of experiencing an inner joy and freedom that he had never tasted in his lifetime. Similarly, it was as a result of being filled with the Holy Spirit that he revealed the fact that the freedom and redemption he experienced should be the same experience of the entire nation. The Second Proclamation

in many truths, to move beyond and build an intimate relationship with God the revealer of all truth." Where am I, in my faith experience in comparison to the different individuals since the Old Testament times that gave a faithful response to what was revealed to them? Faith is the key we have to receive much more than we can ever imagine. Let us reflect and see if I have kept an open access to this. Let us pray for the gift of faith needed to lead the life of a Christian disciple. Towards our son-ship

Christian family life starts with the reception of the Sacrament of Matrimony. Along with this, throughout the family life they should develop a deep mutual love within the family and be loyal and faithful to the covenant made before the altar till death departs them. In giving this witness, though one would be faced with many a challenge, it is most important that they recognize them then and there. Also, the Christian family should be a family that always depends on God. Hence, the need arises to take decisions in their life struggles even with regard to chil"It was by faith that Abraham dren, in conformity with the will of obeyed the call to set out for a God. Let us enter into prayer asking country that was the inheritance for the power to do so. given to him and his descendants, Prayer Starter and that he set out without knowing where he was going. It was equally Dear God our Father, grant us by faith that Sarah, in spite of being the spirit of power and courage past the age, was made able to con- needed to proclaim the glory of your ceive, because she believed that he Kingdom through our family life and who had made the promise would also the divine guidance necessary be faithful to it. ….It was by faith to be a family that lives out your that Abraham, when put to the test, kingdom values in the society. Amen. offered up Isaac.…" Prayerful Awareness "Faith means rather than believing "O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Monday 28th December 2020 1 John:1/5-2/2 Psalm:124/2,7-8 ( 124/2- 5,7-8) Mathew:2/13-18

The First Proclamation This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. .... The Gospel Proclamation Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." ...When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, ..... Prayerful Awareness At the inception of the Universe infinite God had a dream for each one of us before we were born. His dream was about Jesus. God knew that nothing or no one could save the world except Jesus and so the holy plan had to be executed. God is Light and there is no darkness in Him. Christian life is to walk in the Light. The whole person is the one who acts, lives and walks in the Light. Jesus too is Light and once He said, "I am the light of the world. He who loves me will not walk in darkness, but will have

Holy Innocents, Martyrs light and life." (1 John 8/1, 2) Yes, He is the Light of all the people of all times. Faith gives us light and frees us from many obstacles. St. John speaks of light shining in the darkness. This darkness is the sin descended upon the world. So to be in the Light, one has to be free from sin. No one is without sin and St. John invites us to be humble and admit this sinfulness with God, believing in His forgiving Love for us. The Sacrament of Penance in which we confess our sins keep our heart open to God. The Blood of Jesus, the Son of God purifies us from all sin. The humility and obedience of St. Joseph towards God's Will is highlighted in today's Gospel reading. He was quite open to the voice of God and his whole life was dedicated to the Holy Family. He obeyed whatever was prompted by God in order to save the life of Baby Jesus from the impending danger, but no one could ruin God's plan. Mother Church also celebrates today, the feast of the innocent martyrs. These children sacrificed their lives on behalf of child Jesus. The holy innocents foreshadow the passion of Christ, because Jesus offered His whole life for the salvation of mankind. The Holy Mother the Church, like Rachel of Israel, weeps at the death of so many innocents then and now. Even today, when we hear of meaningless persecutions and the death of so many innocents, the Church our mother, weeps. Prayer Starter As a Christian, I too hare to carry my cross as Jesus did. He did it willingly, for a noble purpose, depending on Father God for the salvation of the whole world. He faced all drawbacks as He had the Light of the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit enlighten and empower me to face all the challenges of life, abiding in You and purify me by washing away all my sins. Amen.

"O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Tuesday 29th December 2020 1 John:2/3-11 Psalm:96/1-3,5-6 Luke:2/22-35

The Gospel Proclamation "The time came for Joseph and Mary to perform the ceremony of purification. So they took the child to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.…They also went to offer a sacrifice of a pair of doves or two young pigeons, as required by the law of the Lord. At that time there was a man named Simeon.…He was a God-fearing man.… The Holy Spirit was with him. … Led by the Holy Spirit, Simeon went into the Temple. … Simeon took the child in his arms and gave thanks to God. The child’s father and mother were amazed at the things Simeon said about Him. “This child is chosen by God for the destruction and the salvation of many in Israel. He will be a sign from God which many people speak against and so reveal their secret thoughts. And sorrow, like a sharp sword, will break your own heart.”

fertory of the first Mass is celebrated today. Poor as his parents were, they offered two young pigeon. “He was already bearing His cross – the only cross a Babe could bear, a cross of poverty, exile and limitation.” (Archbishop F. J. Sheen) The name Jesus promises salvation. This salvation is not a social one but spiritual. The devotion to the Father’s mandate was unshakable. The words of Simeon show us how Jesus was to destroy our slavery similar to how God liberated Israel from slavery. He will challenge the forces of power in all of our lives. No longer will people bow down to wealth and those that run the world, but will stand strong and at peace, sharing the joy and sorrow of those considered lowest. Our identity was not to be measured in currency or status, but with the extent we love our neighbor. These that we were so guilt ridden and feel dirty with will be cleansed from our lives from the blood of Christ. The passage also prophesies the pain that our Holy mother will undergo for salvation and it reminds us all of the sin of Eve for temporary happiness. The two women stand worlds apart in obedience and disobedience, and yet how the former breaks her heart to lend a hand to the latter; the sinner! Prayer Starter

Lord, help us to be obedient to you even in instances that will break our Jesus is brought to the temple hearts, Save us from our bondage to and is offered to God the Father. The sin that stays in our way to joy and obedience of the Holy Family to these love, Amen. traditions shows how God delights in us in these traditions meant to guide people to God that He willed the Son of God to fulfil the same. The first OfPrayerful Awareness

"O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Wednesday 30th December 2020 1 John: 2/12-17 Psalm:96/7-10 Luke:2/36-40

The First Proclamation "I am writing to you, children, because your sins have been forgiven through his name. I am writing to you, fathers, ... young people, because you have overcome the Evil One. I have written to you, children, because you have come to know the Father. I have written to you, parents, ... young people, because you are strong, and God's word remains in you, and you have overcome the Evil One. Do not love the world or what is in the world. If anyone does love the world, the love of the Father finds no place in him, because everything there is in the world -- disordered bodily desires, disordered desires of the eyes, pride in possession -- is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world, with all its disordered desires, is passing away. But whoever does the will of God remains for ever." Fix your gaze on Jesus

The World and the Flesh work together to titillate our primary senses, and we generate satisfaction and fulfilment there-from. A hot cup of tea/coffee, a hot shower after a hard day of work, the accomplishment of a valued goal in life, all brings us a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment. The reality that for the same material/sensory input, the satisfaction so derived varied widely between individuals, should awaken us to test this belief. The fact that a cuppa gives different feelings of satisfaction to different individuals tells us that this experienced satisfaction, is generated/ created by the individual according to that persons expectations/ values/ taste/ habits/ personality. In other words, we create our own dis/satisfaction and fulfilment, in accord with our preferred ways of thinking [consciously or unconsciously]. Now the question is, whether we want to stay in that state of accepting this faulty disempowering belief, or leave that prison and choose to experience the Power of the 'Child of God' where we come to full cognizance of our inheritance of being 'Creators of our Life Taste'. Let the Truth of our Creative Power to generate 'What is Good' for ourselves, free from all the conditions we habitually impose on our happiness and fulfilment become incarnate! As St. Paul teaches in Philippians 4: 11-12 on contentment, and 1 Thessalonians 5: 16 commands us to be Joyful in all circumstances, we will discover that we truly are empowered to be so. We are Spiritual beings able to overcome our flesh, the world and its limitations/ entrapments. Prayer Starter

Lord, sound doctrine you are giving us today indeed...praise you Lord; Now come and abide within, enabling me to incarnate these Living Words, so that they echo within, a constant reminder to focus on that which is lasting, our spiritual aspects, rather than the ever changing, passing states of our material selves! If we take a hard look at what really transpires within ourselves, we will see Praise you great Lord, for guiding that our 'Love of the World' rests on the us towards the Truth of our Being. Enbelief that we derive/gain satisfaction to ourselves from the World and its courage us, nourish us and correct us, varied material states. Let us elaborate. guiding us towards our inheritance... Alleluia! "O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

Thursday 31st December 2020 1 John:2/18-21 Psalm:96/1-2,11-13 John:1/1-18

The Gospel Proclamation "In the beginning the Word already existed; the Word was with God, and the Word was God. From the very beginning the Word was with God. Through him God made all things;...The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out...The Word was in the world, and though God made the world through him, yet the world did not recognize him. He came to his own country, but his own people did not receive him. Some, however, did receive him and believed in him; so he gave them the right to become God's children. ...God himself was their Father. The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father's only Son. ... No one has ever seen God. The only Son, who is the same as God and is at the Father's side, he has made him known." Prayerful Awareness

This is one of the most fascinating chapters of John's Gospel. He tells us that Jesus is the power of God which created the world and the reason of God which sustains the world and His coming to earth in human and bodily form. Jesus the word is not one of the created things; the word was there before creation, the word is part of eternity and was there with God before time and the world began. John says that in Jesus, and in him alone, there is perfectly re-

vealed to men all that God always was and always will be, and all that he feels towards and desires for men. Jesus is the one person who can make life worth living, and in whose company death is only--the prelude to a fuller life. Jesus is the light of men. He is the one person who can save life from becoming chaos. Left to ourselves we are at the mercy of our passions and our fears. The light which Jesus brings is something which shows things as they are. We never see ourselves until we see ourselves through the eyes of Jesus. We never see what our lives are like until we see them in the light of Jesus. Jesus often drives us to God by revealing us to ourselves. Jesus is the embodiment of kindness and love and gentleness and service. Jesus is the very mind of God, the attitude of God to men. To believe in the name of Jesus is to believe that God is like him; and it is only when we believe that, that we can submit ourselves to God and become his children. Unless we had seen in Jesus what God is like we would never even have dared to think of ourselves as being able to become the children of God. The fact that God came to earth to live and to die for men is not something which humanity deserved; it is an act of pure love on the part of God. The word grace emphasizes at one and the same time the helpless poverty of man and the limitless love of God. In Jesus Christ the distant, unknowable, invisible, unreachable God has come to men; and God can never be a stranger to us again. Prayer Starter Heavenly Father, we thank and praise you for giving us the privilege to be your children. We come before you to thank and praise you for your protection, and guidance throughout the year that is coming to an end and we look forward to your grace and mercy and protection and guidance in the year before us. We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen!

"O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

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