Walk in the Spirit January 2021

WALK IN THE SPIRIT January 2021 Issue 347 Commencement March 1992

"O Mary the power of the Most High will overshadow you!"

ISSN 1391-5967

Publication: Fr. Siri Oscar Abayaratne Kithu Dana Pubuduwa

SHARING ON PRAYER January 2021 Our four gifts – call it our Charism is only a road-map in my journey to the source of everything and everyone – the Triune God. It may be futile to be pre-occupied with the road if the end is in sight.

The ‘Road’ as I see it or treading on will have to disappear as the REAL WAY that is Jesus, comes into view. I am the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE. The understanding of Jesus with our human faculties like the mind, feelings, imagination and even intuition or insight may have or rather will have to give into the Light of Faith that will show me the real Way and the real end which is the real BEGINNING. Fr. Siri Oscar Abayaratne

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SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER (White) OF GOD Numbers:6/22-27 MOTHER. Jesus entered history Psalm :66/2-3,5-6,8 GOD IN THE FLESH. What a birth announcement to the (67/2-8) poor Shepherds by the angels! First, Galatians:4/4-7 the Shepherds ran to SEE the baby, Luke:2/16-21 and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, lying in the manger. Then, they SPREAD the word “Jesus is your Saviour, your Messiah’. All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them, but Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her The Gospel Proclamation heart. Motherhood is a painful priviSo they went with haste and lege. Young Mary of Nazareth had the found Mary and Joseph, and the unique advantage of being mother of child lying in the manger. When they the very Son of God. God’s plans insaw this, they made known what volve extraordinary events in ordinary had been told them about this child; people’s lives. The most extraordinary and all who heard it were amazed at event of all history took place when what the shepherds told them. But God became man to redeem mankind Mary treasured all these words and from death. pondered them in her heart. The Jewish families went through shepherds returned, glorifying and several ceremonies soon after a bapraising God for all they had heard by’s birth. One such ceremony was and seen, as it had been told them. ‘CIRCUMCISION’. Every boy was After eight days had passed, it was circumcised and named on the 8th day time to circumcise the child; and he after birth. It symbolized the Jews sepwas called Jesus, the name given by aration from Gentiles and their unique the angel before he was conceived in relationship with God. He was named the womb.

‘Jesus’, the name the angel had given Prayerful Awareness him before he had been conceived. ‘JeLuke wrote to present an accurate sus’ means, 'The Lord Saves' (Mathew account of the life of Christ and to 1:20-25, Luke 1:31) Let us meet Jesus in prayer, dispresent Christ as the perfect HUMAN cover a Lord so wonderful, and share and SAVIOUR. Every birth is a miracle, and ev- our joy with all those who come in ery child is a GIFT from God. But contact with us.

Prayer nearly 20 centuries ago, there was the MIRACLE of miracles. A baby was Almighty Father God, help us to born, but He was the SON OF GOD. trust your Son Jesus and allow Him to The Gospels tell of his birth, but Dr. work in our lives.

Luke as though he were the attending physician, provides most of the details surrounding this awesome occasion; with DIVINE FATHER and HUMAN Friday 1st January 2021

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

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Saturday 2nd January 2021 1 John:2/22-28 Psalm:97/1-4 (98/1-4) John:1/19-28

The First Proclamation Who, then, is the liar? It is those who say that Jesus is not the Messiah. Such people are the Enemy of Christ—they reject both the Father and the Son. For those who reject the Son reject also the Father; those who accept the Son have the Father also.

Be sure, then, to keep in your hearts the message you heard from the beginning. If you keep that message, then you will always live in union with the Son and the Father. And this is what Christ himself promised to give us—eternal life. ... Christ has poured out his Spirit on you. As long as his Spirit remains in you, you do not need anyone to teach you. For his Spirit teaches you about everything, and what he teaches is true, not false. ... Yes, my children, remain in union with him, so that when he appears we may be full of courage and need not hide in shame from him on the Day he comes.

Prayerful Awareness

As we read today’s proclamations, let us become aware of the profound calling we have received: “to remain in union with Christ” (1 John 2:27).

Not only in Christ but the Trinity. We cannot have the Father without the Son. Through the Son, we have both the Father and the Spirit. For God qualified us for eternal life and eternal communion with Him through Jesus. This was His vision for creation from the begin-

(White) ning. However, “…since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.

For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:21-22) This is not simply our victory, but God’s victory. This is the story of God’s loyalty and constant love for his people. Do we remember to claim God’s victory over every experience in our life?

Our Sonship The First Proclamation contains St. John the Apostle’s warning to the Christians which is apt even today: (1 John 2: 24). We are warned against voices that undermine God’s kingdom. Some voices are in direct opposition. Sometimes, they sound like spirituality, but in fact, dilute the message for personal gain.

Do we rely on the Spirit to teach us, to discern what is false and true? Do we surrender our hearts to the Spirit, who leads us to deeper understanding of the mysteries of our faith?

In the Gospel proclamation, we see John the Baptist responding to the question, “Who are you?” He first states who he is not. “I am not the Messiah ... I am ‘the voice of someone shouting in the desert: Make a straight path for the Lord to travel. ..." (John 1: 20, 23, 26-27). John boldly announces his identity firmly in relation and with reverence to Christ, according to his Spirit-led purpose. John the Baptist was the preliminary voice who made people aware of the presence of Christ in the world. Let us ask ourselves: What am I the voice of? Do I live, act, and speak in union with Christ or against Christ?

Throughout the day “Announce with your life and with your smile, that Christ is alive and present in the world.”

- Father Raniero Cantalamessa

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

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SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD (Psalter week II) (White) (Please read the whole proclamation.)

Isaiah:60/1-6 Psalm:71/2,7-8,10-13 Prayerful Awareness (72/1-2,7-8,10-13) This scripture passage is presented Ephesians:3/2-3,5-6 as a pre-proclamation of the result of Mathew:2/1-12 the manifestation of the Lord Jesus to the world. Given here is the good news of light delivered by God to His people through the prophet Isaiah during the time of Israelites' return

from Babylonian captivity. Their lives were enlightened by the good news of the glory of the Lord rising on them Introduction though thick darkness that still covers Today, on the First Sunday of the the earth. They gained new hope and New Year, Holy Mother the Church is the Lord is inviting them to live in it celebrating the Epiphany of the Lord. joyfully. The glory of the Lord, the The wise men acknowledge the Lord love of God is essential for the enJesus Christ, the divine infant as the lightenment of every life on this earth. true Son of Man, Son of God and Our lives when submitted to His King. The tradition of the Church re- love will be filled with the love of veals that with the gifts of gold, frank- God effecting a life transformation incense and myrrh they proclaim the that grace us with the ability to have kingly, priestly and prophetic nature recourse to our Abba Father in order of His vocation. How the Lord Jesus to live a life of joy, fully dependent responded to this three-fold vocation on Him. Therefore, let us surrender through His whole life is quite clear ourselves to this light, claim the good to us. Hence, let us enter into prayer news with new hope, share it with awakening ourselves to the vision others and live for the praise and glory of life and pleading with the Lord to of God. grace us with the ability to respond to The Gospel Proclamation His invitation 'Follow me' throughout this Jubilee Year.

After Jesus had been born at Bethlehem in Judaea during the The First Proclamation reign of King Herod, some wise Arise, shine out Jerusalem, for men came to Jerusalem from the your light has come, the glory of the east. 'Where is the infant king of the Lord is rising on you, though night Jews?' They asked. 'We saw his star still covers the earth and darkness as it rose and have come to do him the peoples. Above you the Lord homage.' When King Herod heard now rises and above you his glory this he was perturbed, and so was appears. The nations come to your the whole of Jerusalem. … Having light and kings to your drawing listened to what the king had to say, brightness. … Everyone in Sheba they set out. … and going into the will come, bringing gold and incense house they saw the child with his and singing the praise of the Lord. mother Mary, and falling to their

Sunday 3rd January 2021

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

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knees they did him homage. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. But they were warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, and returned to their own country by a different way. (Please read the whole proclamation.)

Prayerful Awareness Today we commemorate the Epiphany of Christ the Lord which is a universal manifestation of His being the Savior of the entire world. Manifestation of the divine infant not only to the people of Jerusalem and kings but also to the entire universe does not limit itself simply to this day alone.

Incarnation of Christ is an ongoing event occurring throughout the entire universe. Through Christ, who came to earth to usher in the kingdom of God as the Son of the king, the Priestson and the prophet of prophets, we received inheritance to the kingdom.

Therefore, he is our redeemer, the king of kings. Just as God guided the kings by means of a star, today we are led by the Holy Spirit to encounter Christ, to experience Him. To the extent we awaken ourselves to the Holy Spirit, Christ the Lord will let his glory shine on us, for those who encounter and experience Christ are in a process of life transformation towards divine son-ship. Hence, in the midst of struggle and suffering we are faced with, let us in constant awareness to the Holy Spirit thirst to encounter and experience Christ the Lord.

This mystery that has now been revealed through the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets was unknown to any men in past generations; it means that pagans now share the same inheritance, that they are parts of the same body, and that the same promise has been made to them, in Christ Jesus, through the Gospel.

Prayerful Awareness St. Paul proclaims with dignity the experience he is endowed with through the grace of God. Christ is the only Lord and Master. He is the only begotten Son of God. In Him all of us are co-heirs. Therefore, the community of disciples leading their lives under the guidance of the Holy Spirit are the bearers of Good News of Christ in the New Testament. Thus, Christ is proclaimed to the world through you and me, our family and community which means the Holy Church. Today Christ is calling all of us to fulfill as our responsibility, the kingly, priestly and prophetic mission of Christ flowed down to us through Him. Towards our son-ship We are especially reminded today that the risen Lord Jesus Christ is being manifested to the entire world through you and me, through the community.

Therefore, let us reflect for a moment on our lives. Am I a person through whom, through whose life style, there's access to others to encounter and experience Christ? If not let us make a resolution to turn from where we are, in repentance.

The Second Proclamation

You have probably heard how I have been entrusted by God with the grace he meant for you, and that it was by a revelation that I was given the knowledge of the mystery.

"O Mary the power of the Most High will overshadow you!"

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Monday 4th January 2021 1 John:3/22-4/6 Psalm:2/7-8,10-11 Mathew:4/12-17,23-25

The Gospel Proclamation Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.”

From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought to him all the sick, those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.

(white) Prayerful Awareness The gospel of St. Mathew was written during the second half of the first century in order to encourage the small and fragile community of converted Jews who lived in the region of Galilee and Syria.

The chapter for the gospel reading today says how the universal mission was initiated. In the passage we see how Jesus devoted himself tirelessly to ‘proclaim the good news’ of God’s love and providence.

Jesus began the proclamation of the Good News by going through the whole of Galilee. He does not stop, waiting for people to arrive, but He goes to the people. People bring the sick and the possessed to Him, and Jesus accepts them all and cures them.

This service to the sick forms part of the Good News and reveals the presence of the Kingdom of God. Thus, the fame of Jesus is spread throughout the whole region, going beyond the frontier of Galilee.

Towards our sonship Are we also a light for others?

Today many limit themselves to the Catholic religion. How can we live the universality of salvation?

Repent is a common phrase heard in Christian discussions. What does this really mean? Take some time to examine the meaning of ‘repent’ and its forms, and what it means personally to you.

Prayer Starter Does some darkness also tend at times to pull me down in spirit? Let me open myself to the healing light of Jesus.

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

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Tuesday 5th January 2021 1 John:4/7-10 Psalm:71/1-3,7-8 (72/1-4,7-8) Mark:6/34-44

The First Proclamation Dearly beloved, let us love one another, for charity is of God. And every one that loveth, is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not, knoweth not God: for God is charity. By this hath the charity of God appeared towards us, because God hath sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we may live by him.

In this is charity: not as though we had loved God, but because he hath first loved us, and sent his Son to be a propitiation for our sins.

The Gospel Proclamation And Jesus going out saw a great multitude: and he had compassion on them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things. And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came to him, saying: This is a desert place, and the hour is now past: Send them away, that going into the next villages and towns, they may buy themselves meat to eat.

And he answering said to them: Give you them to eat. And they said to him: Let us go and buy bread for two hundred pence, and we will give them to eat.

And he saith to them: How many loaves have you? Go and see. And when they knew, they say: Five, and two fishes.

And he commanded them that they should make them all sit down

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by companies upon the green grass.

And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds and by fifties. And when he had taken the five loaves, and the two fishes: looking up to heaven, he blessed, and broke the loaves, and gave to his disciples to set before them: and the two fishes he divided among them all.

And they all did eat, and had their fill.

And they took up the leavings, twelve full baskets of fragments, and of the fishes. And they that did eat, were five thousand men.

Prayerful Awareness Let us read today’s Proclamations meditatively, where the central theme is God’s Love for mankind. The Proclamations are self-explanatory, and the key points we can learn from them are as follows: - Salvation is a free gift from God’s grace, and not something we can earn on our own by good works, etc., or anything else.

- The Psalm describes the attributes of the Kingdom of God, which can be experienced by those who come under its jurisdiction, but will be fully applicable after the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ!

- God’s Love encompasses truth, justice and fair play. He will come to the help of the poor and the oppressed, and shall humble the oppressor - God can exceedingly multiply the little that we have if we let go and submit the same to Him for the benefit of those around.

- The ability to be generous and selfless is a gift from Father / Son / Holy Spirit. Those who experience God’s Love want to share it with those around them, and they experience Heaven on Earth thereby!

Amen! Alleluia! Praise the Lord!

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

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Wednesday 6th January 2021 1 John:4/11-18 Psalm:71/1-2,10-13 (72/1-2,10-13) Mark:6/45-52

The Gospel Proclamation Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd.

After saying farewell to them, he went up on the mountain to pray.

When evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the sea. He intended to pass them by. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Then he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased.

And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

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were looking for. Jesus did not come to be a temporal king and His kingdom was and is not of this world. He sensed the danger that lay behind and took action to safeguard His disciples. If Jesus had not taken quick action to curb this latent move, it would have wrecked the Father’s plan for His life.

What a similarity can we see the wind in the lake and the difficulties we face in our lives. He is always there to save us. When we turn to Him we can always see His outstretched hands, ready to save us. Often it would seem as though he would pass by and leave us in our anguish. Here lies the trial of our faith – aimed at testing us.

How alert are we to think of the state of affairs. Sometimes the solutions we ask for our problems are not given, but in His divine providence He gives us better solutions. May we be the lucky ones to hear, “Courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid!” when we breathe our last.

The First Proclamation

... So we have known and believe the love that God has for us.

God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on that day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear Prayerful Awareness has to do with punishment, and Feeding of 5000 men preceded whoever fears has not reached perthis incident. Why was our Lord fection in love. in a big hurry to send his disciples Prayer Starter away- the miracle has produced a big impression. This was in par with their Help us to be always with You and expectations. This was one of the qual- experience Your unconditional Love. ities they expected in the Messiah they Amen.

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Thursday 7th January 2021 1 John:4/19-5/4 Psalm:71/1-2,14-15,17 (72/1-2,14-15,17) Luke:4/14-22

The Gospel Proclamation Jesus, with the power of the Spirit in him, returned to Galilee; and his reputation spread throughout the countryside. He taught in their synagogues and everyone glorified him.....

He stood up to read, and they handed him the scroll of the prophet Isaiah.

Unrolling the scroll he found the place where it is written: The spirit of the Lord is on me, for he has anointed me to bring the good news to the afflicted.

He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives, sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim a year of favour from the Lord. He then rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the assistant and sat down. And all eyes in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to speak to them, 'This text is being fulfilled today even while you are listening.' And he won the approval of all, and they were astonished by the gracious words that came from his lips. They said, 'This is Joseph's son, surely?'

Fix your gaze on Jesus

Our dear Lord Jesus, owning up to his mission went to the synagogue and proclaimed the fulfilment of this promise of the Lord. The prophets had the Holy Spirit of God at times, teaching them what to say, and causing them to say it; but Christ had the Spirit always, without measure, to qualify him, as man, for the work to which he was appointed.

As for us, it is indeed sad to observe

(White) that once you have made it in the world; once material and other blessings of the world becomes ours, our focus shifts from the Lord to the World. Our beliefs shift; instead of seeking solace from the Lord our God, we seek satisfaction from these worldly trappings.

The truth is that the real blessings of peace, harmony, joy, the experience of being loved really arise from the Lord!

Once you shift the focus away from the Lord to the world, ie: prostrate yourself before the world (2nd temptation), your receptiveness to the Good News becomes impaired. Thus, it is the poor that are commonly best disposed to receive the gospel, and are likely to profit from, especially when received with meekness.

To such as are poor in spirit, Christ preached good tidings when he said, Blessed are the meek. Discern; it is not money that is the root of evil, nor power, nor position; the scripture very clearly states that “it is the Love of Money that is the root of evil�. So, what primary loves/desires/expectations guide you on a moment to moment basis? Search for the Truth; and you shall find it. And the Truth shall set you free!

By the dominion of sin in us, we are bound under the power of Satan; but the Son is ready, by his Spirit, to make us free; and then we shall be free indeed.

Sin and Satan were to be destroyed; and Christ triumphed over them on his cross. Let us claim this inheritance of ours today.

Prayer Starter Dearest Lord Jesus, you are triumphant; Satan is powerless. Despite all his cunningness, and ready made traps for humanity, the power lies with You, and therein in Us, your bride. May the Spirit bring us to you; the Way, the Truth, and Life.

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

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Friday 8th January 2021 1 John:5/5-13 Psalm:147/12-15,19-20 Luke:5/12-16

The Gospel Proclamation One day, in another town, a man came to Jesus covered with leprosy.

On seeing Jesus, the man bowed down to the ground and said, “Lord if you want to, you can make me clean. Stretching out his hand, Jesus touched the man and said, “Yes, I want to. Be clean.” In an instant, the leprosy left him. Then Jesus instructed him. “Tell this to no one. But go, and show yourself to the priest; that will serve as evidence for them."

But the news about Jesus spread all the more and large crowds came to him, to listen and to be healed of their sickness. As for Jesus he would often withdraw to solitary places and pray.

Gaze at Jesus It was a time the Jews were in great fear of the disease leprosy. Just to hear of this skin disease caused them great fear. It starts from a small spot, eating away the flesh until the wretched sufferer was left with only a stump of a hand or a leg. It was literally a living death and naturally people rejected and didn’t care for the sick. This made them banished from the society of men and exiled them from home.

They were subjected to wear a bell, so that the people get to know their movements. They were forced to live

(White) in isolation amidst the caves of rocks.

This is the kind of man in their group, who came to Jesus. He was unclean but Jesus touched him. Yes. Jesus touched the untouchable. His hand went to the man from where everyone else would have shrunk away. What did the man say, “Lord, if you are willing to do so you are able.

Cleanse.” “I am willing,” Jesus said.

What a wonder the leprosy left him instantly. What Jesus wanted was to heal him of his sickness, for the sick man had a great faith in Jesus and Jesus knew by this act He is doing the Will of God in order to establish the kingdom of God. It is the very essence of Christianity to touch the untouchable, to love the unlovable and to forgive the unforgivable.

Also, Jesus honoured the prevailing law of Moses, by ordering the man to show himself to the priest and make an offering for cleansing. While depending on good God, we should also do our part. We will never get miracles by neglecting the gifts and wisdom God has given us. When man’s skill is with God’s grace wonders happen.

In the case of the sick man, he took the initiative. He presented himself to Jesus with good faith.

Towards us In facing life situations and circumstances, what is our response? At a time like today when Corona has spread among the nations, what contribution we could make to ease the problem? Most people are suffering mentally, physically and financially.

Isn’t it better to share with the needy what we have no matter how little it is? We should plead to our merciful God ceaselessly to remedy this situation before long.

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

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Saturday 9th January 2021 1 John:5/14-21 Psalm :149:1-6, 9 John:3/22-30

(White) heaven.” (John 3:27) John the Baptist knew that the Bride (People of God) belong to the Bridegroom Jesus Christ. So, to see Jesus in his ministry was a fulfilling experience for him. “... This is how my own happiness is made complete.” (John 3:29)

The Gospel Proclamation

Our Sonship

... Now a discussion about purification arose between John's disciples and a Jew. They came to John and said to him,"Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing, and all are going to him." John answered , "No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ' I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.' He who has the bride is the bridegroom.

The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice.

For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.

As Baptized Christians, we are children of God, which is a grace that comes from God. We are reborn of the spirit when we are baptized and start to experience that grace in total awareness as Christians in the renewal. Which takes us towards repentance and conversion as St. John says; “We know that those who are born of God do not sin, … We know that we are God’s children, ... And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” (1 John 5:18-20) We are called to live in this truth, fully aware and in full understanding through the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit will guide us to repent and to intercede for others and ask God what we need according to his will and to let Jesus increase in ourselves as we decrease.

Prayer Starter

Prayerful Awareness Today in the Gospel reading we see how clear John the Baptist was about God’s will. And he knew that he is just a conduit for God’s grace, a part of God’s plan, a way preparer for the Messiah. Even though at that time John was the Baptizer, as "John the Baptist," the name suggests. He was not jealous of Jesus. He knew that the ritual of baptism is less important than the grace it brings from Heaven.

“No one can receive anything except what has been given from

Dear Lord, grant us the awareness and strength to keep ourselves away from sin and idols…

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

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Sunday 10th January 2021 Isaiah:55/1-11 Psalm: Isaiah:12/2-6 1 John:5/1-9 Mark:1/7-11

Introduction As disciples of Christ following Jesus Christ, it was with Baptism that we started on a Christian lifestyle.

Jesus with his baptism at river Jordan conformed fully to the will of God and set on journeying with Him as the beloved Son of God. As a Christian our vocation too is to engage in His own mission. Through baptism we too are anointed in our kingly, priestly and prophetic vocation for the task of building up the kingdom of God in our social milieu. Let us focus on meditating the word of God for today imploring for the power to witness to the divine son-ship that we have inherited through the anointed power of baptism.

The First Proclamation ‌ See, you will summon a nation you never knew, those unknown will come hurrying to you, for the sake of the Lord your God, of the Holy One of Israel who will glorify you. Seek the Lord while he is still to be found, call to him while he is still near. Let the wicked man abandon his way, the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn back to the Lord who will take pity on him, to our God who is rich in forgiving ...

FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD (Psalter week III) (White) (Please read the whole proclamation) Prayerful Awareness Throughout the 30 years that the Lord Jesus spent in Nazareth, he would have made it a point to read these passages from the Old Testament. If with the anointing of the Holy Spirit at river Jordan he paused to ponder the words of the ancient prophet he would have come face to face with God's own plans and designs. Holy Spirit as a teacher instructed him on the Holy and unique plan of God and guided him to enter into a life style in conformity with that plan. Similarly, the Spirit made Him aware of the mission expected of Him by the Father.

The Gospel Proclamation

‌ It was at this time that Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John.

No sooner had he come up out of the water than he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit, like a dove, descending on him. And a voice came from heaven, 'You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.'

Fix your gaze on Jesus John the Baptist did baptize many at river Jordan but what took place during the baptism of Jesus was quite out of the ordinary. Jesus too came to receive baptism from John the Baptist.

In the Gospel narrative concerning this event, several specific aspects are being revealed to us. First of all we come across heavens torn apart in the presence of Jesus, which means the heaven, where the will of God is totally fulfilled and the moment of total accomplishment of the plan of

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God being open before Jesus. Also, at this moment in which God the Father himself proclaims the mission of Jesus, He himself announced that Jesus is His beloved Son in whom God's overflowing love rests. It was also a moment of revealing to the world the depth of Trinitarian love among the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Accordingly this event far beyond human sense, understanding and intelligence, is an occasion of joining heaven and earth in deep unity and a time of total transformation in Jesus.

The Second Proclamation Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. ... Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth. There are three that testify the Spirit and the water and the blood, and these three agree. If we receive human testimony, the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has testified to his Son. (Please read the whole proclamation) Prayerful Awareness Baptism is a new birth taking place through water and the Spirit. John the Baptist by immersing people in water called them to a new life. Yet when Jesus was baptized it was not the baptism of water that he received. It was a baptism through water and the Spirit of fire. It relates not only to the river Jordan but also to Gethsemane, Cal-

vary and Jerusalem since His passion was at Gethsemane, death on Calvary and then the resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the Upper Room. St. John who experienced all three of these extraordinary events, today, ushers us also into embracing this great truth.

Our son-ship Do I lead a life of a Christ disciple experiencing the inheritance of divine son-ship received through baptism?

Daily occurrences, problems and struggles we come across vary from day to day. Therefore, we do not know exactly what would come before us tomorrow or in the future. Yet, a divine power enabling us to confront all this is bestowed on us through our baptismal vocation. The baptism of Lord Jesus at river Jordan was not a singular event that occurred and was over in a moment. It is a new life that we receive through dying constantly, a participation of divine son-ship that we should live throughout our life, at every moment and give witness to.

Thus we should witness to the anointed power we are endowed with.

It is the power of divine son-ship that enables us to overcome the world, the flesh and the devil that subjects us to power, position and possession and lead the life of a Christ disciple witnessing to this power of divine son-ship. Every member representing the people of God through the power of his baptismal vocation has been endowed with Christian discipleship (Matthew 28:19). Whatever rank or position the baptized hold in the Church, and whatever faith level they are in, all are participants in the work of evangelization. (Gaudium et Spes 120).

Let us reflect on our past journey and concentrate on living out our baptism of the Holy Spirit effectively.

"O Mary the power of the Most High will overshadow you!"

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Monday 11th January 2021 Hebrews:1/1-6 Psalm:96/1-2,6-7,9 (97/1-2,6-7,9) Mark:1/14-20

The Gospel Proclamation After John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee and began preaching the Good News of God. He said, The time has come; the kingdom of God is at hand. Change your ways and believe the Good News.” ... he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” At once, they abandoned their nets and followed him. ... Immediately Jesus called them and they followed him.

Gaze at Jesus

As Jesus left the wilderness and returned to His hometown Galilee, He was fully fledged with God’s love and filled with the power of Holy Spirit.

He had overcome all the temptations he faced there and now. He is well prepared and enlightened with God’s love. He knew that for Him, the hour had come and he had to begin once and for all the journey He had to take.

He has to decide where he would start.

As soon as John the Baptist was taken into prison, Jesus started His mission. John has been engaged in a worthy cause of paving the way of Jesus by preaching the Baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

His words were “I have baptised you with water but the Lord will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.” Jesus lives in the house of Simon, who appears to be the leader of a group of fishermen,

(Green) and from among them Jesus chooses some of his disciples.

Jesus begins His new ministry, proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom of God in the following words, “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand.” There was no need for anymore waiting because they were at the threshold. God had come to us in order to reconcile us, God brings no more law, but only asks to believe in the Word. Jesus. Full of the Spirit and authority declares his maiden invitation, “Follow me.” It is a call to commit themselves to follow Him. They begin their journey leaving behind their families and work. They didn’t know yet what the reign of God would mean, but they trusted Jesus to guide them. This for them was the beginning of faith.

Towards us Jesus is extending the call, ‘Follow me,’ to everyone of us and what is our reaction to this call? In and through this invitation our creator God calls each one of us to know Him and serve Him in a way that is unique. It is for each one of us to be the servants of His kingdom.

If we are faithful to God in little things that he calls us to do everyday, we will find ourselves being transformed. He will transform us into disciples who are capable of making a difference in the world, just as He formed apostles, and prophets we read about in the scripture.

So let us joyfully accept God’s call to us and to know that He is with us in all what we do.

The letter to the Hebrews states that Jesus is God's 'First born'. He is God's son. It then follows that you and I are also His sons/daughters, and like unto Jesus we too have a particular vocation planned out for us by the father.

Let us pray to the Holy Spirit to discern our purpose in life willed by God and the resollve to fulfill the same.

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

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Tuesday 12th January 2021 Hebrews:2/5-12 Psalm:8/2,5,6-9 (8/1,4-8) Mark:1/21-28

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the unclean spirit tearing him, and crying out with a loud voice, went out of him. ... And the fame of him was spread forthwith into all the country of Galilee.

Prayerful Awareness

The First Proclamation For God hath not subjected unto angels the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place hath testified, saying: What is man, that thou art mindful of him: or the son of man, that thou visitest him? ...Thou hast subjected all things under his feet ... But now we see not as yet all things subject to him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour: that, through the grace of God, he might taste death for all.

For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, who had brought many children into glory, to perfect the author of their salvation, by his passion ...

The Gospel Proclamation And they entered into Capharnaum, and forthwith upon the sabbath days going into the synagogue, he taught them. And they were astonished at his doctrine. For he was teaching them as one having power, and not as the scribes.

And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying: What have we to do with thee, Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know who thou art, the Holy One of God. And Jesus threatened him, saying: Speak no more, and go out of the man. And

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 the creation of the material universe/s, knowing that man will abuse the gift of free will given to him, and give his glorious inheritance away for a pittance, thus needing to be redeemed!

The first part of today’s First Proclamation contains the words of today’s Responsorial Psalm which beautifully describes God’s purpose for mankind, i.e. to share His Love as one God Family! The physical creation is a testing ground whereby we can qualify to become God’s (adopted) children (Romans 8:14) and brethren of our Lord Jesus Christ by choice! Before we make that choice we are children of the world, and the scriptures tell us that the ‘god’ of this fallen world is Satan, and we are temporarily lower than the angels (evil spirits are fallen angels!).

But when we become children of God filled with the Holy Spirit we are conquerors with our Lord Jesus Christ, and can order the evil spirts to flee from us and those afflicted by them. And we can call upon God’s holy angels to shield us from evil forces by forming a fence around us as an individual, as a family, as a household, as a neighbourhood, as a community, as a nation, and so on! This protection is available to us even without asking, because of the indwelling Holy Spirit!

Amen! Alleluia! Praise the Lord!

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

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Wednesday 13th January 2021 Hebrews:2/14-18 Psalm:104/1-4,6-9 (105/1-4, 6-9) Mark:1/29-39

(Psalter week I)

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“He helps the descendants of Abraham. This means that He had to be their faithful and merciful High Priest in His service to God, so that the people’s sins would be forgiven.

And now he can help those who are tempted, because He Himself was tempted and suffered.

Prayerful Awareness

The Gospel Proclamation ... That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; ... In the morning ,while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.

And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him,"Everyone is searching for you." He answered, "Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do. And he we went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

The First Proclamation

Jesus destroyed both the power of the devil and the deathly, becoming man and dying for us, He gave us eternal life that was lost due to original sin committed by Adam and Eve. “When a ruler declares war also, although they do not make an explicit declaration themselves... When Adam declared war against God, man declared war too. The tempter was sinful but the One tempted was innocent.

The entire history of the world revolves around two persons, Adam and Christ. Adam was a given position to maintain and he failed. Therefore, his loss was humanity’s loss; for he was its head.” (Archbishop F. J. Sheen) “The devil had power of death as much as death was the result of sin and sin was introduced by him into this world and he is actively engaged in propagating it. Jesus through His death destroyed death. Death for us becomes the crown of life. After our death we can have eternal life. This is due to the death of Jesus Christ.”

(Words of Eternal Life) “In honour of the name of Jesus all beings in haven, on earth, and in the world below will fall on their knees.”(Philippians 2:10)

Since the children, as He calls them, are people of flesh and blood, Jesus Himself became like them and shared their human nature. He did this so that through His death He might destroy the devil, who has Prayer Starter power over death and in this way Thank you Father for giving us a set free those were slaves all their lives because of fear of death. For High Priest who is able to sympathize it is clear that it is not the angels he with us and help us. Amen. helps. Instead as the scripture says, "O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

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Thursday 14th January 2021 Hebrews:3/7-14 Psalm:94/6-11 (95/6-11) Mark:1/40-45

The First Proclamation That is why, as the Holy Spirit says: If only you would listen to him today! Do not harden your hearts, as at the rebellion, as at the time of testing in the desert, when your ancestors challenged me, and put me to the test, and saw what I could do for forty years. ‌ And then in my anger I swore that they would never enter my place of rest. Take care, brothers, that none of you ever has a wicked heart, so unbelieving as to turn away from the living God. Every day, as long as this today lasts, keep encouraging one another so that none of you is hardened by the lure of sin, because we have been granted a share with Christ only if we keep the grasp of our first confidence firm to the end.

Fix your gaze on Jesus

Lord, you bring before us today our eternal issue; that of not seeking your will/desire, of not listening to you when you somehow reach us to correct our thinking, and not heeding your guidance even after we receive/hear them! We prefer to follow our own ways, based on beliefs that promise us 'heaven', but somehow manage to land us in 'hell'.

The devil is a canny deceiver, able beguile us and get us to chase these mirages of happiness and fulfillment, in kneeling at the feet of the World and our Flesh.

In the Gospel today, Jesus affirms to the sick man who calls out to him that he stands ready and willing to heal;

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provided the sick person is receptive to the 'Healing'. Essentially, owning up to being healed, is the choice God desires us to make. It is His true desire; his will is for his children to be whole. For us to be strengthened, uplifted, and empowered, entering in to our destiny of being 'gods', practice at being creative as He is, creating a 'life taste' that is 'Good', is clearly his wish. But, we need to 'reject the 'lure of sin'! Meaning we need to recognise and reject the 'lies' we have come to accept as the truth. The devil has been feeding us and conditioning us to accept many falsehoods; a primary such error being that our happiness is caused by external factors. Therefore, we routinely kneel at the feet of the world seeking happiness and fulfilment.

Such is not the case. St. Paul clearly states this truth in affirming in Philippians 4: 11, 'I have learnt, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content'.

Brethren, please stop projecting the power to provide you with happiness and fulfilment to the out-side. It is in our own internal connection with the 'Living Word' that we create/derive this.

Listen to the word today, ' we have been granted a share with Christ only if we keep the grasp of our first confidence firm'. As Jesus stated, we have God, the Creator, as our ABBA. We are 'Healed', and 'Complete' in His Love. Why should we accept that we are any 'less'?

Prayer Starter Spirit of God, let us enter more and more in to the Truth of our becoming! Jesus proclaimed that we are the 'Children of God'. Our Blessed Mother accepted this and magnified the Lord.

Jesus was/is/will be the First in the Creation, and our mother became the Queen of all. Now it is our turn to become 'gods'. Let us proceed.. encouraging one another so that none of us are hardened by the lure of sin

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

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Friday 15th January 2021 Hebrews:4/1-5,11 Psalm:77/3-4,6-8 (78/3-4,6-8) Mark:2/1-12

The Gospel Proclamation When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men.

Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts?

Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’?

But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth.” ...

Prayerful Awareness

Jesus wanted to heal the paralytic for the great faith the four men who brought him displayed, and said “child your sins are forgiven”. By this, Jesus shows that He has the power to forgive sins. This stirred a criticism among the Scribes who were there and Jesus knew this. This is why He asks: “Which is

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easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’?” Scribes did not accept Jesus as the “Son of God” or the Messiah; they looked to Him as another ordinary person or a prophet.

But, we believe that He is the Son of God, who came down from heaven due to God’s Great love for man. Jesus,

by His passion, death and resurrection defeated death. Yet there are few who cannot believe this, even when there is enough historical evidence of witnesses to whom He appeared after resurrection.

This includes the disciples and followers and the over 500 people to whom He appeared.

He ascended to heaven whilst the disciples were watching. We Christians experience Him, and His presence with us in our day to day life, as our Lord, our Friend and our Helper, and to everyone who accepts Him and follow His Commandments, He intercedes and grants the Holy Spirit from God (John 14:15-17). Holy Spirit reveals to us the Truth of everything and guides us to live pious lives as children of God to bring glory to God through our lives.

First Reading reminds us that “...

We have received the Good News just as our ancestors did. But the word that they heard did not profit them, for they were not united in faith with those who listened. For we who believed enter into that rest (in the promised land), just as He has said. ...”

Prayer Starter Lord Jesus Christ, we accept You as the Son of God, our Saviour and Lord who came down to save us. We love You and seek Your Help to follow all Your Commandments, to receive from You the Spirit of God as a Gift, to live as God’s Children, Thank You Lord, Amen.

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

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Saturday 16th January 2021

SAINT JOSEPH VAZ APOSTLE OF SRI LANKA, SOLEMNITY. (White)

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

The First Proclamation How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, Who announces salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns."

Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see the return of the LORD to Zion....The LORD has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. The Gospel Proclamation And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.� So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and proclaimed the good news everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that accompanied it.

Saint's life Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Joseph Vaz, the Saint of Sri Lanka from Goa. His life is a great example for us. Saint Joseph Vaz teaches us, genuine worship of God bears fruit not in discrimination, hatred and violence, but in respect for the sacredness of life, respect for the dignity and freedom of others, and loving commitment to the welfare of all.

Prayerful Awareness Today the First Reading from Isaiah follows closely on the waiting of people for the messenger who announces the return of the Lord. The news is stated in cosmic terms, "Your God reigns!" Once again, we encounter the realignment of all earthly power and authority. In the Second Reading Paul gives an incredibly moving, heart-felt farewell speech.

Paul, no matter what the obstacle, follows the will of God and serves Christ and the community.

This model of discipleship is something all followers of Christ need to emulate. The Gospel Reading forms part of the appendix of the Gospel of Mark which presents a list of some apparitions of Jesus; to Magdalene, to the two disciples who were walking out in the country and to the twelve apostles.

Towards our sonship The Gospel speaks of some signs of God's presence. How do these signs take place in my life? What are the signs of the presence of Jesus in our midst that convince people the most today?

Do I proclaim the Gospel through my words and actions every day, or just sometimes?

Prayer Starter I pray for the church in our days that it may be faithful and courageous as it carries the message of Jesus to the whole world. Amen!

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

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SECOND SUNDAY OF ORDINARY (Green) TIME (Psalter week II) and lie down.' So he went and lay 1 Samuel:3/3-10,19 down. ‌ Samuel had not yet been Psalm:39/2,4,7-10 revealed to him. Once again the (40/1,3,6-9) Lord called, the third time. He got Corinthians:6/13-15, up and went to Eli and said, 'Here 17-20 I am, since you called me.' Eli then understood that it was the Lord who John:1/35-42 was calling the boy, and he said to Samuel, 'Go and lie down, and if someone calls say, "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening ."' ‌ The Lord then came and stood by, calling as he had done before, 'Samuel!

Samuel!' Samuel answered, 'Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.'

Introduction Samuel grew up and the Lord was We have been chosen by the Lord with him and let no word of his fall even from before we were conceived to the ground. in our mother's womb. That is in accordance with "You did not choose me Prayerful Awareness but I chose you" (John 15:16) which Arc of the covenant is a wooden was further confirmed at our baptism for since that time the three persons box in which the two stone tablets of of the Trinity have come to dwell Law had been placed. Further, accordin us. Thereon, while we are in the ing to the Law of Moses there had to state of children of God we are also be a lamp lighting day and night. The endowed with the grace of responding place was the Holy of Holies where to the vocation of kingly, priestly and Samuel had been sleeping. God spoke prophetic ministry, a vocation of no to him there, He called him by name minor importance since we have been and he heard the voice. Thus, Samuel called for the purpose of the kingdom was appointed as a prophet over the of God. Therefore, let us thirst and whole of Israel. commit ourselves for the cause of Moreover, a prophet should be the kingdom, of responding to our a person who not only listens to the vocation. And let us enter into prayer voice of the Lord and communicate beseeching the much needed power of it to the people but also leading a the Holy Spirit. life pleasing to God. He commits his whole life for the cause of the The First Proclamation kingdom and enters into a life of total Samuel was lying in the sanc- dedication. Dying to or experiencing tuary of the Lord where the ark death to one's own will and desires, of God was, when the Lord called, he turns into a person in tune with 'Samuel! Samuel!' He answered, the voice of God, to which he submits 'Here I am.' Then he ran to Eli and himself and gives witness. Today, do said, "Here I am, since you called we hear His voice and do we give a me.' Eli said, 'I did not call. Go back positive response?

Sunday 17th January 2021

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

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The Second Proclamation “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food,” and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is meant not for fornication but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Should I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never!

But anyone united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. ... Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.

Prayerful Awareness St. Paul states that the body of the believer is the temple of the Spirit.

Some of the Christian faithful were under the impression that fornication was not wrong and that they have the freedom to do whatever they like. St. Paul speaking against this mentality proclaims that each one's life is a dwelling place for God. And he affirms that if God is to dwell in us, there should be a worthy atmosphere. Further he shows that a Christian, a Christ follower, should not use either his will or his desires unbecomingly but commit himself sincerely to the Lord. If we are a son or a daughter of God, we should dedicate ourselves for his service to which St. Paul awakens the community.

The Gospel Proclamation As John stood with two of his disciples, Jesus passed, and John stared hard at him and said, 'Look,

there is the lamb of God.' Hearing this, the two disciples followed Jesus. Jesus turned round, saw them following and said, 'What do you want?' They answered, 'Rabbi,…. where do you live?' 'Come and see he replied.'…

Prayerful Awareness Paying heed to what John the Baptist said, his two disciples follow the Lord and moreover commit themselves to the cause of the kingdom and make haste to share their experience with the brother. They bring him also to the Lord and they acknowledge Christ the Lord as the Saviour and Redeemer. Further, Our Lord looking at Peter gives him a new name, 'Cephas' which means the rock. Thus our Lord dedicates him for the cause of the Kingdom and they start living with Jesus. And since they became his disciples they would have been thus influenced by His relationship with the Father as well as His own words and actions.

My Son-ship "God chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him" (Ephesians 1:4). The One who called us did so, not considering our talents, capabilities and stature. He chose us because it was his choice for which he needed us.

He does not care about our flaws and defects. Hence, let us praise him for choosing us to be Christians. Our vocation is no small matter since it is to be co-heirs with Christ the Lord, to be sons and daughters of the kingdom.

Therefore, let us totally commit ourselves for the cause of the kingdom.

"O Mary the power of the Most High will overshadow you!"

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Monday 18th January 2021 Hebrews:5/1-10 Psalm:109/1-4 (110/1-4) Mark:2/18-22

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

As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day. “No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak; otherwise, the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.”

Prayerful Awareness

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in the temple as if they were higher and unreachable to the common people.

Jesus was asked why his disciples didn’t follow the same; a trick question to imply that Jesus did not follow the laws of God. However, Jesus replied saying “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins.. but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins”. Jesus saw how following the laws for the sake of laws had people do them while their hearts were cold and unmoved. The new commandment that Jesus established of prioritizing, loving our neighbor, didn’t suit the old mindset.

The metaphor told by Jesus of having to fast in the absence of the bridegroom, similar to how we fast during Lent, shows that it holds great meaning in times of darkness, than doing it for a sake of a tradition. We too often try to think of ourselves as good Christians by keeping to the obligatory traditions of the church. However, Jesus, Son of God, knew what pleased the Father.

People can offer sacrifices and go to Holy Mass everyday but what’s the use, if their hearts are closed to God’s influence and they do not love their neighbour? Jesus corrected the purpose behind everything, to love. Afterall God himself is Love and cannot dwell where there is no love.

Jesus never rejected these traditions that help us grow close to God. Community life cannot be without the strengthening and coaxing of traditions, and traditions are meaningless if we do not live a life united with the community. "First be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift." (Mathew 5:24) Prayer Starter

To the Pharisees, fasting and following other rules made them more pious in the eyes of God. And contrasting to what Jesus said about how fasting should be, they fasted explicitly so that it would gain the respect and awe of others. They avoided the life of engaging and looking into the present needs of a community and instead followed ceremonial law. It is ironic that while God Himself came down to the Lord, help us to realize the true streets, walked with different people intentions with which we act. Tune our and healed them of blindness, sickness hearts into your own so that whatever and demons, Pharisees stayed righteous we do, be out of love. Amen.

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

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Tuesday 19th January 2021 Hebrews:6/10-20 Psalm:110/1-2,4-5,9-10 (111/1-2,4-5,9-10) Mark:2/23-28 The Gospel Proclamation As Jesus was passing through a field of grain on the sabbath, his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain. At this the Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” He said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and he and his companions were hungry? How he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest and ate the bread of offering that only the priests could lawfully eat, and shared it with his companions?” Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.”

Prayerful Awareness Disciples picked and ate heads of grain on their way on a Sabbath day, as they were hungry, and the Pharisees said “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” Jesus said to them, David took the sacred bread of the temple and gave it to the soldiers to eat because they were hungry (1 Samuel 21:2-7), and explains to them that, “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

Sometimes, we also may tell others to do certain thing only because that has been the practice, without a proper meaning to it. “God blessed the seventh day and made it holy” (Genesis 2: 3), “Do not carry burdens on the Sabbath

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day” (Jeremiah 17: 21) and “Take care to keep Sabbath as a token between Him and man throughout generations to show that it is Lord God who makes man holy”(Exodus 31:13). Sabbath day is for man to stop his normal work and spend the day holy. It is not holy to judge another. In the Rules of Conduct given to Moses by Lord God it is said “You shall not act dishonestly in rendering judgment. Show neither partiality to the weak nor difference to the mighty, but judge your fellow men justly ” (Leviticus 19 : 15). Jesus said in Mathew 12:11, “which one of you who has a sheep that falls into a pit on the Sabbath will not take hold of it and lift it out?”. Do we show love to others like Jesus loves us? This is why Jesus said “come to me and be free”. If we are with Jesus, we should not hurt anyone in anyway and do everything with God’s pure love and Mercy, helping others who are in need.

First Reading tells us “God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love you have demonstrated for his name by having served and continuing to serve the holy ones. ... demonstrate the same eagerness for the fulfillment of hope until the end, so that you may not become sluggish, but imitators of those who, through faith and patience, are inheriting the promises. ..." (Please read Heb 6 : upto 20) And it reminds us never to lose faith and to pray continuously, as God always fulfills His promises at the time it is right for Him, as He knows everything.

Prayer Starter Lord Jesus Christ, Intercede for us and grant us the Spirit of God to have Wisdom to rise above worldly procedures that may prevent us from loving, serving, praising and glorifying you.

Help us to love everyone as You have Loved us. Thank You, Jesus, Amen

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Wednesday 20th January 2021

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is therefore not contrary to the holy nature of the Sabbath, but endorses or underlines it. “Many answers were made to the leaders of the people about healing on the Sabbath. He recalled the teaching of the prophets that holy things were of secondary importance compared with the benefit of God’s people; afterward, He appealed to the law, to show that the Sabbath was secondary to the work of the sanctuary.

The implication was that there stood The Gospel Proclamation among them One greater than the sancThen Jesus went back to the tuary. Again He said that the Sabbath synagogue, where there was a man was made for man and not man for the who had a paralysed hand. Some Sabbath.” (Archbishop F. J. Sheen) people were there who wanted to accuse Jesus of doing wrong; so they Responsorial Psalm watched Him closely to see whether He would heal the man on the SabThe LORD says to my Lord, "Sit bath. Jesus said to the man, “Come at my right hand until l make your up here to the front.” Then He asked enemies your footstool." the people, “What does our law The LORD sends out from Zion allow us to do on the Sabbath, to your mighty scepter. Rule in the help or to harm, to save man’s life midst of your foes. or to destroy it?” But they did not Your people will offer themselves say a thing. Jesus looked round at willingly on the day you lead your them, but at the same time He felt sorry for them, because they were forces on the holy mountains. From so stubborn and wrong. Then He the womb of the morning, like dew, said to the man, “Stretch out your your youth will come to you.

The LORD has sworn and will hand.” He stretched it out, and it became well again. So the Pharisees not change his mind, "You are a left the synagogue and met at once priest forever according to the order with some members of Herod’s par- of Melchizedek." ty, and they made plans to kill Jesus.

Prayer Starter Prayerful Awareness Open our eyes, O lord, to see and Seven times Our Lord worked mir- take action in love to alleviate the acles on the Sabbath day. Why did He sufferings of the poor irrespective of work some of His miracles on the Sab- the day and hour. Amen. bath day? He did so not to violate the sacred character of the day dedicated to God, but to show, demonstrate that the holy day is marked in a particular way by God’s salvific work. This work is aimed at the welfare of mankind and Hebrews:7/1-3,15-17 Psalm:109/1-4 (110/1-4) Mark:3/1-6

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Thursday 21st January 2021 Hebrews:7/25-8/6 Psalm:39/7-10,17 (40/7-9,17) Mark:3/7-12

The First Proclamation

St. Agnes,Virgin & Martyr, memorial (Red)

tremendous suffering while refusing to hate. It demands that we keep our hearts open to those who wish to slam them shut. It means offering to open up a relationship with people who hate us, despise us, and wish to destroy us”.

Those that will open up to this eternal call to embrace God's love and care are becoming 'Holy', and shall experience what St. Catherine of Siena expressed as, “Every Step of the Way to Heaven, is Heaven”. You will experience that God in the guise of the Spirit is constantly abiding within, you will become more and more receptive to that 'small voice' affirming your 'Sonship' in the Lord, and his approval towards your loving responses to all that life brings before you! The Living Word becomes your Master, guiding and channelling your life experiences, as you meditate there-upon.

Prayerful Awareness

It follows, then, that his power to save those who come to God through him is absolute, since he lives forever to intercede for them. Such is the high priest that met our need, holy, innocent and uncontaminated, set apart from sinners, and raised up above the heavens; he has no need to offer sacrifices every day, as the high priests do, first for their own sins and only then for those of the people; this he did once and for all by offering himself.

The Law appoints high priests who We have accepted error in to our are men subject to weakness; but the promise on oath, which came after belief systems. To the degree that we may believe that we know the 'truth', the Law, … and 'what is right', to that degree we are Fix your gaze on Jesus blind. In facing the trials and tribulations O Holy Lord, bring us before Thy of life, we are called upon to become redeeming Word; help us understand aware of the forces that we employ and experience Your Kingdom! The (mostly unconsciously / habitually), Gospel is the succinct Love Message of and learn to wield the power we are the Lord; all the graces and comforts of given for the Good of All. So long as the Gospel spring from Christ, the Liv- we trust the Lord, our Holy High Priest, ing Word, our High Priest. It is the Word we will allow this process of gradual that brings life, nurtures and protects. awakening to unfold; and the Spirit of God keeps for himself a Holy seed. the Lord will guide you towards the Process Theology affirms that it is this Truth. This process teaches us to wield 'Personal Relationship' that Christ has the creative power the Lord has gifted with each one of us, that finally wins us, us responsibly. This, our Blessed Mother the prodigals over, back in to the bosom did! Alleluia to the Great King! of the divine Creator. Quoting the wiki, Prayer Starter “Relational power takes great strength.

O Jesus, our Holy High Priest, we In stark contrast to unilateral power, the radical manifestations of relational pow- stand abased before You; You are taker are found in people like Martin Luther ing away our shame; the sin we have King, Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, and Jesus. entertained. Coach us in Your ways of It requires the willingness to endure Righteousness.

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Friday 22nd January 2021

Hebrews:8/6-13 Psalm:84/8,10-14 (85/7,9-13) Mark:3/13-19

The First Proclamation But Jesus has now obtained a more excellent ministry, and to that degree he is the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted through better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need to look for a second one ... For I will be merciful towards their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.

In speaking of "a new covenant,"he has made the first one obsolete. And what is obsolete and growing old will soon disappear.

The Gospel Proclamation Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

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Prayerful Awareness This passage of scripture says Jesus invited these men of His choice to his service so that they might be with him to carry his message to the world.

Christianity began with a group and it is a faith that had to be discovered and lived out in fellowship. It bound men to their fellows and presented them with a task of living with each other for each other. Fellowship was important; so one cannot say he is a Christian but not get involved with other Christians, either because they are not from the same social standing or education. Christianity began with a mixed group. Mathew was a tax collector and therefore an outcast and a traitor to his people. Simon was a zealot, a violent nationalist, pledged even to murder to free his country from outsiders.

But they all came together, because they lived with Jesus. They had no education, no wealth, nor did they hold high positions in society, but Jesus chose them to be his disciples.

They were drawn to Jesus. They had the courage to follow Jesus who was breaking all the rules of the orthodox leaders at the time. But they believed in Jesus and staked their hope on Jesus and weren’t afraid to tell the world that they loved him and proved it by dying for him. The way they lived their lives and the message they took to the world changed the world.

Prayer

We thank and praise you Lord for your disciples who carried your message of salvation to the world at a time when there were no newspapers or typewriters or internet, TV or telephone and gave us gentiles the opportunity to come to know you and your saving grace.

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Saturday 23rd January 2021

Hebrews:9/2-3,11-14 Psalm:46/2-3,6-9 (47/2-3,6-9) Mark:3/20-21

The Gospel Proclamation Jesus came home. Again the crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat. When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”

Saint for the day St. Marianne Cope, also known as Saint Marianne of Moloka'i. Feast day : January 23; Patron: of lepers, outcasts, those with HIV/AIDS, the Hawai i.

Born in Germany on January 23, 1838.

She was baptized Maria Anna Barbara Koob, later changed to Cope. Just a year after her birth, her family emigrated to the United States, settling in Utica. New York. Cope attended a parish school until she reached the eighth grade. By that time, her father had become an invalid and she went to work in a factory to support the family. Her father died in 1862. This with her sibling’s maturity permitted her to become a novitiate of the Sisters of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis based in Syracuse, New York. She took the name Marianne when she completed her formation. By 1883, Mother Marianne Cope had become the Superior General of her congregation. It was at this time she received a plea for help from leprosy sufferers in Hawaii, asking for aid in treating patients who were isolated on the island of Moloka'I, and had already been declined by more than 50 other religious institutes. Mother Marianne, as she was then known, left Syracuse with six sisters to attend to the sick, and arrived on November 8, 1883.

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She spent much of her life with lepers on the island of Moloka'i. She passed away on the 9th of August 1918. She was beatified in 2005 and declared a saint by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012 .

Prayerful Awareness Jesus came home (His second home at Peter’s house, from where He went out to preach the Word) in Capernaum.

A crowd gathered making it impossible for them to eat. His relatives could not understand what He was doing. Jesus knew why He came down to this earth, to teach the Word of God, face rejection from the privileged groups, go through a passion and face death to pay for man’s sins to fulfill God the Father’s will to save all who accept the Word and change. Only those who accepted Jesus as to who He is and why He is here could understand what He was doing.

This is why Jesus told Nicadomus that “no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit” ( John 3 : 5 ).

The First Proclamation ... When Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come to be, passing through the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made by hands, that is, not belonging to this creation, he entered once for all into the sanctuary, not with the blood of goats and calves but with his own Blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption ... How much more will the Blood of Christ, who through the eternal spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works to worship God? Prayer Starter Lord Jesus Christ, Please intercede for us in the presence of God the Father, and Help us and Guide us to live our lives as pious following Your Commandments, Amen

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THIRD SUNDAY OF ORDINARY Sunday 24th January 2021

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in obedience to the word of the Jonah:3/1-5,10 Lord. Now Nineveh was a city great Psalm:24/4-9 beyond compare; it took three days (25/4-9) to cross it. Jonah went on into the 1 Corinthians:7/29-31 city, making a day's journey. He preached in these words, 'Only forty Mark:1/14-20 days more and Nineveh is going to be destroyed.' And the people of Nineveh believed in God; they proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least. God saw their efforts to renounce their evil behavior. And God relented: he did not inflict on them the disaster which he had threatened.

Introduction Prayerful Awareness By virtue of our Baptismal vocation, we who have been called to a life Prophet Jonah came to know that of Christian discipleship are given an God is a God of total compassion, invitation by the Lord Jesus to follow willing to forgive but despises sin for him. 'Come follow me.' As we step on which reason he invites the people to to the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, turn in repentance. The decision to Holy Mother the Church extends an repent, to experience total transforinvitation for us to believe in the mation is of utmost importance. "Only Gospel and transform our lives. The forty days more and Nineveh is going first proclamation of the day spells out to be destroyed" is a warning by Jonah how the message of God delivered by to the people. The Ninevites being unProphet Jonah to the Ninevites influ- faithful to the Law leading an immoral enced them to abandon their sinful life was considered sinful. People with ways and turn in repentance, and the such a lifestyle not only said, 'Amen' resulting marvelous deed. Even St. to the word of God but with an attituPaul's statement through the second dinal change in repentance turned to proclamation is the passing nature of God. The love of God who saw this what is in existence. Through the holy was so powerful as to deliver them proclamations we are called to believe from the intended disaster. in the Gospel, repent and change. Let us pray today, for the power to let go The Second Proclamation of everything and follow the Lord.

Brothers: our time is growing short. Those who have wives should live as though they had none, and The First Proclamation those who mourn should live as The word of the Lord was though they had nothing to mourn addressed to Jonah: 'Up!' he said for; those who are enjoying life 'Go to Nineveh, the great city, and should live as though there were preach to them as I told you to.' nothing to laugh about; those whose Jonah set out and went to Nineveh "O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

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life is buying things should live as though they had nothing of their own; and those who have to deal with the world should not become engrossed in it. I say this because the world as we know it, is passing away.

Prayerful Awareness St. Paul with his claim on Jesus Christ who was longing to claim the Father in his desire to fully glorify everything that is transient invites the Corinthian community to labour for the other worldly that surpasses what is material. In the same vein, he gives guidance to turn to God without being attached or engrossed in any person or thing. Thus, he invites us to give first place to Jesus Christ instead of the people we have loved much till now with the example he set before us in belonging to God after considering everything in his life being merely rubbish.

The Gospel Proclamation After John had been arrested, Jesus went into Galilee. There he proclaimed the Good News from God. 'The time has come,' he said 'and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the Good News. As he was walking along by the Sea of Galilee he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net in the lake – for they were fishermen.

And Jesus said to them, 'Follow me and I will make you into fishers of men.' And at once they left their nets and followed him. ... (Please read the whole proclamation.)

the kingdom of God is close at hand.

Repent and believe the Good News."

The kingdom of God is where the will of God and his authority reigns. In Christ was the fulfilment of the will of God and his authority. A transformation would have taken place in the hearts of the disciples who heard the voice of Jesus the Lord calling 'come follow me.' And that was why they were able to let go of everything and follow him instantly.

Towards us Wherever there is submission to the immense love of God, there the kingdom of God will manifest. Also wherever there is change of heart in repentance there too will manifest the kingdom of God. Today, this invitation is for us as well. Let us be mindful for a moment to follow Christ in repentance. Let us repent and turn to Him and follow Christ who fully comprehended the divine plan of filling the entire universe with the glory of God to claim the glory inherent to us.

Prayer Starter

Lord, make me know your ways.

Lord, teach me your paths.

Make me walk in your truth, and teach me: for you are God my savior.

For you I wait all the day-long (Psalm 24:4-5).

Prayerful Awareness Kingdom of God has been dawned in and through our Lord Jesus Christ who says, "The time has come and

"O Mary the power of the Most High will overshadow you!"

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Monday 25th January 2021

FEAST OF THE CONVERSION OF (White) ST. POUL THE APOSTLE

Acts:22/3-16(OR 9/1-22 ) Psalm:116/1-2 (117/1-2) Mark: 16/15-18 The First Proclamation "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up here in Jerusalem as a student of Gamaliel. ... I persecuted to death the people who followed this Way. I arrested men and women and threw them into prison. The High Priest and the whole Council can prove that I am telling the truth. I received from them letters written to fellow Jews in Damascus, so I went there to arrest these people and bring them back in chains to Jerusalem to be punished. "As I was traveling and coming near Damascus, about midday a bright light from the sky flashed suddenly around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, "Saul, Saul! Why do you persecute me?' "Who are you, Lord?'

I asked. "I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you persecute,' he said to me.

The men with me saw the light, but did not hear the voice of the one who was speaking to me. I asked, "What shall I do, Lord?' and the Lord said to me, "Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told everything that God has determined for you to do.' I was blind because of the bright light, and so my companions took me by the hand and led me into Damascus. "In that city was a man named Ananias, a religious man who obeyed our Law and was highly respected by all the Jews living there. He came to me, stood by me, and said, "Brother Saul, see again!' At that very moment I saw again and looked at him. He

said, "The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will, to see his righteous Servant, and to hear him speaking with his own voice. For you will be a witness for him to tell everyone what you have seen and heard. ...

Get up and be baptized and have your sins washed away by praying to him."

The Gospel Proclamation He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; ...

Prayerful Awareness

We, the church has been commanded by Jesus to tell others about the good news of salvation. Tell all who haven’t heard about forgiveness, repentance and eternal life that it is available to them.

We need to ask ourselves whether we are doing our duty and being obedient to him. We live in a country with several religious beliefs therefore we need the help of the Holy Spirit to give us the opportunity to speak about Him and when the opportunity arises that we will be bold like His disciples to proclaim the Good News of Salvation as expected of us.

Prayer 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 saviour. Amen!

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Tuesday 26th January 2021 2 Timothy:1/1-8 OR Titus:1/1-5 Psalm:95/1-3,7-8,10 (96/1-3,7-8,10) Luke:10/1-9 (OR Mark: 3/31-35)

The Gospel proclamation After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; ... for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you. But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.’

Prayerful Awareness Jesus in the gospel today sends out 72 defining the aspect of discipleship which is a result of their relationship with Jesus. In union with Jesus, God nurtures us to experience spirituality, a sense of abundance and joy. In return, God wants us to share it with others.

Therefore, our faith in God deliver us to act, by helping others into a relationship with Christ. The website, “Catholic cul-

Sts. Timothy & Titus, bishops.

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ture.org” defines mission as “sending”.

It expresses the idea of going from one person to another which has a beneficial effect or a change that is in the favour of the receiver. God loved the world so much, He sent Jesus to the world. The Bible also says, the Holy Spirit led Jesus in the mission of God. In union with the Holy Spirit, Jesus led the disciples to spread the Good News thereafter.

The Trinitarian aspect of the Holy Spirit is active in the lay community today through Pubuduwa leading them into mission.

Our Sonship Church celebrates the feast of St. Timothy and St Titus today reminding the aspect of mission in our Christian lives. Timothy and Titus were close friends of St Paul. The two letters to Timothy and Tutus, St. Paul speaks about the vulnerabilities of the communities they were serving. Just as Jesus said to the 72, be in the house where you are received, St Paul tells his two friends, the need to be with the community to nurture them. Nurturing is a gift of the Holy Spirit and it emphasizes the need to be in a relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Those in mission know that Holy Spirit is the guide who reveals the truth.

Truth by way of Jesus and He reveals the sinful desires that drives us. Therefore, Jesus warns the 72 that some may not welcome you. St Paul who was continually led by the Holy Spirit was not afraid to talk about his own weaknesses and addressed the weaknesses in each community. Accepting the Good News to be cleansed by the precious blood of Jesus into Holiness is the Good News.

Prayer Starter Our Christian call is to the glory of God!

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Wednesday 27th January 2021

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Kingdom in human life. Thus He certainly knew the reality, the limitations and the weaknesses of human life as he came to the earth as a perfect Son of Man. He knew how serious the battle to follow the word and do God’s will is.

Further, Jesus also teaches how we should respond to the word of God; how man can answer the call from God. He reminds us that we must move from The Gospel Proclamation where we are now to where we should ... He taught them at length in be. It is not like to be a seed that has fallparables, and in the course of his en on the path or on the rocky ground or instruction he said to them, “Hear among thorns but to fall on a rich soil in this! A sower went out to sow. ... The our heart, and to grow and to be fruitful sower sows the word. Some are fallen by answering the call of God. No matter on the rocks, some on the path and what experience and abilities we have, some among thorns. As soon as they He expects us to respond to His call receive the Word, Satan comes and from wherever we are, to be fruitful takes away the word sown for them. and to unite people to His kingdom, by ... But those sown on rich soil are the proclaiming the God's Word to the ends ones who hear the word and accept it of the earth that they may bear fruits and bear fruits thirty and sixty and a thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold from the hundredfold.” (Please read the entire seed that fell in the fertile ground. To be such a person we need the guidance Bible passage). of Holy Spirit.

Prayerful Awareness From the First Reading, Jesus When Jesus preached about the Christ made the greatest sacrifice of kingdom of God to the people, He used all, through His own sacrifice. It is not parables that were close to the daily like an ancient sacrifice where the high lives of the people in Jewish society priests had offered animals. Jesus, Himat that time. He wanted to teach the self was the sacrifice; it is His sacred people about the kingdom of God in blood which paid the price for all sins. the same way that He has experienced Therefore we should repent for our sins the Kingdom. and weaknesses. Only a true repentant In the parable of sower, Jesus taught can receive the salvation. about how the word of God works Prayer Starter among the people. The seed, the word Holy Spirit, give us the guidance of God, is sowed by the Preacher to the soil, the hearts of people. It will grow we need to move, from where we are and bear fruits according to the soil, to where we need to be. Give us the the status of the heart and soul of the strength to answer God’s call. Grant person who hears it. Looking at the in- us abundantly your power to overcome terpretation of the parable, Jesus clearly challenges. Help us as you helped Jesus explains the various states of minds of to do the Abba Father's will at that time. human beings through the places where Prepare our hearts and souls to receive the seeds had fallen. He also explains and bear fruits. Amen! the challenges of witnessing to God's

Hebrews:10/11-18 Psalm:109/1-4 (110/1-4) Mark:4/1-20

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St. Thomas Aquinas, Priest & Doctor, (White) memorial. spirit and experienced the kingdom Hebrews:10/19-25 of God to the fullest. Main reason Psalm:23/1-6 behind it was that Jesus listened to God every day. Kingdom of God that (24/1-6) Jesus experienced (the light) could Mark: 4/21-25 not be concealed it illuminated many hearts. This light dispelled the darkness, which is the purpose of lighting a light. As Jesus drew near to God day by day spiritual gifts Jesus experienced came in to practice. Blessings The Gospel Proclamation received by people through Jesus was He said to them "Is a lamp immeasurable. brought in to be put under the Prayerful awareness bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand? For Do we frequently draw near to there is nothing hidden, except to God through his word and prayer?. be disclosed; nor is anything secret, Our knowledge of God, our sensitivexcept to come to light. Let anyone ity and awareness of spiritual matters with ears to hear, listen! And he said can die and disappear if we cease to to them, "Pay attention to what you listen God. The more carefully we give hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more attention to the teachings of God the will be given to you. For to those more we practice and understand and who have, more will be given; and it makes a difference in our capacity from those who have nothing, even to hear next time. Now the question what they have will be taken away." is, are we sharing what we have been given? Today Jesus promises us that “Anyone who has, will be given The First Proclamation more”.

Therefore, my friends, since we Letter to the Hebrew declares that have confidence to enter to the sancthe old sacrifices were ineffective and tuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened only the Christ’s spiritual sacrifice can for us through the curtain (that is, sanctify mankind. With this sanctifithrough his flesh), and since we have cation now we have the confidence a great priest over the house of God, to enter the holy place by the blood let us approach with a true heart of Jesus.

Today we are called to draw near to in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil God in full assurance of faith. Without conscience and our bodies washed faith it is impossible to please God. with pure water. Let us hold fast to The better we know Jesus as revealed the confession of our hope without in his word, the more we will trust wavering, for he who has promised him. is faithful. ...

Gaze at Jesus Thursday 28th January 2021

Jesus was filled with the holy "O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

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Friday 29th January 2021 Hebrews:10/32-39 Psalm:36/3-6,23-24, 39-40 (37/3-6,23-24, 39-40) Mark: 4/26-34

The Gospel Proclamation He also said, "The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come. ... With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples.

Prayerful Awareness In the Gospel today, we reflect on two parables describing the Kingdom of God. Jesus takes two examples of nature in day-to-day life. One is the growing seed and the other, the mustard seed. Both of these seeds are insignificant when you see it as a seed but it brings great results when given the proper environment to grow. The Kingdom of God grows in the hearts of the faithful in secret and only can be seen when it bears fruit. And soon as it starts to bear fruit, it is the harvest

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season. It is time for action in ministry.

Similarly, In the First reading St. Paul talks about the hardships they underwent in the earlier days and yet how they endured it, and what a great reward that is waiting for those who do the will of God. And it will not delay; “in a very little while, the one who is coming will come and will not delay; but my righteous one will live by faith. My soul takes no pleasure in anyone who shrinks back.� (Hebrews 10:37-38) Our Sonship As we reflected today in the scriptures, we too have to go through a hard transformation as the seed does before it can bear fruit. And we have to remain in God as we go through this transformation as we saw in the first reading. And it is important to have that environment of nourishment and community. So that we can endure the challenges and persecution directed at us by the world.

So, we too must grow in faith, in secret as we become more and more aware of ourselves and the Holy Spirit. We need to let Him mould us so that we could face the world and not shrink in the face of persecution.

Prayer Starter The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their refuge in the time of trouble.

The Lord helps them and rescues them; he rescues them from the wicked, and saves them, because they take refuge in him (Psalm 37/39-40)

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Saturday 30th January 2021 Hebrews:11/1-2,8-19 Psalm: Luke:1/69-75 Mark: 4/35-41

The First Proclamation

(Green)

decision was not at all logical and most contrary to human wisdom. Yet right throughout his life he experienced the hand of God, by whom he was called, leading him as a man, who did not allow the fear of losing his son, to hinder his right response.

The Responsorial Psalm presents Jesus Christ who was pre-figured by Isaac and His forerunner John the Baptist who did not let the fear of death to hinder his right response to God. The Gospel narrative of calming the storm ends with an intriguing but important remark from Jesus (Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?).

Many people witnessed Jesus' miracles but only a few had faith in him.

According to Mark, true faith is based on the recognition of the authority of the person of Jesus Christ, on his God given identity. Father did not sent His Son to be merely a miracle worker but to drive away our fears, unite man with God and orient him towards giving the correct response.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old received divine approval. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place which he was to receive as an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was to go.

By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, ‌ By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was ready to offer his only son, of whom it was said, "Through Isaac shall your descendants be named."

Towards our son-ship He considered that God was able to raise men even from the dead; hence, As children of God we too are figuratively speaking, he did receive called to give a positive response to him back.

God. What are my fears that hinder this response? What am I afraid of? What do Prayerful Awareness I fear losing? How much does fear lead The writer to the Hebrews spells out me to take the wrong path according his conviction on faith languidly taking to worldly standards? Let us ponder examples from the Old Testament. for a while and enter into the presence Abraham the Father of faith, paying of our Saviour. Let us experience his heed to the voice of God set forth on presence and hear him whispering to a journey on most unfamiliar grounds. our ears, 'Fear not.'

He left his own territory, his inheritance Throughout the day and stepped on to an known future believing in God to fulfill His promises, Let the soothing voice of the Lord having the assurance of things hoped Jesus 'fear not' echo in our hearts and for, the conviction of things not seen. minds throughout the day.

His journey was full of obstacles and challenges. He had to travel through the desert to a land where the inhabitants were said to be hard and tough. His "O MARY! THE POWER OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL OVERSHADOW YOU"

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FOURTH SUNDAY, OF ORDINARY (Green) TIME (Psalter Week IV) Deuteronomy:18/15-20 brothers; I will put my words into his mouth and he shall tell them all Psalm:94 /1-2,6-9 I command him. ‌ (95/1-2,6-9) 1 Corinthians:7/32-35 Prayerful Awareness Mark: 1/21-28 Jews are people that lived in a God centered social milieu. In order to regulate and maintain their social and spiritual life fittingly and for the sake of their own welfare and development, the Lord appointed different personnel from age to age – Judges, Kings, Priests and Prophets for they were a people dependant on Him. Out of all Introduction of them, He gave prophets the gift of proclaiming his word to the people.

Those who have worked for the Thus the prophets through the voice good of a country or nation are called revealed to them and incessantly guidheroes and people love them. Even in ed the people. Therefore people were the history of the people of God we to listen to the prophet, the Trumpet find such people who under divine sound of God. inspiration have worked for true liberation of the people with a love sincere Responsorial Psalm even at the risk of their own lives. And we call them prophets. They were men O that today you would listen to chosen and appointed by God. Proph- his voice! Harden not your hearts. ets with authority prepared the people on a spiritual journey. As people of The Second Proclamation God we too should listen to the voice I would like to see you free from of the prophets. all worry. An unmarried man can devote himself to the Lord's affairs, The First Proclamation all he need worry about is pleasing Moses said to the people: 'Your the Lord; but a married man has to God will raise up for you a prophet bother about the world's affairs and like myself, from among yourselves, devote himself to pleasing his wife: from your own brothers; to him you he is torn two ways. In the same way must listen. This is what you your- an unmarried woman, like a young selves asked of the Lord your God girl, can devote herself to the Lord's at Horeb on the day of the Assembly. affairs; all she need worry about is "Do not let me hear again" you said being holy in body and spirit. The "the voice of the Lord my God, nor married woman, on the other hand, look any longer on this great fire, has to worry about the world's afor I shall die"; and the Lord said fairs and devote herself to pleasing to me, "All they have spoken is well her husband. I say this only to help said. I will raise up a prophet like you, not to put a halter round your yourself for them from their own necks, but simply to make sure that Sunday 31st January 2021

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everything is as it should be, and that you give your undivided attention to the Lord.

Prayerful Awareness Teaching about the unmarried state of life was in acceptance for a long time and from the early days there were unmarried people in the Church. They had chosen this state of life out of their own free will. Such people helping others in varied ways engaged themselves in a service of worldly and other worldly nature such as teaching the children, assisting the handicapped, maintaining homes for elders, supporting the needy families.

Also, some were of the mind that they should not get married. Yet, St. Paul tries to drive home the point that staying unmarried for the sake of the kingdom as well as married life is a God given vocation, which is blessed

by God and therefore sacred.

Prayerful Awareness At the Sabbath day meetings in the Synagogues, the teachings delivered by Pharisees and Scribes were quite long. They did so because it was their nature to teach Scriptures at Synagogue meetings by presenting them for their personal benefits aimed at achieving their own ends. Yet, when Jesus was expounding on the Scriptures people both felt that there was a difference as well as it had a great impact on them since he was the prophet of prophets capable of presenting Scriptures with authority, most directly and accurately and in a most comprehensive manner.

He explained them along with the contextual elements of the Scriptures.

The distinction was that Christ never had recourse to Rabbinic interpretations. Since He affirmed the Gospel even with his miracles, people felt a great difference, a special significance and power.

The Gospel Proclamation

Our Son-ship

... In their Synagogue just then there was a man possessed by an unclean spirit, and it shouted, 'What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God.' But Jesus said sharply, 'Be quiet! Come out of him!' And the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and with a loud cry went out of him. The people were so astonished that they started asking each other what it all meant.

'Here is a teaching that is new' they said 'and with authority behind it: he gives orders even to unclean spirits and they obey him.' And his reputation rapidly spread everywhere, through all the surrounding Galilean countryside.

Christ is not simply a miracle worker. Many seek Him for the marvelous deeds and miracles performed

by Him. Christ is the Word emanated from the mouth of the God Most High.

Since He is the Word made flesh, let us listen to his voice. "O that today you would listen to His voice, harden not your hearts."

"O Mary the power of the Most High will overshadow you!"

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CORRECTION

We like to bring your attention to the Prayerful Awareness of Saturday 21st November in the Walk in the Spirit.

In the third paragraph it is stated thus: "As the oldest son Jesus entrusted His mother to a person ....." This gives the impression that we believe that Jesus had other brothers with Mary as mother. This is not the teaching of the Catholic church. We humbly acknowledge our error and ask pardon from the magisterium of the Catholic Church and you our readers. please accept our sincere apologies.

Editorial team - Walk in the Spirit.