The Clouds Of Heaven! If It Be Thy Will? If Sickness Was A Reality It Could Never Be Cured! Jehovah Rapha The Everlasting Redemptive Name Of God! The Ministry Of Condemnation! The Law Of Rituals! We Are Not Climbing The Mountain, We Are Already There! Another Excerpt From John G. Lake!
1. HOPE Based on I Pet.1:1-12
2. PRACTICAL HOLINESS Based on I Peter 1:13-16
3. EVERLASTING EDUCATION Based on I Peter 1:13-25
4. THE FEARS OF THE FAITHFUL Based on I Pet. 1:17
5. THE ETERNAL WORD Based on I Peter 1:15-25
6. STEPS TO CHRISTIAN MATURITY Based on I Peter 2:1-10
7. A PECULIAR PEOPLE Based on I Peter 2:9
8. CHRISTIAN CITIZENSHIP Based on I Peter 2:13-17
9. THE CHRISTIAN RESPONSE TO INJUSTICE I Pet. 2:18
10. MAKING MARRIAGE MARVELOUS Based on I Pet. 3:1-7
11. HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL HUSBAND I Peter 3:7
12. RESPECT IN THE HOME based on I Pet. 3:7-12
13. THE AGE OF ANXIETY Based on I Peter 5:7
This talk explains the first two petals of TULIP and focuses on the question: do I choose God or does God choose me? These distinctions form the basis of Reformed Theology.
The Clouds Of Heaven! If It Be Thy Will? If Sickness Was A Reality It Could Never Be Cured! Jehovah Rapha The Everlasting Redemptive Name Of God! The Ministry Of Condemnation! The Law Of Rituals! We Are Not Climbing The Mountain, We Are Already There! Another Excerpt From John G. Lake!
1. HOPE Based on I Pet.1:1-12
2. PRACTICAL HOLINESS Based on I Peter 1:13-16
3. EVERLASTING EDUCATION Based on I Peter 1:13-25
4. THE FEARS OF THE FAITHFUL Based on I Pet. 1:17
5. THE ETERNAL WORD Based on I Peter 1:15-25
6. STEPS TO CHRISTIAN MATURITY Based on I Peter 2:1-10
7. A PECULIAR PEOPLE Based on I Peter 2:9
8. CHRISTIAN CITIZENSHIP Based on I Peter 2:13-17
9. THE CHRISTIAN RESPONSE TO INJUSTICE I Pet. 2:18
10. MAKING MARRIAGE MARVELOUS Based on I Pet. 3:1-7
11. HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL HUSBAND I Peter 3:7
12. RESPECT IN THE HOME based on I Pet. 3:7-12
13. THE AGE OF ANXIETY Based on I Peter 5:7
This talk explains the first two petals of TULIP and focuses on the question: do I choose God or does God choose me? These distinctions form the basis of Reformed Theology.
Armed With A Purpose 1 Peter 4:1-6, Clark Tanner http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/armed-with-a-purpose-clark-tanner-sermon-on-discipleship-101797.asp
Lesson 21 of 26 in a series on Old Testament Vistas. This sermon on Isaiah 52-53 was presented April 17, 2011, at Palm Desert Church of Christ, by Dale Wells.
Beloved Brothers and Sisters,
To be Real Followers of Christ is to Know how to Forgive and to Forget the Wrongdoings of others.
From the Heart,
Fr. Heart, SVD
10 Attributes of God Lesson 5 ImmutabilityJerry Smith
This is a series of ten lessons on the attributes of God. These lessons are not meant for seminary study, but for the everyday believer who wants to gain a practical understanding of the subject for their own personal growth and reading; for small group bible studies, or for teaching and edification in church.
Dear sisters and brothers,
It is very easy to fall into temptations if we are craving for many things and if we have problems with our identity.
Fr. Cielo
An overview of the bible
Since the beginning of time, there has been a plan for Jesus and our souls. God’s plan is revealed throughout the entire Bible! Many view the Old and New Testaments as unrelated, but there is an amazing message that begins in the Old Testament and carries through to the New Testament. The message is of God’s love and man’s redemption. That is what this booklet is about. I hope it will be an encouragement to you.
If you have any questions about the material in this booklet or would like to study further, please get into contact with me.
Jesus was calling out with a loud voiceGLENN PEASE
This is a study of Jesus calling out with a loud voice on the cross. He did this as He committed His spirit to the Father. It was His seventh and final word.
Grace has many different applications to our lives. One of the applications is the array of gifts that God gives to His people. Alex Wong will take a look at some of those gifts we need for our journey through this life, with all of its many challenges.
Armed With A Purpose 1 Peter 4:1-6, Clark Tanner http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/armed-with-a-purpose-clark-tanner-sermon-on-discipleship-101797.asp
Lesson 21 of 26 in a series on Old Testament Vistas. This sermon on Isaiah 52-53 was presented April 17, 2011, at Palm Desert Church of Christ, by Dale Wells.
Beloved Brothers and Sisters,
To be Real Followers of Christ is to Know how to Forgive and to Forget the Wrongdoings of others.
From the Heart,
Fr. Heart, SVD
10 Attributes of God Lesson 5 ImmutabilityJerry Smith
This is a series of ten lessons on the attributes of God. These lessons are not meant for seminary study, but for the everyday believer who wants to gain a practical understanding of the subject for their own personal growth and reading; for small group bible studies, or for teaching and edification in church.
Dear sisters and brothers,
It is very easy to fall into temptations if we are craving for many things and if we have problems with our identity.
Fr. Cielo
An overview of the bible
Since the beginning of time, there has been a plan for Jesus and our souls. God’s plan is revealed throughout the entire Bible! Many view the Old and New Testaments as unrelated, but there is an amazing message that begins in the Old Testament and carries through to the New Testament. The message is of God’s love and man’s redemption. That is what this booklet is about. I hope it will be an encouragement to you.
If you have any questions about the material in this booklet or would like to study further, please get into contact with me.
Jesus was calling out with a loud voiceGLENN PEASE
This is a study of Jesus calling out with a loud voice on the cross. He did this as He committed His spirit to the Father. It was His seventh and final word.
Grace has many different applications to our lives. One of the applications is the array of gifts that God gives to His people. Alex Wong will take a look at some of those gifts we need for our journey through this life, with all of its many challenges.
We were born into sin, thanks to Adam and Eve, our ancestors. And to make it worse, we add our own sins to the mess of our lives. But there is a way of escape: Crucify the flesh and be resurrected to new life.
Jesus Christ never comes so near us as in
the darkness. Have faith in Him; be sure
that He is working for the best, sure that the
more we suffer the closer we are to the great
suffering heart of God. The time will come
\rhen we shall see, as now in faith we trust,
that every pain we have borne was working
out the redemption of the race ; when we shall
smile at the remembrance of all our trouble,
as we now smile at the griefs which seemed so
big to us in childhood.
Realizing your personal destiny and call in Christ by Prof Thio - 19/11/11zionyaf
Prof Thio will be speaking on the topic of realizing our personal destiny and call in Christ. As God's elect, we have a calling to fulfill. Paul expressed this as a prayer to the Thessalonians, "With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith." (2 Thessalonians 1:11)
Are you affirmed of your calling in Christ? Have you been seeking to know and obey wherever God calls you to? Is your spiritual walk with Him deadening?
Prof Thio will be speaking on a topic that is particularly relevant in a world where secular humanist philosophies reign dominant. That humanity, instead of God, is the measure of all things - the very motivation of pride that led to the building of the Tower of Babel.
The talk will be centered on 2 Cor 10:5, where Paul declared against such forms of philosophy, "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." Paul further warned in Col 2:8,
"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ."
Beloved Brothers and Sisters,
Let Us Celebrate the Mystery of the Blessed Trinity by being UNITED not only with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit but also with our Brothers and Sisters specially the Lost, the Last and the Lapse.
From the Heart,
Fr. Heart, SVD
"May the Lord Jesus put his hands on our eyes also, for then we too shall begin to look not at what is seen but at what is not seen. May he open the eyes that are concerned not with the present but with what is yet to come, may he unseal the heart's vision, that we may gaze on God in the Spirit, through the same Lord, Jesus Christ, whose glory and power will endure throughout the unending succession of ages." (prayer of Origin, 185-254 AD)
Beloved Sisters and Brothers,
May we live according to God's Image and Likeness. Living in community, living in family and proclaiming the Good News of the Father, Son & Spirit.
From the Heart,
Fr. Heart, SVD
Beloved Sisters and Brothers,
As true children of so loving a father let us all embrace all our crosses for the love of God and our brothers and sisters.
From the Heart,
Fr. Heart, SVD
Beloved Sisters and Brothers,
Let us follow our Lord all the way even unto death for He offered His very self for us all.
From the Heart,
Fr. Heart, SVD
Beloved Sisters & Brothers,
Let us follow the Lord until death for He loves us so much that He offered His very self for us all.
From the Heart,
Fr. Heart, SVD
Beloved Sisters and Brothers,
Let us follow our Lord until death since He loves us so much that He offered Himself for us all.
From the Heart,
Fr. Heart, SVD
Dear sisters and brothers,
If you are always trying to please people even if they are erring, you are not a prophet. Speak out God's message even it hurts.
Fr. Cielo
Dear sisters and brothers,
The Lord manifests himself to us. We can find him if we seek him together through the life and mission of our Church.
Fr. Cielo
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
Discover various methods for clearing negative entities from your space and spirit, including energy clearing techniques, spiritual rituals, and professional assistance. Gain practical knowledge on how to implement these techniques to restore peace and harmony. For more information visit here: https://www.reikihealingdistance.com/negative-entity-removal/
Exploring the Mindfulness Understanding Its Benefits.pptxMartaLoveguard
Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined as the conscious, non-judgmental observation of the present moment, has deep roots in Buddhist meditation practice but has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. In today's society, filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers a valuable tool for regaining inner peace and reconnecting with our true selves. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, leading to a greater sense of clarity and presence in our daily lives.
Slide 3: Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Well-being
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall quality of life.
Mindfulness increases awareness of our emotions and teaches us to manage them better, leading to improved mood.
Regular mindfulness practice can improve our ability to concentrate and focus our attention on the present moment.
Slide 4: Benefits of Mindfulness for Physical Health
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can contribute to lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Regular meditation and mindfulness practice can strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting infections.
Mindfulness may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing stress and improving overall lifestyle habits.
Slide 5: Impact of Mindfulness on Relationships
Mindfulness can help us better understand others and improve communication, leading to healthier relationships.
By focusing on the present moment and being fully attentive, mindfulness helps build stronger and more authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness teaches us how to be present for others in difficult times, leading to increased compassion and understanding.
Slide 6: Mindfulness Techniques and Practices
Focusing on the breath and mindful breathing can be a simple way to enter a state of mindfulness.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any sensations and feelings.
Practicing mindful walking and eating involves consciously focusing on each step or bite, with full attention to sensory experiences.
Slide 7: Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life
You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities such as washing dishes or taking a walk in the park.
Adding mindfulness practice to daily routines can help increase awareness and presence.
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our needs and better manage our time, leading to balance and harmony in life.
Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
Mindfulness can bring numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Regular mindfulness practice can help achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.
Mindfulness has the power to change our perspective and way of perceiving the world, leading to deeper se
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
2 Peter 3: Because some scriptures are hard to understand and some will force them to say things God never intended, Peter warns us to take care.
https://youtu.be/nV4kGHFsEHw
Why is this So? ~ Do Seek to KNOW (English & Chinese).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma teaching of Kamma-Vipaka (Intentional Actions-Ripening Effects).
A Presentation for developing morality, concentration and wisdom and to spur us to practice the Dhamma diligently.
The texts are in English and Chinese.
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
1. Sunday Readings
Commentary and Reflections
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time A
All Souls’ Day
2 November 2014
In preparation for this Sunday’s Liturgy
As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing
Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM
2. 1st reading: Wisdom 3, 1-9
1 The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment
shall touch them. 2 They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to
be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction 3 and
their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace.
4 For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope
full of immortality; 5 Chastised a little, they shall be greatly
blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of
himself. 6 As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as
sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. 7 In the time of their
visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through
stubble; 8 They shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and
the LORD shall be their King forever. 9 Those who trust in him
shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in
love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his
care is with the elect.
The focus is on the souls of the just.
3. 1st reading: Wisdom 3, 1-9
The souls of the just
A simple outline!
1 The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch
them.
From the point of view of the foolish
2 They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing
away was thought an affliction 3 and their going forth from us, utter
destruction.
From the point of view of wisdom
But they are in peace. 4 For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is
their hope full of immortality; 5 Chastised a little, they shall be greatly
blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself. 6 As
gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took
them to himself.
The souls of the just in the future
7 In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as
sparks through stubble; 8 They shall judge nations and rule over peoples,
and the LORD shall be their King forever. 9 Those who trust in him shall
understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because
grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with the elect.
4. 1st reading: Wisdom 3, 1-9
The souls of the just
1 The souls of the just are in the
hand of God, and no torment shall
touch them.
From the point of view of the
foolish
2 They seemed, in the view of the
foolish, to be dead; and their
passing away was thought an
affliction 3 and their going forth
from us, utter destruction.
From the point of view of wisdom
But they are in peace. 4 For if
before men, indeed, they be
punished, yet is their hope full of
immortality; 5 Chastised a little,
they shall be greatly blessed,
because God tried them and
found them worthy of himself. 6
As gold in the furnace, he proved
them, and as sacrificial offerings
he took them to himself.
Commentary
V.1 indicates the state of the souls
of the just:
In the hand of God
Free from torment
Vv.2-3 indicate the view of the
foolish on the souls of the just
They are dead
Their death is an affliction.
Their death (going forth from us) is
destruction.
V.3b follows up the point of view of
God in v.1. (They are in peace).
Vv.4-6 try to explain the sufferings
of the souls of the just.
Punished, but with hope of
immortality
Chastised, but will be blessed
Proved as gold in a furnace, as
sacrificial offerings, but will belong to
God.
5. 1st reading: Wisdom 3, 1-9
The souls of the just in the
future
7 In the time of their
visitation they shall shine,
and shall dart about as
sparks through stubble; 8
They shall judge nations
and rule over peoples, and
the LORD shall be their
King forever. 9 Those who
trust in him shall
understand truth, and the
faithful shall abide with him
in love: Because grace and
mercy are with his holy
ones, and his care is with
the elect.
Vv.7-9 indicate what
happens to the souls of the
just at the end (time of
visitation)
They shall shine.
They shall judge and rule over
peoples.
The Lord will be their king.
They shall understand truth
They shall abide in love.
Grace and mercy will be with
them.
They will be in God’s care.
6. Reflections on the 1st reading
The first reading challenges us to be just.
To be just is to be on the side of God.
If we are prayerful and God-fearing, it does
not mean we are free from sufferings.
Let us not take offense when we suffer.
This is the lot of righteous and just people.
When we die, God will take us to himself.
This is God’s promise to the just.
If we want to enter heaven, we have to be
just.
7. Resp. Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
R. (1) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
3a beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
3b He guides me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
with your rod and your staff that give me courage.
5 You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.
8. Resp. Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
R. (1) The Lord is my shepherd; there is
nothing I shall want.
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
3a beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
3b He guides me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
with your rod and your staff that give me
courage.
5 You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil; my cup
overflows.
6 Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for
years to come.
Commentary
The psalm is classified as trust
song.
It acknowledges the provident
and responsible God.
It enumerates his actions that
favor the psalmist:
He gives me repose, v.2
He leads me, v.3a
He refreshes my soul, v.3a.
He guides me, v.3b
At my side, v.4
You spread the table, v.5
You anoint my head, v.5
As a result, the psalmist is not in
want.
9. Reflections on the Psalm
God is a provident God.
He gives all our needs, material and spiritual.
God cares for our total well-being.
He is willing to give us a glimpse of heaven, here
on earth.
Let us put ourselves into the hands of God and
all will be OK.
Do you trust in God?
Do you have doubts about his power and
goodness?
10. 2nd reading: Romans 5,5-11
5 Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been
poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been
given to us. 6 For Christ, while we were still helpless, yet died at
the appointed time for the ungodly. 7 Indeed, only with difficulty
does one die for a just person, though perhaps for a good person
one might even find courage to die. 8 But God proves his love
for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. 9 How
much more then, since we are now justified by his blood, will we
be saved through him from the wrath. 10 Indeed, if, while we
were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of
his Son, how much more, once reconciled, will we be saved by
his life. 11 Not only that, but we also boast of God through our
Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received
reconciliation.
The focus is on the death of Jesus.
11. 2nd reading: Romans 5,5-11
Love of God
A simple outline!
5 Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been
poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been
given to us.
Christ’s death
6 For Christ, while we were still helpless, yet died at the appointed
time for the ungodly. 7 Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a
just person, though perhaps for a good person one might even find
courage to die.
God’s love
8 But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners
Christ died for us. 9 How much more then, since we are now
justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath.
10 Indeed, if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God
through the death of his Son, how much more, once reconciled, will
we be saved by his life.
Reconciliation through Jesus
11 Not only that, but we also boast of God through our Lord Jesus
Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
12. 2nd reading: Romans 5,5-11
Love of God
5 Hope does not
disappoint, because the
love of God has been
poured out into our hearts
through the holy Spirit that
has been given to us.
Christ’s death
6 For Christ, while we were
still helpless, yet died at the
appointed time for the
ungodly. 7 Indeed, only
with difficulty does one die
for a just person, though
perhaps for a good person
one might even find
courage to die.
Commentary
V.5 talks about the power of
God’s love being poured
upon us. It gives us hope.
V.6 states that Christ died
for the ungodly (sinners).
V.7 states the difficulty of
dying for a just person, but
for a good person, one may
be willing to die.
V.7 highlights the heroism
of Christ. He was willing to
die for us, though we were
sinners (not just, not good).
13. 2nd reading: Romans 5,5-11
God’s love
8 But God proves his love for us
in that while we were still sinners
Christ died for us. 9 How much
more then, since we are now
justified by his blood, will we be
saved through him from the
wrath. 10 Indeed, if, while we
were enemies, we were
reconciled to God through the
death of his Son, how much
more, once reconciled, will we be
saved by his life.
Reconciliation through Jesus
11 Not only that, but we also
boast of God through our Lord
Jesus Christ, through whom we
have now received
reconciliation.
V.8 picks up the same idea of v.7
(Jesus’ dying for the sinner) but
with LOVE.
Jesus dies for us because of
God’s love for us.
V.9 assures us of our salvation
(free from wrath), all the more
because of the blood of Christ.
V.10 adds one more strong
argument for us being saved.
We are reconciled with God
(saved) because of his life
(resurrection).
V.11 acknowledges that we are
reconciled with God through
Jesus Christ.
14. Reflections on the 2nd reading
God has done wonderful things for us, sinners.
Through the death and resurrection of Christ, we
become reconciled with God.
Through the merits of Christ, we are saved.
We must abandon a misconception that we can
work for our salvation.
It is God who work for our salvation, through his
Son.
Left to ourselves as sinners, we live far away from
God.
Without Christ, we must fear death.
15. Gospel reading: John 6,37-40
37 Jesus said to the crowds: Everything that the
Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject
anyone who comes to me, 38 because I came
down from heaven not to do my own will but the will
of the one who sent me. 39 And this is the will of
the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything
of what he gave me, but that I should raise it (on)
the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that
everyone who sees the Son and believes in him
may have eternal life, and I shall raise him (on) the
last day."
The focus is on eternal life.
16. Gospel reading: John 6,37-40
37 Jesus said to the crowds:
Everything that the Father
gives me will come to me, and
I will not reject anyone who
comes to me, 38 because I
came down from heaven not to
do my own will but the will of
the one who sent me. 39 And
this is the will of the one who
sent me, that I should not lose
anything of what he gave me,
but that I should raise it (on)
the last day. 40 For this is the
will of my Father, that everyone
who sees the Son and
believes in him may have
eternal life, and I shall raise
him (on) the last day."
Commentary
V.37 tells us that Jesus is a
welcoming person.
He accepts anyone who comes to
him and all that his Father sends
to him.
In v.38, Jesus is capable of doing
it (accepting) because he comes
from heaven (he is empowered to
do it) and he is aware of his
mission (to do God’s will).
V.39 explicitates the will of God:
to save everyone, to raise those
who believe.
V.40 also gives another
perspective of God’s will:
everyone who sees and believes
the Son has eternal life and will
resurrect on the last day.
17. Reflections on the gospel reading
The message of the gospel is clear.
It is God’s will that we who believe in Christ
will have eternal life.
To attain eternal life is not just our dream and
purpose in this life.
It is itself God’s dream and purpose for us.
If we believe in the words of Jesus, we
should not worry where to go when we die.
God promises life.
18. Tying the 3 readings and Psalms
The first reading says that God takes care the
souls of the just.
The psalm affirms that gives us repose.
The second reading says that eternal life is
gained through the efforts of Jesus Christ.
The gospel reading assures all believers of
eternal life.
It is not the time to discuss whether there is such a place as purgatory or not.
We have to discuss what true faith can lead us to.
19. How to develop your homily / sharing
We believe that after we die, our souls go
somewhere.
While we believe that God gives us eternal
life, we are not sure whether we will enter
heaven when we die.
There is something wrong with our theology.
Maybe it is not theology at all.
Let us be coached by the three readings.
20. The first reading tells us that God saves the souls of
the just.
Are we just? Do we practice justice in our lives?
The just have drive for what is just and what is right.
The just may be suffering now, because of their
pursuit of justice, but God has a special place for
them.
Their death is not a curse, but a blessing for them.
The souls of the just are the precious possessions
of God.
21. The second reading assures us believers of eternal
life.
If we believe in the grace of God, we should not fear
death.
We should not worry where to go, because Christ
has died and resurrected for us, sinners.
We have been reconciled with God.
All we have to do is to acknowledge his power to
give life.
If we are afraid to die, because we are not sure
where our souls are going, maybe we lack faith or
we don’t practice true religion at all.
22. The gospel reading clearly and repeatedly states
that we believers are destined to live eternally with
God.
It is the will of God that we enter heaven and share
in his life.
It is not his will that we fall away from him.
Now if we are worried and are never convinced that
we will go to heaven, then there is something wrong
with our belief system.
It is not faith at all.
We are sick psychologically and spiritually.
We need to develop a true and healing faith.
23. Today we pray for all the souls in purgatory,
especially the souls of our beloved dead.
In the mass, we express our prayer and belief
that God may now allow them to enter
heaven, if, yet, they have not.
Blessed are the souls who are remembered
by the living.
When we are gone, may we too be
remembered by our loved ones.
24. The mass is a perfect prayer for the souls in
purgatory.
In the eucharist, Jesus assures us of eternal
life.
If we worthily receive the eucharist, we are
assured of heaven.
In the eucharist, heaven starts here and now.
25. Our Context of Sin and Death
Fear of death
Lack of faith
Negligence in praying
for the dead
Desecration (spoliation)
of tombs
Disrespect for the dead
No belief in the
resurrection
Playing inappropriate
music in the cemetery
Purgatory
Heaven
Hell
Mass offerings for the
souls in purgatory
Respect for the dead
Families gathering
together to visit their
dead, in prayer
26. Suggested Songs
Pilgrim Song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emQ9iKWb9cQ
My Light and My Salvation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ekQdpjS4VA
What more can I ask?
And I will raise him up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4CapSBM8UA