Dear brothers and sisters,
Let us promote brotherhood/sisterhood in our families and communities. We are not called to rugged individualists. Good Christian families are the best transmitters of the Christian faith to the young. We pattern our relationships to that of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Take some cue from St. Francis of Assisi.
Fr. Cielo
God blesses us so that we can be His channels of blessing to the world. Service, kindness, generosity, and creative problem solving are few ways we bless people around us.
For sermon audio, notes, slides, archives and other free resources like books, please visit our website - http://www.apcwo.org
#APCBangalore
God blesses us so that we can be His channels of blessing to the world. Service, kindness, generosity, and creative problem solving are few ways we bless people around us.
For sermon audio, notes, slides, archives and other free resources like books, please visit our website - http://www.apcwo.org
#APCBangalore
RBC Bible Conference yang dibawakan oleh Rev. Bill Crowder dengan tema "Paulus - Pribadi yang Diubahkan."
Bagian 1: "Seorang Ibrani Asli"
Bagian 2: "Menuju Pada Terang"
Bagian 3: "Bertumbuh & Berkarya"
Bagian 4: "Sebuah Arah Baru"
JAKARTA
Sabtu, 11 Oktober 2014
13.00–18.30 WIB
GKY Mangga Besar, Jl Mangga Besar 1/74 Jakarta
Info lebih lanjut: Tel (021) 2902-8950 http://santapanrohani.org
"The 20 sessions of this seminar present 26 Biblical guidelines for making good decisions in life. The importance of understanding the distinction between God's sovereign will and God's moral will is presented and the means that God uses to direct our path is explained." The content is all theirs, I just put it in a format for my own learning and am sharing it.
Here are the notes from my sermon on July 8, 2018. We looked at why we should make Jesus known and how we can do that. In the last part of the sermon, I focused on how we can share our testimony.
It is a powerpoint presentation of Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help used in Sto. Nino Diocesan School, Genral Tinio, Nueva Ecija, prepared by Mr. Percival M. Gervacio
This talks about how a relationship with God leads us to a life of humility. Humility enables us to seek godly wisdom that enables us to live the most productive and peaceful life possible.
Pastor Elio Marrocco's "Developing Faithfulness" sermon at New Life Christian Church on June 2, 2013. You can learn more about New Life Christian Church here: http://www.newlifecc.ca
Dear brothers and sisters,
Let us promote brotherhood/sisterhood in our families and communities. We are not called to rugged individualists. Good Christian families are the best transmitters of the Christian faith to the young. We pattern our relationships to that of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Take some cue from Saint Arnold and Saint Joseph.
.
Fr. Cielo
The attached was prepared by an exegete, Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM brought to you by the Archdiocese of Manila Biblical Apostolate & the Bible Interest Group.
RBC Bible Conference yang dibawakan oleh Rev. Bill Crowder dengan tema "Paulus - Pribadi yang Diubahkan."
Bagian 1: "Seorang Ibrani Asli"
Bagian 2: "Menuju Pada Terang"
Bagian 3: "Bertumbuh & Berkarya"
Bagian 4: "Sebuah Arah Baru"
JAKARTA
Sabtu, 11 Oktober 2014
13.00–18.30 WIB
GKY Mangga Besar, Jl Mangga Besar 1/74 Jakarta
Info lebih lanjut: Tel (021) 2902-8950 http://santapanrohani.org
"The 20 sessions of this seminar present 26 Biblical guidelines for making good decisions in life. The importance of understanding the distinction between God's sovereign will and God's moral will is presented and the means that God uses to direct our path is explained." The content is all theirs, I just put it in a format for my own learning and am sharing it.
Here are the notes from my sermon on July 8, 2018. We looked at why we should make Jesus known and how we can do that. In the last part of the sermon, I focused on how we can share our testimony.
It is a powerpoint presentation of Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help used in Sto. Nino Diocesan School, Genral Tinio, Nueva Ecija, prepared by Mr. Percival M. Gervacio
This talks about how a relationship with God leads us to a life of humility. Humility enables us to seek godly wisdom that enables us to live the most productive and peaceful life possible.
Pastor Elio Marrocco's "Developing Faithfulness" sermon at New Life Christian Church on June 2, 2013. You can learn more about New Life Christian Church here: http://www.newlifecc.ca
Dear brothers and sisters,
Let us promote brotherhood/sisterhood in our families and communities. We are not called to rugged individualists. Good Christian families are the best transmitters of the Christian faith to the young. We pattern our relationships to that of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Take some cue from Saint Arnold and Saint Joseph.
.
Fr. Cielo
The attached was prepared by an exegete, Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM brought to you by the Archdiocese of Manila Biblical Apostolate & the Bible Interest Group.
Dedication of KId's Grove at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in Pleasa...Karen Susie Kennedy Travis
Our children's Sunday school classes were painted. We have taken some Before and During photographs to show the progress. Pictures of the finished area will be added later
Do and Do Not to One Another
I. What we should we do to One Another
A. Love
B. Prefer
C. Receive
D. Admonish
E. Salute
F. Greet
G. Serve
H. Forbear
I. Forgive
J. Comfort
K. Consider
II. Do Not One to Another
A. Betray/Hate
B. Bite and Devour
C. Forsake
When the Doctors were not sure if I would survive... my Grandma flew out from PA to AZ, held my hand, and prayed for me to survive... She was in the hospital with me for the two weeks I was in a coma... TODAY... WOULD HAVE BEEN HER BIRTHDAY.
Parenting is part of the institution of marriage, a God-ordained activity and hence a "ministry" itself. As parents we have a great opportunity before us to shape and mold the lives entrusted to us. Discover Biblical and practical principles on how to nurture, build, discipline and nurture your children.
For sermon audio, notes, slides, archives and other free resources like books, please visit our website - apcwo.org
#APCBangalore
Ephesians 6:1-4 Twelve things a dad should say to his children. I love you, I believe in you, love God, love your spouse, I am with you, respect yourself and others, guard your character, I am sorry, I am praying for you, work hard, laugh, be brave.
Titus 2:1-10 We as Christians should make our Christianity and doctrine as attractive as we can for others without changing or corrupting the gospel. We adorn the doctrine by our conduct. We adorn the doctrine by shining as lights. We adorn the doctrine by consistent obedience. We adorn the doctrine by having a good reputation. We adorn the doctrine by having pure speech. We adorn the doctrine by showing genuine love. We adorn the doctrine by consistent assembling. We adorn the doctrine by showing concern for others. We adorn the doctrine by being united. We adorn the doctrine by being a good example.
Dear brothers and sisters,
We are commissioned to communicate God's salvific message. If you are quiet about God's Word, think again your Christian vocation, because you are not doing well.
Fr. Cielo
The Hope of Salvation - Jude 1:24-25 - MessageCole Hartman
Jude gives us hope at the end of a dark letter. In a dark world like today, we need the light of Christ to shine brighter and brighter. Jude shows us where to fix our focus so we can be filled with God's goodness and glory. Join us to explore this incredible passage.
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
A375 Example Taste the taste of the Lord, the taste of the Lord The taste of...franktsao4
It seems that current missionary work requires spending a lot of money, preparing a lot of materials, and traveling to far away places, so that it feels like missionary work. But what was the result they brought back? It's just a lot of photos of activities, fun eating, drinking and some playing games. And then we have to do the same thing next year, never ending. The church once mentioned that a certain missionary would go to the field where she used to work before the end of his life. It seemed that if she had not gone, no one would be willing to go. The reason why these missionary work is so difficult is that no one obeys God’s words, and the Bible is not the main content during missionary work, because in the eyes of those who do not obey God’s words, the Bible is just words and cannot be connected with life, so Reading out God's words is boring because it doesn't have any life experience, so it cannot be connected with human life. I will give a few examples in the hope that this situation can be changed. A375
A Free eBook ~ Valuable LIFE Lessons to Learn ( 5 Sets of Presentations)...OH TEIK BIN
A free eBook comprising 5 sets of PowerPoint presentations of meaningful stories /Inspirational pieces that teach important Dhamma/Life lessons. For reflection and practice to develop the mind to grow in love, compassion and wisdom. The texts are in English and Chinese.
My other free eBooks can be obtained from the following Links:
https://www.slideshare.net/ohteikbin/presentations
https://www.slideshare.net/ohteikbin/documents
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/
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.
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
1. Welcome to our
Bible Study
Feast of the Holy Family A
29 December 2013
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: Sirach 3,2-6.12-14
2 God sets a father in honor over his children; a
mother's authority he confirms over her sons. 3
He who honors his father atones for sins; 4 he
stores up riches who reveres his mother. 5 He
who honors his father is gladdened by children,
and when he prays he is heard. 6 He who
reveres his father will live a long life; he obeys
the LORD who brings comfort to his mother. 12
My son, take care of your father when he is old;
grieve him not as long as he lives. 13 Even if his
mind fail, be considerate with him; revile him not
in the fullness of your strength. 14 For kindness
to a father will not be forgotten, it will serve as a
sin offering-- it will take lasting root.
The focus is on honoring parents.
3. 1st reading: Sirach 3,2-6.12-14
A simple outline!
Sayings
2 God sets a father in honor over his children; a mother's
authority he confirms over her sons. 3 He who honors
his father atones for sins; 4 he stores up riches who
reveres his mother. 5 He who honors his father is
gladdened by children, and when he prays he is heard.
6 He who reveres his father will live a long life; he obeys
the LORD who brings comfort to his mother.
Advice
12 My son, take care of your father when he is old;
grieve him not as long as he lives. 13 Even if his mind
fail, be considerate with him; revile him not in the fullness
of your strength.
Saying
14 For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, it will
serve as a sin offering-- it will take lasting root.
4. 1st reading: Sirach 3,2-6.12-14
Sayings
2 God sets a father in honor over his
children; a mother's authority he
confirms over her sons. 3 He who
honors his father atones for sins; 4 he
stores up riches who reveres his
mother. 5 He who honors his father is
gladdened by children, and when he
prays he is heard. 6 He who reveres
his father will live a long life; he obeys
the LORD who brings comfort to his
mother.
Advice
12 My son, take care of your father
when he is old; grieve him not as long
as he lives. 13 Even if his mind fail, be
considerate with him; revile him not in
the fullness of your strength.
Saying
14 For kindness to a father will not be
forgotten, it will serve as a sin offering-it will take lasting root.
Commentary
V.1 The father has the major role in
the family.
The author believes that God has
given him authority over his children.
The authority of the mother over her
children is drawn from him.
V.3 encourages children to honor
their fathers.
It is an act of atonement for sins.
In the same manner, the children who
revere their mother deposit riches.
V.4
V.5 adds more rewards for honoring
one’s father:
He is gladdened by children.
His prayers are heard.
He will have long life. V.6
God will bring comfort to his
mother. V.6
5. 1st reading: Sirach 3,2-6.12-14
Sayings
2 God sets a father in honor over his
children; a mother's authority he
confirms over her sons. 3 He who
honors his father atones for sins; 4 he
stores up riches who reveres his
mother. 5 He who honors his father is
gladdened by children, and when he
prays he is heard. 6 He who reveres
his father will live a long life; he obeys
the LORD who brings comfort to his
mother.
Advice
12 My son, take care of your father
when he is old; grieve him not as long
as he lives. 13 Even if his mind fail, be
considerate with him; revile him not in
the fullness of your strength.
Saying
14 For kindness to a father will not be
forgotten, it will serve as a sin offering-it will take lasting root.
V.12 indicates that honoring the
father must continue up to his
old age.
The son must do the following:
Take care of his father.
Not to grieve him (sadden)
Be considerate, v.13
Not to revile him, v.13
Be kind. v.14
V.14 says that kindness to a
father pays.
Will not be forgotten
Will serve as a sin offering
(see v.3 again)
6. Reflections on the 1 reading
st
Whether we like it or not, we, children, have to
respect our parents.
They are our immediate authority.
We have no right to insult them, even if we think
we are more learned or smart than they.
We must develop a sense of gratitude to them.
By loving them, we obtain God’s blessings and
forgiveness.
7. Resp. Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
R. (cf. 1) Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his
ways.
1 Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,
who walks in his ways!
2 For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;
blessed shall you be, and favored.
3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
in the recesses of your home;
your children like olive plants
around your table.
4 Behold, thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
5 The LORD bless you from Zion:
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life.
8. Resp. Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
R. (cf. 1) Blessed are those who
fear the Lord and walk in his
ways.
1 Blessed is everyone who fears the
LORD,
who walks in his ways!
2 For you shall eat the fruit of your
handiwork;
blessed shall you be, and favored.
Commentary
V.1 commends people who
are God-fearing.
What happens to the Godfearing?
3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful
vine
in the recesses of your home;
your children like olive plants
around your table.
4 Behold, thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
5 The LORD bless you from Zion:
may you see the prosperity of
Jerusalem
all the days of your life.
They will attain justice and
God’s blessing. v.2
They will enjoy the fruit of their
labors. v.2
They will have many children.
V.3
V.4 repeats v.1.
V.5 expresses a wish of
blessing and prosperity of
Jerusalem/Zion.
9. Reflections on the Psalm
Those who fear the Lord are highly favored by
him.
They receive a lot of blessings.
They enjoy the fruit of their labors.
God makes them prolific.
They enjoy family life.
Do you feel blessed by God?
10. 2nd reading: Colossians 3,12-17
12 Put on as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,
heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness,
and patience, 13 bearing with one another and forgiving
one another, if one has a grievance against another; as
the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. 14 And
over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection.
15 And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the
peace into which you were also called in one body. And
be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,
singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude
in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word
or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.
The focus is on admonitions on community life.
11. A simple outline!
2nd reading: Colossians 3,12-17
Needed to build community
12 Put on as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13
bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a
grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must
you also do.
Love
14 And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection.
Peace
15 And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into
which you were also called in one body. And be thankful.
Word of Christ
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you
teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and
spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
Name of Jesus
17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the
name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through
him.
12. 2nd reading: Colossians 3,12-17
Needed to build community
12 Put on as God's chosen ones, holy and
beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness,
humility, gentleness, and patience, 13
bearing with one another and forgiving
one another, if one has a grievance
against another; as the Lord has forgiven
you, so must you also do.
Love
14 And over all these put on love, that is,
the bond of perfection.
Peace
15 And let the peace of Christ control your
hearts, the peace into which you were
also called in one body. And be thankful.
Word of Christ
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you
richly, as in all wisdom you teach and
admonish one another, singing psalms,
hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude
in your hearts to God.
Name of Jesus
17 And whatever you do, in word or in
deed, do everything in the name of the
Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the
Father through him.
Commentary
The reading is well chosen for
the Feast of the Holy Family,
though it is addressed to the
Christian community of
Colossae.
Like the 1st reading, we have a
battery of admonitions.
But in here, it is no longer based
on the 3rd commandment (Honor
your father and your mother!) but on
Christ.
Christ should make an impact in
their lives and make a difference.
V.12 indicates the identity or
description of the addressees:
God’s chosen ones
Holy and beloved
What is expected of them?
13. 2nd reading: Colossians 3,12-17
Needed to build community
12 Put on as God's chosen ones, holy and
beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness,
humility, gentleness, and patience, 13
bearing with one another and forgiving
one another, if one has a grievance
against another; as the Lord has forgiven
you, so must you also do.
Love
14 And over all these put on love, that is,
the bond of perfection.
Peace
15 And let the peace of Christ control your
hearts, the peace into which you were
also called in one body. And be thankful.
Word of Christ
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you
richly, as in all wisdom you teach and
admonish one another, singing psalms,
hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude
in your hearts to God.
Name of Jesus
17 And whatever you do, in word or in
deed, do everything in the name of the
Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the
Father through him.
They are expected to be:
compassionate (merciful)
kind (considerate)
humble (not putting oneself above
the others)
Gentle (treating others with
delicadeza, not being rough)
Patient (able to endure the character
of others)
Bearing with one another
Forgiving one another, when
there are grievances.
Loving, v.14
Peaceful / peaceable, v.15
The Christians are entitled to
experience peace in the Church
(one body) and be grateful.
Accommodating to the Word of
Christ, v.16
Well motivated in whatever one say
and do.
Do everything in the name of
Christ.
14. Reflections on the 2 reading
nd
The reading enumerates almost all the qualities, which a
Christian must possess in order to survive in the
community (in the Church).
We are all human beings with faults and failures, and so,
we have to exercise virtues.
Each member of the family and community should be
animated by love, the Word of God, and proper
motivation.
The reading teaches us how to build our families,
communities and ministries.
Without exercising Christian virtues, we can forget about
having a happy family, community and ministry.
15. The focus is on obedience to God.
Gospel reading: Mt 2,13-15.19-23
13 When they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord
appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child
and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you.
Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him." 14
Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and
departed for Egypt. 15 He stayed there until the death of
Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might
be fulfilled, "Out of Egypt I called my son." 19 When Herod
had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream
to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, "Rise, take the child and his
mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the
child's life are dead." 21 He rose, took the child and his
mother, and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard
that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father
Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had
been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of
Galilee. 23 He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so
that what had been spoken through the prophets might be
fulfilled, "He shall be called a Nazorean."
16. Gospel reading: Mt 2,13-15.19-23
Setting
13 When they (the magi)
had departed, behold, the
angel of the Lord appeared
to Joseph in a dream and
said,
Command
"Rise, take the child and his
mother, flee to Egypt, and
stay there until I tell you.
Herod is going to search for
the child to destroy him."
Execution
14 Joseph rose and took the
child and his mother by night
and departed for Egypt. 15
He stayed there until the
death of Herod,
Fulfillment of prophecy
that what the Lord had said
through the prophet might be
fulfilled, "Out of Egypt I called
my son."
Commentary:
Observe a pattern in the outline:
Setting – command – execution –
fulfillment of prophecy
The author uses an “angel” and a
“dream” to communicate to Joseph.v.13
In v.13, Joseph is asked to flee to
Egypt.
The reason? Herod wants to kill the
child.
Herod is the King Herod the Great. He
ruled Israel from 37 BC to 4 BC.
He killed whomever he suspected to
dethrone him. He is paranoid.
In v.14, Joseph obeys God right away.
He does not delay.
V.15 indicates the length of their stay in
Egypt, about 2 years, if Jesus is born in 6
BC.
The prophesy comes from Hosea 11,1.
17. Setting
19 When Herod had died,
behold, the angel of the
Lord appeared in a dream
to Joseph in Egypt 20
and said,
Command
"Rise, take the child and
his mother and go to the
land of Israel, for those
who sought the child's life
are dead."
Execution
21 He rose, took the child
and his mother, and went
to the land of Israel.
Fulfillment of prophecy (in
v.23)
Again observe a pattern in the
outline:
Setting – command –
execution – fulfillment of
prophecy
In v.19, the would-be killer of
Jesus, Herod, is dead.
At his death, the angel again
appears to Joseph in a dream.
In v.20, Joseph is asked to go
back.
Observe: not only Herod is dead,
but also all the rest that seek
Jesus’ life.
In v.21, Joseph immediately
goes back to Israel, where they
come from.
There is no explicit or immediate
indication of a fulfillment of a
prophecy. It is said in v.23.
18.
Setting
22 But when he heard
that Archelaus was
ruling over Judea in
place of his father
Herod, he was afraid
to go back there.
Command
And because he had
been warned in a
dream,
Execution
he departed for the
region of Galilee. 23
He went and dwelt in
a town called
Nazareth,
Fulfillment of prophecy
so that what had been
spoken through the
prophets might be
fulfilled, "He shall be
called a Nazorean."
Again, observe a pattern in the outline:
Setting – command – execution –
fulfillment
of prophecy
V.22 presents Archaelaus as the successor
of Herod, the Great, after his death.
Joseph is afraid to go back. Archaelaus is
like his father.
Historically, Archaelaus was removed from
office by Rome because of his misdeeds.
He did not reign long (4 BC to 6 AD).
King Herod and his successors (sons) were
puppets of Rome. (Herodian dynasty)
They are good only as far as they serve the
interests of the Roman Empire.
V.22 indicates Joseph goes to Galilee
instead.
V.23 specifies where he goes:
To Nazareth.
V.23b also gives the reason why they should
go back to Galilee:
To fulfill a prophesy.
19. Reflections on the gospel reading
Like Joseph, Mary and Jesus, our families are not
spared of trials, inconveniences and sufferings.
Inconveniences (death threats, being refugees,
disruption of normal life) are caused by the insecurity /
paranoia / lack of people’s mandate on the part of the
powers-that-be
who want to stay in power for ever.
who rule with no moral authority
who misread the purpose of life and governance
Like the Holy Family, our families are also victims of
unjust structures and misinterpretations.
God will protect us as long as we listen to his words.
20. Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm
The first reading is about honoring parents.
The psalm assures God’s blessings and protection to
those who fear the Lord.
relationship with God through the Law
The second reading enumerates the ingredients / traits
needed for building relationships in the family and
community.
relationship with parents
relationship with one another, co-equal
The gospel reading features the obedience of Joseph to
God in the midst of strong opposition to his son, Jesus.
relationship with God through obedience
21. How to develop your homily / sharing
Are you happy with your family?
Do you love all the members of your family?
This Sunday, we are invited once more to take a
look at the Holy Family as the model of family
life.
It is rather a small family: father, mother and
son.
This
has nothing to do with family planning.
The number is God-ordained.
The whole gospel is focused on Jesus. There is no
need to multiply characters in the gospel.
22.
In the gospel, Joseph, the father, does
everything to protect his son. He listens to the
voice of God.
Mary, the mother, is quiet. She submits to God’s
plan. She does not resist or create trouble. She
carries the little child in her bosom as they
escape from danger.
Jesus, the child, at this time, is still quiet and
passive. Wait until he becomes 12.
Each of them lives what the first and second
readings teach.
23.
The gospel teaches us to move according to God’s
plan to contain the external threats of our family.
In the midst of trials and difficulties brought about
by poverty, bad politics and governance, unjust
economic system and false values, we are asked
to discern (to listen to God) what we can best do in
order not to aggravate the situation (damage control).
We need to discern where the Spirit is leading us,
for the safety and well-being of our families and
humankind.
Wrong move or decision (imprudence) can lead the
family to bankruptcy, indebtedness,
demoralization, break down, disintegration and
death.
24. The first reading reminds the children to
honor, revere and respect their parents, up
to their old age.
Children should not be hard on their aging
and ailing parents. Instead, they should
take care of them all the more.
In this way, God will bless them too.
Go back to your parents whom you have
abandoned. Don’t be ungrateful.
25.
The second reading reminds every member of
the family and community to exercise
compassion, patience, gentleness, kindness and
love. (Giving justice where it is due.)
In other words, we must show maturity in dealing
with one another.
If there is no compassion, respect, patience,
love, we cannot build our family.
If the members are not peaceable, but hostile
and violent to one another, they have a big
problem.
Everyone needs conversion before everything
gets worse.
26.
Nowadays, the scheme of Herod is still alive
(infanticide, abortion, abortifacients, unjust wars, etc.)
Innocent babies are being blamed for the
economic and political woes of the nations.
Drug companies, to earn more money by selling
their anti-life products (condoms, pills, IUDs, etc.)
make us, including lawmakers, believe
pregnancy is sickness, not a sign of good health.
27.
The eucharist is a sacrament of life and
relationships.
The eucharist reminds us to be God-fearing and
respectful to other people.
We cannot receive holy communion if we are not
just, and at peace with one another.
In the eucharist, Immanuel dwells in our hearts
and give us joy and strength in our everyday
struggles.
28. Our Context of Sin and Grace
Broken homes
Cairo Document (one may
adopt a pig and call it a family.)
Same sex marriage
Free love
Dysfunctional families
Lost Generation, Gen X
Single parenthood
Surrogate motherhood
Contraceptives
Abortion
Genetic engineering
Pro-Life
Redefinition of what a family is
True Love Waits Movement (no sex
before marriage)
CEFAM
CFM
CFC
Natural Family Planning
Responsible parenthood
New ways of dealing with special
children
Inculcation of justice and peace in
our educational system and in the
military
Sexual integration (balance of male
and female in us)
29. Suggested Songs
O Tao
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXhwzDRL7bM
We are Family
Teach
Christmas Songs