Andrew brought Simon to Jesus

We have found the Messiah

After Andrew had stayed with Jesus and had learned much from him, he did not keep this treasure to himself, but hastened to share it with his brother. Notice what Andrew said to him: We have found the Messiah, that is to say, the Christ. Notice how his words reveal what he has learned in so short a time. They show the power of the master who has convinced them of this truth. They reveal the zeal and concern of men preoccupied with this question from the very beginning. Andrew’s words reveal a soul waiting with the utmost longing for the coming of the Messiah, looking forward to his appearing from heaven, rejoicing when he does appear, and hastening to announce so great an event to others. To support one another in the things of the spirit is the true sign of good will between brothers, of loving kinship and sincere affection.

Notice, too, how, even from the beginning, Peter is docile and receptive in spirit. He hastens to Jesus without delay. He brought him to Jesus, says the evangelist. But Peter must not be condemned for his readiness to accept Andrew’s word without much weighing of it. It is probable that his brother had given him, and many others, a careful account of the event; the evangelists, in the interest of brevity, regularly summarise a lengthy narrative. Saint John does not say that Peter believed immediately, but that he brought him to Jesus. Andrew was to hand him over to Jesus, to learn everything for himself. There was also another disciple present, and he hastened with them for the same purpose.

When John the Baptist said: This is the Lamb, and he baptizes in the Spirit, he left the deeper understanding of these things to be received from Christ. All the more so would Andrew act in the same way, since he did not think himself able to give a complete explanation. He brought his brother to the very source of light, and Peter was so joyful and eager that he would not delay even for a moment.


~St John Chrysostom

Follow Me And I Will Make You Fishers Of Men (Matthew 4:19)

The Calling of Saints Andrew and Peter

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news!" (Romans 10:15)

With these words, taken from the Book of Isaiah, St. Paul paints a picture of someone dedicated to preaching the good news of the kingdom of God. His focus on “feet” only emphasizes the way those com­mitted to evangelization are always on the move, always walking, or even running, to spread the gospel. Paul’s words also show how beau­tiful it is to see someone standing firm with the dignity of a child of God. How beautiful to God is the one who preaches, the one who walks with him, and the one who endures to the end!

What a perfect description of the apostle Andrew! A disciple of John the Baptist, Andrew heard John tes­tify to Jesus (John 1:36). He accepted Jesus’ invitation to stay with him and then went into action right away. He ran to bring the good news—“We have found the Messiah”—to his brother Peter (1:41). For three years, Andrew traveled with Jesus, watching him perform miracles and learning about the kingdom from him. Even after Jesus died and rose, Andrew stayed on the move, just like his Master. He took the good news into the world, traveling as far as Con­stantinople until he finally gave his life for the Lord in the city of Patras (in modern-day Greece).

It’s inspiring to think of how beautiful, how good and pleasing, Andrew’s faithful endurance was to the Father. But did you know that you are created for that beauty too? No matter how far along you are in your journey with Jesus, you can do more for him and his church.

It doesn’t have to be hard to tell other people about the Lord. All you have to do is share your own expe­riences of Jesus: how he has healed you, perhaps, or how you began to know his love. You can start sim­ply, by sharing with your family or friends. You don’t need a theology degree. You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to speak from the heart. The Holy Spirit will take care of the rest.


“Lord, you called Andrew the apostle
to preach the gospel and guide your Church in faith.

May he always be our friend in your presence
to help us with his prayers.
Amen.”

Happy The Eyes That See What You See (Luke10:23)

“Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.” (Luke 10:23)

Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit and with joy in his heart, praised God for hiding things from the wise and learned and revealing them to mere children. If you read the Scripture verses just before the actual Gospel passage of today, you will realize the connection which follows from the return of the seventy-(two), who were sent on a successful mission of driving out demons and healing the sick. On their return, these disciples were filled with gladness and so was Jesus who gave them the power to defeat the work of the evil one. He did not choose learned men to carry out this task but simple fishermen, and a tax-collector. They were humble and open to the work of God and the teachings of Jesus. They obeyed what the Lord had asked them to do, without questioning or doubting, just as a child obeys his parents or a student his master.

Jesus blessed his disciples by saying, “happy the eyes that see what you see, for many prophets and kings longed to see what you see, and never saw it; to hear what you hear what you hear, and never heard it.” Indeed the disciples were blessed to be in the presence of the Messiah. They were so privileged to hear his voice, to be able to touch him and talk to him as a friend would. It was such a blessing to have had the One who protects, heals and comforts always by their side. No doubt, those three years with the Lord must have been the best years of their lives!

When you learn to trust and obey God, you enter into a deeper, personal relationship with him, one that is more fulfilling than any other. However if you hold on to pride, ego, unforgiveness or any kind of prejudice, working for the kingdom of God will be very difficult. You cannot do the Lord’s work and at the same time hold a grudge in your heart. God blesses those who come to him with humility and with a childlike innocence. Our heavenly Father wishes to reveal his majesty to everyone but it is our own closed attitude that prevents us from knowing and seeing how awesome he really is. He waits anxiously for us to come to him with our needs, our desires, our thoughts, our fears and struggles. Don’t delay in coming closer to this awesome God, confess your sins today, tell him what hardens your heart, he will forgive you and reveal himself to you and you will be indeed blessed.


“Heavenly Father, we are nothing without you, all that we possess belongs to you. Lord, help us to be open to your word and recognize your voice when you speak.”

Father, may I ask a favour?

A young woman on a flight from Ireland asked the priest beside her, "Father, may I ask a favour?"

"Of course child. What can I do for you?"

"Well, I bought an expensive woman's electric hair dryer for my mother's birthday that is unopened and well over the Customs limits, and I'm afraid they'll confiscate it. Is there any way you could carry it through customs for me? Under your robes perhaps?"

"I would love to help you, dear, but I must warn you: I will not lie."

"With your honest face, Father, no one will question you."

When they got to Customs, she let the priest go ahead of her. The official asked, "Father, do you have anything to declare?"

"From the top of my head down to my waist, I have nothing to declare."

The official thought this answer strange, so he asked, "And what do you have to declare from your waist to the floor?"

Priest answered, "I have a marvelous instrument designed to be used on a woman, but which is, to date, unused."

Roaring with laughter, the official said, "Go ahead, Father... Next please!"

For All Eternity..!!

It's In The Valleys I Grow

Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full or sorrow, trouble, and woe,
It’s then I have to remember,
That it’s in the valleys I grow


If I always stayed on the mountain top,
And never experienced pain,
I would never appreciate God’s love,
And would be living in vain


I have so much to learn,
And my growth is very slow,
Sometimes I need the mountain tops,
But it’s in the valleys I grow


I do not always understand,
Why things happen as they do,
But I am very sure of one thing,
My Lord will see me through


My little valleys are nothing,
When I picture Christ on the cross,
He went through the valley of death,
His victory was Satan’s loss


Forgive me Lord, for complaining,
When I’m feeling very low,
Just give me a gentle reminder,
That it’s in the valley I grow


Continue to strengthen me Lord,
And use my life each day,
To share your love with others,
And help them find their way


Thank you for the valleys Lord,
For this one thing I know,
The mountain tops are glorious,
But it’s in the valleys I grow!



Published by Olivia
Copyright© 2011 All rights reserved

Christ, Who Came Once In The Flesh, Is Prepared To Come Again

The season of Advent

Beloved, now is the acceptable time spoken of by the Spirit, the day of salvation, peace and reconciliation: the great season of Advent. This is the time eagerly awaited by the patriarchs and prophets, the time that holy Simeon rejoiced at last to see. This is the season that the Church has always celebrated with special solemnity. We too should always observe it with faith and love, offering praise and thanksgiving to the Father for the mercy and love he has shown us in this mystery. In his infinite love for us, though we were sinners, he sent his only Son to free us from the tyranny of Satan, to summon us to heaven, to welcome us into its innermost recesses, to show us truth itself, to train us in right conduct, to plant within us the seeds of virtue, to enrich us with the treasures of his grace, and to make us children of God and heirs of eternal life.

Each year, as the Church recalls this mystery, she urges us to renew the memory of the great love God has shown us. This holy season teaches us that Christ’s coming was not only for the benefit of his contemporaries; his power has still to be communicated to us all. We shall share his power, if, through holy faith and the sacraments, we willingly accept the grace Christ earned for us, and live by that grace and in obedience to Christ.

The Church asks us to understand that Christ, who came once in the flesh, is prepared to come again. When we remove all obstacles to his presence he will come, at any hour and moment, to dwell spiritually in our hearts, bringing with him the riches of his grace.

In her concern for our salvation, our loving mother the Church uses this holy season to teach us through hymns, canticles and other forms of expression, of voice or ritual, used by the Holy Spirit. She shows us how grateful we should be for so great a blessing, and how to gain its benefit: our hearts should be as much prepared for the coming of Christ as if he were still to come into this world. The same lesson is given us for our imitation by the words and example of the holy men of the Old Testament.


~St Charles Borromeo

Be On Your Guard, Stay Awake! (Mark 13:33)

"Stay awake, because you do not know when the master of the house is coming." (Mark 13:35)

Today, on this First Sunday of Advent we begin a new liturgical year, cycle B. Today also is the dawn of a new era in the Church’s history, because the new translation of the Roman Missal will be officially introduced worldwide. The long anticipated wait is over, and the time for change is finally here. Once again the Church will be praying to God in one voice. As we light the first candle in the Advent wreath, we remind ourselves of the brightness it brings amidst all the darkness in our lives and in the world. It symbolizes our desire, longing and hope for Jesus to come and save us from sin and death. Advent is about letting God come to us. We do the letting and God does the coming.

The first reading from the ‘Psalm of lament’ covering Isaiah 63:7-11, speaks of the return of the Israelites from the Babylonian exile. They are filled with high hopes because of Isaiah’s prophesies, but sadly nothing seems to happen. So, they long for Yahweh to intervene. “Return!” they plead, “Oh that you would tear open the heavens and come down!” God must open heaven’s doors and come down. This same desire and cry for intervention has long been associated with Advent. Even psalm (80) is a community lament, a cry for divine intervention. It says, “visit this vine” and the “man you have chosen” which refers to the Messianic King, Jesus. Thus the psalm is also a petition to God to send the Messiah. In the second reading, Paul glorifies God for the blessings showered upon his people. These blessings are ‘charisms’ for ministry. Paul exhorts his people to utilize these talents so that “you may not be without the gifts of the Spirit while you are waiting for our Lord Jesus to be revealed.”

The gospel ‘parable of the doorkeeper’ tells of a man who goes abroad keeping his servants in charge of his house. Instructions to the doorkeeper are, “Stay awake!” That the master will return is sure--- When? No one knows. Nonetheless the doorkeeper must stay at the door and keep watch on everything that is stored behind it and everyone standing before it! And hopefully when the master returns he finds the doorkeeper awake, and not asleep!

Doors convey multiple meanings. Closing doors is security but also inhospitality; opening them suggest welcome, but invites trouble. Advent reminds us that our mind is a ventilator our heart is a window, our self, a door. It’s time now to open our minds to new beginnings, fresh ideas, our hearts to more people, and our lives for deeper commitment to the One who comes, if we let him. Sadly for many this beautiful season is filled with shopping, decorating and re-decorating, renovating only the exteriors for Christmas. What about stopping for Christ? Stop! Watch! Wait! “Listen, I stand at the door knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you” (Revelations 3:20). Doorkeeper are you awake? Will you open the door so that the Lord can come and dine with you this Christmas?


“Maranatha, Come, Lord Jesus Come.”

We Look Beyond The First Coming And Await The Second

The twofold coming of Christ

We do not preach only one coming of Christ, but a second as well, much more glorious than the first. The first coming was marked by patience; the second will bring the crown of a divine kingdom.

In general, whatever relates to our Lord Jesus Christ has two aspects. There is a birth from God before the ages, and a birth from a virgin at the fullness of time. There is a hidden coming, like that of rain on fleece, and a coming before all eyes, still in the future.

At the first coming he was wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger. At his second coming he will be clothed in light as in a garment. In the first coming he endured the cross, despising the shame; in the second coming he will be in glory, escorted by an army of angels.

We look then beyond the first coming and await the second. At the first coming we said: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. At the second we shall say it again; we shall go out with the angels to meet the Lord and cry out in adoration: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

The Saviour will not come to be judged again, but to judge those by whom he was judged. At his own judgement he was silent; then he will address those who committed the outrages against him when they crucified him and will remind them: You did these things, and I was silent.

His first coming was to fulfil his plan of love, to teach men by gentle persuasion. This time, whether men like it or not, they will be subjects of his kingdom by necessity.

The prophet Malachi speaks of the two comings. And the Lord whom you seek will come suddenly to his temple: that is one coming.

Again he says of another coming: Look, the Lord almighty will come, and who will endure the day of his entry, or who will stand in his sight? Because he comes like a refiner’s fire, a fuller’s herb, and he will sit refining and cleansing.

These two comings are also referred to by Paul in writing to Titus: The grace of God the Saviour has appeared to all men, instructing us to put aside impiety and worldly desires and live temperately, uprightly, and religiously in this present age, waiting for the joyful hope, the appearance of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Notice how he speaks of a first coming for which he gives thanks, and a second, the one we still await.

That is why the faith we profess has been handed on to you in these words: He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

Our Lord Jesus Christ will therefore come from heaven. He will come at the end of the world, in glory, at the last day. For there will be an end to this world, and the created world will be made new


~St Cyril of Jerusalem

What I Have Learnt

I’ve learnt that I like my teacher because she cries when she sings “silent night” ... Age 6

I’ve learnt that you can’t hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk ... Age 7

I’ve learnt that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me clean it up ... Age 13

I’ve learnt that although it’s hard to admit it, I ‘m secretly glad my parents are strict with me ... Age 15

I’ve learnt that silent company is often more healing than words of advice ... Age 24

I’ve learnt that everyone has their own opinion; I think I am right but that doesn’t mean you are wrong ... Age27

I’ve learnt that wherever I go, the world’s worst drivers have followed me there ... Age 29

I’ve learnt that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it ... Age 39

I’ve learnt that there are people who love me dearly but just don’t know how to show it ... Age 41

I’ve learnt that you can make someone’s day by simply sending him or her a little card ... Age 43

I’ve learnt that hotel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone ... Age 50

I’ve learnt that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights ... Age 52

I’ve learnt that making a living is not the same thing as making a life ... Age 58

I’ve learnt that life sometimes gives you a second chance ... Age 62

I’ve learnt that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you ... Age 64

I’ve learnt that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision ... Age 69

I’ve learnt that when I have pains, I don’t have to be one ... Age 74

I’ve learnt that everyday you should reach out and touch someone. People love those human touch-holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back ... Age 81

I’ve learnt that I still have a lot to learn ... Age 87



Published by Olivia
Copyright© 2011 All rights reserved

What God Can Do With 57 Cents

A little girl stood near a small church from which she had been turned away because it was 'too crowded.' 'I can't go to Sunday School,' she sobbed to the pastor as he walked by.

Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the pastor guessed the reason and, taking her by the hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the Sunday school class.

The child was so happy that they found room for her, and she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to worship Jesus.

Some two years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings. Her parents called for the kindhearted pastor who had befriended their daughter to handle the final arrangements.

As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled red purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump.

Inside was found 57 cents and a note, scribbled in childish handwriting, which read: 'This is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go to Sunday School.'
For two years she had saved for this offering of love.

When the pastor tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do. Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the pulpit, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion.

He challenged his deacons to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building.

But the story does not end there...

A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a wealthy realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands.

When told that the church could not pay so much, he offered to sell it to the little church for 57 cents.

Church members made large donations. Checks came from far and wide.. Within five years the little girl's gift had increased to $250,000.00--a huge sum for that time (near the turn of the century).

Her unselfish love had paid large dividends.

When you are in the city of Philadelphia, look up Temple Baptist Church , with a seating capacity of 3,300. And be sure to visit Temple University, where thousands of students are educated.

Have a look, too, at the Good Samaritan Hospital and at a Sunday School building which houses hundreds of beautiful children, built so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside during Sunday school time.

In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved, made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind pastor, Dr. Russell H. Conwell, author of the book, 'Acres of Diamonds'.


This is a true story, which goes to show
WHAT GOD CAN DO WITH 57 CENTS.



Published by Olivia
Copyright© 2011 All rights reserved

Stay Awake, Praying For Strength To Survive (Luke 21:36)

"Be always on the watch and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21:36)

This is the last day of the church’s year of grace. Tomorrow is a day of new beginnings, for we celebrate the First Sunday of Advent, Year B and also the New Roman Missal will officially take effect. But we still have this day ahead of us, we should give thanks and praise to God, for journeying with us through this liturgical year and enriching us with his word and his presence in the Eucharist.

The final gospel of the year speaks about the last day and being prepared to face it. Jesus cautions us “stay awake,” he says, “praying for the strength to survive all that is going to happen.” Are we ready to meet the Lord? How should we prepare ourselves for the Parousia or our own death? The only way to do that is to live each day as if it were our last. We can have no unfinished work. Our hearts must be in order. We must forgive and accept forgiveness today. We must not wait until “whenever” to tell someone that we love him or her. We should share our love and friendship today. We must live life passionately today! Sing and dance and party when it is time. Mourn and weep when it is appropriate. Our charitable acts of kindness and generosity must build up a godly character in us. We must mirror the love of Jesus, to everyone around.

Being ready for the “end” means; living each day in integrity, justice, truthfulness, mercy, and love. We are children of the Light, never fearing the darkness and hence we must have no secret or hidden life, but instead our lives should be transparent. Simply meaning, having to live under the complete scrutiny of the eye of the Lord. So, pause and reflect on this liturgical year that has gone by, the blessings the Lord has showered upon you. Thank him for walking with you through troubled times, delivering you from all harm. Thank him for his constant presence in your life. Thank him for sealing you with the Holy Spirit for the day of Redemption. Thank him for the ability to receive the sacraments in a state of grace. Thank him for all the answered prayers, whether “yes” “no” or “not now”! Thank him for the family, friends, and neighbours that live in harmony with you. And thank him for giving you Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

“Jesus Christ, yesterday and today, the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega! To him belong the days and the seasons. To him belongs all glory! Amen and Amen!”


“Heavenly Father as we close another liturgical year in the church, we come before you in thanksgiving and praise for all your graces, sacraments and blessings that you have showered on us. Thank you for your Son Jesus, who revealed your love for us and who has shown us the way to you. Thank you for speaking to us each day at Mass and nourishing us with the Bread from heaven. Lord, continue to keep us in communion with the whole church. Amen”

Vatican's Chief Exorcist Says Yoga Is The Work Of The Evil One

Yoga is the work of the devil, says Vatican's chief exorcist [and I agree!!!!]

Father Gabriel Amorth has carried out more than 70,000 exorcisms in his capacity as Chief Exorcist at the Vatican. [only an exorcist knows the tactics of the devil best, because he has defeated him more than 70,000 times]

The 85-year-old can boast 25 years in the post after being appointed by the late Pope John Paul II.

At a conference today, he surprised the delegates by revealing some of his greatest dislikes - yoga and Harry Potter <<-- [not a fan of him either]

Father Amorth, a colourful and often outspoken personality, said: 'Practising yoga [is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility, the goal of yoga takes the form of moksha, which is liberation from all worldly suffering and the cycle of birth and death (samsara), at which point there is a realization of identity with the Supreme Brahman or soul ] brings evil as does reading Harry Potter. They may both seem innocuous but they both deal with magic and that leads to evil.'

He added: 'Yoga is the Devil's work. You think you are doing it for stretching your mind and body but it leads to Hinduism. [that is very true it also leads to Jainism and Buddhism] All these oriental religions are based on the false belief of reincarnation.' [yep, reincarnated seven times till the soul attains 'moksha' which means 'to let loose', 'to let go']

Father Amorth, speaking on the subject of People And Religion at a fringe event at the Umbria Film Festival in Terni, spoke of his distaste for JK Rowling's young wizard.

He said: 'People think it is an innocuous book for children but it's about magic and that leads to evil. In Harry Potter the Devil is at work in a cunning and crafty way, he is using his extraordinary powers of magic [have you seen David Blaine bring a dead bird back to life, well I have, and he wasn't faking it]and evil.


'Satan is always hidden and the thing he desires more than anything is for people to believe he does not exist. He studies each and everyone of us and our tendencies towards good and evil and then he tempts us.

'My advice to young people would be to watch out for nightclubs because the path is always the same: alcohol, sex, drugs and Satanic sects.'

It is not the first time that Father Amorth has raised eyebrows with his forthright views - last year he said that the ongoing child sex scandals rocking the Catholic Church were evidence that 'the Devil was at work in the Vatican.'

'Satan studies each and everyone of us and our tendencies towards good and evil and then he tempts us'

While in 2006, Father Amorth, who was ordained a priest in 1954, gave an interview to Vatican Radio in which he said that Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and Russian dictator Josef Stalin were both possessed by the Devil.

According to secret Vatican documents recently released the then wartime Pope Pius XII attempted a 'long distance exorcism' of Hitler but it failed to have any effect. [that's because the holy water was missing!!!]

It is also not the first time that Father Amorth, who is president of the International Association of Exorcists, has spoken out against Harry Potter saying in the past that it opens children's minds to dabbling with the occult and black magic. [ask me about ouija boards and I'll tell ya!]

Today Vanda Vanni, of the Italian Yoga Association, said: 'A Satanic practice? Pardon the pun but that is an accusation that is neither in Heaven or on earth. Father Amorth's accusation is completely without foundation. [well anything that is not from God is of the Evil one. Christianity clearly says, "Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them" Eph 5:11 (NLT) ]

'It is an outrageous thing to say - yoga is not a religion but a spiritual discipline [The Bhagavad Gita and the Mahabharata, clearly mentions 'yoga' so yes, religion, spiritual disciple or simple mythology..they are all the same]. It is about freedom [freedom from who...God???] and a search to find one's inner self. It does not touch religion and has nothing to do with Satanic sects nor does it encourage people to join them. [ha! you're kidding me, then why do you advertise??]

Giorgio Furlan, who runs the Yoga Academy in Rome, said`:'There are some paths of yoga which do lead towards Hinduism [Buddhism, Jainism, Sufism] but other paths are more philosophical [now you would be insulting Patañjali, if you call it philosophical] but their is no direct link with religion and certainly no link with Satanism.

'To say such things shows you have no idea of what you are talking about - yoga controls violent impulses of the nervous system and subconscious - to be honest with me it had the effect of bringing me closer to Christianity and in particular the Catholic Church which I had abandoned as a youngster' [Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you (Deut 6:14), Thus says the LORD, ‘Do not learn the way of the heathen (occult practices and the worship of false gods), and do not be terrified at the signs of the heavens (as in astrology and witchcraft); for the nations are terrified at them’ ” (Jer. 10:1-2)]



*The Roman Catholic Church, and some other Christian organizations have expressed concerns and disapproval with respect to some eastern and New Age practices that include yoga and meditation.

In 1989 and 2003, the Vatican issued two documents: Aspects of Christian meditation and "A Christian reflection on the New Age," that were mostly critical of eastern and New Age practices. The 2003 document was published as a 90 page handbook detailing the Vatican's position. The Vatican warned that concentration on the physical aspects of meditation "can degenerate into a cult of the body" and that equating bodily states with mysticism "could also lead to psychic disturbance and, at times, to moral deviations." Such has been compared to the early days of Christianity, when the church opposed the gnostics' belief that salvation came not through faith but through a mystical inner knowledge.

The letter also says, "one can see if and how [prayer] might be enriched by meditation methods developed in other religions and cultures" but maintains the idea that "there must be some fit between the nature of [other approaches to] prayer and Christian beliefs about ultimate reality."

Some fundamentalist Christian organizations consider yoga to be incompatible with their religious background, considering it a part of the New Age movement inconsistent with Christianity.


(my emphasis and comments in bold)

Published by Olivia
Copyright© 2011 All rights reserved

I Pray O Lord

All that I ought to have thought
and have not thought;

All that I ought to have said
and have not said;

All that I ought to have done
and have not done;

All that I ought not to have thought
and yet thought;

All that I ought not to have spoken
and yet have spoken;

All that I ought not to have done
and yet have done;

For thoughts, words and works,

I pray O Lord for forgiveness,
and repent of, with penance.

Amen.




Published by Olivia
Copyright© 2011 All rights reserved

I Saw One Like A Son Of Man (Daniel 7:13)

“I saw, coming on the clouds of heaven, one like a son of man.” (Daniel 7:13)

In the first reading of today, we have the prophet Daniel describing his visions of the night. Most of which were fearful and terrifying, they consisted of creatures that resembled partly beasts, sea creatures and birds. To some it may sound like a scene from a fictitious movie, but to Daniel it was more than real. It is the vision of the end times, the judgement day, when the books will be opened! The reading concludes with the coming of the Son of Man on the clouds of heaven. To see Jesus in all his glory must have been the only comforting part of Daniel’s chazown!

Have you ever been through a rough day, maybe at work, at home, or running errands, trying real hard to hold it all together, and then all of a sudden you sight the one you love and your troubles vanished in an instant? Have you woken up from a frightful nightmare of losing the one you love, just to find them right beside you? The same feeling of comfort and peace descends when we know that our loved ones are with us and everything will be alright. That is the same peace Daniel must have felt on seeing the Lord, which of course is indescribable. Or is there anyone who according to you radiates God’s love to the highest extreme? Now, imagine meeting that person and being in the presence of that person, you would probably feel the touch of the Holy Spirit, almost as seeing the Lord himself. But that “almost” cannot be compared to the real thing, now can it? There definitely is a God - shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through his Son Jesus. Daniel in his vision speaks of the same “Ancient One” that our hearts long for. St. Augustine of Hippo expressed it most beautifully, when he said, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”

No matter how many great people we have met or heard of, and no matter how much wealth and fame we have attained, deep down the only thing that will fully satisfy us is having a personal relationship with God and ultimately seeing him face to face. God is a loving Father who “is waiting for us when nothing else we find satisfies us.” Today spend a few moments contemplating the joy of being in God’s holy presence and worshipping him for all eternity. Think about the fact that the entire goal of your life is eternal life with “the only true God, and the one whom [he has] sent, Jesus Christ” (John 17:3). Leave all your worries, anxieties, distractions, aside and simply praise and glorify him for being such a compassionate and generous God, who gave us his only begotten Son so that in knowing him we can find lasting happiness, peace and love!



“Lord Jesus, you are my only lasting desire, the longing to be in your divine presence is the vacuum in my heart. Transform my life, deepen and enlarge my relationship with you.”

We Have So Much To Be Thankful For!

Thanksgiving Prayer

We thank you O Lord
For the gift of life and love
For all the good things you bestow from above
For every family member near and far
For the ones who have bid us an ‘Au revior’

We thank you O Lord
For shelter and food on the table
For employment and good health that keeps us able
For protection from all harm
For strangers and neighbours that charm

We thank you O Lord
For the challenges and struggles that make us strong
For the help we receive all along
For the prayers and blessings offered by priests
For their sacrificial obedience to the Eucharistic feast

We thank you O Lord
For the companions and pets
For when life runs smoothly and also the little upsets
For the gifts of forgiveness and praise
For all your wondrous deeds that amaze

We thank you O Lord
For the earth, it’s oceans and trees
For the scorching sun and the gentle breeze
For winter, spring, autumn and rain
For every joy and every pain

We thank you O Lord
For the desires that you fulfill
For sending angels to save us on the trip downhill
For your Son Jesus, the key to eternal living
For the ability to make it through another Thanksgiving


Amen


~Olivia
© Copyright 2011

Let Christ Paint His Image In Us

If only it is preserved, the likeness of God is man's greatest dignity

Moses wrote in the law: God made man in his image and likeness. Consider, I ask you, the dignity of these words. God is all-powerful. We cannot see or understand him, describe or assess him. Yet he fashioned man from clay and endowed him with the nobility of his own image. What has man in common with God? Or earth with spirit? – for God is a spirit. It is a glorious privilege that God should grant man his eternal image and the likeness of his character. Man’s likeness to God, if he preserves it, imparts high dignity.

If man applies the virtues planted in his soul to the right purpose, he will be like God. God’s commands have taught us to give him back the virtues he sowed in us in our first innocence. The first command is to love our Lord with our whole heart because he loved us first from the beginning, before our existence. Loving God renews his image in us. Anyone who loves God keeps his commandments, for he said: If you love me, keep my commandments. His command is that we love each other. In his own words: This is my command, that you love each other as I also have loved you.

True love is shown not merely in word, but in deed and in truth. So we must turn back our image undefiled and holy to our God and Father, for he is holy; in the words of Scripture: Be holy, for I am holy. We must restore his image with love, for he is love; in John’s words: God is love. We must restore it with loyalty and truth, for he is loyal and truthful. The image we depict must not be that of one who is unlike God; for one who is harsh and irascible and proud would display the image of a despot.

Let us not imprint on ourselves the image of a despot, but let Christ paint his image in us with his words: My peace I give you, my peace I leave with you. But the knowledge that peace is good is of no benefit to us if we do not practice it. The most valuable objects are usually the most fragile; costly things require the most careful handling. Particularly fragile is that which is lost by wanton talk and destroyed with the slightest injury of a brother. Men like nothing better than discussing and minding the business of others, passing superfluous comments at random and criticizing people behind their backs. So those who cannot say: The Lord has given me a discerning tongue, that I may with a word support him who is weary should keep silent, or if they do say anything it should promote peace


~Saint Columbanus

There Is Life Everlasting, Joy In Righteousness

God's gifts are wonderful

Beloved, how blessed and wonderful are God’s gifts! There is life everlasting, joy in righteousness, truth in freedom, faith, confidence, and self-control in holiness. And these are the gifts that we can comprehend; what of all the others that are being prepared for those who look to him. Only the Creator, the Father of the ages, the all-holy, knows their grandeur and their loveliness. And so we should strive to be found among those who wait for him so that we may share in these promised gifts. And how is this to be, beloved brothers? It will come about if by our faith our minds remain fixed on God; if we aim at what is pleasing and acceptable to him, if we accomplish what is in harmony with his faultless will and follow the path of truth, rejecting all injustice, viciousness, covetousness, quarrels, malice and deceit.

This is the path, beloved, by which we find our salvation, Jesus Christ, the high priest of our sacrifices, the defender and ally in our helplessness. It is through him that we gaze on the highest heaven, through him we can see the reflection of God’s pure and sublime countenance, through him the eyes of our hearts have been opened, through him our foolish and darkened understanding opens toward the light, and through him the Lord has willed that we should taste everlasting knowledge. He reflects God’s majesty and is as much superior to angels as the name he has obtained is more excellent than theirs.

Let us then serve in his army, brothers, following his blameless commands with all our might. The great cannot exist without the small, nor the small without the great; they blend together to their mutual advantage. Take the body, for example. The head is nothing without the feet, just as the feet are nothing without the head. The smallest parts of our body are necessary and valuable to the whole. All work together and are mutually subject for the preservation of the whole body.

Our entire body, then, will be preserved in Christ Jesus, and each of us should be subject to his neighbour in accordance with the grace given to each. The stronger should care for the weak, and the weak should respect the stronger. The wealthy should give to the poor, and the poor man should thank God that he has sent him someone to supply his needs. The wise should manifest their wisdom not in words but in good deeds, and the humble should not talk about their own humility but allow others to bear witness to it. Since, therefore, we have all this from him, we ought to thank him for it all. Glory to him for ever. Amen


~Pope St Clement I to the Corinthians

Why I Follow Jesus?

You ask why I follow Jesus?
Why I love Him the way I do?
When the world's turned away from His teachings
And the people who serve Him are few.


It's not the rewards I'm after
Or gifts that I hope to receive
It's the Presence that calls for commitment
It's the Spirit I trust and believe.


The Lord rescues His faithful
But doesn't spare them all suffering and pain,
Like everyone else I have burdens,
And walk through my share of rain.


Yet He gives me a plan and a purpose,
And that joy only Christians have known,
I never know what comes tomorrow,
But I do know I'm never alone.


It's the love always there when you need it;
It's the words that redeem and inspire,
It's the longing to ever be with Him
That burns in my heart like a fire.


So you ask why I love my Lord Jesus?
Well, friend, that's so easy to see,
But the one thing that fills me with wonder is
Why Jesus loves someone like me!!!





Published by Olivia
Copyright© 2011 All rights reserved

Take Care Not To Be Deceived (Luke 21:8)

“The time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed.” (Luke 21:6)
The gospels for the remainder of this last week in ordinary time will be speaking of the end of the world, the end times and raptures. In today’s passage we see Jesus responding to the comments of the people about the beauty and the glory of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Temple meant so much to the national and religious identity and pride of the people. It was huge and magnificent, a truly worthy place to house the Ark of the Covenant. Much of the daily activities, sacrifices, worship and also the economic health of Jerusalem revolved around this Temple. It was also a statement of pride to the Romans and the others who held noble positions. But it all came down, and all that is left of it is a Wailing Wall.

The first reading from the book of Daniel, tells us that God himself establishes his kingdom (Daniel 2:44). Our God is the Lord of history and according to Scripture he has stuck to his promises. He is in charge no matter what governments rule on earth. The message of Jesus is very clear, “God is a God of the Spirit. He may raise buildings, but he doesn’t need them.” Unfortunately, we need them, and we sometimes try to use them as a way of controlling God or keeping him confined into that structure. Whenever we make God subservient to structures, buildings, finances, pastoral structures, and planning, we run into trouble. The church needs money and resources. It needs buildings and staff persons. It cannot do the Lord’s work without these things. But what is important? Is that we use everything we have to serve the Lord and minister to his people, especially the poor and the needy. That should be our first priority in building God’s kingdom.

Jesus warns us that when we hear of wars and insecurities, we should not be afraid. There will be many to say to us that the Messiah has come and frighten us with all the fake ones around. But the Lord says, “Take care not to be deceived” and “refuse to join them,” because “the end is not so soon” for all that has been written in Scriptures must first be fulfilled. When our hearts are with the Lord, it doesn’t matter if all the buildings come tumbling down, or nations are fighting against nations. It doesn’t matter if there are insecurities or persecutions. But when these things do happen what we need to do is hurry to help those who are suffering, bind their wounds, give to the hungry and thirsty, assist with medical or financial help whenever necessary-- at all times. Be a blessing to those who cannot repay you. That is our true Christian calling. For no matter how difficult the situations maybe, nothing has happened to the church the Lord has established, because the kingdom of God always triumphs. We are that true church, we are the little flock huddled together in Jesus’ love when we reach out against all odds. So hold fast to your faith, walk in the Lord’s ways braving all calamities for nothing will ever happen to us, because Jesus has promised to be with us through all the trials and tribulations.



“Lord Jesus, my times are in your hands, You know the end from the beginning, I trust in your infinite majesty.”

Ye Of Little Faith!

Presentation of Mary in the Temple

Mary’s presentation was celebrated in Jerusalem in the sixth century. A church was built there in honor of this mystery. The Eastern Church was more interested in the feast, but it does appear in the West in the 11th century. Although the feast at times disappeared from the calendar, in the 16th century it became a feast of the universal Church.As with Mary’s birth, we read of Mary’s presentation in the temple only in apocryphal literature. In what is recognized as an unhistorical account, the Protoevangelium of James tells us that Anna and Joachim offered Mary to God in the Temple when she was three years old. This was to carry out a promise made to God when Anna was still childless.

Though unhistorical, Mary’s presentation has an important theological purpose. It continues the impact of the feasts of the Immaculate Conception and of the birth of Mary. It emphasizes that the holiness conferred on Mary from the beginning of her life on earth continued through her early childhood and beyond.

Prayer:

Lord God, you looked with love on your handmaid, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and raised her up to be the Mother of your Son. Through her prayers and example, may we give you perfect obedience and, from hearts filled with joy, share with others the wonders of your love.
We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.

Amen.

Eve wept for sorrow.

Mary hath already leaped for joy.

Eve bore within her breast the fruit of tears,

Mary hath within her breast the fruit of joy eternal.

The one brought forth a sinner to the world.

The other will bring into it Him who shall redeem the world from sin.

The mother of the human race plunged her children into pain and death.

But Mary comes, bearing in her hands the gift of eternal life!

Eve is the source of sin;

Mary is the spring of grace.


~ "The Lily of Israel"

"THE LILY OF ISRAEL" BY THE ABB GERBET, is available online, check here

What name shall we give then to Mary?

What was the Virgin doing as she spent her life within the confines of the Holy of Holies? She received from the angels the food of the angels and kept her virginity intact, like an immaculate dove. She gave thanks and manifested a most profound affection for him who had built the Temple, heavens, and the earth, as she said in her supplication: “Oh all powerful Lord, I will praise you who wiped away the opprobrium of Eve, the first Mother, and through your ineffable mercy you will send to the earth your Only Begotten Son, to live amid human beings. It is for this reason that I shall render his dwelling pure and immaculate.” [...]

What name shall we give then to Mary? Heaven? She contained in her womb the Creator of heaven and earth. Sun? She, who shines seven times more brightly than the sun, has conceived the Sun of Justice. Moon? She, who is resplendent with incomparable beauty, has brought forth Christ, the essence of all beauty. Cloud? She bore in her arms him who is clothed in the clouds. Candelabrum? She glowed like light for those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death. Throne? She in the Holy Spirit had received, circumscribed within her bosom, him who reigns invisibly on the throne of the Father. Pearl? She has given to mortals a pear by far the most precious. Paradise? In opening the gates of Eden to those who were condemned, she continuously gains them entrance into an eternal realm. Mountain? She bore with difficulty him who touches the mountains and they smoke. Earth? She bore within her womb without pain him at whose sign the earth shakes. Altar? She nourished with her motherly milk him who gives us food in abundance. Sea? She kissed with her lips him who gathered the waters into one place only.


~Tarsius of Constantinople, TM, 634

The Virgin Mary is both holy and blessed!

By faith she believed; by faith, conceived

Stretching out his hand over his disciples, the Lord Christ declared: Here are my mother and my brothers; anyone who does the will of my Father who sent me is my brother and sister and my mother. I would urge you to ponder these words. Did the Virgin Mary, who believed by faith and conceived by faith, who was the chosen one from whom our Saviour was born among men, who was created by Christ before Christ was created in her – did she not do the will of the Father? Indeed the blessed Mary certainly did the Father’s will, and so it was for her a greater thing to have been Christ’s disciple than to have been his mother, and she was more blessed in her discipleship than in her motherhood. Hers was the happiness of first bearing in her womb him whom she would obey as her master.

Now listen and see if the words of Scripture do not agree with what I have said. The Lord was passing by and crowds were following him. His miracles gave proof of divine power. and a woman cried out: Happy is the womb that bore you, blessed is that womb! But the Lord, not wishing people to seek happiness in a purely physical relationship, replied: More blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it. Mary heard God’s word and kept it, and so she is blessed. She kept God’s truth in her mind, a nobler thing than carrying his body in her womb. The truth and the body were both Christ: he was kept in Mary’s mind insofar as he is truth, he was carried in her womb insofar as he is man; but what is kept in the mind is of a higher order than what is carried in the womb.

The Virgin Mary is both holy and blessed, and yet the Church is greater than she. Mary is a part of the Church, a member of the Church, a holy, an eminent – the most eminent – member, but still only a member of the entire body. The body undoubtedly is greater than she, one of its members. This body has the Lord for its head, and head and body together make up the whole Christ. In other words, our head is divine – our head is God.

Now, beloved, give me your whole attention, for you also are members of Christ; you also are the body of Christ. Consider how you yourselves can be among those of whom the Lord said: Here are my mother and my brothers. Do you wonder how you can be the mother of Christ? He himself said: Whoever hears and fulfils the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and my sister and my mother. As for our being the brothers and sisters of Christ, we can understand this because although there is only one inheritance and Christ is the only Son, his mercy would not allow him to remain alone. It was his wish that we too should be heirs of the Father, and co-heirs with himself.

Now having said that all of you are brothers of Christ, shall I not dare to call you his mother? Much less would I dare to deny his own words. Tell me how Mary became the mother of Christ, if it was not by giving birth to the members of Christ? You, to whom I am speaking, are the members of Christ. Of whom were you born? “Of Mother Church,” I hear the reply of your hearts. You became sons of this mother at your baptism, you came to birth then as members of Christ. Now you in your turn must draw to the font of baptism as many as you possibly can. You became sons when you were born there yourselves, and now by bringing others to birth in the same way, you have it in your power to become the mothers of Christ.


~Saint Augustine

Pope Benedict XVI in Benin, Africa

~ AP Photo

Pope Benedict XVI in Africa

~Getty Images

Pope's Homily at Cotonou, Benin, Africa Nov 2011

APOSTOLIC JOURNEY TO BENIN
18-20 NOVEMBER 2011

HOLY MASS AND CONSIGNMENT
OF THE POST-SYNODAL APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION
TO THE BISHOPS OF AFRICA

HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI
Amitié Stadium, Cotonou
Sunday, 20 November 2011

Dear Brother Bishops and Priests,
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Following in the footsteps of my blessed predecessor Pope John Paul II, it is a great joy for me to visit for the second time this dear continent of Africa, coming among you, in Benin, to address to you a message of hope and of peace. I would like first of all to express my cordial gratitude to Archbishop Antoine Ganyé Cotonou, for his words of welcome and to greet the Bishops of Benin, as well as the Cardinals and Bishops from various African countries and from other continents. To all of you, dear brothers and sisters, who have come to this Mass celebrated by the Successor of Peter, I offer my warm greetings. I am thinking certainly of the faithful of Benin, but also of those from other French-speaking countries, such as Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger and others. Our Eucharistic celebration on the Solemnity of Christ the King is an occasion to give thank to God for the one hundred and fifty years that have passed since the beginnings of the evangelization of Benin; it is also an occasion to express our gratitude to him for the Second Special Assembly of the Synod of African Bishops which was held in Rome a few months ago.

The Gospel which we have just heard tells us that Jesus, the Son of Man, the ultimate judge of our lives, wished to appear as one who hungers and thirsts, as a stranger, as one of those who are naked, sick or imprisoned, ultimately, of those who suffer or are outcast; how we treat them will be taken as the way we treat Jesus himself. We do not see here a simple literary device, or a simple metaphor. Jesus’s entire existence is an example of it. He, the Son of God, became man, he shared our existence, even down to the smallest details, he became the servant of the least of his brothers and sisters. He who had nowhere to lay his head, was condemned to death on a cross. This is the King we celebrate!

Without a doubt this can appear a little disconcerting to us. Today, like two thousand years ago, accustomed to seeing the signs of royalty in success, power, money and ability, we find it hard to accept such a king, a king who makes himself the servant of the little ones, of the most humble, a king whose throne is a cross. And yet, the Scriptures tell us, in this is the glory of Christ revealed; it is in the humility of his earthly existence that he finds his power to judge the world. For him, to reign is to serve! And what he asks of us is to follow him along the way, to serve, to be attentive to the cry of the poor, the weak, the outcast. The baptized know that the decision to follow Christ can entail great sacrifices, at times even the sacrifice of one’s life. However, as Saint Paul reminds us, Christ has overcome death and he brings us with him in his resurrection. He introduces us to a new world, a world of freedom and joy. Today, so much still binds us to the world of the past, so many fears hold us prisoners and prevent us from living in freedom and happiness. Let us allow Christ to free us from the world of the past! Our faith in him, which frees us from all our fears and miseries, gives us access to a new world, a world where justice and truth are not a byword, a world of interior freedom and of peace with ourselves, with our neighbours and with God. This is the gift God gave us at our baptism!

“Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Mt 25:34). Let us receive this word of blessing which the Son of Man will, on the Day of Judgement, address to those who have recognized his presence in the lowliest of their brethren, with a heart free and full of the love of the Lord! Brothers and sisters, the words of the Gospel are truly words of hope, because the King of the universe has drawn near to us, the servant of the least and lowliest. Here I would like to greet with affection all those persons who are suffering, those who are sick, those affected by AIDS or by other illnesses, to all those forgotten by society. Have courage! The Pope is close to you in his thoughts and prayers. Have courage! Jesus wanted to identify himself with the poor, with the sick; he wanted to share your suffering and to see you as his brothers and sisters, to free you from every affliction, from all suffering. Every sick person, every poor person deserves our respect and our love because, through them, God shows us the way to heaven.

This morning, I invite you once again to rejoice with me. One hundred and fifty years ago the cross of Christ was raised in your country, and the Gospel was proclaimed for the first time. Today, we give thanks to God for the work accomplished by the missionaries, by the “apostolic workers” who first came from among you or from distant lands, bishops, priests, men and women religious, catechists, all those who, both yesterday and today, enabled the growth of the faith in Jesus Christ on the African continent. I honour here the memory of the venerable Cardinal Bernardin Gantin, an example of faith and of wisdom for Benin and for the entire African continent.

Dear brothers and sisters, everyone who has received this marvellous gift of faith, this gift of an encounter with the risen Lord, feels in turn the need to proclaim it to others. The Church exists to proclaim this Good News! And this duty is always urgent! After 150 years, many are those who have not heard the message of salvation in Christ! Many, too, are those who are hesitant to open their hearts to the word of God! Many are those whose faith is weak, whose way of thinking, habits and lifestyle do not know the reality of the Gospel, and who think that seeking selfish satisfaction, easy gain or power is the ultimate goal of human life. With enthusiasm, be ardent witnesses of the faith which you have received! Make the loving face of the Saviour shine in every place, in particular before the young, who search for reasons to live and hope in a difficult world!

The Church in Benin has received much from her missionaries: she must in turn carry this message of hope to people who do not know or who no longer know the Lord Jesus. Dear brothers and sisters, I ask you to be concerned for evangelization in your country, and among the peoples of your continent and the whole world. The recent Synod of Bishops for Africa stated this in no uncertain terms: the man of hope, the Christian, cannot be uninterested in his brothers and sisters. This would be completely opposed to the example of Jesus. The Christian is a tireless builder of communion, peace and solidarity - gifts which Jesus himself has given us. By being faithful to him, we will cooperate in the realization of God’s plan of salvation for humanity.

Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you, therefore, to strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ, to be authentically converted to him. He alone gives us the true life and can liberate us for all our fears and sluggishness, from all our anguish. Rediscover the roots of your existence in the baptism which you received and which makes you children of God! May Jesus Christ give you strength to live as Christians and to find ways to transmit generously to new generations what you have received from your fathers in faith! AKLUNƆ NI KƆN FƐNU TƆN LƐ DO MI JI[Fon: May the Lord fill you with his graces!]

On this feast day, we rejoice together in the reign of Christ the King over the whole world. He is the one who removes all that hinders reconciliation, justice and peace. We are reminded that true royalty does not consist in a show of power, but in the humility of service; not in the oppression of the weak, but in the ability to protect them and to lead them to life in abundance (cf. Jn 10:10). Christ reigns from the Cross and, with his arms open wide, he embraces all the peoples of the world and draws them into unity. Through the Cross, he breaks down the walls of division, he reconciles us with each other and with the Father. We pray today for the people of Africa, that all may be able to live in justice, peace and the joy of the Kingdom of God (cf. Rom 14:17). With these sentiments I affectionately greet all the English-speaking faithful who have come from Ghana and Nigeria and neighbouring countries. May God bless all of you!

Queridos irmãos e irmãs da África lusófona que me ouvis, a todos dirijo a minha saudação e convido a renovar a vossa decisão de pertencer a Cristo e de servir o seu Reino de reconciliação, de justiça e de paz. O seu Reino pode ser posto em perigo no nosso coração. Aqui Deus cruza-se com a nossa liberdade. Nós – e só nós – podemos impedi-Lo de reinar sobre nós mesmos e, em consequência, tornar difícil a sua realeza sobre a família, a sociedade e a história. Por causa de Cristo, tantos homens e mulheres se opuseram, vitoriosamente, às tentações do mundo para viver fielmente a sua fé, às vezes mesmo até ao martírio. A seu exemplo, amados pastores e fiéis, sede sal e luz de Cristo na terra africana! Amen.

[Dear brothers and sisters of the Portuguese-speaking nations of Africa who are listening to me! I greet all of you and I invite you to renew your decision to belong to Christ and to serve his Kingdom of reconciliation, justice and peace. His Kingdom can be threatened in our hearts. There God comes face to face with our freedom. We – and we alone – can prevent him from reigning over us and consequently obstructing his Lordship over our families, society and history. Because of Christ, many men and women successfully opposed the temptations of the world in order to live their faith truly, even to martyrdom. Dear pastors and faithful, following their example, be the salt and light of Christ, in the land of Africa! Amen.]