Friday 15 December 2017 Friday of the 2nd week of Advent Liturgical Colour: Violet. Readings at Mass Entrance Antiphon Behold, the Lord will come descending with splendour to visit his people with peace, and he will bestow on them eternal life. Collect Grant that your people, we pray, almighty God, may be ever watchful for the coming of your Only Begotten Son, that, as the author of our salvation himself has taught us, we may hasten, alert and with lighted lamps, to meet him when he comes. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. First reading Isaiah 48:17-19 Thus says the Lord, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I, the Lord, your God, teach you what is good for you, I lead you in the way that you must go. If only you had been alert to my commandments, your happiness would have been like a river, your integrity like the waves of the sea. Your children would have been numbered like the sand, your descendants as many as its grains. Never would your name have been cut off or blotted out before me. Responsorial Psalm 1:1-4,6 Anyone who follows you, O Lord, will have the light of life. Happy indeed is the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked; nor lingers in the way of sinners nor sits in the company of scorners, but whose delight is the law of the Lord and who ponders his law day and night. Anyone who follows you, O Lord, will have the light of life. He is like a tree that is planted beside the flowing waters, that yields its fruit in due season and whose leaves shall never fade; and all that he does shall prosper. Anyone who follows you, O Lord, will have the light of life. Not so are the wicked, not so! For they like winnowed chaff shall be driven away by the wind. for the Lord guards the way of the just but the way of the wicked leads to doom. Anyone who follows you, O Lord, will have the light of life. Gospel Acclamation Alleluia, alleluia! See, the king, the Lord of the world, will come. He will free us from the yoke of our bondage. Alleluia! Or Alleluia, alleluia! The Lord will come, go out to meet him. Great is his beginning and his reign will have no end. Alleluia! Gospel Matthew 11:16-19 Jesus spoke to the crowds: ‘What description can I find for this generation? It is like children shouting to each other as they sit in the market place: “We played the pipes for you, and you wouldn’t dance; we sang dirges, and you wouldn’t be mourners.” ‘For John came, neither eating nor drinking, and they say, “He is possessed.” The Son of Man came, eating and drinking, and they say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” Yet wisdom has been proved right by her actions." Reflection To all those who shoulder the heavy weight of the oppressive laws and customs propagated by the 'learned' pharisees Jesus promises relief. Although the Master does not invite his admirers to a life of jamboree, his words are exceedingly reliable since it is an assurance of "rest for our souls." Unbridled pursuit of the perishable things and affairs of this life will always keep us unfulfilled and frustrated. But to imbibe the Jesus way of "gentleness and humanity of heart" in sorting out the day's events will bring peace of mind and focus. Like St Augustine said: "You made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you." We must learn like little children. This is the message of Jesus rejected by the Jewish religious leadership. Good Morning.

Thursday 14 December 2017 Thursday of the 2nd week of Advent (Saint John of the Cross, Priest, Doctor ) Liturgical Colour: White. Readings at Mass Entrance Antiphon Gal 6: 14 May I never boast, except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Collect O God, who gave the Priest Saint John an outstanding dedication to perfect self-denial and love of the Cross, grant that, by imitating him closely at all times, we may come to contemplate eternally your glory. 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. First reading Isaiah 41:13-20 I, the Lord, your God, I am holding you by the right hand; I tell you, ‘Do not be afraid, I will help you.’ Do not be afraid, Jacob, poor worm, Israel, puny mite.’ I will help you – it is the Lord who speaks – the Holy One of Israel is your redeemer. See, I turn you into a threshing-sled, new, with doubled teeth; you shall thresh and crush the mountains, and turn the hills to chaff. You shall winnow them and the wind will blow them away, the gale will scatter them. But you yourself will rejoice in the Lord, and glory in the Holy One of Israel. The poor and needy ask for water, and there is none, their tongue is parched with thirst. I, the Lord, will answer them, I, the God of Israel, will not abandon them. I will make rivers well up on barren heights, and fountains in the midst of valleys; turn the wilderness into a lake, and dry ground into water spring. In the wilderness I will put cedar trees, acacias, myrtles, olives. In the desert I will plant juniper, plane tree and cypress side by side; so that men may see and know, may all observe and understand that the hand of the Lord has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it. Responsorial Psalm 144:1,9-13 The Lord is kind and full of compassion, slow to anger, abounding in love. I will give you glory, O God my king, I will bless your name for ever. How good is the Lord to all, compassionate to all his creatures. The Lord is kind and full of compassion, slow to anger, abounding in love. All your creatures shall thank you, O Lord, and your friends shall repeat their blessing. They shall speak of the glory of your reign and declare your might, O God, to make known to men your mighty deeds and the glorious splendour of your reign. The Lord is kind and full of compassion, slow to anger, abounding in love. Yours is an everlasting kingdom; your rule lasts from age to age. The Lord is kind and full of compassion, slow to anger, abounding in love. Gospel Acclamation Alleluia, alleluia! Come, Lord, with your peace that we may rejoice in your presence with sincerity of heart. Alleluia! Or cf.Is45:8 Alleluia, alleluia! Send victory like a dew, you heavens, and let the clouds rain it down. Let the earth open and bring forth the saviour. Alleluia! Gospel Matthew 11:11-15 Jesus spoke to the crowds: ‘I tell you solemnly, of all the children born of women, a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is. Since John the Baptist came, up to this present time, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence and the violent are taking it by storm. Because it was towards John that all the prophecies of the prophets and of the Law were leading; and he, if you will believe me, is the Elijah who was to return. If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen!’ Reflection The story is told of a little boy who was struggling to lift a heavy stone while his father watched him exert all his strength. At a point he gave up telling his dad he could not. But his dad kept encouraging him - "go on you can, go on." He tried and tried and turning to the dad side, "I have used all my strength but I can't." His dad not sharing his views insisted; "no, you have not utilized all your strength, go on." When the boy discovered in reality he could not, then the father spoke up "you have not asked me to help you, I form part of your strength." The opening words of the first reading today serve as a reminder and reassurance to captive Israel. Christian must never forget the words of the psalmist: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (Ps 46:1). Let us Learn to Call on Him always Good Morning.

Wednesday of the 2nd week of Advent (Saint Lucy, Virgin, Martyr ) Liturgical Colour: Red. Readings at Mass Entrance Antiphon Behold, now she follows the Lamb who was crucified for us, powerful in virginity, modesty her offering, a sacrifice on the altar of chastity. Or Blessed is the virgin who by denying herself and taking up her cross imitated the Lord, the spouse of virgins and prince of martyrs. Collect May the glorious intercession of the Virgin and Martyr Saint Lucy give us new heart, we pray, O Lord, so that we may celebrate her heavenly birthday in this present age and so behold things eternal. 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. First reading Isaiah 40:25-31 ‘To whom could you liken me and who could be my equal?’ says the Holy One. Lift your eyes and look. Who made these stars if not he who drills them like an army, calling each one by name? So mighty is his power, so great his strength, that not one fails to answer. How can you say, Jacob, how can you insist, Israel, ‘My destiny is hidden from the Lord, my rights are ignored by my God’? Did you not know? Had you not heard? The Lord is an everlasting God, he created the boundaries of the earth. He does not grow tired or weary, his understanding is beyond fathoming. He gives strength to the wearied, he strengthens the powerless. Young men may grow tired and weary, youths may stumble, but those who hope in the Lord renew their strength, they put out wings like eagles. They run and do not grow weary, walk and never tire. Responsorial Psalm 102:1-4,8,10 My soul, give thanks to the Lord. My soul, give thanks to the Lord all my being, bless his holy name. My soul, give thanks to the Lord and never forget all his blessings. My soul, give thanks to the Lord. It is he who forgives all your guilt, who heals every one of your ills, who redeems your life from the grave, who crowns you with love and compassion. My soul, give thanks to the Lord. The Lord is compassion and love, slow to anger and rich in mercy. He does not treat us according to our sins nor repay us according to our faults. My soul, give thanks to the Lord. Gospel Acclamation Alleluia, alleluia! Behold, our Lord will come with power and will enlighten the eyes of his servants. Alleluia! Or Alleluia, alleluia! Look, the Lord will come to save his people. Blessed those who are ready to meet him. Alleluia! Gospel Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus exclaimed, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light." Reflection The consoling words of Jesus addressed to us this day not only provide every believer a reason for a sigh of relief but also a reason to push on. The first audience of Jesus comprised of people weighed down by the burden of tradition and customs, religious legalism and purity observances as well as the heavy yoke of Roman imperialism. We share a similar burden with the first hearers: burden of sin and old ways. Jesus therefore invites us to come to Him, establish a communion with Him and then begin learning His new way. When we establish this link, He will renew our strength (cf. Is 40:31), give us new insight to suffering and provide the reason to look to the future with hope. He will free us from the load of sin and help us sustain this new status only if we are ready to learn from Him. Good Morning.

Happy New Liturgical Year to Us All... For God and For Youth

Saturday 2 December 2017  Saturday of week 34 in Ordinary Time or Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary Liturgical Colour: Green. Readings at Mass Entrance AntiphonCf. Ps 84: 9 The Lord speaks of peace to his people and his holy ones and to those who turn to him. Collect Stir up the will of your faithful, we pray, O Lord, that, striving more eagerly to bring your divine work to fruitful completion, they may receive in greater measure the healing remedies your kindness bestows. 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. First reading Daniel 7:15-27 I, Daniel, was deeply disturbed and the visions that passed through my head alarmed me. So I approached one of those who were standing by and asked him to tell me the truth about all this. And in reply he revealed to me what these things meant. “These four great beasts are four kings who will rise from the earth. Those who are granted sovereignty are the saints of the Most High, and the kingdom will be theirs for ever, for ever and ever.” Then I asked to know the truth about the fourth beast, different from all the rest, very terrifying, with iron teeth and bronze claws, eating, crushing and trampling underfoot what remained; and the truth about the ten horns on its head – and why the other horn sprouted and the three original horns fell, and why this horn had eyes and a mouth that was full of boasts, and why it made a greater show than the other horns. This was the horn I had watched making war on the saints and proving the stronger, until the coming of the one of great age who gave judgement in favour of the saints of the Most High, when the time came for the saints to take over the kingdom. This is what he said: ‘The fourth beast is to be a fourth kingdom on earth, different from all other kingdoms. It will devour the whole earth, trample it underfoot and crush it. As for the ten horns: from this kingdom will rise ten kings, and another after them; this one will be different from the previous ones and will bring down three kings; he is going to speak words against the Most High, and harass the saints of the Most High. He will consider changing seasons and the Law, and the saints will be put into his power for a time, two times, and half a time. But a court will be held and his power will be stripped from him, consumed, and utterly destroyed. And sovereignty and kingship, and the splendours of all the kingdoms under heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Most High. His sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty and every empire will serve and obey him.’ Responsorial Psalm Daniel 3:82-87 Sons of men! bless the Lord. Give glory and eternal praise to him! Israel! bless the Lord. Give glory and eternal praise to him! Priests! bless the Lord. Give glory and eternal praise to him! Servants of the Lord! bless the Lord. Give glory and eternal praise to him! Spirits and souls of the virtuous! bless the Lord. Give glory and eternal praise to him! Devout and humble-hearted men! bless the Lord. Give glory and eternal praise to him! Gospel AcclamationMt24:42,44 Alleluia, alleluia! Stay awake and stand ready, because you do not know the hour when the Son of Man is coming. Alleluia! OrLk21:36 Alleluia, alleluia! Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to stand with confidence before the Son of Man. Alleluia! Gospel Luke 21:34-36 Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened with debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap. For it will come down on every living man on the face of the earth. Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man." Reflection Reminding his disciples of the Day of Judgment when the roll call shall be taken, Jesus warns against a life of debauchery and anxiety over material things. Jesus already sensed the danger which human are prone to falling into on a bid to satisfy the demands of their corporal nature. By this reminder the Lord seeks to point to what really matters- standing before the Son of Man. Although salvation is itself a gift from God, our co-operation with grace must be evident in uninterrupted alertness and playfulness (cf. 1 Thess 5:17). While the Christian must shun unbridled pursuit of earthly gains, dependence on God (grace) through prayer is inevitable to be counted among "the people of the holy ones of the Most High" (Dan: 7:27). Good Morning.

God will bless this Month for us all and We shall have good testimonies IJN.. Happy New Month Family. For God and for Youth.......

.. November 27, 2017 Monday of Week 34; St. John Berchmans (patron Saint For Altar Servers) FIRST READING Daniel 1:1–6, 8–20 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came and laid siege to Jerusalem. The Lord handed over to him Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and some of the vessels of the temple of God; he carried them off to the land of Shinar, and placed the vessels in the temple treasury of his god. The king told Ashpenaz, his chief chamberlain, to bring in some of the children of Israel of royal blood and of the nobility, young men without any defect, handsome, intelligent and wise, quick to learn, and prudent in judgment, such as could take their place in the king's palace; they were to be taught the language and literature of the Chaldeans; after three years' training they were to enter the king's service. The king allotted them a daily portion of food and wine from the royal table. Among these were men of Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. But Daniel was resolved not to defile himself with the king's food or wine; so he begged the chief chamberlain to spare him this defilement. Though God had given Daniel the favor and sympathy of the chief chamberlain, he nevertheless said to Daniel, "I am afraid of my lord the king; it is he who allotted your food and drink. If he sees that you look wretched by comparison with the other young men of your age, you will endanger my life with the king." Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief chamberlain had put in charge of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, "Please test your servants for ten days. Give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then see how we look in comparison with the other young men who eat from the royal table, and treat your servants according to what you see." He acceded to this request, and tested them for ten days; after ten days they looked healthier and better fed than any of the young men who ate from the royal table. So the steward continued to take away the food and wine they were to receive, and gave them vegetables. To these four young men God gave knowledge and proficiency in all literature and science, and to Daniel the understanding of all visions and dreams. At the end of the time the king had specified for their preparation, the chief chamberlain brought them before Nebuchadnezzar. When the king had spoken with all of them, none was found equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; and so they entered the king's service. In any question of wisdom or prudence which the king put to them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his kingdom. RESPONSORIAL PSALM Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56 R. (52b) Glory and praise for ever! "Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever; And blessed is your holy and glorious name, praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages." R. Glory and praise for ever! "Blessed are you in the temple of your holy glory, praiseworthy and glorious above all forever." R. Glory and praise for ever! "Blessed are you on the throne of your Kingdom, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever." R. Glory and praise for ever! "Blessed are you who look into the depths from your throne upon the cherubim, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever." R. Glory and praise for ever! "Blessed are you in the firmament of heaven, praiseworthy and glorious forever." R. Glory and praise for ever! ALLELUIA Matthew 24:42a, 44 R. Alleluia, alleluia. Stay awake! For you do not know when the Son of Man will come. R. Alleluia, alleluia. GOSPEL Luke 21:1–4 When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. He said, "I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood." Reflection "Truly, I tell you, this poor widow put in more than all of them. For all of them gave an offering from their plenty; but she, out of her poverty, gave all she had to live on" (Lk 21:3-4). Most people in the world today give and make donations of various kinds with different intentions. Millions of people through non-governmental organizations reach out to many millions of people in the world. This is very good, at least having the chance to do charity to the neighbor as Jesus exhorted us in the Scriptures. But many do not give freely; they give with intention of pushing forward one agenda or two in mind. Jesus praised the widow who gave all she had to live on not just because she gave all she had to live on not just because she gave all but she had a good heart in her giving. Good Morning. Courtesy Adaobi Cynthia Okenu

Thursday of week 33 in Ordinary Time or Saint Clement I, Pope, Martyr or Saint Columbanus, Abbot and Missionary or Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro, Martyr Liturgical Colour: Green. Readings at Mass Entrance Antiphon Jer 29: 11, 12, 14 The Lord said: I think thoughts of peace and not of affliction. You will call upon me, and I will answer you, and I will lead back your captives from every place. Collect Grant us, we pray, O Lord our God, the constant gladness of being devoted to you, for it is full and lasting happiness to serve with constancy the author of all that is good. 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. First reading1 Maccabees 2:15-29 The commissioners of King Antiochus who were enforcing the apostasy came to the town of Modein to make them sacrifice. Many Israelites gathered round them, but Mattathias and his sons drew apart. The king’s commissioners then addressed Mattathias as follows, ‘You are a respected leader, a great man in this town; you have sons and brothers to support you. Be the first to step forward and conform to the king’s decree, as all the nations have done, and the leaders of Judah and the survivors in Jerusalem; you and your sons shall be reckoned among the Friends of the King, you and your sons shall be honoured with gold and silver and many presents.’ Raising his voice, Mattathias retorted, ‘Even if every nation living in the king’s dominions obeys him, each forsaking its ancestral religion to conform to his decrees, I, my sons and my brothers will still follow the covenant of our ancestors. Heaven preserve us from forsaking the Law and its observances. As for the king’s orders, we will not follow them: we will not swerve from our own religion either to right or to left.’ As he finished speaking, a Jew came forward in the sight of all to offer sacrifice on the altar in Modein as the royal edict required. When Mattathias saw this, he was fired with zeal; stirred to the depth of his being, he gave vent to his legitimate anger, threw himself on the man and slaughtered him on the altar. At the same time he killed the king’s commissioner who was there to enforce the sacrifice, and tore down the altar. In his zeal for the Law he acted as Phinehas did against Zimri son of Salu. Then Mattathias went through the town, shouting at the top of his voice, ‘Let everyone who has a fervour for the Law and takes his stand on the covenant come out and follow me.’ Then he fled with his sons into the hills, leaving all their possessions behind in the town. At this, many who were concerned for virtue and justice went down to the desert and stayed there. Responsorial Psalm 49:1-2,5-6,14-15 I will show God’s salvation to the upright. The God of gods, the Lord, has spoken and summoned the earth, from the rising of the sun to its setting. Out of Zion’s perfect beauty he shines. I will show God’s salvation to the upright. ‘Summon before me my people who made covenant with me by sacrifice.’ The heavens proclaim his justice, for he, God, is the judge. I will show God’s salvation to the upright. Pay your sacrifice of thanksgiving to God and render him your votive offerings. Call on me in the day of distress. I will free you and you shall honour me.’ I will show God’s salvation to the upright. Gospel AcclamationPs118:135 Alleluia, alleluia! Let your face shine on your servant, and teach me your decrees. Alleluia! OrPs94:8 Alleluia, alleluia! Harden not your hearts today, but listen to the voice of the Lord. Alleluia! Gospel Luke 19:41-44 As Jesus drew near Jerusalem and came in sight of the city he shed tears over it and said, ‘If you in your turn had only understood on this day the message of peace! But, alas, it is hidden from your eyes! Yes, a time is coming when your enemies will raise fortifications all round you, when they will encircle you and hem you in on every side; they will dash you and the children inside your walls to the ground; they will leave not one stone standing on another within you – and all because you did not recognise your opportunity when God offered it!’ Reflection A story was told about a governor of a state who brought a fantastic monetary gift to one Bishop. The governor owed civil servants in his state several months salary, and the gift was to silence the outspoken bishop. The Bishop vehemently rejected this gift and told the governor to use it to pay his workers. In a similar way, Mattathias and his family vehemently refused to worship and offer sacrifices to the gods saying "even if all nations...should abandon the religion of their ancestors..., I, my sons and family will remain faithful to the covenant of our ancestors" (1Macc. 2:19-20). We have made many covenants with God through our baptism, our religious professions and priestly oaths. How do we safeguard these covenants?

Monday 20 November 2017 Monday of week 33 in Ordinary Time Liturgical Colour: Green. Readings at Mass Entrance Antiphon Jer 29: 11, 12, 14 The Lord said: I think thoughts of peace and not of affliction. You will call upon me, and I will answer you, and I will lead back your captives from every place. Collect Grant us, we pray, O Lord our God, the constant gladness of being devoted to you, for it is full and lasting happiness to serve with constancy the author of all that is good. 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. First reading1 Maccabees 1:10-15,41-43,54-57,62-64 There grew a sinful offshoot, Antiochus Epiphanes, son of King Antiochus; once a hostage in Rome, he became king in the one hundred and thirty-seventh year of the kingdom of the Greeks. It was then that there emerged from Israel a set of renegades who led many people astray. ‘Come,’ they said ‘let us reach an understanding with the pagans surrounding us, for since we separated ourselves from them many misfortunes have overtaken us.’ This proposal proved acceptable, and a number of the people eagerly approached the king, who authorised them to practise the pagan observances. So they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem, such as the pagans have, disguised their circumcision, and abandoned the holy covenant, submitting to the heathen rule as willing slaves of impiety. Then the king issued a proclamation to his whole kingdom that all were to become a single people, each renouncing his particular customs. All the pagans conformed to the king’s decree, and many Israelites chose to accept his religion, sacrificing to idols and profaning the sabbath. The king erected the abomination of desolation above the altar; and altars were built in the surrounding towns of Judah and incense offered at the doors of houses and in the streets. Any books of the Law that came to light were torn up and burned. Whenever anyone was discovered possessing a copy of the covenant or practising the Law, the king’s decree sentenced him to death. Yet there were many in Israel who stood firm and found the courage to refuse unclean food. They chose death rather than contamination by such fare or profanation of the holy covenant, and they were executed. It was a dreadful wrath that visited Israel. Responsorial Psalm 118:53,61,134,150,155,158 Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your will. I am seized with indignation at the wicked who forsake your law. Though the nets of the wicked ensnared me I remembered your law. Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your will. Redeem me from man’s oppression and I will keep your precepts. Those who harm me unjustly draw near; they are far from your law. Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your will. Salvation is far from the wicked who are heedless of your statutes. I look at the faithless with disgust; they ignore your promise. Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your will. Gospel AcclamationJn8:12 Alleluia, alleluia! I am the light of the world, says the Lord; anyone who follows me will have the light of life. Alleluia! Gospel Luke 18:35-43 As Jesus drew near to Jericho there was a blind man sitting at the side of the road begging. When he heard the crowd going past he asked what it was all about, and they told him that Jesus the Nazarene was passing by. So he called out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.’ The people in front scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he shouted all the louder, ‘Son of David, have pity on me.’ Jesus stopped and ordered them to bring the man to him, and when he came up, asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Sir,’ he replied ‘let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight. Your faith has saved you.’ And instantly his sight returned and he followed him praising God, and all the people who saw it gave praise to God for what had happened. Reflection It is said that "the crowd has no face." Yes I believe it too. But the surprising thing is that this crowd that has no face, does deadly and devastating things in the world. The crowd deprives people their right and inheritance at times, accuses people wrongly and deals with them ruthlessly. This, the crowd wanted to do to the blind man of Jericho but he stood his ground and rejected that intimidation. The blind man of Jericho did not allow the crowd to take away his spiritual right from him. As adopted sons and daughters of God we have spiritual inheritance from our Heavenly Father but how do we guard this right? Out of fear and complacency, we allow the crowd to intimidate us and take what is rightfully belongs to us. Let us be bold on claiming and defending our inheritance as sons and daughters of God. *Good Morning.

Monday 20 November 2017 Monday of week 33 in Ordinary Time Liturgical Colour: Green. Readings at Mass Entrance Antiphon Jer 29: 11, 12, 14 The Lord said: I think thoughts of peace and not of affliction. You will call upon me, and I will answer you, and I will lead back your captives from every place. Collect Grant us, we pray, O Lord our God, the constant gladness of being devoted to you, for it is full and lasting happiness to serve with constancy the author of all that is good. 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. First reading1 Maccabees 1:10-15,41-43,54-57,62-64 There grew a sinful offshoot, Antiochus Epiphanes, son of King Antiochus; once a hostage in Rome, he became king in the one hundred and thirty-seventh year of the kingdom of the Greeks. It was then that there emerged from Israel a set of renegades who led many people astray. ‘Come,’ they said ‘let us reach an understanding with the pagans surrounding us, for since we separated ourselves from them many misfortunes have overtaken us.’ This proposal proved acceptable, and a number of the people eagerly approached the king, who authorised them to practise the pagan observances. So they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem, such as the pagans have, disguised their circumcision, and abandoned the holy covenant, submitting to the heathen rule as willing slaves of impiety. Then the king issued a proclamation to his whole kingdom that all were to become a single people, each renouncing his particular customs. All the pagans conformed to the king’s decree, and many Israelites chose to accept his religion, sacrificing to idols and profaning the sabbath. The king erected the abomination of desolation above the altar; and altars were built in the surrounding towns of Judah and incense offered at the doors of houses and in the streets. Any books of the Law that came to light were torn up and burned. Whenever anyone was discovered possessing a copy of the covenant or practising the Law, the king’s decree sentenced him to death. Yet there were many in Israel who stood firm and found the courage to refuse unclean food. They chose death rather than contamination by such fare or profanation of the holy covenant, and they were executed. It was a dreadful wrath that visited Israel. Responsorial Psalm 118:53,61,134,150,155,158 Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your will. I am seized with indignation at the wicked who forsake your law. Though the nets of the wicked ensnared me I remembered your law. Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your will. Redeem me from man’s oppression and I will keep your precepts. Those who harm me unjustly draw near; they are far from your law. Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your will. Salvation is far from the wicked who are heedless of your statutes. I look at the faithless with disgust; they ignore your promise. Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your will. Gospel AcclamationJn8:12 Alleluia, alleluia! I am the light of the world, says the Lord; anyone who follows me will have the light of life. Alleluia! Gospel Luke 18:35-43 As Jesus drew near to Jericho there was a blind man sitting at the side of the road begging. When he heard the crowd going past he asked what it was all about, and they told him that Jesus the Nazarene was passing by. So he called out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.’ The people in front scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he shouted all the louder, ‘Son of David, have pity on me.’ Jesus stopped and ordered them to bring the man to him, and when he came up, asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Sir,’ he replied ‘let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight. Your faith has saved you.’ And instantly his sight returned and he followed him praising God, and all the people who saw it gave praise to God for what had happened. Reflection It is said that "the crowd has no face." Yes I believe it too. But the surprising thing is that this crowd that has no face, does deadly and devastating things in the world. The crowd deprives people their right and inheritance at times, accuses people wrongly and deals with them ruthlessly. This, the crowd wanted to do to the blind man of Jericho but he stood his ground and rejected that intimidation. The blind man of Jericho did not allow the crowd to take away his spiritual right from him. As adopted sons and daughters of God we have spiritual inheritance from our Heavenly Father but how do we guard this right? Out of fear and complacency, we allow the crowd to intimidate us and take what is rightfully belongs to us. Let us be bold on claiming and defending our inheritance as sons and daughters of God. *Good Morning.

Thursday 16th November 2017  Thursday of week 32 in Ordinary Time or Saint Margaret of Scotland or Saint Gertrude, Virgin Liturgical Colour: Green. Readings at Mass Entrance AntiphonCf. Ps 87: 3 Let my prayer come into your presence. Incline your ear to my cry for help, O Lord. Collect Almighty and merciful God, graciously keep from us all adversity, so that, unhindered in mind and body alike, we may pursue in freedom of heart the things that are yours. 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. First reading Wisdom 7:22-8:1 Within Wisdom is a spirit intelligent, holy, unique, manifold, subtle, active, incisive, unsullied, lucid, invulnerable, benevolent, sharp, irresistible, beneficent, loving to man, steadfast, dependable, unperturbed, almighty, all-surveying, penetrating all intelligent, pure and most subtle spirits; for Wisdom is quicker to move than any motion; she is so pure, she pervades and permeates all things. She is a breath of the power of God, pure emanation of the glory of the Almighty; hence nothing impure can find a way into her. She is a reflection of the eternal light, untarnished mirror of God’s active power, image of his goodness. Although alone, she can do all; herself unchanging, she makes all things new. In each generation she passes into holy souls, she makes them friends of God and prophets; for God loves only the man who lives with Wisdom. She is indeed more splendid than the sun, she outshines all the constellations; compared with light, she takes first place, for light must yield to night, but over Wisdom evil can never triumph. She deploys her strength from one end of the earth to the other, ordering all things for good. Responsorial Psalm 118:89-91,130,135,175 Your word, O Lord, stands for ever. Your word, O Lord, for ever stands firm in the heavens: your truth lasts from age to age, like the earth you created. Your word, O Lord, stands for ever. By your decree it endures to this day; for all things serve you. The unfolding of your word gives light and teaches the simple. Your word, O Lord, stands for ever. Let your face shine on your servant and teach me your decrees. Give life to my soul that I may praise you. Let your decrees give me help. Your word, O Lord, stands for ever. Gospel Acclamation1P1:25 Alleluia, alleluia! The word of the Lord remains for ever: What is this word? It is the Good News that has been brought to you. Alleluia! OrJn15:5 Alleluia, alleluia! I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, with me in him, bears fruit in plenty, says the Lord. Alleluia! Gospel Luke 17:20-25 Asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was to come, Jesus gave them this answer, ‘The coming of the kingdom of God does not admit of observation and there will be no one to say, “Look here! Look there!” For, you must know, the kingdom of God is among you.’ He said to the disciples, ‘A time will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man and will not see it. They will say to you, “Look there!” or, “Look here!” Make no move; do not set off in pursuit; for as the lightning flashing from one part of heaven lights up the other, so will be the Son of Man when his day comes. But first he must suffer grievously and be rejected by this generation." Reflection Today Jesus in the gospel tells us that people will come to us claiming to be God or working in His name, we should not go with them or follow them for our own good. With the experiences of what is happening in our generation - wicked doctrines that clamp us down, false teachers and leaders, false priests and religious, bad prophecies that are separating our families - it is obvious that we have simple ignored the counsel of the most High. St. Margaret, despite her reputation as the Queen of Malcolm III, did not allow herself to be swayed by the wave around her. Gertrude despite her intelligence and education hid her life with Christ in God. How is the day going for us all? for God and For Youth......

Wednesday 15 November 2017  Wednesday of week 32 in Ordinary Time or Saint Albert the Great, Bishop, Doctor Liturgical Colour: Green. Readings at Mass Entrance Antiphon Cf. Ps. 87: 3 Let my prayer come into your presence. Incline your ear to my cry for help, O Lord. COLLECT: Almighty and merciful God, graciously keep from us all adversity, so that, unhindered in mind and body alike, we may pursue in freedom of heart the things that are yours. 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. First reading Wisdom 6:1-11 Listen, kings, and understand; rulers of remotest lands, take warning; hear this, you who have thousands under your rule, who boast of your hordes of subjects. For power is a gift to you from the Lord, sovereignty is from the Most High; he himself will probe your acts and scrutinise your intentions. If, as administrators of his kingdom, you have not governed justly nor observed the law, nor behaved as God would have you behave, he will fall on you swiftly and terribly. Ruthless judgement is reserved for the high and mighty; the lowly will be compassionately pardoned, the mighty will be mightily punished. For the Lord of All does not cower before a personage, he does not stand in awe of greatness, since he himself has made small and great and provides for all alike; but strict scrutiny awaits those in power. Yes, despots, my words are for you, that you may learn what wisdom is and not transgress; for they who observe holy things holy will be adjudged holy, and, accepting instruction from them, will find their defence in them. Look forward, therefore, to my words; yearn for them, and they will instruct you. Responsorial Psalm 81:3-4,6-7 Arise, O God, to judge the earth. Do justice for the weak and the orphan, defend the afflicted and the needy. Rescue the weak and the poor; set them free from the hand of the wicked. Arise, O God, to judge the earth. I have said to you: “You are gods and all of you, sons of the Most High.” And yet, you shall die like men, you shall fall like any of the princes.’ Arise, O God, to judge the earth. Gospel Acclamation cf.2Th2:14 Alleluia, alleluia! Through the Good News God called us to share the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Alleluia! Or1Th5:18 Alleluia, alleluia! For all things give thanks, because this is what God expects you to do in Christ Jesus. Alleluia! Gospel Luke 17:11-19 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus travelled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered one of the villages, ten lepers came to meet him. They stood some way off and called to him, ‘Jesus! Master! Take pity on us.’ When he saw them he said, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ Now as they were going away they were cleansed. Finding himself cured, one of them turned back praising God at the top of his voice and threw himself at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. The man was a Samaritan. This made Jesus say, ‘Were not all ten made clean? The other nine, where are they? It seems that no one has come back to give praise to God, except this foreigner.’ And he said to the man, ‘Stand up and go on your way. Your faith has saved you." Reflection "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us! (Lk 17:13). Leperousy, from time immemorial, has been regarded as a deadly disease that can render people useless. Those affected will be separated from friends, families and communities to avoid affecting them. So these men for long have been suffering from speculation because of the disease. Opportunity came for them to reunite with their families and friends again and they capitalized on it and sought the mercy of Jesus, son of David. Sin is like leperousy separating us from God's friendship and family, and at the same time oxidizing the fabric of our inner life. Like the ten lepers, we can reunite again with God through the Sacrament of reconciliation available to us every day through the Church. Good Morning. From Adaobi Cynthia Okenu