FURAHA YA KIKATOLIKI / JOY OF THE CATHOLIC LIFE: November 2021

COMPASSION TO A NEEDY WORLD

“SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER”

Daily Spiritual Reflections

1st December 2021

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WEDNESDAY, FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT

Is 25: 6-10; Ps 23: 1-6; Mt 15: 29-37

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COMPASSION TO A NEEDY WORLD

Compassion is a sympathetic act of deeply feeling the suffering, pain and need of others. Both the readings of today speak of the compassion of the Lord, who comes to heal and to make the lives of his people whole. God chose to become a man because of his love and compassion for us. The crowds were drawn to Jesus in search of relief from misery and fulfilment of needs, especially their temporal ones. They saw in Jesus the promised Emmanuel, in the healing of the crippled, the blind and the dumb, and they glorified the God of Israel. In those days the poor, the sick and women were considered unimportant by society, segregated from society, and were not allowed to involve in community activities. But Jesus moved among them freely and preached the kingdom of God to them. And they received his goodness with great joy.

When we are filled with the Spirit of Christ, our first and chief concern will be to preach the gospel to the poor and the lowly. When not by words, we can preach by being living witnesses of the Gospel. In our prayers, in our work and our dealings with others, we can have that attitude of Christ, to go to the help of those in most need and to offer ourselves to God for the spread of the Gospel.

After three days Jesus did not want to send the people back to their homes hungry. So, he asks the disciples in what way they could contribute. The compassionate Lord wants to feed a hungry world; and in doing so, he accepts our contribution. What can we contribute? Our time, our talents, small sacrifices, a smile, or a kind word spoken to someone who has hurt us, and our efforts to control unruly passions. We can offer these little things into the mighty hands of God and he will use them to perform marvelous things. The multiplication of the loaves is also a symbol of the Lord’s desire to always be with us through the gift of the Eucharist.

Response: In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for length of days unending

Readings at Mass Wednesday 1 December 2021

Readings at Mass

Wednesday 1 December 2021

1st Week of Advent

Liturgical Colour: Violet.

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First reading

Isaiah 25:6-10

On this mountain,

the Lord of hosts will prepare for all peoples

a banquet of rich food, a banquet of fine wines,

of food rich and juicy, of fine strained wines.

On this mountain he will remove

the mourning veil covering all peoples,

and the shroud enwrapping all nations,

he will destroy Death for ever.

The Lord will wipe away

the tears from every cheek;

he will take away his people’s shame

everywhere on earth,

for the Lord has said so.

That day, it will be said: See, this is our God

in whom we hoped for salvation;

the Lord is the one in whom we hoped.

We exult and we rejoice

that he has saved us;

for the hand of the Lord

rests on this mountain.

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Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 23

Response: In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for ever and ever.

The Lord is my shepherd;

there is nothing I shall want.

Fresh and green are the pastures

where he gives me repose.

Near restful waters he leads me,

to revive my drooping spirit.

He guides me along the right path;

he is true to his name.

If I should walk in the valley of darkness

no evil would I fear.

You are there with your crook and your staff;

with these you give me comfort.

You have prepared a banquet for me

in the sight of my foes.

My head you have anointed with oil;

my cup is overflowing.

Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me

all the days of my life.

In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell

for ever and ever.

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Gospel Acclamation

Is 33:22

Alleluia, alleluia!

The Lord is our judge, the Lord our lawgiver,

the Lord our king and our saviour.

Alleluia!

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Gospel

Matthew 15:29-37

Jesus reached the shores of the Sea of Galilee, and he went up into the hills. He sat there, and large crowds came to him bringing the lame, the crippled, the blind, the dumb and many others; these they put down at his feet, and he cured them. The crowds were astonished to see the dumb speaking, the cripples whole again, the lame walking and the blind with their sight, and they praised the God of Israel.

But Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I feel sorry for all these people; they have been with me for three days now and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them off hungry, they might collapse on the way.’ The disciples said to him, ‘Where could we get enough bread in this deserted place to feed such a crowd?’ Jesus said to them, ‘How many loaves have you?’ ‘Seven’ they said ‘and a few small fish.’ Then he instructed the crowd to sit down on the ground, and he took the seven loaves and the fish, and he gave thanks and broke them and handed them to the disciples, who gave them to the crowds. They all ate as much as they wanted, and they collected what was left of the scraps, seven baskets full.

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Scripture readings from the Jerusalem Bible, Text of the Psalms from The Grail

1st DECEMBER 2021

NI KITU GHANI KINATUFANYA TUSITIKISIKE?

“ASALI ITOKAYO MWAMBANI”

Jumatano , Desemba 1, 2021

Juma la 1 la majilio

Isa. 26:1-6;

Zab 118:1,8-9,19-21,25-27;

Mt 7:21.24-27

NI KITU GHANI KINATUFANYA TUSITIKISIKE?

Karibuni sana ndugu zangu wapendwa kwa adhimisho la misa takatifu asubuhi ya leo. Neno la Bwana katika Zaburi yetu ya wimbo wa katikati inazungumzia juu ya furaha na tamaa ya kutaka kukaa katika nyumba ya Bwana. Hakika kukaa kwenye nyua za Bwana, kuna faida zaidi kwani kukaa tu karibu yake litatuwezesha kukwepa madhambi mengi. Mara nyingi mazingira mabaya hutusababishia vishawishi, na wengi wetu tunaanguka dhambini baada ya kujiweka kwenye mazingira mabaya. Yafaa tupendelee kukaa kwenye mazingira yaliyo karibu na Bwana. Na kwa hakika tutashinda mengi.

Kipindi cha Majilio na kipindi cha kukaa karibu na Bwana.

Katika somo la injili, Makutano wamejitahidi kukaa na Bwana kwa muda mrefu. Na kwa kuwa wamekaa na Bwana, Bwana hawaachi waondoke pweke bali anawapatia chakula pia. Yesu hakutaka wakafie njiani, aliwapatia chakula bila ya wao kutegemea. Ndivyo ilivyo, ukikaa karibu na Bwana, Bwana atatujali.

Leo amewapatia makutano chakula. Hakika na sisi tusichoke kusali na kujiweka karibu na Bwana zaidi na zaidi.

Kwenye somo la kwanza, Nabii Isaya anatangaza ujumbe wa matumaini kwamba upo wakati ambapo aibu yetu na machozi yetu yatafutwa. Na Bwana atatuandalia karamu kuu kabisa, yenye utamu wa ajabu. Hakika kila mmoja wetu anaitamani siku hii.

Macho yetu na nyuso za wengi wetu zimejaa aibu. Tuna aibu ya magonjwa mbalimbali, tuna aibu ya umaskini na njaa na yote haya yanafanya nyuso zetu zijae aibu. Kwa hakika tunamhitaji Yesu afute aibu yetu. magonjwa yametupiga baadhi yetu hata tunakosa sura. Njaa imetudhoofisha baadhi yetu. Hakika tumejaa aibu sana kwa umaskini. Tumtegemee Yesu. Kwa hakika atafuta machozi yetu.

MASOMO YA MISA DESEMBA 1, 2021

JUMATANO, JUMA LA 1 LA MAJILIO

SOMO 1

Isa. 25:6-10

Siku ile Bwana wa majeshi atawafanyia mataifa yote karamu ya vitu vinono, karamu ya divai iliyokaa juu ya urojorojo wake, karamu ya vinono vilivyojaa mafuta, karamu ya divai iliyokaa juu ya urojorojo wake, iliyochujwa sana. Naye katika mlima huu atauharibu uso wa sitara iliyowekwa juu ya watu wote, na utaji ule uliotandwa juu ya mataifa yote. Amemeza mauti hata milele; na Bwana Mungu atafuta machozi katika nyuso zote; na aibu ya watu wake ataiondoa katika ulimwengu wote; maana Bwana amenena hayo.

Katika siku hiyo watasema, Tazama, huyu ndiye Mungu wetu, Ndiye tuliyemngoja atusaidie; Huyu ndiye Bwana tuliyemngoja, Na tushangilie na kuufurahia wokovu wake.

Kwa maana mkono wa Bwana utatulia katika mlima huu.

Neno la Bwana… Tumshukuru Mungu.

WIMBO WA KATIKATI

Zab. 23:1-3,5-6 (K) 6

(K) Nitakaa nyumbani mwa Bwana milele.

Bwana ndiye mchungaji wangu,

Sitapungukiwa na kitu.

Katika malisho ya majani mabichi hunilaza. (K)

Kando ya maji ya utulivu huniongoza,

Hunihuisha nafsi yangu na kuniongoza.

Katika njia za haki kwa ajili ya jina lake. (K)

Waandaa meza mbele yangu,

Machoni pa watesi wangu.

Umenipaka mafuta kichwani pangu,

Na kikombe changu kinafurika. (K)

Hakika wema na fadhili zitanifuata,

Siku zote za maisha yangu;

Nami nitakaa nyumbani mwa Bwana milele. (K)

SHANGILIO

Aleluya, aleluya,

Tazama Bwana atakuja kuwaokoa watu wake, Heri walio tayari kumlaki.

Aleluya.

INJILI

Mt. 15:29-37

Siku ile: Yesu alifika kando ya bahari ya Galilaya; akapanda mlimani, akaketi huko. Wakamwendea makutano mengi wakimletea viwete, vipofu, mabubu, vilema, na wengine wengi, wakawaweka miguuni pake; akawaponya; hata ule mkutano wakastaajabu, walipowaona mabubu wanasema, vilema wanakuwa wazima, viwete wanakwenda, na vipofu wanaona; wakamtukuza Mungu wa Israeli.

Yesu akawaita wanafunzi wake, akasema, Nawahurumia mkutano, kwa kuwa yapata siku tatu wamekaa pamoja nami, wala hawana kitu cha kula; tena kuwaaga wakifunga sipendi, wasije wakazimia njiani. Wanafunzi wake wakamwambia, Tupate wapi mikate mingi hapa nyikani, hata kushibisha mkutano mkuu namna hii? Yesu akawaambia, Mnayo mikate mingapi? Wakasema, Saba, na visamaki vichache.

Akawaagiza mkutano waketi chini; akaitwaa ile mikate saba na vile visamaki, akashukuru akavimega, akawapa wanafunzi wake, nao wanafunzi wakawapa makutano. Wakala wote wakashiba; wakayaokota masazo ya vipande vya mikate, makanda saba, yamejaa.

Neno la Bwana… Sifa kwako Ee Kristu.

THE MISSION AND PASSION OF SAINT ANDREW

“SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER”

Daily Spiritual Reflections

30th November 2021

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TUESDAY, FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT

Feast of Saint Andrew, the Apostle

Rom 10: 9-18; Ps 19: 2-5; Mt 4: 18-22

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THE MISSION AND PASSION OF SAINT ANDREW

Today is the feast of St Andrew the Apostle. As soon as he heard the testimony of John the Baptist calling him ‘the Lamb of God’ (cf. Jn 1:35-39), Andrew was very enthusiastic to follow Jesus. It is interesting to note that in the Gospel according to John, Andrew is mentioned three times, and each time he is described as an apostle who is introducing someone to Jesus: “The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.” (Jn 1:41-42). It was Andrew who brought Peter to Jesus! Andrew is also in the front line to introduce others to Jesus: “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish.” (cf. Jn 6:9). Andrew (along with Philip) introduced the Greeks to Jesus (cf. Jn 12:22).

Andrew was filled with zeal for the Lord till his last breath. Tradition says that he was crucified and remained hanging on the cross for two days waiting for his death. And all the while he preached the gospel to all those who came there to see him. He transformed his cross into a pulpit for the good news of his Master’s victory over death, and the gift of salvation he won for all humanity. The life of St Andrew invites us to examine the quality of our enthusiasm and commitment in seeking Jesus, in preaching Jesus, in bringing people to Jesus and making Jesus loved and adored.

The first reading speaks about the universality of salvation and its surety for all those who believe in Jesus. Paul also stresses on the necessity of mission among all people. Therefore, the gospel is to be preached to all nations without any prejudice: “All those who call out the name of Jesus will be saved.” Andrew was committed to preaching the gospel to all nations. Along with Peter, he received an offer while being called to apostleship: “I shall make you fishers of men” said the Lord. St Andrew is the patron of fishermen and singers.

Response: Their sound goes forth through all the earth.

Readings at Mass Tuesday 30 November 2021

Readings at Mass

Tuesday 30 November 2021

1st Week of Advent

Saint Andrew, Apostle - Feast

Liturgical Colour: Red.

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First reading

Romans 10:9-18

If your lips confess that Jesus is Lord and if you believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, then you will be saved. By believing from the heart you are made righteous; by confessing with your lips you are saved. When scripture says: those who believe in him will have no cause for shame, it makes no distinction between Jew and Greek: all belong to the same Lord who is rich enough, however many ask his help, for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

But they will not ask his help unless they believe in him, and they will not believe in him unless they have heard of him, and they will not hear of him unless they get a preacher, and they will never have a preacher unless one is sent, but as scripture says: The footsteps of those who bring good news are a welcome sound. Not everyone, of course, listens to the Good News. As Isaiah says: Lord, how many believed what we proclaimed? So faith comes from what is preached, and what is preached comes from the word of Christ. Let me put the question: is it possible that they did not hear? Indeed they did; in the words of the psalm, their voice has gone out through all the earth, and their message to the ends of the world.

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Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 19:2-5

Response: Their word goes forth through all the earth. Or Alleluia!

The heavens proclaim the glory of God,

and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands.

Day unto day takes up the story

and night unto night makes known the message.

No speech, no word, no voice is heard

yet their span extends through all the earth,

their words to the utmost bounds of the world.

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Gospel Acclamation

Mt 4:19

Alleluia, alleluia!

Follow me, says the Lord,

and I will make you into fishers of men.

Alleluia!

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Gospel

Matthew 4:18-22

As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew; they were making a cast in the lake with their net, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.’ And they left their nets at once and followed him. Going on from there he saw another pair of brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John; they were in their boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. At once, leaving the boat and their father, they followed him.

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Scripture readings from the Jerusalem Bible, Text of the Psalms from The Grail

FUATA NA ONGOZA!

“ASALI ITOKAYO MWAMBANI”

Jumanne, Novemba 30, 2021

Juma la 1 la Majilio

Sikukuu ya Mt. Andrea Mtume,

Rum 10: 9-18;

Zab 19: 2-5 (R. 5);

Mt 4: 18-22.

FUATA NA ONGOZA!

Karibuni ndugu zangu kwa adhimisho la Misa Takatifu. Leo tunaadhimisha sikukuu ya mtume Adrea. Yeye alikuwa nduguye na Simon Petro na wote ni wenyeji wa Betsaida. Mtume huyu alihubiri sana huko barani Asia hasa katika maeneo ya Ugiriki na Costantinople. Alikufa kishahidi kwa kusulubiwa juu ya msalaba wenye sura ya X huko katika mji wa Patras, katika jimbo la Achaea Ugiriki.

Katika somo la kwanza, tunasikia mtume Paulo akielezea juu ya faida ya kumtambua na kumwamini Yesu na hivyo anasisitiza watu wajitokeze ili huyo Kristo apate kuhubiriwa na kuaminiwa na wengi.

Katika Injili, tunasikia kwamba kumhubiri Kristo ni kuwa mvuvi wa watu, yaani kuziokoa roho za watu katika dunia ambayo ni kama bahari inayosukumwa na mawimbi mbalimbali ambayo kama hajajitokeza mtu wa kuwaokoa watu, watu wote wanazama, roho zote zinakunywa maji. Lakini ili uweze kuzivua hizi roho ili zisisombwe na mavimbi, yabidi wewe uwe na maarifa Zaidi, ujue kuogelea na uwe na vifaa maalumu kwa kazi hii. *Imani na tabia njema* za hawa mitume ndizo zilizowasaidia mitume kama akina Andrea kuweza kuwaokoa Wakristo katika mitego yote ya muovu. Kwa nanma hii waliweza kumpatia Kristo utukufu na hata kukubali kufa kifo shahidi.

Mtume Andrea alikuwa mvuvi. Moja ya tabia za wavuvi kipindi hicho ni kwamba hawa walikuwa washirikina. Waliweza kubadilika baada ya kukutana na Yesu. Lakini taratibu taratibu waliweza kufanya bidii na kuweza kuziokoa roho za ukristo zisisombwe na ushirikina. Nasi ndugu zangu tusikatishwe tamaa na historia zetu. Yawezekana huko nyuma tulishawahi kufanya mambo mabaya tukawa wadhambi sana. Lakini sasa tukimtumainia Kristo nakwambia tutafika mbali Zaidi na hata tutaweza kuja kuwa watakatifu.

Kingine ni kwamba, Mkristo yeyote lazima awe na kitu amevua kwa siku au mwaka mzima; kuwakomboa watu kutoka utawala wa kishetani. Yesu anataka utawala wa shetani ushindwe. Angalia isije ikawa kwamba wewe kazi yako ni kuwazamisha samaki katika dhoruba Zaidi. Kwa matendo yetu mabaya kama ulevi, uasherati, nyumba ndogo, masengenyo na umbea hutufanya tuzizamishe roho za watu badala ya kuzivua.

Unaposali na kutenda matendo mema, hivi huwa kama chambo zinazozivutia samaki na kwa namna hii utaweza kuwavua samaki wengi, kuziokoa roho za watu.

Utume wa kuhubiri injili ni utume mkubwa sana kwa sababu huhusika na roho za watu na hivyo wahitaji uchukuliwe kwa umakini mkubwa. Hivyo, yeyote anayedili na utume huu atambue thamani yake na kujitoa ipasavyo kuziokoa hizi roho. Waite watu watubu, waache matendo machafu na kumrudia Mungu.

MASOMO YA MISA NOVEMBA 30, 2021

JUMANNE, JUMA LA 1 LA MWAKA

SIKUKUU YA MT. ANDREA, MTUME

SOMO 1

Rum. 10:9-18

Ukimkiri Yesu kw akinywa chako ya kuwa ni Bwana, na kuamini moyoni mwako ya kuwa Mungu alimfufua katika wafu, utaokoka. Kwa maana kwa moyo mtu huamini hata kupata haki, na kwa kinyw ahukiri hata kupata wokovu. Kwa maana andiko lanena, Kila amwaminiye hatatahayarika. Kwa maana hakuna tofauti ya Myahudi na Myunani; maana yeye yule ni Bwana wa wote, mwenye utajiri kwa wote wamwitao; kwa kuwa, Kila atakayeliitia Jina la Bwana ataokoka.

Basi wamwiteje yeye wasiyemwamini? Tena wamwaminije yeye wasiyemsikia? Tena wamsikieje pasipo mhubiri? Tena wasipopelekwa? Kama ilivyoandikwa, Ni mizuri kama nini miguu yao wahubirio habari ya mema! Lakini si wote walioitii ile habari njema. Kwa maana Isaya asema, Bwana, ni nani aliyeazimia habari zetu? Basi Imani, chanzo chake ni kusikia; na kusikia huja kwa neno la Kristo. Lakini nasema, Je! Wao hawakusikia? Naam, wamesikia, Sauti yao imeenea duniani mwote, na maneno yao hata miisho ya ulimwengu.

Neno la Bwana… Tumshukuru Mungu.

WIMBO WA KATIKATI

Zab. 19:1-4 (K)

(K) Sauti yao imeenea duniani mwote.

Mbingu zauhubiri utukufu wa Mungu,

Na anga laitangaza kazi ya mikono yake.

Mchana husemezana na mchana,

Usiku hutolea usiku maarifa. (K)

Hakuna lugha wala maneno,

Sauti yao haisikilikani.

Sauti yao imeenea duniani mwote,

Na maneno yao hata miisho ya ulimwengu. (K)

SHANGILIO

Mt. 4:18

Aleluya, aleluya,

Bwana asema, Nifuateni, nitawafanya kuwa wavuvi wa watu.

Aleluya.

INJILI

Mt. 4:18-22

Yesu alipokuwa akitembea kando ya bahari ya Galilaya, aliona ndugu wawili, Simoni aitwaye Petro, na Andrea nduguye, wakitupa jarife baharini; kwa maana walikuwa wavuvi. Akawaambia, Nifuateni, nami nitawafanya kuwa wavuvi wa watu. Mara wakaziacha nyavu zao, wakamfuata.

Akaendelea mbele, akanona ndugu wengine wawili, Yakobo wa Zebedayo, na Yohane nduguye, ambao walikuwamo chomboni pamoja na Zebedayo baba yao, wakizitengeneza nyavu zao; akawaita. Mara wakakiacha chombo na baba yao, wakamfuata.

Neno la Bwana… Sifa kwako Ee Kristu.

30th NOVEMBER 2021

SEEKING THE LORD IN HUMILITY

“SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER”

Daily Spiritual Reflections

29th November 2021

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MONDAY, FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT

Is 2: 1-5; Ps 122: 1-9; Mt 8: 5-11

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SEEKING THE LORD IN HUMILITY

In today’s Gospel we hear about the healing of the paralyzed servant of a Centurion. A centurion was an official in the Roman armed forces, and led a century of 100 men. The Jews hated centurions, for he was firstly, a non-Jew; he belonged to the nation that conquered Palestine; and finally, because he was of the armed and occupying force. The centurion put all this aside, and came to Christ with faith and humility. Instead of sending one of his assistants to Jesus, and demanding for what he wanted, he chose to ask Jesus personally with humility, and believed that his word was capable of bringing healing. Aside from centurion’s deep faith in God, we can’t help but notice his deep care and concern for his servant. And he humbled himself before an ordinary Jewish man, not for any benefit to himself but the sake of his servant.

Christ’s word alone heals the man. Christ, who is our maker and redeemer, desires to save us, but we must come to him in humility. It may not always be in the way we want, but he gives us what we need for our salvation. Just as a parent doesn’t always give the child what it wants but what it needs, so also does Christ. We are God’s children, and yet the fact is that we often do not know what we need. God knows what we need and he gives it to us when we call upon him. Do we receive whatever he gives us with gratitude and joy?

Christ granted the grace of healing that the centurion pleaded for, because it was what was needed for his salvation at that time. We may not always get a physical healing; even the great apostle Paul dealt with physical torments and pains, but as he himself proclaimed, they were for his salvation and so he would boast in these his weaknesses, so that God’s strength would be made known through them. Just as the centurion came to Christ in humility, we must come to Christ with humility and an open heart ready to receive the salvation he grants us.

Response: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Readings at Mass Monday 29 November 2021

Readings at Mass

Monday 29 November 2021

1st Week of Advent

Liturgical Colour: Violet.

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First reading

Isaiah 2:1-5

The vision of Isaiah son of Amoz, concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

In the days to come

the mountain of the Temple of the Lord

shall tower above the mountains

and be lifted higher than the hills.

All the nations will stream to it,

peoples without number will come to it; and they will say:

‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,

to the Temple of the God of Jacob

that he may teach us his ways

so that we may walk in his paths;

since the Law will go out from Zion,

and the oracle of the Lord from Jerusalem.’

He will wield authority over the nations

and adjudicate between many peoples;

these will hammer their swords into ploughshares,

their spears into sickles.

Nation will not lift sword against nation,

there will be no more training for war.

O House of Jacob, come,

let us walk in the light of the Lord.

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Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 122:1-2,4-5,6-9

Response: I rejoiced when I heard them say: ‘Let us go to God’s house.’

I rejoiced when I heard them say:

‘Let us go to God’s house.’

And now our feet are standing

within your gates, O Jerusalem.

It is there that the tribes go up,

the tribes of the Lord.

For Israel’s law it is,

there to praise the Lord’s name.

There were set the thrones of judgement

of the house of David.

For the peace of Jerusalem pray:

‘Peace be to your homes!

May peace reign in your walls,

in your palaces, peace!’

For love of my brethren and friends

I say: ‘Peace upon you!’

For love of the house of the Lord

I will ask for your good.

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Gospel Acclamation

cf. Ps 79:4

Alleluia, alleluia!

God of hosts, bring us back:

let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.

Alleluia!

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Gospel

Matthew 8:5-11

When Jesus went into Capernaum a centurion came up and pleaded with him. ‘Sir,’ he said ‘my servant is lying at home paralysed, and in great pain.’ ‘I will come myself and cure him’ said Jesus. The centurion replied, ‘Sir, I am not worthy to have you under my roof; just give the word and my servant will be cured. For I am under authority myself, and have soldiers under me; and I say to one man: Go, and he goes; to another: Come here, and he comes; to my servant: Do this, and he does it.’ When Jesus heard this he was astonished and said to those following him, ‘I tell you solemnly, nowhere in Israel have I found faith like this. And I tell you that many will come from east and west to take their places with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob at the feast in the kingdom of heaven.’

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Visit http://fur-kat.blogspot.com

Scripture readings from the Jerusalem Bible, Text of the Psalms from The Grail

UPO TAYARI KUMSHANGAZA YESU?

“ASALI ITOKAYO MWAMBANI”

Jumatatu, Novemba 29, 2021

Juma la 1 la Majilio

Isa 2:1-5;

Zab 122:1-9;

Mt 8: 5-11.

UPO TAYARI KUMSHANGAZA YESU?

Karibuni ndugu zangu kwa adhimisho la misa takatifu asubuhi ya leo ambapo tupo katika kipindi cha majilio. Neno la Bwana linaanza kwa kuliangalia somo la kwanza ambapo tunamkuta nabii Isaya anatabiri juu ya ujio wa nyakati za neema kwa mji wa Yerusalem ambapo falme zote za mataifa zingeuendea ili zipate neema, ili zimtambue Mungu wa kweli na kubarikiwa. Anasema kwamba vitu kama vita havitasikika tena ndani ya mji huo na watu hawatajiandaa tena kwa ajili ya mapigano. Ndugu zangu, wakati nabii huyu anatoa unabii huu, taifa hili lilikuwa linajiandaa kwa ajili ya mapigano kati yake na taifa la Waasiria na baadhi ya Wayahudi waliogopa wakifikiri kwamba hawa jamaa wangewamaliza. Lakini nabii anawapa moyo. Anasema kwamba wasistushwe na hivi vita. Wakati utafika ambapo hawa wanaotafuta kupigana nao watajikuta wakija Yerusalem na kuja kutafuta huko Mungu wa kweli na watu hawatajiandaa tena na vita.

Ndugu zangu, tukiiangalia injili ya leo, tunagundua kwamba nyakati hizi zilitokea. Hii ni kwa sababu kwa ujio wa Yesu, watu wa mataifa mengine, kama huyu Akida wa Kirumi tunayemsikia leo anadiriki kuja Yerusalemu, anakwenda kwa Yesu akijua kwamba wokovu unapatikana huko na huko anapata nafasi ya mtumwa wake kuponywa ugonjwa wake. Ama kweli, watu kutoka katika kabila zote na mataifa yote walikuja Yerusalemu kwa Yesu kutafuta wokovu.

Yeye aliyefanya haya yote kwa ujio wake wa kwanza, atakapokuja mara ya pili atatukaribisha katika Yerusalemu mpya, yaani mbinguni kwenye mlima mtakatifu. Na huko atatuonyesha Mungu wa kweli na huko tutakaa tukimtumikia Mungu milele.

Basi katika kipindi hiki tujiandae vyema kwa ujio Mwokozi wetu. Tujiandae tena kwa ujio wake wa pili. Sakramenti ya kitubio ndio sakramenti pekee ambayo kwayo sisi twaweza kujiandaa vyema na kustahili kusimama mbele ya Mungu siku ya ujio wake wa pili. Dhambi zetu zitatuzuia kusimama mbele ya Mungu.

Kuwakumbuka wenye shida katika kipindi hiki ni namna nzuri pia ya kujiandaa katika kipindi hiki. Tumsifu Yesu Kristo.

MASOMO YA MISA, NOVEMBER 29, 2021

JUMATATU, JUMA LA 1 LA MAJILIO

SOMO

Isa 4:2-6

Siku hiyo, chipukizi la Bwana litakuwa zuri, lenye utukufu na matunda ya nchi yatakuwa mema sana, na kupendeza, kwa ajili ya Waisraeli wale waliookoka. Tena itakuwa ya kwamba yeye aliyebaki katika Sayuni na yeye aliyeachwa ndani ya Yerusalemu, ataitwa mtakatifu; yaani. kila mmoja aliyeandikwa miongoni mwa hao walio hai ndani ya Yerusalemu.

Hapo Bwana atakapokuwa ameuosha uchafu wa hao binti za Sayuni na kuisafisha damu ya Yerusalemu kati yake. kwa roho ya hukumu na kwa roho ya kuteketeza. Tena juu ya makao yote ya mlima Sayuni. na juu ya makusanyiko yake. Bwana ata umba wingu na moshi wakati wa mchana na mwangaza wa miali ya moto wakati wa usiku; kwa maana juu ya utukufu wote itatandazwa sitara. Kisha kutakuwa na hema kuwa uvuli wakati wa mchana kwa sababu ya hari, na kuwa mahali pa kukimbilia na kujificha wakati wa tufani na mvua.

Neno la Bwana…….Tumshukuru Mungu..

WIMBO WA KATI KATI Zab. 122 : 1-4. 8,9 (K) 1

1. Nalifurahi waliponiarabia,

Na twende nyumbani kwa Bwana.

Miguu yetu imesimama

Ndani ya malango yako, Ee Yerusalemu.

(K) Nalifurahi waliponiambia,

Na twende nyumbani kwa Bwana.

Ee Yerusalemu ulivejengwa Kama mji ulioshikamana,

Huko ndiko walikopanda kabila Kabila za Bwana. (K)

Kwa ajili ya ndugu zangu na rafiki zangu Niseme sasa. Amani ikae nawe

Kwa ajili ya nyumba ya Bwana. Mungu wetu Nikutafutie mema. (K)

SHANG1LIO

Zab. 80 :4

Aleluya, aleluva.

Ee Bwana, Mungu wa majeshi, hata lini?

Utayagadhabikia maombi ya watu wako?

Aleluya.

INJILI

Mt. 8:1-11

Yesu alipoingia Kapernaumu, akida mmoja alimjia, akamsihi, akisema, Bwana, mtumishi wangu amelala nyumbani, mgonjwa wa kupooza, anaumwa sana. Yesu akamwambia, Nitakuja, nimponye. Yule akida akamjibu, akasema, Bwana. mimi sistahili wewe uingie chini ya dari yangu, lakini sema neno moja tu, na mtumishi wangu atapona. Kwa maana mimi nami ni mtu niliyewekwa chini ya mamlaka, mwenye askari chini yangu; nikimwambia huyu. Nenda, huenda; na huyu, Njoo, huja; na mtumwa wangu, Fanya hivi, hufanva. Yesu aliposikia hayo, alistaajabu, akawaambia wale waliomfuata, Amin, nawaambieni, Sijaona imani kubwa namna hii, kwa yeyote katika Israeli. Nami nawaambieni, ya kwamba wengi watakuja kutoka mashariki na magharibi, nao wataketi pamoja na Ibrahimu na Isaka na Yakobo katika ufalme wa mbinguni.

Neno la Bwana…………Sifa kwako Ee Kristo.

29th NOVEMBER 2021

28th NOVEMBER 2021

Masiha lazima atawale vionjo vyake

*ASALI MUBASHARA-Jumapili 27/11/2021*

Karibuni ndugu zangu kwa adhimisho la misa takatifu dominika ya leo. Leo ni dominika ya 1 ya Majilio. Kipindi hiki kimegawanywa katika makundi mawili. Kwanza ni hadi tarehe 16 December ambapo masomo hutuelekeza juu ya ujio wa pili wa Masiha kwa mara ya pili yakitualika kutubu na kuanzja 16 hadi 24 ambapo tunakumbuka ule ujio wa Kristo kwa mara ya kwanza ulimwenguni. Hivyo kipindi hiki huanzwa kwa utafakari wa ujio wa Kristo kwa mara pili ulimwenguni.

Tafakari yetu inaongozwa na zaburi ya wimbo wetu wa katikati, zaburi ya 25. Hapa tunakutana na maneno Ee bwana nakuinulia nafsi yangu. Hii ni zaburi ya mtu aliyekatika upweke, kakimbiwa na kila mtu, marafiki wake wa zamani hawapo tena. Hivyo anamkimbilia Mwenyezi

Mungu kwa msaada.

Anatambua kwamba kwa njia ya kusali, kujinyenyekeza, na kuungama, ataiokoa nafsi yake, hii zaburi ilikuwa ni kilio cha Daudi baada ya kupinduliwa na mtoto wake aliyeitwa Absalom. Alikimbiwa na marafiki wake wakubwa kama akina Ahitopheli, akabakia kwenye upweke. Hivyo alimlilia Mungu kwa unyenyekevu na kuomba asamehewe na kuonewa huruma.

Zaburi hii inatumika siku ya leo ya jumapili ya kwanza ya majilio kuonyesha kwamba nasi tutaokolewa kwa njia ya unyenyekevu na kumrudia Mungu. Haya ndio yatakayotusaidia kumwona Kristo pale atakapokuja kwa mara ya pili tena.

Katika somo la kwanza, tunakutana na unabii wa Yeremia juu ya wana wa yuda. Kwa kipindi hiki serikali yao ilitawaliwa na wababuloni chini ya Nebuchadnezer. Huyu alikuwa amewapangia cha kufanya-kwamba lazima walipe kodi kwake, wasijidai kwenda kutafuta msaada kwa nchi nyingine ile. Na pale walipokiuka haya, huyu Nebuchadnzer aliwashambulia na kuangamiza mjio wao. Israeli ilikuwa chini ya kiongozi dhaifu, asiye na nguvu. Aliitwa Zedekia. Sasa leo nabii anatabiri kusema kwamba atamchipushia Daudi shina litakalokomboa watu, liongoze watu vizuri, watu wakae vyema, waishi vizuri kwa haki na amani. Ni kama mtu ukae kwenye nyumba yenye uongozi mahiri.

Hili shina ni Yesu ndugu zangu aliyekuwa anasubiriwa. Alitegemewa asiwe kama huyu Zedekia, aliyewaangusha watu, aliyelifanya taifa la Israeli lionekane kuwa dhaifu, lenye kudharauliwa, watu wanakufa kwa njaa na maskini kuonewa. Haya hayatakuwepo pale huyu Masiha atakapokuja.

*Ndugu zangu naomba tujifunze kitu toka somo hili.*

Sisi tunapaswa kuwa Masiha sehemu tunayoishi hata kama wewe ni Baba wa familia. Ukiambiwa uongoze watu au hata watoto wako, usiwe kama huyu Zedekia. Watu waishi kwa njaa, watoto wako wadharauliwe, wawe machokoraa, washindwe kusoma, waonewe na kila mtu. Hapana, onesha mfano, wafanye waone kwamba yuko Baba, hawanyanyasiki, hawaokoti makombo huko, hawaumwi na kutupwa au kutelekezwa.

Au kama wewe ni kiongozi mahali, usiwaache wale wafanyakazi wako waishi kama ndege, bila 'future', onesha kwamba wewe ni Masiha, wakikueleza shida sio utupilie huko

Lazima Masiha uondoe woga, uwe jasiri; uwe mstari wa kwanza kwenye kutenda. Mfano, kama ni padre, usiogope-labda uletewe mtu mwenye pepo uogope au uogope kuvaa nguo zako au uogope kusali misa tukifikiri ati nitachekwa au kuonwa kuwa mshamba. Sio hivyo, lazima niishi kwa ujasiri. Mtu muoga hawezi kuingia katika ufalme wa mbinguni.

Somo la injili, Yesu anatueleza kwamba kutakuwa na ujio wa mwisho ambapo hukumu itatolewa. Anasisitiza kwamba lazima tuishi kihodari, siku ile isitukute kama wajinga wajinga. Tunaelezwa kwamba siku hiyo isitukute tukiwa tumetawaliwa na vionjo vyetu au anasa zetu. Masiha lazima atawale vionjo vyake. Sio mtu anayekwenda mahali na kukamatiwa hapo kwa sababu hawezi kuiacha.

Nasi kama wakristo, wenye kumsubiri Bwana hatupaswi kutekwa na vitu kama tamaa ya fedha, au sex au pombe kiasi kwamba hadi mwisho utakamatiwa kwenye pombe.

Ni lazima tujifunze kujifanyia control, control ya vyakula, ulafi, vitu vya kutazama. Sio ati ukiona kila filamu utazame, au ukiona kila msichana ulale naye au kila mwanaume, au kila kitu unatamani. Lazima uwe na control, hilo linasisitizwa sana na Yesu.

Zaidi sana ni kutopewa kichwa na visifa vya hapa ulimwenguni, kuna watu akiona anasifiwa kidogo anasahau dhambi zake zote na kufikiri umetangazwa mtakatifu. Hapana, bado kabisa.

Yesu anasema kwamba siku hiyo kutakuwa na ishara, mwezi na nyota zikitikisika. Yaani wale maarufu, wale wanaothibiti au ku-control mambo ya dunia yatatikiswa kabisa, yale wanayoyaona yamuhimu kama jua na nyota. Tujiangalie sisi tunaojiona kuwa na uwezo na nguvu, lazima kuwa wapole zaidi. Sio kila wakati tutabakia kwenye nguvu hizi au uwezo huu. Upo wakati tutaanguka tu.

©️Pd. Prosper Kessy OFMCap.

MASOMO YA MISA NOVEMBA 28, 2021

DOMINIKA YA 1 YA MAJILIO MWAKA C

MWANZO:

Zab. 25:1-3

Ee Bwana, nakuinulia nafsi yangu, Ee Mungu wangu, nimekutumaini wewe, nisiaibike, adui zangu wasifurahi kwa kunishinda. Naam, wakungojao hawataaibika hata mmoja.

SOMO 1

Yer. 33:14-16

Tazama, siku zinakuja, asema Bwana, nitakapolitimiza neno lile jema nililolinena, katika habari za nyumba ya Israeli, na katika habari za nyumba ya Yuda. Katika siku zile, na wakati ule, nitamchipushia Daudi Chipukizi la haki; naye atafanya hukumu na haki katika nchi hii. Katika siku zile Yuda ataokolewa, na Yerusalemu utakaa salama; na jina lake atakaloitwa ni hili, Bwana ni haki yetu.

Neno la Bwana… Tumshukuru Mungu.

WIMBO WA KATIKATI

Zab. 25:4-5, 8-9,10,14 (K) 1

(K) Ee Bwana, nakuinulia nafsi yangu.

Ee Bwana, unijulishe njia zako,

Unifundishe mapito yako,

Uniongoze katika kweli yako,

Na kunifundisha. (K)

Bwana yu mwema, mwenye adili,

Kwa hiyo atawafundisha wenye dhambi njia.

Wenye upole atawaongoza katika hukumu,

Wenye upole atawafundisha njia yake. (K)

Njia zote za Bwana ni fadhili na kweli,

Kwao walishikao agano lake na shuhuda zake.

Siri ya Bwana iko kwao wamchao.

Naye atawajulisha agano lake. (K)

SOMO 2

1Thes. 3:12; 4:1-2

Ndugu zangu; Bwana na awaongeze na kuwazidisha katika upendo, ninyi kwa ninyi na kwa watu wote, kama vile sisi nasi tulivyo kwenu; apate kuifanya imara mioyo yenu iwe bila lawama katika utakatifu mbele za Mungu, Baba yetu, wakati wa kuja kwake Bwana wetu Yesu pamoja na watakatifu wake wote.

Iliyobaki, ndugu, tunakusihi na kuwaonya kwamba mwenende katika Bwana Yesu; kama mlivyopokea kwetu jinsi iwapasavyo kuenenda na kumpendeza Mungu, kama nanyi mnavyoenenda, vivyo hivyo mpate kuzidi sana. Kwa kuwa mnajua ni maagizo gani tuliyowapa kwa Bwana Yesu.

Neno la Bwana… Tumshukuru Mungu

SHANGILIO

Zab. 85:7

Aleluya, aleluya,

Ee Bwana utuonyeshe rehema zako, Utupe wokovu wako.

Aleluya.

INJILI

Lk. 21:25-28, 34-36

Siku ile kutakuwa ishara katika jua; na mwezi na nyota; na katika nchi dhiki ya mataifa wakishangaa kwa uvumi wa bahari na msukosuko wake; watu wakivunjika mioyo kwa hofu, na kwa kutazama mambo yatakayoupata ulimwengu. Kwa kuwa nguvu za mbinguni zitatikisika. Hapo ndipo watakapomwona Mwana wa Adamu akija katika wingu pamoja na nguvu na utukufu mwingi. Basi, mambo hayo yaanzapo kutokea, changamkeni, mkaviinue vichwa vyenu, kwa kuwa ukombozi wenu umekaribia.

Basi, jiangalieni, mioyo yenu isije ikalemewa na ulafi, na ulevi, na masumbufu ya maisha haya; siku ile ikawajia ghafla, kama mtego unasavyo; kwa kuwa ndivyo itakavyowajilia watu wote wakaao juu ya uso wa dunia nzima. Basi, kesheni ninyi kila wakati, mkiomba, ili mpate kuokoka katika hayo yote yatakayotokea, na kusimama mbele za Mwana wa Adamu.

Neno la Bwana… Sifa kwako Ee Kristu.

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR HIS COMING?

“SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER”

Daily Spiritual Reflections

28th November 2021

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SUNDAY, FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT

Jer 33:14-16; Ps 25:4-5,8-10,14; 1 Thes 3:12 - 4: 2; Lk 21:25-28,34-36

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ARE YOU PREPARED FOR HIS COMING?

Today we celebrate the first Sunday of Advent. Today also marks for us the first day of the new liturgical year. The word advent comes from the Latin word ‘adventus’ which means coming or arrival. Advent is a season wherein we prepare for the coming of Christ. When we speak about the coming of Christ we often think about two events one that has already happened and the one which is about to happen. The first coming of Christ which is depicted in the mystery of the incarnation is the event which has already happened. The parousia that is the second coming of Christ is an event that we await for.

The first coming of Christ is mentioned in today’s first reading from the book of Jeremiah in the form of prophecy which is fulfilled when Christ was born in Bethlehem. This is the first coming which we anticipate and prepare for as we celebrate the solemnity of Christmas. Whereas in today’s gospel we hear Christ himself prophesying about his second coming in the glorious form. This is a the coming of Christ which we the baptised faithful await for, and famously known as parousia. However, in between these two comings of Christ, we also have another coming of Christ, a third or intermediary coming of Christ, which happens every day of our life especially when He comes into our life through the Eucharist. In brief, his first coming was in the flesh and in weakness; his intermediary coming is in the spirit and in power; and the last coming will be in glory and majesty. This intermediary coming is like a road leading from the first to the last coming.

When Christ comes everyday in our hearts we are filled with the grace to contemplate on the first coming of Christ that is the mystery of incarnation while also preparing ourselves to welcome Christ at the time of the parousia. All the comings of Christ may it be in the Incarnate form or through the Eucharist or at the time of the end of the ages are focused upon our salvation.

When we say we are in the season of advent, we do not merely wait for the coming of Christ, rather we need to prepare ourselves and make ourselves worthy to receive him when he arrives. The second reading today from the first book of Thessalonians urges us and teaches us how we can detach ourselves from the worldly ways and sin while we attach ourselves to things that help us to prepare and make ourselves worthy to receive Christ.

When we speak about preparation so many things pop up in our mind like buying new dresses, building the crib, decorating the Christmas trees, preparing goodies and so on. While all these things are required to build the atmosphere of a festive celebration, we also require an internal preparation, mainly spiritual, to prepare the atmosphere to receive Christ in our hearts. We must know that Jesus is wanting to be born in our hearts rather than in the crib we prepare for him.

When Christ was born in the incarnate form, the world was not ready to receive him. The people around were hostile and were seeking to kill him eventhough he was just an infant. This trend continues till the end of his life where we see his own people deny him and crucify him to the cross. Even today when he comes into our hearts, and if our hearts are filled with sin and malice, we once again deny him and cause him pain. Therefore, as we clean our homes and dress ourselves with new clothes for Christmas, let us also strive to clean our hearts by repenting and changing our lives, and by partaking in the sacrament of reconciliation (confession), and clothe ourselves with the new self in Christ.

Let us also remember that advent is not the only time for preparation, rather we have to prepare for the coming of Christ every day and every moment of our life. Advent, however, is the season that comes every year at the very beginning of the liturgical year reminding us that our Lord Jesus Christ will come again and that we need to prepare ourselves for the same. Let us pray that our hearts may become a fitting and worthy place for Jesus Christ to be born.

Response: To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul

Readings at Mass Sunday 28 November 2021

Readings at Mass

Sunday 28 November 2021

1st Sunday of Advent

Liturgical Colour: Violet.

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First reading

Jeremiah 33:14-16

See, the days are coming – it is the Lord who speaks – when I am going to fulfil the promise I made to the House of Israel and the House of Judah:

‘In those days and at that time,

I will make a virtuous Branch grow for David,

who shall practise honesty and integrity in the land.

In those days Judah shall be saved

and Israel shall dwell in confidence.

And this is the name the city will be called:

The-Lord-our-integrity.’

________

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 25:4-5,8-9,10,14

Response: To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

Lord, make me know your ways.

Lord, teach me your paths.

Make me walk in your truth, and teach me:

for you are God my saviour.

The Lord is good and upright.

He shows the path to those who stray,

He guides the humble in the right path,

He teaches his way to the poor.

His ways are faithfulness and love

for those who keep his covenant and law.

The Lord’s friendship is for those who revere him;

to them he reveals his covenant.

________

Second reading

1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2

May the Lord be generous in increasing your love and make you love one another and the whole human race as much as we love you. And may he so confirm your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless in the sight of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus Christ comes with all his saints.

Finally, brothers, we urge you and appeal to you in the Lord Jesus to make more and more progress in the kind of life that you are meant to live: the life that God wants, as you learnt from us, and as you are already living it. You have not forgotten the instructions we gave you on the authority of the Lord Jesus.

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Gospel Acclamation

Ps 84:8

Alleluia, alleluia!

Let us see, O Lord, your mercy

and give us your saving help.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel

Luke 21:25-28,34-36

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; on earth nations in agony, bewildered by the clamour of the ocean and its waves; men dying of fear as they await what menaces the world, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.

‘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.’

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Scripture readings from the Jerusalem Bible, Text of the Psalms from The Grail

A VIGILANT AND PRAYERFUL DISCIPLESHIP

“SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER”

Daily Spiritual Reflections

27th November 2021

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SATURDAY, THIRTY FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Dan 7: 15-27; Dan 3: 82-87; Lk 21: 34-36

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A VIGILANT AND PRAYERFUL DISCIPLESHIP

Today is the last day of the Church’s liturgical year. Tomorrow with the ushering in of the season of Advent, we enter into a new liturgical year. The Gospel passage today, taken from the eschatological discourse of Luke, is a call for prayer and vigilance. As Christ’s disciples, we can prepare ourselves for the second coming of the Lord by leading a disciplined life. How we choose to live now, will determine how we will stand before the Son of Man on judgement day.

In the second letter to the Corinthians, St Paul reminds us, “For all of us must appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil” (2 Cor 5:10). We will have to give an account of how faithful we have been to the mission entrusted to us.

If we have only been interested in enjoying this earthly life and preoccupied with the attractions of this world, then we need to be on our guard. We should make sure that we are not weighed down by drunkenness, dissipation, etc. as these can become snares to entrap us. The final day will come unexpectedly. Let us pray that we may be ready and may have the grace and strength to stand before the Son of Man without fear.

The Church invites us today to pray individually and as a community. Let us pray for strength to survive this world of strife and stay safe in the abiding presence and security that Christ offers us. In prayer, we are also able to reach out to God and discern his will for our lives. Our life must rise up to God as a pleasing prayer. As disciples, we need to be in constant wakefulness (cf. Eph 6:18). Also, The first reading from the book of Daniel tells us about the triumph of the holy people of God in their fight against the evil powers. Let us draw courage and strength from their courage whenever we encounter strife in the world.

Response: Sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever

Readings at Mass Saturday 27 November 2021

Readings at Mass

Saturday 27 November 2021

34th Week in Ordinary Time

Liturgical Colour: Green.

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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.