Vol. 32 No.

3 From the desk of the Coordinator

Intentions of the Apostleship of Prayer
(The Holy Father’s Monthly Intention) Family: Holy Cradle of the Beatitudes
May 2022: We pray for all young people, called to From the time of Adam and Eve, the family has
live life to the fullest; may they see in Mary’s life the been central to God’s plan for his children. It is the
way to listen, the depth of discernment, the courage basic building block of a healthy society. A family is
that faith generates, and the dedication to service. Pastoral Theme 2022-23 where we can feel love and learn how to love others.
June 2022: We pray for Christian families around “Follow me” (Mk 1:17) A family is where members are there for each other
the world; may they embody and experience in good times as well as in hard times. If there is a
unconditional love and advance in holiness in their family tragedy, or a family member has a serious
daily lives. problem, pulling together always helps.
The family is the first place where children find
DAILY FLASH out about love and empathy, companionship and
Reflections on the forgiveness. As Jesus demonstrated by dying on the
Come, Holy Spirit Word of God cross, parents and children are also called to suffer
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may by Lay People and make sacrifices for each other. Parents have a
all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, special responsibility of setting their children an
too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I example of how to live a good Christian life.
love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, In his 2018 Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete et
to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy MAY-JUNE 2022 Exsultate (GE) Pope Francis says that the
Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen. Beatitudes (Mt 5:3-12) are Jesus’ picture of what it
means to be holy in daily life – here “happy” and
“blessed” become synonymous with “holy”. We can
In this Issue Published by gain true happiness by faithful practice of the
Family: Holy Cradle of the Beatitudes …………….. 2 Diocesan Centre for Lay Apostolate Beatitudes. But we can practise them only if the Holy
What’s Your Calling? ……….…………………....... 11 Lar de Estudantes Spirit fills us with his power and frees us from our
Walking with My Blessed Mother …….................. 18 Altinho, Panjim, Goa - 403001 weakness, selfishness, complacency and pride.
Tel: 91-832-2232496
‘Fear of Failure – A Christian Perspective ………. 50 Pope Francis portrays the family as the first holy
Email: [email protected]
Using Money the Scriptural Way ….…..…………. 66 cradle of Jesus’ values and messianic dreams. In
Daily Flash Website: daily-flash.webnode.com Chapter Three of GE, he expands on the Beatitudes
Daily Flash Editor: [email protected] and their invitation in some detail, concluding each
Daily Flash follows the Liturgical Calendar of the Archdiocese of Beatitude thus:
Goa and Daman. All scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible ‘Being poor of heart: that is holiness.’
(English Standard Version, Catholic Edition or ESV-CE). ‘Reacting with meekness and humility: that is
holiness.’
 ‘Knowing how to mourn with others: that is Sunday, May 01, 2022 Monday, May 02, 2022
holiness.’ 3rd Sunday of Easter St Athanasius
‘Hungering and thirsting for righteousness: that Readings: Acts 5:27-32, 40-41; Ps 30:2, 4-6, 11-13; Readings: Acts 6:8-15; Ps 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30;
is holiness.’ Rev 5:11-14; Jn 21:1-19 Jn 6:22-29
‘Seeing and acting with mercy: that is holiness.’ Focus: “Tend my sheep” (Jn 21:16) Focus: “This is the work of God, that you believe in
‘Keeping a heart free of all that tarnishes love: Today is May Day, International Workers’ Day, him whom he has sent” (Jn 6:29)
that is holiness.’ and normally feast of St Joseph, the Worker. How My little nephew, who is rather reserved, recently
‘Sowing peace all around us: that is holiness.’ terrible if we were unemployed! took a liking to another aunt and remembers her
‘Accepting daily the path of the gospel, even ‘Jesus worked with his hands in daily contact often. When I asked him why, he said it was
though it may cause us problems: that is holiness.’ with the matter created by God, to which he gave because she brings him sweets.
However, he warns that misleading ideologies form by his craftsmanship,’ Pope Francis writes in In today’s Gospel, we see the crowd going in
can make us, on the one hand, to separate these his encyclical Laudato Si’ (2015). ‘It is striking that search of Jesus. But Jesus reproaches them for
gospel demands from their personal relationship with most of his life was dedicated to this task in a simple pursuing him only because of the food he gave them
the Lord, so that Christianity becomes a sort of life which awakened no admiration at all.… In this (Jn 6:26-27). Do we too seek God only to fulfil our
NGO, stripped of the luminous mysticism so evident way, he sanctified human labour.’ material needs?
in the lives of saints. On the other hand, there are We who work are entitled to respect, to a decent In contrast, we see Stephen, the first martyr, full
Christians who dismiss the social engagement of wage, to humane conditions of work, to benefits of love and zeal for Jesus, full of grace and power
others as superficial, worldly, secular, materialist, when we can work no longer. There is even a and wisdom and God’s Spirit (Acts 6:8,10). Are we
communist or populist: their own particular ethical Theology of Work: ‘Work honours the Creator’s gifts mature in faith and love for God?
approach supposedly outweighs all others. and the talents received from him’ (CCC 2427). Later in the Gospel, when the crowd ask Jesus
Living according to the Beatitudes can help us In the Gospel, the risen Jesus asks Peter what they should do, he tells them to believe in him
become the saints God wants us to be. But that repeatedly if he loves him. When Peter replies “Yes,” (Focus). It is as simple as that – to believe in Jesus,
doesn’t mean the journey will be easy. There will be Jesus pleads, “Tend my sheep” (Focus). We can be seeking him out of pure love, trusting him to be in
challenges – often very difficult ones – along the sure that he asks the same of us. control of our lives. Then we will not go to him only
way. We will need God’s grace and a healthy dose How then must I tend the sheep? By respecting for our earthly needs, but will want to be with him
of humility and self-discipline to do it. But, thankfully, all who work, including those who work for me? By every moment.
we have the support of the saints already in heaven respecting my own work, so that I am not late, When facing life’s storms, if we find our
– that ‘great cloud of witnesses’ (Heb 12:1) – who careless or dishonest? If I mean to respect Jesus’ confidence waver, let us pray the Creed and renew
are praying and interceding on our behalf, as we plea, I will work with diligence, with a desire to ever our faith. Mother Mary’s life clearly shows us the
journey along the path to holiness. learn, and will see my work as service. courage that faith can generate.
Let us then follow Christ – to know him, seek him Fruit: Will I labour like St Joseph – with honesty, Fruit: I will love God with all my heart and strive to
and encounter him – so that we may be his true respecting the people I work for, offering my toil as a live always in his presence even as I go about doing
witnesses to the world in thought, word and action. proof of love and service of God? my daily tasks.
- Fr Jorge Fernandes

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 Tuesday, May 03, 2022 Wednesday, May 04, 2022 Thursday, May 05, 2022
Sts Philip and James Readings: Acts 8:1-8; Ps 66:1-7; Jn 6:35-40 Readings: Acts 8:26-40; Ps 66:8-9, 16-17, 20; Jn
Readings: 1 Cor 15:1-8; Ps 19:1-5; Jn 14:6-14 Focus: “I am the bread of life” (Jn 6:35) 6:44-51
Focus: ‘Hold fast to the word I preached to you – Jesus knew that he would ultimately offer himself Focus: “No one can come to me unless the Father
unless you believed in vain’ (1 Cor 15:2) to us in the sacrament of Holy Communion, to who sent me draws him” (Jn 6:44)
These are most uncertain times, plagued by experience the vastness of his love in the most In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches his disciples
multiple threats of pandemic, violence, political ordinary form – “bread” (Focus). the ‘eligibility conditions’ for eternal life.
instability, the climate crisis and great suffering. In my experience, nature helps us gain a better Although eternal life is God’s free gift to us
People everywhere are yielding to despair. understanding of the Eucharist when we are attuned through the death and resurrection of his Son, he
Yet we Christians can say with Philip, “Lord, to it. The sea, stars, sun, sky, mountains, rivers and wants us to do some or all of the following: be drawn
show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” And all living creatures have much to tell us about the to him of our own free will (Focus); believe in his Son
then, with ears made keen by faith hear Jesus say, love of God. ‘All things were made through him, and Jesus and in his word (v. 47); partake of the Bread of
“Have I been with you so long, and you still do not without him was not any thing made that was made’ Life – the Eucharist (v. 51).
know me (insert your name)?” (Jn 14:8-9). (Jn 1:3). The Father wants none of his children to be lost,
Paul, who endured many hardships to persevere If I reflect on the ever-expanding universe, and so he makes all possible efforts to draw us to Jesus:
in the faith and bring the Good News of Jesus to the all that is contained therein, then the Eucharist is like through his word, the ministry of the Church and the
world, has this to say to the fainthearted, ‘Hold fast a compilation of the magnificent universe in the example of his followers.
to the word’ (Focus). simplest of forms. The First Reading recounts how Philip converted
Indeed, the word of God is our hiding place, our I sometimes wonder if it is I receiving Christ in the Ethiopian eunuch. Similarly, we who have been
refuge and the rock on which we should build our the form of bread or is it Christ receiving me into his touched by God, must participate enthusiastically in
troubled lives so that we may be able to endure all life. Christ is so vast that I am too small to receive the work of salvation.
things in love. him. Perhaps I could say that through the Eucharist I Do I live my life as a disciple of Jesus? Do I
The word of God is our strength in times of fear get assimilated into Christ? spend time with him in prayer and the sacraments?
and weakness. Let us remember that whatever This seems to have been the experience of the Do I practise what I preach? In this time of
happens, Jesus is “the way, and the truth, and the believers who were ‘scattered’ by persecution (First pandemic, have I reached out to someone who has
life” (Jn 14:6). Indeed, he is with us always, until the Reading). One would imagine they would be in lost a loved one? Who needs financial help or
end of time. hiding. But no, ‘…they went about preaching the medical assistance?
Let us live like the psalmist who says, ‘He is not word’ (Acts 8:4), undeterred by trials and tribulations. Only then will we be taken seriously, and draw
afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Proof of the power of Holy Communion – if proof more people to Jesus – who, as he promised, will
Lord’ (Ps 112:7). were needed! reward us with eternal life with him. It is a goal worth
Fruit: Lord teach me to trust in your word Fruit: Today let me go and gaze at nature keeping striving for.
completely, to strengthen my faith, and to gain the Focus in mind and then reflect on – and be Fruit: I will try to draw someone to the Lord by
courage to face the storms of life. grateful for – the Eucharist. reaching out to them in love.

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 Friday, May 06, 2022 Saturday, May 07, 2022 What’s Your Calling?
Readings: Acts 9:1-20; Ps 117:1-2; Jn 6:52-59 Readings: Acts 9:31-42; Ps 116:12-17; Jn 6:60-69 God has created each one of us for a vocation.
Focus: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” Focus: “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no He says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew
(Acts 9:5) help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I
A change of religion is often deliberately taken spirit and life” (Jn 6:63) appointed you a prophet to the nations” (Jer 1:5).
as forceful conversion, even if done of one’s own We are called to be living witnesses of Jesus Our primary calling is to live in holiness, to love and
free will. Quite frequently nowadays it causes who says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” serve God and hereafter to enjoy eternal happiness
communal disharmony and tension in society. (Jn 14:6). It is a life lived by this principle that with him (CCC 1, 358, 1700). Whatever state we
However, Saul’s conversion to Christianity (First empowered Peter to say to the dead woman, choose – married, single, priestly or religious – and
Reading) was not only an important one but a “Tabitha, arise,” (Acts 9:40), and to the paralysed whatever work we do, we are called to follow Christ
genuine one. Saul was a fanatical Jew who man, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and (Mt 9:9).
preached that Christianity was a false religion. He make your bed” (Acts 9:34). His faith in Christ A vocation is a strong feeling that we are
was determined to wipe out ‘the Way’ (Acts 9:1-2) assured him that they would immediately respond. especially suited to do a particular job or to fulfil a
from the face of the earth. But his encounter with the Our lives may not be as dramatic as that of the special role in life. It is about growing into persons
risen Lord (Focus) changed all that. In fact it was the apostles but there are many opportunities we let who focus their lives beyond themselves to make a
turning point of the apostle’s eventful life. pass because of our preoccupation with worldly positive contribution to society.
Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit in the affairs. Jesus reminds us (Gospel), “It is the Spirit We are familiar with the story of Joseph in the
presence of Jesus and immediately had a dramatic who gives life” (Focus). book of Genesis. From a young age, Joseph dreamt
change of heart. From persecuting Christians he I remember on my way to an inspection, in the of becoming a great ruler – a vocation he was
transformed himself into an ardent preacher of the early 1990s, when a child was hit by a minibus. chosen for by God to save the lives of many. To
word. God himself chose Paul to be his “instrument” Many cars slowed down, but no one wanted to soil complete his mission he was endowed with various
(Acts 9:15) to do so. their seats. Against company rules, I picked up the talents. He was a prudent manager and an
Paul knew that he would suffer in this journey of bloodied boy in my car and took him to the hospital interpreter of dreams. Joseph knew his calling early.
embracing Christianity but felt it worthwhile because on my lap, then informed his family. Though he had to wait for 13 long, hard years to
of the crown of salvation he would receive. This was A life was saved. Better his blood on my clothes realise his dream, he continued to work with integrity
possible only due to divine intervention. for a day, than live with regret for the rest of my life. and diligence, utilising the time to patiently develop
Jesus says the same in the Gospel. Just as food Fruit: Let us be moved by the Spirit to overcome his skills and using them to serve others.
and drink is essential for our nourishment and fear and do the will of God by reaching out to the Eli Ginzberg, in his vocational choice theory,
physical growth, it is vital to partake of the Bread of needy… and maybe save lives. believes that making a career choice is a long
Life for our spiritual wellbeing and growth. Three ways to tell us what you think of Daily Flash: process that requires taking into consideration a
Fruit: Our risen Lord is with us always. Are we ready 1) Write a letter 2) Email: [email protected] person’s abilities, interests, values, goals and vision.
3) WhatsApp/SMS: +919130664062.
to let him intervene in our sinful lives and convert us A child will mimic many roles (doctor, teacher,
into true Christians? policeman), but has an awareness of his or her
vocation only in adolescence. The important
questions to ask at this stage are: What are my likes
and dislikes (Interest)? What are the things I’m good
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at (Capacity)? What is important to me (Values)? A Sunday, May 08, 2022 Monday, May 09, 2022
realisation of these three key points helps a person 4th Sunday of Easter, Day of Diocesan Seminaries Readings: Acts 11:1-18; Ps 42:2-3, 43:3-4; Jn 10:1-
to develop his or her skills and talents and then Readings: Acts 13:14, 43-52; Ps 100:1-3, 5; Rev 10
focus on the main vocation, which usually becomes 7:9, 14-17; Jn 10:27-30 Focus: “He who enters by the door is the shepherd
distinct in adulthood. Focus: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, of the sheep” (Jn 10:2)
We can discern our calling by reflecting on what and they follow me” (Jn 10:27) The image of God the Father in the Old
we love to do. How do we feel when we do As children we played ‘Dark Room’ that required Testament, and of Jesus in the New Testament as
something? Does it make us so happy that we want recognising the one we caught in the dark by their the Shepherd, is the most persistent depiction of
to do it again and again? It’s important to set realistic voice. It was exciting because despite the disguised God’s relationship with us. It is woven into Scripture,
goals and plans. Talking to a spiritual guide or a garments the voice gave the person away. The more imagery and culture, but more importantly it should
professional in our field of interest can be helpful. we played the better we could identify each other’s be woven into our spirit.
When I took up a career in clinical psychology, I voice. The Gospel Acclamation has Jesus identifying It is no coincidence that God called men like
wasn’t sure if I had made the right choice because of himself, “I am the good shepherd” (Jn 10:14). Moses and David to lead his people. They were
my shy nature. But the encouraging words of one of All who had heard Jesus speak desired to know shepherds who knew how to care for their sheep.
my professors helped me to do well. Prayer, reading him better and then make him known. Bartimaeus The imagery (Gospel) shows the character of the
the Scriptures, asking the Holy Spirit for guidance, cried out aloud, Zacchaeus climbed a tree and made shepherd and his relationship with the sheep. The
and being attentive to God’s voice – all these will restitution, the woman washed his feet with tears shepherd entering “by the door” (Focus), in the
give us an insight into our calling. and poured expensive oil on them, the Samaritan context of the Church, is an accredited person duly
In every vocation, it is essential to have a lifelong woman ran to the town calling others to meet him. sent by legitimate authority, as against unqualified
commitment, to fine-tune our talents and to put in our “My sheep hear my voice… and they follow me” individuals who assume these roles themselves.
best efforts. Sometimes failures and (Focus). God speaks to us through his word, our A deep revelation is that the sheep know the
disappointments can discourage us. Keeping focus, circumstances, people around us, and through the voice of the true shepherd. This is the work of the
valuing what we are doing, and using the talents we sacraments. His grace heals and strengthens us. Holy Spirit in the depths of our heart and our
are blessed with to serve others (1 Pet 4:10) and for There may be many voices leading us astray conscience. We instinctively know who the genuine
God’s glory will uplift us. Not to forget a prayer for but, as Paul and Barnabas told the devout converts, ministers of Christ are, and who aren’t, and we
everyone, that God may make us all worthy of his we must remain faithful to the grace given to us by intuitively flee from the latter. The relationship of
calling (2 Thess 1:11). the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:43). Our mission, like that of sheep with the true shepherd is one of complete
Like Joseph, some of us may be clear about our the disciples, may bring great persecution, and even peace, security and assurance. That is what is
vocation early in life, while some may recognise it shedding of blood (Rev 7:14). Eventually, we will meant by saying they “will go in and out” (Jn 10:9).
much later. And there will be some who may never stand before God’s throne, and the Lamb will be our The true shepherd leads us into good pasture –
know it. At all times it is important to live in integrity, shepherd, and give us living water (Rev 7:15-17). a virtuous way of life according to the will of God.
trusting God that he will let us fulfil our purpose in his Fruit: Let us heed the voice of Jesus always and Fruit: The Good Shepherd gives us life in
own perfect time and in his own special way. ‘serve the Lord with gladness’ (Ps 100:2). abundance (Jn 10:10).
- Sheina Castelo

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 Tuesday, May 10, 2022 Wednesday, May 11, 2022 Thursday, May 12, 2022
Readings: Acts 11:19-26; Ps 87:1-7; Jn 10:22-30 Readings: Acts 12:24 - 13:5; Ps 67:2-3, 5-6, 8; Jn Sts Nereus and Achilleus, St Pancras
Focus: “How long will you keep us in suspense? If 12:44-50 Readings: Acts 13:13-25; Ps 89:2-3, 21-22, 25, 27;
you are the Christ, tell us plainly” (Jn 10:24) Focus: “The one who rejects me and does not Jn 13:16-20
For centuries the Jewish people had looked receive my words has a judge; the word that I have Focus: “He who ate my bread has lifted his heel
forward to the coming of the Christ, an expectation spoken will judge him…” (Jn 12:48) against me” (Jn 13:18)
that had its origins in Deut 18:15-18. This Messiah The Word of God, through whom all things were My adult son spoke harshly to me. I was deeply
was however imagined in many different ways – made, became flesh in Jesus to unite himself with us upset and tears filled my eyes. A slap would have
perhaps he would be an anointed king in the Davidic and to show us the path to eternal life. The light of been easier to bear. “After all I’ve done for him this is
mould, or an anointed priest, or a great prophet. his word continues to guide us through the Holy what I get,” was my instinctive thought. I said
After Jesus cleansed the Temple, the scribes Spirit (First Reading). nothing. Instead, I thought of Jesus. How often was
and the Pharisees and the Jewish religious leaders Sadly we often misuse Jesus’ words for selfish he insulted, humiliated and ultimately abandoned by
made repeated attempts to embarrass him, but with reasons. Bible verses are quoted out of context to those he loved! My hurt feelings were nothing in
little success (Jn 5:10-15, 8:12-20, 48-59). Their own deceive others or to justify wrongdoing. Politicians comparison to what Jesus suffered (Focus).
Messianic expectations were political and centred on mouth Scripture to woo gullible voters. Sexual acts Jesus healed and delivered the people from evil
a king powerful enough to overthrow the oppressive outside marriage or against the natural law are spirits, but what thanks did he get? He was crowned
Roman yoke over their nation. When they learned glossed over saying, judge not others. We like the with thorns and mocked derisively by the guards.
that the troublemaker Jesus harboured illusions of ‘feel-good’ verses and ignore the hard-hitting ones Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel are prophetic (Jn
being the Messiah (Jn 4:25-26), they felt sufficiently that highlight our shortcomings or warn us to mend 13:19). He is reminding us never to lose heart, to do
threatened to investigate him (Focus). our ways. God’s loving and merciful words are taken what is right regardless of the consequences, and to
For his part, Jesus was clearly a man with a as a licence to continue sinning. look up to him as our model. Every day we live
mission. He had come to serve and, having no use Today Jesus reminds us that his words are the through situations that cause us disappointment and
for titles or designations, was not about to reveal his words of God (Gospel). To reject them is to invite discouragement. We may wonder if being a good
true identity to the scoffers. His compassionate self-condemnation (Focus). Christian today is even worth it.
actions towards the people were Messianic in nature Let us not forget that God’s word can discern Yet Jesus clearly warned us to expect hostility.
and his detractors should have drawn the right ‘the thoughts and intentions of the heart’ (Heb 4:12). Our Master endured the most horrible and cruel
conclusions (Jn 10:25, 30). When his credentials It will fulfil its purpose in our lives only if we obey it. It treatment by the most ungrateful people of his time
were finally questioned before the Sanhedrin, Jesus can also help us to correct others if they deliberately during his passion and death on the cross. Why
answered mysteriously, giving nothing away (Mk reject the word. Prayer, reading the Bible and should I not emulate him through joyful acceptance
14:61-62, Mt 26:63-64, Lk 22:67-68). reflecting on Scripture verses are some ways we can of the crosses of daily life?
Fruit: I will further the kingdom of God by following take God’s word to heart. Fruit: When I suffer humiliation or ingratitude, I will
Jesus’ example of serving rather than dominating, Fruit: Let us hear Christ’s word, discern it correctly, cling to the words of Jesus and respond with
without aspiring to titles, recognition or reward. obey it, and multiply it a hundredfold. serenity, and help others in similar situations.

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 Walking with My Blessed Mother in him. She never fails to endeavour to lead her Friday, May 13, 2022
I see two images – one, a child kneeling before children to her divine son, having embraced us all at Our Lady of Fatima
Mother Mary, hands joined in supplication, pleading the foot of the cross – the new Eve who cooperates Readings: Acts 13:26-33; Ps 2:6-11; Jn 14:1-6. OL
for a favour; the other, of a girl walking with Mary, with God’s divine plan to save humanity from the of Fatima: Rev 11:19, 12:1-6, 10; Ps 45:11-12, 14-
her hand in Mary’s hand and her gaze on her bondage of sin and death, and to restore us to our 17; Lk 11:27-28
Mother’s eyes of love. Which image describes me relationship with God our Father. Focus: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word
best? Am I a kind of Cinderella who looks upon Mary It is for this purpose that Mary has continued to of God and keep it!” (Lk 11:28)
as a fairy godmother who can wave her magic wand appear to her chosen, particularly in these last The salvation of humankind actually started with
to grant me favours? Or do I love Mary and so desire centuries, for example, to St Dominic de Guzman, to Mary’s ‘Yes’ to the Lord. Mother Mary not only
to please her and her son Jesus? whom she gave the rosary with contemplation on the listened to the word that God sent her through his
We feel pleased when told that we resemble our mysteries of the life of Jesus as a spiritual weapon to angel, but submitted to it – which allowed the Word
parent, either in appearance or in some outstanding combat the evil of heresy; to St Juan Diego of to become flesh in her womb. That is what makes
quality of mind or heart. Can the same be said of us Guadalupe, St Bernadette of Lourdes and the three her blessed among women.
concerning our heavenly mother? children of Fatima. Her message was always to pray Which of us wouldn’t want to be considered
Looking at Mary as our life model, there are so the rosary and practise penance in reparation for the blessed like Mary? Jesus himself teaches us the
many qualities we can strive to imitate – obedience sins of humanity and for the conversion of souls. way: we don’t need to physically give birth to him, we
to God’s will, humility, being poor in spirit, graceful, Now if we wish to grow more into the image of will be “blessed” if we hear God’s word and live
gentle, loving and compassionate, and many more. our Blessed Mother, must we not imitate her? Must according to it (Focus). In fact, our heavenly mother
But let us focus on the essence of Mary’s life, which we not ask her to intercede with her son that we may echoes Jesus’ message at the wedding feast at
encompasses all these special qualities. grow into his effective disciples, to receive Jesus into Cana. Mary’s last words recorded in Scripture (she is
Mary received Jesus into her being, becoming our beings and grow ever more into his likeness? directly quoted only four times) are, “Do whatever he
one with her Son by conceiving the eternal Word in Must we not give Jesus to others, and lead them to tells you” (Jn 2:5). They point us to her divine son –
her flesh and in her heart (Lk 1:31-38, Jn 1:14). him through the witness of our word and action, whom she gave birth to – ‘one who is to rule all the
Mary gave Jesus to others, as seen in her visit to supported by the powerful prayer of the rosary, and nations… her child… caught up to God and to his
Elizabeth (Lk 1:39-56), in the visit of the shepherds the sacrifice of our daily life, as Mary taught? throne’ (Rev 12:5).
(Lk 2:16-20) and the Magi (Mt 2:11), at the wedding Indeed, as Church, the Body of Christ, we exist Since we love Mary we will want to emulate her
feast at Cana (Jn 2:1-11) and at the foot of the cross, to give Good News in Jesus to all (cf. Evangelii and listen to her son, Jesus – who is the Word
in perfect sync with her Son. And, as desired by her Nuntiandi 14) – to uphold the dignity of the family, of himself. So let us perform these related actions:
son at Calvary, she became Mother to all (Jn 19:26- human life, and of all God’s creation (cf. Goa firstly, welcoming the word of God that we read
27), and continues to give Jesus to a broken world, Archdiocesan Pastoral Letter 2021-22, 2). Let us aloud and hear so often; and secondly, allowing it to
to be our salvation and our ongoing sustenance daily grow more like our Blessed Mother! take root in our hearts and bear fruit.
through the breaking of his body to become our food - Sarita Nazareth Fruit: Today, I will read the word of God and give it
and drink. to others through my blessed deeds.
Mary brings others to Jesus, revealed in her
words of wisdom, “Do whatever he tells you” (Jn
2:5), that all may experience healing and eternal life
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 Saturday, May 14, 2022 Sunday, May 15, 2022 Monday, May 16, 2022
St Matthias 5th Sunday of Easter Readings: Acts 14:5-18; Ps 115:1-4, 15-16; Jn
Readings: Acts 1:15-17, 20-26; Ps 113:1-8; Jn Readings: Acts 14:21-27; Ps 145:8-13; Rev 21:1-5; 14:21-26
15:9-17 Jn 13:31-35 Focus: “He will teach you all things and bring to your
Focus: “You are my friends if you do what I Focus: “Love one another” (Jn 13:34) remembrance all that I have said to you” (Jn 14:26)
command you” (Jn 15:14) ‘The Lord is good to all’ (Ps 145:9). He loves the Paul and Barnabas claimed this promise of
It is a priceless experience to have a true friend. world. We too are called to love our neighbour, to Christ (Focus) and worked marvellous works
It makes us say ‘no’ to our own ego and ‘yes’ to their love others (Focus) thus cooperating with God who empowered by the Holy Spirit (First Reading). They
desires. We become sensitive to them in every way makes “all things new” (Rev 21:5). But in today’s did not let popularity go to their heads but
and meet their every need. Gospel, Jesus gives a ‘new’ commandment: we are reproached the people for treating them like gods.
Hearing or reading today’s Gospel, we feel to love the community of his disciples so clearly that They did everything for the glory of God, not for their
blessed and ennobled to be admitted to royalty as love becomes our hallmark. Loving our community is own glorification.
“friends” of Jesus (Focus). It is unfortunate that far from easy. Paul and Barnabas tell their converts What about us? Just imagine if every Christian
Judas who “was numbered among us and was that ‘through many tribulations we must enter the used the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit to its
allotted his share in this ministry” (Acts 1:17) chose kingdom of God’ (Acts 14:22). And they show how fullest. The whole world would be ablaze with the
to betray that friendship. Unlike Judas we need to by returning to the very towns where their lives had Spirit’s fire. The early Christians did just that.
honour the trust that Jesus has in us – like Matthias, been at stake for preaching the gospel – Paul was We hire expensive advocates to solve our legal
the ‘replacement’ apostle did. stoned and left for dead at Lystra. They returned to problems. And here is Jesus offering us the world’s
Jesus gives us a new commandment, that we those communities to encourage them and to best Advocate – the Holy Spirit – free of cost
love one another as he loved us. If we take his appoint suitable leaders. Thus, they imitated Jesus (Gospel). Let us grab this irresistible offer and seek
words to heart, we will want to become like him – and left an example for the churches to follow. the guidance of the Holy Spirit to handle our spiritual
loving and compassionate. At the Last Supper, Jesus showed his disciples issues daily.
I saw this in a cancer patient who felt honoured what he meant by love. His tenderness towards his If our spiritual life is in order, the fruit of the Holy
to be a friend of Jesus. Waves of energy and hope “little children” (Jn 13:33), his concern for them Spirit – love, joy and peace – will definitely flow into
would emanate from her as she lovingly worked for because they would suddenly be without him, his our physical lives as well. His gifts of wisdom,
her family as a homemaker or interacted with those kindness to his betrayer, all these were facets of his understanding and counsel will help us keep his
whom she met. Each day she would receive the love. But his self-emptying for them in service and word thus leading to the reign of the Father and the
Eucharist brought to her. As it happens, a recent test sacrifice (the Eucharist is truly the sacrifice on the Son in our hearts and our homes forever. What a
showed her cancer is in remission. But I believe she cross) was the core of his love. That is what he privilege!
would be no different if it were otherwise. especially asked them and us to emulate. Let us ask the Spirit for the grace to live daily
Fruit: As a friend of Jesus I will think of one Fruit: Do we serve one another humbly and according to the mind of Jesus.
command of his that I love carrying out – and do it in lovingly? Does this service flow from our self- Fruit: The Holy Spirit is my gentle guiding force; all I
greater measure today. emptying with Christ on the altar during Mass? need to do is be attuned to him.

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 Tuesday, May 17, 2022 Wednesday, May 18, 2022 Thursday, May 19, 2022
Readings: Acts 14:19-28; Ps 145:10-13, 21; Jn St John I Readings: Acts 15:7-21; Ps 96:1-3, 10; Jn 15:9-11
14:27-31 Readings: Acts 15:1-6; Ps 122:1-5; Jn 15:1-8 Focus: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved
Focus: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to Focus: “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is you. Abide in my love” (Jn 15:9)
you. Not as the world gives do I give to you” (Jn that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do l do try and “abide” in Jesus’ love – as he invites
14:27) nothing” (Jn 15:5) (Focus) – but life takes me through many difficult
When my children were small, I would often wish I read once on social media that in heaven we moments when l find it impossible to love. There are
I could take a break from them so I could have some may see people whom we least expected to find. some situations l want to fight, others where l want to
peace of mind. But then, when they went to my The reason? Even those who have led sinful lives take flight.
mother’s, I would sigh with relief only for a moment can be saved – thanks to God’s great mercy. Today Jesus offers us help to live, be steadfast,
before I began missing them or worrying about them. Yes, it is true that God’s mercy alone saves. But and wait patiently in his love (Gospel). He calls us to
The peace I craved was worldly peace – a is that what God expects of us – to live a life full of love as he and his Father love each other. It is a
circumstantial peace. worldly pleasures and comforts and count on last- reliable recipe to experience the fullness of divine joy
This is not the peace that Jesus offers (Gospel). minute repentance and his mercy to reach heaven? (Jn 15:11).
He gives us peace that is permanent and secure Unfortunately, such unbiblical views only serve to To abide in Jesus’ sacrificial love means laying
even amidst affliction and turmoil (Focus). The encourage people to lead sinful lives, presuming that down our life for others. It involves being attentive to
peace Jesus brings is true peace that is rooted in the they will be saved anyway. the needs and desires of our family, friends and
Cross and which enables us to overcome all If we lead lax, carefree or immoral lives can we neighbours. It is a life of togetherness. Jesus invites
tribulation and suffering. Indeed, Jesus’ peace is expect to bear fruit, as Jesus desires (Gospel)? each one of us, despite our faults and shortcomings,
inseparable from his presence. More likely we will be treated like fruitless branches to this life of willing obedience to God's
We try to find peace by getting rid of the (Jn 15:6). commandments.
distressing agent, fleeing from the situation, or going Jesus teaches us that if we want to bear much As we face many challenging situations and try
to other people for comfort. Or we may try to achieve fruit we must abide in him (Focus). We abide in and practise God’s love with patience and prayer, we
financial stability or a position of power. To attain the Jesus by living as his faithful followers and making may fail in our weak moments. But the beautiful truth
peace that God gives, we need to be in union with use of the treasures he provides through his Church is, Jesus is there, waiting to forgive and to give us
him through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. – such as regular participation in the Holy Eucharist, another chance.
I have met people who experience great reception of the sacraments, frequent visits to the When we accept Jesus’ love and that of the
suffering and pain without complaining or grumbling. Blessed Sacrament and reading and meditating on Father, we are enveloped by the Spirit of God’s love.
Instead, they thank God and even reach out to the word of God. Without the Church we would We receive joy by obeying his commandments,
others with a smile. This is the grace and peace that easily stray. We need the Church to be able to bear peace through serving others, and serenity in
Jesus alone can give! fruit and be saved. abiding in his love.
Fruit: Let me correctly recognise the peace which Fruit: I must abide in Jesus through his Church if I Fruit: Let us abide in the love of Jesus to serve God
Jesus gives and strive for that alone. wish to bear abundant fruit. and others lovingly.

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 Friday, May 20, 2022 Saturday, May 21, 2022 Sunday, May 22, 2022
St Bernardine of Siena St Christopher Magallanes & Companions 6th Sunday of Easter
Readings: Acts 15:22-31; Ps 57:8-12; Jn 15:12-17 Readings: Acts 16:1-10; Ps 100:1-3, 5; Jn 15:18-21 Readings: Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Ps 67:2-3, 5-6, 8;
Focus: “It has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to Focus: “If the world hates you, know that it has Rev 21:10-14, 22-23; Jn 14:23-29
us to lay on you no greater burden than these hated me before it hated you” (Jn 15:18) Focus: ‘The glory of God gives it light, and its lamp
requirements” (Acts 15:28) St Paul, after seeing a vision, expressed the is the Lamb’ (Rev 21:23)
‘Easy Does It’ and ‘First Things First’ are conviction that God was calling him to preach the Sometimes when I am tired or dejected, I like to
phrases regularly used with recovering alcoholics in gospel to the Macedonians (First Reading). Today sit alone in the dark in front of an image of Christ. As
Alcoholics Anonymous circles. For it often happens we Christians are the ones called to believe and I sift through my troubled thoughts, I always find a
that we get overwhelmed by life and forget what proclaim God’s word to those around us – through ray of hope that renews my mind, dispels the
needs to be kept front and centre. our words and actions. negative attitude and encourages me to look ahead.
Jesus throughout his ministry focussed on the When we begin to live the life that God calls us God is light and he dwells in us through his
essentials. Today he stresses, “Love one another as to live, it will not be an easy ride. Jesus warns us Spirit. His light helps us to discern his will, guides our
I have loved you” (Jn 15:12). The apostles and that since he was hated, we too will surely be hated decisions, and strengthens us to stand for what is
elders too tried not to burden the new believers – because of him (Focus). Yet he urges us to be right (First Reading). We are never overwhelmed by
unnecessarily (First Reading). strong in faith because they (the persecutors) will do the darkness because of his glorious presence
We Christians are blessed to have the Holy this only “because they do not know him who sent (Focus). Jesus Christ, the light himself, assures us of
Spirit guide us about what is essential to the faith me” (Jn 15:21). this with the promise of the Holy Spirit (Gospel). He
and what is merely customary or incidental (Focus). If we reflect on these words, they give us great is always there alongside us to help us in our failures
We must never forget the heart of our faith – or the consolation. Jesus assures us that since God has and achievements. We can follow the Spirit’s leading
fruit of the Spirit – which is love in action. Love must sent him, God knows the plan he has for us too. when we keep our minds open to Christ’s teaching.
be rooted in faith and faith translated into action (1 Therefore we should not be afraid of being hated or In his encyclical Lumen Fidei (the Light of Faith),
Cor 13:1, Jas 2:4-26). persecuted. Pope Francis reminds us that we are never alone
St Bernadine lived by this principle. He showed I have faced situations – at work, among friends, when we have God’s love.
his love in action by looking after the sick when the in the neighbourhood – where people looked down We walk in the light when we regularly
plague hit Siena. He had a deep devotion to the Holy on me for trying to live according to the will of God. I participate in the Eucharist and the sacraments,
Name of Jesus and even devised a symbol used to have been misunderstood, misused and mistreated reflect on God’s word and reach out in loving service
this day – IHS. It depicts the first three letters of the many times, but it does not deter my faith and love to those in need. Illumined by the light of Christ, we
name of Jesus in Greek, in Gothic letters, imprinted for God. I know that he is always there guiding and are called to do good for God’s greater glory.
on a blazing sun. protecting me. Fruit: Stay with us Lord, and shine your light in our
Fruit: Can I engage with those alienated because of Fruit: Despite hatred and misunderstanding, Jesus hearts so that we may be reflectors of your radiance
some bad experience and welcome them back into a can help me never to be “of the world” (Jn 15:19) but to the world.
loving relationship with me and with the community? to remain his faithful witness.

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 Monday, May 23, 2022 Tuesday, May 24, 2022 Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Readings: Acts 16:11-15; Ps 149:1-6, 9; Jn 15:26 - Readings: Acts 16:22-34; Ps 138:1-3, 7-8; Jn 16:5- St Bede the Venerable, St Gregory VII, St Mary
16:4 11 Magdalene de Pazzi
Focus: ‘We sat down and spoke to the women…’ Focus: “It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I Readings: Acts 17:15, 22 - 18:1; Ps 148:1-2, 11-14;
(Acts 16:13) do not go away, the Helper will not come to you” (Jn Jn 16:12-15
We learn many lessons from Lydia (First 16:7) Focus: “The God who made the world and
Reading). She was a businesswoman who came If someone we loved dearly were to claim that everything in it… does not live in temples made by
from far-off Thyatira, renowned for its purple cloth, to their dying would be to our advantage, we would be man” (Acts 17:24)
Philippi, a Roman city, where the cloth was much in flabbergasted. Yet, we frequently hear of brave We well know about the proliferation of attacks
demand. There was no synagogue in Philippi. So people perishing in the course of trying to save other on Christians and their places of worship. We are
every sabbath, Lydia went with some women to the people’s lives, soldiers willing to make the ultimate disturbed by these events and perhaps even filled
river to pray, since praying by the river on the sacrifice for their country, etc. with dread. This is one of the “many things” Jesus
sabbath was recommended to the Jews where there Jesus tells his disciples (Gospel) that unless he meant when he said, “I still have many things to say
was no synagogue. Paul probably expected to returns to the Father, the Holy Spirit will not come to you, but you cannot bear them now” (Jn 16:12).
encounter only men. Lydia opened her heart to the (Focus). The departure of Jesus in the flesh was a Temples and churches are signposts to God.
Lord through Paul’s words (Focus) and was precondition for his universal spiritual presence Perhaps we need to remember not to get so taken
baptised. She then showed her faithfulness and through his Holy Spirit. up with the signposts that we forget God himself. We
generosity by sheltering Paul and his companions. Although the disciples were close to Jesus for do not need physical structures to worship God. He
Lydia is one of many women in the Bible who three years, they did not understand much of what lives in our hearts, and we can worship him
lived their fidelity to God admirably. The sabbath was he preached. Now, it was time for the Helper’s anywhere. God cannot be contained in an earthly
a working day in Philippi but she forfeited her presence and guidance which would transcend the edifice (Focus). He is so much more than that.
earnings in order to pray. During the pandemic, human limitations Jesus faced. He could not possibly “God is spirit, and those who worship him must
when the churches were reopened, some of us who be with every disciple all the time. worship in spirit and truth” (Jn 4:24). We can always
could well have gone to church, preferred to watch People saw and marvelled at the miracles of worship him in the depths of our hearts.
Mass on TV. It was the easier option. Jesus, but God wants us to walk by faith, not by Persecution will probably increase. What should
Lydia opened her heart to God and gave witness sight. We can properly contemplate Jesus’ passion we do? Should we protest? Or should we meekly
to her Christianity by giving shelter to four strangers. and death on the cross only when we face anguish give up and leave the country? We have the Spirit of
Her home became the first church in Europe. She and suffering ourselves. Although he was so dear to truth who “will guide (us) into all the truth” (Jn 16:13).
reminds us of Mary’s fiat: by saying Yes to God, his disciples, the departure of the bodily Jesus was, Hence we should not be unduly perturbed by the
Mary became the mother of Jesus. and is, a spiritual advantage to the end of time. happenings around us, but trust that God is always
Fruit: The world would be a better place if women Fruit: When we lose anything dear to us, we must in control. He will tell us what to do.
were more respected and acknowledged. Let us ask know that our Father in heaven wants to give us Fruit: I will focus on making myself into a temple fit
Mother Mary to help us see her in all women. something much better. for God to dwell in.

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 Thursday, May 26, 2022 Friday, May 27, 2022 Saturday, May 28, 2022
St Philip Neri St Augustine of Canterbury Readings: Acts 18:23-28; Ps 47:2-3, 8-10; Jn
Readings: Acts 18:1-8; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 16:16-20 Readings: Acts 18:9-18; Ps 47:2-7; Jn 16:20-23 16:23-28
Focus: “We do not know what he is talking about” Focus: “When a woman is giving birth, she has Focus: “The Father himself loves you” (Jn 16:27)
(Jn 16:18) sorrow… but when she has delivered the baby, she Throughout the Old Testament, God the Father
The disciples claim they “do not know” what no longer remembers the anguish” (Jn 16:21) worked closely with his chosen people. The care,
Christ is talking about (Focus). What stops them There is usually great rejoicing when a child is understanding and patience he showered on them
from asking? Do they perhaps have an inkling of the born. Labour’s anguish wiped away in a moment. may surprise us.
answer and it scares them? My thoughts go to a close friend, distressed for Later, in the New Testament, particularly in Jn
If we were to place ourselves in today’s Gospel eight long years due to infertility. Money, the best 16, it is as if a curtain has been drawn aside giving
scene we would probably have no confusion, with doctors and treatments were to no avail. People us a rare peek into recognising God as our Father.
the benefit of hindsight. But today there are other scorned her. But her faith was resolute. She Jesus reveals a totally new aspect of his Father
situations where we are scared to ask what to do. surrendered herself to God and he rewarded her. which only he could have known. Why? Because
Take the happenings in Goa lately: alleged job She conceived! But, her faith kept getting tested. only he came from the Father and only he could
scams at high level, fields illegally converted into She suffered bouts of fear, doubt and anxiety. have experienced the Father so intimately.
land for builders and for new roads, private property Finally, she gave birth to a baby boy. Her joy knew Jesus makes the Father closer, more personal.
and virgin forest being usurped for broadening of no bounds. She knew it was a blessing from God He assures us that we need not remain distant or
railway lines. Is all this for the good of the people? and thanked him profusely. The doctors were afraid of God. We can approach the Father directly.
Or for the benefit of greedy industrialists and other baffled. A human being born against all odds – In fact he is just waiting for us to come to him.
vested interests? undoubtedly a miracle. Her son is now a fine lad. Jesus himself leads us to his Father.
Paul fearlessly stood for the truth and for his She went on to write a book, Just a Miracle, My Tryst Approaching the Father could not be easier. We
beliefs. Witness how he went right into the eye of the with Infertility. ought to take a fresh look at this open invitation.
storm, to the synagogue itself, to preach Christ (Acts Imagine how much today’s Focus would mean to We have Jesus’ own words when he teaches us
18:4). So after we turn to Jesus and ask his help and her. To give birth after nine years of anguish. the Our Father, prompting us to address God as
pray for the people responsible, we should act – Jesus uses this analogy (Jn 16:22) to steel his Abba. This puts us so much at ease... for the Father
whether it is by protesting or with the RTI Act, using disciples for his impending death and to describe life. himself loves us (Focus). One of the finest examples
social media, the press or the electronic media. He tells us to perceive moments of despair, hurt, of Jesus’ direct approach to his Father was in the
We need to fight corruption on various levels. It separation and sorrow as part of God’s plan. To Garden of Eden. With practice, conversing with the
means getting out of our comfort zones and seeking embrace them in true Christian spirit, in joyful hope Father should become second nature, as a child
answers. Otherwise in a little while we will have no of gaining eternal life. would do with their earthly father.
questions to ask. Fruit: Irrespective of the challenges I face, I will Fruit: From today, I will recite the Lord’s Prayer
Fruit: We do know what is happening and what we remain faithful to Jesus’ teachings, in joyful more meaningfully, confident that I am loved by the
should do. Let us do it. expectation of my rebirth in God’s kingdom. Father.

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 Sunday, May 29, 2022 Monday, May 30, 2022 Tuesday, May 31, 2022
Ascension of the Lord Readings: Acts 19:1-8; Ps 68:2-7; Jn 16:29-33 Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Readings: Acts 1:1-11; Ps 47:2-3, 6-9; Eph 1:17-23 Focus: “We have not even heard that there is a Holy Readings: Zeph 3:14-18 or Rom 12:9-16; Ps Isa
or Heb 9:24-28, 10:19-23; Lk 24:46-53 Spirit” (Acts 19:2) 12:2-6; Lk 1:39-56
Focus: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit Some early Christians were totally ignorant Focus: ‘Outdo one another in showing honour’ (Rom
has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses… about the Holy Spirit (Focus). They had not 12:10)
to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8) progressed beyond John’s baptism of repentance. Whenever I face some difficulty in running my
JRR Tolkien’s famous work, The Lord of the Today, a different era, different religious figures. start-up, I seek help from my mentor. He willingly
Rings, is a reminder of people’s craving for power at We hear out present-day ‘prophets’ and pray to advises me how to solve the problem in a snap, and
all costs, even to the extent of destroying themselves saints and angels. These tend to be prayers to fulfil encourages me to do better. I cannot thank him
and others. The novel depicts the progressive some material, earthly need. We stay within this enough for the time and effort he sacrifices to guide
deterioration that certain characters go through to ‘safe’ bubble, shooting up such prayers, in a hit or me, without expecting anything in return. If not for his
possess a particular ‘ring’ which promises great miss attitude. patient support, I would have either given up or
control and power to its wearer. The story reveals a However, the pattern changes completely when would have regretted making certain choices.
distasteful truth about human nature – power in the we have the Holy Spirit, who will guide us into all In today’s Gospel we read about two modest and
hands of human beings, if left unchecked, can create truth with wisdom, if we are willing to accept it. Our unassuming women. Mary is humble enough to visit
chaos and mayhem. prayer will transcend earthly petitions, to that which her cousin Elizabeth in spite of being chosen as the
The Ascension (First Reading) is a stark leads to eternal life. This will make us righteous and mother of the Lord. Elizabeth realises the honour
reminder of Jesus’ humility and single-minded focus exult (Ps 68:3), especially when we have to give Mary has done to her when the baby in her womb
on the Father’s plan. After having risen from the account of our lives. leaps for joy at Mary’s presence. She says equally
dead, he could have enjoyed the adulation and There is an explosion of end-time prophecies humbly, “And why is this granted to me that the
worship of his followers and continued living on feeding on the global chaos and tribulation. It seems mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Lk 1:14).
earth. However, he chose to leave, so as to be that the world is heading towards annihilation, one Let me try and recall the last time I swallowed
present with us in a unique and better way, by the way or another. But more than previewing future my pride and honoured a junior (Focus) for doing
“power” of the Holy Spirit (Focus). events through ominous predictions, we can heed well or encouraged a colleague to do better. More
The work that Jesus began is now entrusted to Jesus words that the Holy Spirit will tell us “things likely perhaps I discouraged or defamed someone
each one of us. We have already been “clothed with that are to come” (Jn 16:13). We can abide by this who I saw as my competitor, out of pride or jealousy.
power from on high” (Lk 24:49) at baptism and assurance, not worrying about the present or future St Paul gives us some excellent advice: ‘Live in
confirmation. The Holy Spirit enables us to do what in any way. Jesus also left us these words of harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but
is right and just. Let us then usher in God’s kingdom comfort: “In the world you will have tribulation. But associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own
of love, peace and justice in this broken world. take heart; I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33). sight’ (Rom 12:16).
Fruit: I will try and fulfil my God-given mission by Fruit: I have no need to fear when I have Jesus and Fruit: Let me strive to motivate and honour
building an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit. the Holy Spirit. somebody in my life above myself.

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 Wednesday, June 01, 2022 Thursday, June 02, 2022 Friday, June 03, 2022
St Justin Sts Marcellinus and Peter St Charles Lwanga & Companions
Readings: Acts 20:28-38; Ps 68:29-30, 33-36; Jn Readings: Acts 22:30, 23:6-11; Ps 16:1-2, 5, 7-11; Readings: Acts 25:13-21; Ps 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20;
17:11-19 Jn 17:20-26 Jn 21:15-19
Focus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” Focus: “Father, I desire that they… may be with me Focus: “Simon, son of John, do you love me more
(Acts 20:35) where I am” (Jn 17:24) than these?” (Jn 21:15)
So apt is the saying, ‘Meeting is pleasure and We may think that Jesus is expressing his desire There have been times when I did something
parting is pain.’ In the First Reading, Paul is that we attain our eternal destination (Gospel). The good and helpful, and I was commended. But my joy
addressing the church leaders of Ephesus. He is sad place where he is (Focus), that we reach after we did not last long. On reflection I was shocked to
because he knows he will not see them again. die, and only if we live a virtuous life filled with the realise that the impulse for these so called good acts
Indeed, they are all in tears (Acts 20:37). Paul requisite measure of charitable works and acts of was not from the serenity of my being but was a kind
reminds them that he “coveted no one’s silver or penance. of distraction from the uncomfortable self, perhaps a
gold” (Acts 20:33). Instead, he stood for the truth, But what if Jesus is inviting us to a way of living sense of obligation: ‘I must…’
working like Jesus, and obedient to Jesus’ teaching rather than a destination after death? And where is Today Jesus puts Peter to the test (Gospel). He
that it is better to give than to receive (Focus). He this place where he always is? wants to know if Peter’s actions spring from love for
exhorts them to do likewise. It is said, ‘Where there is difficulty or failure, him. Is Peter comfortable with his being – his weak
Jesus too must bid farewell to his disciples Jesus is hope. Where there is hurt and pain, Jesus is self? Peter’s “Lord, you know everything” (Jn 21:17)
(Gospel). He knows that they will be hated because healing. Where there is love, Jesus is.’ Jesus abides is a complete uncovering of his fragile soul before
of him (Jn 17:14). He asks his Father to protect them where love abides. To live loving lives is to live Jesus. To love Jesus fully, I need to accept that I am
all since he himself will not be there to defend them where Jesus is. weak and sinful.
(Jn 17:15-16). So instead of living lives of determined (and If Jesus tested Peter with words, he tested Paul
Yes, parting does bring pain. But we are called often exhausting) virtue in order to ‘reach heaven’, with adversity. Reading Paul’s saga of shipwreck
to carry on the mission of the disciples and reveal let us bring heaven to our lives and the lives of and what not before he eventually reached Rome is
the face of God to others by being rooted in Christ’s others. By being slow to anger, rich in mercy, loving like reading Robinson Crusoe. But Paul’s story is
love. This love is best shown in action. without judging, forgiving those who hurt us, always true! He continued in chains in Rome yet did not stop
Another meaningful saying goes, ‘Life is good seeking the lowest place (Phil 2:1-4), realising that preaching Christ (First Reading). St Charles Lwanga
when we are happy, but much better when others all our virtue is because of God’s grace, and all our too was burnt alive for refusing to deny Christ. Is
are happy because of us.’ We need only to ask the sinfulness is washed clean by his love. there any doubt that he loved Jesus?
Holy Spirit to lead us to those most in need, keep our If we entrust our lives and future to God’s Many weak people have ‘put on the Lord Jesus’
eyes and ears open, and then act. providence we will be where he is. (Rom 13:14) and become strong. What about me?
Fruit: I will reach out to those affected by Covid-19, Fruit: The kingdom of God can be on earth as it is Am I accepting of my nature? Do I put on Christ?
or who are otherwise in want, and offer them food or heaven, if the love with which Jesus loved us is the Fruit: What makes me behave as I do? Do my
other essentials as they require. love that we in turn bring to others. actions spring from true love of Jesus?

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 Saturday, June 04, 2022 Sunday, June 05, 2022 Monday, June 06, 2022
Readings: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31; Ps 11:4-5, 7; Jn Pentecost Sunday Our Lady, Mother of the Church
21:20-25 Readings: Acts 2:1-11; Ps 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34; 1 Readings: Gen 3:9-15, 20 or Acts 1:12-14; Ps 87:1-
Focus: “Lord, what about this man?”... “You follow Cor 12:3-7, 12-13 or Rom 8:8-17; Jn 20:19-23 or Jn 7; Jn 19:25-34
me!” (Jn 21:21-22) 14:15-16, 23-26 Focus: “Woman, behold your son!” (Jn 19:26)
The question Peter asks Jesus (Focus) is Focus: ‘They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and A ‘dying declaration’ is taken very seriously by a
reminiscent of a similar question we pose to people began to speak in other tongues…’ (Acts 2:4) court of law and is often considered irrefutable
we love when we are threatened by feelings of Years ago, a friend who had just been ordained evidence. The Focus is Jesus’ own solemn
insecurity. Envy, jealousy, rivalry, comparison... a Pilar priest, decided to opt for the missions in East declaration moments before he died on the cross.
these will always be part of our lives due to the India. I wondered how he would cope with the Yet, some people ridicule Catholics for
original sin rooted in us. language there. Later I was pleasantly surprised to ‘worshipping’ Mary. We, on the contrary, are
Our preoccupation is often with what the other hear that within a short time he not only learnt the confident that we are doing the right thing in being
person is doing, even in our spiritual activities, rather language but mastered it. devoted to Mary and venerating her. We certainly do
than working with the gifts God has bestowed on us Right from the birth of the Church, missionaries not substitute her for Jesus or God. We merely
for the service of others. Like Peter we need to listen have travelled to distant lands to proclaim the Good accept Jesus’ gift of his own mother to us.
to the gentle rebuke of Jesus (Focus) and follow him. News. They would obviously do it in the language of As Jesus sees Mary at the foot of his cross, he
Peter not only overcame his weak impulses but died that place. In spite of being aliens they would go out most tenderly provides for her, placing her in the
a martyr’s death following Jesus. and preach and win souls for Christ. How was it care of his beloved disciple, John. And to his dear
Jesus’ love is truly impartial. Each one of us can possible? Surely by the power of the Holy Spirit. friend he bestows his own mother! John, who writes
call ourselves ‘the disciple whom Jesus loved’ as At Pentecost the Holy Spirit came down on the this narrative, tells us that he took Mary to his home
John describes himself in today’s Gospel. We too apostles and caused them to speak in different as his beloved mother (Gospel).
can testify to others as John did about the great languages so that people from many nations heard Pope Francis decreed that the ancient devotion
things Jesus does in our lives. Our aim should only the word of God and accepted it (First Reading). to Mary with the title ‘Mother of the Church’ should
be to believe in Christ, follow him and proclaim him Three thousand were baptised that day itself (Acts be inserted in the Roman Calendar, to be celebrated
by our deeds. 2:41). The Holy Spirit gives this gift of ‘tongues’ the day after Pentecost.
Paul (First Reading) was another great friend of (Focus) to those who have been called to go and Mary has a special place in our hearts. We
the risen Lord. No power could stop him from boldly proclaim the Good News. No wonder the faith kept implore her intercession. Artists down the centuries
proclaiming Christ and testifying to the great things spreading amongst the foreigners and is spreading have been inspired to depict the mother of Jesus.
Jesus did in his life. Let us learn from these disciples to this day. It is amazing that languages, which so And Marian apparitions, in places like Fatima and
to be staunch followers of Christ. often divide people, brought about the growth and Lourdes, often in times of war and suffering, warn us
Fruit: While following Christ, I will not compare my unity of the Church through the Spirit. of the need to repent and return to the Lord.
gifts with others’ abilities, but consider how best I Fruit: If we have the gift of tongues, let us use it to Fruit: When in distress, will I remember that Jesus
can use them in the service of the community. praise God and proclaim him. on the cross gave us Mary as our own Mother?

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 Tuesday, June 07, 2022 Wednesday, June 08, 2022 Thursday, June 09, 2022
Readings: 1 Kings 17:7-16; Ps 4:2-5, 7-8; Mt 5:13- St Mariam Thresia St Ephrem
16 Readings: 1 Kings 18:20-39; Ps 16:1-2, 4-5, 8, 11; Readings: 1 Kings 18:41-46; Ps 65:10-13; Mt 5:20-
Focus: “Let your light shine before others, so that Mt 5:17-19 26
they may see your good works and give glory to your Focus: “I have not come to abolish (the Law and the Focus: “Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to
Father” (Mt 5:16) Prophets) but to fulfil them” (Mt 5:17) the hell of fire” (Mt 5:22)
In today’s First Reading, Elijah asks the widow of As the word of God passes from the Old An elderly man suddenly stepped in front of
Zarephath to feed him out of the last handful of flour Testament to the New, Jesus makes a classic Kevin’s car forcing him to jam on the brakes. He
she had left, and to prepare something for herself statement placing grace over the Law (Focus). He almost shouted, “Foolish old man!” but bit his tongue
and her son later. brings in true righteousness. We can obey the Law and smilingly made a gesture for the man to cross.
Can anything be made for three hungry people and grow in holiness only by the power of the Holy Jesus forbids us to insult anyone or even be
with a handful of flour? Yet, the moment the widow Spirit. The New Covenant perfects the Old. angry with them (Gospel) because this reflects a
obeyed Elijah, the miracle of never-ending flour and Jesus intended to fulfil the Law in all its detail, sinful attitude of the heart. Yet he called the
oil began. As promised by the prophet it continued till down to “the least of the commandments” (Gospel) Pharisees and scribes “You blind fools!” (Mt 23:17).
God sent rain. and he did so, being the only one who kept it Jesus could say this because he is the sinless judge,
Jesus multiplied food and fed a crowd of 5,000 perfectly. He fulfilled the ceremonial or sacrificial law and his reason was righteous – the Pharisees were
because a little boy shared the five loaves and two through his sublime sacrifice, and then ended it. seeking their own glory instead of God’s.
fish he had (Jn 6:9). If we are willing to be God’s Jesus also explained the true moral, ethical and Often, we use such abusive words that may
instruments in reaching out to those in need, and spiritual significance of the commandments to the seriously hurt the morale of a person. When we call
truly live the gospel, we will see the hand of God people. He offered them a new ethic and a higher our children “You fools” (Focus), it can cause them
working miracles. righteousness – the true, deep and transcendent deep pain, perhaps without our realising it. If they
I once heard a testimony by a young man that significance of the Law. end up as delinquents will we not be responsible?
when he was a baby, his mother had given his good Today the Church does not require us to We utter such strong words when we are angry
clothes to a poor lady who had come begging with a observe the 613 precepts of the Old Testament. or harbour resentment, unforgiveness or jealousy.
new-born child. His father too used to give food to Jesus himself was the personified fulfilment of the But the main cause is probably pride. We like to feel
the poor. Till today, he said, God has somehow Law and the Prophets. He proclaimed the eternal that we are better than others.
provided them with ample food and clothing even in validity of his rule and our duty to observe it. Hence, if we are in the habit of using insults, we
difficult times. In the kingdom of heaven those who keep and should regularly introspect: “What made me even
We become the light and salt when we do good teach the word of God will be regarded as “great”. think about calling someone a fool?” Upon reflecting
works (Gospel). Thus we bring glory to God our Those who fail to do so are not totally excluded, but and asking for God’s help, we will be able to
Father (Focus). will simply be called “least” (Mt 5:19). discover the cause, then surrender our pride and
Fruit: With God’s grace I will be charitable so that Fruit: Anyone who keeps the commandments “will forgive, and so receive true freedom.
those around me glorify the God whom I serve. be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5:19). Fruit: Today, I shall keep a check on angry words.

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 Friday, June 10, 2022 Saturday, June 11, 2022 Fear of Failure – A Christian Perspective
Readings: 1 Kings 19:9, 11-16; Ps 27:7-9, 13-14; Mt St Barnabas Abraham Lincoln, one of the greatest American
5:27-32 Readings: Acts 11:21-26, 13:1-3; Ps 98:1-6; Mt Presidents, is remembered for his achievements –
Focus: “Everyone who looks at a woman with lustful 10:7-13 chiefly the death of slavery in the USA. But what
intent has already committed adultery with her in his Focus: “If the house is worthy, let your peace come paved the way for his successes was in fact his
heart” (Mt 5:28) upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to eleven major failures! He learned to cope with them
Today’s Gospel may lead some of us to feel that you” (Mt 10:13) with courage, constancy and Christian faith.
Jesus is an ‘extremist’ or perhaps out of touch with One morning as I emerged from the Blessed Who among us has not failed? ‘The only real
reality. Is what he says at all practical? The world is Sacrament Chapel, I spotted an old friend passing failure is the one from which we learn nothing,’ says
moving in a different direction. The words of Jesus by. Bursting with the peace that the Lord had planted John Powell SJ. Failure gives us lessons of growth.
(Focus) seem naive and are not heeded. Crimes of in my heart, I greeted him with delight. But he barely When distressed by failure we quickly tend to
sexual assault or rape occur daily. Victims are acknowledged my cheerful greeting and brushed find excuses for ourselves or blame someone else.
traumatised, their future compromised, their families past me. I felt snubbed, my peace was disturbed, Or we brood over and rue the outcome. Most often
devastated. Other sins of the flesh are also rampant: and I became angry…. this makes us fear attempting the task ever again.
premarital sex, live-in relationships, infidelity. These As I read today’s Focus, I remember that And so we lose many wonderful opportunities.
lead to broken families, children born out of wedlock, incident clearly. What had I done wrong that day? Napoleon Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich,
or single-parent families. The person, family and Well I had shared the peace of Christ with my friend says, ‘Every adversity has within it the seeds of an
society pay a heavy price in terms of psychological but, when he rejected it, I had not let my peace even greater opportunity for those who have a
problems, insecurity and instability. return to me (Gospel). I had allowed my friend to positive mental attitude (PMA).’ So how can we
Jesus’ teaching about sexual morality is a take away the peace that I had received from the develop this PMA?
formula for true freedom and lasting happiness. But Lord and taken on his disturbed spirit instead. If I Christians carry the great hope of resurrection in
the world believes it to be restrictive and chooses had known the word of God deeply and had listened their hearts. So Christians are always positive. They
fleeting pleasures in its quest for happiness. After to the Holy Spirit all these years, as the disciples believe in God’s perfect plan: ‘And we know that for
the apparitions at Fatima, Jacinta revealed that diligently did (Acts 13:2-3), I would have saved those who love God all things work together for
according to Our Lady, “The sins which cause most myself and others much anxiety and pain. good, for those who are called according to his
souls to go to hell are the sins of the flesh.” Only when we read, reflect on and obey what the purpose’ (Rom 8:28). In other words, ‘failure’ is not
In today’s First Reading, Elijah bemoaned the word of God tells us can we be worthy messengers really failure. It is part of a greater plan and
fact that the people had forsaken God’s covenant. of the gospel. We may even “heal the sick, raise the Christians look for the message and the opportunity.
How hard it is to follow the values of the kingdom dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons…” (Mt 10:8). And even when Christians cannot discern the plan
today too! Yet we must live by those values even if it Fruit: Today I will ask the Holy Spirit to help me they constantly thank God for working his (unseen)
means swimming breathlessly against the tide. understand the word so that I can take the peace of plan in them, much like Job did (Job 2:10).
Fruit: I shall respect and defend the teaching of Christ to others. Failure is more depressing when we imagine
Jesus on sexual morality at all times. what people will say! I wonder what would happen if
we could be deaf to what people say and instead
concentrate on what God says.

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 There are countless examples of this. People Sunday, June 12, 2022 Monday, June 13, 2022
saw St Josephine Bakhita as a slave – ignorant, and Most Holy Trinity St Anthony of Padua
fit only to be exploited. She was perceived as some Readings: Prov 8:22-31; Ps 8:4-9; Rom 5:1-5; Jn Readings: 1 Kings 21:1-16; Ps 5:2-3, 5-7; Mt 5:38-
kind of animal in the Italy of those times. Yet she 16:12-15 42
realised her preciousness as God’s child and worked Focus: “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide Focus: “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn
humbly in her convent. She achieved much because you into all the truth” (Jn 16:13) to him the other also” (Mt 5:39)
she saw God’s hand in everything. She thanked God ‘Ages ago I (wisdom) was set up, at the first, We have heard today’s ‘controversial’ Focus so
for all her experiences – even her capture from her before the beginning of the earth’ (Prov 8:23). If often that we wonder – why would Jesus want us to
village. For, as a result of that, she says, she found wisdom was in the mind of God always then surely surrender to our enemies? Is it right to practically
Christ! Talk about PMA. the Holy Trinity existed from all time. invite others to take advantage of us?
Success is not a magical land at the end of a The Holy Trinity remains one of the greatest But what Jesus is really saying (Gospel) is that
rainbow. Jesus said, “Unless a grain of wheat falls mysteries in the Church. So many wise and learned we need to be peaceful people who rise above the
into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, persons have tried to fathom it through science and evil acts that others sometimes engage in. We don’t
it bears much fruit” (Jn 12:24). Dying means letting reason and have failed. The reason is that the Trinity give in to them, but we transcend such behaviour by
go of our selfishness and of any attachments that is a faith experience to be lived daily, not something reacting non-violently with love and compassion.
are stumbling blocks to achieve godly success. to be grasped. What Jesus asks of us is often difficult and
If we are convinced that failure is a stepping How to live this mystery is revealed in a simple unusual. The actions he suggests here are the
stone to success we will have the determination to sequence by Paul that explains how God’s love is opposite of how we might normally behave! But it is
work hard, knowing that luck only happens when poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit: ‘We in doing so that we become Christ-like.
opportunity meets preparedness. St Joseph’s life rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering Jesus too ‘turned the other cheek’ during his
would seem a failure by worldly standards: he had produces endurance, and endurance produces passion and death on the cross. Instead of hating his
no biological son and his foster son was looked character, and character produces hope, and hope torturers, he pleaded that they be forgiven. It was the
down upon because he was a carpenter’s son. But in does not put us to shame’ (Rom 5:3-5). ultimate act of rising above one’s enemies. And if our
God’s eyes Joseph was a very successful person for The Spirit always guides us to the truth (Focus). Lord and Saviour could do so, even at the most
following God’s plan, living in silence and humility And we know we are ‘living the Trinity’ when the difficult moments of his life, who are we to refuse
and doing his will. What about Mary – apparently an truth to which we are guided is the fruit of the Spirit: when we encounter such occasions?
unwed mother? And yet all generations call her ‘love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, Jesus wants us to be more like him especially in
“blessed” (Lk 1:48). faithfulness, gentleness, self-control’ (Gal 5:22-23). challenging circumstances. He wants us to reach out
The best example is Jesus on the cross. He Every time we make the sign of the cross we to our enemies and offer them love and forgiveness
seemed an utter failure but his failure won us eternal acknowledge the Holy Trinity and assert our desire rather than spite or hate.
life and glory. So why fear failure? Instead we can to produce the fruit of the Spirit. Fruit: I must learn to ‘turn the other cheek’ by rising
embrace failure together with Jesus. Fruit: How can I display the fruit of the Spirit to bring above my hurts caused by another. I need to give
- Olive DeSilva the love of the Trinity to my brothers and sisters? and forgive.

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 Tuesday, June 14, 2022 Wednesday, June 15, 2022 Thursday, June 16, 2022
Readings: 1 Kings 21:17-29; Ps 51:3-6, 11, 16; Mt Readings: 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14; Ps 31:20-21, 24; Mt Readings: Sir 48:1-15; Ps 97:1-7; Mt 6:7-15
5:43-48 6:1-6, 16-18 Focus: “Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven…”
Focus: “Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is Focus: ‘Elisha said, “Please let there be a double (Mt 6:9)
perfect” (Mt 5:48) portion of your spirit on me”’ (2 Kings 2:9) Prayer should be a loving conversation between
Jesus knows we cannot be perfect like the ‘Influencers’ swarm the internet, swaying people the Almighty and us. But we pray mainly to express
Father (Focus). But he never lets us sit back, smugly in their millions – in their consumption habits and our needs and desires. How easily we forget that
counting our brownie points – he constantly reminds even beliefs. It is the new face of digital marketing. God already knows our requirements, yet we keep
us to go the extra mile. The Father is patient and Brand marketing too has been hijacked by reckless reminding him of them every time we pray! All of us
generous even towards the most terrible sinners – ideologies that are becoming popular on social pray, but what matters is how we pray. Do we simply
people who are in every respect his enemies. He media platforms. Many such practices are risky, rattle off “empty phrases as the Gentiles do” (Mt 6:7)
loves his enemies. The First Reading shows us considering there’s no lack of young, susceptible or do we actually pray prayers?
God’s impressive mercy towards Ahab who ‘sold members. Among the ideologies being propagated Today’s Gospel tells of how Jesus taught us to
[himself] to do what is evil’ (1 Kings 21:20), but are abortion, gay marriage, living-in without pray and even gave us a special prayer, the Our
repented. God had already predicted punishment, marriage, and heartless materialism. The very notion Father. This prayer is perfect in all respects because
but modified and postponed it. God’s perfection is of sin related to such things is sought to be erased. in it we not only put forth our needs but also in the
not measurable, it is a love beyond all expectation. Elisha’s ‘influencer’ was Elijah, a man of God sequence in which they should be.
Jesus challenges us to develop that quality in our (First Reading). Elisha insisted on getting a double Every word has a lesson in it. It is a simple and
relationships, our way of thinking and acting. portion of the spirit that filled Elijah, before Elijah was effectual prayer where we are given the liberty to call
Because of God’s ‘abundant mercy’ (Ps 51:1), taken away (Focus). This was the Spirit of God from God “Our Father” (Focus), thus establishing a
we do not believe in automatic retribution or karma – whom comes wisdom concerning every aspect of special relationship between him and us. While we
the theory that if you do evil you will receive life. Nothing glamorous by any means but Elisha ask God to take care of our daily needs, we also beg
equivalent evil in return. At the same time, justice is recognised its necessity to continue Elijah’s work him to forgive our daily faults and help us to forgive
dear to the Lord. Ahab did repent, but what about the and demanded it. We are best equipped with God’s our offenders. Life is a daily battle and often we are
unrepentant Jezebel? What about Naboth, whom Spirit to deal with life. His wisdom protects us from faced with trials and tribulations. This prayer gives us
they murdered and whose ancestral vineyard they dangers lying ahead and helps us make right protection from all temptation and evil and can save
robbed? We ourselves should never flout the norms choices. Like Elisha, we would do well to affirm the us from failing the test of life.
of justice on the pretext that God pardons all. Nor influence of people who have God’s wisdom. Fruit: I will meditate on the Our Father and see if my
should we give up fighting for justice for those who While we surf the net for all kinds of attractive life’s priorities match the sequence given in this
have clearly been wronged. But let us not be too things, why not look for talks, shows, songs and perfect prayer.
quick to judge the wrongdoer. movies that will let the Holy Spirit come on us, and For postal subscribers of Daily Flash. If your copy goes
Fruit: How do we balance the demands of justice his wisdom fill us? astray please WhatsApp/SMS: +919130664062
and godly mercy in our dealings with our neighbour? Fruit: In my daily prayers I will seek God’s wisdom.

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 Friday, June 17, 2022 Saturday, June 18, 2022 Sunday, June 19, 2022
Readings: 2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18, 20; Ps 132:11-14, Readings: 2 Chr 24:17-25; Ps 89:4-5, 29-34; Mt Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
17-18; Mt 6:19-23 6:24-34 Readings: Gen 14:18-20; Ps 110:1-4; 1 Cor 11:23-
Focus: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will Focus: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his 26; Lk 9:11-17
be also” (Mt 6:21) righteousness, and all these things will be added to Focus: “You give them something to eat” (Lk 9:13)
Society lives by the maxim, ‘Do well in life, get you” (Mt 6:33) The disciples have returned from their first
rich quick, and be happy!’ But in today’s Gospel, For many important activities, if you get the core mission clearly upbeat (Lk 9:1-10). However, faced
Jesus goes against the grain with some blunt advice: right the rest will follow. For example, once you learn with the problem of having to feed the multitudes
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, to read music well, you can learn how to sing more who were following Jesus, their simplistic, ‘hands-off’
where moth and rust destroy and where thieves easily. We often forget this simple principle in our solution is to “send the crowd away” (Gospel)! Jesus
break in and steal” (Mt 6:19). spiritual life. We concentrate on other things, which challenges them to give the people “something to
Two instances come to my mind. The makes our life go off key. eat” (Focus). But, taking stock of their resources,
protagonists of both these stories were my When we obey God, we receive grace to their inadequacy becomes all the more palpable.
contemporaries who accumulated great riches by overcome anxiety and sail through every challenge Jesus then gives them a masterclass on fulfilling
shrewd investments and astute management. One we encounter (Gospel). Then why get distracted by their role as his missionaries. He takes his apostles’
built an empire in travel while the other in a ‘hot’ the glitter of fame, instant gratification, substance seemingly meagre stock of food and turns to God in
beverage that is not everybody’s cup of tea. Both abuse, and endless possessions and ruin our ability prayer (Lk 9:16). His heart is moved to praise and
died before they turned sixty, each leaving behind a to think and act right? thanksgiving in the self-effacing knowledge that “the
fortune. Will either of them be remembered for their True, friends, job fulfilment, provision and Son can do nothing of his own accord” (Jn 5:19).
kindness and generosity, or will they be seen as men sustenance are all part of life. But they are not the St Luke makes the point that we do have in our
who amassed ‘treasure’ for themselves? Was God in core. Only Jesus is (Jn 14:6). hands the ability to carry out the will of God, but only
their hearts (Focus), at the centre of their lives? Is Today, we are reminded to get our priorities right if we consecrate our gifts by offering them to God,
God at the centre of our own lives? (Focus). We need to enthrone Jesus as Lord, for and only if we accept in humility that apart from
It is only in Jesus that we find ourselves. Nothing where the King is, there is his kingdom. Only then Jesus, we can do nothing (Jn 15:4-5).
that the world offers, however good it may seem, can can we know his love and love him and others as he The feeding of the five thousand was no more
replace that. That is why Jesus makes another stark loves. Since we cannot do this on our own, we must spectacular a miracle than others Jesus performed
statement just after this passage: “You cannot serve ask for the power of the Holy Spirit. Thus we will throughout his ministry. Its significance lay in its
God and money” (Mt 6:24). Elsewhere he asks, bring peace and justice everywhere we go, building instructional value to his disciples not to rely only on
“What does it profit a man if he gains the whole his kingdom on earth. We will receive grace to live their own resources. It is a lesson that we cannot
world and loses or forfeits himself?” (Lk 9:25). It is a out the purpose of our lives and spread his love. God disregard either.
question that begs an answer from us today. is never outdone in generosity. Fruit: I will offer up such talents as I have been
Fruit: Let my heart follow Jesus Christ, my only Fruit: May everything I do today build God’s blessed with, in faith and humility, to help build up
treasure. kingdom and bring him glory. the kingdom of God.

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 Monday, June 20, 2022 Tuesday, June 21, 2022 Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Readings: 2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15, 18; Ps 60:3-5, 12- St Aloysius Gonzaga St Paulinus of Nola, Sts John Fisher & Thomas More
13; Mt 7:1-5 Readings: 2 Kings 19:9-11, 14-21, 31-36; Ps 48:2-4, Readings: 2 Kings 22:8-13, 23:1-3; Ps 119:33-37,
Focus: “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your 10-11; Mt 7:6, 12-14 40; Mt 7:15-20
own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the Focus: “Whatever you wish that others would do to Focus: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you
speck out of your brother’s eye” (Mt 7:5) you, do also to them” (Mt 7:12) in sheep’s clothing” (Mt 7:15)
Continuing to educate his followers on the art of A teacher asked her class, “Who can tell me I recall telling my children not to expect the devil
discipleship, Jesus today cautions them against what an egotist is?” Immediately a boy’s hand shot to be an ugly villain, with horns and tail. More likely
passing judgement on others (Gospel). He is not up: “An egotist is a person who doesn’t care about he would appear as a sweet-talking, handsome or
against discerning motives and actions – the me!” Perhaps he failed to realise that it was up to pretty person. It is always easier to get at someone
discretion involved in deciding objectively. At times him to reach out to others too. as a sheep rather than as a wolf (Focus).
we are called upon to make judgements about our Some of us have a similar mentality. We live in a In today’s Gospel, Jesus is referring to the many
own conduct or that of others. We may even be duty- nice colony of like-minded people. We are very self-styled prophets who roamed the countryside
bound sometimes to point out to others their faults, pleasant with each other, help whenever we can, preaching and claiming to be the chosen of God.
or oppose them. So long as this is done humbly, and and sometimes have prayer meetings. That is still far This was not so much to help others find God, as to
in love, and after a due process of discernment (Mt from the Golden Rule (Focus). take advantage of their gullibility and extract material
18:15-20), it is not wrong. Dr Jack Preger ran street clinics for the poorest benefits from them.
If we rush to judgement – a common failing – it of the poor in Calcutta. One was in a posh area We can reckon from the lifestyle of preachers
could well be a sign that we are acting blindly, where many Christians lived. They complained to the whether service to God, or to self, is the goal. When
perhaps attempting to prop up our own poor self- government and had the clinic removed. They we consider the frugal lifestyle of St Teresa of
image by finding fault with others. We are incapable couldn’t stomach the smell of the sheep. Calcutta, we discern the wealth of godliness in her.
of judging others with fairness and accuracy. How do we observe the Golden Rule in our own On the other hand, there are these jet-setting
Judgement is best left to God (Prov 21:2, Lk 16:15). household? Are we respectful to all, including the ‘prosperity gospel’ preachers, who cleverly misquote
St Matthew, who recorded the word ‘hypocrite’ domestic helps? Do we give them a chance to fulfil Scripture and then flaunt the wealth they have
liberally (Mt 6:2, 5, 16, 7:5, 15:7), used it to mean their religious duties on their holy days? We probably gained from enforced tithing.
general wickedness, pretence or ‘breach of contract’. train our children to say grace before and after Jesus said that only God is good (Mk 10:18).
The exaggerated “speck” and “log” contrast (Focus) meals, but what about helping or even thanking the Knowing this, people who walk with God are always
attracts attention because of its impracticality. The person who prepares the meals? modest. Their humility radiates in every facet of their
point is that we cannot judge another objectively till The Golden Rule is very demanding and we can existence – the way they conduct themselves and
we remedy our own blindness. expect no gratitude. As Jesus warned (Gospel), “the live their personal lives. In fact, we will know them by
Fruit: I will be honest and sincere while discerning gate is narrow and the way is hard…” (Mt 7:14). the fruits of the Spirit that emanate from them.
the motives behind my actions and thus avoid all Fruit: Discuss in the family, with children present, Fruit: Let us use the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and not be
hypocrisy. how we can observe the Golden Rule as Jesus did. misled by false preachers who pretend to be holy.

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 Thursday, June 23, 2022 Friday, June 24, 2022 Saturday, June 25, 2022
Nativity of St John the Baptist Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Immaculate Heart of Mary
Readings: Isa 49:1-6; Ps 139:1-3, 13-15; Acts Readings: Ezek 34:11-16; Ps 23:1-6; Rom 5:5-11; Readings: Isa 61:9-11; Ps 1 Sam 2:1, 4-8; Lk 2:41-
13:22-26; Lk 1:57-66, 80 Lk 15:3-7 51
Focus: ‘The hand of the Lord was with him’ (Lk 1:66) Focus: “I will rescue them from all places where they Focus: ‘His mother said to him, “Son, why have you
When Jesus spoke of John the Baptist he said, “I have been scattered...” (Ezek 34:12) treated us so?”’ (Lk 2:48)
tell you, among those born of women none is greater Jesus is in search of each one of us (Focus), I cannot help wonder about the variety of
than John…” (Lk 7:28). John got this glowing tribute eager to give us his heart. emotions Mary must have experienced throughout
from Jesus himself. God’s hand was on John all I say this today. But as a teenager I used to her extraordinary life. The First Reading and Psalm
through his life (Focus) – ‘He who formed me from associate the Sacred Heart with some old-fashioned foretell the profound joy and blessedness of the one
the womb to be his servant’ (Isa 49:5). pious devotion. One year, as a young adult, I was in chosen to be Mother of God. After Jesus’ birth, and
According to the Protoevangelium of James, trouble: a deep refusal to forgive, physical issues I throughout his life, Mary must have frequently been
John’s mother Elizabeth hid him in the wilderness found difficult to accept, and a paralysing fear of the amazed and awed at what was unfolding before her
when Herod decreed that all male infants below two future. Then, on the feast of the Sacred Heart, I eyes. How proud she must have felt when Jesus
years should be killed. He grew up eating locusts heard a priest preach. carried out his ministry, and how blessed to be in
and honey (Mt 3:4). What a life he must have had! He said Jesus’ heart is a bond between his close communion with the Son of God!
But despite all his privations, the Lord’s hand divinity and his humanity – Jesus loving us in his But alongside these joys, Mary had to endure
was on him. How else could a child live alone ‘in the human capacity but in a divine way. He said it was much sorrow in standing by her son. Perhaps she
wilderness’ (Lk 1:80)? Here, he developed a close that same heart which bled and was pierced for us asked this agonised question (Focus) in different
relationship with the Father, and he was prepared by (Rom 5:8-9). It was an emblem of Jesus’ love, mercy words, many times during his life, particularly when
the Father for the role assigned to him. and compassion. He ended by saying that if we live she beheld him dying on the cross. The difference
What strikes us most about John is his fierce by this message we cannot be afraid. was that she offered her joys and sorrows to God
focus on his mission, with no desire for creature He also mentioned earlier how Jesus had with a heart of perfect faith and surrender.
comforts. His immense humility also shines through appeared to St Margaret and asked her to give him Motherhood is much romanticised in the media.
– realisation of his appointed place in salvation her heart so he could give her his. At that Mass I But, being a mother, at the best of times, is not easy.
history – “After me one is coming, the sandals of asked the Lord for his heart and gave him my In addition to her own struggles, a mother suffers
whose feet I am not worthy to untie” (Acts 13:25). troubled heart. It actually felt like a spiritual heart equally for her children. Motherhood in the face of
That is the reason why John was praised by transplant. It was like the Shepherd Psalm came poverty, illness, crime and war brings unspeakable
Jesus himself. alive in me (Ps 23:3-4) suffering. Thankfully every mother has Mary as her
Fruit: Each of us has been entrusted with a mission Jesus offers us his Sacred Heart. Are we ready advocate – to understand and intercede for her.
by our heavenly Father. And his hand is with us as to give him our sinful ones? Fruit: On this feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
well. What am I doing towards my mission? Fruit: Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my let us offer the joys and sufferings of every mother
heart loving and sacrificing like yours. on earth to Jesus through Mary.

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 Using Money the Scriptural Way So it is clear that if we have money God means Sunday, June 26, 2022
“Money is the root of all evil!” sang the Andrews us to be his stewards and not its owners. 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Day of Peter’s Pence
Sisters in a pop hit of 1945. Ironically, this is only a God owns everything – “all the earth” (Ex 19:5) – Readings: 1 Kings 19:16, 19-21; Ps 16:1-2, 5, 7-11;
cliché in a world intoxicated by money. including all the money we earn. If we truly believe Gal 5:1, 13-18; Lk 9:51-62
But St Paul clearly points out that it is not money this, we ought to not only thank him every time we Focus: “No one who puts his hand to the plough and
but ‘the love of money’ that is the root of all kinds of gain his money, but also seek his guidance before looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Lk 9:62)
evil. He goes on to stress, ‘It is through this craving spending it! Interestingly, Jesus even suggests that The message (Focus) is clear and compelling:
that some have wandered away from the faith and we ought to pay taxes to the government. In Mk when Jesus calls, do not tarry, else you may miss
pierced themselves with many pangs’ (1 Tim 6:10). 12:13-17, when the Pharisees and Herodians ask, the bus. Do not look back longingly at your old
Eccl 5:10 also warns, ‘He who loves money will not “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” Jesus habits, your attachments, your sins. Look only to the
be satisfied with money….’ replies, “Render to Caesar the things that are future – to the pure, unblemished life Jesus offers.
Only when we replace our love for money with Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” The flesh and the Spirit have contrary desires
love for God can we have a generous heart and Another useful guideline on the role of money is (Gal 5:17). It is difficult to let go of one’s present
seek God’s guidance to use our money wisely. As found in Mt 25:31-40. Here Jesus reveals that at the state of life. But Jesus offers us a reassuring hand.
Jesus himself asserts, “You cannot serve God and Final Judgement, those who gave food to the He is the omnipotent God who has promised to
money” (Mt 6:24). And “Where your treasure is, hungry, drink to the thirsty, clothing to the naked, etc. make everything good for us (Jer 29:11).
there will your heart be also” (Lk 12:34). will inherit God’s kingdom. Now all these cost We are all expected to live the reality of God’s
It is not the money we possess that makes us money, right? That means, the chosen spent their call amidst the surrounding kingdom of darkness.
rich, but how much of it we use to bless the lives of money wisely for these God-pleasing deeds. Many answer that call and give up their sinful ways.
the needy. In Mk 12:41-44, we see Jesus valuing the In the Parable of the Talents (Mt 25:14-30) But some of us turn back halfway.
‘two small copper coins’ the widow puts in the Jesus makes it very clear that at the end of our I know a man who, after attending his first
offering box as being more than the ‘large sums’ the earthly journey, we will have to account for all the retreat, gave up drinking and changed his life to
rich had put in. He says, “For they all contributed out resources God has bestowed on us, including our follow Jesus. But after a few months, his old friends
of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has money. So it will be worthwhile to ask ourselves called him for ‘just a small drink’. And with that, he
put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” today: Do we use our money to build God’s kingdom soon drifted back to his drinking habit, surrendering
In Lk 12:33, Jesus also gives us a hint as to through works of mercy? Or do we mainly ‘bury’ it in all his spiritual gains.
what is precious in heaven and how we can use our our own worldly and selfish lives? If we have done likewise, let us repent and
money to acquire it: “Sell your possessions, and give Let us therefore endeavour always to love God return to Jesus. In his infinite mercy, he will always
to the needy. Provide yourselves with money bags and use money God’s way, rather than love money accept us back to start anew.
that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens and use God our way! Fruit: If I usually hesitate in answering God’s call, I
that does not fail.” And, when a rich young man asks - Cosme I. Dias will repent and make a decisive move towards him.
him what he must do to inherit God’s kingdom, Jesus A good confession is the first step.
tells him without mincing words, “Go, sell what you
possess and give to the poor, and you will have
treasure in heaven” (Mt 19:21).

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 Monday, June 27, 2022 Tuesday, June 28, 2022 Wednesday, June 29, 2022
St Cyril of Alexandria St Irenaeus Sts Peter & Paul
Readings: Amos 2:6-10, 13-16; Ps 50:16-23; Mt Readings: Amos 3:1-8, 4:11-12; Ps 5:5-8; Mt 8:23- Readings: Acts 12:1-11; Ps 34:2-9; 2 Tim 4:6-8, 17-
8:18-22 27 18; Mt 16:13-19
Focus: “…those who trample the head of the poor Focus: “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” (Mt Focus: “I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of
into the dust of the earth… so that my holy name is 8:26) heaven” (Mt 16:19)
profaned” (Amos 2:7) Life is not a linear progression. We go through Tradition is something most of us cherish. Jesus
God firmly condemns Israel’s authorities for their ups and downs and sometimes even experience delegated to Peter his absolute power and authority
greed and for their promiscuous lust (First Reading). twists and turns. There are some events in life that to bind, loose, make disciplinary rules and guide his
They had seized the land from the poor, perverting leave us feeling helpless. It is then that we may Church (Focus). We Catholics respect and treasure
justice. Sexual immorality was also rife (Amos 2:7). wonder if God has abandoned us or if there is any this traditional authority exercised by the Holy Father
Is the situation in Goa any different today? meaning to the faith we profess. in uninterrupted succession of St Peter.
I know of a case where a family were cornered The disciples cry out in anguish to their sleeping Peter’s recognition of Jesus as “the Christ, the
to surrender their ancestral home. First they were Lord (Gospel). Surprisingly, Jesus questions their Son of the living God” (Gospel) is also a grace to be
lured with money. When they didn’t succumb, they faith (Focus) before he calms the storm. Wasn’t it treasured. We too, through grace, have received our
were threatened with a court case. Finally goons natural for them to appeal for help? Maybe. faith from the chief apostles, Peter and Paul. Jesus
tried to force them out. However, this too did not In our own ‘stormy’ situations, when we feel fear gave them the authority to confess, proclaim and
succeed only because of the intervention of a social or any strong emotion, it is difficult to think rationally bear witness to him. And they passed down his
activist. There are many sad cases like this where and make right decisions. In fact, people often do not authority to the Church leaders, parents and
corporates or builder lobbyists, with the connivance exercise their ability to change the situation as much teachers. All Christians are called to be witnesses of
of the authorities, “trample the head of the poor” as they should. While the storms in life could have the faith by living the reality of faith.
(Focus). Prostitution is also becoming the new occurred due to things beyond our control, it is still Parents are given authority by God to build up
normal. Some Christian families gladly rent out their essential to pray and make the necessary changes the members of their family. They must first have a
premises to those involved in the trade. Amos 2:13- that may help us. For example, if someone is stuck strong foundation in Jesus and trust totally in him. By
16 tells of the severe punishment they may attract. in an unsavoury job or a toxic work environment, it is being aware of their own flaws and weaknesses they
They will have to pay for their wrongdoing. important to explore new avenues. must constantly ask God for the grace to make right
What do I do when I see such evil in the form of Jesus’ question to the disciples is relevant even choices in their thoughts, words and actions. They
injustice, prostitution, drugs and human trafficking today. While God wants us to ask him for help, he must also follow the teachings of the Pope and the
going on all around me? Do I raise my voice against also expects us to make right and healthy decisions Church, who have been given the authority to
such things or just watch the drama complacently? that will lead to self-growth and maturation. interpret the message of Jesus for the faithful.
Fruit: I will at least actively support those who are Fruit: If I can learn to make the best of life’s Fruit: Let us ask the Holy Spirit to inspire all people
fighting against the evil everywhere and fervently uncertainties, I can also be a source of confidence to in authority, especially parents, to guide those in
pray for them. many others. their care with the light of faith.

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 Thursday, June 30, 2022
First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church INFORMATION
Readings: Amos 7:10-17; Ps 19:8-11; Mt 9:1-8 Single copy: Rs 20/-
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My father was a man who spoke his mind. He Lar de Estudantes, Altinho, Panjim, Goa - 403001. Mention name,
was not one to mince words or speak diplomatically. address, phone, subscription number (if applicable).
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foolish, but when you open your mouth we don’t Panjim: Pauline Book & Media Centre,
know where to hide!” Lar de Estudantes (Altinho)
Later I realised that while some people avoided Vasco: Light House
my father, most loved him. Mapusa: Rex Stores, Pauline Book & Media Centre,
Joseph & Co., Marjorie Chemist
Today we see the prophet Amos not scared of Margao: Light House, B.X. Furtado,
being admonished by the ungodly priest Amaziah Zito Almeida, Roque Miranda
(First Reading). His conscience was clear. Many (And at every Parish in Goa)
people disliked Amos and some even plotted against Mumbai: Berein Pereira (Mobile: 9819478304)
Leslie D’Souza (Mobile: 9920653710)
him but he was clear about his mission. The Daily Flash Team
Jesus too was very clear about his mission. The Nihil Obstat: Fr Simião P Fernandes
scribes would often speak against him when he Coordinator: Fr Jorge Fernandes
forgave or healed (Gospel), but he was unperturbed Editorial Board: Brenda Nazareth Menezes, Clifford DeSilva,
Edith Melo Furtado, Eurico Noronha, Joe Noronha (Editor), Karl
because he knew he was on his Father’s mission. Pinto deSousa, Sarita Nazareth.
Whether it was to seek out and save the lost, or to Writers in this Issue: Aditi Silveira, Allen Mascarenhas, Anish
heal, or to cast out demons, he was acting on behalf John, Celine Braganza, Clara Rodrigues, Cosme I Dias, Dolorosa
of his Father. The Father himself had commanded Paul, Edwin Anthony Fernandes, Elgar Noronha, Fatima M
Noronha, Felicidade Alphonso, Isabel Santa Rita Vas, Jason
him what to say and speak (Jn 12:49-50). Menezes, Jerald Gonsalves, José Noronha, Joshila Fernandes,
We too have a mission to spread the gospel and Judith N Carvalho, Liza Pinheiro, Maria Ana da Costa, Maria
the Holy Spirit can empower us to be staunch Correia, Marjorie Rapose, MB Finn, Melanie Vaz, Merwyn
witnesses, like the first martyrs of the Church. Caldeira, Miguel Braganza, Nandini Cardoso, Neves Braganza,
Olive De Silva, Regina Fernandes, Renita D’Souza, Saviola
Fruit: What mission is God calling me to preach Fernandes, Sheina Castelo, Silvia Noronha, Susan Lillywhite,
today, and to whom? Thaddeus Pereira, Zira Almeida.

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