THE LORD HAS HEARD YOUR CRY

Our God is a God of justice. If not for God the rich and the strong would have swallowed the poor ones alive. The Lord is ever defending the poor and the weak. He is the Voice of the voiceless and the Defender of the defenseless. In James 5:1-6 the Lord God confronts the rich who try to oppress the poor and the weak. The Lord declares, "You have laid up treasure for the last days. Behold, the wages of the labourers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts." Child of God, if you are among those who are oppressing the poor repent now before it is too late. But if you are among those who are been oppressed by the rich and the strong, today the Lord has heard your cry for help. He will surely defend you and He will not allow the wicked to suppress you. And it shall be well with you in Jesus name - Amen!

The devil will fly away from you

The devil is going about looking for someone to devour. St. James offers a way out.  In his letter, James 4:1-10 he offers the best way to deal with the devil. He wrote, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you." If you really want to deal with the devil, the first thing you must do is to submit yourself completely to God, then you must resist the devil. Resisting the devil means saying no to all his trials. And of course, you must make effort to draw near to God. Child of God, if you can submit yourself to God the devil will have no power over you. In fact, as you draw near to God, the devil will fly away from you. He will never come near you. And you will be protected forever in Jesus name - Amen!

PENTECOST OF DIVINE VICTORY

To be victorious is to be triumphant. It simply means to win - to win a game, a battle or a trial. Divine Victory is a glorious conquest. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Most Victorious Man the world has ever known. He told his followers, "I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you will face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!” (John 16:33). Our Lord Jesus Christ brought victory to the world through his death and resurrection.

Today we are celebrating the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ over Satan, his Victory over sin and condemnation. and of course, victory over sickness and untimely death.  The victory of our Lord Jesus Christ is the essence of our salvation. Without his victory there will be no salvation. With the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ there is hope for us all. We are assured of our own victory!

Hence, in his letter to the Romans, St. Paul declares, "In all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us!" (Romans 8:37). Our victory in Christ Jesus is complete and assured.

This year we have recorded so many victories. We have recorded victory over darkness. We have also recorded victory over economic recession. If the Lord God could sustain the life of hundreds of orphans in this year of economic recession, none of our children died of hunger! This is indeed a special victory! Instead some of our children gained admission into the Universities, Seminaries, those who took WEAC and JAMB examination got their papers with admission. A good number of those who are mentally sick have recovered and are now discharged. Our pig gave birth to five piglets. In a nutshell, God is great!

The peak of this victory is my reconciliation with the Discalced Carmelite Order, which the enemies thought it was impossible. When Jesus says yes, nobody can say no! Above all, we are celebrating our victory over satanic powers and manipulations. Child of God, as we celebrate this year's Pentecost of Divine Victory, you will be victorious all the days of your life and it shall be well with you in Jesus name - Amen!

Happy Pentecost celebration

From your Most Humble Servant

Rev. Fr. John Damian Adizie of the Holy Spirit, OCD

Be filled with the Holy Spirit

Today is the long awaited day. On this day the Lord God will fulfill his promise to you. It is a day when you shall receive the gift and the power of the Holy Spirit. "When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:1-4) Child of God, as you celebrate the feast of Pentecost today, the Lord God will fill you with His Holy Spirit. He will loosen your tongues. He will decorate you with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. You shall become powerful in the Lord; and it shall be well with you in Jesus name - Amen!

WELCOME TO PENTECOST NIGHT

  Welcome to the long expected Night

- the night when darkness shall turn into light.

- the night when we shall receive the tongues of fire

- the night when we shall experience the glory of God

- the night when the  impossible  shall  become possible.

- the night when we shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit

- the night when we shall experience the power of the Holy Spirit

- Welcome indeed to the night of Pentecost and the night of the Holy Spirit

- This night, your life will never be and it shall be well with you in Jesus name - Amen!

COME AND EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

THEME:            PENTECOST OF DIVINE VICTORY
VENUE:            MARYLAND EGORO AMEDE, EKPOMA, EDO STATE
TIME:               10 PM TILL DAWN
SCRIPTURE:    JOHN 16:33 & ACTS 1:8

YOU SHALL BE BAPTIZED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

ACTS 1:5  "John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

PRAYER FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT, 1

You will not remain a Prisoner forever

A prisoner is someone who is under constraint - someone whose freedom is restricted or completely denied. The worst thing that can happen any prisoner is to be abandoned in prison without any charge or any hearing. In Acts 25:13b-21 Felix abandoned Paul in the prison hoping that he will rot in jail.  When the appointed time came, Festus laid Paul’s case before Agrippa the king and Bernice, saying, “There is a man left prisoner by Felix; and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews gave information about him, asking for sentence against him. I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up any one before the accused met the accusers face to face, and had opportunity to make his defence concerning the charge laid against him." With this, Paul was granted the long expected freedom. He was allowed to preach the gospel without any restriction. Child of God, do you know that your period of bondage is over? As long as our Lord Jesus Christ is concerned, you will not remain a prisoner forever. The Lord will surely visit your case file. He will not just allow you to defend yourself He will also set you free from every bondage and it shall be well with you in Jesus name - Amen!

Christology: Jesus, the Most Caring Shepherd

A Good Shepherd is a caring shepherd. He does not leave his sheep unattended. He cannot even travel out without making arrangement for the well-being of his flock. That was exactly what happened before our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven. He handed his flock to Peter and the rest of the Apostles. In the gospel of John 21:15-19 Jesus asked Peter "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”...And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep." With this gesture our Lord Jesus Christ proved to Peter and the people of the world that He is the most caring Shepherd the world has ever known. He will never abandon or forsake us, his flock. To him be glory and praise both now and forevermore - Amen!

                                

Inspirational Message: Jesus is the Most caring Shepherd the world has ever known. He does not leave his sheep unattended.

Prayer for Caring Shepherd: Heavenly Father, your Son our Lord Jesus Christ is the Most caring Shepherd the world has ever known. He is the Good Shepherd who does not leave His sheep unattended. Lord, we have so many selfish and self-centered shepherds in our world today. Some of these shepherds are feeding on their sheep while many others have abandon your flock to die of hunger and spiritual care. Lord, bless our world with loving and caring shepherds. grant this through Christ our Lord - Amen!  

Be Courageous!

To be courageous is to be brave. It has to  do with boldness - to live without fear. A courageous man is a free man. He has nothing to do with fear and nothing to worry about. In Acts of the Apostles 23:6-11 the Lord God appeared to Paul and advised him to be courageous. "The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified about me at Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also at Rome.” This is a divine encouragement! With these words of encouragement, Paul was strengthened in his mission. He knew hat he was not alone. Child of God, the Lord has come to encourage you. He has come to deliver you from the spirit of fear and from the hands of your enemies. As long as God is on your side, nobody can stop you! Nothing shall ever discourage you. You will surely succeed and it shall be well with you - in Jesus name - Amen!

Christology: Jesus, the universal Messiah

One common mistake people often make is to think that Jesus is Messiah only to the Christians. He is the universal Messiah. He is Messiah even unto those who do not believe in him. Jesus himself was aware of this and that is why when he prayed he did not just pray for his followers, instead he said, “I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory which you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,

I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." Jesus prayed for the unity of his future believers and for the world as a whole. By so doing he proved to the world that He is indeed the Universal Messiah. One day, the whole will acknowledge him as their Messiah. To him be glory and praise both now and forevermore - Amen! 

Inspirational Message:  Jesus Christ is not just a Messiah for particular sets of people. He is Messiah for the whole world. He is indeed our universal Messiah.

Prayer for the unity of the entire world: Heavenly Father, your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, did not just pray for the unity of his followers He also prayed for the unity of the whole world. Lord, deliver our world from discriminations and disunity. Make us one as you are one. Grant this through Christ our Lord - Amen!

You shall be a Giver and not a Borrower

Giving is indeed a noble experience. Lucky Dube, a famous South African reggae musician once sang, "Blessed is the hand that giveth Than the one that taketh." Far back before Lucky Dube sang this song St. Paul had already declared in Acts 20:35-36, "In all things I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”’ Lucky Dube must have been inspired by these divine words. Whether we view it from Scriptural point of view or even from secular point, it is better to give than to receive. A giver is the Boss! Child of God, you are born to give. As long as our Lord Jesus Christ is concerned you will be a giver and not a borrower. You shall become a channel of blessing to your generation; and it shall be well with you, in Jesus name - Amen!

Christology: The Most Prayerful Son of God

Our Lord Jesus Christ was a prayerful Man. When He was in the world He spent most of his time praying to God, His Father. In the gospel of John   17:llb-19, he prayed for unity of his followers: “Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one." With this prayer of Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord od will surely keep us united.  He further prayed for the protection of his followers: "I do not pray that you should take them out of the world,

but that you should keep them from the evil one." May God protect us from the evil one! He also prayed for our sanctification: "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." Through God's word may the Lord sanctify each and everyone of us in His truth, through Christ our Lord - Amen!

Inspirational Message: Jesus Christ did not just pray for his selfish interest. He prayed for the unity of his followers, for their protection and sanctification.  

Prayer for Divine sanctification: Heavenly Father, you Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, prayed for our sanctification when he prayed, "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." Lord, we need this sanctification! In your mercy, sanctify us with your truth and may we live a truthful life through Christ our Lord - Amen!

Family is the best

Family is the foundation of every nation. Without the family there will be no
Church or religion. Religion and even culture is made up of people from different families. To neglect the family therefore is to neglect the nation. East or West the family remains the best!

CHRISTIAN FAMILIES ORGANISATION MARKS INT'L DAY OF FAMILIES

Today, May 15 is Int'l Day of the Family. Members of Christian Families Organisation came together to celebrate this unique and special celebration. 

Christian Families Organisation was founded by Rev. Fr. John Damian Adizie and Ezinne Nneoma Charity Onuoha (Mother of Faith)  on December 12, 2012 at the catholic Adoration of the Holy Spirit, Maryland Egoro Amede, Ekpoma, Edo State of Nigeria. It is an association of Married Couples. 

This Organisation was established  to cater for the needs and well-being of families, especially married couples. The organisations tries to address some of the existential challenges facing the families. It is open to all legally married men and women who really want their marriage to succeed. We meet every first Sunday of the Month at Maryland Egoro Amede, Ekpoma Edo State of Nigeria at 10 am. Married couples use this medium to renew their marital vows. They share their challenges and success stories, thereby encouraging one another. By their uniform and wedding rings you shall know them! 

During the annual celebration,  the founder and spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. John Damian Adizie, used the medium to appreciate all the couples who are still maintaining their vows and commitment. He called on the government and other agencies to carry the family along in all their policies and this is in line with this year's theme of International Day of Families, which is Families and inclusive societies. 

The high point of the event was the renewal and exchange of marriage ring by all the couples present. 

Christology: Jesus, the glorified Son of Christ

glory is a splendid and marvelous experience. It is a divine honour and in fact the highest honour anyone can get from God. In the gospel of John        17:l-11 our Lord Jesus Christ prayed for his glorification: “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work which you gave me to do; and now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory which I had with you before the world was made." From this passage you can see that glory is a give and take attribute. As Jesus was praying for his own glorification He was also reminding God that He has glorified His name here on earth. He did this by accomplishing the work the Lord God entrusted into his hands. In our case, whenever we do the will of God we are glorifying His name. Our lives, our deeds and even our faith must bring glory to God. As God is glorified we ourselves will definitely share in God's glory. May God's name be glorified in our lives both now and forevermore - Amen!

Inspirational Prayer:  Jesus was glorified through the glorification of His Father. If we glorify God, He will surely glorify us.

Prayer for Divine glorification

Heavenly Father, your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ glorified your name while He was in this world. You glorified him by giving him the name that is above every other names. And He assured us that as we acknowledge him here on earth He will acknowledge us before you, his Father. As we glorify his name, He will also glorify our names. Lord, give us the grace to share in this divine glorification, so that your name will be glorified both now and forevermore - Amen!

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE FAMILIES: BLESSING OF FAMILIES

MAY 15TH IS INT'L DAY OF FAMILIES

USING THESE FAMILIES AS POINT OF CONTACT

I BLESS YOUR FAMILY, IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, 

AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT - AMEN!!

You are Divinely Chosen

To be chosen either by God or even by human beings is a special favour. No all those who apply for admission are admitted. Not all those who aspire for position are elected. Not all those who apply for admission into priesthood or ministerial services are chosen. Many are called but few are chosen. This was exactly the case among the early apostles in Acts  l:15-26 when they wanted to replace Judas, "...they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside, to go to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was enrolled with the eleven apostles." Child of God, do you know that you are among the few chosen ones? Indeed, you are lucky to be chosen by the Most High God. As long as God has chosen you, you are blessed and it shall be well with you in Jesus name - Amen!

Link on Video on Union with God

https://www.facebook.com/johndamian.adizie.1/videos/673441716340719/

UNION WITH GOD (ACCORDING TO ST. THERESA OF AVILA)

Union with God (St. Teresa of Avila)

In the gospel of John chapter 17 our Lord Jesus Christ prayed for the unity of his followers: “Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one." How is Jesus united with his Father? What is the essence of this Divine Union?

                      

In her famous Interior Castle our Holy Mother, St. Teresa of Avila describes this divine union as "Spiritual Betrothal (Marriage). Using the image of a candle she tries to describe the nature of this divine union. "... Let us say that the union is like the joining of two wax of candles to such an extent that the flame coming from them is but one, or that the wick, the flame and the wax are all one." - Interior Castle VII:2,p4. The flame that comes out of two or three candles are usually one and it very difficult, if not impossible to separate the flame from each other. One cannot even separate the smoke that comes out of the two candles. That is what happens when one is united with God, especially in contemplative prayer.

Anther image St. Teresa used to describe the nature of this divine union is the image of rain water and river water. According to her "In spiritual marriage the union is like what we have when rain falls from the sky into a river or fount; all is water, for the rain that fell from heaven cannot be divided or separated from the water of the river." To make it more interesting, we can as well add a borehole water to the rain and river water. Now, after mixing the three different sources of water, can one easily separate them? When they are all joined together, you will hardly know which one is rain water and which is borehole or even water from the river. This is what divine union is all about. When we are united with God in contemplative prayer, we become one with God; when this happens nothing and nobody can separate us from God. That is exactly what our Lord Jesus Christ meant when He prayer: "...that they may be one, even as we are one." May God keep us united with him and for him through Christ our Lord - Amen!

Unity among God's Children

Christology: Jesus, the prayerful Son of God

When Jesus Christ was in the world He was so prayerful that prayer was more-or-less like food to him. He could not stay without praying. He was always communicating to God, His Father through prayer. In the gospel of John 17: lib-19 our Lord Jesus Christ offered his priestly prayer: "At that time: [Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying,] “Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me; I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves." 
This is the most powerful prayer in the bible. In this prayer our Lord Jesus Christ was not just praying for his selfish interest. He prayed for the interest and well-being of his followers. He actually prayed for the unity of his followers - that they may be one!
With this prayer our Lord Jesus Christ has taught us the importance of intercessory prayer. In prayer we must not just pray for our selfish interest but also for the wellbeing of others. 
 This prayer for unity is the only solution to all the problems we are facing in our world today. The world is facing all kinds of discrimination and disunity. We have political discrimination, cultural and tribal discrimination, worst of them all is religious discrimination. Even the Christians are not united! There is division and discrimination among the various denominations in the Christendom. Have you ever imagined how this world be if all the Christians are united! Like the early apostles, nobody will lack anything. The world will be a wonderful place! That is the reason why we must take this prayer of our Lord Jesus Christ seriously. May God deliver us from all forms of divisions and discrimination through Christ our Lord - Amen!

Inspirational Message:  One can only give what He has. Jesus was able to pray for the unity of his followers because He enjoyed unity with God, his Father and God the Holy Spirit.

·        Children of God can only succeed when they are united

Prayer for the unity of God's Children: Heavenly Father, King of heaven and earth, the Creator that was not created. Everybody and everything in this world were created by you.  Lord,  our world is in a mess due to disunity and discrimination.  You are the only One that can unite our broken world and broken relationships. Lord, make us one as you are one and may we remain united in you both now and forevermore - Amen!

Prophetic Message:  You are Divinely Chosen

To be chosen either by God or even by human beings is a special favour. No all those who apply for admission are admitted. Not all those who aspire for position are elected. Not all those who apply for admission into priesthood or ministerial services are chosen. Many are called but few are chosen. This was exactly the case among the early apostles in Acts  l:15-26when they wanted to replace Judas, "...they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was sumamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside, to go to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was enrolled with the eleven apostles." Child of God, do you know that you are among the few chosen ones? Indeed, you are lucky to be chosen by the Most High God. As long as God has chosen you, you are blessed and it shall be well with you in Jesus name - Amen!

Nobody can Silent you!

One with God is majority. When God is on your side victory is on your side; favour is on your side. In Acts 18:9-18 the Lord said to Paul in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man shall attack you to harm you; for I have many people in this city"  Child of God, as long as the Lord is with you have nothing to fear. Nobody can silent you. Your voice must be heard. Your enemies cannot harm you. God will raise people who will defend you. And it shall be well with you in Jesus name - Amen!

Christology: Jesus, our Comforter

Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Most caring Man the world has ever known. He is comforter. In the gospel of John    16:20-23 He said to his disciples, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy." Using the analogy of a woman in labour he said, "When a woman is in labour, she has pain, because her hour has come; but when she is delivered of the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a child is born into the world. So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you." Child of God, our Lord Jesus Christ has come to consol you. As long as he is concerned you will not be sorrowful forever. Your period of pains is over. Very soon you shall rejoice and it shall be well with you in Jesus name - Amen!

Inspirational Message:  As long as Jesus Christ is concerned you will not be sorrowful forever - you will soon rejoice!

Prayer against pains and sorrows: Lord Jesus Christ, you are our Comforter. You came into this world to deliver us from pains and sorrows. You have assured us today that our sorrows will turn into gladness. Lord, deliver us from pains and sorrows. Remove everything that will bring pains and sorrows in our live. Make us joyful as you are joyful and peaceful as you are peaceful. rant this through Christ our Lord - Amen!

OUR FUTURE PRAYER WARRIORS

You shall Receive Power

So many people are looking for power - at the wrong places. A lot of people have joined cult because of power. A good number of people have even visited native doctors where they are busy looking for power. Yet, they could not find the source of power.

Our Lord Jesus Christ is a man with the highest authority. He is the most powerful man on earth. In the gospel of Matthew 28:18, Jesus said to his disciples, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." In Acts 1:1-11 shortly before his ascension into heaven he told his followers "John baptised with water, but before many days you shall be baptised with the Holy Spirit..." He then added, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and to the end of the earth.” The Holy Spirit is the source of Divine Power. The easiest way to receive power to open oneself to the Holy Spirit. Child of God, as you receive the Holy Spirit you are receiving a divine power.  You are receiving the anointing power, the healing power and the liberating power. from today you shall become powerful. With this same power of the Holy Spirit you will surely succeed and God's name will be glorified forever in Jesus name - Amen!

Today's Christology: Jesus, the glorious Messiah

Our Lord Jesus Christ predicted his ascension and glorification when he told Nicodemus, "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must      the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life" (John 3:14-15). This is exactly what happened on Ascension Thursday. After addressing his disciples he ascended into heaven Mark 16:15-20 declares, "The Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God." What a glorious experience! With the ascension, our Lord Jesus Christ is no longer limited in time and space. He is now seated at God's right hand. And He is not just in heaven. He is now everywhere! His ascension into heaven is indeed the peak of his glorification. The gate of heaven is now opened to us all. One day, after preparing a place for us He will come and take us to himself (John 14:3). To him be glory and praise both now and forevermore - Amen!                                                      

Inspirational Message: The ascension of Christ into heaven is the peak of his glorification. His ascension has taken him to the highest level in life. With his ascension the gate of heaven is now opened to us all 

Prayer for Divine Ascension: Heavenly Father, King of heaven and earth. Your Son our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven amidst shouts and joy. His ascension is indeed, the best thing that has ever happened to humanity since Adam and Even were thrown out of paradise. With the ascension of Christ the gate of heaven is now opened for us all. Lord, as we celebrate the ascension of your Son into heaven we are looking forward to our own ascension when we shall dwell with you in your heavenly kingdom forever and ever - Amen!

Today's Liturgical Readings: Ascension Thursday, May 10th 2018

Entrance Antiphon     Acts  1:11

Men of Galilee, why gaze in wonder at the heavens? This Jesus whom you saw ascending into heaven will return as you saw him go, alleluia.

Collect

Gladden us with holy joys, almighty God, and, make us rejoice with devout thanksgiving, for the Ascension of Christ your Son is our exaltation, and where the Head has gone before in glory, the Body is called to follow in hope.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

FIRST READING: The beginning of the Acts of the Apostles 1:1-11

“As they were looking on, he was lifted up. ”

In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. To them he presented himself alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days, and speaking of the kingdom of God. And while staying with them he charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said. “you heard from me, for John baptised with water, but before many days you shall be baptised with the Holy Spirit.”

go when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.”

And when he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 47:2-3.6-7.8-9 (R. 6)

R. God has gone up with shouts of joy.

     The Lord goes up with trumpet blast.

All peoples, clap your hands.

Cry to God with shouts of joy!

For the Lord, the Most High, is awesome,

the great king over all the earth. R.

God goes up with shouts of joy.

The Lord goes up with trumpet blast.

Sing praise for God; sing praise!

Sing praise to our king; sing praise! R.

God is king of all the earth.

Sing praise with all your skill.

God reigns over the nations.

God sits upon his holy throne. R.

SECOND READING:          Ephesians 4:1-13

'To the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. ”

Brethren: I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.*

Therefore it is said, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is he who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)

And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evange­lists, some pastors and teachers, for the equipment of the saints, for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.

The word of the Lord.

ALLELUIA                  Matthew 28:19a.20b

Alleluia. R Alleluia. Go and make disciples of all nations, says the Lord;

I am with you always, to the close of the age. R. Alleluia.

GOSPEL                      Mark 16:15-20

"He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.”

At that time: [Jesus, appearing to the Eleven,] said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to the whole creation.

He who believes and is baptised will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that at­tended it. Amen.  

The Gospel of the Lord.

The Lord is not far from you

The presence of God is the best thing that can happen to any man or woman. If God is close to you, your case is settled. In Acts         17:15,         22 Paul, told the people of Athens, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you... Yet He is not far from each one of us, for ‘In him we live and move and have our being’ Child of God, the Lord God is not far from you. He is always by your side. He will never abandon or forsake you. it is in and through Him that you will have your being. His name will be forever glorified in Jesus name - Amen!

Liberation from Parkinson's disease

How God delivered a weeping man from partial stroke and Parkinson's disease

...Men hardly cry in Africa but whatever it is that made this man to cry in public is serious
Few minutes after receiving his divine healing this same man started singing and dancing for joy.

GOD IS GREAT!!!

Christology: Jesus and the Spirit of Truth

As our Lord Jesus Christ was about to ascend into heaven he told his disciples in the gospel of John 16:12-15, “I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now." He then promised them the Holy Spirit who will continue from where he stopped. The Holy Spirit will play the following role: 1) He will guide us into the way of truth: "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth." 2) He will speak for Christ: "...for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak" 3) He will reveal future and hidden things: "He will declare to you the things that are to come." 4) He will bring glory to God: "He will glorify me" 5) He will connect us to heavenly treasures: "He will take what is mine and declare it to you." With this you can see that the mission Christ and that of the Holy Spirit are the same. His mission is for our wellbeing and for our salvation. To him be glory and praise both now and forevermore - Amen!

Inspirational Message: In truth, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are One. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth whereas our Lord Jesus Christ is the Truth that sets us free.

Prayer for the Spirit of truth: Heavenly Father, your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, assured us that it is only the truth that can set us free. Today, He promised to send us the Spirit of truth. Through this Spirit of truth may you deliver us from the spirit of lies and deception. Make us truthful as you are truthful. Grant this through Christ our Lord - Amen!

Your Prison Gate is declared Opened!

Prison is a place where human freedom is restricted and even denied.It is the worst place anyone can be. In Acts 16:22-34 Paul and Silas were unjustly imprisoned, instead of complaining of feeling dejected they were rather singing and praying inside the prison: "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and every one’s chains were unfastened." There are two major kinds of prison: the physical prison and the spiritual prison. Spiritually, most people are in prison without knowing it. So many people are living in bondage. Child of God, if you are among them, rejoice for your period of bondage is over! Every closed doors in your life shall be opened. Every evil chain shall be broken and you are hereby declared free in Jesus name - Amen!

Christology: Jesus, our Companion

After accomplishing his mission here on earth our Lord Jesus Christ told his followers, “Now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Counsellor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you." The Counsellor is the gift of our Lord Jesus Christ The Counsellor is the Holy Spirit. He is the Second Person of the Trinity. Through the Cousellor our Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled his promise to remain with his followers forever.  He is our companion and our Advocate. To him be glory and praise both now and forevermore - Amen!

Inspirational Message: We cannot do without a companion. Jesus is our Companion. He's with us always, till the end of time

Prayer for Divine Companionship: Lord Jesus Christ, before ascending to your Father in haven you promised to send us the Holy Spirit as our Companion. Lord, we cannot do without a divine companion. Lord, release your Holy Spirit upon us may He be our Companion all the days of our lives, in Jesus name - Amen!  

The Lord shall open your heart

A hardened heart can never receive the word of God. Only an open heart can receive God's word. As St. Paul was preaching to some women, one of them who heard them was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, seller of purple goods, who was a worshipper of God. The Lord opened her heart to listen to what was said by Paul. And when she was baptised, with her household, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.”Child of God, this same Lord that opened the heart of Lydia will also open your heart. He will open the womb of the barren and He will open every closed doors in your life. It shall be well with you in Jesus name - Amen!

Christology: Jesus and the Councellor

Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Second Person of the Trinity while the Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Trinity. In the gospel of John 15:26 our Lord Jesus Christ introduced the Holy Spirit as our Counsellor. He told his followers, “When the Counsellor comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness to me; and you also are witnesses, because you have been with me from the beginning." The Holy Spirit is the Counsellor, the Spirit of Truth, the One who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son He is worshipped and glorified forever and ever - Amen!

Inspirational Message:  The Holy Spirit is our counsellor, the Spirit of truth and the One who bears witness to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer for Divine Witness: Lord Jesus Christ, you introduced the Holy Spirit is the One who bears witness to you.  you also wants us to be your witness. Lord, we cannot be true witnesses without your grace. Give us the grace to bear witness to you all the days of our lives in Jesus name - Amen!

The Power of Love, 2

THE POWER OF LOVE, 1

Today's Homily from the Gospel of John 15:9-17

PRAYER FOR LOVE

LET US PRAY!

JESUS IS LOVE PERSONIFIED

Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Master of Love. He is the Beloved Son of God. He is God's gift of love to the world (John 3:16). He lived for love and He died of love.

The Lord will send you a Helper

God is our Helper. He comes to help us in our weakness (Romans 8:26). God may not come directly to help us but he will always send someone to help us. A typical example is the case of the Macedonians as recorded in Acts 16:1-10: "a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing pleading with him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” And when he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them." Child of God, the Lord has remembered you! As He sent Paul to help the Macedonians he will send helper to you, a helper who will assist you spiritually, academically, medically and even financially. And it shall be well with you in Jesus name - Amen!

Jesus, the Master of the Persecuted

In the gospel of John 15:18-21 our Lord Jesus Christ told his followers, "Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. But all this they will do to you on my account, because they do not know him who sent me.” Our Lord Jesus Christ is greater than us because he is our Master. If our Master was persecuted then we, his followers, must be persecuted as well. However, as our Master was victorious we ourselves must be victorious. As He was glorified by the Father we ourselves will be glorified by the Father. Through our persecutions God's name will be glorified both now and forevermore - Amen!

                                

Inspirational Message:  Whatever happens to the Master affects his servant. If the Master is persecuted the servants will be persecuted and if the master is glorified the servants are glorified.                      

Prayer for our Masters: Lord, Jesus Christ you are not just our Master, you are also the Master of masters. You are the king of kings and the Lord of lords. We thank you Lord for masters you have given us. Thank you for the care and provisions we have received through our masters. Lord, bless and protect our masters. Give them the grace to model their lives according to your step. Grant this through Christ our Lord - Amen!

Prayer for life partner, 1

How Jesus delivered group of Women from fibroid

Many followed Jesus, and He healed them all (Matthew 12:15)

Your burden is over!

Christianity is not burdensome. It is rather a free way of life, a religion that promotes the freedom and well-being of its members. Just as our Lord Jesus Christ said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matthew 11:28-19). In line with this inspiration, St. Paul declares in Acts 15:22-31,  "For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from blood and from what is strangled and from unchastity. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.” Child of God, give your life to Jesus and as you live a chaste life the Lord will deliver you from bondage; He will take away every burden from you and it shall be well with you in Jesus name - Amen!

Jesus, our Best Friend

We may have so many friends in the world but our Lord Jesus Christ remains our Best Friend. "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you." Our Lord Jesus Christ has proved to the world that He is our best friend by laying down his life for us. Child of God, I may not know your friends or how many friends you have, but all I know is that you need a best friend. Human beings cannot be your best friend. They can fail at any time! If Jesus Christ is your best friend you have nothing to regret. All you need to do is to keep his commandments and he will be there for you - all the time. If you have accepted Jesus as your best friend then sing this song with me: "What a Friend we have in Jesus,   All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry   Everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit,   O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry  Everything to God in prayer!"

                       

Inspirational Message:  You may have so many friends but Jesus remains your best friend.

Prayer for our friends: Lord, Jesus Christ, you are our best friend. You loved us so much that you gave your life for us. We need you in our lives. We cannot exist without you. Lord, we thank you for the many friends you have given us. Thank for blessing us through our friends. Lord deliver us from unfriendly friends. Do not allow us to enter into a wrong relationship. As you bless us with good friends give us the grace to be good to our friends, grant this through Christ our Lord - Amen!