Glory of God Prayer Group, St. Cecilia Parish, Wa Diocese, Ghana - Let Your Light Shine

Saint of the Day

Man lives as to make happiness impossibl…

Indeed, man wishes to be happy even when he so lives as to make happiness impossible. Saint Augustine

The wisest man alive

I am the wisest man alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing. Socrates

Perfection of a man

This is the very perfection of a man, to find out his own imperfections. Saint Augustine

Source of the deadliest hate

From the deepest desires often come the deadliest hate. Socrates

Preach the Gospel at all times

Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words. Francis of Assisi

In the absence of justice

In the absence of justice, what is sovereignty but organized robbery? Saint Augustine

Touch the dying

Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work. Mother Teresa

Humility, the foundation

Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues hence, in the soul in which this virtue does not exist there cannot be any other virtue except in mere appearance. Saint Augustine

Meaning of the universe

If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning: just as, if there were no light in the universe and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark. Dark would be without meaning. C. S. Lewis

All things unholy

I have been all things unholy. If God can work through me, he can work through anyone. Francis of Assisi

Nonsense questions

Can a mortal ask questions which God finds unanswerable? Quite easily, I should think. All nonsense questions are unanswerable. C. S. Lewis

The cause makes the martyr

It is not the punishment but the cause that makes the martyr. Saint Augustine

Humility

Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less. C. S. Lewis

The safest road to hell

The safest road to hell is the gradual one - the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts. C. S. Lewis

campaigning weather for the devil

The long, dull, monotonous years of middle-aged prosperity or middle-aged adversity are excellent campaigning weather for the devil. C. S. Lewis

Pride of wealth

If a man is proud of his wealth, he should not be praised until it is known how he employs it. Socrates

God is happiness and peace

God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing. C. S. Lewis

Aim at heaven

Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither. C. S. Lewis

Believe that you may understand

Seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. Saint Augustine

He that is evil is a slave

He that is kind is free, though he is a slave; he that is evil is a slave, though he be a king. Saint Augustine

THE EPIPHANY (Revelation) OF THE LORD, Yr B, Jan 7, 2024.

Readings
1st: Isaiah 60:1-6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm: 71:1-2, 7-8, 10-13
2nd: Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

Theme: Be Someone's Star

My dear people of God, today Mother Church celebrates the manifestation of our Lord, traditionally referred to as Epiphany. Epiphany, another word for "showing", marks the official end of Christmas season and paves the way for the Lord's Baptism. For liturgical purposes, the Baptism of our Lord this year takes place tomorrow, Monday Jan 8, 2024, to ursher Him into His public Life and Ministry (Ordinary Time). Our reflections would focus on the Theme, deduced from the role the Star plays in the Magi's tireless search for the New Born King. The Solemnity of Epiphany teaches us not to be narrow minded in our thinking about other people. The entirety of its message is an instant breakdown of that "thick wall" between us and those we consider "outsiders" and cannot meet with God's favor. The visit of the magi tells us that God's Son becomes flesh not only for Jews (Christians) but also for Gentiles (non-Christians). The story of the magi is told only by Matthew and which story begins the international showing of Jesus (the gospel) by Matthew beyond the selfish and narrow minded "world" of the Jews. It is still not too certain how many men made up the magi. Perhaps, the number (three) is meant to conveniently correspond to the gifts presented: gold - gift for a king, frankincense - gift for a priest, myrrh - gift for one who is to die. The precise number is not our preoccupation. What is important for our purpose is that the Magi represents all people to whom God shows Himself in Jesus. By this narrative, Matthew, among other things, intends to show the difference between the Gentile leaders who travel hundreds of miles to honor the Messiah and the Jewish leaders who are just five miles away but caring nothing about Him. That which is already full even God cannot add anything to it. (Teresa of Avila) It is still the case today, perhaps worse, that some people live just behind the Church's fence wall; they have time for everything anytime anywhere but not daily Mass. The self-righteous attitude of the Jewish leaders is also a direct reflection of some individuals, families, groups/associations who pride themselves of being so special in the eyes of God and in the Church. The unrelenting search of the magi takes us to that era when serious minded Christians commuted long distances on foot to attend (daily) Mass, sometimes under very trying weather conditions.

The Magi's journey has a number of lessons to teach us in our own life journey in search of Christ. For them, it takes a personal and a determined search to discover Jesus and who He is (for me). Hearing or reading about Jesus should not be confused with knowing Him. Knowledge and faith are two different things. What I heard or read about Jesus can never be the fullest truth of who He is. Personal search, personal discovery, personal encounter and personal experience would do better. Even at the level of human interaction, it would be a clear sign of psychological deficiency to relate with someone/people based on what others [have said about them]. The story of the "doubting Thomas" is so familiar and popular to us that very few Christians, if at all, would fully understand and appreciate the lesson it seeks to teach. Thomas is not like you and I who would hear something casually and begin to peddle and spread it carelessly without strict verification. Clarity, certainty and precision are his second nature. Faith (constantly) seeks understanding. We cannot confuse experience with knowledge. Jesus is personally discovered and experienced, not reported. For the Magi, distance and distractions like Herod are never obstacles or obstructions on their way. They are convinced, well focused and are not prepared to give up in the face of any distraction or obstruction. For the Magi, there is nothing like "try/taste and see Christianity". "Once your hands are on the plough....no turning back" The long search (journey) was not without great difficulties and challenges. It was full of intermittent frustrations, threats and physical stresses. Matthew gives a too simple picture of the Magi's visit, as if it took just a day or two. It is widely speculated that they had seen the Star two years earlier before the despot and power-drunk Herod summoned them for that malicious interrogation. The story of the Magi is still the stressful experience of many who struggle on their daily journey towards God and their resolve to live the gospel in its details. The Magi had a goal which, for them, must be achieved, despite the cost. People without goals can dangerously be aimless, visionless and hopeless. Life without set goals is synonymous to not existing. We could safely compare goals with the star in our today's gospel. Following that star (goal) can sometimes mean serious trouble (with Herod) but trouble is far easier to cope and deal with than coping and dealing with meaninglessness. In other words, there is more sense and value to suffer and die for something than to live for nothing.

Darkness, the direct opposite of light, is a colour for black and night. It is also the colour of melancholy, grief and loss. Darkness is the colour of death, the colour worn and jealously owned and protected by Lucifer, the CEO of all evil, personified and impersonated by Herod in our today's gospel. The truest description of Herod is that he was a very cruel character with an ever guilty conscience that was never at peace for a moment. He was very suspicious. The older he grew the more suspicious he became until he turned into a murderous old man. If he suspected anyone as a rival and a threat to his power, that person was promptly eliminated. It is clear and certain how such a man would feel when news reached him that a child was born who was destined to be king. The murderous old man was troubled and sleepless.The whole Jerusalem was also troubled, knowing well the instant steps Herod would take to eliminate the child. In our own life journey, we should make rooms for "modern Herods" who hate for no reason and fear for no cause. They feel threatened and insecure just only by hearing of something good about others. They spend a great deal of time plotting how to defame and destroy. In the process, very innocent people (children) are destroyed. But for their inspired decision to return home through a different root, the Magi would have been the first victims of Herod's cruelty before the Innocent Children. Perhaps, our "modern Herods" are more numerous, more wicked and closer - in families, communities and offices. We prayerfully hope our churches are fully safe from their presence and pursuit. I pray that all your goals in 2024 find favor with God and bear deserving fruits, despite any possible "Herod" on the way. Rest assured, that wherever there may be a "Herod" in the course of this year (and beyond), your God has already been there. Trust also that your God doesn't leave things half done, He is not a God of "half journeys", otherwise He would not even permit the beginning. Continue to make time to recite the Holy Rosary daily God richly bless you and your family.

Rev. Fr. Thomas L. Debuo, Catholic Diocese of Damongo (0244511306/0243711926/0246222135)

The unconditional love of Jesus Christ w…

{bib=Matthew 13:44-46} Have you ever fallen in love? Do you remember when the phone rang and he or she was on the other end? Your heart fluttered with excitement. You couldn’t wait to see your loved one again. However, the romantic attraction you’ve ever had is nothing compared to the way Jesus loves you. You’re always on his mind. To him, you are the “pearl of great price” ({bib=Matthew 13:46}). He gave up everything for your salvation. If only this would... Read more>>>

I have decided

There is nothing we go through that God does not know. He sees, He feels, He hears and He knows. God knows all the challenges, difficulties and problems His children go through. He is not unconcerned. He is not indecisive about your situation. In fact, God has made a decision to deliver you and He will do it! When the people of Israel were in captivity, it looked as if the Lord had abandoned them. They were in need of deliverance... Read more>>>

It's a hoax: NASA finds message fro…

This message has been circulating on the internet and elsewhere about the discovery of a message from God by NASA. This is part of the story: The original message "NASA announced today that its Curiosity Rover has found an unambiguous message from God written on tablets in a Martian cave. According to an official press release two giant stone slabs the size of small elephants were located deep inside a cavern abutting Aeolis Mons, a large mountain. Upon one tablet is a copy of the Ten... Read more>>>

The Father

I begin my day not knowing what went into the night as I slept.I wake up every morning to see the clear beautiful bright sky.I hear the birds of the air sing and fly stylishly across the sky.I see trees wave their leaves in the air.I see animals of all kind around the land.I see people like me doing one thing or the other.I wonder and ponder over it … The FATHER’S love.   Oh yes!  The FATHER’S love:So great, so steep,So... Read more>>>

Wrong moral living or wrong moral teachi…

Difference between wrong moral living and wrong moral teachings Some people confuse the two concepts of wrong moral living and wrong moral teaching. If we study scripture carefully, we will realize that right from the beginning God has condemned both wrong moral living and wrong moral teaching. However, we also realized that even so, there has been no period in history when the world has been completely rid of evil or wrong moral living. Abraham, for instance, could not wait patiently for... Read more>>>

Knowing the God you serve: God will forg…

Teacher: Felix Dordaa Mahama Text: {bib=Judith 5:17-21} What if I were God? Would I be able to forgive the many wrongs that people do, even after they confess? When I examine my own thoughts and emotions and when I listen to contributions to the Friday morning toaster programme, I wonder what would happen to us if God were a human; He is so full of mercy and compassion, sometimes I wonder if I were God I would be able to forgive some of... Read more>>>

Respect dignities

When we despise dominion and speak evil of dignities we break the divine pattern and bring a tide of curse upon ourselves and those under our care. As those under our authority behold how we treat those in authority over us, they will become fuelled by the same spirit and start to treat us in a similar manner. Once this spirit enters into a community, that community will burst apart at some point fracturing along personality lines. This is the... Read more>>>

Understanding the book of Acts

Analysis of video condemning water baptism for gentiles(Understanding Acts)   It is very helpful to watch the complete video before reading my comments, so that you can have the full picture. Someone referred me to this video when we were discussing about baptism. The video claims that water baptism is not required by gentiles for salvation. I have analyzed the video and given my thoughts on it. I would have loved to post my comments directly on youtube, but comments have been disabled... Read more>>>

Do I Need to Forgive Others to be Forgiv…

Dear ..., I hope this writeup meets you in good spirits. Unfortunately, we couldn’t complete the discussion we started, so I decided to put my thoughts together in this writeup for you to study. I hope you read this writeup with an open mind. I referred to Matthew 5:21-24, 38-48, Matthew 6:14,15 and Matthew 18:21ff to make the point that unforgiveness is one of the gravest sins, because it actually prevents your other sins from being forgiven. You challenged that a Christian can’t... Read more>>>

Is the Bible the Final Authority?

This article has been inspired by the conflict that exists within Christianity mainly due to the interpretation of the bible (the genuine cases). First of all it is important for us to understand the place of the bible in Christianity before we can properly apply it to Christian spirituality. This article seeks to use the dealings of God with his people Israel, the dealings of Jesus and the apostles with the early Christians, the bible itself and common sense to... Read more>>>

What does God say about your problems?

A personal reflection on 23rd July 2011{bib=2 Kings 19:1-37} (start at {bib=2 Kings 18:13}) OR {bib=Isaiah 36, 37} {bib=2 Kings 19:3} – When you are in grief, do you pick a boyfriend/girlfriend for help; do you consult another god, do you start looking for a way to extort other people, do you throw your hands up in despair?               – When you are in shame do you show your enemies? {bib=2 Kings 19:6} – What are you going through now? Sickness, joblessness, underpayment, frustration... Read more>>>

Who pushed me?

A wealthy man had only one daughter. When the daughter was of marriage age, the father sent news around town that all the eligible young men should come to compete in a test which would determine who was fit to marry his daughter. On the set day, all able-bodied young men came out. Some came with paper and pen and others with cutlasses and swords. The rich man took them to his swimming pool and addressed them:“Any of you who can swim from... Read more>>>

You need to pray

DEAR BELOVED IN CHRIST, GET A LITTLE TIME AND READ AND GOD WILL BLESS YOU, AMEN. BEWARE of the times. You need to:??Pray for forgiveness??Pray for strength??Pray for knowledge ??Pray for wisdom??Pray for insight??Pray for understanding??Pray for strong faith??Pray for grace??Pray for peace??Pray for mercy??Pray for protection??Pray for Holy Ghost direction??Pray for power??Pray for spiritual guidanceso to withstand in all times.Whosoever seeks these but not wealth is founded on a rock.   Read more>>>

The agenda is on - The six stages of soc…

Social Deception very often is a process by which wrong becomes right, and right becomes wrong. It’s a complete paradigm shift of opinions, standards and morals that is achieved softly, subtly and often takes a generation to entrench into society. Those who engineer it are very deliberate and structured in their approach.   If you want to know what I am talking about, find out your mother’s views on things like sexuality and marriage and compare them with yours. The contrast in... Read more>>>

Advice to young girls

The moment you agree to date a married man,you agree to be a second class woman andevery second class person is classified as a person of lower value.Now look at it this way.If he is with you and his wife calls,he lies that he is still in the office or on an official assignment.You dare not interrupt his conversation or quiry him, but you can't call him when he is at home....... My sister you be toy? He sneaks you from... Read more>>>

Who has more followers: God or satan?

Please finish reading before you do anything else right now; read this to the end. My name is God. I know you will give your time to me. I love you and always bless you. I am always with you. I need you to spend 30 minutes of your time with me today. Don't pray. Just praise. Today I want this message across the world. Will you help? Please drop everything & pass it on. Tell the devil you are... Read more>>>

Guarding our social lives to attain spir…

Teaching for Sunday 30th October, 2011Teacher: Felix Dordaa Mahama Text: {bib=John 15:17-19}. We are in the world but we are not of the world What is our social life? The Lord tells us that even though we are in the world we do not belong to the world. Through our brother Paul in {bib=Romans 12:2}, He tells us again that we should not conform to the standards of the world. We live in the world everyday; eating, drinking, sleeping, working and interacting with... Read more>>>

Do not be terrified

Praise the Lord, my soul!O Lord, my God, how great you are!You are clothed with majesty and glory;you cover yourself with light.You have spread out the heavens like a tentand built your home on the waters above.You use the clouds as your chariotand ride on the wings of the wind.You use the winds as your messengers and flashes of lightning as your servants.You have set the earth firmly on its foundations, and it will never be moved. Good day dear one, the God... Read more>>>

There is hope

There is hope for a tree that has been cut down; it can come back to life and sprout. Even though its roots grow old, and its stump dies in the ground, with water it will sprout like a young plant. ({bib=Job14:7-9}). Take heart, the Lord of Hosts is still able, the mighty God of wonders is still at work, the rock of ages is gracious and Jehovah Jire is still providing our needs according to his riches in glory in... Read more>>>

Should transgender people be baptized or…

Report of the Catholic Church's position on baptism of transgender people Recently, there has been a report claiming that the Catholic Church has decided to permit transgender people to be baptized and become godparents. I first read the report on graphic online website, titled "Trans people can be baptised in Catholic church and be godparents, says Vatican," through a link posted on WhatsApp. Though I have not read the original document supposedly released by the Vatican, an online search at the time... Read more>>>