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

Saint of the Day

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

we belong to each other

If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. Mother Teresa

Don't bother about originality

Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it. C. S. Lewis

In the absence of justice

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

Beginning of peace

Peace begins with a smile. Mother Teresa

Education without values

Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil. C. S. Lewis

Our heart is not quiet until it rests in…

Thou hast created us for Thyself, and our heart is not quiet until it rests in Thee. Saint Augustine

In season at all times

Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand. Mother Teresa

Seeking without that wert within

I found thee not, O Lord, without, because I erred in seeking thee without that wert within. Saint Augustine

Charity and wisdom

Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance. Francis of Assisi

Men should wonder at themselves

Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering. Saint Augustine

What does love look like?

What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like. Saint Augustine

Man is a great depth

Who can map out the various forces at play in one soul? Man is a great depth, O Lord. The hairs of his head are easier by far to count than his feeling, the movements of his heart. Saint Augustine

Our life of poverty

Our life of poverty is as necessary as the work itself. Only in heaven will we see how much we owe to the poor for helping us to love God better because of them. Mother Teresa

God's love

God loves each of us as if there were only one of us. Saint Augustine

It is in giving that we receive

For it is in giving that we receive. Francis of Assisi

I feel angry when I see waste

There must be a reason why some people can afford to live well. They must have worked for it. I only feel angry when I see waste. When I see people throwing away things that we could use. Mother Teresa

He that is jealous is not in love

He that is jealous is not in love. Saint Augustine

Aim at heaven

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

The unexamined life

The unexamined life is not worth living. Socrates

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Yr B. Jan 14, 2024.

Readings
1st: I Sam 3:3b-10, 19
2nd: II Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20
Gospel: Jn 1:35-42

Theme: God knows you and where you are

My dear people of God, today is Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Yr B. Sadly, we were not all able to accompany the Magi in memory on last Sunday (Epephany) on their long, winding, frightening but well determined journey in search of the Infant King Jesus. Similarly, we couldn't meet on Monday to witness the First public appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ as he celebrated his Baptism in the Jordan River administered by his own cousin, John the Baptist. Death, that uninvited but inevitable and self-imposed "guest", visited my family (again), hit me where it hurts most, swept me off my feet and I had to tearfully go on my knees in humility. Bro George, the family dedicates this write-up to you. Please bring our greetings to Solomon Debuo (our last born) Catherine Debuo (our Mom) Grace Debuo (our daughter-in-law) and the two innocent infants who never experienced the warmth of the family before suffering their painful fate. We would miss all of you but we hope to meet you (and all those who went before you) at the Resurrection where all our ceaseless tears would be wiped away permanently. Nothing can seperate us from the love of God, not even death.

Our reflections would take a brief look at how God knows our location and constantly seeks after us. God knows you and is constantly aware of where you are. Both our First Reading and the Gospel attest to this fact. Meanwhile, it is fair to admit and acknowledge the humility of Eli and John the Baptist in their ardent quest to introduce, guide and lead people to a personal discovery and experience of God. We see the counterparts of the ignorant Samuel in our First Reading of today in the first two disciples of Jesus in today's gospel. The author of our First Reading carefully presents Eli as one who does not claim to know all or one who will take the place and/or honor of a call coming from a superior voice. "I did not call you. Go and sleep......(3x)...when He calls again say, 'Speak Lord, (NOT speak, Eli) your servant is listening'". In our gospel we see, as usual, John the Baptist, like Eli, pointing beyond himself. Both Eli and John the Baptist know that to speak to "their ignorant followers" (Samuel and the first two disciples of Jesus) in such a blunt language will constitute a direct invitation for them to leave and transfer their loyalty to a new and greater teacher, yet they both do. We can say, without an iota of doubt, that there is no jealously in both mentors - Eli & John the Baptist. There is no harder task than to take the second place when once the first place was enjoyed. It is awasome that as soon as Jesus emerges on the scene John has no other thought than to lead and guide people to him. Eli will do same when the boy Samuel grows up and the Lord is with him and will let not a single word of his (Samuel's) fall to the ground. We are often too quick to claim and complain, "I made him who he is but today he is.......". Yes that is quite true and can be painful and disappointing but also remember that someone (God) too made you who you are but today and everyday everywhere you are........ It is so sad that the eye can never see itself.

In that casual but cordial interaction between Jesus and the two disciples we see a symbol of divine initiative. It is always God who takes the first steps because "He knows us and where we are". When the human mind begins to seek and the heart begins to long eagerly, God comes to meet us far more than half way. God does not leave us to search and search untill we come to him. God comes out to meet us because He knows us and where we are. As St. Augustine puts it so beautifully, we could not even have begun to seek God unless He has already found us. Therefore, we don't go to God as if He is hiding somewhere to be searched for; we go to God as one who stands waiting for us and He even takes the initiative by coming to meet us far more than half way. Jesus asks the two disciples the most fundamental question in life, "What are you looking for? It would be very well if every now and again we ask ourselves that most fundamental question, "What am I lookibg for?, "What is my aim and goal?, "What am l really trying to get out of life?" Is it security, power, money, fame, a partner, job, fruit of the womb, health of body and mind, is it peace that you are looking for, etc? Jesus' answer is still as relevant for you and I even at our own time and in our own situations as it was to the two disciples, "Come and see". By this answer Jesus not only invite them to come and merely talk but to come and find things out that He alone can reveal. They go and see where Jesus lives and spend the whole day with Him, listening to Him and finding things out for themselves. At our time the traditional Benediction/Adoration is poorly patronised, talking about personal visits to the Blessed Sacrament by individuals and groups, the least said the best. What is even more worrying is that people habitually attend Mass very late and are often the ones to leave, even before the final blessing by the priests. God is waiting to meet you today in Church and to give you grace to find out things for yourself. May grace and mercy locate you as you go to Church today and always and to patiently allow His word to speak to you. Never be in a hurry because God has not finished speaking to you yet. May the soul of George K. Debuo and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Continue to pray the Holy Rosary daily. God richly bless you and your family

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

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>>>

The Lord's prayer

Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. OR Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give... Read more>>>

A brief history of the Holy Rosary and h…

What is the rosary? The angel Gabriel’s greeting to Mary, when he came to announce the conception of Jesus, is familiar to most Catholics. It is echoed in one of the most popular Catholic prayers, the Hail Mary (in Latin, Ave Maria): “Hail, [Mary,] favoured one [or ‘full of grace’]! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28). The words that follow in that prayer also come from Scripture, from Elizabeth’s greeting to our Lady soon afterward: “Blessed are you among women, and... Read more>>>

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>>>

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>>>

Glory be to the Father ...

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen.   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>>>

About the Faith Outreach Ministry

Introduction to the Faith Outreach Ministry “But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 Background information on the Faith Outreach Ministry Basis of the Faith Outreach Ministry In 1991 the Catholic Charismatic Renewal organised a Life in the Spirit Seminars (LSS) program for some members, and as the Lord promised in Acts 1:8, He poured... 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>>>

Marriage Software

This is what a guy wrote to a Systems Analyst -(Marriage Software Div); Dear Systems Analyst, I am desperate for some help! I recently upgraded my program from Girlfriend 7.0 to Wife 1.0 and found that the new program began unexpected Child Processing and also took up a lot of space and valuable resources. This wasn't mentioned in the product brochure. In addition Wife 1.0 installs itself into all other programs and launches during systems initialization and then it monitors all other system... 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>>>

The unchangeable changer

The Israelites left Egypt with jewelry and clothes they didn't buy. May our enemies look on as we advance in wealth and health miraculously because the unchangeable changer and the great I AM is our God and his name and power is our solace. Cosmas Nanyaa   Read more>>>

The rotten generation

 Aaah! Oooh!I can smell the smokeThe smoke of the burning generationGeneration of darkness and crimeDark, deep, deeper than the bottomless pit   This rotten generationMakes my heart bleedI am filled with sorrow about how morality Is being thrown away Like a piece of cloth wrapped around the waist Aah! What a generation of it-doesn’t-matter   This rotten generationPursues the youth with its rotten fingersCapture them, harden their hearts like stonesThe youth no more see the light Jesus Christ has become deviant crime Drugs and... Read more>>>

Prevailing prayers

Greetings My dear brothers and sisters, I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith and the sustainer of all living beings. Today I want us to look at the subject of prayer and its place in the life of a believer. What is prayer? Prayer is a communication, and the kind that takes place between God and the believer. In fact prayer is the meeting point between divinity and... Read more>>>

Pursue Your Strengths

God has equipped each one of us with specific gifts and talents. It’s up to each of us to identify those gifts and be disciplined enough to develop them. You have to learn to stay in your strength zone. What are you naturally good at? What do you enjoy doing? Take the time to identify your strengths and weaknesses, and as the Scripture says, give yourself to your gifts. In other words, don’t spend all your time trying to improve... Read more>>>

Short memory

One of the most painful things in this world is when people you helped in the past later decide to work against you. So many people have vowed never to do anything to help others again because of the ungratefulness of some people they once helped. Our world is really full of people with selective short memory. They only remember the bad you once did against them but quickly forget the good you did for them. Joseph was a man God... 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>>>

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>>>

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>>>