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

Saint of the Day

Preach the Gospel at all times

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

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 desire is thy prayers

The desire is thy prayers; and if thy desire is without ceasing, thy prayer will also be without ceasing. The continuance of your longing is the continuance of your prayer. 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

True wisdom

True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us. Socrates

Intense love does not measure

Intense love does not measure, it just gives. Mother Teresa

Pride of a false knowledge

Don't be proud of a false knowledge that there is no God when you are not God.   Felix Dordaa Mahama

I gave in

I gave in, and admitted that God was God. C. S. Lewis

Source of the deadliest hate

From the deepest desires often come the deadliest hate. Socrates

Progress

We all want progress, but if you're on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive. C. S. Lewis

Worth of the bible

A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education. Theodore Roosevelt

God dispenses beauty even to the wicked

Beauty is indeed a good gift of God; but that the good may not think it a great good, God dispenses it even to the wicked. Saint Augustine

In the absence of justice

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

Feed the poor

If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one. Mother Teresa

You can't get a cup of tea big enou…

You can't get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.   C. S. Lewis

The cause makes the martyr

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

Be faithful in small things

Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. Mother Teresa

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

Two kinds of people

There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, 'All right, then, have it your way.' C. S. Lewis

EASTER - Yr B, March 30 (Vigil) & 31 (1st Sunday), 2024

Readings - Vigil
1st: Genesis 1:2-2:2
2nd: Genesis 22:1-18
3rd: Exodus 14:15-15:1
4th: Is 54:5-14
5th: Isaiah 55:2-11 Is
6th: Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4
7th: Ezekiel 36:16-17, 18-28
8th: Romans 6:3-11
Gospel: Mark 16:1-7

First Sunday
1st: Acts 10:34a, 37-43
2nd: Colosians 3:1-4
Gospel: John 20:1-9

Theme: The Empty Tomb/Resurrection (Easter) for you and I

My dear people of God, the family that endures together should also rejoice together. "If we die with Christ we shall rise with Him" and, therefore, rejoice with Him. We began our 40-day Lenten pilgrimage with the humble signing of Blessed ashes on Ask Wednesday and plunged earnestly into a solemn and sober reflection and self mortification through Prayer, Penace and Works of Mercy (charity) for forty days. Traditionally, Lent ends with the Lord's Last Supper and urshers us into the Tridium - the (3 days) events of the Pascal Mysteries - the Arrest, Trial and Crucifixion of Jesus with a Salvivic culmination - The Empty Tomb storry, Easter. Therefore, we begin the solemn season of Easter with the Vigil Mass tonight. Easter brings to perfection the saving works of Salvation God has begun in each one of us as individuals and as a Faith Community. The carefully selected readings of the Vigil Mass vividly recall how God continuously saves his people throughout history and, in the fulness of time, sends his only Begotten Son to save and redeem the world by His Holy Cross, the Tree of Life. It is safe, therefore, to assert that the Cross and the Resurrection are inseparably linked. Take away the Cross (Calvary) and there would be no Resurrection and, therefore, no Christianity. What this means is that, any road that does not necessarily pass through Calvary to the Empty Tomb is fake, totally misleading and very dangerous. Many a follower of Christ at our time want a Crown without a Cross, a genuine success void of great sweat. There can never be a short cut or wide gate to the Empty Tomb. An anonymous author once joked, " No one goes to heaven with dry eyes". Our reflections would focus on the Theme - A limited attempt to answering the question, "What is the meaning of the Empty Tomb/Resurrection, from personal experience? We shall do this under sub themes.

The Empty Tomb simply means evil cannot reign forever, neither can it have the final say in any human affair. Easter is an assurance that love has outlived hatred, life is stronger than death and that darkness and Light cannot co-exist for any reason. This is what we usually see and experience when we follow the Pascal Candle from the bonfire into the "dark, seemingly deserted and symbolically desolate Church". The arrival and entrance of the priest carrying the Pascal Candle - Christ the Light - into the Church puts darkness to flight, to the glory of God. Temporarily, evil/darkness may appear to thrive because, by its very nature, evil appears very attractive and can win supporters with relative ease. The Good Friday unprecedented events confirm this fact - for the first time in human history the whole world was against one man just because He stood for nothing but the truth/light. In the process of planning and/or supporting evil, reasoning powers are usually badly incapacitated and the natural ability to think and see straight fall miserably below zero percent. This is verifiable from the blind and uncritical support the so-called religious and political leaders got from the ordinary masses on that concerted plan and call to crucify Jesus. Eventually the Empty Tomb points to how the baseless hatred and calculated lies all came to nothing. Throughout that orchestrated process, no one could reason beyond the fabricated public opinion, no one could think critically and no one could see with and/or through neutral lenses. This, unfortunately, is still the world we live in, after almost 2024 years of Christianity. People easily believe in everything, prepared to follow anybody and ready to do anything. The Empty Tomb also implies that Truth cannot be buried, forever. Bury truth and it would resurrect third (one) day. What is refreshing is the fact that even the calculated and presumed weight of the stone could not prevent the Resurrection.

Given the above undeniable fact, the thought of the Empty Tomb should be an uninterrupted source of hope and joy. "If God is with us, who can be against us", "For He so loves the world that He gives His only Begotten Son that whoever believes in Him may not perish, but may have eternal life". "And while we were still sinners, Jesus died to save us". Therefore, a sad Christian is a living contradiction to the Empty Tomb message - Gospel, Good News. Yes, we are sinners, but now freed. A freed slave has no reason to remain sad and gloomy. Shockingly, some Christians leave Church looking so sad, dismal and facially worried as if they are carrying the burdens of the whole world; as if it pains them more to smile than to frown. Cheer up, my sister/brother, you are a winner in the Risen Christ. Your problem or burden cannot be bigger than the STONE. This ONE too shall pass. The Resurrection cannot mean nothing to you. May Divine Mercy locate you and every member of your family wherever you are during and beyond this great season of grace. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you; because, by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. Please, 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, Ghana. ( 0244511306 / 0243711926)

The different world of blurred future of…

The world is more than rotten The world has changed completely into what I can’t describe. Will I say rotten? Oh no, it will be an understatement. Some youth say, “We are in the 21st century.” Some also say, “We are the future leaders.” Other youth say, “We are civilised.” Still, others say, “Computer children.” Indeed this twenty-first century has changed. Things are now upside down, which has made the road to righteousness very rough for the youth and difficult to... Read more>>>

In praise of the Lord

Who is it that visits the hot sun without getting burnt?Who else but the Lord of power Who is it that visits the cold moon without being frozen?Who else but the Lord of might Who is it that confines the seas with His hands?Who else but the Lord, the creator of the heavens and the earth Who is it that tames lions?Who else but the Lord Who is it that the winds obey?Who else but the Lord Who is it that waves obey?Who else but... 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>>>

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>>>

Marriage is like FUFU preparation!

In fufu making, we basically use two crops- CASSAVA AND PLANTAIN!In marriage making, it involves two people- MAN AND WOMAN! Two different people are being put together to live as one.The cassava comes from the GROUND; the plantain comes from ABOVE! Two different people with different backgrounds are to live together as one.The cassava is always dirty but the plantain always enjoys the washing by rain water and the direct brightness of the sun.Don't expect your spouse to be like you! Your... Read more>>>

The Apostles' creed

I believe in God, The Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to judge the... 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>>>

Hail Mary ...

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. OR Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of... 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>>>

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>>>

Reckoning my past as loss for the sake o…

Three days fasting and prayers -28th - 30th May, 2008Teacher: Felix Dordaa Mahama Text: {bib=Philippians 3:7-9} Background of St. Paul St. Paul was a Pharisee. He was a scholar well respected. He had the right to be called a Jew and to be hailed by his own people and by other people. Everyone loves uniqueness and the Israelites were unique; and St. Paul could choose to hold on to this uniqueness without caring about the rest of the world.  He could choose to stick to... 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>>>

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>>>

Auto-panic

It is as if most human beings are configured to be automatically  afraid whenever there are challenges. This auto-panic device makes even some Holy Spirit filled Christians to cry out, complain and wish for a return to their former ways of life when they go through a test.  In fact, when this auto-panic device is activated, it automatically uninstalls any faith application. Therefore, at this stage, anxiety, fear, worry, hopelessness, dejection etc. begin to control such a person. The people of... Read more>>>

The art of quiet time: prayer

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. May the grace and peace of God be in your heart. Friends, in {bib=Luke 22:39-46}, Jesus admonished us to keep watch and pray so as to avoid trial. Beloved, there will at some point in your life be a moment of trial, but at those times you need strength from above just as in the case of Jesus. ({bib=Luke 22:43}) Importance of prayer Dear friends, prayer... 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>>>

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>>>

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>>>

Pack your things and give them to me to …

Drama this Morning:  My wife and I were having a serious quarrel when I said to her, "Pack your things and ...." At that moment her phone rang, so I had to stop for her to receive the call. It was her dad. The phone was on speaker so I could hear what he was saying. After the usual pleasantries between father and daughter, he said: "my daughter, I have transferred $1,000,000 into your account, give your husband $500,000 out... 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>>>