Reflections | 20th May 2013

In the first reading we read about how Jesus came down the Mount of Transfiguration and delivered a child from the power of the Devil. It is important to note that Jesus was not happy that His disciples could not get the job done. He said: O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. (Mark 9:19)

In Christ every believer has the power of heal sickness and cast out demons. The Bible says that we are raised together with Christ and we sit together with Him far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. (Ephesians 1:21-22) All authority in heaven and earth has been given to us in Christ. (Matthew 28:18-20)

It is important as followers of Christ that we exercise our Authority and deliver the people in our community from their sicknesses. Let us pray today that God will teach us how to use our Authority in Christ and make usable for His Kingdom in Jesus Name. Amen.

Also Watch: DTH by Curry Blake

Why it is ok for Catholic priests to marry!

Pope Francis suggested in an interview last year that the Catholic Church's rule that priests be celibate "can change" and admitted he was tempted by a woman as a young seminarian. (Read | Pope Francis spoke of being 'dazzled' by girl, possible change of celibacy Rule)

In this post I would like to talk about why I think it is ok for priests, bishops and deacons to marry. 

Paul said: Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. (1 Corinthians 7:2) For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn with passion. (1 Corinthians 7:7-9) 

Paul tells us that God gives few people the gift and anointing to be celibate. He instructed the remaining who did not have this gift to be marry rather than burn with passion. 

Paul gave the qualifications of church leaders in his letter to Timothy. He said: This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; (1 Timothy 3:1-7) 

Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. (1 Timothy 3:8-12) 

In his letter to Titus, Paul said: For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. (Titus 1:5-9) 

Based on these scriptures, I believe priests, bishops and deacons should be given the free-will to marry or not to marry. They should also meet the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-12 and Titus 1:5-9

Paul warned Timothy and I believe, it is safe to take this as a warning to us as well: Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. (1 Timothy 4:1-3)

Reflections | Sunday, 19th May 2013

I believe that this Sunday's theme is the Holy Spirit. 

In the Gospel reading Jesus breathed on His disciples and said: Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone's sins, they are forgiven; if you retain anyone's sins, they are retained. (John 20:22-23) 

I believe it was at this moment that the disciples received the New Birth. When God made Man, He breathed into him Life. (Genesis 2:7) Similarly when you are born again, God breathes into you New Life. (John 20:22) (2 Corinthians 5:17) In the Gospel reading we understand the work of the Holy Spirit at the time of salvation. 

In the first reading God teaches us about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The work of the Holy Spirit at the time of Salvation and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit are two separate events in the life of a believer. At the time of Salvation when we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ the Holy Spirit comes upon us and regenerates us in our Spirit. (Titus 3:5) But, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is when God gives us the power to be a witness. The scriptures say: 

And being assembled together with them, He (Jesus) commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Acts 1:4-5)

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

The Holy Spirit gives us power to be a witness. When a person comes to Christ and is saved there is this peace and joy that settles in. Many receive physical and mental healing. Many are refreshed with new hope. Many begin to walk in the light of complete forgiveness and are set free from religious bondage. That is when Christians want to tell others about what God has done for them. (Mark 7:36) They just cannot hold themselves back. This is when you need the Baptism of the Holy Spirit more than anything else. I am sure when the disciples saw the risen Christ they could not wait to tell everybody about what they had seen and believed. But Jesus Christ commanded them to wait. 

This is what God says: I know you are excited about your New Life in Christ. I know you want to tell everybody. But wait for the Promise of the Father, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:4-5) I will give you power to be my witness. 

God not only wants us to be His Witness, he also wants to give us His power and might to do it.

The power that God gives us through the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is in the form of gifts and ministries. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; (Ephesians 4:11-13)

We see that there are many gifts and ministries and the Holy Spirit gives them to those who believe freely. The scripture also tells us to earnestly desire the best gifts. (1 Corinthians 12:31). Every gift is for the profit of all. (1 Corinthians 12:7). It is not necessary that you operate only in one gift or ministry. You could also be operating in multiple gifts and ministries in the same day. 

Most of all, you will be very effective when witnessing to others because it is no longer your power but the power of God working through you. I freely operate in the ministry of teaching, the gift of different kind of tongues and the gift of prophecy. There are times when I might operate in other gifts as well. 

When you begin to operate in the power of the Holy Spirit witnessing becomes more effective and powerful. (1 Corinthians 2:4) 

(Also read | Baptism of the Holy Spirit - 1 | Baptism of the Holy Spirit - 2 | Speaking in Tongues)

Reflections | 18th May 2013

In the first reading we read about how Paul dwelt for two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 28:31) 

I was talking to the Lord one evening and I asked Him: What should I teach to your people?

The Lord said to me: Teach them about my Kingdom and the finished work of Christ.

It dawned on me that evening that all my messages to His people should always be focused on the Kingdom of God, Jesus Christ and him Crucified. 

In this post I would like talk about how the Kingdom of God takes care of its citizens. (Philippians 3:20) | Taken from The Kingdom of God by Brother Krish Fernandez

In some developed countries when a person does not have a job, the government takes care of their basic needs. In some countries the government will also give them a house with a TV connection. If a government on earth can do so much for its people, much more does the Kingdom of God do for its citizens. In the Kingdom of God, God is able to provide for all his children in abundance (Matthew 6:33) and it is also His will to make every citizen of His Kingdom very rich. (Proverbs 10:22)

When you are born-again and enter the Kingdom of God, God becomes your provider and SOURCE. In most cases I have seen that God wants to provide far greater than we want to receive. God wanted to give the Israelites a land flowing with milk and honey. (Leviticus 20:24) The word 'milk' here refers to basic necessities while the word 'honey' refers to an abundance of luxury items. I believe God always wants to give His citizens both basic necessities as well as luxury items. 

The Bible says: “So it shall be, when the Lord your God brings you into the land of which He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build, houses full of all good things, which you did not fill, hewn-out wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant—

The Israelites did not enter into the promise of God because they did not mix what they heard with faith. (Hebrews 4:2) 

It is my prayer that you will not limit God. God wants you to be a person who can lend to nations. (Deuteronomy 28:12) He wants to bless the works of your hands so much that your nation will look at you and say: You have become mightier than us. (Genesis 26:12-16) And after that God wants to bless you still more. (Psalms 115:14)

It is only when we believe God and like Mary say- Let it be to me according to your word. (Luke 1:38) that God can bring these things to pass in our lives. Selah.

Reflections | 17th May 2013

In the Gospel reading Jesus said to Peter: Feed My lambs; Tend My sheep and Feed My sheep. (John 21:15-19) The message of Peter to the Church can be seen in His Epistles. In this post I want to dwell on one statement that Peter made to the Church in his first Epistle. Peter said: Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you (1 Peter 1:9-10) Peter by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit reminds the Church in this verse about the Grace that has come to them through their faith in Jesus Christ. 

In the book of Acts, Paul referred to the Gospel that he preached as the Gospel of the Grace of God. (Acts 20:24). 

The One and Only gospel | Taken from EscapeToReality

The gospel of grace is the gospel and there is no other. This gospel is built, not on a doctrine or a theology, but on Jesus Christ himself:

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth … From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (Jn 1:14, 16-17)

Whenever you read the word “grace” in the Bible, you can substitute the name “Jesus.” Jesus is grace personified. What does the grace of God look like? It looks like Jesus. What does the grace of God sound like? It sounds like Jesus. How do we know that God is gracious? He gave us Jesus who is full of grace and truth. So when Paul refers to the gospel of grace in Acts 20, he means exactly the same thing as when he and others refer to the gospel of Christ or the gospel of God or the gospel of his Son or the gospel of peace in other places. All of these gospels reveal the One who is called Grace, who was given to us out of the fullness of the Father’s grace, and through whom we have received grace upon grace.

What is the gospel of grace?

Paul summarized the gospel of grace in his letter to the Corinthians:

“Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time… (1 Cor 15:1-6)

What are the four most important bits of the gospel message according to its most prolific preacher? They are that; (i) Christ died for our sins as foretold in the Scriptures, (ii) he was buried, (iii) he was raised as the prophets foretold, and (iv) he appeared in resurrection to many.

The gospel is 100% good news!

On the cross Jesus became our sin offering, taking our punishment and securing our eternal forgiveness. He died so that we might live, he was wounded that we might be healed, and he was cursed so that we might be blessed. Jesus forged a new covenant in his blood, exchanging our sinfulness for his righteousness. His miraculous return from death confirmed that Jesus was God’s Son, just as he said he was. It also showed that the demands of justice had been fully satisfied and that no further payment was necessary. As Derek Prince famously preached in The Divine Exchange, Jesus’ death on the cross was “perfectly perfect and completely complete.” There is nothing more that needs to be done.

Do you believe it?

The gospel is good news whether you believe it or not, but it will only save you if you believe it. As Paul declared to the Corinthians, “by this gospel are you saved.” Again, by which gospel are you saved? By the gospel of God’s grace:

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Eph 2:8-9)

The gospel is not just for sinners

The gospel is no mere message. It is heaven’s cure for the world’s woes. And we can be fully confident that God’s cures are effective! Those who put their faith in his goodness and grace experience salvation power in all its fullness – victory over sin, healing from sickness, freedom from oppression.

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes…” (Rms 1:16)

The gospel is not just good news for the sinner. It is good news for the sick, the prisoner and the poor. It’s even good news for Christians. Today many sincere Christians are bound up in the dead works of performance-oriented religion. Their joylessness and lack of fruit testifies that they have forgotten the good news of God’s grace.

What are the works of grace?

Someone once asked Jesus, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”

“Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the One he has sent.’” (Jn 6:29)

The greatest thing you can do is believe the good news of God’s grace revealed in the One he has sent. Believe that because of what Jesus has done, you are forgiven, you have been clothed with his righteousness, and you have been adopted into his family. When you say “Yes!” to Jesus, he moves into your life and you become one with him in spirit. On the inside, you now look exactly like Jesus and your status before God is “perfect forever” (Heb 10:14).

But your outside still needs work. Your mind needs to be renewed. Your body may need fixing. Your relationships may need mending. Your neighbors and workmates probably need saving. And God’s plan is to bring heaven to your corner of the world through you.

God has empowered you through his Spirit and the precious promises of his word to fulfill the gospel mandate. We do not need to hunker down and ask God to give us things. We just need to believe that through Christ we already have everything we need to get the job done (Eph 1:3, 2 Pet 1:3).

“Working out your salvation” means discovering who you are in Christ, taking risks for Jesus, and ministering in his power and authority. It means representing Jesus and his cross-wrought victory in areas where sins’ effects are still being felt. When you shine with Jesus-light, darkness flees and the dominion of the king is enlarged. Sin, sickness and poverty are put under his feet when you put them under your feet. We complete the mission the same way we started – by trusting in God’s amazing grace:

“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” (1 Cor 15:10, NKJV)

Which gospel are you listening to?

Take care that the gospel you are listening to is the gospel of grace. As Paul warned the Galatians, anything which adds to or detracts from the good news of God’s grace, is a distortion or perversion of the true gospel (Gal 1:6-7). In Part 2 of this study, we will look at some of the ways the gospel of grace gets distorted.

Also Read: Grace the Power of the Gospel

The Reformed Catholic Mass

This is how I believe the Mass should be conducted in the Catholic Church in the light of all the Revelation that God has given His people in the past Century.

INTRODUCTORY RITES

[stand]

Entrance Procession:

[After the people have assembled, an opening song or entrance antiphon is sung or recited as the priest and the ministers enter the church and process to the altar

Greeting:.

Priest: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. [All together make the sign of the cross.]

All: Amen.

Priest: The Lord is with you.

All: And also with you.

[The priest or another minister may then briefly introduce the Mass of the day, saying something about the readings, the feast, and/or the special occasion being celebrated.]

Penitential Rite:

Priest: As we prepare to celebrate the mystery of Christ's love, let us acknowledge our RIGHTEOUSNESS and ask the Lord TO GIVE US A SPIRIT OF WISDOM AND REVELATION IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST

or My brothers and sisters, to prepare ourselves to celebrate THIS SERVICE, let us call to mind THE ABUNDANCE OF GOD'S GRACE AND THE GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.

[or similar words of introduction, followed by a period of silent reflection.]

All: BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS ARE FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS ARE COVERED;

BLESSED IS THE MAN TO WHOM THE LORD SHALL NOT IMPUTE SIN. (Romans 4:7-8)

TO HIM WHO LOVED US AND WASHED US FROM OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BLOOD AND HAS MADE US KINGS AND PRIESTS TO HIS GOD AND FATHER, TO HIM BE GLORY AND DOMINION FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN. (Revelations 1:5-6)

Priest: BELOVED, I PRAY THAT YOU MAY PROSPER IN ALL THINGS AND BE IN GOOD HEALTH EVEN AS YOUR SOUL PROSPERS. (1 John 3:2)

Kyrie:

[The following acclamations are sung or recited, either in English or Greek]

Priest: O, GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD OF LORDS. All: FOR HIS MERCY ENDURES FOREVER

Priest: O, GIVE THANKS TO THE GOD OF GODS. All: FOR HIS MERCY ENDURES FOREVER

Priest: O, GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD OF LORDS. All: FOR HIS MERCY ENDURES FOREVER

Gloria:

All: Glory to God in the highest, 

and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father,

we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, 

Lord God, Lamb of God,

you TOOK away the sin of the world: YOUR MERCY ENDURES FOREVER;

you are seated at the right hand of the Father: YOUR ALWAYS HEAR OUR PRAYERS.

For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,

You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,

with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Opening Prayer:

Priest: Let us pray.

THE GOD OF GLORY GIVE US A SPIRIT OF WISDOM AND REVELATION IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST,

THE EYES OF OUR UNDERSTANDING BEING ENLIGHTENED, THAT WE MAY KNOW WHAT IS THE HOPE OF YOUR CALLING, WHAT ARE THE RICHES OF THE GLORY OF YOUR INHERITANCE IN US,

AND WHAT IS THE EXCEEDING GREATNESS OF YOUR POWER TOWARDS US WHO BELIEVE IN JESUS NAME. AMEN (Ephesians 1:17-19)

All: Amen.[sit]

LITURGY OF THE WORD

First Reading:

Lector: A reading from the Book (or Letter, or Acts) of ... 

[Different readings are prescribed for each day.

At the end of the reading, the lector proclaims, and the people respond:]

Lector: The Word of the Lord. 

All: Thanks be to God!

Responsorial Psalm:

[The choir and/or cantor sing or recite the psalm; the people join in the repeated response.] 

Second Reading:

[A second reading is prescribed for all Sundays and major feasts, but not for most weekdays or minor feasts. 

The lector's introduction and conclusion and the people's response are the same as in the First Reading, above.] 

[stand]

Alleluia or Gospel Acclamation:

Choir or Cantor: Alleluia! All repeat: Alleluia!

Choir or Cantor: [verse] All repeat: Alleluia!

Gospel:

Before the Gospel Proclamation:

Deacon (or Priest): The Lord IS with you. All: And also with you.

Deacon (or Priest): A reading from the Holy Gospel according to... [Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John]

All: Glory to you, Lord!

After the Gospel Proclamation:

Deacon (or Priest): The Gospel of the Lord. 

All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!

[sit]

Homily:

[The bishop, priest, or deacon then speaks to the people, usually focusing on that day's scriptures and/or on the feast or special occasion being celebrated at that Mass; but the homily may also be based on any liturgical text from the Mass.]

[stand]

Profession of Faith:

[On Sundays and solemnities, the Nicene Creed is normally recited by everyone after the homily. The Apostles' Creed may be used instead, esp. in celebrations of Masses with children.]

NICENE CREED:

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, 

maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen. 

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, 

eternally begotten of the Father, 

God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, 

begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father. 

Through him all things were made. 

For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven: 

by the power of the Holy Spirit 

he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered, died, and was buried.

On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures;

he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,

and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, 

who proceeds from the Father and the Son. 

With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. 

He has spoken through the Prophets. 

We believe in THE KINGDOM OF GOD
We acknowledge one baptism TO DECLARE the remission of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead, 

and the life of the world to come. Amen. 

APOSTLES' CREED:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, 

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit

and born of the Virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again.

He ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the KINGDOM OF GOD

the RIGHTEOUSNESS of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting.

Amen.

General Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful:

Lector: …let us pray to the Lord. 

All: Lord, YOU ALWAYS HEAR OUR PRAYER. [or a similar response, repeated after each petition][sit]

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST

Presentation of the Gifts / Preparation of the Altar:

Priest: Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this bread to offer, which earth has given and human hands have made. It REMINDS US OF THE BODY OF CHRIST THAT WAS BROKEN FOR US.

All: Blessed be God for ever.

Priest: Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this wine to offer, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. It REMINDS US OF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST, THE BLOOD OF THE NEW COVENANT, THAT WAS SHED FOR US AND FOR ALL, THAT SINS MAY BE FORGIVEN.

All: Blessed be God for ever.

[stand]

Priest: LET US THANK GOD, my brothers and sisters, FOR THE SACRIFICE OF HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON JESUS CHRIST ON THE CROSS OF CALVARY

All: MAY WE PARTAKE OF ALL THAT HAS BEEN OBTAINED FOR US IN AND THROUGH THE SACRIFICE OF JESUS CHRIST for the praise and glory of his name,

for our good, and the good of all his Church.

Eucharistic Prayer:

Preface Dialogue:

Priest: The Lord IS with you. All: And also with you.

Priest: Lift up your hearts. All: We lift them up to the Lord.

Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God. All: It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Holy, Holy (Sanctus): 

All: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,

Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

Memorial Acclamation:

Priest: Let us proclaim the mystery of faith: 

All: A - Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.

or B - Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory.

or C - When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, until you come in glory.

or D - Lord, by your cross and resurrection, you have set us free. You are the Savior of the World.

Doxology and Great Amen:

Priest: Through him, with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, almighty Father, for ever and ever.

All: Amen! [may be sung more than once]

[stand]

COMMUNION RITE

Lord's Prayer:

Priest: Let us pray with confidence to the Father:

All: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

GRANT US ACCORDING TO THE RICHES YOUR GLORY TO BE STRENGTHENED WITH MIGHT THROUGH YOUR SPIRIT IN THE INNER MAN

THAT CHRIST MAY DWELL IN OUR HEARTS THROUGH FAITH, THAT WE BEING ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN LOVE , 

MAY BE ABLE TO COMPREHEND WITH ALL THE SAINTS WHAT IS THE WIDTH AND LENGTH AND DEPTH AND HEIGHT-

TO KNOW THE LOVE OF CHRIST WHICH PASSES KNOWLEDGE; THAT WE MAY BE FILLED WITH ALL THE FULLNESS OF GOD

NOW UNTO TO HIM WHO IS ABLE TO DO EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY ABOVE ALL THAT WE ASK OR THINK, ACCORDING TO THE POWER THAT WORKS IN US, 

TO HIM BE GLORY IN THE CHURCH BY CHRIST JESUS THROUGHOUT ALL AGES, WORLD WITHOUT END. IN JESUS NAME. AMEN. (Ephesians 3:16-21)

Priest: RENEW OUR MINDS, LORD and grant us peace in our day. SET OUR MINDS ON THINGS ABOVE AND NOT ON THINGS OF THE EARTH (Colossians 3:1-3) as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

All: For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever.

Sign of Peace:

Priest: Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles: I leave you peace, my peace I give you. ESTABLISH THE faith of your Church THROUGH YOUR WORD, and grant us the peace and unity of your kingdom where you live for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

Priest: The Peace of the Lord be with you always. 

All: And also with you.

Deacon or Priest: Let us offer each other a sign of peace.

[The ministers and all the people exchange an embrace, handshake, or other appropriate gesture of peace with those near them, according to local custom.]

Breaking of the Bread:

All: Lamb of God, you TOOK AWAY OUR SINS, YOUR MERCY ENDURES FOREVER.

Lamb of God, you TOOK AWAY OUR SINS, YOUR LOVE ENDURES FOREVER.

Lamb of God, you TOOK away the sins of the world: YOU ARE THE PROPITIATION FOR OUR SINS AND NOT FOR OURS ONLY BUT ALSO FOR THE WORLD WORD. (1 John 2:1-2)

Communion:

Priest: This IS DONE IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE Lamb of God who TOOK away YOUR SINS. Happy are YOU who are called to his supper.

All: Lord, AS I PARTAKE OF THIS SUPPER MAY I PARTAKE OF ALL THE BLESSINGS THAT ARE MINE IN AND THROUGH THE SACRIFICE OF JESUS CHRIST IN JESUS NAME. AMEN.

BREAD AND WINE IS SHARED AMONG THE CONGREGATION

Communion Song:

[During the reception of Communion, an appropriate song is sung, or at least a short "Communion Antiphon" is recited.]

[sit] 

Period of Silence or Song of Praise:

[When the distribution of Communion is completed, there may be a period of silence for individual prayer, or a psalm or song of praise may be sung. 

[stand]

Prayer after Communion:

Priest: Let us pray.

[All pray in silence for a while, unless a period of silence has already been observed. Then the priest sings or says the Prayer after Communion, which is different for each Mass. At the end, the people proclaim their consent.]

All: Amen.

[Announcements, etc.]:

[If there are any announcements, acknowledgements, reflections these are best included here, after the Prayer after Communion and before the Concluding Rite.

The people may remain standing, or may be invited to sit, depending on the length of the announcements or activity.]

CONCLUDING RITE

[stand]

Greeting:

Priest: The Lord IS with you.

All: And also with you.

Blessing:

Deacon or Priest: Bow your heads AS I PRAY FOR YOU. 

Priest: THE PRIEST PRAYS AS THE SPIRIT LEADS HIM

All: Amen.

Dismissal:

Deacon or Priest: Go in the peace of Christ.

or The Mass is ended, go in peace.

or Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

All: AMEN

[Recessional and Closing Song]:

Reflections | 16th May 2013

In the Gospel, Jesus prayed: And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. (John 17:22-23) 

One of the miracles that takes place at the time of Salvation is that we are united with Jesus Christ in Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:17) The Bible says: Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. (1 John 4:17) Our life is now hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3)

Throughout the Epistles, Paul refers to believers as living in and through Christ. (In Christ Bible Verses) If you have received the New birth, you are a New Creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17) As a Christian it is important for you to study the Bible and understand your New Identity in Christ. 

I pray that God will open the eyes of your understanding today that you may see who you are in Christ. I pray that you will live in the reality of your New Identity always.

Also Watch: New Man by Curry Blake