WHY READINGS DURING MASS

The table of the Word (Ambo) is the focal point of the listening assembly during the Liturgy of the Word, and it's around this table that the assembly gathers in order to be nourished and transformed by the Lord who speaks to us through the Sacred Scriptures. The proclamation of the word of God is central to every celebration of the Liturgy. It is intimately connected to the meaning of what is celebrated , interpreting the ritual action in the light of the history of salvation and the transforming power of the Holg Spirit at work in the Church.

In fact, the table of the Word offers the same understanding of the history of salvation and especially of the Paschal Mystery which the risen Jesus himself gave to his disciples since it's Christ himself who speaks when Sacred Scriptures is read in the Church. It follows that we cannot hear the Scriptures as a message from the past or as a record of events and persons long ago. The Scriptures speaks to us in the present ,in the liturgical today, and leads us to understand the mystery of salvation that transcends the limitation of time and place.

In the liturgical proclamation of the living Word, the listening assembly is confronted with God's will and plan, challenged to grow in faith and in holiness, strengthened in its discipleship and desire to proclaim the Word to others. 

The liturgical proclamation of the Word of God is first of all a dialogue between God and his people, a dialogue in which the wonders of salvation are proclaimed and the demands of the covenant are continually restated.

Listening itself is not enough, the Word sown into the listening hearts leads the Assembly to give thanks and praise and to embark on a life of conversion, faith and witness. It's this conversion that makes us well disposed to participate in the Holy Communion.

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Samuel Nyonje Muhanji wishes you God's blessings.

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[ Cf. Vatican II - SC 7,33. GIRM 55&57]

To Form a Eucharistic Assembly

Our gathering on Sunday's is a powerful witness that we have become one in Christ. When we assemble for the Eucharist, we proclaim that we have joined the family of God and that we belong to this family. The family of Godis the  image that was chosen by the bishops at the African Synod in order to express the nature of the Church and its mission in society.

At Sunday's Eucharist we reveal the identity and characteristics of this new family. The Lord himself gathers us together, calling us to join the other Christians in the celebration of the Eucharist, the memorial of his passion, death, resurrection and gift of the Holy Spirit ( Lk 24:30; Jn 6:10-11). This celebration enables us to live our life in a new way, as true disciples of the Lord, by loving one another and by bringing God's love to all we meet. 

This happens in a profound attitude of faith-both personal and ecclesial (of the Church). The listening to the Word of God, the breaking of the Bread, the presence of the Lord in the minister/presider and the assembly,lead the faithful to an encounter with the risen Lord present where two or three are gathered in his name. Thus the celebration must be inserted in today's history , taking into account the journey and life - experience of the assembly, in order to make it meaningful and challenging. 

It's our obligation for proper disposition to receive this mystery and to encounter our Lord Jesus Christ. How best am I disposed when attending Eucharistic celebration/Mass? May the graces and mystery of Mass be revealed to us and our loved ones. Jesus I Trust in You.

Thanks for reading this article.

Samuel Nyonje Muhanji wishes you God's blessings and fruitful hours ahead.

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[ Cf: Understanding the Eucharist:- Rinaldo Ronzani . Pg 12]

BUILD CANCER CENTREs

Dear Kenyans and people of Good will. The most stigmatic disease that has stolen the lives of both classes today being Cancer remains a thorn in the flesh. 

While we have lost many dear friends , families and loved ones through this monster, it's shameful that those in top leadership find it as an avenue of politiking. 

Of late, the state has lost top dignitaries: Bob Collimore, Kibra Mp Okoth, now Joyce Laboso. All these are among uncounted poor Kenyans who die every hour unnoticed and unattended, only because thy can't afford to foot the bills or that cancer remains unknown to them.

Why condole the demise of these Stars when we can help fight this monster? To many Kenyans, just like me, would wish that the top country leadership would learn something quicker and respond to this quick death that is finishing the childeren of her country, but still remembering who they are we remain helpless, orphan-country, sheep without a flock, we are like a country without leaders. Maybe our fore-fathers would describe it as a dead state.

Who has failed? Both the government and the her subjects and most especially religious leaders. If all religions today join hand and on their own set up Cancer centers, then the rate of such sufferings and death of the poor will be a history. Though not all will be helped but at least a higher percentage will benefit.

It stands today that few Kenyans know their health status; most especially not many would subscribe to be tested of Cancer at all cost. If truly Kenyans elected people who masquerade as leaders, then it's their right to ask for better medication. Whilst this stand as a right, we are still much behind the reality for our conscience is darkened by the devil of my tribe, my people, our own etc...we still have a heart of flesh, the act of assisting our neighbors remains the history of the archaic ancient and antiquity peoples.

To all Kenyans and people of Good will, Cancer still can be managed if and only if the purported masquerades are forced to their duties and religious leaders stand on their own... Poor Kenyans for Poor Kenyans...Kenyans let's awake and help each other.

If a polit vain today opens a paybill number for political assistance, millions and billions of cash will be donated by poor Kenyans to foster their self gains...who bewitched us? Why can't one outstanding Kenyan/Religious organization or Union of religions stand out today for such an aid and built a center to save poor Kenyans?

I remain insisting that Cancer can be treated and the suffering victims assisted if and only if we own this as Kenyans and kenyas most poor program. 

Sorry to the families and friends who have lost their loved ones through this. May God grant quicker response to those suffering from Cancer:. God bless you all.

Seminarian: Called to specific duties

Many of us have met, seen, interact with many Seminarians all over our parishes and missions. I will admit from the start that the life of a Seminarian is one of its own kind.

Some years ago, I used to see Seminarians as people who were mysterious and unique in life. Those days when I was in Primary and High school, I desired to be one, a dream that indeed God planted in such desire.

Have you ever taken your time to fully understand who is a Seminarian? Have you ever given them your attention or so? Honestly few of us have such time, and when most of us meet them it's either when they visit us in our parishes for their 2-3 months apostolate.

Saint John Paul II, Saint of our time, took much of his time expressing the kind of formation that priests undergo in their Seminary formation. In his Apostolic Exhortation I will give you Shepherd, the Saint of our time has called those aspiring to the sacred orders to embrace a holistic life in wholistic formation and transformation. This wholistic formation involves the presence of the Christ faithful who are called to assist the Church in all her needs according to the Church's precepts.

In Kenya, there's need to foster many vocations, but most especially vocation to Priesthood. This dream can only be actualized if we embrace and take care of the Seminarians we have today. If neglected, they won't attract anyone to feel the same, if not embraced, those willing to join Seminary will feel the pain and wouldn't wish to pass through the same.

That's why the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops under SEC, has started KCCB Seminaries Endowment Fund, project established to assist train future priest who are present & future Seminarians. The bishops are calling all Christians and people of other faiths to assist in educating future priests.

However, our standing question is not answered, do we truly understand who a Seminarian is? This calls for our deep and close interaction with them when they pay us visits. But most of all ways, all Christ faithful are supposed to embrace and nurture priestly call as early before any of them joins. This will make future Seminarians feel a sense of belonging, they will feel they have a family far from their homes.

May the Good Lord, the model of Catholic Priesthood help and protect priests for his Church.

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Samuel Nyonje Muhanji wishes you God's blessings.

YOUTHS TODAY: A CALL UNDER SIEGE

Dear friends in the Lord. Thanks for your invitation and your attendance in today's forum. I feel privileged to be in your midst. 

A youth to me is a call of it's own nature. There's a difference in becoming a youth and being a youth. Yours is becoming. Simply because we are still under influence. 

Like any other vocation, becoming a youth needs an understanding from 2nd and 3rd party. Those above us are supposed to walk in our own way. Just like what St. Augustine says in defining grace;- we need a power above us to burst within us so that we may actualize our being youth.

I must admit that you touched my life when every time I see you sacrifice to come for practice towards your forthcoming festivals and sports. That's a true sacrifice that all should acknowledge of you. It should be misunderstood that as youths there's a lot of time, rather it matters how that time is spent.

Our becoming youths is a desire driven to attain that which is beyond us. Some desire how to please the bodies, others desire how to please the Spirit. 

This week I watched 10/10 show by Willis Raburu on Citizen Tv, and was touched by the confidence Vera Sidika had when interviewed by Willis. Though she has many enemies according to her, she said she learned how to handle them long ago. When asked if being someone's role model, Vera asserted that she doesn't wish simply bcoz she undergoes a lot that many don't know.

We all have that idea of being someone after some years, it's good to be more than that someone. To be means to try actulize the present. There's no vocation attained at maturity, in either way, every vocation is nurtured from firm foundation.

Dear friends, your look is an indicator of a society that truly want change...we may see some kind of boredom in our liturgy...maybe kind of songs, mode of preaching or even some talks. These elements though Spiritual and in whatever situation, we need them as we desire to be what we want.

For instance, the Liturgy of the Church requires decorum. There's nothing less in matters our faith. Just like any other activity and as you've done from 11:30AM, preparation is a must. Most of all discipline of time is not debatable.

I exhort you dear friends that in your own capacity, choose what to give God without coercion or force. Let what you want come from within, let our desires be guided always by the light of our faith.

I thank you all for your audience and wishing you God's blessings in your endeavors.

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DAILY NATION: A MOCKERY TO CHRISTINITY

It's with deep concern that I have noted in today's daily nation paper (12th July 2019) on page 14, a portrait of power lines with an image that purports to describe the suffering of KPLC customers.

The title of the image reads Kplc customers paying for the sins of fraudsters.

Though the author has right of publication and research and their customers right to information; I would tend to disagree with the pole that has an image of a crucified person on it. This is a mockery to Christian faith and should be condemned at all cost by all Christians in and outside Kenya.

I believe there are other ways in which the author of the article could use to display his attention rather than using a portrait that infringes other people's religion.

We are living in a Sovereign state where rights of every individual should be respected at all cost and no one has right to abuse in whatever way the religion of the other.

As Christians, we believe that it's through the Cross of our Lord Jesus that all were redeemed and saved ( 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10). May God bless Kenya and all people of Good will.

Samuel Nyonje Muhanji wishes you God's blessings and fruitful moments.

LAY MINISTRIES IN THE CHURCH

MINISTRIES IN THE CHURCH 

Dear lectors of St. Monicah- Sec 58 Parish. Your being in the Church today is of vital significance and an urge of appraisal. In fact, you're a pivot in making the Church alive, active and meaningful in your capacity as proclaimers of the Word of God.

Right from this onset, I would wish to let you know that what you have chosen is a legitimate service in the Roman Latin Catholic Church; a service that's dignified in Eucharistic celebration. This afternoon, I wish we share together in detail what pertains ministry of lectors to which you serve.

Certain ministries were established by the Church even in the most ancient times for the purpose of suitably giving worship to God and for offering service to the people of God according to their needs. By these ministries, the offices to be carried out in the liturgy and the practice of charity, deemed suitable to varying circumstances, were entrusted to the faithful. The conferring of these functions often took place by a special rite, in which, after God's blessing had been implored, a Christian was established in a special class or rank for the fulfillment of some ecclesiastical function.

Some of these functions, which were more closely connected with the liturgical celebration, slowly came to be considered as a training in preparation for the reception of sacred orders. As a result, the offices of porter, reader, exorcist, and acolyte were called minor orders in the Latin Church in relation to the subdiaconate, diaconate, and priesthood, which were called major orders. Generally, though not every where, these minor orders were reserved to those who received them as steps toward the priesthood.

Nevertheless, since the minor orders have not always been the same and many functions connected with them, as at present, have also been exercised by the laity, it seems fitting to reexamine this practice and to adapt it to contemporary needs. What is obsolete in these offices will thus be removed and what is useful retained; also anything new that is needed will be introduced and at the same time the requirements for candidates for holy orders will be established.

While Vatican Council II was in preparation, many bishops of the Church requested that the minor orders and subdiaconate be revised. Although the Council did not decree anything concerning this for the Latin Church, it stated certain principles for resolving the issue. There is no doubt that the norms laid down by the Council regarding the general and orderly reform of the liturgy also include those areas that concern ministries in the liturgical assembly, so that the very arrangement of the celebration itself makes the Church stand out as being formed in a structure of different orders and ministries.  Thus Vatican Council II decreed that "in liturgical celebrations each one, minister or layperson, who has an office to perform, should do all of, but only, those parts which pertain to that office by the nature of the rite and the principles of liturgy." 

With this assertion is closely connected what was written a little earlier in the same Constitution: "The Church earnestly desires that all the faithful be led to that full, conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations called for by the very nature of the liturgy. Such participation by the Christian people as 'a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people' (I Pt 2:9; see 2:4-5) is their right and duty by reason of their baptism. In the reform and promotion of the liturgy, this full and active participation by all the people is the aim to be considered before all else. For it is the primary and indispensable source from which the faithful are to derive the true Christian spirit and therefore pastors must zealously strive in all their pastoral work to achieve such participation by means of the necessary instruction."

Among the particular offices to be preserved and adapted to contemporary needs are those that are in a special way more closely connected with the ministries of the word and of the altar and that in the Latin Church are called the offices of reader and acolyte and the subdiaconate. It is fitting to preserve and adapt these in such a way, that from this time on there will be two offices: that of reader and that of acolyte, which will include the functions of the subdiaconate.

In addition to the offices universal in the Latin Church, the conferences of bishops may request others of the Apostolic See, if they judge the establishment of such offices in their region to be necessary or very useful because of special reasons. To these belong, for example, the ministries of porter, exorcist, catechist,  as well as others to be conferred on those who are dedicated to works of charity, where this ministry had not been assigned to deacons.

It is in accordance with the reality itself and with the contemporary outlook that the above-mentioned ministries should no longer be called minor orders; their conferral will not be called ordination, but institution. Only those who have received the diaconate, however, will be clerics in the true sense and will be so regarded. This arrangement will bring out more clearly the distinction between clergy and laity, between what is proper and reserved to the clergy and what can be entrusted to the laity. This will also bring out more clearly that mutuality by which "the universal priesthood of believers and the ministerial or hierarchic priesthood, though they differ from one another in essence and not only in degree, are nonetheless interrelated: each of these in its own special way is a sharing in the one priesthood of Christ." 

After weighing every aspect of the question, seeking the opinion of experts, consulting with the conferences of bishops and taking their views into account, and after taking counsel with our esteemed brothers who are members of the congregations competent in this matter, by our apostolic authority we enact the following norms, amending-if and in so far as is necessary-provisions of the Codex Iuris Canonici now in force, and we promulgate them through this Motu Proprio.

1. First tonsure is no longer conferred; entrance into the clerical state is joined to the diaconate.
2. What up to now were called minor orders are henceforth to be called ministries.
3. Ministries may be assigned to lay Christians; hence they are no longer to be considered as reserved to candidates for the sacrament of orders.
4. Two ministries, adapted to present-day needs, are to be preserved in the whole Latin Church, namely, those of reader and acolyte. The functions heretofore assigned to the subdeacon are entrusted to the reader and the acolyte; consequently, the major order of subdiaconate no longer exists in the Latin Church. There is, however, no reason why the acolyte cannot be called a subdeacon in some places, at the discretion of the conference of bishops.
5. The reader is appointed for a function proper to him, that of reading the word of God in the liturgical assembly. Accordingly, he is to proclaim the readings from sacred Scripture, except for the gospel in the Mass and other sacred celebrations; he is to recite the psalm between the readings when there is no psalmist; he is to present the intentions for the general intercessions in the absence of a deacon or cantor; he is to direct the singing and the participation by the faithful; he is to instruct the faithful for the worthy reception of the sacraments. He may also, insofar as may be necessary, take care of preparing other faithful who are appointed on a temporary basis to read the Scriptures in liturgical celebrations. That he may more fittingly and perfectly fulfill these functions, he is to meditate assiduously on sacred Scripture.

   Aware of the office he has undertaken, the reader is to make every effort and employ suitable means to acquire that increasingly warm and living love [7] and knowledge of Scripture that will make him a more perfect disciple of the Lord.

6. The acolyte is appointed in order to aid the deacon and to minister to the priest. It is his duty therefore to attend to the service of the altar and to assist the deacon and the priest in liturgical celebrations, especially in the celebration of Mass; he is also to distribute communion as a special minister when the ministers spoken of in the Codex Iuris Canonici can. 845 are not available or are prevented by ill health, age, or another pastoral ministry from performing this function, or when the number of communicants is so great that the celebration of Mass would be unduly prolonged. In the same extraordinary circumstances an acolyte may be entrusted with publicly exposing the blessed sacrament for adoration by the faithful and afterward replacing it, but not with blessing the people. He may also, to the extent needed, take care of instructing other faithful who on a temporary basis are appointed to assist the priest or deacon in liturgical celebrations by carrying the missal, cross, candles, etc., or by performing other such duties. He will perform these functions more worthily if he participates in the holy eucharist with increasingly fervent devotion, receives nourishment from it, and deepens his knowledge about it.

   As one set aside in a special way for the service of the altar, the acolyte should learn all matters concerning public divine worship and strive to grasp their inner spiritual meaning: in that way he will be able each day to offer himself entirely to God, be an example to all by his gravity and reverence in church, and have a sincere love for the Mystical Body of Christ, the people of God, especially for the weak and the sick.

7. In accordance with the ancient tradition of the Church, institution to the ministries of reader and acolyte is reserved to men.
8. The following are requirements for admission to the ministries:
   1. the presentation of a petition that has been freely made out and signed by the aspirant to the Ordinary (the bishop and, in clerical institutes, the major superior) who has the right to accept the petition;
   2. a suitable age and special qualities to be determined by the conference of bishops;
   3. a firm will to give faithful service to God and the Christian people.
9. The ministries are conferred by the Ordinary (the bishop and, in clerical institutes, the major superior) through the liturgical rite De institutione lectoris and De institutione acolythi as revised by the Apostolic See.
10. An interval, determined by the Holy See or the conferences of bishops, shall be observed between the conferring of the ministries of reader and acolyte whenever more than one ministry is conferred on the same person.
11. Unless they have already done so, candidates for ordination as deacons and priests are to receive the ministries of reader and acolyte and are to exercise them for a suitable time, in order to be better disposed for the future service of the word and of the altar. Dispensation from receiving these ministries on the part of such candidates is reserved to the Holy See.
12. The conferring of ministries does not bring with it the right to support or remuneration from the Church.
13. The rite of institution of readers and acolytes will soon be published by the competent department of the Roman Curia.

The effective date of these norms is 1 January 1973.

We command as established and confirmed whatever this Motu Proprio has decreed, all things to the contrary notwithstanding.

Given in Rome, at Saint Peter's, on 15 August 1972, the Solemnity of the Assumption, the tenth year of our pontification.

( Cf. Vatican II Doc: Paul VI- Ministeria Quaedam)

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Samuel Nyonje Muhanji wishes you God's blessings.

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SACRAMENTALS

Holy Mother Church has moreover institutedSacramentals. These are sacred signs which bear a resemblance to the Sacraments. They signify effects , particularly of a spiritual nature, which are obtained through the intercession of the Church. By them men are disposed to receive the chief effect of the Sacraments, and various occasions in life are rendered holy. ( SC #60).

The Characteristics of Sacramentals

Sacramentals are instituted for the sanctification of certain ministries of the Church, states of life, a great variety of circumstances in Christian life , and the use of many things helpful to man. In accordance with the bishops ' pastoral decisions, they can also respond to the needs , culture and special history of the Christian people of a particular region or time. They always include a prayer, often accompanied by a specific sign , such as the laying on of hands , the sign of the Cross , or the springkling of holy water (which recalls Baptism).

Sacramentals derive from the baptismal priesthood: every baptized person is called to be a blessing, and to bless( Gen 12:2; Lk 6:28; Rom 12:14). Hence lay people may preside at a certain blessings; the more the blessing concerns ecclesial and Sacramental life , the more is its administration reserved to the ordained ministery ( Bishops , Priests or Deacons ) ( SC #79, CIC Can 1168).

Sacramentals do it confer the grace of the Holy Spirit in the way the Sacraments do, but by the Church's prayer , they prepare us to receive grace and dispose us to cooperate with it. For well disposed members of the faithful, the liturgy of the Sacraments and the Sacramentals sanctifies almost every event of their lives with the divine grace which flows from the Paschal mystery of the Passion , Death and Resurrection of Christ. From this source all Sacraments and Sacramentals draw their power . There is scarcely any proper use of material things which cannot be thus directed toward the sanctification of men and the praise of God ( SC #61).

Various forms of Sacramentals 

Among Sacramentals blessings ( of persons, meals , objects and places) come first. Every blessing praises God and prays for his gifts. In Christ, Christians are blessed by God the Father with every spiritual blessing ( Ephesians 1:3). This is why the Church imparts blessings by invoking the name of Jesus, usually while making the Holy sign of the Cross of Christ.

When the Church asks publicly and authoritatively in the name of Jesus Christ that a person or object be protected against the power of the evil one and withdrawn from his dominion, it is called Exorcism. Jesus performed exorcism and from him the Church has received the power and office of exorcising (Mk 1:25-26;3:15;16:17). The solemn exorcism can be performed only by a priest and with the permission of the bishop.

We should this understand, appreciate and in all our private devotions act in line with the teaching of Christ Jesus our Lord where the Church has derived her teaching as well. Popular piety should not thus replace the Liturgy which is the Public Worship. Private devotions should not replace the asseomly worship. All this need to be done in moderation and prudence.

( CCC #1667-1674)

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AN IMAGE?

Believers and unbelievers agree almost unanimously that all things on earth should be ordained to man as to their center and summit .

But what is man? He has put forward, and continues to put forward, many views about himself,views that are divergent and even contradictory. Often he either sets himself up as the absolute measure of all things , or debates himself to the point of despair. Hence his doubt and his anguish. The Church keenly sensitive to these difficulties. Enlightened by divine revelation she can offer a solution to them by which the true state of man may be outlined, his weakness explained, in such a way that at the same time his dignity and his vocation may be perceived in their true light.

For Sacred Scripture teaches that man was created to the image of God,as able to know and love his creator , and as set by him over all earthly creatures (Gen 1:26, Wisdom 2:23 ) that he might rule them , and make use of them , while glorifying God ( Ecclesiasticus 17:3-10). "What is man that you should be mindful of him, and the son of man that you should care for him? You who has made him little lower than the Angels and has crowned him with glory and honor. Though have given him dominion over the works of your hands ; you have put all things under his feet (Psalm 8:5-8).

But God did not create man a solitary being. From the beginning male and female he created them (Gen 1:27). This partnership of man and woman constitute the first firm of communion between persons. For by his innermost nature man is a social being; and if he does not enter into relations with others he can neither live nor develop his gifts. So God , as in the Scripture saw all the things that he had made, and they were very good. ( Gen 1:31)

Why then should there be division amongst us mortal beings? Why should I hate, offend, dissociate myself from others, or form kind of classes? Will we not all who believe be under the feet of God in joint worship after the life here on earth? 

Lord God, help me to see you in others. May your merciful heart and grace be with me.

( Vatican II, Gaudium er Spes, no 12)

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THE MOST HOLY EUCHARIST

If we wish to understand the power of Christ's blood, we should go back to the ancient account of its prefiguration in Egypt. Sacrifice a Lamb without blemish,commanded Moses, and sprinkle it's blood on your [Exodus 12:1-28]. If we were to ask him what he meant, and how the blood o an irrational beast could possibly save men endowed with reason, his answer would be the saving power lies not in the blood itself, but in the fact that it is a sign of the Lord's blood. In those days, when the destroying angel saw the blood on the doors he did not dare to enter, so how much less will the devil approach now when he sees, not that figurative blood on the doors , but the true blood in the lips of believers, the doors of the temple of Christ.

If you desire further proof of the power of this blood, remember where it came from,how it ran down from the Cross (John 19:34), flowing form the Master's side. The gospel records that when Christ was dead, but still hung in the Cross , a soldier came and pierced his side with a lance and immediately there poured out water and blood. Now the water was a symbol of baptism and the blood , of the Eucharist. The soldier pierced the Lord's side, he breached the wall of the Sacred temple, and I have found the treasure and made it my own. So also with the lamb: the Jews sacrificed the victim and I have been saved by it.

There flowed from his side water and blood. Beloved, do not pass over this mystery without thought ; it has yet another hidden meaning, which I will explain to you. I said that water and blood symbolized Baptism and the Holy Eucharist. From these two Sacraments the Church is born: from baptism, the cleansing water that gives rebirth and renewal through the Holy Spirit,and from the Holy Eucharist.

Since the symbols of baptism and the Eucharist flowed from his side, it was from his side that Christ fashioned the Church, as he had fashioned Eve from the side of Adam. Moses gives a hint of this when he tells the story of the first man and makes him exclaim: Bone from my bones and flesh from my flesh ( Gen 2:23)! As God then took a rib from Adam's side to fashion a woman , so Christ has given us blood and water from his side to fashion the Church . God took the rib when Adam was in deep sleep , and in the same way Christ gave us blood and the water after his own death. 

Do you understand, then , how Christ has United his bride to himself and what food he gives us all to eat? By one and the same food we are both brought into being and nourished . As a woman nourishes her child with her own blood and milk , so does Christ unceasingly nourish with his own blood those to whom he himself has given life.

Thanks for reading this article. 

Samuel Nyonje Muhanji wishe's you God's grace and fruitful moment.

[ Cf. Catechesis by St. JOHN Chrysostom , bishop. Office of readings : Good Friday. Breviary pg 392-393]

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WHAT ELSE DO I NEED?

The most disturbing question and desire for human life is the future. Future here would mean any time after the present. The desire to have that future is Hope , therefore every person has that desire to be in future.

Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the Kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ's promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit. "Let us hold firm the confession of our hope without wavering , for he who promised is faithful." " The Holy Spirit...he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour , so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life." ( Titus 3:6-7).

The virtue of Hope responds to the aspiration to happiness which God has placed in the heart of every man; it takes up the hopes that inspires men's activities and purifies them so as to order them to the Kingdom of heaven; it keeps man from discouragement; it sustains him during times of abondonment; it opens up his heart in expectation of eternal beatitude. Boyed up by Hope, he is preserved from selfishness and led to the happiness that flows from charity.

Christian Hope takes up and fulfils the hope of the chosen people which has its origin and model in the hope of Abraham, who was blessed abundantly by the promises of God fulfilled in Isaac, who was purified by the test of the sacrifice. ( Gen 17:4-8; 22:1-18).

Hope is also a weapon that protects us in the struggle of salvation: "Let us...put on the breastplate of faith and charity, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. It affords us joy even under trial: "Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation." (Rom 12:12)

[ Cf. CCC 1817-1820]

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