Maoni yangu binafsi juu ya masuala mbalimbali yanayoendelea duniani

Maoni yangu binafsi juu ya masuala mbalimbali yanayoendelea duniani

Ninaamini
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Evening Reflection (QT)

Introduction.

Today’s reading is in the form of a prologue or opening hymn that introduces the key themes to John’s Gospel.

Jesus is described as the Word who already existed with God and whose life “brought light to people.” John the Baptist is described as one who bore witness to the light.

Reflection.

Jesus is presented as the Word who was with God when God created and gave life to everything.

The opening words, “In the beginning,” harken back to Genesis 1.

The first thing God created was light.

How many times does the word “light” appear in today’s reading?

What does the reference to Jesus as “light” mean to you?
Pray.

Lord Jesus, you are the Living Word and source of life.

You are the true Light that no darkness can overcome. Grace and truth come through you.

Out of the fullness of your grace, I am blessed.

Because I believe in you, I know that I am a beloved child of God. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming into the world.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

John 1:1-18

John 1:1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:2

He was in the beginning with God.

John 1:3

All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be

John 1:4

through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race;

John 1:5

the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:6

A man named John was sent from God.

John 1:7

He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.

John 1:8

He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.

John 1:9

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

John 1:10

He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him.

John 1:11

He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him.

John 1:12

But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name,

John 1:13

who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God.

John 1:14

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.

John 1:15

John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’”

John 1:16

From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace,

John 1:17

because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

John 1:18

No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.

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Morning Prayer.

Lord, I pray for your creativity to flow through me today.

I ask that you would inspire me to think outside of the box, and that you would give me fresh ideas and insights as I go about my day.

I pray that I would be able to use my creativity to solve problems and to make a positive impact on those around me.

I trust in your creativity and provision, and I pray that I would experience that creativity in a powerful way today.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Bible Verses to Read:

2Timothy 1:7

For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.

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Morning Prayer.

Lord, I pray for your creativity to flow through me today.

I ask that you would inspire me to think outside of the box, and that you would give me fresh ideas and insights as I go about my day.

I pray that I would be able to use my creativity to solve problems and to make a positive impact on those around me.

I trust in your creativity and provision, and I pray that I would experience that creativity in a powerful way today.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Bible Verses to Read:

2Timothy 1:7

For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.

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Evening Prayer.

Dear God, as I come to the end of this day, I ask for your forgiveness.

I know that I have fallen short of your expectations, and that I have sinned against you and others.

I ask that you would cleanse me of my sins, and that you would give me the strength to turn away from them.

I pray that you would help me to make things right with anyone I have wronged, and that you would give me the courage to seek reconciliation.

I trust in your forgiveness and mercy, and I pray that I would experience your grace in a powerful way tonight.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Bible Verses to Read:

Revelation 5:10

You made them a kingdom and priests for our God, and they will reign on earth.”

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KNOW YOUR SAINTS

Saint Stephen 26Dec

He was one of the first ordained deacons of the Church. He was also the first Christian martyr. The Greek word from which we derive the English word martyr literally means witness. In that sense, every Christian is called to bear witness to Jesus Christ, in both their words and their actions. Not all are asked to shed their blood.

Those who do shed their blood for the faith are the greatest of witnesses. They have been especially honored since the very beginning of Christianity. Stephen was so conformed to Jesus in his holy life that his martyrdom was both a natural and supernatural sign of his love for the Lord. It also inspired the early believers as they faced the first round of brutal persecution.

His behavior, even forgiving those who were taking his life while he was being stoned to death, was a beautiful reflection of how conformed he truly was to the Lord Jesus Christ. It is recorded in Chapter 7 of the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 7:54-60), which immediately follows the Gospels in the New Testament.

The 6th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles contains an account of the choice of the first seven deacons of the Church. As the Apostles worked to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ as his elders, some of the Greek-speaking widows were being neglected in their practical needs. The Twelve decided to ordain seven deacons to oversee their care. In doing so, the deacons extended the pastoral care of the Apostles, the first Bishops of the early Church, enabling them to attend more to teaching.

Of the seven ordained, Stephen was the oldest and given the title of "archdeacon," the chief among them. Little is known about him before this account. Like most of the early Christian leaders, he was Jewish, but may have come came from among the Greek speaking or Hellenistic believers, the ones feeling slighted in the distribution of alms.

Great preaching and miracles were attributed to Stephen. The Bible records that Stephen "full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people." Stephen s popularity created enemies among some Jews, members of the Synagogue of Roman Freedmen. They debated with him, to generate evidence against him in furtherance of their persecution of the early Church.

They accused him of blasphemy, of speaking against God and Moses. The charges inflamed the local populace which demanded he be tried and punished. When Stephen was put on trial, several false witnesses were brought forward by the Sanhedrin to testify that he was guilty of blasphemy. He was charged with predicting that Jesus would destroy the Temple and for preaching against Mosaic law.

Stephen was filled with wisdom from heaven. He responded by detailing the history of Israel and outlining the blessings God had bestowed upon his chosen people. He also explained how disobedient Israel had become, despite the goodness and mercy of the Lord. Stephen explained that Jesus had come to fulfil the law of Moses, not destroy it. He quoted extensively from the Hebrew scriptures to prove his case.

Finally, he admonished the Sanhedrin, saying, "You stubborn people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears. You are always resisting the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do. Can you name a single prophet your ancestors never persecuted? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Upright One, and now you have become his betrayers, his murderers. In spite of being given the Law through angels, you have not kept it." (Acts 7:51-53)

As Stephen concluded his defense, he looked up and saw a vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God. He said, "Look, I can see heaven thrown open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." That vision was taken as the final proof of blasphemy to the Jews who did not believe Jesus was the Messiah or Son of God. For them, Jesus could not possibly be beside the Father in Heaven. The crowd rushed upon Stephen and carried him outside of the city to stone him to death.

As Stephen was being brutally stoned, he spoke his last words, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Lord, do not hold this sin against them." Words which echoed the very words of Jesus on the Cross. Following those words, Stephen died, in the Lord.

Watching the trial and execution was a Rabbi named Saul of Tarsus, a virulent persecutor of the early Church. Shortly thereafter, that Rabbi would himself encounter the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus and be dramatically converted. His encounter is recorded in the 9th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles. He took the name Paul as a sign of his new life in Jesus Christ and went on to become the great apostle to the Gentiles.

Stephen was buried by Christians, but the location of his tomb is not specified in the New Testament and may have been forgotten for a time. In 415 a Christian priest claimed he had a vision of the tomb and located Stephen s remains. A name inside the tomb confirmed the find.

St. Stephen is often depicted with stones, a Gospel Book, a miniature church and a martyr's palm frond. He is the patron saint of Altar Servers, bricklayers, casket makers and deacons and his feast day is celebrated on December 26.

Join with us in offering this prayer, written by Deacon Keith Fournier, seeking his intercession:

"Lord Jesus, Receive my Spirit" (St. Stephen, Martyr)

A Prayer by Deacon Keith Fournier
Lord Jesus, you chose Stephen as the first deacon and martyr of your One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. The heroic witness of his holy life and death reveals your continued presence among us. Through following the example of his living faith, and by his intercession, empower us by your Holy Spirit to live as witnesses to the faith in this New Missionary Age. No matter what our state in life, career or vocation, help us to proclaim, in both word and in deed, the fullness of the Gospel to a world which is waiting to be born anew in Jesus Christ. Pour out upon your whole Church, the same Holy Spirit which animated St Stephen, Martyr, to be faithful to the end, which is a beginning of life eternal in the communion of the Trinity..

St Stephen is the patron Saint of
🔹Deacons
🔹Altar Servers
🔹Brick layers
🔹Casket makers and 🔹stonemasons
 
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27TH 2023

FEAST OF SAINT JOHN, Apostle and Evangelist

FIRST READING
That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you.
1ST JOHN 1: 1 - 4

Beloved: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life — the life was made manifest, and we saw it, and testify to it, and proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing this that our joy may be complete.

The Word of the Lord.


RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 97: 1 - 2, 5 - 6, 11 - 12 (R.) 12a

R/. Rejoice in the Lord, you just.

The Lord is king, let earth rejoice;
let the many islands be glad.
Cloud and darkness surround him;
justice and right are the foundation of his throne. R/.

The mountains melt like wax
before the face of the Lord,
before the face of the Lord of all the earth.
The skies proclaim his justice;
all peoples see his glory. R/.

Light shines forth for the just one,
And joy for the upright of heart.
Rejoice in the Lord, you just;
To the memory of his holiness give thanks. R/.


ALLELUIA

Alleluia.
We praise you, O God; we acclaim you as the Lord; the glorious band of apostles sings your praise, O Lord!
Alleluia.


GOSPEL
“The other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.”
JOHN 20: 2 - 8

On the first day of the week: Mary Magdalene ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went towards the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed.

The Gospel of the Lord.
 
www.digest.tz

Not All Roses: The Dilemma of Tanzanian Labor Migration to Saudi Arabia

Explore the complexities and risks of Tanzanian labor migration to Saudi Arabia, examining historical contexts, current challenges, and potential dangers. Learn about government initiatives, historical ties, and the need for cautious and informed decision-making in labor export policies.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28TH 2023

FEAST OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS, Martyrs

FIRST READING
“The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.”
1ST JOHN 1: 5 - 2: 2

Beloved: This is the message we have heard from Jesus Christ and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not live according to the truth; but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, I am writing this to you so that you may not sin; but if any one does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the expiation for sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

The Word of the Lord.


RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 124: 2 - 3, 4 - 5, 7b - 8 (R.) 7ab

R/. Our life, like a bird, has escaped from the snare of the fowler.

“If the Lord had not been on our side
when men rose against us,
then would they have swallowed us alive
when their anger was kindled.” R/.

“Then would the waters have engulfed us,
the torrent gone over us;
over our head would have swept the raging waters.” R/.

Indeed, the snare has been broken,
and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth. R/.


ALLELUIA

Alleluia.
We praise you, O God; we acclaim you as the Lord; the white-robed army of martyrs sings your praise.
Alleluia.


GOSPEL
“Herod killed all the male children in Bethlehem.”
MATTHEW 2: 13 - 18

When the Wise Men had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt have I called my son.” Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the Wise Men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the Wise Men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more.”

The Gospel of the Lord.
 
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29TH 2023

MEMORIAL OF SAINT THOMAS BECKET, Bishop and Martyr

FIRST READING
“He who loves his brother abides in the light.”
1ST JOHN 2: 3 - 11

Beloved: By this we may be sure that we know Jesus Christ, if we keep his commandments. He who says “I know him” but disobeys his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but who— ever keeps his word, in him truly love for God is perfected. By this we may be sure that we are in him: he who says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning; the old commandment is the word which you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new commandment, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. He who says he is in the light and hates his brother is in the darkness still. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and in it there is no cause for stumbling. But he who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

The Word of the Lord.


RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 96: 1 - 2a, 2b - 3, 5b - 6 (R.) 11a

R/. Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad.

O sing a new song to the Lord;
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
O sing to the Lord; bless his name. R/.

Proclaim his salvation day by day.
Tell among the nations his glory,
and his wonders among all the peoples. R/.

It was the Lord who made the heavens.
In his presence are majesty and splendour,
strength and honour in his holy place. R/.


ALLELUIA
Luke 2: 32

Alleluia.
A light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.
Alleluia.


GOSPEL
“A light for revelation to the Gentiles.”
LUKE 2: 22 - 35

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” And his father and his mother marvelled at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.”

The Gospel of the Lord.
 
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30TH 2023

FIRST READING
“He who does the will of God abides for ever.”
1ST JOHN 2: 12 - 17

I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his sake. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the Evil One. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the Evil One. Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

The Word of the Lord.


RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 96: 7 - 8a, 8b - 9, 10 (R.) 11a

R/. Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad.

Give the Lord, you families of peoples,
Give the Lord glory and power;
Give the Lord the glory of his name. R/.

Bring an offering and enter his courts;
worship the Lord in holy splendour.
O tremble before him, all the earth. R/.

Say to the nations, “The Lord is king.”
The world he made firm in its place;
He will judge the peoples in fairness. R/.


ALLELUIA

Alleluia. Alleluia.
A hallowed day has shone upon us; come, O nations, and adore the Lord; for today a great light has come down to earth.
Alleluia.


GOSPEL
“She spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.”
LUKE 2: 36 - 40

At that time: There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshipping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.

The Gospel of the Lord.
 
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