SYNOPSIS FOR SERMONS AND MEDITATIONS
SEASON OF TRANSFIGRATION tXPkvIcWImew
By V.Rev.Thomas P.Mundukuzhy Cor Episcopa
(A Renowned Writer And Publisher. Author of many Christian Devotional Books. Sunday School Director of American Diocese, Malankara Orthodox Church.)

1. Festival of the Tent: One of the three festivals (Passover, Pentecost (Festival of weeks) and the Festival of the Tent: For the redemption from Egyptian passover: after seven weeks, Festival of Weeks; after fruit gatherings, Festival of Tent for seven days (Deuteronomy 16:13-17). All children, slaves, wicked share this: Deuteronomy 16:14.

2. Jesus called three of His disciples: Peter, John and James.

3. They went to a high mountain apart.

4. Lord' revelation of His glory: God is the light of the world (1 John 1:5): The bright cloud, the shining of Jesus' face like the sun, and the whiteness of the garment (Matthew 17:2, 5) all demonstrate that Jesus is God. Jesus showed a part of this light of His glorification to His disciples: the "uncreated light."

5. Now we are light in Christ: Ephesians 5:8. Fruits of light: Goodness, righteousness and truth: Ephesians 5:10. Christ's whole life spread spiritual light (Matthew 4:14-15). Sacrificial life and death show His life of light. Christ's good natural deeds of light given to the world to glorify God (Matthew 15:16). The righteous shine like son (Matthew 13:43; like a palm tree (Psalm 92:12).

6. Moses appeared: Drawn from the water; married; deliverer; Law: represnts all those who are dead. Elijah represents all prophets; unmarried, ascended, raised widow's son, fed by ravens, contest with the priest's Baal. They represent the dead and the living (Romans 14:9), married, unmarried, communion of the saints (Hebrews 12:1). Their disappearance means Old Testament time is over and New Testament time began.

7. The Holy Trinity is manifested: Christ is transfigured (Matthew 17:2); Father spoke from heaven testifying Jesus' divine sonship (Matthew 17:5); and the Holy Spirit is present in the form of a dazzling light surrounding Christ's person, overshadowing the whole mountain (Matthew 17:5).

8. Be careful not to be ashammed at His glorification: Mark 8:38; 1 John 2:28; Will be happy at the reward: Matthew 16:27-17:13. Christ is capable: Romans 11:36

9. Peter wanted to stay there for ever: Harmonious. Let us have that experience so that it is good to be with Him all the time.

10. Place in our hearts for Him: Let Him to enter: Psalm 24:7. God shall be glorified through us: Isaiah 61:3.

11. Sign of the participation of divine lightness: 2 Peter

I JOHN 2:23-3:1
1. If we deny Jesus Christ, looses our fellowship with the Father: John 14:6; 15:23; 5:23; 1 John 4:15; 5:1; 2 John 9.
2. The fellowship with the Father and the Son is the essence of eternal life:2 John 6-7, 9; John 14:23; 1 John 1:3.
3. The false teachers distract us. We shall be protected by the Scriptures as well as by the anointing of the Holy Spirit: John 14:16; 16:13; 1 John 2:20.
ROMANS 11:25-36
1. The blindness of Israel lead to the salvation of the Gentiles and finally to the salvation of Israel: Psalm 14:7; Isaiah 59:20-21.
2. Israel's rejection led to the salvation of the Gentiles: 9:1013.
3. Those who don't believe God are blind.
4. God's judgments are unsearchable: Isaiah 40:13; Jeremiah 23:18; 1 Corinthians 2:16; Job 36:22; 41:11.
5. Christ has authority over all things: John 1:3; Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:16.

DEUTERONOMY 16:13-17; LEVET. 23:33-34
1. Feast of Tabernacles: Everyone participates in this harvest completion thanksgiving festival, five days after the Day of Atonement: Leveticus 23:34.
2. Regular worship with God is essential.

PSALM 24
1. This Psalm may have originally sung when the ark was brought to Jerusalem: 1 Chronicles 16:1-6.
2. God is the creator and the owner of the whole world (Psalm 136:6). We the inhabitants enjoy earth's wealth and fertility with His permission.
3. Only the righteous have fellowship with God: Psalm 15:1.
4. Unrighteousness (Isaiah 1:5) to be cleansed. Motives, the inner condition of our hearts, are to be reckoned: James 4:8; Job 17:9, Psalm 26:6; 51:10; 73:1; Matthew 5:8. Exclusive dedication and intensity needed.
5. We have to open our hearts to receive the Almighty God.
6. God defeats our outward and inward enemies and we can live victory: Exodus 15:3; Isaiah 63:1-9.
7. God is sovereign over all, including angels: Matthew 26:53.

ISAIAH 61:1-3
1. Righteousness comes from Messiah upon whom is the Spirit of the Lord God: Isaiah 11:2; Matthew 3:17; Luke 4:18-19; John 1:32; 3:34; Psalm 45:7; Matthew 11:5; Luke 7:22; Psalm 147:3; Isaiah 42:7; Acts 10:43.
2. Acceptable year (61:2): the 5oth jubilee year: Leveticus 25:10, 13.
3. Vengeance:Isaiah 34:8;Malachi 4:1,3;2 Thess. 1:7.
4. Comfort:Isaiah 57:18;Jeremiah 31:13;Matthew 5:4.
5. Give beauty for ashes: Psalm 30:11.

10. v. 16: 1 Corinthians 5:6
11. v. 17: Sin of omission: Luke 12:47-48; John 9:41; 2 Peter 2:21.
12. 5:1: Proverbs 11:28; Luke 6:24; 1 Timothy 6:9: Ungodly rich.
13. 5:2: Jeremiah 17:11; Matthew 6:19; Job 13:28 (Expensive clothing: Acts 20:33): All earthly wealth have only temporary nature. 14. 5:3: Selfish hoarding makes the corrosion: Romans 2:5.
16. 5:4: Leveticus 19:13; Job 24:10; Jeremiah 22:13; Malachi 3:5; Exodus 2:23; Deuteronomy 24:15; Job 31:38.

Thus hoarding far more wealth than needed, refusing to pay just wages, living in self-indulgent luxury amid other's poverty, and taking the lives of the innocent and helpless (vv.1-6) are unfair dealings and God doesn't approve yhem. PHILIPPIANS 4:8-20
1. v.8: We have to meditate - think deeply and fill our minds continually with honest, honorable, right, fair, acceptable, attractive, inspiring, gracious, and commendable virtues and characteristics: Ephesians 4:25; 2 Corinthians 8:21; Deuteronomy 16:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; James 3:17; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
2. V. 9: Romans 15:33; Hebrews 13:20: Paul's teaching, his Gospel message, and his own life should be model to all of us. Christ should be above all; Christ-like humility (2:5-7), divine goal (3:14): These should be our quest in our life.
3. 4:10: The Philippian Church that Paul first established on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:6-15) continued to support him: 2 Corinthians 11:9; Philippians 2:30.
4. v. 13: We have to depend on Christ, not on our own strength: John15:5.
5. v.14: The gift was appreciated: Philippians 1:7.
6. v. 15: There is joy for both the one who helps and the one being helped: 2 Corinthians 11:8-9.
7. v. 16: God uses people to meet the needs of His servants.
8. v. 17: Those who support will be blessed: Titus 3:14.
9. v. 18: A gift given and accepted in love is a sacrifice pleasing to God: Philippians 2:25; Hebrews 13:16; Romans 12:1; 2 Corinthians 9:12.
10. v. 19: Through Christ, God meets all the needs of His generous people: Psalm 23:1; 2 Corinthians 9:8.
11. v. 20: We have to be thankful to God: Romans 10:27.

DEUTERONOMY 25:13-26
1. Social responsibility: v. 13: cf. Leveticus 19: 35-37; Proverbs 11:1; 20:23; Ezekiel 45:10; Micha 6:11.
2. V.15: cf. Exodus 20:12.
3. v. 10: Proverbs 11:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:6

PSALM 27
1. The faith of a person who has been tested is affirmed. He has a strong desire and gains hope and assurance.

2. v. 1: David's experience of God proves that he has nothing to fear: Psalm 18:25; 62:7; 84:11; 118:14; Isaiah 12: 2; 60:19-20; 118:14; Micha 7:8; Exodus 15:2.

3. v. 2: Destruction caused especially by slander: Psalm 14:4.

4. v. 3: Cf. Psalm 3:6.

5. v. 4: God's will first in life: Psalm 26:28; 65:4; Luke 2:37; Philippians 3:13-14.
6. v. 5: Psalm 31:20; 91:1; 40:2: Through our nearness to God, we receive safety and security: Psalm 23:6.
7. v.6: Psalm 3:3
8. v. 8: We have to come to His presence: The heart is the seat of affections, thoughts and will.
9. v. 9: The loss of God's intimate fellowship is unbearable: Psalm 69:17; 143:7. 10. v. 10: Parents love and care are lesser than that of God's : Isaiah 49:15. 11. V.11: Psalm 25:4; 86:11; 119:33.
12. v. 12: Deuteronomy 19:18; Psalm 35:11; Matthew 26:60; Mark 14:56; John 19:33.
13. v. 13: Job: 28:13; Psalm 52:5; 116:9; 142:5; Isaiah 38:11; Jeremiah 11:19; Ezekiel 26:20.
14. v. 14: Psalm 25:3; 37:34; 40:1; 62:5; 130:5; Proverbs 20:22; Isaiah 25:9; Habakuk 2:3.

EZEKIEL 7:1-4

1. A prophetic prophecy of Judah's end.
2. V. 2: Ezekiel 5:6; 11:13; Amos *;2, 10; Matthew 24:6, 13-14.
3. V.3: Romans 2:6.
4. v. 4: Ezekiel 5:11; 12:20 (Eye is the first organ to express pity).

7. 2:42: Passover (unleavened bread), Pentecost, and Tabernacles - the three feasts Jewish males were required to attend (Exodus 23:14-17): Passover is in memory of the night the death angel passed over the homes of the Hebrews when God sent the 10th plague on Egypt. killing the first born of the Egyptians: Exodus 12:1-13. 12 Years old: The age to accept in the religious community.
8. vv.43-45: Entire family (big crowd) travelled together.
9. vv.46: Searched for three days
10. v. 47: Human relationship and divine guidance: Matthew 7:28; 13:54; 22:33; Mark 1:22; 6:2; 11:18; Luke 4:32; John 7:15.
11. vv.48-49: The priority of Jesus' relationship with the Heavenly Father: John 9:4 (Mark 1:22; Luke 4:22, 32; John 4:34; 5:17, 36).
12. v.50: Mark 9:32; Luke 9:45; 18:34; John 7:15, 46.
13. v.51: Displayed proper obedience to His parents: Daniel 7:28.
14. v. 52: Isaiah 11:2-3; Colossians 2:2-3; 1 Samuel 2:26; Proverbs 3:1-4.
15. 11:27: Luke 1:28, 48.
v. 28: Psalm 1:1-2; 112:1; 119:1-2; Isaiah 48:17-18; Matthew 7:21; Luke 8:21; James 1:25.
v. 29: Matthew 12:38-42; 1 Corinthians 1:22
v. 30: John 1:17; 2:10; 3:3-10; Luke 24:46; Acts 10:40; 1 Corinthians 15:4.
vv.31-32: 1 Kings 10:1-10; 2 Chronicles 9:1-8 (Isaiah 9:6; Romans 9:5); John 3:5
MARK 3:31-35
1. United with God is a closer bond than with human families.
2. v. 31: Matthew 12:46-50; Luke 8:19-21.
3. v. 35: Ephesians 6:6; Hebrews 10:36; 1 Peter 4:2 (1 John 2:17)

ACTS 1:12-14; 7:44-53
1. v. 12: Luke 24:52 (1.2 km)
2. v. 13: John Mark's home: Mark 14:15; Luke 22:12; Acts 9:37: 39; 20:8; Matthew 10:2-4; Luke 6:15; Jude 1
3. v.14: Over 100 believers in this "house church" prayed earnestly in unity: 2:1, 46; 7:57.
4. 7:44: Stephen's defense: Israel has no excuse to plead ignorance to obey God: Exodus 25:40 (Hebrews 8:5).
5. v. 45: Deuteronomy 32:49; Joshua 3:14; 18:1; 23:9; Nehemiah 9:24; Psalm 44:2; 2 Samuel 6:2-15.
6. v. 46: David's covenant: 2 Samuel 7:1-13; 1 Kings 8:17; 1 Chronicles 22:7; Psalm 132:4-5.
7. v. 47: 1 Kings 6:1-38; 8:20-21; 2 Chronicles 3:1-17
8. v. 48: 1 King 8:27; 2 Chronicles 2:6; Acts 17:24
9. v. 49: Isaiah 60:1; 2 Matthew 5:34
10. v. 50: Psalm 102:25 (In the New Testament, believers are God's temple).
11. v. 51: Exodus 32:9; Isaiah 6:10; Leveticus 26:41.
12. v. 52: 2 Chronicles 36:16; Matthew 21:35; 23:35; 1 Thessalonians 2:15; Acts 3:14; 22:14; 1 John 2:1
13. Though received the Law, they refused it: Exodus 20:1; Deuteronomy 33:2; Acts 7:38; Galatians 3:19; Hebrews 2:2.

HEBREWS 9:3-12; 2:14-18; GALATIANS 4:1-7
9:3: The sanctuary: Exodus 25:21-22; 26:31-35; 40:3
v.4: Leveticus 16:12; Exodus 25:10; 16:33; Numbers 17:1- 10; Exodus 25:16; 34:29; Deuteronomy 10:2-5
v.5: Exodus 25:17, 20; Leveticus 16:2; 1 Kings 8:7
v.6: Numbers 18:2-6; 28:3
v.7: Exodus 30:10; Leveticus 16:34; Hebrews 5:3; 6:6; 10:3, 22, 26.
v.8: The way to God is through Christ: John 14:6; Hebrews 10:20
v.9: The sacrifics before Christ could not make the worshipper perfect ... could never cleanse one's conscience: Galatians 3:21; Hebrews 7:19.
v. 10: New time began with Christ: Leveticus 11:2; Coloss. 2:16; Numbers 19:7; Ephesians 2:15; Hebrews 10:1
v.11: The tabernacle of Christ's ministry is heaven, the dwelling place of God: Eph. 1:3-11; Hebrews 10:1
v.12: Aaron, on the Day of Atonement, offered a calf for Himself and a goat for the sins of the people (Leveticus 16:6-9). Christ, with His own blood, offered sacrifice once for all that brings full cleansing from for all eternity: Hebrews 10:4; Isaiah 53:12; Ephesians 1:7; Zechariah 3:9; Daniel 9:24.
2:14: The Son by being human delivers God's people from the fear and power of both physical and spiritual death: Romans 5:12-21; John 1:14; Colosians 2:15; 1 Corinthians 15:54-57; 2 Timothy 1:10.
v.15: Psalm 68:18; Isaiah 42:7; 45:13; 49:9; 61:1; Luke 1:74
v.17: Christ saves people from the guilt of sin: Philippians 2:7; Hebrews 2:14; 4:15; 5:1-10
v.18: Saves from the power of temptation: Hebrews 4:15- 16; Romans 3:25-26; 1 John 2:2; 4:9-10

GALATIANS 4:1-7
We are children of God experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit.
vv.1-2: Like a child under the supervision, Jews and the Gentile Christians under bondage before Christ came: Romans 1:19-21.
v.3: By keeping the Law and doing goods, we can save ourselves: Galatians 4:9; Colossians 2:8, 20; Hebrews 5:12; 9:10.
vv.4-5: From Christ's time onwards, all followers enjoy the full privilege of sonship. As God's son, born of a woman under the Law, Christ made us God's children: Genesis 3:15; 49:10; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:25; 5:17; 20:29; Luke 2:21, 27; John 1:12; Romans 1:3; 8:3; Galatians 3:13; Philippians 2:7.
v.6: Holy Spirit makes our sonship a living reality so that we have the closest fellowship with the Father: Acts 16:7; Romans 5:5; 8:9, 15, 16; 2 Corinthians 3:17.
v.7: By the gracious work of God through Christ, we are no more slaves but His children with the full privilege of heirs: Romans 8:16-17.

EXODUS 3:1-6; 19:16-23
Moses' call in a vision:
v.1: Exodus 4:18; 2:16; 18:5; 1 Kings 19:8; Exodus 17:6
vv.2-3: Judges 6:12; Deuteronomy 33:16; Mark 12:26; Luke 20:37; Acts 7:30; Acts 7:31.
v.4: "Moses, Moses": Twice for special attention: "Abraham, Abraham" (Genesis 22:11); "Samuel, Samuel" (1 Samuel 3:10); "Saul, Saul" (Acts 9:4). Also see Exodus 4:5; Deuteronomy 33:16.
v.5:Sacred because of God's presence: Joshua 5:15; Acts 7:33
v.6: God's presence made Moses fearful: Isaiah 6:5; Genesis 28:13; Exodus 3:16; 4:5; Matthew 22:32; Mark 12:26-27; Luke 20:37-38; Acts 7:32; 1 Kings 19:13.
19:16: Miracle followed when the creator intersected creation (Luke 2:8-15): Hebrews 12:18-19, 21.
vv.17-18: Deuteronomy 4:10-11; Judges 5:5; Psalm 104:32; 144:5; Exodus 3:2; 24:17; Deuteronomy 5:4; 2 Chronicles 7:1-3; Hebrews 12:18; Genesis 15:17; 19:28; Revelation 15:8; Psalm 68:8, ! Kings 19:12; Jeremiah 4:24; Hebrews 12:26.
v. 19: Hebrews 12:21; Nehemiah 9:13; Psalm 81:7
v. 20: Moses followed God's instructions and went up.
v.21: God uses Moses to warn the people: 1 Samuel 6:19.
v.22: Exodus 19:24; 24:25; Leveticus 10:3; 21:6-8; 2 Samuel 6:7-8.
v.23: Israel has to be holy to share with God: Exodus 19:12.

ISAIAH 45:11-19
God makes the decisions of our future:
v.11: Isaiah 8:19; 29:23; 60:21; 64:8; Jeremiah 31:9
v.12: Isaiah 42:5; Jeremiah 27:5; Genesis 1:26; 2:1; Nehemiah 9:6.
v.13: Isaiah 41:2; 44:28; 2 Chronicles 36:22; Romans 3:24.
v.14: "There is no other" - 3 times: 14, 18, 21: Emphasizes God's unique character: Psalm 60:31; 72:10-11; 149:8; Isaiah 14:1; 45:5; 49:23; 60:9-10, 14, 16; Jeremiah 16:19; Zechariah 8:20-23; 1 Corinthians 14:25.
V.15: Psalm 44:24; Isaiah 57:17
vv.16-17: Isaiah 44:11; 26:4; 51:6; 29:22; Romans 11:26.
v.18: Isaiah 42:5; Genesis 1:26; Psalm 115:16; Acts 17:26.
v.19: Deuteronomy 30:11; Psalm 19:8; Isaiah 45:23; 63:1.

EZEKIEL 44:1-3
The sanctity of the temple
v.1: Ezekiel 43:1: Faces East
v.2: Ezekiel 43:2-4
v.3: Genesis 31:54; Exodus 24:9-11; 1 Corinthians 10:18; Ezekiel 46:2, 8; Deuteronomy 12:18 (Peace Offering).

LUKE 15:1-10
1. The Lost Sheep and coin: God's concern for the lost (three examples: Lost sheep, coin and son). God's joy is great when the sinners turn to Him: Matthew 9:10-15.
2. vv.2-7: Acts 11:3; Galatians 2:12; Matthew 18:12-14; 1 Peter 2:25. The plight of the lost sheep reflects the hopelessness and helplessness of sinners. God's love is revealed here: Romans 12:15; Luke 19:10; 1 Peter 2:10, 25. God rejoices at the repentance of sinners: Luke 5:32; Mark 2:17.
3. vv.8-10: Value of the lost sinner and God's diligence in seeking each one.

1 JOHN 2:22-29
1. vv.22-23: He who denies that Jesus Christ is the Promised Messiah is the greatest lier. He looses his fellowship with the Father and the Son: John 14:6; 1 John 4:3; 2 John 7.
2.vv: 24-25: The doctrine of Jesus Christ; His humility and diety shall remain with us to have true fellowship with the Father and the Son which is the essence of eternal life: 2 John 6-7, 9; John 14:23; 1 John 1:3.
3. vv.26-27: The false teachers try to lead us astray. The anointing of the Holy Spirit protects us. Through the anointing presence of the Holy Spirit in us, God also abides in us. So we also abide in God. The anointing of the Holy Spirit enables us to distinguish truth from error: John 14:16; 16:13; 1 John 2:20; Jeremiah 31:33; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:9.
4.vv.28-29: By being obedient, we abide in fellowship with Christ. We have to practice righteousness to have eternal life with Christ who is righteous: Ephesians 3:12; 1 John 3:7, 10, 21; 4:17; Acts 22:14; John 7:18.
5. At His second coming, all the faithful departed shall resurrect and be taken to heaven (1 Corinthians 15) along with the faithful living. Our earthly experience with God and then in paradise and in heaven is the eternal life.

EPHESIANS 6:10-17
1. Spiritua warfare (vv.10-11), identifying the enemy (v.12), and describing our weapons (vv.13-17).
2. v.10: Only in the power of God's might, we can win against sin and satan.
v.11: God provides complete armor to protect us from all kinds of evil and temptations (2 Corinthians 6:7). Through the devil's schemings, we are drawn to carelessness and sin.
v.12: The Christian life is a struggle. Only through decisions and efforts, we can overcome. The devil and his hosts are our real enemy, not human flesh and blood. These rulers blind us to spiritual values. God has adequate power against all such evil doers: Acts 1:8; Romans 8:38; Luke 22:53.
v.13: By God's help, we can stand firm in the Lord during our hardest battle against evil: 2 Corinthians 10:4; Ephesians 5:16.
v.14: The Christian soldier must first put on truth, a firm commitment to the revealed word of God (Isaiah 11:5; Luke 12:35; 1 Peter 1:13. Seeking to do God's will is righteousness which protects us from evil: Isaiah 69:17; Romans 13:12; Ephesians 6:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:8.
v.15: We serve the prince of peace by which we can stand against God's and our enemies: Isaih 52:7; Romans 10:5.
v.16: Our dependence on God's promise protects us from the attacks of satan: 1 John 5:4.
v.17: The salvation provided by God through Christ is our safety and victory. The Holy Spirit enables us to use the sword of the spirit (Bible) to become spiritually strong and to lead others to Christ: 1 Thessalonians 5:8; Isaiah 49:2; Hosea 6:5; Hebrews 4:12.

EXODUS 14:21-31
1. The Israelites crossed the sea and believed the Lord and no more feared the Egyptians (v.10). They fixed their hope on Him.
v.21: Psalm 66:6; 106:9; 136:13-14; Exodus 15:8; Joshua 3:16; 4:23; Nehemiah 9:11; Psalm 74:13; 78:13; 114:3,5; Isaiah 63:12-13.
v.22: Exodus 15:19; Joshua 3:17; 4:22; Nehemiah 9:11; Psalm 66:6; 78:13; isaiah 63:13; 1 Corinthians 10:1; Hebrews 11:29; Exodus 14:29; 15:8; Hebrews 3:10.
v.24: Judges 7:19; Exodus 13:21.
v.25: Exodus 7:5; 14:4, 18.
v.27: Joshua 4:18; Exodus 15:1, 7; Deuteronomy 11:4; Nehemiah 9:11; Psalm 78:53; Hebrews 11:29.
v.28: Psalm 78:53; 106:11
v.29: Exodus 14:22; Psalm 66:6; 78:52-53; Isaiah 11:15
v.30: Exodus 14:13; Psalm 106:8, 10; Isaiah 63:8, 11 (Psalm 58:10; 59:10).
v.31: Exodus 4:31; 19:9; Psalm 106:12; John 2:11; 11:45.

1 SAMUEL 8:4-9
v.5: Samuel's sons were not worthy to follow his footsteps cf. Eli's sons (2:12, 22). So Israel asks for a king: Deuteronomy 17:14-15; Hosea 13:10; Acts 13:21.
vv.6-7: 1 Samuel 12:17; 7:9: Samuel listened and prayed to God.
vv.8-9: Their motive was rejection of God. But God did not like their request and Samuel warned them: vv.11-18.

ISAIAH 43:1-5
A very relevant promise of God: v.1: 43:5; 44:6; 42:6; 45:4
v.2: Psalm 66:12; 91:3 (Deuteronomy 31:6; Jeremiah 30:11; Daniel 3:25).
v.3: For freeing Israel, God permits the Persians to extend their empire: Proverbs 11:8; 21:18.
vv.4-5: Isaiah 63:9; 41:10; 44:2; 49:12; Jeremiah 30:10; 46:27-28.
God's presence gives us hope and salvation: Crossing the Red Sea aand destroying the Pharaoh's army (Exodus 14:21). Do not fear: Isaiah 43:2.

5. V.11: Prepare with holy conduct and spirit of godliness: 1 Peter 1:15.
6. v.12: Christians to lead others to Christ and to pray for the salvation of the lost: 1 Corinthians 1:7-8; Titus 2:13-15; Psalm 50:3; Isaiah 24:19; 34:4; Micha 1:4. The physical universe will be removed or cleansed from the effects of sin.
7. V.13: God will establish a new world order. It will be completely free from the effects of sin: Isaiah 65:17-25; 66:22; Revelation 21:1-2; Romans 8:21.
8. v.14: We should live a blameless life of holiness until Christ comes: 1 Corinthians 1:8; 15:58; 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13; 5:23.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:1-11
1. Be prepared for Christ's coming.
2. v.1: The time and manner of Jesus' return: Matthew 24:3.
3. v.2: The second coming is surprising like that of a thief: Matthew 24:44; Luke 21:34; 1 Thessalonians 5:4; 2 peter 3:10; Revelation 3:3; 16:15.
4. v.3: The unchristians will be separated from God and the Church (2 Thessalonians 1:9) and they cannot escape (Amos 5:18-20; Isaiah 13:6-9; Hosea 13:13.
5. vv.4-5: Darkness is a symbol of sinfulness and light of godliness. Christians are children of light and of the day. The light of Jesus Christ is upon us (2 Corinthians 4:4, 6). We have been enlightened by God's truth and made new by His Spirit: Acts 26:18; Romans 13:12; Ephesians 5:8; 1 John 5:8.
6. vv.6-7: Unbelievers live in the night. They are spiritually asleep and are irresponsible as if drunk: Matthew 25:5, 13; Mark 13:5; 1 Peter 5:8; Luke 21:34; Acts 2:15; 2 Peter 2:13.
7. v.8: Like a good soldier ready for battle, we, Christians should be ready for the return of Jesus Christ armed with faith, love and hope of salvation (Ephesians 6:14-17)> We should be spiritually aggressive: Isaiah 59:17; Ephesians 6:14.
8. vv: 9-11: We have the final blessedness with God who died for us. When He comes, we all those who are alive and dead will live together with Him: Romans 9:22; 2 Thessalinians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 5:15.

GENESIS 6:3-12
1. We are not of the dark, but of Jesus Christ, the true light.
2. Noah's time was of evil. He lived in blameless and righteous.
3. v.3: Genesis 41:38 (Galatians 5:16-17); 1 Peter 3:19-20; 2 Thessalonians 2:7; Psalm 78:39. Maximum life span would be reduced to 120 years.
4. v.4: Numbers 13:32-33: Godly men of the line of Seth and the sinful women of the line of Cain (Luke 17:27). Their intermarriage produced giants, renowned for wickedness.
5. v.5: Genesis 8:21; Psalm 14:1-3; Proverbs 6:18; Matthew 15:19; Romans 1:28-32.
6. v.6: God is very compassionate: Genesis 6:7; 1 samuel 15:11, 29; 2 Samuel 24:16; Jeremiah 18:7-10; Zachariah 8:14; Psalm 78:40; Isaiah 63:10; Ephesians 4:30; Matthew 3:5.
7. v.7: Human sin affected all the animal world (Romans 8: 19-22); genesis 7:4, 23; Deuteronomy 28:63; 29:20; Psalm 7:11.
8. v.8-9: Noah, like Enok, was blameless: Genesis 17:1; 19:19; Exodus 33:12, 17; Luke 1:30; Acts 7:46; Ezekiel 14:14, 20; Hebrews 11:7; 2 Peter 2:5: Diificult to live in an evil society; but Noah proved that we have to face such challenges.
9. vv.10-12: Genesis 5:32; 7:13; Deuteronomy 31:29; Romans 2:13; Ezekiel 8:17; Psalm 14:2; 53:2-3; psalm 14:1-3; isaiah 28:8.

ECCLESIASTES 7:1-7 1. The importance and value of character.
2. v.1: Need a serious approach: Proverbs 22:1; Eccl. 4:2
3. v.2: Better to visit the bereaved than to go to a party (Psalm 90:2). We should be ready for the death. We can overcome this enemy in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
4. V.3: "Still waters run deep": (2 Corinthians 7:10) Sorrow produces repentance.
5. v.4: Wise people understands the importance of mourning.
6. v.5: It is better to listen the wise than the joke of the fools: Psalm 141:5; Proverbs 13:18; 15:31-32.
7. v.6: Psalm 58:6-9; Eccleseastes. 2:2: Quick - burning fuel for cooking fires.
8. v.7: Oppression and bribe deviate straight thinking.

PSALM 12:1-7
1. Lack of God-fearing people.
2. v.1-2: David starts the prayer with a complaint. All godly persons are gone (Isaiah 57:1; Micha 7:2). All who are left speak from the double heart of sinful: James 3:8-12; Psalm 10:7; 41:6
3. v.3-4: God doesn't like flattering lips and speaking proud things. Arrogant pride rebels against God.
4. v.5: God intervenes and helps the poor and the needy.
5. v.6: God's words are complete purity: 2 samuel 22:31; Psalm 18:30; 119:140; Proverbs 30:5
6. v.7: God preserves and keeps the poor and the needy.

1. Jesus told the disciples the second time about His forth-coming death: Talk openly; share with others our problems and situations.

2. They were sorrowful to hear the disturbing news:

3. Caperneum was Jesus' headquarters in Galilee. Which is ours?

4. The tribute money miraculously paid: only in St. Mathew's Gospel.

5. All Jewish males 20 and over have to pay an annual half-shekel taxes (about two day's wages) to support the temple: Exodus 30:11-16; Nehemiah 10:32-33: Our responsibility to support the Church and its activities ... Model to pay in the maintenance of the church.

6. Giving is better than receiving: Acts 20:35. The fish opened its mouth to give to the Church and to God; How about us?

7. This tax was collected about a month before passover (an indication about the closing events of Jesus' ministry).

8. The questioning attitude of the critics.

9. Peter did not argue about paying taxes.

10. Jesus was born under the Law (Galatians 4:4). So no objection; Disciplinarian ... followed the rules and commandments.

11. Jesus, the eternal son of God, is free from the taxes of the temple system. Only "strangers" to pay taxes (Isaiah 60:10-17).

12. In order not to offend, Jesus told Peter to pay the taxes. Woe to those who create division: Matthew 18:7; 1 Corinthians 8:9-13.

13. Our conversation: Proverbs 12:18: Creates pain and enmity ... heart feelings: James 1:9; 3:5.

14. Jesus is penniless.

15. Wealth and other things entrusted us: Luke 19:11-27; Rich people's activities: James 5:1-6; Truth, faith, justice: 2 Corinthians 10:4; Away from immoralities; Ezekiel 18:21.

16. Even with loss of wealth, avoid division: Abraham to Loth: Genesis 13:8-9; Blanket also: Matthew 5:40; St. Paul: 1 Corinthians 6:7; Make settlement before offer sacrifice: Matthew 5:22-23; Anger: Ephesians 4:26.

17. Jesus' power to solve the problem: Money from the mouth of the fish caught from the sea to pay tax.

18. Fish in the sea: Man in the sea of sins: To catch them with preaching and converting.

19. Worked and paid the tax: Work hard

20. Peter worked for Jesus and paid tax

21. Jesus paid tax for Him as well as for Peter: Assurance that He takes care of those who share with Him.

MATTHEW 19:1-12
1. v.1: Jesus went to Judea, on the east side of Jordan.
2. v.2: There was a big following: Matthew 12:15
3. v.3: Two schools of interprtation: (1) Divorce for anything that displeased the husband (2) Only for infidelity by the wife.
4. vv.4-6: Jesus opposed all divorces: Genesis 1:27; 2:24; 5:2; Malachi 2:15; Mark 10:5-9; Ephesians 5:31; 1 Corinthians 6:16; 7:2. Marriage is for creation purposes. cf. Matthew 5:31-32.
5. v.7: The Old Testament command: Deuteronomy 24:1-4; Matthew 5:31
6. v.8: Moses gave the command as a concession to human sinfulness. A notification is better than sending her away. When God established marriage at creation, it was not like that: Hebrews 3:15; Malachi 2:16.
7. v.9: The first marriage shall be truly dissolved: Matthew 5:31-32; Mark 10:11; Luke 16:18; 1 Corinthians 7:10.
8. v.10: Disciples thought it is inadvisable to marry: Proverbs 21:19
9. v.11: All are obliged to marry, except those who are gifted not to: 1 Corinthians 7:2, 7, 9, 17. Sexual relations are a normal and holy part of marriage: 1 Corinthians 7:1-9; 25-28.
10. v.12: Those who choose celibacy are free of family responsibilities so that they can give themselves completely to the work of God: 1 Corinthians 7:32.

LUKE 19:11-27
v.11: Jusus' disciples and the Jews expected an earthly kingdom soon to be established in Jerusalem. So with a parable, Jesus presented the nature of His kingdom: Acts 1:6

v.12: Jesus will ascend to heaven and receive the kingdom from God, the Father and will return later to establish His kingdom: Matthew 25:14-30; Mark 13:34.
v. 13: His servants shall be diligent in kingdom business until His return.
v.14: Many of the Jews refused to accept Him: v.27; John 1:11
v.15: Upon His return, each one has to account the assignments and answer.
vv.16-19: Commendation and reward from the Master: Matthew 25:21, 23; Luke 16:10
vv.20-23: The unfaithful servant blame the Master for the negligence (Matthew 25:24) like most of us blame our disobedience on others or our God: From own mouth: 2 Samuel 1:16; Job 15:6; Matthew 12:37; 25:36.
vv.24-26: He who is diligent finds wider opportunities and he who fails finds less advancement. Be faithful for greater spiritual benefits at His coming: Matthew 13:12; 25:29; Mark 4:25; Luke 8:18.
v.27: This may happen during the final judgment: 19:14; 13:27. JAMES 5:1-6
Wealth is good; but the attitude toward using it makes us good or bad. How do we make money? How do we spend it? Just for us! Do we help the needy? Do we dig it? parable of the Talents!.
v.1: The fate of the ungodly rich: Proverbs 11:28; Luke 6:24; 1 Timothy 6:9
v.2: Riches (grain, wine, oil) subject to spoilage: Jermiah 17:11; Matthew 6:19; Expensive garments (Acts 20:33); Job 13:28. Earthly wealth is temporary and futile to hoard it.
v.3: Corosion due to selfish hoarding which leads to judgment and destruction: Romans 2:5. Second coming: vv. 7-9; Amos 5:18
v.4: Old Testament Law for the laborer: Deuteronomy 24:14-15; Leveticus 19:13; Job 24:10; Jeremiah 22:13; Malachi 3:5; Exodus 2:23; Job 31:38. :Lord of Hosts": 1 samuel 17:45: God's awesome power.
vv.506: The ungodly rich live in self-indulgent luxury amid others' poverty and took the lives of the innocent and helpless who have no legal defense.

2 CORINTHIANS 10:1-7
1. In our spiritual warfare, we have to face truth, faith and righteousness (v. 4).
2. Complete commitment to the will of God.
3. Love God with all our mind.

EXODUS 24:12-18
God offered a covenant to Israel (chapter 19) with certain requirements (chapters 20-23) and was accepted by a sacred ceremony.
v.12: God asks Moses to go up to the Mountain to receive the covenant (12). Only Moses alone can go (24:2, 15) and he did and received the tablets of stone (Exodus 31:18; 32:15; Deuteronomy 5:22). v.13: Moses obeyed God, arose with his helper Joshua (32:17) and went up to the hill.
v.14: Moses entrusted the people with Aaron and Hur, his trusted assistants (14:10, 12), during his absence.
v.16: The glory of the Lord rested in Mount Sinai (Exodus 16:10; 33:18; Numbers 14:10). Moses had to wait six days to hear from God who was hidden in the cloud.
v.17: God is far beyond human senses, though He is accessible: Exodus 3:2; Deuteronomy 4:26; 9:3; Hebrews 12:18, 29.
v.18: Moses spent there 40 days and 40 nights: Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:9; 10:10.

1 SAMUEL 3:16-21
Eli's failure to control the wickedness of his sons prompted God to announce their destruction through Samuel, only 12 years old.
v.16: Eli called Samuel to find out the vision. Eli's words "My son" and Samuel's answer "Here I am" are noteworthy.
v.17: Eli warns to speak the truth without cover up or else face the consequences: Ruth 1:17.
v. 18: Samuel told everything the Lord told him (vv.11-14). Eli's submission to God's will.
v.19: Samuel grew up with the blessings of the Lord: 1 Samuel 2:21; Genesis 21:22; 28:15; 39:2, 21, 23, 1
Samuel 9:6.
vv.20-21: Samuel became a prophet for the whole land of Israel (Acts 3:24) as revealed by God: 1 Samuel 3:14.

EZEKIL 18:21-24
Turn away from unethical activities.
vv.21-22: If a person chooses to repent, God forgives him: Ezekiel 18:24, 27; 33:12-19; Isaiah 43:25; Jeremiah 50:20; Micha 7:19; Psalm 18:20-24.
v.23: God is love whose nature is mercy so that He does not like the wicked to die: Lamentations 3:33; Ezekiel 18:32; 33:11; 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9.
v.24: If a righteous person turns away from God, he could easily lose salvation: 1 Samuel 15:11; 2 Chronicles 24:2, 17-22; Ezekiel 3:20; 18:26; 33:18; 2 Peter 2:20.

Highly praised moral exhortations: ideal characteristics of a Christian in Sermon on the Mount.

1. According to the Old Testament Law, retaliation would fit the crime: "Eye for an eye": Deuteronomy 13:10; 19:21; Exodus 21:24; Leveticus 24:20: Tit for Tat. Cain murdered his brother Abel; Abraham with 318 soldiers subdued the rulers who conquerred the weak before the time of the Law. As of Moses, situations changed; The time of the Law: as against the strong man rules. Tit for Tat: Inborn nature ... love those love; hate those hate ... like animals.

2. New Testament time: Christ's rule: No tit for tat: Show left cheek because slapping to the right cheek is very soft unless you are a left hander. Love and perseverence since Christ. Overcome evil with forgiveness and goodness. Forgive instead of revenge and retaliation: Proverbs 20:22; Luke 6:29; Romans 12:17; 1 Corinthians 6:7; 1 Peter 3:9; Isaiah 50:6; Lamentations 3:30. Forgive others to be forgiven: Matthew 6:15: Humble ourselves and pray to be forgiven and healed: 2 Chronicles 7:14. Christ died for us (Romans 5:10). Apostles and martyrs did the same. To grow into fulness as Christ showed us. God loves us even if we are not qualified.

3. A. Wealth is power; B. Idea is power; C. Media is power: Medium is message is now changing to MEDIUM IS MASSAGE.

4. Love enemies too. Jesus taught this: Leveticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 23:3-6; Psalm 41:10 (pray for them); Luke 6:27; 23:34; Romans 12:14; 12:20; Acts 7:60; 1 Corinthians 4:12; 1 Peter 2:23; One who loves his enemies is like God (Psalm 65:9-13; Luke 12:16-17; Acts 14:7). Love, kindness, patience x Enmity, hatred, revenge; Divine, spiritual, Godly, eaverlasting x Human and worldly. No evil for evil (Romans 12:17); Win evil with goodness (Romans 12:21); Jesus called Judas who betrayed, "Friend"; Jesus made friends on the cross. Like moon when not increases, decreases. Alexander, Napoleon, Chalimegne... all built their empires through power; Jesus built through love. So even today millions there to die for Him. We can win everything by love. Tax collectors were regarded as traitors as they contracted with Rome to collect taxes. Even they were nice to persons who were nice to them (Luke 6:320).

5. We have to show our Christian love by going beyond we are asked for: Romans 12:21; Matthew 27:32. (Tunic is undergarment; cloak is outer garment). Give not only tunic, but also cloak; if compels to go one mile, go two; do not turn away from those who seek help or want to borrow.

6. Help the poor and do not put material gain over human need: Deuteronomy 15:7-11; Luke 6:30-34; 1 Timothy 6:18. Do good over evil. Concern for the last, lost and least.

7. Friction among humans: Jesus came to His paternal city ( Mark 6:1-6). They watched and listened His works and preachings. Instead of belief and honor, disbelief. To them, Jesus is just the son of Mary and Joseph, the carpenter. They knew His kins. They failed to understand Jesus and became an onstacle. Their judgment failed them; their jealousy failed them. Eradicate jealousy, treachery, etc: 1 Peter 21:2f; pray for each other for good relationship: Job 1:1-5; Repent and confess: Isaiah 1:18.

8. We have to be perfect by loving each other like God loves all of us. We have to love our neighbors with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength as we love ourselves (Genesis 17:1; Leveticus 11:44; 19:2; Luke 6:36; Colossians 1:28; 4:12; James 1:4; 1 Peter 1:15; Ephesians 5:1). Moses' instruction to love the neighbor (Leveticus 19:18), nothing about to love enemies. Jesus wants us to love our enemies and pray for them too: showed in His life on the cross and taught through the parable of the Good Samaritan.

MATTHEW 18:1-11
vv.1-2: The greatest in God's kingdom is the one who humbles himself: Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:14; Luke 18:14-17.
vv.3-4: We have to turn from our proud attitude and humble ourselves: Psalm 131:2; Matthew 19:14; 20:27; 23:11; Mark 10:15; Luke 18:16.
v.5: Whoever is like the little children are dear to Jesus: Matthew 10:42; Luke 9:48.
v.6: We must be careful not to sin or not to lead another one to sin: Mark 9:42; Luke 17:2; 1 Corinthians 8:12.
v.7: Shame and destruction to those who cause others to sin: Luke 17:1; 1 Corinthians 11:9; 1 Timothy 4:1; Matthew 26:4; 27:4-5.
vv.8-9: Gaining eternal life is important than anything else. We should not lose our souls in hell fire: Matthew 5:29-30; Mark 8:36; 9:43, 45.
v.10: The Father is always in the awareness of His humble believers to take care of them. There are angels to guard us: Psalm 34:7; Zechariah 13:7; Hebrews 1:14.
v.11: All who wish to be saved will be secured under God's mighty hands: Luke 9:56; John 3:17.

MATTHEW 18:12-22
vv.12-14: We should try our level best to bring back those who fell in to sin. God doesn't want any one of us perish: 1 Timothy 2:4.
v.15: Try for a one-to-one reconciliation if there is a differnce of opinion: Leveticus 19:17; Luke 17:3--4; Galatians 6:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:15; James 5:19-20; 1 Peter 3:1.

v.16: If that fails, try with two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15; John 8:17; 2 Corinthians 13:1; 1 Timothy 5:19; Hebrews 10:28.
v.17: Still he doesn't listen, refer the matter to the Church: the Christian community. If he refuses to be reconciled, consider him as an unsaved person, like a heathen or a tax collector: Romans 16:l7; 1 Corinthians 5:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14; 2 John 10.
v.18: God ratifies the reconciliation of an erring believer. If he doesn't come to terms through the efforts of the Church --confession, reconciliation, absolution .. he reaps the consequences: Matthew 16:19; John 20:22-23; 1 Corinthians 5:4.
v.19: If we reconcile, God accepts our reconciliation and our prayers: 1 John 3:22; 5:14; 1 Corinthians 1:10.
v.20: According to Jewish tradition, at least ten people are needed to establish a synagogue. Two or three are enough to establish a Christian fellowship because Christ is in their midst: Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 14:26.
v.21: One should forgive a repented offender four times, according to Jewish tradition. Peter is generous here by asking "seven times?": Luke 17:4.
v.22: God forgives anyone who repents without any time: Romans 13:8; Matthew 6:14; Mark 11:25; Colossians 3:13.

1 PETER 2:1-5
v.1: We have to grow in the Lord without ill toward others (12:1): hypocrasy, envy, etc., and live in love with pure hearts: 1:22.
v.2: We have to grow spiritually by feeding on the word of God: 1:23; Matthew 18:3; 19:14; Mark 10:5; Luke 18:17; 1 Corinthians 14:20; 3:2.
v.3: When we experience God's grace in Christ, we want to grow in it: Psalm 34:8; Titus 3:4; Hebrews 6:3.
v.4: Christ is the foundation stone, though rejected (at the crucifixion) by man (Psalm 118:22), He has been raised from the deadand gives life to us.
v.5:We are the living stones. Church is the spiritual house or temple being erected in praise of God. We have to offer sacrifices of praise and obedience that are acceptable to God because of Christ's sacrifice for sin. Church is a divine institution. We are all living stones to build the Church. Church will be built on that rock: Matthew 16:18 cf. 1 Peter 2:4-5. Christ is the corner stone. St. Johnsaw the holy city: Revelation 21:9-27. Jesus is the vine and we are the branches: John 15:1ff. Like the stem distributes sap to the branches, Jesus distributes spirituality through the Holy Eucharist - body and blood. If we don't live in Him, will dry: John 15:6. Holy communion for unity.

1 CORINTHIANS 3:16-23
V.16: We are God's temple. God's spirit dwells in us: Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:21.
V.17: The body of true believers make the Church. It is God's temple. It is holy and God owns it. He who defiles the Church with divisiveness and contention (v.3) will be punished.
VV.18-20: We should not boast in the foolishness of our wisdom (Proverbs 3:7). We have to know God through trusting in the message about Jesus Christ crucified: Proverbs 3:7; Job 5:13; Psalm 94:11.
VV.21-22: Christ is the source of all things (2 Corinthians 4:5). We should not limit ourselves by boasting in others. Earthly teachers are only God's servants representing God. We should live and die victoriously by the power of Christ (15:55-57). In Him we have nothing to fear for now or in the future.
V.23: We belong to Christ and Christ is God's. He has full equality with God. In Him we are safe and secure: Romans 14:8; 1 Corinthians 15:23; 2 Corinthians 10:7; Galatians 3:29.

EXODUS 3:1-6; 11-14
Moses was called, like great prophets after him, in a vision of God. Horeb is another name for Sinai. Flame of fire (v.2) is a symbol of God's presence, either for judgment or for cleansing.
V.4: Moses, Moses: Repetitions to call attention: Abraham, Abraham (Genesis 22:1; Samuel, Samuel: 1 samuel 3:10; Saul, Saul: Acts 9:4.
V.5: The dirty sands profane the holy ground as God's presence is there: Joshua 5:15; Acts 7:33.
V.6: The glory of God (Isaiah 6:5) made Moses to hide his face.
VV.11-12: Moses doubted that those in Egypt for more than 400 years might have forgotten God.
V.14: God revealed to Moses as Yahweh (YHWH) who is present then and now: Exodus 6:3; John 8:24, 28, 58; Hebrews 13:8; Revelation 1:8; 4:8.

JOB 1:1-5
VV.1-3: Job's moral integrity and devotion to God: Genesis 6:9; 17:1; Deuteronomy 18:13; Proverbs 16:6.
VV.4-5: His family (sevn sons, three daughters and very rich) was very close. Job offered sacrifices regularly for his children to be cleansed from sins and for blessings: Genesis 8:20 (Job 42:8); 1 Kings 21:10, 13.

ISAIAH 1:15-20
V.15: God does not delight just in sacrifice, unless there is genuine repentance: Amos 5:21-24; Proverbs 1:28; Psalm 66:18; Isaiah 59:1-3; Micha 3:4. BLOOD: May be child sacrifice: Ezekiel 23:36-39).
V.16-17: Good behavior is that God counts: Do good, seek justice, defend the fatherless, and plead for the widow.
V.18: God wants to free us from sin and promises to turn the scarlet sins into white as snow: isaiah 43:25-26; Micha 6:2; Psalm 51:7; Revelation 7:14.
V.20: If we oppose, destruction is the result: isaiah 40:5; 58:14; Micha 4:4; Titus 1:2.

8. "Behold the maid-servant of the Lord" (Luke 1:38): Her complete commitment. We have to inflow the qualities of Christ into us and to outflaw the Christian qualities to others: God pleasing qualities (Romans 12:1); "Be ye holy, as I am holy" (Leveticus 11:45); God dwells in us, be holy (1 Corinthians 3:17).

9. She is ever Virgin: Just as the bush where God revealed Himself to Moses (Exodus 3:13-15) remained unaffected by the flame, she remained a virgin, even though she gave birth to Jesus Christ. She is an eternal virgin; no other children. If any, should not have been asked John to take care of her (John 19:26). That door was closed for ever (Ezekiel 44:2). Jesus' brothers were Joseph's children of first marriage.

10. She accepted the awesome calling to be the Mother of Jesus. She simply accepted the call of the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:30): Unlike Samson's father Manoah (Judges 13:22) who panicked, John the Baptist's father Zachariah doubted (Luke 1:18), Abraham's wife Sarah laughed (Genesis 18:10-13).

11. No miracle at her birth; For the burrial, all Apostles, prophets, angels, Jesus... to take her to paradise: Assumption. Now queen of angels, interceding for the whole world. First miracle through her request at Cana continuing on.

12. She was "full of grace": Luke 1:28

13. The "Lord was with her": Luke 1:28.

14. All generations will call her blessed: Luke 1:48

15. The scene of the BABE lying in the manger with the Mother.

16. Luke 2:34-35: On the 40th day, infant baby was taken to the Jerusalem temple. Coming back, after 12 years in the temple, and for her purification after the 40th day (80 days if a girl) and to dedicate her son. She carried the baby and Joseph carried the two doves. Simon was there and experienced the presence of Jesus, the Lord. He sang: Luke 2:29032. She bowed before and he said that "a sword will pierce through her own soul" (Luke 2:35) foretelling the passion. Her worries and passions: Psalm 22:12-21; Isaiah 63.

17. The Nativity Scenes, Christmas Cards, numerous portrits - all declare her sanctity and holiness.

LITURGICAL CALENDAR SYNOPSIS FOR SERMON & MEDITATION