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In any race, especially in the race of life, winners don't quit. Even if they pass through thick and thin or go through a heated furnace; they become better and more elegant like gold. The stories of Peter and Paul, who had not-so-good past in 'themselves' but got a great future with God summarise the story of grace at its peak. The red vestment for this solemnity is indicative of the kind of death the two icons passed through signifying the shape of witnessing to Christ; they denied before bouncing back to defend. In the 4th century sermon of  Augustine of Hippo, he expressed "both apostles share the same feast, for these two were one, even though they died separately, Peter went first, and Paul followed but this day is made holy for us by the apostles' blood". Thus, who are these men? St Peter was an impetuous man. Though called the rock, he was more like fickle sand with his quick temper and changing mood. So eager to be near the Lord that he would walk on

Reflection for  12th Sunday A in Ordinary Time.   Neuroscientists say its normal to be afraid and the capacity to fear is part of the brain function while a lack of fear may be a sign of serious brain damage. Sometimes, you don’t need to be in danger to be scared. The fear of writing exams, public speaking, a new job, a dark and confined place, the fear of the unknown and the fear of fear can be scary and troubling. However, your fear response is amplified if you are already in a state of fear because it limits the number of things you can do and disrupts the coordination response.  If you are afraid of flight and height, you might not travel very far, and if you are fearful of speaking the truth because people will feel uncomfortable, you will be neutral to the gospel values. Christianity has a history of fearless martyrs whose heads rolled because they didn't worship on conventional altar nor aligned to the diluted interpretation of doctrine while they deviated from political cor

Prayer is the direct communication with God who is always close to us . If God is so close to us why are you shouting as if he is far away? Why are you repeating the words as if he did not hear you the first time? Do you know that NO is a valid answer? Why then are you compelling God to answer yes always.  Always remember these when you pray: 1. Prayer nourishes the soul just as food nourishes the body 2. Prayer brings out the best of all virtues in a person whose life is a prayer to others 3. Prayer is a way of life, just as communication is a way of life 4. Prayer bridges the gap between God and man; between man and man 5. Prayer gives consolation, relieves burden, builds up faith and trust in God 6. Prayer makes one humble, because humility is the first attribute of spirituality; a person who lacks humility can never be spiritual.  7. God is humility and humility is God. So, to be like God, is to be humble, and prayer helps to attain such a stage. 8. Prayer builds up confidence in o