ST JUSTIN, M. (Memorial) Red He was born of pagan Greek parents in Samaria around 100AD. He read rhetoric, poetry and history and studied various schools of philosophy. At Ephesus, he was impressed by the steadfastness of the Christian martyrs and converted to Christianity. He opened a school of Christian philosophy and was arrested with … [Read more…]
THE VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (Feast) White First Reading: Zep 3:14-18a; Psalm: 12. R. 6b; Gospel: Lk 1:39-56 MARY, ARK OF THE COVENANT BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The ‘Ark of the Covenant’ was the abiding presence of God for the ancient Israelites. It was permanently kept within the ‘Tent of Meeting’ … [Read more…]
First Reading: Acts 19:1-8; Psalm: 68. R. v. 33a; Gospel: Jn 16:29-33 JESUS KNOWS HOW VERY FRAGILE WE ARE BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Jesus was very good at using parables and images in speaking to his disciples about the kingdom of God. Like the image of a shepherd, a vine, and of a … [Read more…]
First Reading: Acts 7:55-60; Psalm: 97. R. v. 1a. 9a; Second Reading: Rev 22:12-14.16-17.20; Gospel: Jn 17:20-26 THAT WE MAY BE ONE BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The gospel reading of today was the conclusion of the priestly prayer of Jesus for his disciples as he prepares to embrace his passion. This prayer clearly … [Read more…]
First Reading: Acts 18:23-28; Psalm: 47. R. v. 2b; Gospel: Jn 16:23b-28 PRAYING IN GOD’S NAME BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Name is synonymous to identity. It is a representation of a person. It co-exists with our personhood such that even when we are absent and our names are mentioned, our presence is clearly … [Read more…]
First Reading: Acts 18:9-18; Psalm: 47. R. v. 8a; Gospel: Jn 16:20-23a THE CHURCH AND THE STATE BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The Catholic Church is one of the religious institutions that promote respect and obedience to civil laws that are not contrary to moral principles. The Church always encourages her faithful to exercise … [Read more…]
THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD (Solemnity) White First Reading: Acts 1:1-11; Psalm: 47. R. v. 6; Second Reading: Eph 1:17-23; Gospel: Lk 24:46-53 WITNESSING TO CHRIST: THE WAY TO HEAVEN The ascension of Christ into heaven ought to have elicited some sad feelings in the apostles as they watched their master disappear into the clouds. … [Read more…]
First Reading: Acts 17:15. 22-18:1; Psalm: 148. R. v. 5a; Gospel: Jn 16:12-15 CONVERSION IS THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Paul’s approach in converting the people of Athens was similar to the approach of some early European missionaries who brought the Christian faith to Africa. The only difference … [Read more…]
First Reading: Acts 16:22-34; Psalm: 138. R. v. 7c; Gospel: Jn 16:5-11 THE POWER OF HYMNS TO GOD BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The common axiom “Music is food for the soul” is very true. But to be more precise, it is preferable to say “Good music is food for the soul.” A good … [Read more…]
First Reading: Acts 16:11-15; Psalm: 149. R. v. 4a; Gospel: Jn 15:26-16:4a THE FORTITUDE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Have we ever been worried about persecution or martyrdom and what our possible response would be like if such fate befell us? The thought of this alone is enough to make … [Read more…]
