First Reading: Ezr 1:1-6; Psalm: 126. R. v. 3a; Gospel: Lk 8:16-18 BE A LAMP ON A STAND BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, that those who enter may see the light.” … [Read more…]
First Reading: Is 55:6-9; Psalm: 145. R. v. 18a; Second Reading: Phil 1:20c-24. 27a; Gospel: Mt 20:1-16 GOD IS NOT FAIR BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “That’s not fair!” I bet that the above statement is readily what we use to express our dissatisfaction to perceived treatments of injustice. Part of what makes us … [Read more…]
ST PIO OF PIETRELCINA, P. (Memorial) White Francesco Forgione, Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, entered the novitiate of the Capuchin friars at age 15, and was ordained at age 22 in 1910. While praying before a cross, he received the stigmata, the first priest ever to be so blessed. He would hear confessions by the hour, … [Read more…]
First Reading: 1Tim 6:2c-12; Psalm: 49. R. v. Mt 5:3; Gospel: Lk 8:1-3 GIVING TO THE MISSION BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP John wished he was a priest. He had applied severally to the seminary but was not admitted. Age was no longer on his side; so he decided to start the job of … [Read more…]
First Reading: Eph 4:1-7. 11-13; Psalm: 19. R. v. 5a; Gospel: Mt 9:9-13 GOD SEES BEYOND OUR WEAKNESSES BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Matthew was a publican because the taxes he collected were public funds. His people hated him not just because he was a tax collector but also because he chose to work … [Read more…]
SS ANDREW KIM TAEGON & COMPANION, M. (Memorial) Red During the 19th century, Andrew Kim Tae-gon was Korea’s first native priest, and the first priest to die for the faith in Korea. As leader of the community, Andrew was tortured and beheaded in 1846 at Seoul, Korea. Also martyred was Paul Chong Hasang, a layman, … [Read more…]
First Reading: 1Tim 3:1-13; Psalm: 101. R. v. 2c; Gospel: Lk 7:11-17 DO NOT WEEP BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP God’s compassion is immeasurable. God knows and understands our situations and would not cease to show his compassion and love to us. No one understands our feelings better than God; for God knows the … [Read more…]
First Reading: 1Tim 2:1-8; Psalm: 28. R. v. 6; Gospel: Lk 7:1-10 INTERCEDING FOR ONE ANOTHER BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The centurion in the gospel of today was in great need. He wanted his servant to get well and he knew he could get what he wanted from Jesus. But there was a … [Read more…]
First Reading: Sir 27:30-28:7; Psalm: 103. R. v. 8; Second Reading: Rm 14:7-9; Gospel: Mt 18:21-35 ONLY THE CONTRITE FORGIVES BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “Kindness radiates. It subdues our egoism to see in others our very selves; beneficiaries of undeserved charity now compelled to requite.” (Anonymous). Kindness or generosity has a very powerful … [Read more…]
SS CORNELIUS, PP & CYPRIAN, B.M. (Memorial) Red Cornelius was the 21st Pope elected during the period when persecutions were so bad that papal ascension was often a death sentence. He worked for unity in a time of schism and apostasy. Cornelius fought Novatianism, a heresy that held that the lapsed Christian might not be … [Read more…]
