First Reading: Ex 1:8-14. 22; Psalm: 124 R. v. 8a; Gospel: Mt 10:34-11:1 THE SACREDNESS OF THE PAST BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP. The past is not always ugly. Some pasts are beautiful and sacrosanct that it becomes abominable to forget them. If we failed to remember where we are coming from, it can … [Read more…]
First Reading: Is 55:10-11; Psalm: 65. R. v. Lk 8:8a; Second Reading: Rm 8:18-23; Gospel: Mt 13:1-23 HUNDREDFOLD, SIXTYFOLD, THIRTYFOLD BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The parable of the sower is usually not my favourite because it is apparently too flat and bland. The fact that Jesus told this parable and went on to … [Read more…]
ST BONAVENTURE, B.D. (Memorial) White Bonaventure joined the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor at the age of 22 and became the General of the Order at the age of 36. He studied theology and philosophy in Paris. He spoke at the Council of Lyons as a Papal legate but died before its close. Following St … [Read more…]
First Reading: Gn 46:1-7. 28-30; Psalm: 37 R. v. 39a; Gospel: Mt 10:16-23 WITNESSING TO THE TRUTH BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP. “I’ve been sitting here for many days now. They’ve been looking for me for many days too. From where I’m sitting, I can see their angry faces. It’s only a matter of … [Read more…]
First Reading: Gn 44:18-21. 23b-29; 45:1-5; Psalm: 105 R. v. 5a; Gospel: Mt 10:7-15 REMEMBERING THE MERCIES OF GOD BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before … [Read more…]
First Reading: Gn 41:55-57; 42:5-7a. 17-24a; Psalm: 33 R. v. 22; Gospel: Mt 10:1-7 LOVE CONQUERS HATRED BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Joseph loved his brothers but when he was sold by them, he probably cursed that day and vowed not to forgive them. It can be distressing to be betrayed and cut off … [Read more…]
ST BENEDICT, ABB. (Memorial) White He was the twin brother of St Scholastica. While studying in Rome, he was dismayed by the lack of indiscipline of his fellow students; so he fled to a cave and lived there as a hermit for three years. Inspired by his life, a group of monks asked him to … [Read more…]
First Reading: Gn 28:10-22a; Psalm: 91 R. v. 2b; Gospel: Mt 9:18-26 WHEN FAITH FAILS US BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Some years back, I was at a hospital to see the doctor. Coincidentally I saw a teenage girl in her school uniform lying on a stretcher by the reception area. She was unconscious … [Read more…]
First Reading: Zec 9:9-10; Psalm: 145. R. v. 1; Second Reading: Rm 8:9. 11-13; Gospel: Mt 11:25-30 HIS YOKE IS EASY BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke … [Read more…]
First Reading: Gn 27:1-5. 15-29; Psalm: 135 R. v. 3a; Gospel: Mt 9:14-17 NEW WINE, FRESH WINESKIN BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Why were the disciples of John so concerned about fasting that they considered it a point of discussion to table before Jesus? Judging from our time, fasting isn’t always compulsorily demanded. But … [Read more…]
