ST ANTHONY, ABBOT (Memorial) White At age 35 Anthony moved to the desert where he lived alone for 20 years in an abandoned fort. He based his life on the Gospel, miraculously healing people and acting as spiritual counsellor of others. Word spread, and so many disciples arrived that Anthony founded other monasteries. His sister … [Read more…]
First Reading: Heb 5:1-10; Psalm: 110 R. v. 4cd; Gospel: Mk 2:18-22 THE FRAGILITY OF THE PRIESTHOOD BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “. . . since he himself is beset with weakness.” (Heb 5:2). The book of Hebrews reawakens our consciousness to the fragility of the priesthood. Priests are chosen from among men. They … [Read more…]
First Reading: Is 49:3.5-6; Psalm: 40. R. v. 8a. 9a; Second Reading: 1Cor 1:1-3; Gospel: Jn 1:29-34 FROM FAITH TO WITNESSING BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP As at the time Jesus came walking towards John in the gospel of today, he had already received his baptism by the hands of John. So Jesus was … [Read more…]
First Reading: Heb 4:12-16; Psalm: 19 R. v. Jn 6:63c; Gospel: Mk 2:13-17 SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners.” (Mk 2:16). We can sometimes think ourselves so good that we feel we do not need people around us. This feeling of self sufficiency is … [Read more…]
First Reading: Heb 4:1-5. 11; Psalm: 78 R. v. 7b; Gospel: Mk 2:1-12 OPENNESS TO TRUTH BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “Why does this man speak like this? (Mk 2:7). The scribes and Pharisees always faced criticism in the scriptures. But perhaps we can pedal it soft on our criticism of them. What these … [Read more…]
First Reading: Heb 3:7-14; Psalm: 95 R. v. 8a; Gospel: Mk 1:40-45 THE LEPER’S PRAYER BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “If you will, you can make me clean.” (Mk 1:40). Leprosy is a terrible illness. It eats up the skin causing discoloration and lumps. In severe cases, it leads to disfigurement and deformities. It … [Read more…]
First Reading: Heb 2:14-18; Psalm: 105 R. v. 8a; Gospel: Mk 1:29-39 LOVING THE WORK ABOVE THE GAIN BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “Everyone is searching for you.” (Mk 1:37) It is always very difficult to leave a people or a place where you are loved. It is even more difficult when this fondness … [Read more…]
First Reading: Heb 2:5-12; Psalm: 8. R. v. 7a; Gospel: Mk 1:21b-28 THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The Jewish Synagogue was a place for prayer, worship and study. For any of these spiritual exercises to take place, there must be at least a minimum of ten people. When Jesus … [Read more…]
First Reading: Isa 42:1-4.6-7; Psalm: 29. R. v. 1; Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38; Gospel: Matt 3:13-17 THE REVELATION OF A NEW BAPTISM AT THE JORDAN BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “Our Lord was baptized because He wished, not to be cleansed, but to cleanse the waters, that, being purified by the flesh of Christ … [Read more…]
First Reading: Is 60:1-6; Psalm: 72. R. v. 11; Second Reading: Eph 3:2-3a.5-6; Gospel: Mt 2:1-12 FOLLOWING OUR DREAMS LIKE THE WISE MEN BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The Epiphany narrative is a beautiful story on a winding course. It is a story that requires determination and courage for anyone who wishes to journey … [Read more…]
