THE HOLY INNOCENTS, MARTYRS (Feast) Red First Reading: 1Jn 1:5-2:2; Psalm: 124 R. v. 7ab; Gospel: Mt 2:13-18 THE EVIL OF UNBRIDLED AMBITION BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The story of the Holy Innocents reminds us of how cruel the heart of man can be. The length we can go to achieving our selfish … [Read more…]
ST JOHN, AP. AND EVANGELSIT (Feast) White John the Apostle was the son of Zebedee and Salome. He and his brother James the Great, were nick-named “Boanerges,” the Sons of Thunder. John was called by Jesus during the first year of his ministry, and was known as the beloved disciple. Tradition says that John took … [Read more…]
ST STEPHEN, THE FIRST MARTYR (Feast) Stephen means “crown.” He was the first Christian to receive the martyr’s crown. He was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit; and was among the seven deacons elected by the apostles to look after the widows and the poor (Acts 6:5). God worked miracles through him. … [Read more…]
CHRISTMAS DAY First Reading: Isa 52:7-10; Psalm: 98. R. v. 3cd; Second Reading: Heb 1:1-6; Gospel: Jn 1:1-18 TAKING FLESH AT CHRISTMAS BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us . . . (Jn 1:14). It’s Christmas Day. Christmas comes up once a year. Customarily, it is a … [Read more…]
First Reading: Isa 62: 1-5; Psalm: 89. R. v. 2a; Second Reading: Acts 13:16-17. 22-25; Gospel: Mt 1:1-25 AWAY FROM THE MANGER BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP On this night, we celebrate the birth of the incarnate Word, Jesus Christ. We read today from the account of Matthew how this remarkable event took place. … [Read more…]
(24TH DECEMBER) First Reading: 2Sam 7:1-5.8b-12.14a.16; Psalm: 89 R. v. 2; Gospel: Lk 1:67-79 OUR SALVATION IS CLOSE BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The canticle of Zachariah popularly known as the Benedictus is another familiar hymn in the Church. Zachariah was dumb for nine months until the birth of his son. When he regained … [Read more…]
(23RD DECEMBER) First Reading: Mal 3:1-4.4:5-6; Psalm: 25 R. v. Lk 21:28; Gospel: Lk 1:57-66 FROM DOUBT TO BELIEF BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Zachariah has been dumb for nine months now consequent to his doubt on the angel’s message. Recall how an angel appeared to Zachariah while he burned incense in the temple … [Read more…]
(22ND DECEMBER) First Reading: 1Sam 1:24-28; Psalm: 1Sam 2:1.4-5.6-7.8abcd R. v. 1a; Gospel: Lk 1:46-56 THE MAGNIFICAT BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The Magnificat (Mary’s hymn of praise) is one of the greatest hymns of the Church. It is a hymn that resonates the graciousness and power of God and the nothingness of humankind. … [Read more…]
(21ST DECEMBER) First Reading: Song of Sol 2:8-14; Psalm: 33. R. v. 1a, 3a; Gospel: Lk 1:39-45 MARY, ARK OF THE COVENANT BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Many of us just like me grew up reciting the litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary. As a little boy, I recited this litany from memory just … [Read more…]
(20TH DECEMBER) First Reading: Is 7:10-14; Psalm: 24. R. v. 7c. 10c; Gospel: Lk 1:26-38 THE LORD IS WITH US BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” (Lk 1:28). These were the words with which the angel Gabriel greeted Mary when he appeared to her. This kind … [Read more…]
