(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…]
(19TH DECEMBER) First Reading: Jgs 13:2-7. 24-25a; Psalm: 71. R. v. 8a; Gospel: Lk 1:5-25 PRAYING IN THE TEMPLE Zachariah obviously was not happy as a priest without a child. This was because the Jews traditionally believed that any Jew who had a wife but no child was excommunicated by God. This was enough to … [Read more…]
First Reading: Is 7:10-14; Psalm: 24. R. v. 7c.10c; Second Reading: Rom 1:1-7; Gospel: Mt 1:18-24 GOD WRITES STRAIGHT WITH CROOKED LINES BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The story regarding the birth of Jesus Christ took place thousands of years ago in a small village in Nazareth. It is a very familiar story which … [Read more…]
(17TH DECEMBER) First Reading: Gen 49:2. 8-10; Psalm: 72. R. v. 7; Gospel: Mt 1:1-17 GOD’S PROMISES NEVER FAIL BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The story of Abraham in the Bible is a very familiar one. Recall how long it took Abraham before he had Isaac. God had earlier promised to make Abraham’s descendants … [Read more…]
First Reading: Is 56:1-3a.6-8; Psalm: 67. R. v. 4; Gospel: Jn 5:33-36 WITNESSING TO GOD BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP In the gospel of today, Jesus defended his authority as the Son of God. This was because some of the Jews questioned his authority and refused to believe in him. When John came preaching … [Read more…]
First Reading: Is 54:1-10; Psalm: 30. R. v. 2a; Gospel: Lk 7:24-30 THE DANGER OF DOUBT AND UNBELIEF BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The gospel of today is a continuation of that of yesterday. John had earlier sent his disciples to inquire from Jesus if he was the expected Messiah. They went, saw and … [Read more…]
ST JOHN OF THE CROSS, P.D. (Memorial) White John of the Cross was born in Spain. He was a Carmelite friar and a reformer in the Carmelite Order along with Saint Teresa of Avila, which eventually led to the establishment of the Discalced, or barefoot, reform of the Carmelites. His reforms did not set well with some … [Read more…]
ST LUCY, V.M. (Memorial) Red Lucy (whose name means “bearer of light”) was a wealthy, young Christian who vowed her life to Christ. Her mother agreed with Lucy’s desire to live for God after several attempts to thwart it through an arranged marriage. Lucy rejected the pagan bridegroom, Paschasius, and he denounced Lucy as a … [Read more…]
First Reading: Num 24:2-7. 15-17a; Psalm: 25. R. v. 4b; Gospel: Mt 21:23-27 ACKNOWLEDGING TRUTH BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGNUONU, MSP One remarkable thing about the ministration of Jesus was the extraordinary way it makes deep and lasting impression on the minds of his listeners. This explains the vast increase in the number of Jesus’ … [Read more…]
First Reading: Is 35:1-6a.10; Psalm: 146. R. v. Is 35:4; Second Reading: Jas 5:7-10; Gospel: Mt 11:2-11 THE BAPTIST’S CRISIS BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP On the day of my priestly ordination held in my seminary compound in Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria; I happened to use the seminary’s refectory as my ordination reception venue. Prior … [Read more…]
