First Reading: Rm 4:1-8; Psalm: 32. R. v. 7; Gospel: Lk 12 1-7 HYPOCRISY BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The Pharisees’ opposition to Jesus did not prevent the increasing crowd that they grew exponentially in thousands as they trod upon one another eager to hear from Jesus. Lately, the tirade of Jesus on the … [Read more…]
First Reading: Rm 3:21-30; Psalm: 130. R. v. 7bc; Gospel: Lk 11 47-54 THE KEY OF KNOWLEDGE BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken the key of knowledge; you did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.” (Lk 11:52). Jesus continues his tirade against the … [Read more…]
ST LUKE, EVANGELIST B.M. (Feast) Red First Reading: 2Tim 4:10-17ab; Psalm: 145. R. v. 12a; Gospel: Lk 10 1-9 CHRIST ABOVE ALL THINGS BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP St Luke hails from Antioch; a city known for its high learning. He was a physician and a learned man. Little wonder he wrote the gospel … [Read more…]
ST IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH, B.M. (Memorial) Red Ignatius was a convert from paganism to Christianity. He succeeded Peter as bishop of Antioch, Syria. During persecution, the Emperor Trajan ordered him to be taken to Rome. On the way, a journey which took months, he wrote a series of encouraging letters to the churches under his … [Read more…]
First Reading: Rm 1:1-7; Psalm: 98. R. v. 2a; Gospel: Lk 11: 29-32 FAITH OVER SIGNS BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP In today’s gospel, Jesus called the increasing crowd a wicked generation because they asked for signs. They clearly were not ready to listen to Jesus or to believe in him unless he performed … [Read more…]
First Reading: Is 25:6-10a; Psalm: 23. R. v. 6cd; Second Reading: Phil 4:12-14, 19-20; Gospel: Mt 22:1-14 THE CHURCH PREPARES US FOR THE HEAVENLY BANQUET BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The past three successive Sundays have been Sundays of parables; parables about the kingdom of God. Today’s parable of the Wedding Banquet makes it … [Read more…]
First Reading: Joel 4:12-21; Psalm: 97. Rv. 12a; Gospel: Lk 11:27-28. GOD’S TESTIMONY BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP A true testimony is often not the self acclaimed testimony but the testimonies of people about us. We cannot claim a reputation for ourselves when every other person around thinks otherwise. People testify to who we … [Read more…]
First Reading: Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2; Psalm: 9. R. v. 9; Gospel: Lk 11:15-26 DO NOT SLANDER BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Slander is the child of envy; for unrestrained envy births slander. Envy is a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else’s possession or success. Envy is destructive if not tamed … [Read more…]
First Reading: Mal 3:13-20b; Psalm: 1. R. v. Ps 40:5a; Gospel: Lk 11:5-13 OUR PERSISTENCE, GOD’S INSISTENCE BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Human needs are insatiable and they differ. And God does not fail to provide for us every day for our daily sustenance. However, prayer is essential. Praying and asking God for our … [Read more…]
First Reading: Jon 4:1-11; Psalm: 86. R. v. 15; Gospel: Lk 11:1-4 A PRAYER OF COMMUNION BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The Lord’s Prayer is a prayer of communion. This prayer reminds us that God is our Father and we are his children. Ordinarily, a father-child relationship requires the child to respect and honour … [Read more…]
