1st Reading: Is 52:13-53:12; Psalm: 31. R. v. Lk 23:46b; 2nd Reading: Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9; Gospel: Jn 18:1-19:42? APPRECIATING THE SACRIFICE OF THE CROSS BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Today we celebrate the Lord’s Passion also known as Good Friday. The Holy Mass is traditionally not celebrated on this day because “The figure (Mass) … [Read more…]
1st Reading: Ex 12:1-8. 11-14; Psalm: 116. R. v. 1Cor 10:16; 2nd Reading: 1Cor 11:23-26; Gospel: Jn 13:1-15 THE EUCHARIST: OUR MEAL OF SALVATION BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Maundy or Holy Thursday which is also known as the Mass of the Lord’s Supper is a significant celebration in the Church that commemorates three … [Read more…]
1st Reading: Is 50:4-9a; Psalm: 69. R. v.14c, b; Gospel: Mt 26:14-25 THE SIN OF PRESUMPTION BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “Is it I Master?” (Mt 26:25) When we don’t admit that we need help, we cannot really be helped. If the sick do not admit their sickness, they would not think of the … [Read more…]
1st Reading: Is 49:1-6; Psalm: 71. R. v.15ab; Gospel: Jn 13:21-33. 36-38 DON’T BE A BETRAYER BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Betrayal can be agonizing and traumatic. In extreme cases it can be indelible in the heart of the betrayed. The betrayal of a stranger doesn’t hurt as much as the betrayal of a … [Read more…]
1st Reading: Is 42:1-7 ; Psalm: 27. R. v.1a; Gospel: Jn 12:1-11 EXTRAVAGANT LOVE BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving, but do not give your leftovers. Give until it hurts, until you feel the pain.” (St Mother Teresa of Calcutta). The ointment that Mary lavished … [Read more…]
Before Procession: Lk 19:28-40; 1st Reading: Is 50:4-7; Psalm: 22. R. v. 2a; 2nd Reading: Phil 2:6-11; Passion Narrative: Lk 22:14-23:56 FOLLOWING JESUS: DEFYING THE WAY OF CROWD BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the Church’s Holy Week celebrations which culminate on Good Friday and Jesus’ subsequent resurrection at … [Read more…]
1st Reading: Ez 37:21-28; Psalm: Jer 31. R. v. 10d; Gospel: Jn 11:45-57 DON’T PLOT AGAINST THE INNOCENT BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Reading the gospel of today, it was as if the raising of Lazarus quickened the plan of the Jews to kill Jesus. Many of the Jews who witnessed this miracle believed … [Read more…]
1st Reading: Jer 20:10-13; Psalm: 18. R. v. 6; Gospel: Jn 10:31-42 MAKING AN INFORMED CHOICE BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The reason why the Jews took up stones to stone Jesus was because in the previous verses of this chapter (John 10), they had asked Jesus to tell them plainly if he was … [Read more…]
1st Reading: Gen 17:3-9; Psalm: 105. R. v. 8a; Gospel: Jn 8:51-59 OPENNESS TO FAITH BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP There is this kind of look we get from friends who feel we are bloating our ego before them. In situations like this some friends can be so blunt in their confrontation with questions … [Read more…]
1st Reading: Dan 3:14-20. 24-25. 28; Psalm: Dan 3. R. v. 29b; Gospel: Jn 8:31-42. FORTITUDE IN PERSECUTION BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP One thing that fascinates persecutors of believers for centuries till date is that spirit of perseverance in Christians especially in the face of death. They still cannot explain how someone amidst … [Read more…]
