1st Reading: Num 21:4-9; Psalm: 102. R. v. 1; Gospel: Jn 8:21-30 THE DANGER OF UNBELIEF BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Recall that in the Bible, one obvious underlining trait of the Israelites en route to the Promised Land was their consistent murmuring against God despite God’s incessant effort to satisfy their needs. This … [Read more…]
THE SIN THAT LIVES IN US WE SEE IN OTHERS BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP 1st Reading: Dan 13:1-9. 15-17. 19-30. 33-62; Psalm: 23. R. v. 4abc; Gospel: Jn 8:1-11 A man stole a pair of crutches displayed outside a shop. The shop owner raised an alarm and just in a flash he was … [Read more…]
A TRUE CONTRITE CONFESSION AND SINCERE RESOLUTION BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP 1st Reading: Is 43:16-21; Psalm: 126. R.v. 3; 2nd Reading: Phil 3:8-14; Gospel: Jn 8:1-11 In retrospect, prior to my application to the seminary just few months after graduating from high school, my father suddenly fell critically ill. On that fateful day, … [Read more…]
WITNESSING TO JESUS BY FR VALENTINE EGBUONU, MSP 1st Reading: Jer 11:18-20; Psalm: 7. R. v. 2a; Gospel: Jn 7:40-53 Have we ever listened to someone who in all ramifications convince us to believe in a topic or point of discussion? People like this usually gain that intellectual asset to argue and convince by learning … [Read more…]
THE EVIL IN MAN BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP 1st Reading: Wis 2:1a. 12-22; Psalm: 34. R. v. 19a; Gospel: Jn 7:1-2. 10. 25-30 One of the most non consensual debates for many centuries till date is the problem of evil. The bone of contention is on the question of how we can reconcile … [Read more…]
DO NOT FIGHT THE GOOD WORKS OF PEOPLE BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP 1st Reading: Exo 32:7-14; Psalm: 106. R. v. 4a; Gospel: Jn 5:31-47 The Jewish Law of Evidence forbade self evidence. To ascertain truth, no man was allowed to give evidence on his own behalf. A valid judgment must therefore require at … [Read more…]
GOD’S LOVE ABOVE THE LAW BY VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP 1st Reading: Is 49:8-15; Psalm: 144. R. v. 8a; Gospel: Jn 5:17-30 Jesus began his lengthy defence as to why he healed this man at the pool of Bethzatha on a Sabbath. One very clear explanation Jesus gave was his indivisible connection with God his … [Read more…]
GOD’S LOVE IN OUR HOPELESSNESS BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP 1st Reading: Ezk 47:1-9. 12; Psalm: 46. R. v. 8; Gospel: Jn 5:1-16 There are few very obvious observations in the healing of this man at the pool of Bethzatha. This man has been ill for thirty eight years which suggests some complacent tendency … [Read more…]
THE UNALLOYED FAITH OF THE CENTURION BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP 1st Reading: Is 65:17-21; Psalm: 30. R. v. 2a; Gospel: Jn 4:43-54 When this officer came to Jesus and begged him to come down to his house and heal his son, this reply of Jesus to him was a test of faith: “Unless … [Read more…]
THE SINNER’S CALL TO REPENTANCE AND TRUE OBEDIENCE BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP 1st Reading: Jo 5:9a. 10-12; Psalm: 34. R.v. 9a; 2nd Reading: 2Cor5:17-21; Gospel: Lk 15:1-3. 11-32. In a bird’s-eye view, “Who among the two sons was truly obedient to their father in the parable of the prodigal son?” Who should win … [Read more…]
