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…]
MARY: OUR CHANNEL OF SALVATION BY VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP 1st Reading: Is 7:10-14;8:10; Psalm: 40. R.v. 8a. 9a; 2nd Reading: Heb10:4-10; Gospel: Lk 1:26-38 In the Annunciation encounter, we see a sharp contrast between the despairing event at the beginning of creation and the hopeful event at the beginning of recreation. While Eve was … [Read more…]
PURPOSEFULNESS: A JOURNEY FROM FRUITLESSNESS TO FRUITFULNESS BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP 1st Reading: Ex3:1-8a. 13-15; Psalm: 103. R.v.8a; 2nd Reading: 1Cor10:1-6. 10-12; Gospel: Lk 13:1-9 One of the key elements to a fulfilled life is a sense of purposefulness. Every creature both animate and inanimate was made to serve a purpose. However, … [Read more…]
TRANSFIGURED INTO OPERATING WITHIN GOD’S PLAN BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP 1st Reading: Gen15:5-12. 17-18; Psalm: 27. R.v. 1a; 2nd Reading: Phil3:17-4:1; Gospel: Lk 9:28b-36 God’s covenant with Abram in the first reading of today marked the beginning of a new era in the history of salvation. The use of the heavenly … [Read more…]
BREAKINGAWAY FROM OUR ROUTINARY LIFE TO TAP THE LENTEN BLESSINGS BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP 1st Reading: Dt 26:4-10; Psalm: 91. R.v.15b; 2nd Reading: Rom 10:8-13; Gospel: Lk 4:1-13 Jesus’ 40 days journey of fasting and prayer into the desert was a crucial breakpoint in his customary way of life. He paused from … [Read more…]
