First Reading: Ws 6:12-16; Psalm: 63. R. v. 2b; Second Reading: 1Thes 4:13-18; Gospel: Mt 25:1-13. THE WISE DECISION OF THE FIVE MAIDENS BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP In my seminary days, there was this common practice among seminarians to do things at the last minute. This was not the required formational practice but … [Read more…]
ST MARTIN OF TOURS (Memorial) White Martin, as a Christian convert joined the Roman imperial army at the age of 15. Once in a horseback in Gaul, he encountered a half-naked beggar and gave half of his officer’s cloak to him. Later Martin had a vision of Christ wearing the cloak. He later became a … [Read more…]
ST LEO THE GREAT, PP. D. (Memorial) White Leo the Great was Pope from 440 – 461 AD. Through his prayers, sanctity, and eloquence, he saved Rome from the invasion of Genseric and Attila the Hun. He called the council of Chalcedon and condemned the following heresies: Nestorianism, Monophysitism, Manichaeism, and Pelagianism. He was a … [Read more…]
DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA (Feast) White The foundation of the Lateran Basilica goes back to the time of Constantine the Emperor of Rome. The palace of the Laterani belonged then to Constantine’s wife Fausta. After Constantine’s conversion, he gave it to the Pope as his private residence and founded the Church of the Lateran … [Read more…]
First Reading: Rom 13:8-10; Psalm: 112. R. v. 5a; Gospel: Lk 14:25-33 HOLY HATE BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Remember the reply of Jesus to the question of the Pharisee on which is the greatest commandment. Jesus said: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, … [Read more…]
First Reading: Rom 12:5-16a; Psalm: 131. R. v.; Gospel: Lk 14:15-24 DIVINE INVITATION BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP One of the ways friends show their loyalty to one another is being there for each other when the time matters a lot. Memorable celebrations like weddings, priestly ordinations, religious professions, graduation ceremonies, birthday parties, and … [Read more…]
First Reading: Rom 11:29-36; Psalm: 69 R. v. 14c; Gospel: Lk 14:12-14 CARING FOR THE POOR BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The appeal of Jesus to the Pharisees on the need to invite the poor when they call a banquet reveals the concern of God for the poor that solely rely on him. The … [Read more…]
First Reading: Mal 1:14b-2:2b. 8-10; Psalm: 131. R. v.; Second Reading: 1Thes 2:7-9.13; Gospel: Mt 23:1-12. LIVING RIGHT WHEN LEADERS FAIL BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson). Leadership positions superficially look very attractive. Which is why to the lure … [Read more…]
ST CHARLES BORROMEO (Memorial) White He was born to a wealthy and noble family. He was an archbishop and suffered a speech impediment. He fought tirelessly for peace during the storm of Martin Luther’s reformation. He founded schools for the poor, built hospitals, and established seminaries. He worked tirelessly for the sick. He was canonised … [Read more…]
First Reading: Rom 9:1-5; Psalm: 147. R. v. 12a; Gospel: Lk 14:1-6 THE TWO GREAT LESSONS BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The Sabbath was a sacred day for the Jews. A day to abstain from any kind of work. It was on this day that Jesus was invited to dine in the house of … [Read more…]
