THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (Feast) White First Reading: Mic 5:2-5a; Psalm: 13. R. v. Is 61:10a; Gospel: Mt 1:1-16. 18-23 MARY’S BIRTH: A BLESSING TO THE WORLD BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP There is no account of Mary’s birth in the Bible. The only account of her birth was recorded in … [Read more…]
ST BARTHOLOMEW, AP. (Feast) Red Nathaniel bar Tolomai (or Bartholomew) was probably a close friend of Philip as his name is always mentioned in the Gospels in connection with Philip. And it was Philip who brought Bartholomew to Jesus. Nathaniel may have preached in Asia Minor, Ethiopia, India and Armenia, leaving early writings behind, and … [Read more…]
First Reading: Rev 11:19a; 12:1-6a. 10ab; Psalm: 45. R. v. 10; Second Reading: 1Cor 15:20-27; Gospel: Lk 1:39-56 THE INCORRUPTIBILITY OF THE VIRGIN MARY BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven. The Assumption of Mary which is an old tradition … [Read more…]
THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD (Feast) White First Reading: Dan 7:9-10. 13-14; Psalm: 97 R. v. 1a. 9a; Second Reading: 2Pet 1:16-19; Gospel: Lk 9:28b-36 PRAYING BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP It was time for Jesus to go to Jerusalem to embrace his passion. But before he embarked on this journey, Jesus did something … [Read more…]
ST JAMES THE APOSTLE (Feast) Red Jesus nicknamed James and John, the sons of Zebedee “Boanerges” meaning “sons of thunder” (Mk 3:17). They were natives of Galilee and fishermen when Jesus called them. James, John and Peter belonged to the three inner circles. They were with Jesus at the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law, Jairus’ daughter, … [Read more…]
ST MARY MAGDALENE (Feast) White First Reading: Songs of Sol 3:1-4ab; Psalm: 63 R. v. 2b; Gospel: Jn 20:1-2. 11-18. WAIT BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The first reading of today exudes passion and love. A feeling that metamorphosed into action. An action of deep search for a loved one. This kind of search … [Read more…]
SS PETER AND PAUL, APP. (Solemnity) Red First Reading: Acts 12:1-11; Psalm: 34. R. v. 5b; Second Reading: 2Tim 4:6-8. 17-18; Gospel: Mt 16:13-19 THE FATHERS OF THE FAITH BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Today the Church celebrates the solemnity of two great apostles SS Peter and Paul. These two apostles are regarded as … [Read more…]
First Reading: Ezk 34:11-16; Psalm: 23. R. v. 1; Second Reading: Rom 5:5b-11; Gospel: Lk 15:3-7 THE HEART THAT TRULY LOVES BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The heart is the seat of human feelings wherefrom our actions emerge. When we fall in love, our heart throbs. And when we are betrayed, hurt, or abandoned … [Read more…]
First Reading: Is 49:1-6; Psalm: 139. R. v. 14a; Second Reading: Acts 13:22-26; Gospel: Lk 1:57-66. 80 LIVING AFTER THE EXAMPLE OF JOHN THE BAPTIST There was something great about John the Baptist that was evident in the events surrounding his birth. His mother Elizabeth conceived of him at old age when conception was impossible. … [Read more…]
THE VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (Feast) White First Reading: Zep 3:14-18a; Psalm: 12. R. 6b; Gospel: Lk 1:39-56 MARY, ARK OF THE COVENANT BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The ‘Ark of the Covenant’ was the abiding presence of God for the ancient Israelites. It was permanently kept within the ‘Tent of Meeting’ … [Read more…]
