First Reading: Sir 15:15-20; Psalm: 119. R. v. 1b; Second Reading: 1Cor 2:6-10; Gospel: Mt 5:17-37 THE ESSENCE OF THE COMMANDMENT BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “Laws are made not basically to guide but to form us.” (Anonymous) When God gave Israel the Ten Commandment, they understood it as a divine canon meant only … [Read more…]
First Reading: Is 58:7-10; Psalm: 112. R. v. 4a; Second Reading: 1Cor 2:1-5; Gospel: Mt 5:13-16 A PINCH OF SALT BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Immaculee Ilibagiza, a Rwandan-American and Tutsi by tribe was a survivor of the Rwandan genocide of 1994 that claimed the lives of over one million Rwandan, most of whom … [Read more…]
First Reading: Zep 2:3.3:12-13; Psalm: 146. R. v. Mt 5:3; Second Reading: 1Cor 1:26-31; Gospel: Mt 5:1-12a THE BEATITUDE VIA NEGATIVA BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP In the Christian tradition, the via negativa is a style of argument whereby we reach the knowledge of God by considering what God is not. Since God is … [Read more…]
First Reading: Is 9:1-4; Psalm: 27. R. v. 1a; Second Reading: 1Cor 1:10-13.17; Gospel: Mt 4:12-23 SEARCHING FOR LIFE’S OASIS BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The Sahara Desert located in Northern Africa is the largest desert in the world. Geographically, this desert is made up mainly of rocky landscapes. An average percentage of its … [Read more…]
First Reading: Is 49:3.5-6; Psalm: 40. R. v. 8a. 9a; Second Reading: 1Cor 1:1-3; Gospel: Jn 1:29-34 FROM FAITH TO WITNESSING BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP As at the time Jesus came walking towards John in the gospel of today, he had already received his baptism by the hands of John. So Jesus was … [Read more…]
First Reading: Is 60:1-6; Psalm: 72. R. v. 11; Second Reading: Eph 3:2-3a.5-6; Gospel: Mt 2:1-12 FOLLOWING OUR DREAMS LIKE THE WISE MEN BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The Epiphany narrative is a beautiful story on a winding course. It is a story that requires determination and courage for anyone who wishes to journey … [Read more…]
First Reading: Isa 62: 1-5; Psalm: 89. R. v. 2a; Second Reading: Acts 13:16-17. 22-25; Gospel: Mt 1:1-25 AWAY FROM THE MANGER BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP On this night, we celebrate the birth of the incarnate Word, Jesus Christ. We read today from the account of Matthew how this remarkable event took place. … [Read more…]
First Reading: Is 7:10-14; Psalm: 24. R. v. 7c.10c; Second Reading: Rom 1:1-7; Gospel: Mt 1:18-24 GOD WRITES STRAIGHT WITH CROOKED LINES BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The story regarding the birth of Jesus Christ took place thousands of years ago in a small village in Nazareth. It is a very familiar story which … [Read more…]
First Reading: Is 35:1-6a.10; Psalm: 146. R. v. Is 35:4; Second Reading: Jas 5:7-10; Gospel: Mt 11:2-11 THE BAPTIST’S CRISIS BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP On the day of my priestly ordination held in my seminary compound in Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria; I happened to use the seminary’s refectory as my ordination reception venue. Prior … [Read more…]
First Reading: Is 11:1-10; Psalm: 72. R. v. 7; Second Reading: Rom 15:4-9; Gospel: Mt 3:1-12 THE BAPTIST’S CLOTHING BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Today is the second Sunday of Advent. Succinctly, advent is a season of spiritual preparation for the coming of the Lord. But the message of advent would be incomplete without … [Read more…]
