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…]
First Reading: Is 2:1-5; Psalm: 122. R. v. 1; Second Reading: Rom 13:11-14; Gospel: Mt 24:37-44 NOAH’S DAYS AND THE ADVENT SEASON BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Jesus began the gospel of today in a comparative style. He referenced the days of Noah as a relative example to his own approaching day. This gives … [Read more…]
THE SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST, THE KING OF THE UNIVERSE First Reading: 2Sm 5:1-3; Psalm: 122. R. v. 1; Second Reading: Col 1:12-20; Gospel: Lk 23:35-43 THE KING AND THE TWO THIEVES BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP A priest was sick and dying on his deathbed. He phoned two of his friends and requested their … [Read more…]
First Reading: Mal 3:19-20a; Psalm: 98. R. v. 9; Second Reading: 2Thes 3:7-12; Gospel: Lk 21:5-19 PREPARING FOR THE END BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP We are again today presented with the reality of the end as we draw closer to the end of the Church’s liturgical year. The readings are obviously indicative of … [Read more…]
First Reading: 2Mc 7:1-2.9-:14; Psalm: 17. R. v. 15b; Second Reading: 2Thes 2:16-3:5; Gospel: Lk 20:27-38 THE LIFE OF THE RESURRECTION BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP As we gradually draw close to the end of the Church’s liturgical year, we can notice how our readings suddenly take the eschatological dimension. This abrupt shift to … [Read more…]
First Reading: Ws 11:22-12:2; Psalm: 145. R. v. 1; Second Reading: 2Thes 1:11-2:2; Gospel: Lk 19:1-10 THE SYCAMORE TREE BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP On Saturday, the 1st of October 2022, during the Independence Day mega rally in Nigeria for the presidential flag bearer of the Labour Party Mr. Peter Obi, a toddler Chioma … [Read more…]
First Reading: Sir 35:12c-14.16-18b; Psalm: 34. R. v. 7a; Second Reading: 2Tim 4:6-8.16-18; Gospel: Lk 18:9-14 THE INTROSPECTIVE TAX COLLECTOR BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP In retrospect, whenever we went for night prayers back in my seminary days, we were always required to observe a five minutes silence for examination of conscience immediately after … [Read more…]
