First Reading: Nm 21:4-9; Psalm: 102. R. v. 1; Gospel: Jn 8:21-30 THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “I go away, and you will seek me and die in your sin; where I am going, you cannot come.” (Jn 8:21) Scripture says that “The wages of sin is death.” (Rm 6:23). … [Read more…]
First Reading: Dan 13:1-9. 15-17. 19-30. 33-62; Psalm: 23. R. v. 4abc; Gospel: Jn 8:1-11 REFLECT BEFORE CASTING THE STONE BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP We live in a hostile world accustomed to evil and mob justice. A lot of people have become so impulsive and unreasonable in joining the crowd to condemning people … [Read more…]
First Reading: Ws 2:1a. 12-22; Psalm: 34. R. v. 19a; Gospel: Jn 7:1-2. 10. 25-30 THE PROBLEM OF EVIL BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP 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 the … [Read more…]
First Reading: Ex 32:7-14;Psalm: 106. R. v. 4a; Gospel: Jn 5:31-47 OPENNESS TO TRUTH BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The Jewish Law of Evidence forbade self witnessing. To ascertain truth, no man was allowed to bear witness on his own behalf. A valid judgment must therefore require at least two witnesses independent of the … [Read more…]
First Reading: Is 49:8-15; Psalm: 145. R. v. 8a; Gospel: Jn 5:17-30 CALLED TO BE ONE WITH JESUS BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Today, Jesus began his lengthy defence as to why he healed the crippled man at the pool of Bethzatha. Jesus’ defence revealed the unity of the Trinity; a mystery that was … [Read more…]
First Reading: Ezk 47:1-9. 12; Psalm: 46. R. v. 8; Gospel: Jn 5:1-16 KEEP HOPING AND BELIEVING BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “Do you want to be healed?” (Jn 5:6). The condition of this crippled man at the pool of Bethzatha is a very pitiable one. This man has been sick for thirty eight … [Read more…]
First Reading: Hos 6:1-6; Psalm: 51. R. v. Hos 6:6; Gospel: Lk 18:9-14 TWO LESSONS FROM THE PHARISEE AND THE TAX COLLECTOR BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The parable of today’s gospel reported on two men who went to pray in the temple. One was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. … [Read more…]
First Reading: Jer 7:23-28; Psalm: 95. R. v. 7d-8a; Gospel: Lk 11:14-23 OBSTINACY OF HEART BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons.’” (Lk 11:15). Faith in God does not necessarily require evidence. Faith is an invitation to believe in God even … [Read more…]
First Reading: Dt 4:1. 5-9; Psalm: 147. R. v. 12a; Gospel: Mt 5:17-19 STANDING FOR WHAT IS RIGHT BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Jesus in the gospel of today (just like Moses) taught his followers that the law of God has lasting validity and should be obeyed. God had a purpose of creating laws. … [Read more…]
First Reading: Dan 3:2. 11-20; Psalm: 25. R. v. 6a; Gospel: Mt 18:21-35 THE PRISON OF UNFORGIVENESS BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “to forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” (Lewes B Smedes) The gospel parable of today reported on a servant who owed a king ten … [Read more…]
