First Reading: Ezk 2:8-3:4; Psalm: 119. R. v. 103a; Gospel: Mt 18:1-5. 10. 12-14 THE CHILDLIKE SPIRIT BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Aging comes with some necessary transition. Our attitudes, principles, thoughts, dispositions and initiative should improve or mature as we grow older. These and several behavioural changes are necessary indicators of maturity and … [Read more…]
ST DOMINIC, P (Memorial) White Dominic founded the Order of Friars Preachers (Dominicans) in 1215, a group who lived a simple, austere life, and an order of nuns dedicated to the care of young girls. When Dominic’s mother was pregnant with him, she had a dream that her unborn son was a dog carrying a … [Read more…]
First Reading: Nah 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7; Psalm: Dt 32 R. v. 39c; Gospel: Mt 16:24-28 THE COST OF TRUE DISCIPLESHIP BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Before we take up a task, it is necessary to consider whether we can handle such task or not. Wisdom requires that we pay attention to the demands … [Read more…]
ST JOHN MARY VIANNEY P. (Memorial) White John Mary Vianney also known as Cure of Ars was a priest. It took him several years of seminary study before he was ordained as he was not a very good student, and his Latin was terrible. He was a good preacher and had good reputation with penitents. … [Read more…]
First Reading: Jer 31:1-7; Psalm: Jer 31 R. v. 10d; Gospel: Mt 15:21-28 A HUMBLE AND PATIENT FAITH-BASED PRAYER BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Do we complain of the silence of God to our prayers? We can see this happening in the request of the Canaanite woman. Jesus remained silent to her desperate appeal. … [Read more…]
First Reading: Jer 30:1-2.12-15.18-22; Psalm: 102 R. v. 17; Gospel: Mt 14:22-36 GOD AND THE SINKING WIND BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP There are things that are inevitable in life; things that must necessarily happen. If we are healthy, sickness is inevitable. Are we happy at the moment? Sadness will come some day. We … [Read more…]
ST ALPHONSUS LIGUORI, B.D. (Memorial) White He was ordained at age 29 and was noted for his simple, clear style of preaching, and his understanding manner in the confessional. He founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Liguorians or Redemptorists). Alphonsus was appointed bishop in 1762, and worked to reform the clergy and revitalise … [Read more…]
First Reading: Jer 26:11-16. 24; Psalm: 69 R. v. 14; Gospel: Mt 14:1-12 THE VOICE OF REASON BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP In Chinua Achebe’s novel “Things fall Apart”, the protagonist Okonkwo was afraid to be called a weakling like his father Unoka. When the village oracle decreed that Ikemefuna, the slave boy kept … [Read more…]
SAINTS MARTHA, MARY AND LAZARUS (Memorial) White First Reading: Jer 26:1-9; Psalm: 69 R. v. 14c; Gospel: Jn 11:19-27 THE HOSPITABLE FAMILY BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Customarily, on a day like this, the church celebrates the memorial of St Martha, the Lord’s disciple. However, on February 2, 2021, Pope Francis expanded this memorial … [Read more…]
First Reading: Jer 18: 1-6; Psalm: 146 R. v. 5a; Gospel: Mt 13:47-53 LIKE CLAY IN THE POTTER’S HAND BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, … [Read more…]
