ST AGNES, VIRGIN AND MARTYR (Memorial) Red The name Agnes means “chaste lamb.” She is the daughter of a noble Roman family. She was martyred for her belief during the persecution of Diocletian in 304. Agnes was ordered to sacrifice to pagan gods and lose her virginity by rape. When she was led to a … [Read more…]
BLESSED CYPRIAN MICHAEL IWENE TANSI (Memorial) White He was born to the Tabansi (meaning “continue to bear evil patiently”) family of Igboezunu-Aguleri in September 1903. He was given the name ‘Iwene’ (in full, ‘iwemmaduegbunam’ meaning ‘let human malice not kill me’). He was baptised on 7th of January, 1912 in a Christian village where he … [Read more…]
First Reading: Heb 7:25-8:6; Psalm: 40 R. v. 8a. 9a; Gospel: Mk 3:7-12 LISTENING TO GOD AMIDST LIFE’S CHALLENGES BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they should crush him” (Mk 3:9) Every sick person desires a cure or … [Read more…]
First Reading: Heb 7:1-3.15-17; Psalm: 110 R. v. 4cd; Gospel: Mk 3:1-6 FOCUSING ON GOOD WORKS BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP We see again in today’s gospel the scheme of the Pharisees. A man with a withered hand was in the synagogue as Jesus entered. The Pharisees watched Jesus closely to see whether he … [Read more…]
ST ANTHONY, ABBOT (Memorial) White At age 35 Anthony moved to the desert where he lived alone for 20 years in an abandoned fort. He based his life on the Gospel, miraculously healing people and acting as spiritual counsellor of others. Word spread, and so many disciples arrived that Anthony founded other monasteries. His sister … [Read more…]
First Reading: Heb 5:1-10; Psalm: 110 R. v. 4cd; Gospel: Mk 2:18-22 THE FRAGILITY OF THE PRIESTHOOD BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “. . . since he himself is beset with weakness.” (Heb 5:2). The book of Hebrews reawakens our consciousness to the fragility of the priesthood. Priests are chosen from among men. They … [Read more…]
First Reading: Heb 4:12-16; Psalm: 19 R. v. Jn 6:63c; Gospel: Mk 2:13-17 SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners.” (Mk 2:16). We can sometimes think ourselves so good that we feel we do not need people around us. This feeling of self sufficiency is … [Read more…]
First Reading: Heb 4:1-5. 11; Psalm: 78 R. v. 7b; Gospel: Mk 2:1-12 OPENNESS TO TRUTH BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “Why does this man speak like this? (Mk 2:7). The scribes and Pharisees always faced criticism in the scriptures. But perhaps we can pedal it soft on our criticism of them. What these … [Read more…]
First Reading: Heb 3:7-14; Psalm: 95 R. v. 8a; Gospel: Mk 1:40-45 THE LEPER’S PRAYER BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “If you will, you can make me clean.” (Mk 1:40). Leprosy is a terrible illness. It eats up the skin causing discoloration and lumps. In severe cases, it leads to disfigurement and deformities. It … [Read more…]
First Reading: Heb 2:14-18; Psalm: 105 R. v. 8a; Gospel: Mk 1:29-39 LOVING THE WORK ABOVE THE GAIN BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “Everyone is searching for you.” (Mk 1:37) It is always very difficult to leave a people or a place where you are loved. It is even more difficult when this fondness … [Read more…]
