ST STEPHEN, THE FIRST MARTYR (Feast) Stephen means “crown.” He was the first Christian to receive the martyr’s crown. He was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit; and was among the seven deacons elected by the apostles to look after the widows and the poor (Acts 6:5). God worked miracles through him. … [Read more…]
(24TH DECEMBER) First Reading: 2Sam 7:1-5.8b-12.14a.16; Psalm: 89 R. v. 2; Gospel: Lk 1:67-79 OUR SALVATION IS CLOSE BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The canticle of Zachariah popularly known as the Benedictus is another familiar hymn in the Church. Zachariah was dumb for nine months until the birth of his son. When he regained … [Read more…]
(23RD DECEMBER) First Reading: Mal 3:1-4.4:5-6; Psalm: 25 R. v. Lk 21:28; Gospel: Lk 1:57-66 FROM DOUBT TO BELIEF BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Zachariah has been dumb for nine months now consequent to his doubt on the angel’s message. Recall how an angel appeared to Zachariah while he burned incense in the temple … [Read more…]
(22ND DECEMBER) First Reading: 1Sam 1:24-28; Psalm: 1Sam 2:1.4-5.6-7.8abcd R. v. 1a; Gospel: Lk 1:46-56 THE MAGNIFICAT BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The Magnificat (Mary’s hymn of praise) is one of the greatest hymns of the Church. It is a hymn that resonates the graciousness and power of God and the nothingness of humankind. … [Read more…]
(21ST DECEMBER) First Reading: Song of Sol 2:8-14; Psalm: 33. R. v. 1a, 3a; Gospel: Lk 1:39-45 MARY, ARK OF THE COVENANT BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Many of us just like me grew up reciting the litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary. As a little boy, I recited this litany from memory just … [Read more…]
(20TH DECEMBER) First Reading: Is 7:10-14; Psalm: 24. R. v. 7c. 10c; Gospel: Lk 1:26-38 THE LORD IS WITH US BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” (Lk 1:28). These were the words with which the angel Gabriel greeted Mary when he appeared to her. This kind … [Read more…]
(19TH DECEMBER) First Reading: Jgs 13:2-7. 24-25a; Psalm: 71. R. v. 8a; Gospel: Lk 1:5-25 PRAYING IN THE TEMPLE Zachariah obviously was not happy as a priest without a child. This was because the Jews traditionally believed that any Jew who had a wife but no child was excommunicated by God. This was enough to … [Read more…]
(17TH DECEMBER) First Reading: Gen 49:2. 8-10; Psalm: 72. R. v. 7; Gospel: Mt 1:1-17 GOD’S PROMISES NEVER FAIL BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The story of Abraham in the Bible is a very familiar one. Recall how long it took Abraham before he had Isaac. God had earlier promised to make Abraham’s descendants … [Read more…]
First Reading: Is 56:1-3a.6-8; Psalm: 67. R. v. 4; Gospel: Jn 5:33-36 WITNESSING TO GOD BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP In the gospel of today, Jesus defended his authority as the Son of God. This was because some of the Jews questioned his authority and refused to believe in him. When John came preaching … [Read more…]
First Reading: Is 54:1-10; Psalm: 30. R. v. 2a; Gospel: Lk 7:24-30 THE DANGER OF DOUBT AND UNBELIEF BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The gospel of today is a continuation of that of yesterday. John had earlier sent his disciples to inquire from Jesus if he was the expected Messiah. They went, saw and … [Read more…]
