First Reading: Acts 18:9-18; Psalm: 47. R. v. 8a; Gospel: Jn 16:20-23a THE CHURCH AND GOVERNMENT BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The Catholic Church is one of the religious institutions that promote respect and obedience to civil laws that are not contrary to moral principles. The Church always encourages her faithful to exercise their … [Read more…]
First Reading: Acts 1:1-11; Psalm: 47. R. v. 6; Second Reading: Eph 1:17-23; Gospel: Jn 28:16-20. LET US PREPARE TO MEET HIM BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.” (Jn 28:20) Today is the solemnity of the ascension of the Lord. As Jesus prepares to … [Read more…]
First Reading: Acts 17:15. 22-18:1; Psalm: 148. R. v. 5a; Gospel: Jn 16:12-15 CONVERSION IS THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Paul’s approach in converting the people of Athens was contextual. Paul observed that the Athenians erected an altar with an inscription “To an unknown god.” Leveraging on this, he … [Read more…]
First Reading: Acts 16:22-34; Psalm: 138. R. v. 7c; Gospel: Jn 16:5-11 THE POWER OF HYMNS BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The common axiom “Music is food for the soul” is very true. But to be more precise, it is preferable to say “Good music is food for the soul.” A good music can … [Read more…]
First Reading: Acts 16:11-15; Psalm: 149. R. v. 4a; Gospel: Jn 15:26-16:4a TRUST IN THE HOLY SPIRIT BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Have we ever been worried about persecution or martyrdom and what our possible responses would be like if such fate befell us? The thought of this alone is enough to make us … [Read more…]
First Reading: Acts 8:5-8.14-17; Psalm: 66. R. v. 1; Second Reading: 1Pt 3:15-18; Gospel: Jn 14:15-21 JESUS LIVES ON IN US THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP I have a friend on Facebook who is a Christian but very controversial. He is so critical about the Scriptures that he questions almost … [Read more…]
First Reading: Acts 16:1-10; Psalm: 100. R. v. 1; Gospel: Jn 15:18-21 THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE CHRISTIAN MARK BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP It can be dangerous to be different. When we stand out in opposition to the crowd, we become a threat to them. Aristides of Athens was called ‘Aristides the just’ yet … [Read more…]
First Reading: Acts 15:22-31; Psalm: 57. R. v. 10a; Gospel: Jn 15:12-17 THE WISDOM OF THE APOSTLES BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP There was an issue to be addressed among the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. This time around it wasn’t anything regarding circumcision. It was about desisting from food sacrificed to … [Read more…]
First Reading: Acts 15:7-21; Psalm: 96. R. v. 3; Gospel: Jn 15:9-11 ONE IN CHRIST JESUS BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP An unprecedented dispute arose in the Church in Antioch between the Jews and the Gentiles. The bone of contention was circumcision. Some narrow-minded Jews who considered it a taboo for the Jews to … [Read more…]
First Reading: Acts 15:1-6; Psalm: 122. R. v. 1; Gospel: Jn 15:1-8 ABIDING WITH THE TRUE VINE BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The vine is a very delicate plant. It needs a great deal of attention to get the best fruit out of it. It has two kinds of branches. The ones that bear … [Read more…]
