First Reading: Zep 2:3.3:12-13; Psalm: 146. R. v. Mt 5:3; Second Reading: 1Cor 1:26-31; Gospel: Mt 5:1-12a THE BEATITUDE VIA NEGATIVA BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP In the Christian tradition, the via negativa is a style of argument whereby we reach the knowledge of God by considering what God is not. Since God is … [Read more…]
ST THOMAS AQUINAS, P.D. (Memorial) White He was born in Lombardy near Naples. He joined the mendicant Dominican friars in 1244. He studied in Paris from 1245-1248 under Saint Albert the Great and was ordained in 1250. He taught Theology at University of Paris where he won his doctorate. One of his famous works was … [Read more…]
First Reading: Heb 10:32-39; Psalm: 37 R. v. 39a; Gospel: Mk 4:26-34 GOD’S DIVINE ROLE BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Jesus reminds us today how essentially involved God is in our daily activities. Jesus explained this using the image of a sower. A sower only plants a seed but the workings on how the … [Read more…]
SS TIMOTHY AND TITUS, BISHOPS (Memorial) White Timothy and Titus were co-workers of Paul. Timothy was Paul’s companion on his second and third missionary journey (Acts 16:3; 19:22). He was often sent by Paul on special missions. Timothy was the head of the church in Ephesus. He was stoned to death in 97 AD for … [Read more…]
THE CONVERSION OF ST PAUL, APOSTLE (Feast) White First Reading: Acts 22:3-16; Psalm: 117 R. v. Mk 16:15 ; Gospel: Mk 16:15-18 THE NEW MAN PAUL BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Today, we celebrate the feast of the conversion of St Paul. The first reading was Paul’s defence before the enraged Jewish mob. Paul … [Read more…]
ST FRANCIS DE SALES, B.D. (Memorial) White Francis de Sales was born in Savoy near Annecy in 1567. He studied the law, but abandoned the prospect of a brilliant career, and was ordained to the priesthood in 1593. Francis was appointed bishop of Geneva, and spent the rest of his life reforming and reorganizing the … [Read more…]
First Reading: Heb 9:15. 24-28; Psalm: 98 R. v. 1ab; Gospel: Mk 3:22-30 WARRING AGAINST THE DEVIL BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Ingratitude can be so hurtful especially when people try to rubbish the good we do by slanderous comments either directly or indirectly. This can even provoke the doer of the good action … [Read more…]
First Reading: Is 9:1-4; Psalm: 27. R. v. 1a; Second Reading: 1Cor 1:10-13.17; Gospel: Mt 4:12-23 SEARCHING FOR LIFE’S OASIS BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The Sahara Desert located in Northern Africa is the largest desert in the world. Geographically, this desert is made up mainly of rocky landscapes. An average percentage of its … [Read more…]
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…]
