GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY First Reading: Acts 4:8-12; Psalm: 118. R. v. 22; Second Reading: 1Jn 3:1-2; Gospel: Jn 10:11-18 CONFRONTING OUR WOLVES BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Sam is the only child of his father. On this day at school, his teacher asked his class to pen down five things they like about their … [Read more…]
DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY First Reading: Acts 4:32-35; Psalm: 118. R. v. 1; Second Reading: 1Jn 5:1-7; Gospel: Jn 20:19-31 BE MERCIFUL JUST AS CHRIST BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The disciples were overwhelmed with mixed feelings at this time. Mary Magdalene had announced to them that the body of the Lord was missing. Peter … [Read more…]
After Old Testament Readings; Eighth Reading: Rom 6:3-11; Psalm: 118. R. v. Alleluia;Gospel: Mk 16:1-7 THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE RISEN CHRIST BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The execution of Jesus was the kind of execution reserved for criminals and rebels. Customarily, victims of crucifixion are left hanging dead on the cross that birds and … [Read more…]
THE CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S PASSION First Reading: Is 52:13-53:12; Psalm: 31. R. v. Lk 23:46b; Second Reading: Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9; Gospel: Jn 18:1-19:42 DISMAS OR GESTAS? BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Every Good Friday is a day we celebrate the sacrifice of the cross; the day that Christ offered up his life on … [Read more…]
EVENING MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER First Reading: Ex 12:1-8. 11-14; Psalm: 116. R. v. 1Cor 10:16; Second Reading: 1Cor 11:23-26; Gospel: Jn 13:1-15 THE BETRAYER AT TABLE BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP It is difficult to forgive a friend who betrays us; and even more difficult to forgive when a friend plans evil … [Read more…]
Before Procession: Mk 11:1-10; First Reading: Is 50:4-7; Psalm: 22. R. v. 2a; Second Reading: Phil 2:6-11; Passion Narrative: Mk 14:1-15:47 THE TRIAL OF TRUTH BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Last Sunday, Jesus said that his hour has come. Today, Jesus journeys into Jerusalem to embrace this hour. Our gospel reading of today before … [Read more…]
First Reading: Jer 31:31-34; Psalm: 51. R. v. 12b; Second Reading: Heb 5:7-9; Gospel: Jn 12:20-33 THE HOUR HAS COME BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP When we see our death coming; this can be frightening especially a torturous and humiliating death. Crucifixion is an example. It is a method of capital punishment meted out … [Read more…]
LAETARE SUNDAY First Reading: 2 Chr 36:14-16. 19-23; Psalm: 137. R. v. 6ab; Second Reading: Eph 2:4-10; Gospel: Jn 3:14-21 THE CROSS AND OUR FAITH BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Very many of us are familiar with the medical symbol of a staff entwined by a snake. Actually, there are two of them. There … [Read more…]
First Reading: Ex 20:1-17; Psalm: 19. R. v. Jn 6:68c; Second Reading: 1 Cor 1:22-25; Gospel: Jn 2:13-25 THE INAUGURATION OF TRUE WORSHIP BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP The temple for the Jewish people is the holiest of all places. It is for them the sacred dwelling place of God because the Ark of … [Read more…]
First Reading: Gn 22:1-2. 9a. 10-13. 15-18; Psalm: 116. R. v. 9; Second Reading: Rm 8:31b-34; Gospel: Mk 9:2-10 HOPING ON FAITH BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Abraham dismally approached Sarah early that morning and said to her; “I’m going to Moriah to sacrifice our son Isaac on the mountain. The Lord had commanded … [Read more…]
