First Reading: Is 35:1-10; Psalm: 85 R. v. Is 35:4f; Gospel: Lk 5:17-26 THE CROWD MENTALITY BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP One common feature of a crowd watching or listening to something fascinating is unguided selfishness. Everyone wants to see or pay close attention to whatever convened a large number of people to a … [Read more…]
First Reading: Is 11:1-10; Psalm: 72. R. v. 7; Second Reading: Rom 15:4-9; Gospel: Mt 3:1-12 THE BAPTIST’S CLOTHING BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Today is the second Sunday of Advent. Succinctly, advent is a season of spiritual preparation for the coming of the Lord. But the message of advent would be incomplete without … [Read more…]
ST FRANCIS XAVIER, P (Memorial) White He was a friend of St Ignatius of Loyola who convinced him to use his talents to spread the Gospel. He followed the spiritual exercise of St Ignatius and in 1534 joined his community, the Society of Jesus. They vowed poverty, chastity and apostolic service. For ten years he … [Read more…]
First Reading: Isa 29:17-24; Psalm: 27. R. v. 1a; Gospel: Mt 9:27-31 THE FAITH OF TWO BLIND MEN BY FR VALENTINE NNA,DI EGBUONU, MSP “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” (Mt 9:28). The gospel of today reports that two blind men begged Jesus for mercy from the street up to the … [Read more…]
First Reading: Is 26:1-6; Psalm: 118. R. v. 26a; Gospel: Mt 7:21. 24-27 DOING THE WILL OF GOD BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven.” (Mt 17:21). Words do not always … [Read more…]
ST ANDREW AP. (Feast) Red He was a brother to Peter and a disciple of John the Baptist. He was the first apostle called by Jesus (Jn 1:40). Upon his invitation he left his net and everything and followed Jesus. His immediate response and commitment to Christ’s invitation leaves us an example. He preached the … [Read more…]
First Reading: Is 11:1-10; Psalm: 72. R. v. 7; Gospel: Lk 10:21-24 OPEN-MINDEDNESS BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to infants; yes Father, for such was your gracious will.” (Lk 10:21). One … [Read more…]
First Reading: Is 4:2-6; Psalm: 122. R. v. 1; Gospel: Mt 8:5-11 THE FAITH TO BEGIN THE YEAR BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such a faith.” (Mt 8:10) As we begin the first week of the Church’s new liturgical year, … [Read more…]
First Reading: Is 2:1-5; Psalm: 122. R. v. 1; Second Reading: Rom 13:11-14; Gospel: Mt 24:37-44 NOAH’S DAYS AND THE ADVENT SEASON BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP Jesus began the gospel of today in a comparative style. He referenced the days of Noah as a relative example to his own approaching day. This gives … [Read more…]
First Reading: Rev 22:1-7; Psalm: 95. R. v. 1Cor 16:22b; Rev 22:20c; Gospel: Lk 21:34-36 WATCH AND PRAY BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP As Jesus concludes the eschatological speech in the gospel of today, he calls us to be continuously vigilant. “Take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and … [Read more…]
