HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Romans 8:18–25; Psalm 126; Luke 13:18–21 Today’s gospel presents us with two parables: the Parable of the Mustard Seed and the Parable of the Yeast. These two parables deal with small but modest beginnings and triumphant conclusions. The mustard seed is small, but it grows into a big tree. So it is with […]
Monthly Archives: October 2023
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Oct
Oct
THE CRIPPLED WOMAN Romans 8:12–17; Psalm 67; Luke 13:10–17 Jesus heals a woman who had been hunched over for 18 years in the gospel. Some physical disorders may result from natural inclinations, the burden of regrets, wrath, guilt, and unforgiveness. But what was the cause of this woman’s condition? Could it be a result of […]
28
Oct
Oct
Fr. Thomas Oyode “Love of Neighbour: A Perfection of Christian Piety” The confrontation of Jesus by Jewish authorities (Sadducees, Herodians, Pharisees) continues. In today’s gospel (Matthew 22:34-40), it is a lawyer from the group of the Pharisees who comes with a specifically religious question to trap Jesus. As a matter of fact, the Pharisees have […]
27
Oct
Oct
EPHESIANS 2:19–22; PSALM 18; LUKE 6:12–19 The gospel of today describes how Jesus selected and named His Twelve Apostles. Before deciding on them, he spent time in prayer. Before making significant judgments or selecting our companions, we should also pray. Today, the church honors two of these apostles: St. Jude Thaddeus and St. Simon the […]
27
Oct
Oct
Understanding the time Romans 7:18–25; Psalm 118; Luke 12:54–59 Despite the Pharisees ability to predict the weather and other things, they were unable to read the most obvious signs about the Messiah that was right in front of them. Even though the Messiah is always among us, we too often fail to see the signs […]
25
Oct
Oct
Christ’s fire and division Rom. 6-19-23; Psalm 1; Luke 12:49-53 Jesus says in today’s gospel reading that he has come to cast fire upon the earth and that it has already been kindled. Again, he said he has not come to bring peace but division. By popular consensus, this is unlike Jesus. From the Scriptures, […]
25
Oct
Oct
BE READY Romans 6:12–18; Psalm 123; Luke 12:39–48 “You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.” Many of us are anxious about the divine plan that Christ will come at an hour we do not expect. Many people will prepare their lives properly if a date is […]
24
Oct
Oct
WATCHFULNESS Romans 5:12, 15, 17-21; Psalm 40; Luke 12:35–38 In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of his coming as a time of joy and celebration, not of fear and trembling. The Church affirms this joyful expectation in the second part of the Lord’s Prayer during the Eucharistic celebration when the priest says “As we await the […]
23
Oct
Oct
The Rich Fool Romans 4:20-25; Psalm – Luke 1:69-75; Luke 12:13-21 Luke 12:13–21 presents us with the “Parable of the Rich Fool”. Biblically, a fool is one who rebels against God or who has forgotten God. The man rebelled by attributing all the glory to himself. He accumulated wealth but was not sensitive to the […]
21
Oct
Oct
BLASPHEMY Romans 4:13, 16–18; Psalm 105; Luke 12:9–12 In today’s gospel, Jesus says, “Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.” To blaspheme is to speak with disrespect about God. Blasphemy is a verbal or written rebuke of God’s name, character, work, or attributes. It is the lack of reverence for sacred objects […]