NEW YEAR MESSAGE Numbers 6:22–27; Psalm 64; Galatians 4:4–7; Luke 2:16–21 1. God instructs Moses to bless the people in his name (Numbers 6:22–27). Using his words on this first day of the year (2024), may the Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord will make his face shine upon you! The Lord will […]
Monthly Archives: December 2023
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Dec
TOWARDS A BETTER FAMILY LIFE Gen. 15:1-6; 21:1-3; Ps 105; HEB. 11:8-12.17-19; Luke 2:22-40 ******************************** Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai Today, the church celebrates the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The primary purpose of this feast is to pray for families and to model our families after the Holy Family. Providentially, this […]
30
Dec
Dec
Spiritual Growth 1 John 2:12–17; Psalm 96; Luke 2:36–40 Three stages of spiritual growth are mentioned in 1 John 2:12–13 (the first reading). They are: fathers, young men, and children. This sequence represents the development of spiritual understanding and faith over time. Therefore, let’s reflect on the different stages of our spiritual journey, prioritize a […]
29
Dec
Dec
Don’t go to confession because you want to receive Holy Communion. Do not go to confession, because it’s the end of the year. I know the law says, “Go to confession at least once a year.” I have had a lot of people come for confession this period—not bad, of course. Beyond going for ‘end […]
29
Dec
Dec
Love and Hatred for Fellow Believers 1 John 2:3–11; Psalm 96; Luke 2:22–35 Though seemingly contradictory, feelings of love and hatred toward fellow believers exist among Christians or in personal relationships. The Church emphasizes the importance of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation among Christians. Despite differences or conflicts, the Church encourages believers to strive for unity, […]
27
Dec
Dec
Holy innocents 1John 1:5-2:2; Psalm 124; Matthew 2:13-18 Today the church celebrates the memorial of the small children of the neighborhood of Bethlehem who were murdered by Herod while he was out for the infant Jesus. Herod wanted to kill the infant Jesus because he felt that his birth was a threat to his throne. […]
27
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Dec
SAINT JOHN, APOSTLE, AND EVANGELIST 1 John 1:1-4, Ps. 97:1-2,5-6,11-12, John 20:2-8 John was frequently identified in the gospel as “the other disciple”, “the one that Jesus loved” and “John the Beloved.” He authored the Book of Apocalypse (Revelation), three Epistles, and the fourth gospel. Among the best in the New Testament are his statements […]
26
Dec
Dec
St. Stephen Acts 6:8–10, 7:54–59; Psalm 31; Matthew 10:17–22 Accepting Jesus and becoming a follower has its cost. Today, the church celebrates the martyrdom of St. Stephen. His life was an embodiment of faithfulness, commitment, boldness, wisdom, eloquence, forgiveness, compassion, service, suffering, and the hope of eternal life. Let’s imitate his example as we live […]
25
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Christmas Isaiah 62:11–12; Psalm 97; Titus 3:4–7; Luke 2:15–20 The birth of the homeless, a miraculous birth and a timeless tale now celebrated in every home. In each abode, let His love prevail. Love is the true meaning of Christmas. John 3:16–17 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and […]
24
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Dec
BRING FORTH CHRIST 2 Samuel 7:1–5.8b–12.14a.16; Ps. 89; Rom. 16:25–27; Luke 1:26-38 Nine months before Jesus was born, the angel Gabriel was sent to the Virgin Mary to announce the conception of the Son of God through the Holy Spirit. The gospel reading simply narrates the annunciation experience. This announcement was to prepare Mary to […]