Persecution JEREMIAH 20:10–13; PSALM 18; JOHN 10:31–42 “He has delivered the soul of the needy from the hands of evil men” (Jer. 20:30). This statement points to Jeremiah, who was being persecuted by the people. Secondly, it points to the persecution of Jesus in the gospel reading, which will fully unfold in the Holy Week. […]
Monthly Archives: March 2024
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Mar
Mar
Believe and stand firm. Genesis 17:3–9; Psalm 105; John 8:51–59 Abram becomes Abraham (Gen. 17:5). God renamed Abram Abraham, which means “father of a multitude of nations.” By this name, God was not just promising that Abraham would become the father of many nations but that, through Abraham’s offspring, salvation would come to the world. […]
20
Mar
Mar
“I will not bow.” Daniel 3:14-20, 24-25, 28; Psalm: Daniel 3:52–56; John 8:31–42. “If our God, the one we serve, is able to save us from the burning fiery furnace and from your power, O king, he will save us; and even if he does not, then you must know, O king, that we will […]
19
Mar
Mar
St Joseph 2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16; PSALM 88; Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22; Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24 In the first reading, God promised David a secure throne and dynasty, which was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, demonstrating God’s faithfulness, even in the face of our unfaithfulness. Today, the church celebrates the solemnity of St. Joseph, the […]
18
Mar
Mar
Susanna and the Elders Daniel 13:1–9, 15–17, 19–30, 33–62; PSALM 21; John 8:12–20 “Susanna and the Elders” is a story that illustrates God’s help and justice for the innocent. Susannah was almost victimized by a wrong and biased judgment. But through her prayers, God intervened and came to her aid. Many people today are suffering […]
16
Mar
Mar
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai Introduction One of the iconic persons in Catholic history is St. Vincent de Paul, he is well known for his costly compassion, deep empathy, and selfless service to the underprivileged, impoverished and the marginalized. During his time as a slave, Vincent had a spiritual experience that led him to dedicate his life […]
16
Mar
Mar
JEREMIAH 11:18–20; PSALM 7; JOHN 7:40–53 Fair Hearing “The law does not allow us to pass judgment on a man without hearing him” (John 7:51). This statement was made because the Pharisees rejected Jesus without proper investigation. Today, many people are hated and rejected because of popular notions about them. The people who lived with […]
15
Mar
Mar
THE TRIALS OF THE RIGHTEOUS Wisdom 2:1, 12-22; Psalm 33; John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 “Let us lie in wait for the righteous one, because he is annoying to us; he opposes our actions, reproaches us for transgressions of the law, and charges us with violations of our training. He professes to have knowledge of God […]
14
Mar
Mar
STIFF-NECKED PEOPLE EXOD. 32:7–14; PSALM 106; John 5:31–47 “You place your hopes on Moses, but Moses will be your accuser. If you really believed him, you would believe me too, since it was I that he was writing about.” Jesus made this statement to show that his listeners were haughty and stubborn. The miracles done […]
13
Mar
Mar
GOD’S COMPASSION ISAIAH 49:8–15, PSALM 145, and John 5:17–30 Thus says the Lord: At the favorable time, I will answer you; on the day of salvation, I will help you (Isaiah 49:8). This prophecy speaks of God’s care and compassion. Don’t give up on God; He cares. Similarly, today’s psalm also reiterated this theme of […]