THE VISITATION MICAH 5.2-5/PSALM 80/HEB 10:5-10/LK. 1:39-45 Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai In the Gospel reading, Mary travels to the hill country of Judah to visit her cousin Elizabeth. This visit brought joy to the home of Elizabeth. We too can be agents of divine visitation to others, bringing them joy, love, and peace. The season of […]
Monthly Archives: December 2024
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Dec
BEING AGENTS OF GOD’S LOVE Songs 2:8-14; Psalm 32; Luke 1:39-45 In today’s world, we often rely on agents to facilitate various aspects of our lives. However, as Christians, we are called to be agents of God’s love, care, and healing. The first reading beautifully illustrates the loving relationship between God and His people. Similarly, […]
20
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Dec
“MARY’S ‘YES’ Isaiah 7:10-14; Psalm 24; Luke 1:26-38 Today, we reflect on Mary’s profound “yes” to God’s will, as announced by the angel Gabriel. Her unwavering acceptance of God’s plan fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah and marked a pivotal moment in human history. Mary’s example teaches us the importance of surrendering our will to God’s. […]
19
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TRUSTING IN GOD’S PLAN Judges 13:2-7, 24-25; Psalm 71; Luke 1:5-25 Today’s readings offer us a glimpse into the lives of two remarkable women, Manoah’s wife and Elizabeth, who, despite their barrenness, were chosen by God to bear sons who would play a significant role in the salvation story. The birth of Samson, announced by […]
18
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Embracing God’s Plan Jeremiah 23:5-8; Psalm 72; Matthew 1:18-24 Today’s readings remind us of God’s unwavering plan to redeem humanity. In Jeremiah 23:5-8, we hear the prophet’s assurance that a descendant of King David will reign as the true king, a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Matthew (1:18-24) sheds light on the […]
17
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PARENTAL BLESSING Genesis 49:2, 9-10; PSALM 72; MATTHEW 1:1-17 In the first reading we see Jacob blessing his twelve sons prior to his death. The reading focuses on the blessing of his son Judah. Jacob says that the sceptre shall not pass from Judah until the one to whom it rightfully belong comes. The […]
14
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Rejoice in the Lord Zephaniah 3:14-18; Psalm – Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:10-18 Today, on the Third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday, we are invited to rejoice. The very word “Gaudete” means “rejoice.” This theme of joy permeates the readings for today. In the first reading, the prophet Zephaniah assures us […]
14
Dec
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Elijah and John Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11; Psalm 80; Matthew 17:10-13 The first reading speaks of Elijah. It tells us of all he did and makes us understand that the prophet Elijah will come again. Correspondingly, Jesus remarked in the Gospel, “Elijah has come already, and they did not recognize him.” Two persons are inferred from […]
13
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NEVER SATISFIED “Humans are never satisfied.” Jesus says “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: “‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dancee, we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ (Matt. 11: 16-17). “John came neither eating […]
12
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Dec
“THE KINGDOM OF GOD SUFFERS VIOLENCE” ISAIAH 41:13-20; PSALM 144; MATTHEW 11:11-15 “And from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matt. 11:12). This is a straight-forward verse, but it comes as a puzzle. How can God’s kingdom suffer, and what […]