REV. FR. DANIEL EVBOTOKHAI SCRIPTURAL FOUNDATION The message of the Narrow Gate is rooted in Matthew 7:13–14, where Jesus calls His listeners to enter through the narrow gate that leads to life, warning that the broad road, though attractive and popular, ends in destruction. This teaching is deepened by John 10:9, where Jesus identifies Himself […]

From the Crowd to Contact 1 Kings 8:1–7, 9–13; Psalm 131; Mark 6:53–56 In today’s Gospel, we are told that the people “laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.” This detail is important. They did not […]

AT ST. MALACHY CATHOLIC CHURCH, SAPELE. BY REV. FR. DANIEL EVBOTOKHAI 1. Introduction: A Gospel of today (Matthew 5:13–16) is a good point of departure as we reflect and celebrate the 10ᵗʰ Priestly Ordination Anniversary of REV. FR. ORJINTA O. Orjinta (Matthew 5:13–16) Fr. Orjinta “You are the salt of the earth… You are the […]

The Courage to Live the Truth Ecclesiasticus 47:2-13, Psalm 17:31,47,50-51, Mark 6:14-29 John the Baptist was killed for speaking the truth. Herod thought he could end the problem by silencing the prophet, but truth outlives every execution. His tragedy was sealed by rash words, pride, and the desire to please the crowd, a warning that […]

Mission of the Twelve 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12; Psalm 1 Chronicles 29:10-12; Mark 6:7-13 In the gospel, Jesus sent the disciples out two by two with the message of repentance. The mission of the Twelve is the basis of our faith today. Mission keeps the church alive. If the church does not send it, it […]

David’s Census  2 Samuel 24:2, 8–17; Psalm 31; Mark 6:1–6 David orders a census, not for worship, not for gratitude, but for control and pride. He wants numbers to reassure him, statistics to secure him, and strength he can measure. God is displeased because the census exposes David’s heart: he trusted soldiers more than God.  […]

The Beatitudes: Our Attitude Zephaniah 2:3,3:12-13/Psalm 145:6-10/1 Corinthians 1:26-31/Matthew 5:1-12 In today’s gospel Christ gives us the beatitudes. The beatitudes are Christ’s commentary on our attitude. These short phrases give us the perfect outline for authentic Christian life. Attitude is everything, and the right attitude makes all the difference. Let us improve on ourselves and […]

David’s Storm 2 Samuel 12:1-7,10-17, Psalm  50:12-17, Mark 4:35-41 In life, we are often quick to judge other people’s sins while defending our own. Judge for others and layers for ourselves. In 2 Samuel 12, David was furious at an injustice story until Nathan said, “You are the man.” David’s hidden sin did not remain […]

The Battle Field  2 Samuel 11:1-10, 13-17; Psalm 50; Mark 4:26-34. David was a chosen king, victorious in battle, yet his fall began with an unguarded moment. “At the time when kings go out to battle… David remained in Jerusalem” (2 Samuel 11:1). Idleness opened the door, sight ignited desire, and desire matured into sin. […]

LET YOUR LIGHT BE SEEN  2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29; Psalm 132; Mark 4:21-25. Today’s gospel presents us with a simple question: “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a bed or under a basket?” (Mark 4:21). Light is meant to shine. At Baptism, the light of Christ was placed in our hands, not […]