Joseph Osho

  Saint Mark, Evangelist  - Feast   1 Peter 5:5-14  Psalm 88(89):2-3,6-7,16-17 Mark 16:15-20 Mark was a cousin of Barnabas (also known as Joseph) from Cyprus, and he accompanied the apostle Paul on his first missionary journey around 46-48 AD. Later, he traveled with Paul to Rome during Paul's final imprisonment. Identified with John Mark, he initially departed from the first missionary journey and returned to Jerusalem, as recorded in Acts 12:25 and 13:13. St. Paul at one point expressed reservations about Mark's suitability for further missionary work, citing that "he had deserted us" during their initial endeavors, which is documented in Acts 15:37-39. Such concerns highlight the challenges faced in the journey of faith and service, especially amid hardships and differing commitments. Barnabas, whose real name was Joseph and who was a Levite from Cyprus, strongly advocated for Mark, leading to a temporary separation from Paul and the continuation of their wor...

  Friday of the 3rd week of Eastertide  Acts 9:1-20  Psalm 116(117) John 6:52-59 In the first reading for today (Acts 9:1-20), we learn of the conversion of Saul during his journey to Damascus, an event of considerable importance for the early Church. This encounter had such a significant impact on Saul that he became a staunch advocate of Christ and an ardent preacher of the Gospel. The persecutor transformed into a proponent, turning threat into strength, the accusor into an evangelist, and the initially stubborn Pharisee into an apostle to the Gentiles. The gospel reading (John 6:52-59) further elucidates Jesus' teachings on being the bread of life, which grants eternal life to those who accept Him into their hearts. Although less dramatic than Saul’s conversion, our own encounters with Jesus—through His Word and the Eucharist, the Sacraments—are equally profound. These moments of communion transcend physical perception, offering us eternal life. Similar to Saul, our i...

  Thursday of the 3rd week of Eastertide  Acts 8:26-40 Psalm 65(66):8-9,16-17,20 John 6:44-51 Philip was among the first seven deacons selected, alongside Stephen (Acts 6:5). Following Stephen's martyrdom, he extended the Gospel to Samaria, where his efforts yielded fruitful results. Subsequently, he was led to the Jerusalem-Gaza Road, where he baptized the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-38). Later, the Spirit guided him to Azotus and other towns. Philip stands as a significant early Christian missionary, exemplifying a life directed by the Holy Spirit—willing to go where it leads, to explain Scripture, and to guide others towards Jesus. Mission involves both internal and external aspects. We seek the Spirit’s guidance to evangelize, preach, teach, and lead others to Christ. Do we view following Christ as our sole choice, or merely one option among many? Are we prepared to be led by the Spirit in every facet of our lives? In the ongoing Bread of Life discourse, Jesus declares, ‘I...

  WEDNESDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF EASTERTIDE Acts 8:1-8 Psalm 65(66):1-7 John 6:35-40 Stephen's death marked the start of widespread persecution, a pivotal moment that is both infamous and significant as it initiated the spread of the Christian message to Gentiles. Tertullian reflected on Christian persecution, saying: “Kill us, torture us, condemn us, grind us to dust; your injustice demonstrates our innocence... The more you mow us down, the more numerous we become; the blood of Christians is seed.” This tragic end of one person became the seed that, like a grain falling into the ground, bore "much fruit" (John 12:24). The "seed" of Stephen's body, planted then, led to an unstoppable spread of the Gospel that still impacts us today, after two thousand years. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. (Matthew 5:11-12). 

  Tuesday of the 3rd week of Eastertide  Acts 7:51-8:1  Psalm 30(31):3-4,6,8,17,21 John 6:30-35 Why was Stephen stoned? He was one of the seven deacons aiding in food distribution, but he soon performed wonders, drawing the attention of leaders who accused him of heresy. Before the high priest, he summarized the Old Testament and delivered a final message condemning their opposition to the Holy Spirit and persecution of prophets, including Jesus. Enraged, the crowd covered their ears, rushed him, and stoned him, as Saul watched. Stephen, full of Christ’s Spirit, forgave and entrusted his Spirit to God, dying with words of mercy. His death marked the beginning of saints as intercessors, and through his courage, he influenced Saul to become Paul. His example inspires believers to trust Jesus, the bread of life. 

  MONDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF EASTERTIDE Acts 6:8-15:  Psalm.118(119):23-24,26-27,29-30:  John 6:22-26 In today’s Gospel, we encounter a fascinating story about a crowd following Jesus—initially seeming like a good thing, maybe even exciting for Jesus himself. But here's the catch: many of them weren’t truly following Him to know who He really is. Imagine people coming to church not to deepen their relationship with Jesus, but for other reasons. The crowd was searching for Jesus not because they understood Him, but because they were hungry—literally craving food to fill their stomachs. They believed life was just about material needs, about easy fixes. They wanted Jesus to simply make their lives better—more comfortable, safer, more enjoyable—just a couple of prayers and everything would be taken care of.   But Jesus had a different message. He needed to awaken them—and us!—to the truth that life is about more than just physical nourishment. Man does not live on brea...