Joseph Osho

  Friday after Ash Wednesday  Isaiah 58:1-9 Psalm 50(51):3-6,18-19 Matthew 9:14-15 Fasting has historically been regarded as both a physical and spiritual discipline of self-control. More recently, it has gained recognition as a secular approach to dieting. For members of the Catholic faith, fasting is a collective penitential practice of biblical origin, traditionally involving partial or complete abstention from food or beverages. Contemporary interpretations of fasting encompass a variety of practices, including moderation in social media use, control of thoughts and speech, adjustments in sleep patterns, and dietary restrictions. Basically , fasting remains a core element of the Lenten season, alongside prayer and almsgiving. Jesus employs the metaphor of the wedding guests and the bridegroom, encouraging believers to transcend self-centered pursuits and deepen their relationship with Him, fostering love and participation in His mission of sacrificial service. The prophet ...

Thursday after Ash Wednesday  Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Psalm 1:1-4,6 Luke 9:22-25 Every day, warning signs are all around us—stop signs, pedestrian crossings, roadwork alerts, traffic lights—the list is endless! These signs are everywhere, and if we pay attention, they become even more vivid in our spiritual journey. What do these signs truly mean for us? During this powerful Lenten season, as we reflect on the changes we need to make, I challenge you to see these signs in a new light. The stop sign: A call to pause and evaluate—does my decision honor God, or is it all about satisfying myself? The pedestrian crossing: A reminder to slow down and observe the world around us, appreciating where God has placed us and the season of life we're in. Traffic signs and lights: Guiding us on when to move forward, when to slow down, and when to halt. Are we mindful of our words and actions toward others? Today, we face pivotal choices: life and prosperity or death and destruction. As we journey t...

  ASH WEDNESDAY  I remember the words of Cardinal Francis George, who once said, 'The only things you can take with you when you die are the things you have given away,' echoing Jesus' promise. Lent reminds us of our imperfections—our failures and weaknesses—while also celebrating life through death and resurrection. Fasting, prayer, and almsgiving are key Lenten practices. Today’s reading challenges us: to return to God with our whole heart, not just external acts like tearing clothing, but internal openness. Our wholehearted turning involves spiritual conversion and a deepening love for God and all creation. This Lent, we are called to deeper love and conversion. God invites us to go beyond ourselves, reaching out with love—following Jesus’ example—caring for others with unselfish, practical love that transforms. May Jesus grant us grace, peace, strength, and blessings. May we have the courage to abandon sin and embrace virtue. May Mary, refuge of sinners, pray for us. Am...

  Tuesday of week 6 in Ordinary Time  James 1:12-18 Psalm 93(94):12-15,18-19 Mark 8:14-21 No human is immune to temptation; it comes to all. The question is not if we will be tempted, but how we respond. Trials are opportunities to reassess our values and priorities, reminding us what's most important. This explains James's claim that ‘Blessed is he who perseveres in temptation’. Facing trials and setbacks is an opportunity for faith to deepen, not just a hardship. Faith is the steadfast conviction that, despite life’s challenges, God is faithful. Christ tried to teach this to His disciples, but they didn't fully understand.  Mark’s gospel echoes this, showing Jesus referencing His wonders among them as proof of God's faithfulness, urging perseverance. Hebrews 11:33 reminds us faith subdued kingdoms and wrought righteousness. Faith can move mountains and cover hills—if God cares for you, trust Him for your soul and trials. He never refuses to bear your burdens. So, surr...

  Monday of week 6 in Ordinary Time  James 1:1-11 Ps118(119):67-68,71-72,75-76 Mark 8:11-13 Today’s scriptural passages tell us not to wait for signs     and miracles rather it encourages us to remain steadfast and hopeful during difficult times. A reminder that God, who cares even for the smallest creatures, will also provide for our needs. Instead of giving in to despair, we were urged to hold onto faith, trusting that our struggles will eventually end and that God’s power and compassion will bring relief. More so, hardships do not mean God’s love has diminished; He cares just as deeply in times of trouble as in times of joy. By waiting on the Lord with faith, one can find renewed strength and endurance. It concludes with an encouragement to speak positively, trust in God daily, and believe that His help will come, bringing assurance and honor.

  6th Sunday in Ordinary Time  Ecclesiasticus 15:16-21 Ps:118(119):1-2,4-5,17-18,33-34 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 Matthew 5:17-37 TRUE LOVE SUMS UP THE LAW AND LEADS TO HOLINESS  What guides our moral decisions? For a good Jew, it's obedience to the Law, revealed by God, as the psalm states: "Blessed are those who walk in the law of the Lord." Jesus also emphasized the Law, saying he came to fulfill, not abolish, it, contrary to people's misguided expectations. Today, many focus on his commandment of love, often misusing it.  Jesus fulfilled the Law through God's will, and we must do the same—avoid blasphemy, theft, lying, murder and adultery. The law alone isn't enough; love is essential. Saint Augustine said, "Love and do what you like," meaning love sums up the law. True love for God and neighbor fulfills the law, making commandments instinctive. However, loving God fully is challenging—our failure to always do his will shows our lack of love. Jesus pro...