Joseph Osho

  Saturday of week 31 in Ordinary Time  Philippians 4:10-19 · Psalm 111(112):1-2,5-6,8,9 Luke 16:9-15 Trustworthiness and Genuine Service  For some time, we have been reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Church in Philippi. This was the first church St. Paul established in Europe, in Macedonia, Greece. There, he met Lydia and was imprisoned with Silas; the jailer was converted. Paul expresses gratitude for the Philippians’ generosity and speaks of joy and peace. He concludes with one of St. Paul’s best-known prayers: “My God will supply all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever. Amen.” (Philippians 4:19–20) Paul was successful not because he was greater than we are, but because we share the same calling: to love Jesus with all our hearts, minds, and strength, and to proclaim Jesus Christ to all humanity. This was truly his primary aim. For Paul, to live in the Spirit meant considering everything a los...

  Friday of week 31 in Ordinary Time  Philippians 3:17-4:1  Psalm 121(122):1-5 Luke 16:1-8 Avert Danger Through Faith and Prudence Before news of his dismissal broke out to the public, the shrewd steward reached agreements with his master's debtors. By reducing their debts, he likely relinquished his substantial commission, but the arrangements earned him their favor. In other words, he went to considerable lengths to protect his position and secure his future. The dishonest steward is commended not for mismanaging his master's wealth, but for acting shrewdly to avert personal disaster and provide for his future livelihood. All wealth and possessions, including our talents, are gifts from God. We should therefore use them for the common good and the glory of God. The Christian life requires the courage to go against the tide and to love as Jesus did, even to the point of sacrificing Himself on the Cross. That is what it means to live as a Christian.

  Thursday of week 31 in Ordinary Time  Philippians 3:3-8  Psalm 104(105):2-7 Luke 15:1-10 Discovering what was lost In today’s Gospel, Jesus shares two parables that reveal the incomparable value of the Kingdom of Heaven: a treasure discovered in a field and a pearl of great price. In each story, the finder recognizes the treasure’s worth and joyfully gives up everything to obtain it. These parables invite us to rejoice when we discover what is truly precious. Heaven, too, rejoices when a sinner turns away from sin and returns to God. How deeply this must gladden the Father’s heart! Reflecting on repentance, St. John Chrysostom once said: “Do not be ashamed when you repent; be ashamed when you sin. Sin is the wound; repentance is the medicine.” Keeping God's commandments calls us to turn away from sin, which separates us from God and harms our relationships with our neighbors. Following Jesus’ commandment to love means living with obedience, commitment, sacrifice, detach...

  Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop  Philippians 2:12-18 · Psalm 26(27):1,4,13-14 Luke 14:25-33 Following in the Footsteps of Christ Today, we are invited to reflect on the Cross. We recall Jesus’ teaching about discipleship: those who wish to follow Him are called to take up their cross and walk in His footsteps (Luke 14:25-33; Matthew 5:39; Luke 9:23). We are also called to love Him above all else, including family, friends, and other attachments. The Cross is the most prominent symbol of our faith. We turn to it in private and public worship, mindful that each of us faces challenges that can make life difficult. At times, we may wonder why our burdens seem heavier as we draw closer to Jesus. Carrying our cross can test our faith, and through patience and perseverance, we may come to recognize Jesus’ presence in our lives more deeply. As we bear our burdens, we can invite Jesus to help us and ask Him to accompany us along the way. Rather than dwell on why we face these cha...

  Tuesday of week 31 in Ordinary Time  St. Martin de Porres, Religious  Philippians 2:5-11  Psalm 21(22):26-32 Luke 14:15-24 Responding to the Lord’s Invitation Jesus' parable of the banquet may have surprised his audience. Yes Indeed! If a great lord or king invited friends to a banquet, why might the guests decline? A celebration of this scale would take many days to prepare, and personal invitations would be sent well in advance, giving guests ample time to make arrangements. Their refusal when the time for celebrating arrived must have been deeply disappointing. They set aside the King's invitation and prioritized their own interests. Where do our interests lie? Do we sometimes make excuses or hesitate to do God’s will? In today’s first reading, St. Paul speaks to the Christian community in Philippi, and to us, about Christ’s humility and obedience. These virtues help us grow in our relationships with God and our neighbors. St. Martin de Porres sought to serve Je...

  All Souls Isaiah 25:6a,​7-9  Psalm 26(27):1,4,7,8-9,13-14 Romans 5:5-11 · Matthew 11:25-30 Today being All Souls’ Day, we commemorate the faithful departed especially those who are in purgatory that the light of Christ will purify them and bring their souls to heaven. Today, we remind ourselves of what Christian hope is. The Christian hope is trusting in an unknown future to a known God. It is hope that whispers and say try one more time even when the whole world is up against you telling you to give up. Where there is hope there is faith and where there is faith love is manifested . Has long as we have God, we have hope. Therefore, if we truly believe in our relationship and friendship with God and the unconditional and undying love of God in our lives then we must realize that God will not abandon us to the pit of death but keep us safe in his hands.  The book of Wisdom says, “But the souls of the just are in the hand of God and no torment of death will touch the...