Joseph Osho

  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...

  Third Sunday of Easter (Year A)   Acts 2.14, 22-23;   Ps 15;   I Pet 1.17-21;   Jn 24.13-35   ‘Did not our hearts burn within us" The disciples on the road to Emmaus reflected on their experience, their hearts burning within them, evoking deep emotion. These words resonate in our spiritual lives: after recognizing Christ's presence post-resurrection, they understood His wisdom only after He had vanished. Their time with Him was profound but unconscious; they later recalled their hearts being stirred. This Gospel highlights the often unseen operation of sanctifying grace within us, which floods our spirits without immediate awareness, only later discernible. A vital truth in spiritual life, especially for sensitive souls, is that many may experience moments of divine grace—during liturgy, deep prayer, confession, or devotion. Emmaus teaches that such emotional or psychological experiences, while meaningful, are limited. True recognition of Christ comes thr...

  SATURDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTER.  Acts 6:1-7 Psalm 32(33):1-2,4-5,18-19 John 6:16-21 In the first reading for today (Acts 6:1-7), we observe that the number of believers has increased, and a conflict was brewing between two groups of Jewish-Christians: the Hellenists and the Hebrews. To resolve the dispute and ensure that there are sufficient ministers to handle minor matters, thereby allowing the disciples to focus on their primary responsibilities, the institution of the diaconate was established. The apostles spent time in prayer before selecting seven men, laying hands on them to invoke the Holy Spirit—a practice that remains central to the ordination rites of the Church today. In the Gospel passage (John 6:16-21), Jesus walks on water to meet the disciples on the lake, demonstrating His authority over creation and His ability to transcend natural laws at will. This act underscores that all we need is to call upon Jesus and cultivate a deep relationship with Him, f...

FRIDAY  OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTER Acts 5:34-42 Psalm 26(27):1,4,13-14 John 6:1-15 In today’s first reading, the conclusion of the trial of Peter and his companions before the Jewish high court is described. Peter and the others are assisted by Gamaliel, a rabbi and a former teacher of Paul, who suggests that if their efforts are fraudulent, their preaching will ultimately prove unsuccessful. The elders heed his advice and instruct Peter and the others to be flogged, warning them not to preach again. Nonetheless, this punishment has little effect, as the apostles remain willing to endure humiliation for the sake of Christ, which only motivates them to preach with greater zeal. The Gospel recounts the miracle of the loaves and fishes. It is often considered John’s equivalent to the Institution Narratives found in the Synoptic Gospels. In this passage, Christ distributes bread and fish, both of which symbolize His own body. This miracle was also repeated during one of the appearanc...