Joseph Osho

  Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)   Jer 20.10-13;   Ps 68;   Rom 5.12-15;   Mt 10.26-33 Do not be afraid. The fear of the Lord guides us into the realm of wisdom. The presence of God should inspire awe, wonder, and a profound sense of reverence. Here, 'fear' does not refer to shock, horror, or terror, but to the deep respect one feels in the presence of a being that transcends our senses and the material universe—a recognition of the divine beyond external appearances. This reverence should motivate us to act according to God's will. To fear the Lord means to obey Him, which in turn grants us the wisdom of the heart and enlightens our minds. Consider the fears prevalent in today’s world. We face significant threats: tyranny, deception, violence, and unrest that continuously threaten societal stability. The magnitude of twentieth-century warfare—resulting in more casualties than all previous history—underscores this danger. The increasing number of marty...

  Saturday of week 11 in Ordinary Time  2 Chronicles 24:17-25 Psalm 88(89):4-5,29-34 Matthew 6:24-34 It is often said that worrying acts as a gateway to anxiety and depression. When we worry, we experience a profound void—a sense of emptiness within us that we feel compelled to fill. However, the more we indulge in worry, the more we become despondent and miserable, spiraling into a state of despair. There is an adage that reminds us tears do not make flowers grow; instead, we must trust in divine provision. We are called to cast our burdens, anxieties, and worries into the hands of God, knowing that He will hear our prayers and supply our needs according to His divine wisdom and mercy. So, should we burden ourselves with endless worry? What about unforeseen dangers and perennial issues that affects our lives directly or otherwise? What should be our primary focus? We are commanded to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. This must be our highest priority. When ...

  Friday of week 11 in Ordinary Time  2 Kings 11:1-4,​9-18,​20 · Psalm 131(132):11-14,17-18 Matthew 6:19-23 In today’s gospel, Jesus encourages us to 'store up treasure for ourselves in heaven.’ When contemplating the idea of treasure, one might think of a treasure map, which serves as a reminder that every story in the Bible presents a meaningful journey. Each narrative is marked by trials, temptations, and important choices. Along this journey toward the divine treasure, there are often challenges, snares, and distractions that can divert us from our true purpose. This morning’s first reading highlights the story of Queen Mother Athaliah. After the murder of her son, King Ahaziah, she attempted to secure her position by eliminating all other royal heirs. In contrast, Jehosheba, sister of King Ahaziah, chose to protect her nephew Joash by secretly hiding him in the temple for six years. During this time, her husband, High Priest Jehoiada, nurtured and educated the young ...

  Thursday of week 11 in Ordinary Time  Ecclesiasticus 48:1-15 Psalm 96(97):1-7 Matthew 6:7-15 In today’s gospel, Jesus indicates that God is aware of our needs even before we voice them (Matthew 6:8), yet he also encourages his followers to pray, as the Lord’s Prayer immediately follows. This suggests that prayer serves a purpose beyond simply requesting or sharing information. It is fundamentally about cultivating relationship—an ongoing dialogue with God where we express trust, gratitude, fears, hopes, and love. Just as close relationships involve communication even when understanding is present, prayer sustains and nurtures our connection with God. Furthermore, prayer has the potential to influence the person who prays. We believe that prayer helps align an individual’s will, values, and perspectives with those of God. Rather than altering divine knowledge, prayer may transform the pray-er’s character, priorities, and receptiveness to guidance.  Additionally, God invi...

  Wednesday of week 11 in Ordinary Time  2 Kings 2:1,​6-14  Psalm 30(31):20,21,24 Matthew 6:1-6,​16-18 One of the reasons our faith is so challenging is because it calls us to live in ways that often oppose the values and norms of the worldly culture around us. Even so, every time we pray, we are elevating our minds and hearts to God—a form of communication that stands in contrast to worldly distractions and superficial concerns. In fact, the Christian life requires a higher and more profound form of practicing faith through consistent fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, which deepen our personal relationship with the Lord and prepare us for His mission. All we are left with now is an invitation: to love sincerely, to pray earnestly, to fast faithfully, and to give alms generously—not just in theory but through genuine practice. Resolve today to dedicate quality time to prayer, seeking a sincere connection with God and a stronger commitment to living out our faith meaningful...

  Tuesday of week 11 in Ordinary Time  1 Kings 21:17-29 Psalm 50(51):3-6,11,16 Matthew 5:43-48 Many pursue happiness through the pursuit of worldly pleasures and luxury; however, the true path lies in the pursuit of holiness (Jesus Christ being the way). This entails embodying love through selfless sacrifice—sacrificing oneself for others. As Jesus states at the conclusion of today’s gospel, "Be perfect, just as your Heavenly Father is perfect" (Matt. 5:48). Humankind was made perfect through the greatest act of love—Christ laid down His life for humanity, so that we too may be willing to sacrifice for others. His resurrection signifies that we can elevate others from despair to hope. In essence, a perfect individual demonstrates goodness through love (Clement of Alexandria). How can individuals maintain the path of perfection amid poverty and adversity? Achieving such a state requires significant inner freedom, love, joy, and peace to reach a profound level of understanding ...