Joseph Osho

  Monday of Holy Week  Isaiah 42:1-7 Psalm 26(27):1-3,13-14 John 12:1-11 On this exhilarating Monday of Holy Week, we embark on a powerful journey with Jesus during His final days before His glorious Hour: His death and resurrection. Our first reading highlights the incredible person of Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of ancient covenants. It's as if God is dedicating His Son for the extraordinary work He is about to accomplish. The gospel story propels us toward the dramatic Passion at week's end. Today, we witness a remarkable moment: a woman named Mary anoints Jesus' feet, and He reveals she will need this ointment again at His burial. While Judas is resentful over the ointment, Jesus affirms Mary’s pure-hearted intention. This reading also foreshadows Judas’s betrayal later this week. Meanwhile, the chief priests continue their sinister plot against Jesus. Jesus predicts His upcoming death, instructing Judas to preserve Mary’s ointment for His burial. We often fear dea...

  Passion Sunday [Palm Sunday] (Year A)   Mt 21.1-11;   Isaiah 50.4-7;   Ps 21;   Phil 2.6-11;   Mt 26.14-27.66   This is the moment we’ve been waiting for: the incredible start of the Great Week! Palm Sunday kicks off what is arguably the most thrilling week in our Catholic calendar. The triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem sparks the beginning of an epic drama in human history. Though this story has become so familiar, it truly is the greatest story ever told, and today we begin to celebrate it with awe and excitement. Our hero? None other than Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Everything that unfolds during Holy Week is the divine plan of the Father. And each of us has a role to play in this magnificent drama—because we are all part of the story, bearing responsibility as sinners who, through Christ’s Passion, are offered a path to salvation. His suffering was necessary to free humanity from the crushing weight of sin and death. As Christ...

  Saturday of the 5th week of Lent Ezekiel 37:21-28 Jeremiah 31:10-13 John 11:45-56 As Passion Week approaches, today’s gospel reveals a story of fear and faith. The Sanhedrin plots secretly against Jesus, worried about losing power and driven by anger over the Romans. Meanwhile, Jesus' miracles, like raising Lazarus and healing others, increase belief in Him, alarming the Jewish leaders who plan to kill Him. Belief in Jesus grows unexpectedly—from His predictions to healing miracles—and some call Him Messiah. Caiaphas, the High Priest, seeks to maintain power and peace, but ironically, his words reveal God’s plan: Jesus will die to gather God's children. The readings remind us of God's protection. As Holy Week begins, walk with the disciples toward Jerusalem, embracing the salvation story and your role in it.  May the Lord bless you with life and purpose.

  Friday of the 5th week of Lent Jeremiah 20:10-13 Psalm 17(18):2-7 John 10:31-42 In today’s first reading, we see Prophet Jeremiah bravely facing persecution from the people simply for doing good. Yet, despite the opposition, he places his unshakable trust in God and continues to praise Him. This powerful example reminds us of Jesus, who was arrested yet still prayed to the Father for strength and guidance, never losing faith.   The gospel reveals Jesus on the brink of being stoned by the Jews for speaking the truth. Like Jeremiah, He is under God’s protection and is ultimately saved from harm, shining with His glory. We too are promised salvation and support in the face of opposition when we confidently turn to God and praise Him throughout our lives. But let us not forget Him when life is smooth sailing. Are you a faithful witness for Christ? Or do you just listen to the Word and forget it? Are you afraid of persecution?  May God grant us the grace to stay open to His ...

  Thursday of the 5th week of Lent Genesis 17:3-9 Psalm 104(105):4-9 John 8:51-59 Abraham was a man of unwavering faith and passionate prayer. He trusted deeply in his relationship with God, and whether his journey was filled with challenges or blessings, he simply followed God's path. His patience and steadfast trust allowed him to prevail, demonstrating the power of belief. Through Abraham, all the families of the earth were destined to be blessed. His Seed—the Lord Jesus Christ—came to earth as mankind's Kinsman-Redeemer, uniquely able to save His people from their sins. He will rescue Abraham's physical descendants—the Jews—at the end of the great tribulation, and also gather Abraham's spiritual descendants—the Church—during this incredible age of grace after the cross. In today’s gospel, Christ boldly claimed His glory before their ancestor Abraham—before the world was created. This divine claim incited such fury that they sought to stone Him. Christ was made a cur...

  The Annunciation of the Lord  - Solemnity   Isaiah 7:10-14,​8:10 Psalm 39(40):7-11 Hebrews 10:4-10 Luke 1:26-38 See Lord, I have come to do your will. Let it be done to me according your will.  The gospel reading for today presents three important messages: First, according to Luke, the virginal conception of Jesus occurred through the Holy Spirit, representing the power of God. Second, Mary is honored among women because she willingly accepted God's plan, exemplified by her response, "Let it be done to me according to your word." God chose her for a special role in the salvation history, as emphasized in today’s first reading from Isaiah 7. Third, Mary’s spiritual motherhood extends to all who respond to God’s call with similar faithfulness. Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth differs significantly from that of Matthew. In Luke, the story omits the Magi, instead highlighting the shepherds from nearby fields, consistent with Luke’s focus on the poor and marginalize...