Joseph Osho

  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...

  Tuesday of the 5th week of Lent Numbers 21:4-9 Psalm 101(102):2-3,16-21 John 8:21-30 Today’s gospel passage emphasizes that it is possible to seek Christ, but such an endeavor may be in vain if undertaken without sincerity or wholeheartedness. Temporary religious emotions—often triggered by fear, suffering, or crisis—do not necessarily indicate genuine faith or salvation. An individual may outwardly display devotion, yet their heart may remain unchanged. Persistent rejection of God can ultimately harden the heart, rendering future efforts to seek Him ineffective. Furthermore, the message delineates the distinct difference between Christ and the ungodly. While Christ is described as from above, we are called to prioritize heavenly pursuits over worldly attractions. True Christians might feel set apart from others and may even face rejection; however, this separation signifies their spiritual identity. Ultimately, the passage issues a caution regarding the peril of unbelief. Reject...

  Monday of the 5th week of Lent  Daniel 13:1-9,​15-17,​19-30,​33-62 Psalm 22(23) John 8:1-11 The readings presented today serve as a reminder that God Himself defends the innocent, particularly when they are unable to defend themselves. In the first reading, it is observed that two judges become enamored with Susanna and deceive others to protect themselves, thereby condemning her to death for a crime she did not commit. Her salvation occurs through her appeal to God for assistance; He responds to her prayer and dispatches the young Daniel to rescue her. Similarly, in the gospel, there is a woman who is about to be stoned for committing adultery. She is saved by Jesus, who forgives her sins and instructs her to sin no more. In both instances, those who have committed their own sins are swift to judge others while concealing their own wrongdoings. Many individuals may find themselves analogous to the women in today’s readings— in need of Jesus’s healing and mercy. It is essent...