Joseph Osho

  Thursday of week 12 in Ordinary Time  2 Kings 24:8-17 Psalm 78(79):1-5,8-9 Matthew 7:21-29 Isaiah 26:4 refers to God as the “eternal Rock” in whom we can place our trust. The metaphor of the "Rock” is a common image in the Old Testament symbolizing God's unwavering dependability, and this idea continues into today’s Gospel. Israel’s deportation was as a result of not building their trust in God and creating other foundations that never last. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7), Christ emphasizes the importance of doing God's will, clearly outlining what it takes to build a firm foundation for discipleship. While we are all called to be Christ’s followers, that commitment requires certain sacrifices. It means putting Christ at the very center of our lives and before everything else, including family. Becoming a disciple isn't an easy journey, so it's essential to weigh it carefully.  Ultimately, if we choose to accept this call, the reward wi...

  The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Solemnity  Isaiah 49:1-6  Psalm 138(139):1-3,13-15 Acts 13:22-26 · Luke 1:57-66,​80 Today, we celebrate the Nativity of John the Baptist. Within the Catholic tradition, only three individuals are observed with solemnity on their birthdays: Jesus Christ on December 25; His mother, the Virgin Mary, on September 8; and John the Baptist on June 24. These individuals hold significant roles in the history of salvation. The mission of John the Baptist was divinely ordained prior to his birth. This reflection underscores that our existence is also part of God's divine plan, predestined before our birth. Each person has a unique purpose and mission, just as John the Baptist did. Historically, John the Baptist is esteemed as a figure of truth and humility. His primary role was to prepare the way for the Savior. It is essential to recognize that no one can serve as a herald of the Messiah without divine selection. Similarly, no individua...

  Tuesday of week 12 in Ordinary Time  2 Kings 19:9-11,​14-21,​31-36 Psalm 47(48):2-4,10-11 Matthew 7:6,​12-14 Jesus encourages us in today’s gospel to strive to enter through the narrow gate, recognizing that the path to perdition is often broader and more inviting.  In our contemporary world, it appears that the route leading away from righteousness is expanding, while the path of virtue is becoming more constrained. The choice remains in our hands. Are self-love and greed influencing your thoughts and actions? Do you demonstrate humility and responsibility as a child of God? Are you dwelling in places of darkness or evil, and perhaps find it difficult to find your way out? - Consider choosing Jesus to attain eternal life. May we choose each day to be the one who remains faithful, renew our covenant with God daily, and follow the path that leads to life. Amen. 

  Monday of week 12 in Ordinary Time    2 Kings 17:5-8,​13-15,​18 · Psalm 59(60):3-5,12-13 Matthew 7:1-5 Today’s readings invite us to take an honest look at our hearts, encouraging self-examination and spiritual reflection. In the Book of Kings, the people of Israel experience the painful consequences of turning away from God, a decline that did not occur suddenly but resulted from years of gradually ignoring His voice, embracing false idols, and following other nations' pagan practices. Their downfall was marked by political instability, social injustice, and loss of divine favor, demonstrating how persistent disobedience can lead to spiritual ruin.  In the Gospel, Jesus offers a challenging and timeless lesson: before scrutinizing others' faults, we must first examine our own lives carefully, acknowledging our shortcomings with humility. The “wooden beam” in our eye symbolizes any obstacle—such as pride, resentment, prejudice, or the illusion that we have com...

  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 ...