Joseph Osho

  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...

  5th Sunday of Lent  Ezekiel 37:12-14 Psalm 129(130) Romans 8:8-11 John 11:1-45 Restoration of life is made possible thanks to Jesus our resurrection and life   The story of Lazarus in today’s Gospel has multiple layers of meaning, not just a simple miracle. On one level, it shows Christ’s genuine human love and compassion—He had close friendships and deeply felt grief, especially for Lazarus. But the deeper meaning goes beyond personal affection. The miracle was done “for the glory of God,” demonstrating Christ’s divine power over death. The detail that Lazarus had been dead four days emphasizes that he was truly dead, making the miracle undeniably supernatural. More importantly, Lazarus represents all humanity. His sickness and death symbolize the spiritual condition of the human race—wounded by sin and inclined toward destruction. Throughout history, God tried to heal humanity through laws and prophets, but ultimately came Himself in the person of Christ to bring life...

    Saturday of the 4th week of Lent Jeremiah 11:18-20 Psalm 7:2-3,9-12 John 7:40-52 Many of us can strongly relate to the guards' feelings during that pivotal moment when they discussed where Jesus came from. The guards understood that Jesus was unlike anyone who had ever appeared before. Yet, when they boldly testified to the power of Jesus’s teachings, the chief priests and Pharisees dismissed them and possibly mocked them. It’s a timeless challenge: just like the guards, when we share about God’s love, we often face sarcasm and rejection. Do we let hurtful words from others silence our faith, or do we stand firm and speak out with conviction? Maybe we feel the same passion as the guards and choose to speak up. Or do we respond with anger and hostility at their injustice? Instead, can we remember Jesus’s love and let it transform us, just as the guards did? Our actions can mirror the chief priests and Pharisees—unless we adopt a plan to act with compassion. We can pause, ta...

  Friday of the 4th week of Lent  Wisdom 2:1,​12-22 Psalm 33(34):16,18,19-21,23 John 7:1-2,​10,​25-30 The crowd in Jerusalem wasn’t filled with skeptics; they were the fervent, the devoted ones who showed up, studied the sacred texts, upheld the traditions, and paid their temple dues. But when Truth—immense and unmissable—entered their midst in the flesh, they did what any threat to certainty does: they demanded an arrest. “We know where this man is from.” Seven words—arguably the most powerful and dangerous sentence religion ever uttered. The Book of Wisdom cuts through the chaos with chilling clarity: it's not hate for the righteous man because he’s wrong. It's envy—because he’s right, and his very life challenges their falsehoods. His presence prompts a question they refuse to answer. So, they quietly, fervently, and theologically begin crafting a case against him. Notice the subtlety. It’s not shouted; it’s whispered. Rationalized. Orchestrated behind closed doors.  T...