Joseph Osho

  Saint Scholastica, Virgin 1 Kings 8:22-23,​27-30 Psalm 83(84):3-5,10-11 Mark 7:1-13 DO NOT TWIST THE TRUTH   Today's Gospel reminds us that rituals and liturgy only transform us when rooted in God’s love, especially when we are in the wilderness and need His cleansing grace. The gospel discusses Jewish hand-washing and purification rituals, meant to show reverence for God. By Jesus’ time, these traditions had become empty and oppressive, with Pharisees scolding Jesus’ disciples for eating with unclean hands—a dispute linked to Jesus feeding the 5,000 (Mk 6:35-44). The Pharisees were upset, even though the crowd had no chance to wash their hands. Jesus called them hypocrites, stage actors hiding their empty hearts behind outward piety. He wasn’t rejecting tradition but condemning their hypocrisy. Like the Pharisees, we may turn meaningful traditions into legalistic rituals. Whether it’s hand-washing, Friday abstention, or Eucharist—are we truly transformed or just going throu...

  Monday of week 5 in Ordinary Time  1 Kings 8:1-7,​9-13 Psalm 131(132):6-10 Mark 6:53-56 In today’s first reading, God’s abiding presence fills the Temple, making priests unable to minister. He created all things and has power over everything. Isaiah 66:1-2 highlights God's sovereignty, with heaven as His throne and earth as His footstool. God's glory among us shows His willingness to give us divine life and dwell in our midst. In the gospel, crowds followed Jesus, seeking healing by touching His cloak, illustrating that God's presence brings holiness and healing. We are His temple and must respond in faith and holiness. Christ taught us that faith makes the impossible possible, emphasizing its importance. Nathaniel Emmons said obedience to God proves love for Him; God desires us to obey out of love, not just for potential or reward. Obedience begins with trusting God's will. Doing God's work doesn't always require understanding; faith and obedience guide us. ...

  Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)   Isa 58.7-10;   Ps 111;   I Cor 2.1-5;   Mt 5.13-16   There is a common misconception, both inside and outside the Church, that prayer and action are mutually exclusive—you can have one or the other, but not both. In reality, these Christian duties are two aspects of the same commitment. Our calling is to both pray and be active. Saints and many prayer teachers, regardless of their tradition, agree that the more we pray, the more we want to serve God, and the more we work for God, the more we desire to pray. By prayer, they mean spending time in God’s presence, and by work, engaging actively in God's kingdom.    Light shines for others to see. There is great freedom and joy for those who live in the light of God's truth and goodness. Do not lose your saltiness. 

  Saturday of week 4 in Ordinary Time 1 Kings 3:4-13 Psalm 118(119):9-14 Mark 6:30-34 In today’s gospel, Jesus seeks a quiet place for His disciples; however, an increasing number of people arrive, leaving little time even for sustenance. Previously, Jesus dispatched His disciples to cast out demons, anoint the sick, and provide healing. Upon their return, they report their successful endeavors, and Mark describes their ministry as rapidly expanding, with the disciples gaining direct experience of God’s Spirit. As they return, more individuals follow. Jesus and the disciples attempt to find respite by traveling by boat to another location, but the crowd arrives first, assembling in anticipation. Jesus, moved by compassion, regarded them as sheep without a shepherd, and His concern for their needs intensifies. The atmosphere builds with anticipation of a significant event. Reflecting on Mark chapter 6, it is evident that those present perceived something uniquely profound about Jesu...

  Like my Master, I shall die upon the cross—St. Paul Miki. Saints Paul Miki and his Companions, Martyrs  Ecclesiasticus 47:2-13 Psalm 17(18):31,47,50-51 Mark 6:14-29 What is a fulfilled life? Is it being alone, enjoying oneself, or living for others? Is happiness without rest or peace? The lives of St. Paul Miki and Companions show they died for Christ.Today’s Gospel from St. Mark tells of St. John the Baptist’s martyrdom at King Herod’s hands—an example of religious dedication and human weakness. JOHN’S MISSION John the Baptist was focused on Jesus, aiming to point others to Him. They gave themselves sacrificially in love.  Sadly, John’s life ended foolishly, betrayed by Herod’s weakness and Herodias’ daughter. Herod, captivated by her dance, promised her anything, leading to John’s beheading after Herod’s rash vow. His life ended as a victim of human weakness. As 21st-century disciples amid pandemics, politics, and injustice, we are called to witness Jesus daily—throug...

  Saint Agatha, Virgin, Martyr  1 Kings 2:1-4,​10-12 1 Chronicles 29:10-12 Mark 6:7-13 THE SINGLE-HEARTEDNESS OF A DISCIPLE  Agatha was certainly one who looked into the eyes of Jesus and feasted on his words. From her very early years, Agatha dedicated her life to God as a consecrated virgin. She desired to give herself totally to Jesus and the Church in a life of prayer and service.  A proposals escalated to harassment, arrests, imprisonment, and hideous torture to death. Through all of it, Agatha continued her simple prayer of single-heartedness to Christ. THE COMMISSION The gospel of today highlights Jesus' call for his followers to partner with him, empowering them to stand against evil. This serves as a reminder of our call to discipleship, encouraging confidence that Jesus has overcome evil and is with us. The commission advises taking only essentials and staying humble, though modern mission involves different methods, focusing on not being distracted by mate...