Joseph Osho

  SATURDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTER.  Acts 6:1-7 Psalm 32(33):1-2,4-5,18-19 John 6:16-21 In the first reading for today (Acts 6:1-7), we observe that the number of believers has increased, and a conflict was brewing between two groups of Jewish-Christians: the Hellenists and the Hebrews. To resolve the dispute and ensure that there are sufficient ministers to handle minor matters, thereby allowing the disciples to focus on their primary responsibilities, the institution of the diaconate was established. The apostles spent time in prayer before selecting seven men, laying hands on them to invoke the Holy Spirit—a practice that remains central to the ordination rites of the Church today. In the Gospel passage (John 6:16-21), Jesus walks on water to meet the disciples on the lake, demonstrating His authority over creation and His ability to transcend natural laws at will. This act underscores that all we need is to call upon Jesus and cultivate a deep relationship with Him, f...

FRIDAY  OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTER Acts 5:34-42 Psalm 26(27):1,4,13-14 John 6:1-15 In today’s first reading, the conclusion of the trial of Peter and his companions before the Jewish high court is described. Peter and the others are assisted by Gamaliel, a rabbi and a former teacher of Paul, who suggests that if their efforts are fraudulent, their preaching will ultimately prove unsuccessful. The elders heed his advice and instruct Peter and the others to be flogged, warning them not to preach again. Nonetheless, this punishment has little effect, as the apostles remain willing to endure humiliation for the sake of Christ, which only motivates them to preach with greater zeal. The Gospel recounts the miracle of the loaves and fishes. It is often considered John’s equivalent to the Institution Narratives found in the Synoptic Gospels. In this passage, Christ distributes bread and fish, both of which symbolize His own body. This miracle was also repeated during one of the appearanc...

  THURSDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTERTIDE Acts 5:27-33 Psalm 33(34):2,9, 17-20 John 3:31-36 The apostles fulfilled their duty by bearing witness to the love of Jesus, even when such actions led to imprisonment and opposition from the elders. They emphasized that Jesus' death was ultimately reversed through God’s resurrection, symbolizing renewal, repentance, and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Peter's declaration underscores God’s exaltation of Jesus, portraying His death as a pathway to salvation through humility and obedience. John the Baptist exemplifies humility by urging belief in Jesus for eternal life and emphasizing that accepting Christ encourages obedience, comparable to a horse accepting a bit—symbolizing submission to the Master. The Church regards humility as the foundation of virtue, as a basis for dependence on God, and as a key element of spiritual growth. As we confront daily challenges, we are encouraged to entrust our lives to God, empowered by th...

  WEDNESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTERTIDE Acts 5:17-26 Psalm: 33(34):2-9 John 3:16-21 We continue the compelling conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus by night, exploring the vital role of baptism and the incredible importance of faith in Him—whom the Father has sent as the Mediator, Savior, and Judge of the world. Everyone knows John 3:16—one of the most famous verses in the Bible that summarizes the entire message of Scripture. It’s a verse everyone should know because it captures Jesus’s mission in just a few words: "For God so loved the world..." Do you believe these powerful words? That God truly loves the entire world—the good, the bad, the ugly, the rich, the poor, the young, the old, the sick, the healthy, the angry, the joyful—every one of us. God’s love is endless, His mercy everlasting. This is the ultimate demonstration of divine love—shown in the Incarnation and the ultimate sacrifice on the cross, opening the door to eternal life. This is love at its great...

  TUESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTERTIDE   Acts 4:32-37 Psalm 92(93):1-2,5 John 3:7-15 Jesus’ disciples found unity through God’s Word, prayer, and fellowship after His ascension—an inspiring journey that remains achievable today, starting with immersing ourselves in the Scriptures. Jesus commanded His followers to teach all He had done (Matthew 28:20). They discovered His life, teachings, and miracles, fulfilling prophecy, while praying and sharing meals in Jerusalem and homes, forging deep bonds. Prayer and steadfast fellowship cultivated strong relationships and powerful witness, fueled by the Holy Spirit, making a profound impact and confirming Jesus as the Messiah. True church unity flows from a shared, transformative encounter with Jesus, the truth.  In today’s gospel, Nicodemus’ night meeting with Jesus reveals confusion about being born again. Jesus responds with a gentle rebuke, confirming His divine authority as the Son of Man from heaven. Believing in Jesus’ ...

  Monday of the 2nd week of Eastertide  Acts 4:23-31 · Psalm 2:1-9 John 3:1-8 We continue with the Acts of the Apostles for our first reading, and it’s a thrilling story of boldness and faith. Peter and John stand before the Sanhedrin, preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ with fearless courage. The court, after a secret deliberation, orders them to stop speaking in Jesus' name. But Peter and John, witnesses to Christ’s Resurrection, refuse to back down—they promise obedience to their divine call. Threatened but unstoppable, they are released because of the crowd, and that’s where our story picks up this morning. Peter and John return to their community, bursting with excitement as they share everything that happened—the threats, the commanding words of the chief priests, and their unwavering conviction. Imagine their amazement: as Galilean fishermen, they were called to preach before the highest religious assembly! They were told not to tell others about Jesus, yet their ...