Joseph Osho

  29th Sunday in Ord. Time, Yr. A,   Mission Sunday.(100 years) Is 45:1,4-6;  Ps 96;  1 Thess 1:1-5b;  Mt 22:15-21. GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY AND OUR MISSION  On Mission Sunday, we are invited to pray for missionaries throughout the world. Pope Leo XIV encourages us to remain united in Christ and to recognize our shared participation in Christ’s mission of love. In summary, our unity in Christ strengthens our mission and our mission is to make God’s love known to the whole world.  The original meaning of 'piety' is reflected in Christ’s words that we have just heard: "Render to Caesar the things that belong to Caesar, and to God the things that belong to God." Piety originally referred to a moral duty—to what is due or owed. It described the responsibility one person had toward another, and was often used in reference to the duties owed to rulers and those who govern us. It could also describe the obligation owed to someone who had shown us significant kindnes...

  Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop, Martyr  Ephesians 1:15-23 Psalm 8:2-7 Luke 12:8-12 The unmeasurable power of God  There is no greater gift than receiving a card or letter from someone who tells us that we made a difference in their life and blessed them in ways we never imagined. That is exactly what Paul is celebrating in today’s first reading. He writes to the church in Ephesus to tell them how deeply their faith and love inspire him and fill him with joy. He has “never stopped thanking God” for them and remembering them in his prayers. And his gratitude is so heartfelt that he shares exactly what he asks God to do for them. First, Paul prays that God will give them the “wisdom and insight” to know God. They might know everything else, but without knowing God, they would miss what they need most for a good and meaningful life. Second, Paul asks God to open their eyes to “the great hope” to which God has called them—a hope God passionately wants them to share: the u...

  Friday of week 28 in Ordinary Time  Ephesians 1:11-14 · Psalm 32(33):1-2,4-5,12-13 Luke 12:1-7 Our Father’s heart In today’s Gospel, Jesus proclaims, “I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to little ones” (Matthew 11:25). The revelation of God is Jesus Christ. Through his supreme act of love and obedience on the cross, Christ fulfilled the Father’s heart and reconciled humanity to God (Revelation 5:9). Through his suffering and death, we are justified. The “little ones” are those who welcome Jesus with humble hearts and trust confidently in his word. They are open to the wisdom offered by the Holy Spirit. As Psalm 119:99 says, “I understand more than all my teachers, because I meditate on your instructions.” The reward is profound: learn from history, obey Christ, and let the Truth set us free. Direction of Intention My God, I give you this day. I offer you now all the good I s...

  Saint Teresa of Ávila, Virgin, Doctor  Ephesians 1:1-10 · Psalm 97(98):1-6 Luke 11:47-54 BLESSED BE GOD OUR FATHER  Have you ever received news so wonderful and inspiring that you felt compelled to share it? A message so moving that it seemed impossible to keep to yourself? That may be one way to understand today’s first reading. Scholars believe this passage from Ephesians may have been an early church hymn—a joyful expression of praise and thanksgiving to God for the blessings God offers. We can imagine the first Christian communities gathering each week and reflecting on the hymn’s opening words: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” What inspired this praise? The hymn declares that God “has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens.” Our ancestors in faith understood that God’s blessings are abundant and ongoing, rather than occasional or limited. The hymn continues with the proclamation that God “chose us in him, bef...

  Monday of week 28 in Ordinary Time  Galatians 4:22-24,​26-27,​31-5:1 Psalm 112(113):1-7 Luke 11:29-32 THE LORD IS MY SALVATION As the crowd grew larger, Jesus addressed them, saying, “This is a wicked generation, and it asks for a sign. The only sign that will be given is the sign of Jonah.” When I compare the generation of Christ with our own, I believe that people then had not yet received a full revelation or understanding of who Christ is. They showed a sense of godliness, while our generation often struggles with conscience and moral awareness. Many in Jesus’ time sought to follow him closely, whereas today people may be more inclined to follow human opinions and expectations. If Jesus described his generation as wicked, it is difficult to find words to describe the challenges facing our own. In Nigeria today, many things are done in the name of religion. As the saying goes, “You cannot change a leopard’s spots or stop a scorpion from stinging.” Churches can be found on...

  Friday of week 27 in Ordinary Time  Galatians 3:7-14  Psalm 110(111):1-6 Luke 11:15-26 The finger of God inflames our hearts Throughout much of His public ministry, Our Lord seems to have chosen not to draw attention to His true identity. At times, He asks others to remain silent; at other times, when questioned about who He is, He responds enigmatically or answers in a way that prompts further amazement. The event described in today's Gospel passage was undoubtedly a manifestation of God’s saving work. It appears to have unsettled the Pharisees, who, rather than give glory to God for the wonder of a devil being cast out, accused Jesus of acting through Satan, Beelzebul, the prince of demons. This reminds us that if the world questions the power of Jesus, it may also question the power of the Church and of every Christian.  Our words and actions can affect others and leave a lasting mark. At times, we may make things difficult for others or cause them distress thro...