Joseph Osho

  Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)   II Kgs 4.8-11, 14-16;   Ps 88;    Rom 6.3-4, 8-11;   Mt 10.37-42   SEEKING    AND LOVING THE ULTIMATE GOOD  1. Occasionally, the gospel offers us brief, impactful statements about what it means to follow God-the ultimate good , and today’s gospel presents a collection of such sayings. All these statements focus on the attitudes that followers of Christ should have. The gospel starts with one of the more challenging sayings: “Anyone who prefers father or mother to me is not worthy of me.” There are many examples in the gospels where Jesus calls people to leave their families behind to follow Him. He understood the natural desire His listeners had to stay close to loved ones in familiar surroundings, but He made it clear that to enter the kingdom of heaven, they would need to leave that security behind. It’s not just about children leaving their parents; the call extends to “Anyone who prefer...

  Saturday of week 12 in Ordinary Time  Lamentations 2:2,​10-14,​18-19 Psalm 73(74):1-7,20-21 Matthew 8:5-17 Many of the most remarkable deeds attributed to the Lord occurred in Capernaum. An exceptional display of His power and divinity was evident there; yet, ultimately, that city rejected Him. In today’s Gospel, we witness a profound demonstration of humility from a centurion, who approached Jesus on behalf of his ailing servant. Jesus intended to visit his residence, but the centurion quickly assessed the situation and, in a remarkable act of humility, acknowledged his unworthiness for the Lord to enter his house. According to Saint Augustine, the centurion, having encountered Christ, stated, "I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant shall be healed." The phrase “Only speak the word’ reflects a profound faith. Even in contemporary times, some Christians believe that Christ could accomplish more on earth if He were physic...

  Friday of week 12 in Ordinary Time  2 Kings 25:1-12  Psalm 136(137):1-6 Matthew 8:1-4 Psalm 126:1 says, “When God delivered Israel from Egypt it seemed like a dream. In contrast, today’s first reading depicts a reality far more devastating. Jeremiah had already warned the king to turn from his evil alliance with other nations and submit to the king of Babylon as the Lord instructed but he refused (Jeremiah 27:12-15). The utter desolation resulting from the fall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile has been surpassed in magnitude by the atrocities of the Holocaust during World War II. One can imagine enemy soldiers invading homes to plunder possessions, assault families, and set residences ablaze. Visualize loved ones, shot and deceased, lying in streets and homes. Hear the cries of children searching for their detained or deceased parents. These horrors serve as an analogy for the destruction of the Temple, the fall of Jerusalem, and the Babylonian exile. Currently, th...

  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.