Joseph Osho

  Twenty First Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)   Isa 22.19-23;   Ps 137;   Rom 11.33-36;   Mt 16.13-20   The definitive Christian response Jesus asks, “Who do you say that the Son of Man is?” The passage explains why Jesus initially told His disciples and those He healed not to reveal His identity. Jesus avoided public claims about being the Messiah because people misunderstood what the Messiah would be. Many expected a political or military leader, while Jesus came as a humble Savior. His miracles were acts of compassion, not demonstrations intended to make Him famous. He did not want people to see Him merely as a wonder-worker. Jesus often called Himself the “Son of Man.” The title has roots in Scripture, particularly Daniel, where it refers to a heavenly figure who receives an everlasting kingdom from God. Peter eventually recognized Jesus’ true identity and declared, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Yet Jesus still commanded the discipl...

  Our Lady, Mother and Queen  Ezekiel 43:1-7  Psalm 84(85):9-14 Matthew 23:1-12 Today, the Church celebrates Our Lady as Queen and Mother. She continues to intercede for us in heaven and to guide us closer to her Son, serving as a perfect example of faith through her willingness to accept God's will. Her Assumption into heaven signifies her role as reigning queen alongside her Son, Jesus Christ, and today concludes a week of celebration. She is revered in heaven as the Mother of the Church, the mother of God’s people—those who live by faith and walk in the light of truth. She exemplifies humility of heart.  In today’s gospel, Jesus addresses the themes of humility and insincerity. If we wish to follow His example, embracing humility is essential. We are called to love God and serve our neighbors, obeying His commandments. Scripture also reminds us of the dangers of pride: "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18), and teache...

  Saint Pius X, Pope  Ezekiel 37:1-14 Psalm 106(107):2-9 Matthew 22:34-40 The love of God has been poured freely into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who works in us.  God's love for us is described as total, complete, and perfect, grounded in His very nature—without limits, or compromises. This love remains unaffected by changing moods or circumstances. When God expresses His love, He does so generously, abundantly, freely, and unconditionally. His love persists, steadfast, unwavering, and consistent. He loves us even amidst our weakness—in our fallen, sinful state. This profound love motivated the Father to send His only Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us from slavery to sin and its disordered cravings, desires, passions, and addictions. Through His sacrificial love, Jesus has provided liberation. At times, we might hesitate to accept love not because we doubt its sincerity, but because we fear that it might reveal our true selves. Our faith in God and hope in His promi...

  Saint Bernard, Abbot, Doctor  Ezekiel 36:23-28  Psalm 50(51):12-15,18-19 Matthew 22:1-14 NO EXCUSES  In today’s readings, we see the generosity of God who with his benevolence made us his people. He promised to change the heart of stone into a heart of flesh. He will pour clean water upon us. In the gospel, Jesus tells us a parable and we observe the generosity of a king who invites guests to his banquet, starting with those initially invited and including others. We also notice the attitudes of those who may not fully appreciate the host’s hospitality. It prompts us to reflect: do we take our vows seriously? How committed are we to our vocation? God has extended an invitation to everyone to partake in his banquet. Each of us is valued in his sight. Just as a shepherd would not lose a single sheep, nor a jeweller a diamond, nor a mother her child, nor a man a part of his body, so too will the Lord not abandon one of his redeemed people. Many around us may not alway...

  Wednesday of week 20 in Ordinary Time  Ezekiel 34:1-11 Psalm 22(23) Matthew 20:1-16 A caring and generous shepherd   The parable of the just and compassionate householder, as presented in today’s gospel, illustrates the importance of tolerance and care for the vulnerable. The householder employs workers for his vineyard at varying times throughout the day, calling upon those who are available and willing to work. He offers employment and provides for the workers regardless of their conditions or the time they are employed, acknowledging their need to earn a livelihood and rewarding them accordingly. This parable highlights the benevolence and generosity of God, who is also just and faithful in rewarding mankind. Despite humanity's unworthiness, God shares His divine life with us. His goodness and generosity are evident in all aspects of His actions. In today’s first reading, the Lord addresses the shepherds of Israel, warning them of impending trouble due to poor l...

Tuesday of week 20 in Ordinary Time  Ezekiel 28:1-10  Deut. 32:26-28,30,35-36 Matthew 19:23-30 The gospel passage picks up where yesterday’s reading left off, recounting the encounter between the rich young man and Jesus. He is unable to let go of lesser goods for a greater one, and as a result, he walks away sad. Often, we fear most what we need the most. Happiness, peace, and healing—indeed, eternal life—may be right in front of us, but instead of embracing them, we tend to pull back in fear. That is why it is easy to see ourselves in the rich young man from yesterday’s and Peter in today’s gospel, asking Jesus a question that echoes within all of us:    “Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?”” lord, who can be saved? What about us? In the rich young man, we recognize our own struggles. Jesus stands before us, offering eternal life, yet instead of joyfully accepting it, we retreat in fear because we haven’t yet found our security—our identity and purpo...