Joseph Osho

  Saint Clare, Virgin  Ezekiel 2:8-3:4  Psalm118(119):14,24,72,103,111,131 Matthew 18:1-5,​10,​12-14 A beacon of hope  Ezekiel was a priest serving in the Temple in Jerusalem when he received a divine calling to warn the people about impending destruction. He told them that if they didn't return to a faithful relationship with God, they would face exile and the fall of their nation. Instead of trusting in God's guidance, the people relied on their own wisdom, formed political alliances for self-preservation, and indulged in idol worship. Eventually, Babylon captured Jerusalem, and Ezekiel, along with the leaders, was forced into exile. During this exile, the prophet became a beacon of hope, urging the people to turn back to the Lord and offering visions of a future where they would return to Jerusalem and God's glory would restore the Temple, symbolized by the dry bones coming back to life. Today’s reading describes how Ezekiel is commanded to eat a scroll filled wit...

  Saint Lawrence , Deacon, Martyr Feast   2 Corinthians 9:6-10  Psalm 111(112):1-2,5-9 John 12:24-26 PERSECUTED FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST  In today’s gospel passage, Jesus employs the metaphor of a seed appearing to die in the ground before blossoming anew as a symbol of His impending redemptive work—anticipating both the Cross and His resurrection: "When I am lifted from the earth, I shall draw all men to myself.” The sacrifice of the Son of Man signifies a transformative moment that will alter God’s relationship not only with the ancient people of Israel but with all of humanity. The letter to the Hebrews affirms that Jesus has become the source of eternal salvation for all who obey God. We should always hold gratitude to God for the gift of His Son, who sacrificed Himself on Calvary’s Cross. Through His life, He established a new and everlasting covenant, sealed with His blood. He is the wheat of God—the seed that has died, risen, and in doing so, changed the world a...

  Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)   I Kg 19.9, 11-13;   Ps 84;   Rom 9.1-5;   Mt 14.22-33 Let us briefly consider what has already taken place on this day, as recorded by St. Matthew in the passage leading up to today's reading. Firstly, Jesus heard about the murder of His cousin, John the Baptist; then He healed many people; and finally, He performed the remarkable miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fish, which symbolizes the future Eucharist. In numerous ways, He showed compassion to the crowds following Him. He was always tuned in to their needs and willing to provide for them, tending to their physical and spiritual well-being, comforting them with His words, and ultimately nourishing them with His own body. Understandably, Jesus needed some time alone to pray, to be with His Father. His example of taking time out for private prayer, in between busy moments, teaches us that we also need to carve out time for reflection and conversati...

  Friday of week 18 in Ordinary Time  Nahum 2:1,​3,​3:1-3,​6-7 Deuteronomy 32:35-36,39,41 Matthew 16:24-28 What motivates us to relinquish something truly good for God? First, it is important to recognize that God is the source of all life, and we are indebted to Him in every way, including our very existence. Second, God embodies the ultimate good, and choosing to forgo something good for the sake of Christ demonstrates our love for Him, as outlined in today’s gospel: He will reward each person according to their deeds. This suggests that when our will conflicts with God's, His will should prevail. In making life decisions, we are called to prioritize God. His love is unconditional, and His generosity knows no bounds. May Jesus bring comfort to you in your moments of suffering, fear, or loneliness, and uplift you. Amen. 

  The Transfiguration of the Lord  - Feast   Daniel 7:9-10,​13-14  Psalm 96(97):1-2,5-6,9 Matthew 17:1-9 Today, we observe and honor one of these meaningful milestones—the Transfiguration of our Lord. This event took place when Christ led some of His disciples—Peter, James, and John—up a mountain, where He was transfigured before their eyes, His clothes shining with dazzling whiteness. During the Transfiguration, the Lord demonstrated His divine power and unveiled His glory—the glory He possessed before the world was created. This moment served to reinforce the faith of His disciples, reminding them that He is divine and that His promises will be fulfilled, even amidst His passion. As Peter expressed, "We know He is the Messiah and will reign as such because we witnessed His radiant glory." The revelation of God's presence in our lives aims to establish a firm foundation as faithful followers. Our trust in God strengthens us and brings us closer to Him. Whatever...

  Wednesday of week 18 in Ordinary Time  Jeremiah 31:1-7  Jeremiah 31:10-12,13 Matthew 15:21-28 According to today’s gospel, the Canaanite woman demonstrated persistent reverence in her faith, which earned her favor from the Lord Jesus. Her unwavering belief led to her daughter being delivered from demonic oppression. Jesus tested her resolve, and her perseverance through the test resulted in her success. Her daughter regained her health and was restored to her family. This powerful example shows that faith can lead us through even the darkest moments—when hope seems lost, faith provides a pathway forward. When doubt creeps in, faith offers us the courage to face any trial. What we truly believe matters deeply; faith in God enables us to craft our own success stories and demonstrates how He carries us through life's challenges. I urge you to nurture your faith and belief today. Believe! Have faith in God, and you will accomplish great things. There is a proverb that says ...