Joseph Osho

  Saturday of the 5th week of Eastertide  Acts 16:1-10 · Psalm 99(100):1-3,5 John 15:18-21 Christians are called to be in the world but not of it. While Christians are known for love, the world is defined by hatred and evil. No matter what we do, the world will always hate us. This hostility begins the moment we love and obey Christ. When we refuse to accept sinful and selfish ways, we are rejected by the world. Such hatred exists because we love Jesus and manifests through trials, tribulations, suffering, persecution, threats, mockery, malice, and oppression. The enemy's goal is to kill, steal, and destroy. We are consistently hated by evil because we love Jesus. As Christians, we must resolutely choose to side with the Lord by upholding His commandments of love. Truth is eternal and will actively seek out those who oppose it as light is to darkness. Live according to the Scriptures, be guided by the Holy Spirit daily, and spread the word of God wherever you go. Step bey...

  Friday of the 5th week of Eastertide  Acts 15:22-31  Psalm 56(57):8-12 John 15:12-17 God chooses us as friends so that we may follow in His footsteps.  In today’s gospel, Jesus tells His disciples, "You did not choose me, but I chose you." As the Son of God, Jesus intentionally chose His own disciples, knowing our hearts and minds. Around the world, students typically seek out masters or teachers of their choosing and form connections with them. Yet, Christ’s disciples did not initiate this relationship; instead, Christ took the initiative because He chose us as friends. Through this friendship, He has revealed to us the kingdom of Heaven. Each of us is called to love as Christ loves. This means that our primary goal is to live authentically and actively out His life in the places where He leads us. Genuine love requires obedience and sacrifice. Obedience demonstrates our true connection to God and our understanding of His sacrificial love for us and all humanity. ...

  Thursday of the 5th week of Eastertide  Acts 15:7-21  Psalm 95(96):1-3,10 John 15:9-11 What manner of love does God the Father bestow upon us, and how do we remain in the love of God?  In today’s gospel, Our Lord Jesus Christ tells us, ‘As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you’ (John 15:9). This divine love of God is beyond mere words because, even while we were still sinners immersed in sin and separation from God, He loved us unconditionally by sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, who was born of the Virgin Mary. Jesus lived a sinless life, suffered and died on the cross to atone for our sins, and rose from the dead to offer us eternal life. We were like branches snatched out of fire, rescued from destruction and death (see Zechariah 3:2). We were spared from the lion’s jaw, set free from the shackles of sin and captivity, and we are now brought into new life through God's grace. Keeping the commandments rooted in love—following Jesus’ example of sacrificia...

  Wednesday of the 5th week of Eastertide  Acts 15:1-6 Psalm 121(122):1-5 John 15:1-8 In today’s first reading, we observe a tension among the early Christians that threatened their unity—specifically, conflicts over cultural differences and the distribution of resources. They resolve these issues through earnest prayer and by seeking the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, strengthening their bonds. Our faith and love should always serve as the foundation that unites us with the mystical body of Christ. In today’s gospel passage, Jesus describes himself as the true Vine, with his disciples as the branches. He urges them to remain in Him, emphasizing the importance of making one’s home in Christ as He makes His home in us. Jesus patiently waits for us to accept Him into our hearts. However, our sins, doubts, and fears often sever our connection to Him —the vine —depriving us of the spiritual nourishment—grace, strength, and love—that sustains our body and soul on the Christian journey....

  Tuesday of the 5th week of Eastertide  Acts 14:19-28  Psalm 144(145):10-13a,21 John 14:27-31 In today’s first reading, Paul and Barnabas ignite hope and courage among the disciples, declaring, "We all must face hardships before entering the kingdom of God!" Imagine Paul, who had been stoned earlier, yet was still alive—thanks be to God! They faced trials in their mission but never backed down. No challenge could dim their peace, joy, or courage. They kept boldly witnessing, marveling at the incredible deeds God was doing through them, boldly proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ, and achieving amazing success for God's glory. They viewed persecution and trials as a testament of their faith—a path that drew them closer to God. Just like us, trials reveal whether we truly follow Him and test the sincerity of our hearts. So, how can we find peace amid chaos? How do we inspire others when we ourselves are discouraged? What fears hold us back? Do we see obstacles as hopelessn...

  Monday of the 5th week of Eastertide  Acts 14:5-18 Psalm 113B(115):1-4,15-16 John 14:21-26 How can we come to recognize and have confidence in the love of God?  In Jesus' farewell discourse at the last supper, He speaks of His love for His disciples and of His Father's love for them. He prepares His disciples for His imminent departure to return to the Father by encouraging them to demonstrate their love for Him through their loyalty and obedience to His word. He also promises them the ongoing guidance and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Judas (not Iscariot) asked Jesus, "Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?" This seems to suggest a question about whether the love Jesus has for His disciples can be revealed to the wider world, and whether this profound love can be extended universally. Jesus replied that anyone who loves Him will keep His word. Paul and Barnabas, in response to those who believed they should be worshipped as gods ...