Joseph Osho

  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 ...

  Saint John Mary Vianney, Priest  Jeremiah 30:1-2,​12-15,​18-22 Psalm 101(102):16-21,29,22-23 Matthew 15:1-2,​10-14 Grow in faith by witnessing to God’s healing love and mercy Today, the Church calls us to deepen our sense of discipleship as we face the serious challenges of life today. The “team” of Prophet Jeremiah, Jesus, and St. John Vianney comes together to personally strengthen our 21st-century discipleship. Both Scripture readings are powerful. Jeremiah is sent to inspire hope among the people of Israel, who had betrayed their faith and now faced serious military opposition; God lovingly reminds them, "You shall be my people, and I will be your God." In the Gospel, Jesus preaches to multitudes and then sends His disciples across the water to the next place of ministry as He takes time to pray. The outcome: the disciples’ faith was strengthened, and Jesus continues His mission to teach and heal. Today, we’re called to grow in faith and to witness God’s healing love th...

  Monday of week 18 in Ordinary Time  Jeremiah 28:1-17 Ps118(119):29,43,79-80,95,102 Matthew 14:22-36 In today’s first reading, Jeremiah delivered a decisive blow: “Listen, Hananiah! The Lord did not send you, and you’ve been giving the people a false sense of security. Because of this, the Lord says, I will remove you from the face of the earth.” Hananiah, who had predicted freedom in just two years, died within two months of his false prophecy. In today’s Gospel, Jesus walks on water, and the courageous Peter requests the opportunity to do the same. However, his wavering faith causes him to sink into the stormy sea. Many of us may see ourselves reflected in the other disciples. At times, we might wonder why some individuals seem to enjoy greater success or luck. We may also contemplate why Peter appears to be so exceptional. It appears to be human nature to desire what others possess, even as we recognize that God has blessed us in unique ways. We might overlook the blessing...