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GOD IS THE DEFENDER OF THE HELPLESS

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  Monday of the 5th week of Lent  Daniel 13:1-9,​15-17,​19-30,​33-62 Psalm 22(23) John 8:1-11 The readings presented today serve as a reminder that God Himself defends the innocent, particularly when they are unable to defend themselves. In the first reading, it is observed that two judges become enamored with Susanna and deceive others to protect themselves, thereby condemning her to death for a crime she did not commit. Her salvation occurs through her appeal to God for assistance; He responds to her prayer and dispatches the young Daniel to rescue her. Similarly, in the gospel, there is a woman who is about to be stoned for committing adultery. She is saved by Jesus, who forgives her sins and instructs her to sin no more. In both instances, those who have committed their own sins are swift to judge others while concealing their own wrongdoings. Many individuals may find themselves analogous to the women in today’s readings— in need of Jesus’s healing and mercy. It is essent...
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  5th Sunday of Lent  Ezekiel 37:12-14 Psalm 129(130) Romans 8:8-11 John 11:1-45 Restoration of life is made possible thanks to Jesus our resurrection and life   The story of Lazarus in today’s Gospel has multiple layers of meaning, not just a simple miracle. On one level, it shows Christ’s genuine human love and compassion—He had close friendships and deeply felt grief, especially for Lazarus. But the deeper meaning goes beyond personal affection. The miracle was done “for the glory of God,” demonstrating Christ’s divine power over death. The detail that Lazarus had been dead four days emphasizes that he was truly dead, making the miracle undeniably supernatural. More importantly, Lazarus represents all humanity. His sickness and death symbolize the spiritual condition of the human race—wounded by sin and inclined toward destruction. Throughout history, God tried to heal humanity through laws and prophets, but ultimately came Himself in the person of Christ to bring life...
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The Lord is our refuge and strength

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    Saturday of the 4th week of Lent Jeremiah 11:18-20 Psalm 7:2-3,9-12 John 7:40-52 Many of us can strongly relate to the guards' feelings during that pivotal moment when they discussed where Jesus came from. The guards understood that Jesus was unlike anyone who had ever appeared before. Yet, when they boldly testified to the power of Jesus’s teachings, the chief priests and Pharisees dismissed them and possibly mocked them. It’s a timeless challenge: just like the guards, when we share about God’s love, we often face sarcasm and rejection. Do we let hurtful words from others silence our faith, or do we stand firm and speak out with conviction? Maybe we feel the same passion as the guards and choose to speak up. Or do we respond with anger and hostility at their injustice? Instead, can we remember Jesus’s love and let it transform us, just as the guards did? Our actions can mirror the chief priests and Pharisees—unless we adopt a plan to act with compassion. We can pause, ta...
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The Lord is right and just

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  Friday of the 4th week of Lent  Wisdom 2:1,​12-22 Psalm 33(34):16,18,19-21,23 John 7:1-2,​10,​25-30 The crowd in Jerusalem wasn’t filled with skeptics; they were the fervent, the devoted ones who showed up, studied the sacred texts, upheld the traditions, and paid their temple dues. But when Truth—immense and unmissable—entered their midst in the flesh, they did what any threat to certainty does: they demanded an arrest. “We know where this man is from.” Seven words—arguably the most powerful and dangerous sentence religion ever uttered. The Book of Wisdom cuts through the chaos with chilling clarity: it's not hate for the righteous man because he’s wrong. It's envy—because he’s right, and his very life challenges their falsehoods. His presence prompts a question they refuse to answer. So, they quietly, fervently, and theologically begin crafting a case against him. Notice the subtlety. It’s not shouted; it’s whispered. Rationalized. Orchestrated behind closed doors.  T...
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  Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary  - Solemnity   2 Samuel 7:4-5,​12-14,​16 Psalm 88(89):2-5,27,29 Romans 4:13,​16-18,​22 Matthew 1:16,​18-21,​24 On the occasion of the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which replaces the Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent, we reflect on the significance of this venerable figure. The scriptural references provide limited but meaningful insights into his character. The first reading (2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16) describes God's promise to David that his throne shall be established forever through his lineage. The second reading (Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22) emphasizes that believers are considered the spiritual descendants of Abraham, calling for faith and trust akin to his. The Gospel (Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24) recounts the vision experienced by Joseph, which instructed him to take Mary as his wife despite her pregnancy. This act fulfilled the promises made to David and Abraham, demonstrating tha...
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Christ’s Unity of love and obedience

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  Wednesday of the 4th week of Lent  Isaiah 49:8-15 Psalm144(145):8-9,13b-14,17-18 John 5:17-30 Jesus affirms that his identity with the Father is founded on complete trust and obedience. He consistently fulfilled the will of the Father, demonstrating obedience rooted not merely in submission but in love. His compliance was motivated by his love for the Father. The unity between Jesus and the Father is characterized by a shared love—a total self-giving for the benefit of another. This explains why their mutual love is perfect and complete. The Son loves the Father and submits entirely to the Father's will. The Father, in turn, loves the Son and shares all that He possesses. Followers are therefore called to dedicate their lives to God with the same love, trust, and obedience exemplified by Jesus toward the Father. The opening verse of today’s gospel—‘My Father is still working, and I also am working’—also reminds us of the importance of parental involvement. It is often observ...
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  St Patrick, Bishop: Secondary Patron of Nigeria  - Feast   1 Peter 4:7-11 Psalm 95(96):1-3,7-8,10 Luke 5:1-11 The moment when the boats nearly sink due to the fish intentionally provided by God demonstrates that there is more to fishing than merely catching fish; it reveals our own insignificance and opens us to receive His gifts. Peter recognizes this and admits his sinfulness. Jesus wishes us to understand that we can achieve great things, as did Peter and St. Patrick, who became fishers of men. Today, we commemorate St. Patrick, Ireland’s secondary patron, as well as the missionaries who propagated Christ’s message in Nigeria. Through Patrick, the Gospel was disseminated from Ireland to Nigeria and beyond. We pray that God's strength, wisdom, protection, and guidance may be with us now and forever. Amen.
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