Joseph Osho

  Wednesday of week 21 in Ordinary Time  2  Thessalonians 3:6-10,​16-18 · Psalm 127(128):1-2,4-5 Matthew 23:27-32 Outward appearances can be deceptive  The heart reflects the true intentions and attitudes that influence how we think about and relate to others. In today’s gospel, Jesus employs strong language to emphasize the significance of the heart's intentions. In Palestine, tombs were often situated beside roads. They were painted white, causing them to glisten in the midday sun, especially during major festivals, to prevent people from inadvertently touching them and becoming ritually unclean. This highlights that, according to Jesus, the true source of impurity is not external ritual defilement but the presence of wrongful and sinful attitudes originating within the mind and heart—such as pride, greed, complacency, envy, hatred, gluttony, and lust—which give rise to sinful habits and influence our speech, actions, judgments, and treatment of others. Conseq...

  Tuesday of week 21 in Ordinary Time  2  Thessalonians 2:1-3,​14-17 · Psalm 95(96):10-13 Matthew 23:23-26 Many scribes and Pharisees during the time of Jesus often sought to publicly demonstrate their outward zeal and piety, aiming to garner greater respect, privileges, and favor among the people. Jesus had valid reasons for strongly addressing the conduct of the scribes and Pharisees, the religious teachers and leaders, who at times risked misleading others and overlooking the core principles of God's law—namely, love of God and love of neighbor. The heart of God's commandments is rooted in love—loving God and loving one’s neighbor—along with righteousness, justice, and mercy. Because God is love, everything He does, including His justice and goodness, flows from His love for us. Genuine love is often costly and sacrificial; it seeks to uplift and support others. May we endeavor to share our love to uplift morale at work, offer hope to our neighbors, and extend a h...

  St. Bartholomew  Rev.  21:9-14  Psalm 144(145):10-13a,17-18 John 1:45-51 St. Bartholomew, traditionally linked with Nathanael—who appears in the first chapter of St. John’s Gospel— is often believed to have later preached the Christian faith in India. The first reading (Revelation 21:9–14) shows the Apostles as the foundation of the New Jerusalem. This emphasizes that the Church is built on the faith and witness of the Apostles. We learn about faith through their teachings, and their example continues to inspire and strengthen us today. In the Gospel of John (1:45–51), Jesus recognizes Nathanael as an honest, sincere, and faithful person. His example reminds us that God can call ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Being part of the apostolic Church involves more than just receiving faith from the Apostles. We are called to carry on their mission. Like them, we are sent into the world to share the Good News of Jesus Christ through our words, actions, and eve...

  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...