Joseph Osho

  Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)   Isa 58.7-10;   Ps 111;   I Cor 2.1-5;   Mt 5.13-16   There is a common misconception, both inside and outside the Church, that prayer and action are mutually exclusive—you can have one or the other, but not both. In reality, these Christian duties are two aspects of the same commitment. Our calling is to both pray and be active. Saints and many prayer teachers, regardless of their tradition, agree that the more we pray, the more we want to serve God, and the more we work for God, the more we desire to pray. By prayer, they mean spending time in God’s presence, and by work, engaging actively in God's kingdom.    Light shines for others to see. There is great freedom and joy for those who live in the light of God's truth and goodness. Do not lose your saltiness. 

  Saturday of week 4 in Ordinary Time 1 Kings 3:4-13 Psalm 118(119):9-14 Mark 6:30-34 In today’s gospel, Jesus seeks a quiet place for His disciples; however, an increasing number of people arrive, leaving little time even for sustenance. Previously, Jesus dispatched His disciples to cast out demons, anoint the sick, and provide healing. Upon their return, they report their successful endeavors, and Mark describes their ministry as rapidly expanding, with the disciples gaining direct experience of God’s Spirit. As they return, more individuals follow. Jesus and the disciples attempt to find respite by traveling by boat to another location, but the crowd arrives first, assembling in anticipation. Jesus, moved by compassion, regarded them as sheep without a shepherd, and His concern for their needs intensifies. The atmosphere builds with anticipation of a significant event. Reflecting on Mark chapter 6, it is evident that those present perceived something uniquely profound about Jesu...

  Like my Master, I shall die upon the cross—St. Paul Miki. Saints Paul Miki and his Companions, Martyrs  Ecclesiasticus 47:2-13 Psalm 17(18):31,47,50-51 Mark 6:14-29 What is a fulfilled life? Is it being alone, enjoying oneself, or living for others? Is happiness without rest or peace? The lives of St. Paul Miki and Companions show they died for Christ.Today’s Gospel from St. Mark tells of St. John the Baptist’s martyrdom at King Herod’s hands—an example of religious dedication and human weakness. JOHN’S MISSION John the Baptist was focused on Jesus, aiming to point others to Him. They gave themselves sacrificially in love.  Sadly, John’s life ended foolishly, betrayed by Herod’s weakness and Herodias’ daughter. Herod, captivated by her dance, promised her anything, leading to John’s beheading after Herod’s rash vow. His life ended as a victim of human weakness. As 21st-century disciples amid pandemics, politics, and injustice, we are called to witness Jesus daily—throug...

  Saint Agatha, Virgin, Martyr  1 Kings 2:1-4,​10-12 1 Chronicles 29:10-12 Mark 6:7-13 THE SINGLE-HEARTEDNESS OF A DISCIPLE  Agatha was certainly one who looked into the eyes of Jesus and feasted on his words. From her very early years, Agatha dedicated her life to God as a consecrated virgin. She desired to give herself totally to Jesus and the Church in a life of prayer and service.  A proposals escalated to harassment, arrests, imprisonment, and hideous torture to death. Through all of it, Agatha continued her simple prayer of single-heartedness to Christ. THE COMMISSION The gospel of today highlights Jesus' call for his followers to partner with him, empowering them to stand against evil. This serves as a reminder of our call to discipleship, encouraging confidence that Jesus has overcome evil and is with us. The commission advises taking only essentials and staying humble, though modern mission involves different methods, focusing on not being distracted by mate...

  Wednesday of week 4 in Ordinary Time 2 Samuel 24:2,​8-17 Psalm 31(32):1-2,5-7 Mark 6:1-6 The people were astonished upon hearing Jesus’s teachings and witnessing his miracles. They posed numerous questions, unable to accept Jesus as the Messiah. Their preconceived notions about Jesus prevented them from recognizing his true identity. How often do we question the Church or others when a teaching or action does not align with our understanding? Are we capable of perceiving beyond human limitations to recognize God’s Providence in all circumstances? Do we serve the Lord based on tribe or self centeredness?  Let us pray to the Lord to address any internal resistance to the divine, whether it manifests as rejection of Church teachings, anger toward individuals or the Church, or envy of others’ spiritual blessings. Jesus is always listening. 

  Tuesday of week 4 in Ordinary Time  2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14, 24-25, 30-19:3 Psalm 85(86):1-6 Mark 5:21-43 DAVID GRIEFS   In 2 Samuel, we see David’s grief over his son Absalom’s death in battle. Absalom, David’s third son, was estranged, fighting for his enemies. His long hair caught in a tree allowed soldiers to kill him. When told of Absalom’s death, David grieves intensely, lamenting: “My son Absalom! My son…” JAIRUS GRIEFS  A synagogue official, Jairus, begs Jesus to heal his dying 12-year-old daughter. Jesus immediately goes with him.  A WOMAN’S GRIEF  On the way, a woman with chronic hemorrhage for twelve years touches Jesus’ cloak, hoping for relief. She feels healed instantly. Jesus senses power leaving him and asks, “Who touched my clothes?”The woman, trembling, kneels; Jesus affirms her faith: “Daughter, your faith has saved you.” Jairus’ daughter is dead, but Jesus says she is sleeping. He takes her hand and says, “Arise.” She wakes and walks. The...