Joseph Osho

  Saint Andrew, Apostle - Feast  Romans 10:9-18 Psalm 18(19):2-5 Matthew 4:18-22 IN OUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY, WE ARE CALLED TO HAVE CONSTANT FAITH AND BRING OTHERS TO CHRIST  The narrative surrounding Jesus' calling of Peter and Andrew to become "fishers of men" encourages reflection on the contemporary experience of divine calling, particularly through the lens of the Holy Spirit’s invitation. Many individuals may find themselves unexpectedly drawn to roles within church ministry that contravene their initial aspirations or self-perceptions. The nature of calling today diverges from the direct, tangible summons experienced by Jesus' first disciples—Peter, Andrew, James, and John. These individuals encountered Jesus face-to-face, directly engaging with His voice and presence, prompting them to abandon their former lives in exchange for discipleship. Their willingness to leave familial and occupational obligations underscores a profound trust in Jesus as a guiding figure...

  Friday of week 34 in Ordinary Time  Rev. 20:1-4,​11-21:2 Psalm 83(84):3-6,8 Luke 21:29-33 DRAW ME CLOSER TO YOU, MY LORD! The Lord reveals His plans to those who place their trust in Him. When we live in close communion with God and remain steadfast, He will guide us in discovering the secrets and paths to a fulfilled life. Scripture instructs us: "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8). "Call to Me, and I will answer you" (Jeremiah 33:3). This journey promises to be an extraordinary experience! As Jesus declares, "I bless You, Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, for having hidden these things from the wise and revealed them to the little ones" (Matthew 11:25). If we humble ourselves, pray continually, and obey God, He will navigate us through life's journey. Christ reassures us today, as He always has, that "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away." He is the Word of God—Dei Verbum, the Word of...

  Thursday of week 34 in Ordinary Time  Rev. 18:1-2,​21-23,​19:1-3,​9 Psalm 99(100):2-5 Luke 21:20-28 REMAIN STEADFAST IN YOUR COMMITMENT TO GOD In the Gospel passage , Jesus foretells the destruction of Jerusalem, indicating that if the Temple, a highly revered structure for His people, can be destroyed, it is imperative to focus on the eternal implications of our existence and to adhere to God’s teachings. As stated in Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Word will not pass away.” This assertion highlights that worldly matters are temporary and do not lead to everlasting life. Consequently, possessing faith in God necessitates a commitment to trusting His Word and implementing it through genuine obedience. Being a person of prayer confers strength, as it fosters a relationship with the Almighty, the All-Powerful God. No force can claim your soul in this life or the next. While trials and temptations are inevitable, it is essential to remain steadfast in ou...

  Wednesday of week 34 in Ordinary Time  Rev. 15:1-4 Ps. 97(98):1-3,7-9 Luke 21:12-19 YOUR ENDURANCE WILL ULTIMATELY LEAD TO THE ATTAINMENT OF YOUR LIFE  In contemporary society, we recognize the increasing hostility and the inherent costs associated with being a follower of Christ. This commitment necessitates considerable sacrifice and steadfast perseverance. Selfless devotion for the sake of Christ and the well-being of others is paramount. Perseverance until the conclusion of one's journey assures believers of the glorious victory bestowed by the Father to all who place their trust in Christ. This situation provides a metaphor for the protective presence of God during challenging times. While it may seem as though "God hides His Face" amidst our difficulties, it is essential to maintain trust in His caring presence. He does not abandon us; rather, He is nearer than we can comprehend. God invites us to place our faith in His profound love for us. In our moments of grea...

  Tuesday of week 34 in Ordinary Time  Rev. 14:14-19 Psalm 95(96):10-13 Luke 21:5-11 STICK TO THE TRUTH AND AVOID FALSE PROPHECY  When the blind leads another blind man danger lingers ahead. It is a similar situation with false prophecy and catastrophe. False prophecy is devoid of truth and reality and as such leads to nowhere but peril. False prophecy is sweet to hear but dangerous to the soul. As the disciples of Jesus were admiring the beauty and glamour of the Temple in Jerusalem, Jesus predicted the destruction of the Temple and they asked Him when will that be. He warns them about false prophecy, deception, and the natural disasters and catastrophes that will befall the world. The power of prediction comes from God and as such the disciple must get ready always.  Jesus is also bringing to our awareness today that despite all that God has done for the people of Israel they have remained fruitless. Their conversion when Christ came into their midst should have be...

  Monday of week 34 in Ordinary Time  Rev. 14:1-5 Psalm 23(24):1-6 Luke 21:1-4 ACT OF GENEROSITY The complexities of human motivation and intention are often beyond our comprehension, as only the divine possesses the capacity to fully understand the intricacies of our inner thoughts and emotions. In the Gospel narrative, we examine today, there is a poignant illustration involving the widow's offering. Although her contribution was quantitatively minimal in comparison to those made by wealthier individuals, its qualitative significance was profound. The widow’s gift was born from her essential needs, in stark contrast to others who contributed from their excess. Here, we see the might of the widow’s mite.  This parable serves as an invitation for us to reflect on our contributions to the divine and society, urging us to evaluate the sincerity and depth of our giving. It emphasizes that true generosity does not depend solely on the amount given but rather on the spirit in ...

  Christ the King  - Solemnity   Daniel 7:13-14 Psalm 92(93):1-2,5 Rev. 1:5-8 John 18:33-37 CHRIST IS THE KING OF THE UNIVERSE AND THE MASTER OF SOULS. HE IS BEFORE ALL THINGS AND IN HIM ALL THINGS HOLD TOGETHER.  The Gospel reading for today is a fragment from the St. John Passion. While it may appear to be a minor detail typically overlooked on Good Friday, it has been selected for the Solemnity of Christ the King due to its relevance in addressing the nature of the kingdom represented by Our Lord Jesus Christ, who is recognized as King. Historically, to the Jewish people, the kings of antiquity—such as David and Solomon—embodied both spiritual and temporal authority. They were tasked with defending the nation of Israel, both as a geographical entity and as a spiritual community. Thus, the Jewish perception of the Messiah included the expectation of a powerful leader from the House of David, who would initiate a period of political grandeur. Under Roman occupa...