Joseph Osho

  7th day within the octave of Christmas  1 John 2:18-21 Psalm 95(96):1-2,11-13 John 1:1-18 THE FINAL MOMENTS OF THE YEAR 2024 As we approach the final hour of the year, it is pertinent to reflect on the words from 1 John 2:18: "Children, it is the final hour." With the arrival of New Year’s Day tomorrow, we find ourselves prompted to consider the lessons learned and resolutions for the upcoming year. In contemplating the past 366 days, I find it essential to acknowledge a spectrum of experiences, both positive and negative. These moments encompass joy and sorrow, but they also bring to mind the various turmoil faced globally—conflicts in numerous nations, acts of terrorism, natural disasters, social upheaval, economic instability, and a troubling prevalence of divisive rhetoric. It is indeed alarming and disheartening to observe how our society has become increasingly mired in challenges such as selfishness, consumerism, and a lack of empathy for others. Many individuals, my...

  6th day within the octave of Christmas  1 John 2:12-17 Psalm 95(96):7-10 Luke 2:36-40 Today, we reflect on Anna, a widowed figure in biblical history who dedicated her life to the service of God and the anticipation of Christ's coming. The name Anna itself signifies grace, which is particularly fitting in the context of her life and testimony.  Although Anna experienced only seven years of marriage before becoming childless and alone, she devoted the remainder of her life to spiritual practices centered around prayer and fasting, showcasing a profound commitment to her faith. Relocating to Jerusalem was a strategic choice, allowing her to remain in proximity to the temple, which was integral to her worship. Her existence was characterized by a singular focus on pleasing God, and she maintained a near-perpetual presence at the temple, engaged in prayerful devotion. As noted by William Barclay, while Anna had faced significant sorrow, she did not succumb to bitterness; ra...

  HOLY FAMILY   I Sam 1.20-22, 24-28;  Ps 83;  I Jn 3.1-2, 21-24;  Lk 2.41-52 1 The Catholic Church underscores the critical significance of family dynamics within its theological framework. The Catechism identifies the family as the fundamental unit of social structure (Para. 2207) and consistently calls upon public figures to advocate for its integrity. It views the family as a foundational spiritual asset. However, contemporary society presents unprecedented challenges to the traditional concept of family. The prevalence of divorce and separation has resulted in fragmented familial relationships, often manifesting in both personal experiences and the lives of those around us. For some individuals, the term “family” may invoke sentiments of fear and alienation. In light of this, what insights can today’s feast provide regarding the Church's authentic teachings on family life? 2. The Gospel reading for today’s Mass illustrates a critical moment for the Holy Fam...

  Today we commemorate the Holy Innocents, tragically murdered by King Herod in his ruthless attempt to eliminate the infant Jesus, whom we recognize as our Savior. This historical event serves as a stark reminder that the “Herods” of today continue to inflict suffering on innocent lives, evident in modern conflicts across regions such as Bethlehem, Afghanistan, Syria, and even within our borders in the U.S. and Nigeria. As we reflect on the Holy Innocents, it is crucial to acknowledge the ongoing plight of the innocent, both past and present, who endure violence at the hands of those wielding power. In this context, we reference Mary, Joseph, and Jesus as a refugee family—an embodiment of resilience and sacrifice. They exemplified the necessity of uprooting their lives and relocating to preserve their safety, highlighting the human cost of conflict and persecution. Just three days ago, we celebrated the nativity of Jesus, born in humble conditions in Bethlehem. He symbolizes the d...

  Saint John, Apostle, Evangelist  - Feast 1 John 1:1-4 Psalm 96(97):1-2,5-6,11-12 John 20:2-8 Beloved let us love God and love one another.  St. John the Evangelist, traditionally identified as the beloved disciple of Christ, hails from Galilee as the progeny of Zebedee and Salome. He is the younger sibling of St. James the Greater. Both were engaged in their familial vocation of fishing when they were summoned to follow Jesus, having initially been disciples of John the Baptist.  In a notable biblical moment, Christ bestowed upon John and James the appellation "Boanerges," translating to "sons of thunder." This designation reflects the fervency and assertiveness with which they disseminated God's word, demonstrating an unwavering resolve in the face of opposition. John particularly exemplifies this moniker through his profound declaration of Christ's divine mysteries, establishing him as a pivotal figure in theological discourse. Chronologically, John is r...