Joseph Osho

  NEVER LOSE HOPE.  JESUS IS THE WAY. DON’T    GO ASTRAY! FOURTH WEEK OF LENT(YEAR B)  Isaiah 65:17-21 Psalm 29(30)2,4-6,11-13 Gospel Jn 4:43-54 In today’s readings, we explore the theme of renewal and fulfillment of divine promises. The first reading from Isaiah (Is 65:17-21) serves as a proclamation of a transformative existence that God envisions—a reality devoid of suffering and despair. The imagery presented suggests a radical shift: the cessation of weeping and the assurance of life for infants, highlighting a renaissance of societal and individual well-being. In the corresponding Gospel narrative, Jesus exemplifies this vision by healing the son of a royal official. This interaction underscores the principle that faith, rather than physical proximity to the divine, is paramount for healing and salvation. The official's desperate yet resolute search for Jesus epitomizes parental devotion and the lengths to which one will go to seek restoration for a loved ...

  Fourth Sunday of Lent (Year C)   Joshua 5.9-12 Ps 33 II Cor 5.17-21 Luke 15.1-3, 11-32   A PERFECT CONTRITION ELICITS PROFOUND JOY IN OUR HEARTS AND THE HEART OF OUR HEAVENLY AND COMPASSIONATE FATHER The Gospel message today emphasizes the critical need for comprehending and embodying both the concept of forgiveness and the active pursuit of it. A key aspect to explore is ‘perfect contrition’—a term that refers to sincere regret for one’s sins, motivated not by mere self-reproach but by an acknowledgment that sin constitutes an offense against the divine. This higher intent for repentance is essential for spiritual growth. In contrast, the Church recognizes the notion of attrition, which implies remorse for sin stemming from motivations other than an authentic love for God. Such factors may include fear of punishment or social shame. Although these sentiments fall short of the full criteria for perfect contrition, they can serve as preliminary steps on the pathway to ge...

  Saturday of the 3rd week of Lent Hosea 5:15-6:6 Psalm 50(51):3-4,18-21 Luke 18:9-14 Lent serves as a pivotal period within the liturgical calendar, prompting introspection on our spiritual evolution and our relational dynamics with both the divine and our fellow human beings. The prescribed readings throughout this season illuminate various aspects of human shortcomings, which can be framed as significant hurdles to spiritual maturation. In today’s readings, we confront the concept of judgment and are called to acknowledge our own sinfulness. In the first reading, the prophet Hosea articulates the divine expectation for humanity, asserting that relational intimacy with God, characterized by love and knowledge, surpasses ritualistic sacrifices. This notion emphasizes that true spiritual depth stems from contemplative engagement with God, rather than mere adherence to Lenten disciplines such as abstaining from certain foods. Indeed, the exhortation to “Be still and know that I am G...

  FRIDAY, 3RD WEEK OF LENT.   In today’s first reading from the Book of Hosea (14:2-10), we observe a theological call for Israel's return to divine fidelity. The text emphasizes God's unwavering love, highlighting that His grace is abundant even in the face of human transgressions. The emphasis is on divine agency in offering salvation and blessings, underscoring the unconditional aspect of God's love. In the Gospel reading, Jesus reinforces the symbiotic relationship between the love of God and the love of neighbor, drawing from Deuteronomic law. This citation serves as a reminder of the covenantal expectations outlined in Jewish tradition and the historical failures of Israel to uphold these standards, even in fundamental moral obligations. The key theological assertion is that adherence to the commandment of love inherently simplifies the observance of all other moral precepts. This invites a reflective discourse on the barriers that inhibit our capacity to love authent...

  Thursday of the 3rd week of Lent Jeremiah 7:23-28 Psalm 94(95):1-2,6-9 Luke 11:14-23 The concept of the Kingdom of God is illuminated in today’s gospel passage through a significant act of exorcism performed by Jesus. The narrative depicts a scenario where Jesus expels a mute demon, resulting in the restoration of speech to the afflicted man, which astonishes the onlookers. This exorcism sparks contention among witnesses. Some posit that Jesus’ abilities derive from Beelzebub, the “prince of demons,” suggesting that his miraculous actions are inherently malevolent. Others adopt a more skeptical stance, requiring further demonstrations of power to substantiate Jesus’ claims. These two contrasting responses—dismissal and the demand for corroborative evidence—encapsulate the broader spectrum of reactions encountered both then and in contemporary contexts. Jesus confronts these accusations logically, posing a rhetorical dilemma: if he casts out demons through Satan's power, what sour...

  Wednesday of the 3rd week of Lent Deuteronomy 4:1,​5-9 Psalm 147:12-13,15-16,19-20 Matthew 5:17-19 The commandments established by the Lord serve as a profound manifestation of divine love for the chosen people. In Deuteronomy 4:1,5-9, Moses articulates these laws and emphasizes their careful observance, underscoring their divine origin. This serves as a critical reflection on the role of divine commands in our everyday existence. In the Gospel of Matthew (5:17-19), Christ asserts His mission to fulfill and enhance the Mosaic Law, reinforcing that these precepts are not merely to be followed but internalized.  Jesus elevates the expectations surrounding adherence to these commandments, inviting us to comprehend the pervasive love of God and to extend that love to others. He calls us to embody the spirit of the law rather than strictly adhere to its textual form. Although this approach may present greater challenges, it ultimately offers deeper spiritual fulfillment and align...

  SOLEMNITY OFTHE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD Isaiah7:10-14,8:10 Psalm 39(40):7-11 Hebrews 10:4-10 Luke1:26-38 MY WILL IS TO DO YOUR WILL  Today's gospel reading conveys three significant messages: 1.According to Luke, the virginal conception of Jesus occurred through the Holy Spirit, the power of God. 2.    Mary is blessed among women because she gave her "fiat" to God, saying, "Let it be done to me according to your word." God chose her for a special role in the plan of salvation, as mentioned in today's first reading from Isaiah 7. 3. Mary’s spiritual motherhood is shared by all who respond to God with the same faithfulness she did. Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus differs significantly from Matthew’s. In Luke’s narrative, there is no mention of the Magi; instead, the shepherds from nearby fields are included, reflecting Luke’s focus on the poor and marginalized in society. The announcement of Jesus' birth emphasizes His identity as the Son of God. W...