Joseph Osho

  *FEAST OF OUR LADY, MOTHER OF AFRICA-  Acts 1:12-14 Luke 1:46-55 Luke 1:26-38   HAIL MARY FULL OF GRACE THE LORD IS WITH YOU Today, we joyfully celebrate the vibrant feast of Our Lady of Africa! This special day honors Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, whose stunning dark bronze statue journeyed from Lyon to Algiers. Through her powerful intercession, Bishop Dupuch accomplished the incredible task of building a church in Algiers, overcoming initial resistance from the local population. The belief was strong that Our Lady would serve as the Protectress for both the Mohammedans and the natives, uniting hearts across cultures! This cherished statue made its way from France in 1840 and was for many years entrusted to the devoted Cistercian monks of Staueli. It was Cardinal Lavigiers, the visionary founder of the White Sisters, who enshrined this beautiful image in the new basilica at Algiers. In a spectacular ceremony in 1876, the image was crowned, marking a moment of...

  ST CATHERINE OF SIENA  TUESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTERTIDE Acts 4:32-37 Ps. 92(93):1-2,5 John 3:7-15 THE IMACT OF GOD’S WORD IN THE LIFE OF THE EARLY CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES  The thrilling journey of Jesus’ disciples after His ascension is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of God’s Word, prayer, and the vibrant fellowship that brings together believers from all walks of life. Guess what? That same exhilarating experience is still alive and kicking today! Right from the start, this dynamic new community dove headfirst into the Sacred Scriptures! Bible instruction wasn’t just a task; it was an adventure that fostered spiritual growth in new believers. Jesus had commanded His disciples to teach “all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20), and that’s exactly what they did! They eagerly absorbed everything about the life and teachings of Jesus—the miracles, parables, and profound sermons—all tied to the rich prophecies of the Hebrew Scriptures. ...

  TESTIFYING TO THE MESSAGE OF CHRIST’S RESURRECTION MONDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTERTIDE Acts 4:23-31 Psalm: Ps.2:1-9 John 3:1-8 We are diving back into the thrilling narrative of the Acts of the Apostles, where boldness and faith collide! Picture this: Peter and John stand before the powerful Sanhedrin, fearlessly proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Despite the intimidating circumstances, they share the incredible news of Christ’s Resurrection. After a tense deliberation, the court orders them to stop speaking in Jesus’ name. But did Peter and John back down? No way! They promised to remain true witnesses to what they had seen and heard. Threatened but undeterred, they walk away, and that's just where our excitement begins this morning! As they return from that daunting encounter, Peter and John can’t contain their joy. “We preached to the Sanhedrin!” they declare. “They told us not to spread the word about Jesus!” The stakes are high, but instead of feeling disheartened, ...

  DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY  (SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER) Acts 4: 33-35 Psalm: Ps 117(118): 2-4, 15-18,22-24  1John 5:1-6 John 20:19-31 In today’s electrifying gospel, the Risen Jesus bursts onto the scene, breaking through the locked doors where his disciples are hiding in fear! He empowers them with the incredible authority to forgive and retain sins. Just a week later, he ignites the faith of the doubting Thomas, transforming skepticism into belief. He performs numerous miraculous signs, many of which St. John notes aren’t even captured in this gospel! Meanwhile, in the Acts of the Apostles, St. Luke paints a vivid picture of the early believers as a unified force, “heart and soul,” fueled by divine energy. Together, they shared everything and boldly testified to the Resurrection with immense power. Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, their lives—and, through them, the entire course of history—are transformed forever! In his first letter, St. John dives deep into the e...

  EASTER    SATURDAY  Acts 4:13-21 Psalm: Ps.117(118):1,14-21 Mark 16:9-15 BE COURAGEOUS ENOUGH TO STAND FOR THE TRUTH What incredible courage and conviction we see in Peter and John! After being sternly warned not to speak in the name of Jesus, they boldly stood before the entire Sanhedrin and declared, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; we cannot help but speak of what we have seen and heard!” Imagine the audacity! John Knox was once described as one who feared God so deeply that he feared no man, and the same can be said for Peter, John, and the early believers. But what about us? This question is both chilling and enlightening! Even today, over two thousand years after the Church was born, followers of Jesus continue to be saved by His name, yet also face persecution because of it. The early Christians wore their identity boldly, as we see in the reactions of the Jewish authorities to Peter’s remarkable s...

  EASTER FRIDAY  Acts 4:1-12 Ps.117(118):1-2,4,22-27 John 21:1-14 Peter and John were on an extraordinary journey! They had encountered Christ’s powerful teachings, witnessed His awe-inspiring miracles, and felt the heart-wrenching moment as He was nailed to the Cross. But the most exhilarating part? Three days later, they celebrated as He rose triumphantly from the dead! They knew without a doubt that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah, the living God’s Son, holding the very words of eternal life, light, truth, and love. Their hearts burned with hope, and with unwavering boldness and faith, they spread the exhilarating good news far and wide. When Peter and John unleashed the power of Jesus’ name through an incredible miracle—a paralyzed man stood up and walked—the Jewish leaders were filled with fear. The number of disciples was soaring, and they arrested the apostles, dragging them before the Sanhedrin, the same council that condemned Jesus. But Peter, fearless and filled w...