Joseph Osho

  SATURDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK OF LENT(YEAR B) Jeremiah 11:8-10 Psalm 7:2-3,9-12 John 7:40-52:  Imagine a world teeming with unseen dangers all around us! Jeremiah, a prophet of his time, was completely unaware of the peril stalking him until the divine whispered the truth into his ears. Picture this: his hometown, his flesh and blood, conspiring against him! In a moment of desperation, Jeremiah cries out to Yahweh, voicing a profound complaint: why do the wicked thrive while the righteous—like himself and fellow prophets—suffer unjustly (12:1-4)? What a shocking revelation awaits him! Yahweh responds with a warning that the trials Jeremiah has faced so far are mere whispers compared to the tempest of troubles looming ahead (12:5-6).  But Yahweh's message goes deeper; there’s an aching sorrow behind it. His beloved people have turned their backs on Him, pushing Him to the brink of destruction. Yet, in His wrath, He is grieved, knowing He must turn away from those He loves ...

  Friday of the 4th week of Lent  Wisdom 2:1,​12-22 Psalm 33(34):16,18,19-21,23 John 7:1-2,​10,​25-30 The readings today take us on an exhilarating journey through the Scriptures! Our first reading takes us into the heart of the Book of Wisdom (2:1, 12-21), where we encounter a striking narrative about the "just" person—an embodiment of goodness and gentleness—who becomes the target of those threatened by his virtue. They scoff at his relationship with God and conspire to challenge his unwavering patience, leading to a shocking fate. The intensity ramps up in the Gospel of John (7:1-2, 10, 25-30), showcasing one of the most electrifying confrontations between Jesus and the religious authorities. Here, Jesus stands boldly against fierce opposition—not just from the wary religious leaders but also from the powerful Romans who governed Jerusalem and its lands.  What can we take away from this gripping encounter? The readings for this Eucharist illuminate a poignant truth abo...

  THURSDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK OF LENT(YEAR B) Exodus 32:7-14 Psalm 105(106):19-23 John 5:31-47  Scripture emphasizes the importance of witnessing, especially in Jewish tradition, which requires the testimony of two or three witnesses. Deuteronomy 19:15 states, "Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established," and Proverbs 27:2 advises, "Let another praise you, and not your mouth; a stranger, and not your lips." In the Gospel of John, Jesus presents more than three testimonies about Himself: 1. **John the Baptist** testified to Jesus, calling Him the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29), and prepared the way for Him. 2. **Jesus' miracles** serve as His second testimony. He claimed, "The works that the Father has given me... bear witness about me" (John 5:36). 3. **God the Father** also testified about Jesus. At His baptism, God declared, "This is my beloved Son" (Matthew 3:17), and during the Transfigu...

  Wednesday of the 4th week of Lent  Isaiah 49:8-15 Psalm 144(145):8-9,13b-14,17-18 John 5:17-30   How often do people, amid life’s complexities, overlook the teachings of Jesus and attempt to navigate their paths solely through their efforts? Many seek to fill a deep emptiness in their hearts, often questioning their willingness to make sacrifices for others. Conflicts arise when individuals chase desires like power, territory, or various forms of control. Relationships can crumble under the weight of unchecked greed, as some justify actions that prioritize personal gain over the well-being of the community. In this pursuit, individuals may spiral into despair or addiction, searching for fulfillment that might be spiritual, emotional, or material. Yet, the teachings of Jesus offer a vital guiding principle: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33). It's essential for us to recognize our blessings and strive to foll...

  Tuesday of the 4th week of Lent Ezekiel 47:1-9,​12 Psalm 45(46):2-3,5-6,8-9ab John 5:1-3,​5-16 In the first reading, we find the Prophet Ezekiel encountering a powerful vision of water flowing from the Sanctuary. Ezekiel is guided to wade into the water, which varies in depth—from his ankles to his knees and eventually to a point where he can no longer walk through but must swim. This symbolizes our journey of faith—just as Ezekiel had to find his way through different depths, our spiritual growth is gradual. We are invited to dive deeper into our faith each day.   Today’s gospel reading shares a story about experiencing God’s healing power at the pool of Bethesda, a well-known site where many gathered in hopes of being healed. People believed that when the water stirred, the first person to enter would be healed of their illness. This was a common belief, and many relied on this method for healing. One man had been waiting by the pool in poor health for 38 years, which is a...