Joseph Osho

  Monday of week 13 in Ordinary Time  Genesis 18:16-33 Psalm 102(103):1-4,8-11 Matthew 8:18-22 Today’s scripture is a reminder of how crucial it is for us to LISTEN! Think about it: just as Abraham experienced a profound transformation by truly hearing from God, so can we follow Jesus to the very end! Psalm 95:8 passionately declares, "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts!" This powerful verse keeps us anchored in the art of listening and tuning in to God's incredible plan for our lives. When God speaks, His voice rings out loud and clear!  I’ll be honest—sometimes the message is not what we want to hear at that moment, or it can be hard to grasp. But through His grace, we eventually uncovered the brilliance within the message! This is not a time for hardened hearts; instead, let’s stay alert to God’s voice and embrace the breathtaking presence of the Divine all around us and within us! Let’s get excited about what He has to say!

  Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles - Mass of the Day  Acts 12:1-11 Psalm 33(34):2-9 2 Timothy 4:6-8,​17-18 Matthew 16:13-19 TWO PILLARS ONE FOUNDATION  Today, with one heart we dive into the remarkable lives of two extraordinary figures of the Church, Saints Peter and Paul! These were not just any men; one was a rugged fisherman, and the other a learned Pharisee and tentmaker. Both were ordinary yet possessed an extraordinary calling that transformed them into pillars of faith. Can you imagine the courage it took for them to embrace the truth that Christ revealed to them? Through storms of suffering and fierce trials, they held steadfast to the divine truth in their hearts! How did these everyday men accomplish such incredible feats? Just picture it: the angel says to Peter, “Put on your belt and sandals!” And without hesitation, Peter obeys. Then, “Put on your cloak and follow me.” Acts 12:8. Even in the shadow of imprisonment, Saint Peter found unwavering hope in Jesus C...

  The Immaculate Heart of Mary  2 Timothy 2:22-26 Psalm 36(37):3-6,30-31 John 17:20-26 Today, we celebrate the amazing feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a vibrant connection to the Sacred Heart of Jesus that we honored just yesterday! This feast highlights the profound joys and sorrows Mary experienced while fulfilling God’s will. It showcases her incredible virtues of obedience and humility, her boundless love for God and Jesus, and her deep compassion for all people.  Picture this: the portrait of the Immaculate Heart features a sword piercing through her heart, entwined with beautiful roses or lilies. This striking image reflects Simeon's poignant prophecy from Luke 2:41-51, foretelling the sorrows Mary would endure alongside Jesus. Even when life left her feeling perplexed, Mary’s heart—purified by the Holy Spirit—overflowed with trust in God’s love, protection, and providence. She “kept all these things in her heart,” pondering life’s mysteries. Just like Mary, ...

  SOLEMNITY OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS  Ezekiel 34:11-16 Psalm 22(23) Romans 5:5-11 Luke 15:3-7 ANNOUNCE    IT, AND LET IT BE ANNOUNCED TO THE WHOLE WORLD, THAT I SET LIMITS OR MEASURE OFMY GIFTS OF GRACE FOR THOSE WHO SEEk THEM IN MY HEART- The words of our Lord to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque.  As the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.” (John 1:9) These breathtaking words reveal the profound connection of love within the Holy Trinity—an awe-inspiring bond that invites us to experience the very essence of God! Today, we're called to set our hearts ablaze with the incredible love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This is an invitation to immerse ourselves in a love that surpasses all understanding, to love, care, and forgive just as Jesus does. Imagine seeing Him more clearly each day, loving Him more dearly, and following Him more closely in our everyday lives! Through the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we have access to the boundless mercy and f...

  Thursday of week 12 in Ordinary Time  Genesis 16:1-12,​15-16 Psalm 105(106):1-5 Matthew 7:21-29 Today's readings are nothing short of electrifying! The first reading presents a dramatic tale that, if it weren't a sacred scripture, might raise eyebrows in today's libraries. Hagar, the Egyptian maidservant of Sarai, gives birth to Abram's child, Ishmael—it's a story packed with tension and complex relationships! Now, strap in for the selection from the Gospel of Matthew, which hits hard! There's a trend where many cloak themselves in self-righteousness, acting like they’re the official messengers of God. We’re witnessing a wave of name-calling and disparaging remarks tossed around by self-proclaimed, cross-wearing Christians who think they’re championing the Lord's cause. But here’s the kicker: Jesus boldly states, “Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers!’” Talk about a wake-up call! Let’s hold on tight to the ...

  Wednesday of week 12 in Ordinary Time  Genesis 15:1-12,​17-18 Psalm 104(105):1-4,6-9 Matthew 7:15-20 One of the significant challenges facing contemporary society is the prevalence of ineffective educators and misleading figures. As articulated in the Scriptures, "Let not many of you become teachers... for they that teach shall be judged with a greater judgment" (James 3:1). In the current Gospel discourse, Christ continues to admonish the Pharisees for their duplicity and issues warnings regarding false prophets. So, who qualifies as a true prophet? According to William Barclay, a true prophet is an individual who possesses the wisdom of God in his mind, articulates the truth of God with his words, and embodies the courage of God in his heart. This courage derives from the empowerment of holiness. A teacher who instructs with moral authority imparts only that which he embodies and practices. However, when an individual’s conscience becomes a barrier to candid communication...

  The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Isaiah 49:1-6 Psalm 138(139):1-3,13-15 Acts 13:22-26 Luke 1:57-66,​80 “John is his name.”  Today, we remember the birth of St John the Baptist. St. John the Baptist is known for his boldness, his name in Hebrew translates to "Yahweh is gracious," which beautifully embodies the essence of kindness and compassion! The Hebrew word for gracious, ḥānan, perfectly complements the notion of mercy, highlighted in Exodus 34:4, where God describes Himself as "merciful (racham) and very generous (ḥānan)." How incredible that these words resonate with such depth! From before he was born, God had a distinct plan for John. His mere voice brought joy and healing to his parents, making him an extraordinary gift for the house of Israel. Chosen to be the prophet, he ignited a spark, preparing the way for something monumental—the incarnation of the Word! John was a beacon of humility and courage, courageously speaking truths that would ultimate...