Joseph Osho

  Friday of week 30 in Ordinary Time  Romans 9:1-5 Psalm 147:12-15,19-20 Luke 14:1-6 The lawyers and Pharisees watched Jesus to see if he could heal the man with dropsy on the Sabbath, but Jesus knew their thoughts and exposed their hypocrisy. We can't hide from God, who knows our innermost thoughts. The man with dropsy was swollen but silent out of fear, yet Christ was never intimidated and did all things well. What about you? Are you doing your best or holding back? What barriers block your good deeds and prayer time? Are you afraid of others' perceptions? May God feed us with His wheat and blessings. Let's focus on God's will and our goals to become the best in whatever we do. 

  Thursday of week 30 in Ordinary Time  Romans 8:31-39 Psalm  108(109):21-22,26-27,30-31 Luke 13:31-35 The beginning of today's gospel is quite exciting. It begins with some Pharisees warning Jesus to leave because Herod wants to kill him. I questioned whether some Pharisees truly wanted to protect Jesus, as Luke mentions ‘Some came.' Perhaps a few genuinely cared and warned him. Others sought him out.  Jesus refers to Herod as a 'fox,' symbolizing cunning, yet boldly states he must continue his journey to Jerusalem. Later, Jesus expresses God’s disappointment with humanity’s fallen state but also promises fulfillment after completing his mission. Our homes don't need to be abandoned; inviting others and embracing Christ fills them with the Spirit of love.  Have your minds and hearts fixed on Christ and the purpose of His will. 

  Wednesday of week 30 in Ordinary Time  Romans 8:26-30 Psalm 12(13):4-6 Luke 13:22-30 In today’s gospel, someone said to Jesus,  ‘Sir, will there be only a few saved?’ Jesus gave a stern warning that the way to Heaven is tough, and we should try to enter through the narrow gate. Feeling enough for Him doesn't guarantee salvation; the road to perdition is wider and deceptive. We face a choice: narrow or wide streets.  Christ, wisdom itself, is the divine treasure, and following Him makes the journey to heaven possible, even when it's difficult. Looking at Him who died for us helps us carry our crosses. His yoke is easy, and His burden light, offering rest for our souls (Matthew 11:29). We are loved by the Father, who gave His Son for us, and we should approach Jesus confidently, following and living by His example. 

  Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles  - Feast   Ephesians 2:19-22 Psalm 18(19):2-5 Luke 6:12-19 SIMON FOR ZEAL! THADDEUS FOR HOPE! Before choosing twelve faithful men who loved Him and would serve His purposes, Jesus prayed for wisdom from His Heavenly Father (John 14:21-14). When facing critical decisions, do you pray? Is there anything prayer cannot accomplish? Anyone who calls on the Lord’s name will be saved (Romans 10:13). Calling on the Lord lifts our minds and hearts , creating a bond—a relationship like that of a Father with His child. It signifies companionship and sacrificial love. Today’s feast honors the Apostles Simon the Zealot and Judas, son of Alpheus. They were Christ’s companions from the beginning of Christianity. Simon’s zeal was refined; he traveled as far as Egypt and later joined Thaddeus in Mesopotamia. They eventually went to Persia and sacrificed their lives for the kingdom entrusted to us as a privilege. Simon was sworded into pieces while Jud...

  Monday of week 30 in Ordinary Time  Romans 8:12-17 Psalm 67(68):2,4,6-7,20-21 Luke 13:10-17 Today’s readings highlight the freedom of being God's adopted children. Paul (Rom 8:12-17) reminds us to live by the Spirit to be saved, renouncing sinful ways. Adoption grants us the same rights as Christ, our brother.  In Luke’s gospel(Lk 13:10-17), Jesus heals a woman, challenging the synagogue officials and affirming that good deeds on the Sabbath align with God’s law. Her healing awakens her spiritual joy and glorifies God. Let's pray for grace to live charitably and love others, especially in times of need. Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1). May God transform our rest days into days of active charity. Amen. Have a grace-filled week!

  Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time  Eccles 35.12-14, 16-19;  Ps 32;  II Tim 4.6-8, 16-18;  Lk 18.9-14 HUMBLE PRAYERS REACH THE CLOUDS  The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector illustrates the importance of humility. Our Lord uses the imagery to grab our attention—highlighting the pretentious Pharisee and the humble tax collector—then teaches that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but those who humble themselves will be exalted. Humility is vital for a relationship with God. The Book of Ecclesiasticus says humble prayers reach the clouds. Prayer involves willingness to accept God's answers, not demands. Jesus’ life exemplifies this humility, especially in Gethsemane, where He submitted to God's will, despite His divine nature. In the 11th century, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux sought God through humility, seeing it as a ladder to divine truth. Monasteries teach humility as essential, as seen in saints like Therese of Lisieux and Bernadette. ...

  Saturday of week 29 in Ordinary Time  Romans 8:1-11 Psalm 23(24):1-6 Luke 13:1-9 Reality is constantly changing, and we won't always be where we are or have what we possess. Life's constant change urges us to make the best use of time, resources, and our current place. There's no better use of time than to use it well, as it flies. Today's Gospel shows the fear of those who tell Jesus about the Galileans killed by Pilate, whose blood was mingled with sacrifice in Jerusalem. Worship is sacred, a shelter for God's people. Some may have thought this could incite revolt or hinder Jesus from going to Jerusalem. Others believed the Galileans' sinfulness caused their death. Jesus responds by calling for repentance and sharing a recent tragedy of those killed when a tower collapsed at Siloam. These events remind us to repent and stay close to God. The parable of the fruitless fig tree urges us to repent our sins, regret wrongdoings, and avoid eternal damnation. We mus...

  Friday of week 29 in Ordinary Time  Romans 7:18-25 Psalm 118(119):66,68,76-77,93-94 Luke 12:54-59 After speaking to His disciples, Christ addresses the crowd, teaching about the world's state in relation to His second coming. Their livelihood depended on agriculture and fishing, so they understood weather signs—like clouds from the West indicating rain, or southern winds bringing heat—helping them decide when to harvest or prepare for travel. He urged them to discern the signs of His coming and the final days, emphasizing wisdom in spiritual matters as in weather observation. Since nature is unpredictable, Christ urges discernment of salvation as a privilege, because we do not know the exact time of His return.  Each generation claims to be more knowledgeable, building on past knowledge, but perhaps we're missing key understanding, as even His original listeners did. Paul’s writings highlight the conflict between grace and sin—our struggle between doing right and wrong,...

  Thursday of week 29 in Ordinary Time  Romans 6:19-23 Psalm 1:1-4,6 Luke 12:49-53 Who do you love most? What choice would you make? God or man? Life or death? Peace or war? Justice or injustice? Eternal life or eternal doom? We are faced with this choice to make. In the Church , we see varied life experiences: some members with unified families in Catholic devotion, others facing resistance and criticism from their loved ones for their faith.  In Today's Gospel Jesus says household divisions will occur over Him, requiring complete obedience. As Christians, God comes first. The Gospel also reminds us to seek solutions that respect everyone’s rights. Our loyalty to Jesus must come first, as our happiness and eternal life depend on Him. Jesus sacrificed everything to save me; I must do the same to follow Him.

  Wednesday of week 29 in Ordinary Time  Romans 6:12-18 Psalm 123(124) Luke 12:39-48 Today's Gospel this week continues the powerful theme of being prepared. Jesus uses the vivid imagery of a master returning and faithful servants awaiting their lord to drive home a crucial message. Those who stay vigilant and true when the master arrives will rejoice and be rewarded with eternal life. But beware—those who live wickedly and fail to repent risk missing out on the kingdom altogether! The question is: how are YOU preparing for the Lord's return? Are you fulfilling your duties with devotion and passion? Remember, to whom much is given, much is expected! As privileged Christians, we're entrusted with God's Word, His grace, and His love—gifts to be treasured and shared. The time to stand ready is NOW because only God knows the moment of His coming. Let's strive to root out any darkness within us that could lead to perdition. Stay alert, remain faithful, and let’s embrace ...