Joseph Osho

  1st Sunday of Advent   Isaiah 2:1-5 Psalm 121(122):1-2,4-5,6-9 Romans 13:11-14 Matthew 24:37-44 LET’S EMBARK ON A JOYOUS JOURNEY WITH GOD We kick off the new liturgical year with the vibrant season of Advent! It's a time bursting with hope—a moment to prepare eagerly for the arrival of the infant King born in a humble manger. As we commence this year’s Advent, we are called to stay alert and watchful. I adore the Advent readings; they overflow with the essence of what Advent truly embodies: hope, love, comfort, and joy. They are reflected in the preparation, promises, prophecies, and challenges! This season is an inspiring time of living hope for the coming of the Messiah—celebrating Jesus' birth, His ongoing presence within us, and His glorious second coming. Our first reading from the prophet Isaiah today urges us all to walk in the light of the Lord. Let’s not grow weary in upholding our covenant with God. My heartfelt wish and prayer this Advent is that we spend more tim...

  Throughout the year, God's blessings are continuous, shining upon us with mercy both when we sleep and wake. His love, like a river, is endless and surrounds all creatures, supporting life as the atmosphere does. Just as the sun, rivers, and air have seasons of fullness, God's mercy has golden hours of abundance, especially during harvest when blessings are most plentiful. These moments of grace remind us to stay awake and grateful, not losing ourselves in worldly pleasures but preparing for His return. We should respond with heartfelt gratitude, praise, and offerings to His eternal sovereignty, longing for His kingdom to come.   

Friday of week 34 in Ordinary Time  Daniel 7:2-14 Daniel 3:75-81 Luke 21:29-33 The prophet Daniel lived close to God, sharing many secrets about the future, kingdoms, dreams, and visions. He was prayerful and powerful, and God revealed His plans to him. Trusting and living close to God allows us to learn His secrets and the life path, which is a wonderful experience.  Jesus blesses the humble for revealing God's truths to them (Matt 11:25). Humbling ourselves, praying, and obeying God guide us through life. Christ reminds us that His word, the Word of God, remains timeless, revealing Himself through His Word, Sacraments, Church, and neighbor. May the Lord be praised forever. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). Call on Me, and I will answer (Jeremiah 33:3). May we serve and please God all our days. Live well, and God bless!

  Thursday of week 34 in Ordinary Time  Daniel 6:12-28 Daniel 3:68-74 Luke 21:20-28 The story of Daniel in the lions' den highlights God’s intervention and protection for faithful, prayerful people. Those in power knew Daniel prayed, making him powerful through his relationship with God. Despite trials and temptations, we must persevere in faith. Jesus speaks of wars and unrest, yet we are called to pursue justice and peace because we are loved and commanded to love in return. We can trust God's words, which encourage us, as Matthew 24:35 states: Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Word will not. Belief in God involves trusting and obeying His Word, knowing worldly matters are temporary and do not lead to everlasting happiness. 

  Wednesday of week 34 in Ordinary Time  Daniel 5:1-6,​13-14,​16-17,​23-28 Daniel 3:62-67 Luke 21:12-19 Daniel's story resembles Joseph's from the Old Testament—both dreamers were gifted in interpreting dreams. They were enslaved and later became advisers to kings. Their story hinges on their endurance and relationship with God, who provided guidance and support. God’s Providence means His loving care surrounds us always. Joseph was sold into slavery and imprisoned but ultimately helped his people. Daniel faced persecution and was thrown into the lion’s den, yet God saved him. Today, being a disciple involves sacrifice and perseverance, trusting that God's love will lead to victory. Sometimes, we feel God hides His face in our troubles. We must trust His caring presence; He seems absent only to encourage us to rely on His deep love. Even in our anxious moments, He offers us the chance for our greatest acts of faith. 

  Tuesday of week 34 in Ordinary Time  Daniel 2:31-45 Daniel 3:57-61 Luke 21:5-11   When the blind lead the blind, danger lies ahead, similarly, false prophecy is deceptive and perilous. Jesus warned His disciples about false prophets, deception, and disasters, urging them to be ready for God's judgment. Despite God's works for Israel, they remained unfruitful, focused on rituals and false ideas instead of faith. God’s kingdom, based on truth, love, and justice, surpasses earthly powers. Daniel's interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar emphasizes that prophecy comes from the Most High.  Today’s readings remind us to focus on God, live by faith, and do good works that glorify Him. Scripture also shows that the future glory of the Temple, and our own sanctity as Temples of the Holy Spirit, depend on God's presence. Let us continue to proclaim our faith through words and actions and may these bear fruit in our lives. Amen. 

  Saints Andrew Dũng-Lạc and his Companions Daniel 1:1-6,​8-20 Daniel 3:52-56 Luke 21:1-4 A GENEROSITY UNANNOUNCED Today’s Gospel passage recounts the story of a poor widow who contributed only a small amount to the offerings, especially in comparison to the larger sums donated by others. However, hers was considered the greatest offering because she gave from her limited means, whereas the others gave from their excess resources. This story challenges us to give to God not just from our surplus, but from what we genuinely need to sustain ourselves. It also reminds us to be generous whenever opportunities arise and to those in need, regardless of the amount. What does it truly mean to give until it hurts—sacrificially and wholeheartedly? We remember today also the martyrs of Asia St. Andrew Dung-Lac, a Catholic convert ordained to the priesthood, was one of 117 people martyred in Vietnam between 1820 and 1862. Members of the companions group gave their lives for Christ and received...

  Christ the King  - Solemnity   2 Samuel 5:1-3 Psalm 121(122):1-5 Colossians 1:12-20 Luke 23:35-43 In the late 1960's, today's great feast was moved to its new position at the end of the Church's year, just one week before Advent begins again the recurring cycle.  The purpose of this new position was to emphasize Christ's sovereign dominion over all times and all seasons, all ages, all creation; His cosmic Kingship.   All that of course is true, and we do very well to celebrate it.  With that aspect in mind, today's gospel might seem a rather unexpected choice.  The gospel brings the King before our eyes, but not reigning in triumph, apparently.  Rather, we see the King nailed to His Cross.  Over His head, an ironic caption  "This is the King of the Jews"  - a deliberately contemptuous accolade from Pontius Pilate, the minor provincial functionary of the occupying power, the Roman Emperor. Bleeding and tortured on the Cross, O...

  Saint Cecilia, Virgin, Martyr  1 Maccabees 6:1-13 Psalm 9A(9):2-4,6,16,19 Luke 20:27-40 GOD IS THE SOURCE OF OUR LIVES In the Gospel passage (Luke 20:27-40), Jesus faces a challenging question from the Sadducees, a Jewish sect skeptical of the resurrection. His powerful reply reveals that God is not a God of the dead, but of the living—meaning our existence continues beyond physical death! The Sadducees, who refused to accept the scriptures and the promise of resurrection, are challenged by this truth. Their story about a woman with seven husbands echoes the story of Sarah, the wife of Tobias, reminding us of the incredible promise of life after death. Jesus boldly assures us of eternal life for those who trust in Him and believe His promises. Do you believe in Jesus’ life-changing promise? He calls us to share the Good News boldly so that everyone who believes can attain salvation! Today, we also celebrate the memorial of St. Cecilia, One thing about Cecilia is that she liv...

  The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary  1 Maccabees 4:36-37,​52-59 1 Chronicles 29:10-12 Luke 19:45-48 After weeping for Jerusalem in yesterday’s gospel passage, Jesus entered the temple and found merchants selling oxen, sheep, and pigeons, along with money changers. He made a whip, overturned their tables, and expelled them, symbolizing his mission to purify us through his death and showing his passion for God’s house. This act signaled that God takes worship seriously, and his compassion for us is immense. He did this because the money changers dishonored God’s house and were unjust in their dealings. In a world obsessed with wealth, people resort to theft, fraud, magic, robbery, kidnapping, assassination, ritual killings, and terrorism—all of which corrupt worship and society. Even as we attend religious functions, society worsens with bribery and corruption. Therefore, purification begins with ourselves; we are God’s house, and charity starts at home. Let us work fo...