Joseph Osho

Holy Thursday – Mass of the Oils. This celebration traditionally takes place in the cathedral of each diocese on the morning of Holy Thursday and is presided over by the diocesan bishop. During this mass, the sacred oils—specifically, the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens—are blessed, and the Oil of Chrism is consecrated. These oils are subsequently distributed to churches throughout the diocese for use in the upcoming year. Additionally, the bishop is accompanied by clergy from across the diocese, symbolizing the unity of the diocesan and universal Church. The clergy renew their commitment to priestly service before the bishop and the congregation. The first reading (Isaiah 61:1-3, 6a, 8b-9) emphasizes the presbyteral order—those ordained for sacred ministry who continue the work of God following the example of Christ. The second reading (Revelation 1:5-8) reflects on Christ's redemptive act of cleansing sins with His blood and predicts that those who pierced Him will wit...

  Holy Thursday - Evening Mass  Exodus 12:1-8,​11-14 Psalm 115(116):12-13,15-18 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 John 13:1-15 THE LOVE OF JESUS IS PERFECT  What virtue is essential for becoming a true follower of Jesus? It is humility. When Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, he conveyed a powerful message that if He, as their Lord and Master, demonstrated this ultimate act of love and humility, they too must serve one another accordingly. This act was intended to ensure that the faith established through Peter would endure. Jesus understood that without humility, there would be no opportunity for faith to develop and flourish as it has today. However, practicing humility is not always easy. Nevertheless, it is through humility that individuals can grow in knowledge and develop a closer relationship with Jesus. It is also through humility that we can influence others to follow Christ. Humility is the pathway to becoming Christ-like and, ultimately, to sainthood. Do we genuinely desir...

  Wednesday of Holy Week  Isaiah 50:4-9 Psalm 68(69):8-10,21-22,31,33-34 Matthew 26:14-25 AVOID GREED , BETRAYAL AND DESPAIR  A poet once declared that “sharper than a serpent’s tooth is a thankless child.” But consider this: what about a disciple who would betray his own Master—an apostle who could sell out Christ? This was not even the worst part of the suffering Jesus had to endure. The Church remembers this betrayal to remind us that any of us could fall into the trap of Judas. Judas Iscariot was given one of the greatest religious privileges—an apostle, a close companion of Christ, witnessing miracles and hearing sermons that even prophets like Abraham and Moses never saw or heard. He journeyed with Peter, James, and John, yet his heart remained untouched by love for God because of greed.  Judas' betrayal has become the ultimate symbol of treachery—yet his story could have been different. He had immense potential and the chance to be remembered alongside Peter a...