SOCIAL FRIDAY ( 30TH JANUARY, 2026)

CELEBRATING JANUARY BORN ACROSS THE GROUPS.

At OCCF, We celebrate our members collectively at the end of the month, collate their intentions and have our Spiritual Director ( Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, OSJ) and his Assistant (Fr. Toby Ndiukwu) offer the Holy Mass for them.

We wish them many happy and fruitful returns.

Parabéns, dear members, and many blessings!

Meet Our January Celebrants🎈🥳😁

Name: Rev. Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri

Date Of Birth: 15th January

State of Origin: Imo

Status: Roman Catholic Priest

Name: Segun Olatayo 

Date Of Birth: 29th January 

State: Lagos

Marital Status: Married 

Name: Nchekwube Eze

Date Of Birth: 8th January 

State: Anambra State

Marital Status: Married 

Name: Dennis Ukange.

Date Of Birth: 10th January.

State of Origin: Nasarawa state.

Marital Status: Single.

Name: Cosmos Ateli

Date of Birth: 26/01

State of Origin: Delta

Marital status: Single

Name: Jennifer Nwatu

Sate Of Origin: Enugu State 

Date Of Birth: 30th January

Marital Status: Single

Name: Okoronkwo Ifeoma Vivian 

State: Imo

Marital Status: Single 

Date Of Birth: 14Th January

Full Name: Atori Jacinta 

Date of Birth: 30/ 01

State of Origin : Delta 

Marital status: Single 

Full Name: NKECHI OKI 

Date of Birth. 19TH JANUARY 

State Of Origin: DELTA

Marital Status: SINGLE 

Name:Ekenemaria Eugene Eze

State: Anambra State

Date Of Birth: 24th January 

Marital Status: Single

Name: Oluseun Sebastian Oyedele 

DOB: 23/01

State: Ondo

Marital status: single

Name: Egujie Anone Cynthia 

Date Of Birth: January 28th

State of Origin: Edo state

marital Status: Single 

SATURDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD ( 24TH JANUARY, 2025)

SELECTED REFLECTIONS OF MEMBERS.

THIRD SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME YEAR A

The readings;

1st Reading: (Isaiah 9:1-4) or Is 8:23-9:3

RESPONSORIAL PSALM  (Psalm 27: 1.4. I 3-14 (R. 1a)

2nd Reading:  (1 Corinthians 1:10- 13. 17)

Gospel Reading:  (Matthew 4: 12-23)

Awotoye Matthew. 

My Reflection 

This passage reminds us that God is a God of restoration and hope. Lands once treated with contempt are now made glorious, showing that no situation is beyond God’s transforming power. Where there was darkness, God brings light; where there was sorrow, He restores joy.

The breaking of the yoke and the rod of oppression assures us that God does not ignore the suffering of His people. Just as He delivered them in the days of Midian, He continues to free us from every burden that weighs us down.

This reading calls us to trust in God’s light, to rejoice in His saving power, and to live as people who walk no longer in darkness but in hope and freedom.

Gloria Obasogie Mrs

My Reflection

 Saint Paul teaches that unity in the Church is not optional, it is essential to the Gospel. Division tears the Body of Christ and weakens the Church’s witness. Unity does not mean everyone thinking the same, but belonging together in Christ through baptism and the Cross. Pride, factions, and personal loyalties destroy communion. Scripture, Church teaching, and Jesus’ own prayer all show that unity gives life and strength. A divided Church cannot heal the world. Unity requires daily conversion, choosing love, humility, forgiveness, and walking together so Christ may be clearly seen.

Br.Simon-Derah

Reflection of 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Is 9:2).

 Isaiah speaks to a people oppressed, confused, and afraid, yet God promises light. This light is not an idea but a Person. The Psalm confirms it: “The Lord is my light and my salvation” (Ps 27:1).

In the Gospel, that prophecy comes alive. Jesus leaves Nazareth and settles in Capernaum the land of Zebulun and Naphtali the very place Isaiah mentioned. He begins with a simple but radical message: “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Then He calls ordinary fishermen into an extraordinary mission: “Follow me.”

What strikes me is that Jesus meets them in the middle of their daily work. No preparation, no seminar, no qualification. Just a response. 

 *I remember a moment in my own journey when, in the middle of routine community duties, I felt God inviting me not to do more, but to be more available. That quiet call changed how I saw my vocation.* 

St. Paul, in the second reading, warns against divisions. When Christ is the light, there is no room for factions. 

Light unites; 

darkness divides.

For us as Christians, this Gospel is a mirror. We are called from our “boats” comfort zones, personal plans, and preferences to become fishers of men through unity, humility, and availability.

Christ still walks into the “Galilees” of our world: confused youths, broken families, wounded minds. He still says, “Follow me.”

 *One striking connection about todays Reading* : is that all the readings reveal Christ as the Light who calls us out of darkness into a united mission with Him.

Let us follow Christ who is a perfect leader and he will not leads us astray. Amen.

Shalom!!!

Chinwe Ann Udechukwu

MY REFLECTION ON THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 

The three readings of today is pointing towards; Light, Unity, and God's calling. God brings light where there seems to be darkness, and he calls us to work together in that light.

*In Galilee, the people have seen a great light.*

From the first reading this is not just mere word, rather a declaration of hope and promise from God through Isaiah to the people weighed down by fear, suffering, poverty, depression, sickness etc. This shows that God whom we serve does not abandon his people even in our darkest moment, rather he makes a move to deliver us no matter the situation, but the issue is, do we believe in this declaration?

Most times we see ourselves in a situation that we doubt God still exist especially when we think we have been a faithful servant yet things around us aren't showing it.

In the second reading, “I appeal to you, brethren, that there be no dissension among you.”

Paul shows us exactly what it means to live in that light that Christ has brought. We ought not to allow pride, personal interest, jealousy, rivalry to exist among us, because it weakens the light and dims it, rather we should be united in mind and purpose of the crucified Christ not personality. It's quite unfortunate, the kind of disunity amongst us these days is alarming. Even inside the church we have groups of favorites and frenemies. Today St. Paul is telling me and you that there's no need because it doesn't promote God's light in us, rather it dims and quenches it.

In the gospel of Matthew, we see the fulfillment of Isaiah's message:

*“He went to Capernaum, that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled.”*

This is a remote region which might have been looked down upon, but he started there and the light shines on them. This shows that God sees us wherever we are on this planet earth. There he saw two brothers and ordinary fisherman and called on them to follow him. God does not call by profession, irrespective of your profession, age, race, etc Jesus can call you at anytime but there's a striking thing in that calling, immediately the two men were called upon, what happened? They left everything and followed him, showing that responding to God's call requires trust and courage. Are we ready to follow Christ when he calls or do we belong to the group of holy Ghoooooost fayayayaya, it's not my portion. 

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, these readings calls us to examine our lives and know the areas that needs Christ's light and do everything possible to allow the light shine, those divisions and rivalry that quenches and dims Christ's light, we need to let go off, and ask ourselves if we are ready to follow Christ when he calls? 

May God give us the grace to choose repentance, unity and faithful discipleship, so that the light of Christ will shine through us for others to see. 

Eghe Okonofua

In the First reading Isaiah prophecies about the light of God, that is Jesus Christ. In the psalm, and 2nd reading, we are encouraged to make this light our focus and guide. 

In the gospel, the prophecy of Isaiah comes to fulfillment through Jesus, as he relocates to Galilee, preaching and teaching the people of the land, leading them to salvation.

From the above, it is clear that each of us needs to open our hearts to receive this light of Jesus. Only when we have this light can we truly defeat fear, shame, quarrelling, jealousy, dissention and receive true joy and love in our lives.

But to have this, we must be open and ready such that when Jesus comes to us and says - follow me, we will be ready to immediately say yes, abandon the existing darkness and step into the light.

May the light of God, reach deep into the dark areas of our lives, and dispel it forever. Amen

Nwatu Jennifer Chioma.

Jesus was preaching the Gospel of the kingdom and healing every infirmity among the people.

Funny how I see people say I have to pray/ I have to preach/ I have to go to the mountain to be with the Lord😊etc,. when a sick brother or sister is in need of our assistance🙂 as if to say the latter isn't as important as the former.

Don't get me wrong please 🙏 To pray is very vital in fact it is to be our nature through constant practice and commitment but we equally need to pay close attention to other ways God is asking us to draw close to Him. It could be through health care services, banking services, political services, Architectural services, IT services, Art works, photography, pastoral work etc. these areas can also be means for us to experience God likewise prayer which was clearly demonstrated by our Lord and Saviour in the Acclamation; Matthew 4:23.

Jesus acted with intention so must we, 

Jesus carried out both activity together, he understood that both are of clear importance to the human person thereby giving us an example. We too must do likewise and remove every act of guilt, selfish or irrational thinking that might prevent us from seeing clearly.

Also, let us put in mind the words of St. John Bosco, the Patron Saint for Youths as he helps us further with these words; Run, Jump, shout but do not sin".

Also, the words of Saint Benedict Nursia can equally help us" Ora et Labora" (Pray and work)...

Let us ask God to give us the strength we need always and the grace to act in the right manner.🙏

SATURDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD(17TH JANUARY, 2025)

 SELECTED REFLECTIONS OF MEMBERS ACROSS THE GROUPS.

SECOND SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME YEAR A 
1st Reading: (Isaiah 49:3, 5-6)
RESPONSORIAL PSALM  ( Ps 40:2 and 4ab.7-5a. 8b-9. 10 (R. 8a. 9a)
2nd Reading: (1 Corinthians 1:1-3)
Gospel Reading: *(John 1:29-34)

Chidinma Dominica Akpaji

REFLECTION 

The Gospel narrative clearly present to us that we should have a clear vision of our mission on earth and stick to it.

It also presents to us that Christ is truly the Lamb of God whose mission is to take away the sins of the world.

When we have a clear      vision of our mission here on earth as married couple, a youth, a religious or a priest, then we can boldly say in the words of Psalm 39: "Here I am Lord! I come to do your will". Both Isaiah in the first reading as well as Paul in the second reading have clear ideas of their missions. 

We therefore pray that God will give us a clear insight to know and embrace our mission on earth. Amen

Nwoko Valentine Eziokwu

REFLECTION 

'There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world’. 

John the Baptist was bearing witness to Jesus before others, pointing them in the direction of Jesus. People like John the Baptist needed to witness if other people were to come to Jesus. We have all come to the Lord through the witness of others. We don’t come    to the Lord on our own. 

We can probably all name people whose witness had an influence on our own relationship with the Lord. Their witness may not have been very explicit or even very self-conscious on their part. Yet, we sensed that their faith was central to their lives and shaped who they were and how they lived. Without their necessarily saying anything, their faith-filled life influenced us and helped our own relationship with the Lord to grow. 

We can never underestimate the influence of our own faith life on others. If we are seeking to grow in our relationship with the Lord, the Lord will work through us. The fruits of the Lord’s working through us may not always be obvious to us. We may be disappointed that our own quiet witnessing to our faith is not having more of an impact on others. Yet, if we create a space for the Lord in our own lives and open our hearts to his Spirit, we can be certain that those we encounter will be opened up to the Lord. 

As we grow in holiness, our lives will be quietly proclaiming, ‘there is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world’.

Elizabeth Iwuoha

REFLECTION 

Taking a look at the second reading, St. Paul reminds us that we as Christians are called to Saints. 

The question might now be, what do I do as one called to be a Saint? 

This takes us to the instruction in the first reading and the declaration in the Psalm. 

In the first reading, God tells us that we are His servants in whom he will be Glorified. 

How will God be Glorified in us? 

It's through our lifestyles. 

Through the things that people see around us, that wants to make them turn to God. 

How do we do these things? We do like the Palmist said, tell God we have come to do His will. 

In our homes, our lives style should be the Gospel we preach. 

At our workplaces/business places, let your lifestyle Glorify God. 

Don't turn your workplace to WorkChop, be sincere. 

Don't wreck people with hiked price at your business places, it doesn't glorify God. 

When you do good for someone, don't become a demigod, Let God take the Glory. 

Let us also remember that it's the little we do, not the words we say, that matters. 

Be a living Saint,intentionally do something good today for God to be Glorified😊

Augustine Asuquo Udofa

REFLECTION 

Before the birth of John the Baptist as the forerunner of Christ, John didn't have any idea about Jesus Christ even though during the visitation of Our Mother Mary to his mother he leapt for joy in the womb of his mother. He was only recognizing a greater personality before him but didn't know who this personality was and what he was coming to do.

It was at this event, that inspired by the Holy Spirit of God John could recognized who Jesus truly was and shouted: "Behold the Lamb of God who take away the sins of the world". And he confessed 

"this is he of whom I said, "After me comes a man who ranks before me...". "I myself did not know him...".

In this our time, Jesus revealed himself to us in the Eucharist, in his Word, in his Sacramentals and in his Priests. Let us therefore take advantage of this and so be in Communion with Jesus so that we can be able to also reveal him to others for their salvation - which is the ultimate purpose of which Jesus came into the world.

Praise God.

Angela Igninazaka

REFLECTION 

Recognizing the Lamb of God 

These past week has been a very traumatic experience for me having to deal with my moms condition right from the airport to ICU and baffled with the fact that she didn’t show any symptoms in the last couple of weeks I was with her. The way I was able to recognize there was a challenge while sitting next to her draws me to a deeper reflection of my relationship with her. 

So I ask myself a fundamental question; do I have this personal relationship with Jesus who is the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world?. 

Having known my mom since birth gave me the chance to recognize her as my mother with a smile the very first time I was born and this can be likened to my personal relationship with God that I should be able to recognize him in every situation and acknowledge his presence in them. 

I want to bear witness just like John and proclaim that indeed Jesus Christ is the son of God.

Eze Ekenemaria

REFLECTION 

BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD 

In the First Reading, Isaiah introduces the Suffering Servant, chosen by God to restore Israel and, beyond that, to be a light to all nations. God’s plan of salvation is universal, extending not only to Israel but to the entire world.

In the second reading, St. Paul identifies himself as one called by God to be an Apostle. Through his ministry, especially among the Gentiles, he embodies this mission of bringing God’s light to the nations.

In the Gospel, John the Baptist reveals Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Jesus is the true Paschal Lamb whose sacrifice brings a new beginning and freedom from sin.

Together, these readings remind us that God continually calls and sends His people to reflect His light. As Christ’s followers, we too are entrusted with the mission of becoming beacons of hope, leading others to the saving light of God.

Social Friday (Celebrating OCCF members, December 2025)

 

At OCCF, We celebrate our members collectively at the end of the month, collate their intentions and have our Spiritual Director ( Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, OSJ) and his Assistant (Fr. Toby Ndiukwu) offer the Holy Mass for them.

We wish them many happy and fruitful returns..

Parabéns, dear members, and many blessings!

Meet Our October and November Celebrants🎈🥳😁

Fr. Joseph Nnabuike Edeh

ANNIVERSARY 

Date - 20th December

State of Origin - Enugu

Patricia Christopher Essiet

BIRTHDAY 

D.O.B - 18th December 

State of Origin - Akwa Ibom

Status - Married

.

Dr. Kenneth Ashiabuchi

BIRTHDAY 

D.O.B - 9th December 

State of Origin - Imo

Status - Married

Rev. Sr. Geraldine Chidiebere Offor

BIRTHDAY 

D.O.B - 12th December 

State of Origin - Anambra

Status - Religious 

Mary Miapma

BIRTHDAY 

D.O.B - 26th December 

State of Origin - Plateau 

Status - Single

Saturday of the Word of God (December 20,2025)

Selected Reflection for the Week

 

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

FIRST READING: Isaiah 7:10-14

RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Psalm 24: 1-2.3-4ab.5-6 (R. cf. 7c.10c)

SECOND READING: Romans 1: 1-7

GOSPEL READING: Matthew 1:18-24

Rosemary Ibazebo

Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? Who shall stand in His Holy place? The clean of hands and pure of heart, whose soul is not set on vain things.

What is my soul set on?

Especially in this festive season....are our hearts and souls set on Christ, the reason for the season, or on something else?

We must make Christ the center of our lives and hearts....and may He guide our paths all the days of our lives.

Glory to Jesus!

Chinwe Ann Udechukwu

MY REFLECTION 

    In a state of confusion, what do you do? When you are struggling in all situation, what do you consider God's will?

My Reflection will be coming from the Gospel pertaining St. Joseph and Blessed Virgin Mary's actions.

It really baffles me how St. Joseph was able to cope with such a dicey situation of accepting that the woman whom he trusts so much got pregnant and he wasn't responsible for it, yet he was advised to take her home. In a world today social media will be the first place St. Joseph would have gone in order to seek advice from his social friends and also embarrass and expose his betrothed, but what did he do? He prayed and God told him what to do in the dream and he went ahead and did exactly! He didn't look for any god of man to expose his fiancee because he didn't understand what is happening, but he accepted the humiliation from her because that was God's will.

In relation to our blessed mother Mary, she was exposed to such misunderstanding with her supposed husband and also in the public eye, how will she explain that pregnancy came without him having any canal knowledge with her husband? She was humbled in all these happening, in our world today as far as she is aware that she is carrying God, she would have told her husband Joseph to go to hell for all she cares, no she didn't, rather in all the two of them was able to solve the misunderstanding through God's intervention without involving an outsider. 

Let us ask ourselves a salient question if I find myself in Joseph and Mary's shoes how would I have handled the situation?

Lord, please give us the grace to always listen to you as we pray and accept your will in our lives, even when it exposes us to danger and humiliation, let us trust that you will never abandon us. Amen.

Samuel Ikechukwu Okolo

If it is God that began it he will perfect it! If he is Alpha in your situation, decision and project he will be Omega.

The birth of Jesus was recorded to demonstrate to us how to birth anything we hope will have spiritual relevance.

His genealogy teaches us family is sacred as it preserves spiritual heritage in bloodlines.

His Annunciation was to demonstrate the importance of a life of purity and piety that births divine revelations as Jesus taught that the pure shall see God and Mary not only saw but was overshadowed and God took flesh in her.

Joseph teaches us how to pick spiritual frequencies by attentive listening and righteousness.

The Name of Jesus revealed exposes God's divine salvation and the office or power of the Christ.

Christmas is the road map to birth a glorious life in Christ. Follow the pattern closely.

Nwoko Valentine Eziokwu

My Reflection:                                                                      “Let it be done to me according to thy will.”

These are dangerous words – powerful words.

With these words, a brave woman puts aside her own will and desires, and yields to another.In God’s plan, there are no coincidences.Over the years, when praying this third petition of the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy will be done,” even as a child, I always felt that due to my own imperfections, I was falling short of performing God’s Holy Will. Although I always sought to accomplish God’s Will through my words and deeds, I generally felt deep within my heart and soul that it was impossible to properly do so.

When praying the words, “Thy Will be done,” isn’t it true that we often hope that “God’s Will” matches our will or, at least, our specific hopes and desires? Isn’t it the case that we hope God’s Will be what we want at the time of our prayer? When we pray the words “Thy Will be done,” do we truly submit to His Will or is our will somehow conditioned by what we currently want?

In addition to day-to-day decisions which involve God’s permissive Will, there is also God’s ordaining Will that refers to our vocation or state in life.

Atife Oghenerukevwe Valentina

God made the impossible possible by making a virgin give birth to a child,not just a child but a child of Salvation. 

Why are we tired of praying for God's miracle? Is your situation so bad that the impossible cannot happen? If a virgin can conceive and give birth, something that will never happen again in this life, why do u think your situation, problem, condition that is not rate cannot be turned into a miracle by the I AM THAT I AM?

I pray that as we prepare for the coming of the Savior,may we have the patience to continue praying not only for our situation to be a miracle but not to be found in sin when the greatest miracle comes. Amen.

Comfort Mary Edewor

My Reflection on the Gospel.

The gospel reading points to the necessity for us Christians to seek God's face in every situation, and before taking any important decisions. Joseph's decision to send Mary away when he found out that she was pregnant was humanly justifiable because that was what the law prescribed. However, being the just and honest man that Joseph was,it was easy for him to discard the carnal suggestion to dismiss Mary because he had learned to consult God in every situation.

Many Christians fail to realize that prayer is a dialogue between God and man. When you have prayed it is necessary to create the time and atmosphere to listen to God concerning your request. This means that the more time you spend in communion with God, the more likely you are to understand God's divine plan for your particular situation. This must be one reason the first gift from our Lord Jesus Christ to his disciples after his ascension was the holy Spirit, who was sent to teach them all things.

Let us learn to be patient in discerning God's plan in every circumstance for only in that lies our peace.

SATURDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD (13TH DECEMBER, 2025)

SELECTED REFLECTIONS OF MEMBERS 

Sunday December 14, 2025

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (GAUDETE)

The readings will be as follows:

*1st Reading: (Isaiah 35:1-6a.10)*

*RESPONSORIAL PSALM  (Psalm 146:6c-7.8-9a.9bc—10 (R. cf. 1s 35:4)*

*2nd Reading: (James 5:7-10)*

*Gospel Reading: *(Matthew 11:2-11)*

Michael Umande

```LESSON 4️⃣ (BOOK OF PSALM)```

*From the Responsorial Psalm (Chp 146)* 

_it is the Lord... (v6)_

We're encouraged here to trust God in all circumstances because he is capable. He's done it before and will do it again.

He's done it for the oppressed. He's done it for the hungry. He's done it for the prisoners. He's done it for the orphans and the blinds. Will he not do it for you? 

He's done it for the just and even the stranger. In the eyes of God we're one. You're not less valuable. Your time has not yet come. While you wait in hope for his coming, remain steadfast in faith and confidence in his promise for he's coming to save you. While we rejoice, we must also hope and trust in him. See you in the next lesson

Uzo Josephine Chika

Patience is a virtue...

 Don't say; since I came of the age of reasoning, I have been hearing the kingdom of God is at hand, till today... Why hasn't the kingdom of God come?

 I tell you today the kingdom of God will come when we least expect...

 All we need to do is to be patient and keep holding up to our faith in God!

Martha Onuh

*God himself will come and save us*

As we reflect on the third Sunday of Advent, I see a message of hope as the first reading from the prophecy of Isaiah tells us that "the wilderness and the dry land shall be glad and the desert shall rejoice and blossom". This gives us hope and consolation in the coming of our Messiah, it assures us that when he comes sorrow shall be no more.

But the question is; *Are you ready for this coming?* St. Paul encourages us in the second reading to be patient as the lord's coming is at hand. What are you doing today to prepare yourself for his coming? How are you living today to prepare for his coming? What are you giving up in preparation for his coming? 

As Christmas draws nearer may God help us to prepare well not just materially but to also prepare our hearts 🙏

Blessing Onohewe Harrison

MY REFLECTION 

Jesus is recognizing how truly great John the Baptist was his courage, his role as the forerunner of Christ, his dedication, and how he stood firmly for truth. Among all those “born of women” meaning, ordinary human birth John stands out as exceptional.

But then Jesus says, “yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

That’s the twist.

It’s not a disrespect to John. Rather, it’s Jesus highlighting how the *kingdom of heaven* the new spiritual reality He came to establish operates on a higher level. John lived under the old covenant, pointing *towards* the Messiah. But those who receive and live in the reality of the kingdom, no matter how “small” they seem, are part of something far greater a new covenant, grace, salvation through Christ.

Jesus isn’t comparing worth. He’s showing that the privilege of living in the fulfilled promise in relationship with God through Christ is even greater than the highest status under the old law.

It’s humbling and hopeful. Even when you feel insignificant, in Christ, you’re part of something greater than even the greatest before Him.

Evang Jeremiah Onwukaobi

*PATIENCE IN WAITING*

This second reading gives us a beautiful illustration why we must wait in patience.

Whatever we do in life requires the virtue of patience, for without it, we grow weary and loose both faith and hope.

Here St Paul admonishes us to *"Establish our hearts for the coming of the Lord is at hand"* 

This patience makes us understand that, as long as we wait in expectation and in joyful hope, God would surely accomplish His promises in our lives. 

As Christmas draws nigh, Jesus is ever present; but desires us to always prepare our hearts for His second coming, whichever way He wishes to come to us. 

In this joyful season, may God fill us with heavenly joy as He finds us waiting eagerly for the appearance of His Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen

SATURDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD(6TH NOVEMBER, 2025)

 SELECTED REFLECTIONS OF MEMBERS ACROSS THE GROUPS.

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR A)
1st Reading: (Isaiah 11:1-10)
RESPONSORIAL PSALM  (Psalm 72:1-2.7-8.12-13.17(R.cf.7)
2nd Reading: (Romans 15:4-9)
Gospel Reading: *(Matthew 3: 1-12)

George Tempulo De Maria. 

REFLECTION 

The first reading carries a foundational information that anyone who is truly a Christian must Anchor on.

"He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness He shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked."

Pause again and read through it again until your soul recognizes this foundational truth about Christ our lord. Until your heart is attuned to follow in his steps. Our lord gave us an example, that we may follow in his steps. This is a summary of the state of mind and heart of the one that we must put our hope in and strive to be like. 

Many times we will fail, but He is more interested in the sincerity with which we rise, put all our hope in him and follow him again.

If we are truly sincere, His grace shows up to; give us the strength we lack to complete what is required of us, or though we'll be stumbling and falling, he will not count the fall as truly a fall for us, or both.

Trust in the Lord, dearest one, He is more than worthy of our trust. Hope in him and what you hope for can never be taken away from you.

Miriam Ifeoma Chigbu 

REFLECTION 

How do we Bear Fruits That Befit Repentance......

We bear fruits by

1. TURN FROM SIN AND LIVE DIFFERENTLY.

-Repentance begins in the heart but must show in behavior.

-Stop practices that dishonor God.

-Break sinful habits.

-Make different choices than before.

2. WALK IN OBEDIENCE TO GOD'S WORD 

You cannot say you are repentant while ignoring God’s commands.

-Read the Word.

-Apply it.

-Let the Holy Spirit correct and guide your daily decisions.

3. DEVELOP A HUMBLE AND TEACHABLE HEART.

-Repentance requires humility.

-Admit wrongs.

-Accept correction.

-Allow the Holy Spirit and others to point out blind spots.

4. MAKE RESTITUTION WHERE POSSIBLE 

-Apologize when you hurt someone.

-Restore what you took.

-Fix what you broke.

-Make Amends 

5. PRODUCE THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT 

A repentant life will show new character:

Galatians 5:22–23:

-Love

-Joy

-Peace

-Patience

-Kindness

-Goodness

-Faithfulness

-Gentleness

-Self-control

6. CULTIVATE CONTINUAL FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD 

Repentance is not a one-day event—it is a lifestyle.

-Pray regularly

-Seek God’s presence

-Stay connected to the Spirit.

In John 15:5, Jesus said " Abide in me and you will bear much fruits.

7. SERVE OTHERS IN LOVE 

-Help the needy

-Forgive quickly

-Seek peace

-Encourage others

In essence, To bear fruits that befit repentance, we must:

TURN FROM SIN 

OBEY GOD'S WORD 

REMAIN HUMBLE 

MAKE THINGS RIGHT 

SHOW THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT 

STAY CLOSE TO GOD 

LOVE AND SERVE PEOPLE 

Repentance is seen not in words, but in transformed living🙏🏼✝️

Victor Enabudoso

REFLECTION 

The gospel shows how John the Baptist came onto the scene with no warm greetings or some comforting words but a burning call to conversion. His message is very simple yet deeply piercing, and it says, "Change your heart and turn back to God." The wilderness where he preaches will somehow mirror the inner deserts of our souls, which is a place of distraction, complacency, and quiet compromise where God is still longing to be heard.

The message of repentance is not merely about feeling sorry for our sins; it is a deliberate decision to be transformed.

John the Baptist also humbly reminds us that his role is only to prepare the way. It is Christ alone who brings the true baptism, the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is capable of burning away sin and making our hearts new. 

This Gospel message invites us to examine ourselves and ask deep questions. Are we simply near the Kingdom, or are we allowing it to take root in us? The path to Christ is made straight not by perfection but by repentance that opens the soul to grace.

Today, the voice of John the Baptist still cries out with the word "Repent, Return, and Prepare the way for the Lord for He is already near than we first thought.

Ikeanyi Eugenia

REFLECTION 

The Chaff He Will Burn With Unquenchable Fire.

Greetings to you brethren!

The word of the Lord has come to us yet again.

The first reading talks about righteousness and harmonial living, not been scared of anything or anyone you feel is stronger than you. Genuine love, understanding and peaceful living with one another will be the only thing taking place by then.

Second reading talks about we living together in harmony, for when we are in harmony with one another, then we can be able to Glorify God together with one voice. And with this, those that did not know God may come to know Him through our oneness.

In the Gospel, St John's the Baptist was preaching and urging us to repent for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand. We should get ready to Way of the Lord. This getting ready the way of the Lord that St John is talking about is we the creatures of God, getting ourselves ready for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Keeping our souls free from sin and impurity. As we prepare for Christmas, let us not only carry out the physical preparations, but also carry out the spiritual preparations by making ourselves worthy for the indwelling of Christ as He comes into the world as an infant. When Christ comes into the world, He will select His own, those who prepare for His coming, and those that are not His own He will burn with Unquenchable Fire .

May we be among those to be counted among God's own in Jesus name 🙏🙏🙏.

Philip Okoye

REFLECTION 

Greetings , brothers and sisters in Christ. It's another opportunity to share with ourselves , the readings for the second Sunday of ADVENT , in our SATWOG program of today.

More often than not , we are carried away by physical preparations for the Christmas festivity. Most of us are seeing preparing our homes , adorning them with beautiful decorations, Christmas trees and lights . We are caught up with the buying of new and beautiful dresses 👗, shoes 👟 and all. For some others , it's Christmas holiday vacations , and trips to other beautiful parts of the world. 

While these worldly preparations are not bad in themselves , we need to give priority to how well we are making preparations of our soul , for the coming of Christ. The readings call us to prioritize the preparation of our hearts , making it a befitting place for Christ to dwell in , when he finally comes.

In the first reading in this second week of ADVENT , prophet Isaiah continues his emphasis on the need for us to be rest assured of the redemption that lies ahead . He calls us to make adequate preparations because all things will be made well through the coming and salvation of Christ.

As mostly seen , our world has been bedeviled by inequality , unfairness, oppressions , persecutions , injustice e.t.c . Prophet Isaiah's message is quite reassuring and reignites hope . He teaches that we should be hopeful and never be discouraged because the coming of Christ will wipe away our tears by bringing us the fullness of salvation.

In the same way , the psalmist extols , by teaching us to hope and believe , that Christ's coming shall cause justice to flourish , and great peace shall reign forever amongst those who have prepared adequately to receive Him.

In the second reading likewise , St. Paul re-echoes the same message of adequate preparations for the coming of Christ . He teaches the need to persevere in all that challenges our christian life . He ponts out the importance of being steadfast , believing , trusting with unwaivering hope , in the preparation of our souls for the coming of Christ.

In addition, St. Paul teaches that as we prepare , we should emulate the life of Christ. We are called to make sacrifices without discrimination. And that as we prepare for this ADVENT , we should live our christian life in uprightness . In this way , our christian life can be so attractive that it can draw unbelievers so they can have an encounter , and experience the salvation of Christ as well.

In the same vein in the gospel reading , the voice of John the Baptist  keeps admonishing us to turn away from our sins. His voice keeps echoing the need for us to repent and prepare the way of the Lord , by making his path straight.

He teaches us the danger of damnation and death , that lies ahead of all those who refuse to accept the message of repentance and salvation of Christ. 

On this , John the Baptist calls us to start off our preparations , by repenting of our sins , forgive and reconcile with everyone , show contrition for our failings , go for confession so as to enjoy the infinite mercy of God , which is always accessible each time we run back after our falls , into the waiting arms of God.

Prayer : We therefore pray for the grace of strong-will and perseverance , as we make preparations of our souls in this ADVENT , for the coming of our savior , Jesus Christ... this we ask through Christ our Lord , Amen 🙏.

Okoronkwo Ifeoma Vivian 

REFLECTION 

This emphasises repentance, humility and preparation for God's coming, calling people to straighten the paths and make way for the Lord.

  How do we make way for the Lord?

- Repent and turn from your sin

- Be honest and content.

- Prepare your hearts for God's coming.

- Share what you have with the needy.

The most important is prayer, self _ reflection, acts of love, kindness and living according to God's teaching.

May God give us the heart of repentance in Jesus name.