OUR CATHOLIC COMMUNITY FORUM (OCCF)

SATURDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD (1ST AUGUST, 2026)

INSPIRING REFLECTIONS FROM MEMBERS

Laity Reflections for 18th Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year A

1st Reading: (Isaiah 55:1-3)
RESPONSORIAL PSALM (Psalm 145:8-9. 15-16. 17-1b(R/.16)
2nd Reading: (Roman 8: 35, 37-39)
Gospel: (Matthew 14:13-21)

Patricia Christopher Essiet

REFLECTION

My reflection from Matt. 14:13-21

King Herod had John the Baptist killed out of pride and foolish promises. When Jesus heard the news, He tried to get away to be alone, showing its okay to feel grief and find quiet time with God.

Jesus felt deep pity for the large crowd. He took just five small loaves of bread two fish, blessed them and fed five thousand people with food left over. This teaches that God can take whatever small time, talent, or money we give Him and multiply it to help others. May this be our portion through Christ our Lord Amen

Kingsley Nnanna Onah

REFLECTION

"And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over"

This scriptural passage shows us that even though Jesus had the capacity to multiply more loaves of bread, still he cared for the little broken pieces and never wanted any to be wasted.

This is a great reminder to all of us who have enough to be careful on how we manage our resources. That we have enough to buy more do not give us the right to waste anything whatsoever. It is both a sin against God and an act against humanity.

Do not let your food spoil nor let anything under your possession waste. We can always share with those who need them.

Dinma Anekwe

REFLECTION

Feeding of 5,000 men

I call this miracle of abundance. It is good this sermon is coming at this new month which for me is the month of abundance. Jesus is so graceful and whoever that belongs to Him will never hunger or thirst.

After feeding the five thousand men with five loaves of bread and two fish the left overs were picked into twelve baskets. The symbolism of these are:

1. 12 baskets representing twelve tribes of Israel.

2. No waste in the house of God. We should not be wasteful in our God given resources while others need them.

3. We should be generous in giving to those we are better than

4. Jesus does not like dirt. That was why the remaining were picked and cleaned up.

I earnestly pray for great resources and the grace to be gifting more to those in need 🙏.

Genevieve Nwaneri

REFLECTION

Dear brothers and sisters, the second reading reminds us of the unshakable and constant love of Christ towards us. Our journey in life may bring trials, disappointment and even doubt in God but NONE of these has the power to separate us from Christ's love.

St. Paul invites us to place our trust in Christ, believe in Him and hold fast to His promises. His love is out greatest source of courage, peace and victory.

May God grant us the grace to believe in the love of Christ. Amen.

Ekenemaria Eze

REFLECTION

In the first reading from the Prophet Isaiah, God invites us to seek Him, assuring us that He alone can satisfy our deepest needs and remains faithful to His everlasting covenant.

In the Gospel, Jesus feeds the multitude with five loaves and two fish, bringing to mind the importance of the Holy Eucharist, where He continues to nourish His Church with His own Body and Blood. Just as He satisfied the crowd's physical hunger, Christ now feeds us spiritually through His Word and the Eucharist, the true Bread of Life, which alone satisfies the deepest hunger of the human heart.

Comfort Mary Edewor

REFLECTION

The First Reading reminds me that the most important food for which I should source after is the food for the soul, and it costs nothing. No amount of nutrition outside the word of God can truly satisfy. Reading and meditating on the word of God is all that we need to satisfy that deep seated hunger.

The second reading affirms the truth that the love of God is unchanging. No situation in the present or in the future can change the nature of God's love for us made perfect in Christ Jesus. His love for us is not based on anything we have done for him nor can it be altered in any way by any behavior on our part either now or in the future.

From the gospel passage, I see the reaction of our Lord Jesus Christ to the news of John the Baptist s death. Even as the crowd followed him, He did not allow the pain of John's death to interfere with his ministry. That is food for thought for me.

I also see why I must continue to trust God in every situation even when it seems very foolish. The same Jesus who fed over five thousand followers with just five barley loaves and two fish is still the same Jesus we encounter at Mass everyday. I should never be afraid to approach him with what seems impossible to me because he continues to perform such miracles in the lives of those who trust in him

SOCIAL FRIDAY 2026 ( JULY CELEBRANTS ACROSS THE FORUM)

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 celebrants😁🥰

Fr. FEN OKOHA MSP

09 JULY

EBONYI

BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY

ANAMBRA STATE

22ND JULY

Fr JOSEPH NNABUIKE EDEH

ENUGU STATE

15TH JULY

MICHARL BENEDICT

10TH JULY

RIVERS STATE

SINGLE

IRENE TESA EGBUNIWE

SINGLE

28TH JULY

DELTA STATE

ODOH CANDIDUS CHUKWUDI

15th JULY.

ENUGU STATE.

MARRIED

MRS IFEJIOKUONYEKACHUKWU MATILDA

17 JULY

ANAMBRA

MARRIED

IGNATIUS AKITI JUDE

15 JULY

EDO SATE

SINGLE

SATURDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD ( 25TH JULY 2026).

SELECTED REFLECTIONS OF MEMBERS

SUNDAY JULY 26, 2026 17TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

1st Reading: (1 Kings 3:5.7-12)

RESPONSORIAL PSALM (Ps 119:57 and 72.76-77.127-128. 129-130 (R. 97a)

2nd Reading: (Romans 8:28-30)

Gospel: (Matthew 13:44-52)

ORIKE PRAISE OTITO

My reflection from today's second reading

In today's second reading, St. Paul gives us a powerful assurance "We know that in everything God works for good with those who love Him." This does not mean that everything we experience is good. We will still face disappointments, pain, delays, and trials. However, it means that God is able to use every situation, whether joyful or difficult, to accomplish His purpose in our lives.

The lives of many people in the Bible reflect this truth. Joseph was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, yet God used those painful experiences to save many lives and fulfill His promise. Likewise, Jesus's suffering on the cross, which seemed like defeat, became the greatest victory for the salvation of humanity.

St. Paul also reminds us that God has called us to be conformed to the image of His Son. This means that our lives are not shaped by chance but by God's loving purpose. Every experience, if entrusted to Him, can draw us closer to becoming more like Christ.

When life becomes uncertain, let us remember that God never wastes our struggles. Even when we cannot understand His plans, we can trust His heart, knowing that He is always working for the good of those who love Him.

May the Lord strengthen our faith to trust Him in every season, help us remain faithful to His call, and shape our lives more and more into the image of His Son. Amen 🙏

Immaculata Emmanuel

My reflection from the reading is this, what are the thoughts in your heart? Are they pure? Holy? Acceptable in the sight of God? From the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. What do you nurture in your heart? Solomon was made a king, I believe that the thoughts in his heart were how to govern the people at his age, there were both young and old, I think he pondered this in his heart and that is why when God asked him to ask whatever he wanted he asked for the thing in his heart that he wanted the most, God seeing his heart was pleased with him, God sees the heart, he knows each and everyone of us and sees the thoughts in our hearts, guide your heart and your mind, examine what you think about, it starts from little until it grows, everything we become is as a result of what we nurture in our hearts, above all, make God the center of your life, always ask Jesus to make your heart like his own and you'll see what the thoughts in your hearts are. Always submit and surrender everything to Jesus, it can be very difficult especially when you are facing difficulties but guide your mind and surrender everything to God like Solomon and you'll see God's manifestations in your life.

Like the psalmist says, our sole purpose in life is to live and die in God, the catechism of the church says that God made us to know him, love him and serve him in this life and to be happy with him forever in the next. When we surrender everything to God and live for God then you'll be able to say like the psalmist "Lord, how I love your law". It takes a deeper and personal encounter with God to be able to say to be happy and joyously seek to know the laws of God and keep to it despite everything, when you have a personal encounter with God, you'll have great joy in serving God and you'll see that the decrees of God are wonderful indeed.

In the second reading, Saint Paul still pointed it out that before we were formed in the womb, God knows us, he has already predestined us in his image. He knows what each of our missions are, when we submit to the will of God for us, he will glorify us, when we surrender ourselves to God, he takes over, you just have to say "Jesus take the wheel" then sit back and watch him take it, he'll always give us the grace for that which he has called us to be and do.

And in the gospel, we see how beautiful it is to serve God, when we serve God in spirit and in truth, when we surrender everything to God and choose all for God, when we join our voices like the saints to say "All for You, Jesus. All through You. All with You. All for the glory of God" Then we store up great treasures in heaven, knowing and loving God and surrendering everything to God is us storing up treasures in heaven, at the end of our lives, we will be accountable to God, when we stand at the judgement throne, are we going to receive the words of Jesus that says "welcome my worthy and faithful servant to the eternal glory" or it'll be "depart from me for I know you not".

Igbinazaka Angela

I am always thrilled by the response King Solomon gave to God because for me I would rather ask for long life and prosperity, but todays reading is a reminder of the kind of prayer intentions I should present before God so that I do not loose out in bigger benefits for immediate wants that will not last.

This can be likened with the priceless treasures Jesus compared the kingdom in the gospel reading which are more valuable than anything I can ever have in life. I am therefore reminded to learn to be good so at the close of age I will not be thrown away with the bad ones by training myself for the kingdom of heaven.

Awotoye Adeola Matthew

My Reflection

The Gospel presents three powerful images that invite us to examine what truly matters in our lives.

The hidden treasure and the pearl of great price remind us that the Kingdom of God is worth more than anything this world can offer. The men in both parables gave up everything, not because they were forced to, but because they recognized they had found something of incomparable value. Following Christ sometimes requires sacrifice giving up sinful habits, selfish ambitions, or unhealthy attachments but whatever we surrender can never compare with the joy, peace, and eternal life found in Him.

The parable of the net reminds us that God's invitation is open to everyone, but there will come a day of judgment when each person will give an account of his or her life. This is not meant to make us live in fear, but to encourage us to live faithfully, choosing righteousness each day and remaining steadfast in our relationship with God.

Finally, Jesus speaks about the scribe trained for the Kingdom, who brings out treasures both old and new. As Christians, we are called not only to receive God's Word but also to share it wisely, drawing from the timeless truths of Scripture while applying them to the realities of today. Our faith should continually grow and bear fruit in our words and actions.

PURITY EDOMWONYI

My reflection from today first reading 🌹

Today’s first reading was about King Solomon, who did not ask God for riches, long life, or power over his enemies. Instead, he humbly asked for wisdom so he could lead God’s people with understanding. This teaches me that true greatness begins with humility and a sincere desire to do God’s will.

One challenge of trying to be like Solomon is that we often pray more for material things than for wisdom. Another challenge is remaining humble after God blesses us. We also struggle to make wise decisions when emotions, pride, or worldly distractions take over. Like Solomon, we must learn to seek God’s guidance before acting.

The Gospel reminds us that Jesus is the true source of wisdom. He calls us not only to hear God’s word but to live it every day through love, forgiveness, obedience, and faithfulness. Following Christ is the greatest wisdom we can ever possess.

The hidden blessing in today’s readings is that when we sincerely ask God for wisdom with a humble heart, He gives us much more than we expect. His wisdom brings peace, right judgment, and strength to face life’s challenges. May I always seek God first, trust His direction, and allow His wisdom to guide every step of my life. Amen. 🙏🌹

Mrs. Cynthia Eronmwon

My Reflection

The first reading really strikes me as it talks about Wisdom.God is happy with us when we seek wisdom that comes from God.When we seek a discerning spirit to know what is right and wrong,what is good and evil. This is a sign to us a direction on what we should consistently seek for and pray for.God wants us to follow the example of Solomon ask for Wisdom to discern what is right and wrong.

SATURDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD (SATWOG - JULY 18TH, 2026)

SELECTED REFLECTIONS ACROSS THE GROUPS

SUNDAY JULY 19, 2026.

16TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A.

1st Reading: Wisdom 12:13. 16-19

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 86:5-6.9-10. 15-16a (R.5a)

2nd Reading: Romans 8:26-27

Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 11:25

Gospel: Matthew 13:24-43

GRACE EMMANUEL EKANEM

My Reflection on Romans 8:26-27

"WHEN WORDS FAIL, THE SPIRIT PRAYS"

Brethren, have you ever been there?

That place where your heart is too heavy to speak...

Where the pain is too deep for sentences...

Where you kneel, and all you have are tears and sighs.

Paul tells us today: You are not alone in that place.

1. The Spirit meets us in our weakness

“The Spirit helps us in our weakness” God doesn’t wait for you to have the perfect prayer. He doesn’t need eloquent words. When you’re tired, confused, or broken that’s exactly where the Holy Spirit steps in.

2. When we don’t know how to pray, He prays for us.

“We do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words.”

Those groans you can’t explain?

Those 3am prayers with no words?

Those tears in worship?

That is the Spirit praying through you.

And He prays perfectly, according to the will of God.

3. The Father understands.

“He who searches the hearts of men knows what is the mind of the Spirit” God doesn’t need you to translate your pain. He searches your heart, and the Spirit speaks it to Him.

Nothing is lost. Nothing is wasted.

So my Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

You don’t have to have it all figured out to come to God.

Come with your sighs. Come with your silence.

The Spirit is already there, interceding for you.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, thank You that You help me in my weakness. When I don’t have words, pray through me. Align my heart with the will of God today. In Jesus name. Amen.

JANEFRANCESS UDEH

MY REFLECTION

My reflection is from the Gospel...

Jesus reminds us that good and evil often exist side by side in this world. We may be tempted to judge quickly or try to remove what seems wrong, but God sees what we cannot. He is patient, giving people time to change and grow before the final judgment. His justice is perfect, and His mercy gives everyone a chance to return to Him.

The parables of the mustard seed and the yeast also encourage us not to despise small beginnings. A little act of kindness, a simple prayer, or one faithful decision can grow into something beautiful in God's hands. Our task is to remain faithful, keep choosing what is good, and trust that God will bring His work to completion in His own time.

©️ *Janefrances Udeh*

PHARM. DR. SIMON

A lot of parables here and there, just to drive home the message of salvation he was trying to pass..

This goes to show that Jesus made a lot of effort trying to preach and turn the hearts of people to repentance.

He must be a very good preacher and teacher.

How much effort do we put into dispensing the message of Christ today?

Yes, it is the Holy Spirit that does the work of conversion, but how much have we done our part so that the Holy Spirit can do His part?

Let us make efforts like Jesus.

God bless us.

SR. CLEOPATRA MARIO OGBONNA

📖 My reflection 📖

Theme: Patience (NDIDIAMAKA)

As one with a little idea of farming, the parable of the weeds and wheat always bring back memories. I know how hurting it feels to plant a seed and see weeds taking over the space and nutrients meant for the crop. In haste, then, I do remove some of the weeds immediately but doing so in the early stage affects the main crops. I end up pulling some of them out together with the weeds thereby reducing the yields during harvest.

I noticed however, if I could patiently bear the sight of those weeds for some time, I will be able to remove the weeds later on without it affecting the crops. Because by then, I differentiate better the crops from the weeds.

Just as stated in the Gospel. 🤷‍♀️

Now, going back to the Gospel, The Sower is indeed PATIENT but the question is:

Where can we honestly say we belong?

SEEDS or WEEDS?

SEEDS: Those who are governed by the Spirit of God.

WEEDS: Those who are governed by the Spirit of evil.

I know many will say they belong to the SEEDS. Because why not? Who no like better thing? Afterall, Heaven is the goal😁

But, can we answer these few questions honestly: 🤔

1. Do I make fun of others in their times of trials?

2. Do I love bringing chaos to a peaceful place?

3. Do I give loud heart wrenching criticism to others even when I know they are lies?

3. Do I slander people and spread gossips?

4. Do I find joy in causing pain to others?

5. Do I enjoy keeping malice and bearing grudges?

6. Do I demoralise others for fun?

7. On a scale of 1-10, how inconsiderate have I been to others?

When we retreat into ourselves and give honest answers, the replies will point us to where we belong, either SEEDS or WEEDS.

It will also help point to us the places we need to exercise patience in our lives.

Because, It really hurts to see:

- People breeding chaos where others are struggling to build a peaceful environment.

- People sharing doubtsful thoughts when others are struggling to keep their faith alive.

- People slandering their neighbour when others are spreading love.

- People being inconsiderate when others are doing their best.

The list goes on and on.

Still, PATIENCE is GOLDEN! because in haste or anger, we end up destroying alot.

Therefore,

As a SEED, in patience, keep growing. Do not let the weeds suffocate you. Your gardener is capable of taking care of you.

As a possible WEED, make amends. Do not allow the evil one continue to lead you on and thereby cause you damnation.

May God grant us grace 🙏

Shalom 🕊

TONYLAZ ADOYI (KSM)

REFLECTION:

God is patient. That’s the big message today.

*1. God is not in a hurry to judge*

In the Gospel, the servants see weeds growing with the wheat and say "Master, should we pull them up now?"

The Master says “No. Let both grow until harvest.”

Why? Because in our rush to "weed out evil", we can damage the good wheat too.

Wisdom tells us today: “You are lenient to all because you are master of all.

God gives time. Time to repent. Time to grow. Time to change.

May God continue to bless His words in our heart. Amen.

Laity Reflections for 15th Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year A

1st Reading: (Isaiah 55:10-11)
RESPONSORIAL PSALM (Psalm 65:9abcd.9e-10.11-12.13 (R. Luke 8:8a)
2nd Reading: (Roman 8: 18-23)
Gospel: (Matthew 13:1-23)

Emmanuel Mba Nana Yaw

REFLECTION

Becoming Good Soil for the Word of God

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, last Sunday, Jesus invited us: “Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened… Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart” (Matthew 11:28–29). Notice that He not only calls us to come to Him but also to learn from Him. But how do we learn from Christ? We learn by listening to His Word, for Jesus Himself is the eternal Word of God made flesh (cf. John 1:1, 14).

Today, all three readings center on the Word of God. But what do we mean by "the Word of God"? In its fullest sense, the Word of God is Jesus Christ, the eternal Word made flesh (cf. John 1:1, 14). We encounter Him through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, faithfully handed on and authentically interpreted for us by the Church’s Magisterium.

In the Gospel, Jesus tells the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1–23). The seed is always good because it is God's Word. The Sower is Christ Himself, who generously sows His Word into every heart. The question is not whether the seed is effective but whether our hearts are ready to receive it.

Some hearts are like the path: the devil quickly snatches away the Word. Others are rocky ground: they receive it with joy but abandon it when trials come. Others are full of thorns: worries, wealth, ambitions, distractions, and anxieties choke the Word until it bears no fruit. But the good soil receives the Word, allows it to take root, and produces an abundant harvest.

Sadly, many of us hear God's Word every Sunday, yet little changes. We leave Mass inspired, but by Monday, we have returned to old habits. The problem is never God's Word; the problem is the condition of our hearts.

So how do we become good soil? The Church proposes a beautiful spiritual practice known as Lectio Divina, or "Divine Reading." The Carthusian monk Guigo II beautifully compared it to a ladder by which we gradually climb into a deeper encounter with God through His Word. As this ancient Christian image reminds us, however, the climb is not without struggle. The devil will try to distract and discourage us with laziness, wandering thoughts, discouragement, temptations, endless busyness, or the attraction of worldly pleasures, because he knows that God’s Word transforms lives.

It begins with Lectio: read a short passage slowly and attentively. Then comes Meditatio: reflect on the word or phrase that touches your heart and ask, “Lord, what are You saying to me?” Next is Oratio: respond to God in prayer with praise, thanksgiving, repentance, or petition. Then comes Contemplatio: rest quietly in God's loving presence and allow Him to speak to your heart. Finally, Actio: put God's Word into practice through your words, decisions, relationships, and daily life (cf. James 1:22).

I still remember when I had just entered the seminary. One morning after Mass, a priest asked me where the first reading had been taken from. I could not answer. He then asked me about the Gospel, and again I was silent. Smiling, he introduced me to Lectio Divina. Since then, it has transformed the way I listen to God's Word. That is why I share it with you today.

The first reading assures us that God's Word is never powerless. Through the prophet Isaiah, God declares that just as the rain waters the earth and makes it fruitful, so His Word never returns empty but accomplishes His purpose (Isaiah 55:10–11). If the Word seems fruitless in our lives, it is not because the seed has failed but because our hearts have not fully welcomed it.

Our world is filled with noise and distractions. God is constantly speaking, but we are often too busy to listen.

Imagine how different our experience of Sunday Mass would be if we prayerfully reflected on the readings beforehand. The liturgy would deepen a conversation that God had already begun in our hearts.

Therefore, if you do not own a Bible, I encourage you to get one. Read it prayerfully. Listen attentively to Christ, and allow His Word to shape your life. Then your heart will become the good soil that bears abundant fruit for the glory of God.

May the Lord make our hearts good soil, bearing abundant fruit. Amen.

Monica Ajefu

REFLECTION

From the readings, the first is talking about the rain making the earth fruitful. The psalm talked about the seed falling into good soil, and the Gospel talked about the sower.

Everything put together shows us that the seed is God's word, the good soil our hearts and the sower is Christ.

As Christians, when we receive the word of God which is the seed, is our heart fertile enough for the word of God to yield good seed?

May God help us in our daily life to be good soil that will receive the word of God and put it to good use, thereby yielding good fruit, Amen.

Otti Vivian

REFLECTION

In today's Gospel, Jesus calls His disciples blessed because they could see and hear what many prophets and righteous people had longed for. They weren't perfect people; they were simply open enough to recognize Him. Sometimes I wonder how often God is right in front of us, yet we miss Him because we're too busy, distracted, or focused on what we think He should do.

Seeing God isn't just about our eyes; it's about our heart. When we slow down and pay attention, we begin to notice His presence in the little things, a word of encouragement, unexpected peace, a quiet answer to prayer, or the strength to face another day.

Today, I pray for eyes that truly see and ears that truly hear. May we never become so familiar with God's blessings that we stop noticing His presence in our everyday life.

Lord, help us to recognize You not only in extraordinary moments, but also in the quiet, ordinary ones. Amen.

Nnanna .K. Ogbonna

REFLECTION

From the gospel reading, I will say that there are 3 qualities that one should have to be able to bear fruits like Jesus wants:

1 - There must be understanding.

2 - We must have roots within ourselves. (Are we ready to live as God wants without compromising?)

3 - We must be focused (we cannot serve two masters at the same time)

The degree to which we possess and manifest these qualities will determine how many folds we will bear, that is why some will bear in a hundred folds and others in sixty's each according to their ability.

We ask God to give us the understanding required to follow Him and fill us with His grace to be able to bear fruits that will last.

May God bless us all, Amen

Comfort Mary Edewor

REFLECTION

The Gospel Reading for this Sunday has opened my heart to the conditions necessary for God's word to truly prosper in the lives of all who hear it.

The Word of God is our road map to navigate our journey to the promised land, which is heaven. How abundantly or poorly the Word impacts a person depends on their level of preparedness to receive it.

A large congregation may gather to listen to the Word of God being read or preached, but its impact will vary from person to person.

Those who go to church but cannot keep their eyes or fingers away from their phones are like those on the roadside from whom the Internet , like the birds will steal no matter what they manage to hear.

Then there are those who are Sunday Sunday ritualists, who have none or very shallow knowledge of Scripture. They hear but cannot use it as a guide to holiness, hence their personal passion or ambition will always override what they have learned.

Those who come ,very desirous of encountering God, but the burden and tribulations they come with are waiting outside the church for them, and as soon as they leave the church, they forget all that they have been taught and focus on their problems, accepting every unholy advice they can get to solve their problems while ignoring the God they just visited.

The group that listens to the word of God with the right disposition, and continues to read and meditate on this word, living the gospel values and leaving no room for the adversary to steal what God has planted in them will accordingly bear fruits in good measure.

May God grant us the ability to always create the right atmosphere for the word of God to flourish in our lives.

Francis Emmanuella

REFLECTION

Thank You Jesus for Your promises.

Thank You for the words You spoke concerning me.

Thank You because Your plans for us are plans of good and not evil, to give us an expected end.🙏🙏

My brothers and sisters in the Lord, this is a promise from God to us, when you believe in this promise, you won't feel rejected or abandoned by God because of your current situation.

When you feel your prayers are not being answered, just remind God of His promises towards you. He is a promise keeping God, He never fails.

SATURDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD (SATWOG– JULY 4TH, 2026) INSPIRING REFLECTIONS OF MEMBERS

Laity Reflections for 14th Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year A

1st Reading: Zechariah 9:9-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145: 1-2;8-9;10-11;13cd-14 (R. see 1)
2nd Reading: Romans 8:9;11-13
Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 11:35
Gospel: Matthew 11:25-30

SATURDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD (27TH JUNE 2026)

INSPIRING REFLECTIONS OF MEMBERS

SUNDAY JUNE 28, 2026 THIRTEENTH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR (A)

1st Reading: (2 Kings 4:8-11.14-16a)

RESPONSORIAL 0SALM: Psalm 89:2-3.16-17. 1 8- 19 (R .cf. 2a)

2nd Reading: (Romans 6:3-4. 8-11)

Gospel: (Matthew 10:37-42)

Ikeanyi Eugenia

TOTAL AND ABSOLUTE COMMITMENT TO CULTIVATING A STONG RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD BEGETS (YIELDS A BOUNTIFUL HARVEST) OF BLESSINGS

Christ calls us to form a deep bond with him.

It is not just enough to have the bond, we must manifest it in every possible way, through thoughts, words and deeds.

In the first reading, the woman of Shunem showed her appreciation for the prophet by providing for his comfort. She did not even need to tell him her problems. Her dedication in attending to his basics needs because he is a prophet caused him to want to show appreciation in his own turn. He inquired into her situation and discovered a need that should be filled... We know the rest.

Christ is telling us that it is not just enough to say we are Christians. He requires us to live it out visibly.

If you say you worship God be intentionally visible about it. If say you love the poor, how do you treat them?

If you say you fight for the weak, are merely a sounding gong, or do you actually go out of your way to make life better for them?

Do you take time to pray for the wellbeing of priests and religious? Do you help support their ministry or are you part of those that derive pleasure sitting in counsels against them?

Something that I also find interesting in the readings is the fact that Jesus does not promise that doing things his way would be smooth sailing, however, persistence and total commitment ensures and assures us bountiful rewards from God.

He who receives a prophet because he is a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward, and he who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whoever gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.”

OJO EMMANUEL

Dead to Sin and Alive in Christ!

It is no surprise that Paul would ask, “Should we continue in sin so that grace may increase?” His answer is clear: “By no means!”

Yet, it is worth reflecting on his question: how can someone continue living in sin if the sinful nature has already been put to death?

Anyone who remains trapped in a life of sin has not truly died to sin. The truth is simple: if we continue to return to the same patterns of sin, it reveals that we have not fully embraced the new life Christ gives.

We may argue that living a life free from sin is impossible, but Jesus showed us that it is achievable. Like us, He faced trials and temptations, but His own experience was far greater. After a long fast, at a moment of intense hunger and weakness, the tempter challenged Him to use His divine power for His own needs. Yet, even in His humanity, Jesus chose obedience and placed God above Himself.

This teaches us that our choices matter, and we are responsible for the fruits those choices produce.

Therefore, let us continually depend on the Holy Spirit, who renews and strengthens us each day, so that we may truly die to sin and remain alive to God through Jesus Christ.

Ekenemaria Eze

The central message of the Gospel is the cost of discipleship. Jesus reminds us that true discipleship demands sacrifice and wholehearted commitment: “ Whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (Mt. 10:38).

Every genuine commitment comes with a cost. We are called to put Christ before our own interests. This lifelong journey involves daily struggles, but the Holy Spirit continually strengthens and guides us. To carry this out faithfully we are reminded to ask ourselves these pertinent questions;

Have I loved enough, have I denied myself?

Have I ducked the responsibility that comes with so much grace?

Is mine a cost worth counting?

Is mine a cross worth lifting?

Have I reduced my discipleship to a too comfortable pace?

May God grant us the grace of final perseverance.

Nwaneri Genevieve Chinweotito.

My Reflection

The second reading reminds us of the first sacrament we receive as Catholics - Baptism. Through it, the old life of sin is left behind and a new life in God's grace begins.

St. Paul reminds us that Christ's victory over sin and death is the foundation of Christian life.We are not meant to be controlled by sin, fear or past mistakes. Each day is an opportunity to choose God's way and become more like Christ. Even when we struggle, we can trust that the same power that raised Christ from the dead will guide us to embrace holiness and hope.

May our lives reflect the new life you gave us through your resurrection. Amen.

Olubunmi Akinbode Shaire

The Shunammite woman's generosity and faith opened the way for God's blessings. When we serve God wholeheartedly and care for others with love, He remembers our kindness and rewards us in His perfect time.

Lord, grant us a generous heart to serve You through serving others, trusting that You are able to bless us beyond our expectations. Amen.

Awotoye Matthew

My Sharing

In today's Gospel, Jesus reminds us that our love for Him must come before every other attachment. This does not mean loving our families less, but loving Christ first so that every other relationship is guided by His love.

Jesus also calls us to take up our cross daily. Following Him requires sacrifice, perseverance, and a willingness to put God's will above our own. Though the path of discipleship may be demanding, it leads to true and eternal life.

Finally, Jesus teaches that no act of kindness is too small in God's eyes. Even offering a cup of cold water to someone in His name is precious and will not go unrewarded. Every act of love, generosity, and service done for Christ becomes an offering pleasing to God.

OCCF Social Friday Celebrating Our June Members Across the Forum

Social Friday

Celebrating Our June Members Across the Forum 🎉✨

At OCCF, we believe every member is special, and we celebrate our birthdays collectively at the end of each month.

We gather their intentions and have our Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, OSJ, together with his Assistant, Rev. Fr. Toby Ndiukwu, offer the Holy Mass for them.

We pray for God’s continued blessings, joy, good health, and many more beautiful years ahead.

🎂 Happy Birthday to our June celebrants! 🎂

Your OCCF family celebrates you.

Let’s meet our latest celebrants… 🎉🎊