SATURDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD, JANUARY 31ST, 2026

 

The selected reflections for the week:

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME YEAR  A

FIRST READING: Zephaniah 2:3; 3: 12-13

RESPONSORIAL PSALM:  (Psalm 146:6-7.8-9a.9bc-10 (R. Matthew 5:3)

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

GOSPEL READING: Matthew 5:1-12a

ANTHONY C. ONUMAJURU

My humble reflection

The first reading, from the Book of the Prophet Zephaniah (Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12–13), calls us to seek the Lord. To seek the Lord can be expressed in many ways:

to long for the Lord, to search for the Lord, to walk with the Lord, to dwell in the presence of the Lord, to make our home with the Lord, to settle our lives in the Lord.

This invitation naturally leads us to some important and soul-searching questions:

- Who will seek the Lord?

- How do we seek the Lord?

- When do we seek the Lord?

- Where do we seek the Lord?

These are reflective questions we must ask ourselves daily as we examine our lives.

The answer to the first question is already given in the same reading:

“Who will seek the Lord?” — All you humble of the land, who carry out his commands; seek righteousness, seek humility.

The remaining questions invite deeper personal reflection:

Do we seek the Lord with humility or with pride?

Do we seek Him only in moments of crisis and abandon Him when life becomes comfortable?

Do we seek Him in unholy ways, cutting corners and compromising our values?

The second reading, from the First Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 1:31), reminds us: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

Our confidence, our pride, and our glory must be rooted not in ourselves, but in God alone.

Finally, the Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 5:1–12a) opens our eyes to the abundant blessings promised to those who truly seek the Lord. 

Those who seek Him with humility will be comforted, satisfied, shown mercy, and strengthened. Above all, their reward will be great in heaven.

May the good Lord grant us the grace of humility as we worship Him, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Benedicamus Dominus … Deo Gratias

GLORIA OBASOGIE

MY REFLECTION

THE GOSPEL
Jesus goes up the mountain and teaches the Beatitudes, often called the foundation of Christian living.

Unlike the worldly way of thinking, Jesus calls blessed:
The poor in spirit.
The meek.
Those who mourn.
The merciful.
The pure in heart.
The peacemakers.
Those who are persecuted.

These people are not weak or helpless. They are men and women who choose God’s ways instead of worldly gain. 

The Beatitudes are not only about heaven in the future. They show us who Jesus Himself is. Jesus is humble, gentle, merciful, and rejected. When we live the Beatitudes, we are living the life of Christ, and God’s Kingdom becomes real among us now here on earth.

The Beatitudes also challenge us to stand against corruption, tribalism, and oppression by choosing humility, justice, mercy, and peace.
           Generally, living the Beatitudes means:
- Choosing honesty instead of selfish gain, 

- Choosing mercy instead of revenge,

- Choosing truth instead of popularity,

- Choosing faithfulness instead of comfort.
This way of life is not easy, but it brings deep and lasting joy.

The Beatitudes are not meant for a few special people. They are the true identity of every Christian and God’s promise to those who live humbly.

EMMANUEL OJO

God’s Ways Are Not Ours

God’s wisdom is unlike human wisdom, and His ways are far beyond our understanding.

Everything He does is for the glory of His holy name and for the good of those who love Him.

While people often rely on their own assumptions and standards, God chooses what the world overlooks—the poor, the uneducated, the unnoticed, the homeless, those without status or recognition—to accomplish His divine purpose. In doing so, He ensures that no one relies on privilege or personal merit as a measure of worthiness. Instead, all glory and praise belong to Him alone, so that no one boasts in their own strength but in God’s power and grace.

We are therefore reminded to remain humble, never lose hope in ourselves, and continually seek the Lord.

Glory to Jesus.
Honour to Mary and Joseph.

MARY BENITA IGWE

Today’s readings gently overturn the way the world defines success and happiness. God does not draw close to the proud or self-sufficient, but to the humble and lowly who seek refuge in Him (Zephaniah). True security is found not in power or status, but in trusting God.

St. Paul reminds us that God deliberately chooses what the world calls weak and foolish, so that no one may boast except in the Lord. Everything we are comes from Him. Grace, not achievement, is our true identity.

In the Gospel, Jesus proclaims the Beatitudes—a radical vision of blessedness. The poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, and the persecuted are called blessed because their hearts are open to God. The Beatitudes do not deny suffering; they reveal God’s presence within it.

The message is clear: humility is strength, dependence on God is freedom, and true joy is found not in having more, but in belonging to God.

JUDE AKITI-MOMODU

SHARING MY REFLECTION

As Christians, we are called to keep our eyes on the joy that awaits us in heaven, a joy far greater than anything this world can offer. Jesus reminds us that our true reward is not here but in eternity, so even when life brings trials, we should not lose hope or compare our journey with others. We are people on a journey toward an eternal home, and this is the hope we profess as Catholics: the joyful hope of the resurrection and life in the world to come.

How we prepare for eternity depends greatly on how we understand and imagine eternal life. Many people struggle to look forward to heaven because they have formed a false or limited picture of it in their minds. This isn't only wrong it is also impossible, Scripture reminds us that no human eye has seen or ear heard, nor can the human heart fully imagine what God has prepared for those who love Him. (Isaiah 64:4, 1 Corinthians 2:9). 

 Please note: You must be employed First by an organization before you can have you name in their payroll, this is why: The promises of heavenly rewards and Blessings are for those that "Love God" not those that merely observe some codes of conducts. 

In the Gospels, the Beatitudes serve as the new covenant codes/ commandments for our lives. Just as Moses received the commandments on Mount Sinai, Jesus taught the new way of life on the mountain too, calling us to live by love, humility, mercy, and faith. Jesus is the mediator of this new and everlasting covenant, fulfilling all earlier covenants like the Adamic, Mosaic, Divinic covenants. 

God Himself set the terms of all this covenant and invites us to walk in it. We get rewarded with Blessings when we live according to His terms of the covenant, while turning away from them leads us off the path as eventually bring Curses.

This is where many misunderstand the faith. Good character alone is not enough if it is separated from Christ. One may appear gentle, humble, or pure, but without first believing in and confessing Christ, the purpose is missed. We cannot receive a reward from someone we are not serving. Our place in God’s plan is not earned by our works alone, it was already paid for by Christ. Because of this, we do not boast, but remain forever grateful, striving to live faithfully until the end. May God give us grace to finish this race well and emerge victorious, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

BIBIANA CYRIL -UZOIGWE

My Reflection today is from the second reading...

This part of the reading reminds us that cut out of God we are nothing. It reminds us that we are who we are not because of our qualifications or status or your commitment in the house of worship but because He has shown us mercy.

It also teaches us that to be used by God, one doesn't look out for those who feel they have arrived rather he comes for those not so or not at all qualified that He may prune them to suit His divine purpose. It is only those who make themselves available that He will use.

God is not after our perfection because he knows we all are still a work in progress rather He values our efforts. 

So my dear brethren, to be valued in life we need visibility and this can only come from God. All we need do is humble yourself before Him, surrender to His guidance, Let Him know that what you know is nothing that He may teach you something making you a somebody when you are perceived a nobody.

May God help us all through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen

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