First reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-3
Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 122:1-2;4-5 (R. cf. 1)
Second reading: Colossians 1:12-20
Gospel: Luke 23:35-43
Nicholas Omonjeva
Nicholas Omonjeva
THE THIEF THAT STOLE HEAVEN
We will always have second, third even tenth chances to rewrite our destiny. God is a loving Father but the big issue is, are we going to use the chance wisely or blow it away as normal?
The number of persons to accompany Jesus to paradise was countless but the opportunity was narrowed to two men, two thieves.
There was a thief that became a saint even at 11:59pm.
The first thief asked the saviour to save himself and them. He wasn't a selfish man. He didn't ask for his salvation alone. He knew Jesus was the Christ but the way he presented his prayer was in the form of mockery. I know none of us here pray this way.
Just a word of kindness will go a very long way.
The good thief - yes, the good thief - defended Jesus even when he knew that his end wasn't a glorious one.
They are some prayers that are selfish. You can't advocate for a person that doesn't need help.
Prayer never dies. The voice of prayer is never silent. What we prayed for 10 years ago, your faith can bring.
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Sr. Ann Maria E. |
MY REFLECTION
Holy mother church invites us to celebrate, this last Sunday of the liturgical year, the solemnity of Jesus Christ, the universal king. Jesus Christ is a humble, gentle, loving, merciful, sacrificing, and generous king who, through His sacrificial death on the cross shares His reign with His faithful disciples, not to lord it over them like earthly kings, but to redeem them and lift them as kings and priests in the service of God, the Most High.
Often we fail to look at our faults but rather always see the faults of others, just like the thief in the gospel reading. We should not always rejoice over the downfall of our neighbors, but always pray for them to overcome temptations. This is hard to do but we need the grace of God to do it.
How many times have I stabbed people with my words, deeds and actions? Am I really happy about the good of my neighbors?
Not just by bearing the name Christian, but by the attitude that goes with that name: "Like Christ".
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Baatee Biamene Angela |
MY REFLECTION
From the gospel reading...
We should try to keep our conscience alive so that we know when we are right or wrong and be able to repent when we are wrong.
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Philip Okoye |
MY REFLECTION
In the first reading, I'm being called to embrace the awesomeness of God, as shown by the tribes of Israel, who embraced God's goodness through the life and actions of king David.
Just as the Israelites chose to make David their king for all God did for them, I have all reasons to enthrone Christ as the Lord and King of my Christian life.
In the same vein, the Psalmist today invites me to the abundance of joy in the presence of the Lord, my king.
The psalmist made me know that the awesomeness of the experience that comes with it, is incomparable with anything out there outside HIM.
Likewise, St. Paul in the second reading, reminds and reassures me of the greatest inheritance I will have if could embrace and enthrone Christ in my life. Knowing fully well that the fullness of God dwells in Christ, then, having Christ in me simply means I have all I need in bringing me to the joy of eternal life with HIM in the afterlife.
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ChrisMarie Obi |
MY REFLECTION
Your Past Legacy Shall Speak For You
"Behold, we are your bone and flesh. In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you that led out and brought in Israel; and the Lord said to you, 'You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel."
The virtues and brave acts of David during Saul's rain as king didn't go unnoticed; neither by the people nor God himself. You don't need anyone to see and praise you now, but perhaps in the long run, whatever you do now would speak for you.
You see, we can't speak of Jesus' Kingship without speaking of King David. The Gospel acclamation reminds us of the great kingdom that's to come; and that without mentioning the kingdom of David. "Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming!"
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Gerard Thomas |
MY REFLECTION
Do you know what took the thief on the right to heaven?
Did he actually apologize for his wrongdoings? No!
Two things are paramount here;
To start with, it was the acknowledgment of his sins- "do you not fear God...and we are indeed unjust".
Secondly, the recognition that Christ is King- "Jesus remember me when you come in your kingly power".
It takes great humility to accept we are wrong, and this is the first part of true repentance- "Through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault", is expected from all of us.
Always acknowledge Jesus as king before anyone. Give the King, Jesus, his proper place in your life, and surely he will grant you your proper place in his kingdom.
Shalom! Brethren.
Happy Solemnity of Christ the Universal King.
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Cecilia Ejiofor Okorie |
THEME: JESUS IS THE SUPREME KING WHO REIGNS FOREVER.
Today is a great day that the universe must make a joyful noise in jubilation. It is a day of the sovereignty and supremacy of our Lord Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Ancient of days, the rock of ages, the I am that I am, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the End, the Mighty Man in Battle, the Lamb that was immolated, the Triumphant King of Calvary. Rev. 19:16, confirms that Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
APPLICATION
The kind of Jesus' kingship or leadership is what we need in Nigeria now. Our country Nigeria is not moving well today as a result of bad leadership. As a Priest, you are a King ruling the people of God, and you are a King when you control your body. We need to follow the qualities of Jesus Christ who never allowed anyone to cry because of hunger.
CONCLUSION
I assure you, if you will wholeheartedly adore our Eucharistic Jesus today, your ugly stories will change.
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Comfort Mary Edewor |
MY REFLECTION
This scenario at Golgotha has so much food for thoughts.
First of all, the attitude of the rulers, the soldiers, the criminal on the cross, and even those who were just watching, was a clear attack on the virtue of humility. All the provocation was aimed at satisfying their ungodly desire, for our Lord Jesus to show His power and prove that he is truly the son of God. I know how easy it is for many of us to go overboard in an attempt to prove our innocence when confronted unjustly, and in a bid to prove our innocence, we end up offending God. We forget too quickly how much God abhors the proud and arrogant.
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Collins Opara |
QUESTIONS
Have you ever been in a situation whereby you were expected to do the impossible? Or a seemingly difficult task?
Answer: YES. I have been asked to do something difficult or almost impossible on some occasions.
How did you handle such?
Answer: In two ways. First, is my personal principles and the other is the company's policy (it was work related). I could have decided to do otherwise despite the policy. But my own principles set forth the begining of the decision not to do it. A lot has helped to shape my principles and one of them is what I have learnt by being a Legionary.
What was your response or action?
Answer: I refused to do the work. It was a violation of company's act but my manager would benefit and maybe myself.
What did you do?
Answer: I declined politely. I was eventually set up and accused of the same fraud i refused. It was sent to disciplinary committee. The committee chairman squashed the report saying that they know it was a setup because I would never partake in fraud.
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