First Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 72:1-2;7-8;12-13;17 (R.7)
Second Reading: Ephesians 2:13-22
Gospel Acclamation: Cf. Luke 1:28
Gospel: Matthew 2:13-15;19-23
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| Peter Eshiarakhe |
MY REFLECTION
From the gospel reading...
The psalmist says that unless the Lord builds the house, in vain does the builder build and unless the Lord watches over the city, in vain also does the watchman keeps vigil.
We can see in all the reading that as the year is gradually coming to an end, all we can see or hear is the 'Christmas Story of the infant Jesus'.
The gospel reading reminds us that we should always wait on God, hear from God and hope on God before taking any action. The Holy Family of Nazareth knew this.
Anything 'action' carried out In God, With God, and For God, the result is always incredible.
No wonder the song says, "leave it there, leave it there, take ur problems to the Lord and leave it there. The Lord will surely deliver you, if you put your trust in him; take your problems to the Lord and leave it there".
May the name of the Lord be praised both now and forever, Amen.
MY REFLECTION
When we hear the voice of God, do we harken unto it?
Are we deceived by fake prophecies because they suit our personal and immediate gratification?
Do we do away with distractions, so we can hear the voice of truth?
This is another wake up call for me, as I read through the readings and most importantly the Gospel reading.
Last week, the readings clearly stated that the thoughts and ways of God are clearly distinct from ours and today, the voice of God through the Angel, spoke to Joseph to leave Egypt and move to Israel.
First lesson, Joseph did not doubt or argue with the messenger of the Lord rather, he rose and took the child and his mother to Israel. This clearly explains the first question above, that we must harken to the voice of God when he speaks and believe in the process.
Second lesson, Joseph did not seek for his personal interest rather what will benefit the child and mother. He did not say where will I start from, or how do I cope in a foreign land? He moved and the prophecies were fulfilled.
Lastly, he was not distracted with the fact that Herod was proclaimed dead and just return back, for in truth the son of Herod will also exhibit the characters of his fathers and so in the wisdom of God, Joseph went to Nazareth.
We are most times distracted by the events happening around us that we tend to be carried away with the things that are trending.
May God grant us the grace to harken to His Voice and accept whatever comes to us in good faith, Amen.
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| Chrismarie Obi |
MY REFLECTION
He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but by righteousness he shall judge the poor and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;...
This word from prophet Isaiah touches my heart personally. How am I quick to conclusion about other persons? One might appear to be a bad person before us based on what we seem to have seen the person doing, or what we hear about the person. Have I taken my time to find out the true situation of things? Have I tried to put myself in the other person's shoe? Have I evaluated whatever I am told about the other person before drawing conclusion about him? I must not judge another just because of what I see or what I hear about the person. Getting closer to the person might change my orientation about him and sometimes, his action.
Even when delivering my judgement, or in position of settling issues, how much of equity is my judgement? Am I siding one person because he's my friend, family or colleague? Or altogether, because of what I seem to benefit? Fairness must be the watchword. I must judge justly for the measure I give, is the same measure I shall get.
Our God is a just God, and so whoever is of God, must bear his nature.
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| Janefrances Udeh |
MY REFLECTION
The second reading is a powerful passage that highlights the concept of unity and reconciliation in the Christian faith. It states that through Jesus Christ, we can be brought together into one body, the Church irrespective of our various backgrounds.
The reading also reminds us of our past state, where we were once separated from God, but through the blood of Christ, we are brought near to Him. This emphasizes the importance of Christ's sacrifice and the unifying power of His love.
Reflecting on this passage, it encourages us to appreciate the importance of unity among ourselves and the reconciling work of Christ. It calls us to be mindful of our role in building a community of faith where differences are celebrated, and Christ is the center of our unity. It's a reminder of the spiritual truths that bind us together as Christians and the redeeming power of Christ's love in our lives.
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| Simon Eshiebor |
MY REFLECTION
Let it be done unto me according to your word. Not as I wish, not as I desire, but as You desire...
Mary did not disappoint, she did not argue, she did not murmur, and she did not ask for more time to think about the decision, there and there, she accepted God's will for her.
Dear friends, God's will must come first before ours. When the scriptures said that we should seek first the kingdom of God, that did not exclude God's will. When we say, in the Lord's prayer, 'thy they will be done on earth as it is in heaven', that is exactly what we are asking of God, that His will should be done unto us.
These days many do not pray for God's will, they pray for theirs, some even "want to take it by force."
Is it that God does not know what is right for us anymore? Just as God's time is the best, as we usually say, so is His will.
Let us pray for the grace to know and accept His will for us. Amen.
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| Felicity Or-ongu |
MY REFLECTION
I am always marvelled when I read of Joseph's obedience...
For the times the scripture has recorded that God spoke to him through his angel, he always obey without questioning.
May God open our hearts amidst this noisy, chaotic and challenging world, to listen and obey his will for us no matter how difficult it seems, for our obedience will surely yields good fruits.
Cheers
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