LAITY REFLECTIONS FOR THE 5TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 147:1-2;3-4;5-6 (R. 3a)
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:16-19;22-23
Gospel Acclamation: John 8:12
Gospel: Mark 1:29-39
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| Philip Okoye |
MY REFLECTION
The readings, as seen, are quite reawakening to the realities that define a good christian life.
Often times, I tend to be carried away by difficulties and problems that are associated with my Christian life.
As this happens, I am submerged in the act of recounting the different trials and apparent misfortunes and ordeals I am faced with. And unfortunately, I get blinded by them to the point that I begin to question my Christian life, asking if God truly knows and cares about me.
Yes, like Job in the first reading, it is not out of place to recount my pains and loses. But in doing this, I must not forget that my trials and tribulations, should always be perceived as the clothing that beautify the faith I have in Christ Jesus.
As emphasized by the Psalmist, thus: praise the Lord who heals the brokenhearted.
The Psalmist reminds and reassures me of the greatness of the Lord. He reiterates the healing and restoring power of God for the brokenhearted.
Regardless of the challenges that torment me, the Lord only asks of me, one thing, which is, trust in HIM with undoubting faith, believing HE will never forsake me because HE is ever faithful to HIS word.
St. Paul in the second reading, takes it a bit further, saying that regardless of the situation I am in, I have been given the obligation to preach the gospel of Christ.
The lesson from the gospel reading is the reminder that problems in life never cease. So, they have been known to be part of human existence on earth. On this, I learnt that all that bothers me should always be brought in faith, to Christ in prayers. Vivid examples are the cases of Peter's mother in-law, and others who brought their burdens to HIM.
In conclusion, brothers and sisters, what resonates through the readings for me, is the fact that God is greater than any situations we find ourselves in. So, irrespective of how long we might have been in our trials or ordeals, God faithfulness to us never fails. He is always there to heal our brokenness, restore us and make us whole again.
As we strive to hold on steadfastly to God in the face of trials and tribulations, may He continue to strengthen our faith in Him, through Christ our Lord, Amen.
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| Irene Egbuniwe |
MY REFLECTION
The Gospel preached to me is the Gospel of the awesome, merciful, love of God through His only begotten son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Woe to me, if I do not preach the Gospel– which for me is the merciful love of God, through His only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
A merciful love that changed my life and still does.
A love that made God become man. Why? Because He loved and still loves me. So, what is expected of me is:
- To preach to others, that same merciful love of God through His only begotten Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.
- To let love lead me always in not just my words but my actions.
- To become all things to all men– show empathy; help others become not just better Christians but better person's; be merciful, e.t.c.
If I preach the Gospel, it gives me no room to be boastful. Jesus Christ, even though God, out of love for me, became humble. So, I too, must always be humble.
Woe to me, who has been shown so much mercy, though so unworthy, if I fail to preach by my words and actions, the love of God to ALL.
Out of love for me he healed my broken life.
His merciful love has lifted me just as it lifted St. Paul.
His merciful love still goes about doing good
THE GOSPEL OF LOVE, I MUST THEN PREACH TO ALL, BY MY WORDS AND ACTIONS. HOLY SPIRIT HELP ME, AMEN.
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| Nicholas Omonjeva |
MY REFLECTION
OPEN LETTER TO PRIESTS.
I greet una specially.
I want us to investigate the wisdom of Jesus and the knowledge of season.
From the gospel, he did great works in Simon's mother-in-law local government, that made his fame go abroad. He was the 'don dada' that very day but he understood seasons and times and the need to impart others too.
Despite his mighty works there, there was an urgent need to dispense same power to others not living in that locality. Hence, he didn't attache himself there.
Many of our priests today, has created homes in their local assembly, which is not a bad thing per se, but when posting comes out and their names are on the list, you will see it on their faces that they are reluctant to move.
They have found a settling place and they are now comfortable with the people there. Some have loyalists and they may have started adoration ministries too which is not bad but your bishop has asked you to move.
Please move cheerfully, knowing that parishioners in your next parish will be imparted with your gifts and calling.
May God richly bless our priests, Amen.
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| Nathaniel Onwuasoegwu |
MY REFLECTION
Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel...
Very instructive!
We have all been commissioned to go preach the gospel.
Christ's last word before departing, was for us to go and proclaim the Gospel.
The last wish of our parents we always ensure to keep, this is one of them.
Even in the gospel we hear Christ saying, "Let's go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out."
Like Paul and Jesus Christ, that is the reason why we are born.
At baptism, we are called to be Priests, Prophets and Kings.
As Priests, we are to proclaim the Gospel.
As Prophets, we are the mouth piece of the Lord– we are to proclaim the truth as ordered by God.
As Kings, we are called to have dominion over sin and become kings over evil. We are to conquer the kingdom of darkness and bring the rain of light; we are to light up the dark world.
Where is our reward in all of these?
Surely there is reward!
The promise of Eucharistic pledge– Eternity!
We await the blessings that comes with the Gospel.
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| Judith Evbuomwan |
MY REFLECTION
In the gospel, we are told Jesus healed Simon's mother- in-law because he was told. So, we must tell Jesus our challenges through prayers.
Jesus healed the sick and cast out demons this was made possible because they came to Jesus. We must go to Jesus through prayers
Jesus prayed very early in the morning, He teaches us here to commit our daily plans to God, if not we would behave like everyone else in the society.
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| Raphael Chukwudi |
This life, what is it and what is the reward for it?
From the first and second readings, Job asks and laments on his tossing till dawn and Paul asks if there is a reward of his work in preaching the gospel.
In life, we are faced with a lot difficulties which make us to ask and wonder on what our existence actually is and entails.
The CCC tells us we are made to serve, love and obey Him but in doing so, we are giving a clause of "Choice" either to do it or not.
Now, that is God at work He makes plans for us but allows us to make the choice of either taking it or leaving it.
Life moves swiftly and it is gone; moves in its time like there is no end to it.
In the Gospel , Jesus teaches us the value of silence, solitude, being away from the crowd to enable us re-energize and review because most times, we get so caught up in life's activities that we forget ourselves and our Maker, without talking to and hearing from him.
Jesus calls us to make a choice, follow his footsteps, preach the word, hear the word and live the Word, Amen.
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