OUR CATHOLIC COMMUNITY FORUM (OCCF)

SATURDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD (MAY 11TH 2024)

LAITY REFLECTIONS FOR THE SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

1st Reading: Acts 1: 15- 17.20.20-26

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 103: 1-2.11- 12.19-20 (R. 19)

2nd Reading: 1John 4: 11-16

Gospel Reading: John 17: 11-19

Denis Ukange

MY REFLECTION

Jesus foresaw the divisions among us His followers today that's why one of his prayers always was that we should love one another even as the Father has loved Him, we should be ONE.

Unfortunately there's so much division in the world today. The Muslims against Christians and Christians against themselves. Even among us Catholic there's division, no unity. Those who belongs to some certain societies believe they're more closer to God by doing His work than other members of the church that did not belong to the same society. But does these divisions matters before God? The answer is no. God is only concern about our attitudes, what we have done today and what we going to do tomorrow.

As St John as stated in his first letter, God so loved Us, so we too ought to love one another. And how do we love one another?

(a) We love one another by doing those good things to people that we would want them to do to us.

(b) by supporting one another in their good and bad times.

Just as John mentioned, no man as ever seen God, but if we love one another God abides in us and his love is perfected in us, because we are God's Image and likeness.

If we love and support one another even today in our country we would not be faced with the difficulties we are experiencing today. Because our leaders have refused to show love to one another because of tribal, religious and geo- political differences. Those who are not feet enough or qualified to rule refuses to support those who are qualified to win. Those who lost elections refuses to support those who won to govern well. Now, how can we call ourselves children of God when we don't love one another. You can be a good leader when you're a good follower. Joseph and Barsabbas were good followers by following Jesus as his apostles from the beginning to the end of Jesus earthly ministry and led by the holy Spirit one of them were chosen to fill the post of Judas Iscariot.

Therefore, let us love one another, support one another, encourage one another so that people will see the reflection of God in Us.

Nneka Ukatu

The last Sunday reading John chapter 15:9, "As the father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love". This Sunday second reading 1John4:11 " if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another" To love is to wish well towards another, to be benevolent towards another, we are indebted to the generosity of God and we must be good to others and all creatures. God is love and he who abides in love abides in God and God abides in him. Love is patient, kind, not jealous, not boastful or arrogant, not rude, not selfish, not irritable, not resentful, does not rejoice in wrong doing but rejoices in spiritual growth, love protects, love goes for the best, love is always optimistic, love always bears good fruits and love abides in God. Love is sacrifice and love is pain.

It is the will of Christ in the gospel of today as He prayed "Holy father keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one" can oneness exist without love? The answer is NO. " I do not pray that you should take them out of the world but that you should keep them from evil one" This is your certificate to go on to love and fill the earth with goodness because you will be protected from the evil one. Keep showing love, keep doing good because you will be covered from the evil one.

Chris-Marie Obi

My Reflection

The process the apostles used in electing a replacement to Judas is an insight on how our Church elections should be.

Firstly, it is made clear that one who will replace Judas must be one who have been with them; one who understands the call and have witnessed Christ's Resurrection.

Secondly, they put forward two qualified individuals, Joseph who is called Barsabbas and Mathias. They did not just look at one person whom they think is qualified gave him the position, but two persons were brought forward .

And thirdly, they allowed the Holy Spirit to choose. It was not like one voting for his favourite candidate, but lots was casts to know who it shall be. But one interesting thing before the casting of lots was the prayer they made. And they prayed and said, "Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside, to go to his own way." Not the one they themselves chose but one God has chosen.

How many of our church societies do we consider this things. Rather, we campaigning and lobby for positions like in political arenas. I witnessed CCRN election last year and I must give it to them. There you see pure election: allowing the Holy Spirit to choose leaders.

It is a call to go back and see how we've gotten it wrong in the past. We have leaders who don't even know the group they're leading to start with. Leaders who don't understand their job description; leaders who are not ready to work and those who are there for personal interests.

Let us therefore reflect on this and start doing it the right way.

Irene Tesa Egbuniwe

The gospel was like a handover note to the disciples , a farewell speech

Just like how one strives to keep or fulfil the last words of a dying/dead loved one

Today Jesus Christ tells us

SEEK UNITY

Another is

SEEK TRUTH

BE CONSECRATED TO THE TRUTH

We then must always strive to always be people of TRUTH

We may ask how do I know the truth and stand in the truth - ask the help of the Holy Spirit man's friend and guide

Being consecrated in the TRUTH may cost us a lot

BUT

The ONE who is TOO FAITHFUL TO FAIL, PROMISE KEEPER UNCHANGEABLE CHANGER, DEPENDABLE RELIABLE INTENTIONAL has promised that

HE WOULD NEVER EVER LEAVE US ORPHANS

These words have been a source of strength for me personally especially when life harsh realities arise

SEEK TRUTH

REMAIN IN THE TRUTH

Do not be pushed about

JESUS CHRIST IS THE WAY , TRUTH AND LIFE

Holy Spirit help us amen amen amen

Nwamara Angelica

The second reading encourages us to show love to one another.

Sometimes when we show love to another person, he or she may not reciprocate the love we show to the person. Let us not be discouraged.

Despite our transgressions, God still loves us and is always willing to welcome us back when we sin and truly repent of our sins.

So let us always show love wherever we find ourselves.

Nathaniel Onwuasoegwu

My reflection is on the first reading.

Bringing God into all our decision making.

Don't ever take any decision in life without consulting the Lord God of host.

Never walk alone always walk with the Lord so that when we are tired the Lord carries us

When we are faced with decision making let us always seek the face of God.

Don't trust yourself.

Trust God.

Remember how David was anointed king.

Man look at physical appearance God looks at our heart.

By human standard David would not have qualified as king over his brothers

When faced with choices let's always go to the Lord.

The apostles had to seek God in order to replace Judas.

Are we faced with Choices of marriage.

Are we confused about whom to choose?

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we faced with Choices of relocating take it to the Lord in prayer.

Whatever it maybe let us take it the Lord in prayer.

Again we must learn to hear the Lord and do His will only.

Hearing God is one thing and doing His will another.

When we hear him let's not harden our hearts.

Ave!

SATURDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD, MAY 4TH

LAITY REFLECTIONS FOR SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

1st Reading: Acts 10:25-26.34-35.44-48

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 98: I .2-

3ab.3cd-4 (R. cf. 2)

2nd Reading: 1 John 4:7- 10

Gospel Reading: John 15:9- 17

Nicholas Omonjeva

IN MY NAME.

Let me paint a scenario.

If I give anyone my debit card with the right pin and he or she inserts the card in the ATM and the pin correctly, the machine will welcome me not the person that has the card. The person came to that ATM in my name.

The same respect the ATM will give to me, that's the same respect the ATM will give to that person that came in my name.

We come in the name of Jesus. If the Father will never refuse Jesus anything, the same is applicable to us because we ask not in our names but in the name of Jesus. The Father sees only Jesus when we ask in His name.

I have asked in his name but nothing happened. There is nothing wrong with his name. There may be something wrong with your heart and your intentions. A double minded man will not receive anything from the Lord. Will the Lord give? yes but will the double minded man receive? never|

We ask and we receive only in HIS NAME.

George Tempulo de Maria

REFLECTION:

Our Lord commanded us to love and it is a very beautiful thing when we experience it(as a reciever). But not entirely the same when we give it.

Have you ever lived close to someone who is constantly plotting and scheming against you?

Or someone who is always looking for an opportunity to put you down and disrespect you ?

When you do, you'll understand that the commandment of love is a little challenging.

But I find solace whenever I watch the passions of christ (by Mel Gibson) . I saw the one who owns everything, who has authority and power over everything, take over the punishments that we justly deserve so that anyone and everyone who believes will be saved.

This price was not in anyway cheap.

He paid this price for all of us, including those who were busy disrespecting him. Those who plotted His brutal killing.

Those who still do that in this present day.

Since He is our role model, it means that we are commanded to love those kind of characters too (love is that desire for the wellbeing of the subject of affection). Though this kind of people mean no good for us, we are commanded to love them anyway. With such people we are required to love with wisdom.

Do you remember, "I am sending you as sheep among wolves, therefore be wise as a serpent and gentle as a dove" ?

it is for dealing with those kind of people that our lord gave that command.

Let me quickly point out that sometimes, when the word love is mentioned, some people think of enjoyment. Obviously, many use the word contextually to mean enjoyment. But that is not really the meaning of the word. When we are commanded to love, it means that we should desire the well being of those people we are commanded to love and to be affectionate towards them.

Especially our enemies.

So you see that it is challenging, but if we trust and obey God, by loving despite how scary it may seem. He will protect us in those circumstances and reward us both here and hereafter.

May the Lord help us pull through and make Him proud

Jude Okoro

My Reflection

Brethren, today's readings offer a powerful message of love, acceptance, and unity.

In the first reading taking from (Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48).

We see Peter's transformation as he realizes that God's love extends to all people, regardless of their background. This encounter challenges his initial biases and finally lead to the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Christian community.

The responsorial psalm taking from (Psalm 98). Echoes this theme: Celebrating God's universal love and the joy that comes from recognizing His presence in our lives and in all we do.

In the second reading taking from (1 John 4:7-10). We are reminded that love is not just a feeling but an action that we should always carry out everyday of our lives. We are called to love one another as God has loved us, selflessly and unconditionally.

Finally, the Gospel reading taking from (John 15:9-17). Reinforces this message, as Jesus commands us to love one another as He has loved us. He firther exemplifies this love through His sacrifice on the cross of Calvary demonstrating the depth of God's love for us for each and everyone of us.

Finally today's readings invite each and everyone one of us to reflect on our own biases and boundaries, encouraging us to embrace God's inclusive love and extend it to all people of race and colour.

May we strive to be instruments of unity and love, just as Jesus has shown us. Amen.

Let's us also remember that God's love is universal and inclusive. We are called to love one another selflessly and unconditionally. Love is an action, not just a feeling, unity and inclusion are very essential aspects of our faith in journey. May the readings of tommorow inspire us to embrace and share God's love with all people, regardless of their background or identity.

Okolo Samuel Ikechukwu

Bearing Fruits is too important to God

From the creation of the earth and Man, God has always commanded and Reminded Man of the Purpose of his existence, First he commanded them "Be fruitful and Multiply" and Today Jesus reminds us with an added responsibility..."fruits that last"

Now by the New covenant God is not just interested in just bearing any fruit but the one that last which is why he advised "Stay with me or Remain with me ....my Father will prune you when you start bearing Fruits and then....."Your fruits will multiply..then last" all these found in John chapter 15.....

How then do I stay with Him and Bear this fruit???

Come with me to Psalm 1:1-3 and see how.

Psalms 1:1

[1]Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

[2]But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.

[3]He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

Precious Holy Spirit help us to stay on the Word and enjoy growth by the Living Waters in Jesus Mighty Name Amen.

SATURDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD, APRIL 27TH

LAITY REFLECTIONS FOR THE 5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER

1st Reading: Acts 9:26-31

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 22:26b-27.28 and 30.31-32 (R. 26a)

2nd Reading: 1 John 3: 18-24

Gospel Reading: John 15: 1-8

Fabians Dania

REFLECTION

It is the Father's will that we bear much fruit. Firstly, the fruit of love.

Love, when it is fully grown, makes us like unto God himself and at this point, we seek nothing more than the glory of God. We achieve this by being firmly rooted in the Trinity, consequently, he says that we abide in him.

May God, through His abiding love always lead us in the line if perfection. Amen!

Innocent Benedict Ifeanyichukwu

REFLECTION

The readings reminded us of how important it is to love God and not the world because we are of God though we are in the world, and by so doing (Loving God wholeheartedly), anything we ask of or from Him will be granted to us and He will surely be with us no matter the situation we finds ourselves in.

And how can loving God wholeheartedly be accomplished? By abiding in His Commandments, loving your neighbor as yourself, making peace with one another, Sacrament of reconciliation and doing your works of mercy .

Ijeoma Madu

REFLECTION

The three readings of today centers on love. They encourage us to show love to:

1. Ourselves even when our hearts condemn us for doing evil because God’s love for us surpasses our weaknesses. (2nd reading)

2. all brethren irrespective of their past lives as Barnabas showed love to St. Paul by accepting him and presenting him to the apostles; and the brethren showed love to Paul by saving him when the Hellenists planned killing him.

3. ⁠To bear fruit of love in all that we do because God is love. We can only abide with God in love. Love is the greatest fruit we can bear as children of God. It is the foundation of all virtues; love conquers all; as charity covers multitude of sins.

4. We should learn from the readings that when we remain in God in love, we can achieve a lot in life. We will have the courage to present our petitions to God and believe that He will answer us.

May God bless his words in our hearts through Christ our Lord. Amen 🙏🏿

Okoha F.E Nworie

REFLECTION

The heart most often is associated and refers to emotions and desires, while the "mind" typically represents intellect and reasoning. The "conscience," however, is more about moral awareness, guiding one's sense of right and wrong. They intersect but emphasize different aspects of human experience.

When we want to express ourselves, when guilty or after being vindicated, especially using our mother tongue, we see how difficult it is to differentiate between heart and conscience. Simply put, the heart is a visible internal organ of the body, while conscience is the invisible heart of our mind.

Everything about right and wrong pertains to the conscience, but the unity between the heart and conscience makes it possible for one to experience a rapid increase in heartbeat when his/her conscience condemns him/her.

So, in this case, following the above, when our heart does not condemn us, it means our conscience does not condemn us.

Secondly, Henry Newman says that our conscience is the vicar of Christ in us. It is the still small voice of God in us.

Some of the ways we know when our conscience condemns us are:

1. When we are being judged by our minds over an action that has been done or that we are about to do.

2. When our hearts are filled with the emotions of guilt and regret or when our heartbeats increase so rapidly that it brings about fear over an action that has been done or is about to be carried out.

Thirdly, what we can do to avoid being condemned by our conscience (heart) is to live a righteous life. For a righteous person (even if not 100%) is holy, just, and morally upright. For what the voice of God in us wants is to be a living tabernacle of Christ, that is, to be righteous.

SOCIAL FRIDAY (Celebrating our April Celebrants across the forums)

APRIL CELEBRANTS

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!

Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, OSJ

Spiritual Director

(On behalf of OCCF Council)