HOMILY OF THE SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A Rev. Fr. John-Mary Benedict Ntol Atep Readings: 1 Kings 3, 5:7-12; Romans 8:28-30; Matthew 13: 44-52 Our readings today reveal to us the secrets of the Kingdom of God. If the Lord were to visit you today and ask that you request three things, as…

REV. FR. JOHN-MARY BENEDICT NTOL ATEP Readings: Zechariah 9:9-10; Psalm 145; Romans 8:9, 11-13; Matthew 11:25-30 This Sunday’s Gospel, presents one of the most powerful and insightful Gospel passages. It has 3 parts: a prayer – “I bless/thank you, Father”; a declaration of Jesus about Himself – “Everything has been given to me by my…

Readings: Deut. 8: 2–3.14a–16a; 1 Cor. 10: 16–17; John 6: 51–58 The Holy Catholic Church celebrates the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ every day except on Good Friday but there are two principal days that the Eucharist’s specific focal points are highlighted. They are Holy Thursday evening when the institution of the Holy Eucharist…

Readings: Acts 2:1-11; Ps. 104; 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 11-13; John 20:19-23 Rev. Fr. John-Mary Ntol Atep When good and great people die, we usually say prayerfully “REST IN PEACE.” And we engrave such words on their gravestones and other documents. It is prayerfully “said to express the hope that someone’s spirit has found peace after…

HOMILY OF THE SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B Readings: Leviticus 13:1-2, 45-46; 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1; Mark 1:40-45 Preamble Pope Francis, Pope Benedict XVI, St. John Paul II and their predecessors have been consistently teaching us and the world that faithfulness to Jesus Christ requires us not only to: proclaim the dignity of every…

Readings: Jeremiah 20:7-9; Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 16.21-27 Last Sunday, we reflected on leadership and what it takes to be a genuine leader according to the mind of Christ. Today’s reflection focuses on discipleship and how our souls are yearning for God. They remind and encourage us to allow God to take possession of us. In…

Readings: Is. 55: 10-11; Rom. 8: 18-23; Matt. 13:1-9 I am so delighted by our quest for the Word of God! And our Sunday readings speak of the power in the Word of God. For Scripture says, “Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul…

Readings: 2 Kings 4:8ff; Romans 6:3-4, 8-11; Matthew 10:37-42 Our readings today suggest for themselves themes like hospitality, generosity, commitment and charity. When I was walking down the road last week for my exercise, I heard a man repeating this mantra to all those who passed by him: “Have you helped someone today besides yourself?”…

Readings: Jer. 20:10-13; Ps. 69…; Rom. 5:12-15; Matt. 10:26-33 Certain events in my life have given me a lot of insights about being afraid and fearing. It is important to note that there is a difference between being afraid and fearing. Thus, we are to “Have fear but do not be afraid.” Jesus says: “Do…

Readings: Exo. 34:4b-6.8-9; Resp. ps. Dan. 3; 2Cor. 13:11-13; John 3:16-18 I once had a spiritual director who was fond of asking the question: “What is your God like?”  He would then challenge me to go even deeper as he would continue to ask: “What does God feel like for you? What does He smell…