This Sunday’s gospel passage from Luke (12:49-53) is one of the most challenging in the gospels because it speaks directly to possible disruptions of family and intimate relationships. When family love is genuine and bonds are deep, how do we reconcile Jesus’ startling announcement that His mission will bring division rather than peace? This is […]
Between Personal Comfort and Values. 08/17/25. Chima Offurum. Read More »
Today, we celebrate the memorial of St. Maximilian Kolbe, one of the heroes of this Church’s faith. St. Maximilian Kolbe (1894-1941) was a Polish Franciscan friar, priest, missionary, and martyr whose life was remarkable for his self-sacrifice during the Second World War. Out of love, he took another man’s position and died in his place.
Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr. 08/14/25. Chima Offurum. Read More »
The choice of God for a people who love what is good, trustworthy, and honorable is not merely a matter of divine selection. It is a sacred invitation into a relationship marked by trust, obedience, and promise. In Wisdom 18:6-9, the holy text recalls the night of deliverance when God’s faithful awaited salvation with sure
We are God’s People, the Sheep of His Pasture. 08/10/25. Chima Offurum. Read More »
Thursday in Week Eighteen of the Ordinary Time. After witnessing the glory of Jesus in the Transfiguration, as we celebrated yesterday, Peter should have known better than to discourage Him from embracing the Cross of Calvary, which was essential for our ultimate salvation. However, I believe he now understands far more than we can
Obedience to God’s Word brings Peace Read More »
Every liturgical celebration has messages for our reflection, and we explore some of those contents from the readings or the rituals of each occasion. I was looking at the different ways we could approach today’s messages from Qoheleth, including the vanity of life and the seeming injustice of the inheritance of human toil. Indeed, as
Satisfaction comes by lifting our Hearts to the Lord. 08/03/25. Chima Offurum. Read More »
Today’s reflection, drawn from Matthew 14:1-12, centers on Herod’s troubled conscience after he heard of Jesus’ growing reputation. Mistaking Jesus for a resurrected John the Baptist, whom he had executed, Herod reveals how no one can silence truth, which continues to haunt the unjust. Though he killed John to quiet the prophetic voice that challenged
Saturday in Week Seventeen of the Ordinary Time. 08/02/25. Chima Offurum. Read More »
Jesus was born into Jewish culture, significantly shaping His way of life. When the Scriptures say He came to His native land and amazed the people with His wisdom (Matthew 13:54-58), it refers to His return to the Jewish territory of His birth. Notably, Christianity inherited several observances from Judaism, such as the Passover and
Like a net cast into the sea to gather fish (Matthew 13:47-53), God has drawn us together as His people. Though our praises add nothing to His greatness, God’s joy is complete when we listen to Him and follow His commands. This result is precisely how God expressed His joy when Moses obeyed Him, as
Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest. 07/31/25. Chima Offurum. Read More »
Today’s first reading from the Book of Exodus (33:7-11; 34:5-9; 28) highlights a powerful connection between the Church as a sacred meeting place with God and our own homes as spiritual spaces where prayer and worship also take root. Each time Moses entered the Tent of Meeting, the people stood at the entrances of their
Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. 07/29/25. Chima Offurum Read More »
Last weekend, we started a reflection on the theme of prayer, where I described prayer in whatever setting as a sacred encounter through which we acknowledge the nearness of God and the sanctity of His presence in our daily lives. This weekend, the theme stands out again in St. Paul as our enabler to ask
Prayer Attitude and Framing. 07/27/25. Chima Offurum. Read More »
