Posts by Fr. Venatius Oforka
Running to Win the Prize: Paul Miki and Companions
The Church celebrates today the martyrdom of Paul Miki and his 25 companions, who were executed on February 5, 1597, in Nagasaki, Japan. Through this odious path, they concluded their mission for their Lord and could speak like St. Paul: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the…
Read MoreSeeking and Finding
Jesus told his followers, “Seek and you will find…for the one who seeks finds.” The story of the Magi gives us some important information on how to “seek” and “find” The Magi were the first people who searched for Jesus. They wished to encounter Him as they saw His star announcing His birth. How were…
Read MoreWhen Hope Dies
The path of man on earth is an undulating path, designed with valleys and hills, plains and mountains, dangerous curves and beautiful smooth paths and landscapes. On this path, one encounters angels and demons, as well as saints and marauders. Though this interplay of colours in human life makes life interesting, it underlines the fact…
Read MoreLoving and Serving God Unconditionally
The relationship of Christians with their God is not contractual. Even though there exists a covenant between them and their God, they do not serve him essentially because of rewards, or fear of punishment if they do not. A profound Christian faith is not driven by the desire for heaven nor the fear of hell.…
Read MoreThe Horror of Sin
Sin is a rejection of God, a turning away from God. Sin despises and mocks God. However, there is always a huge price to pay for turning away from God. It is “light” to reject and despise God, but the consequences are always heavy. The Jews at the time of Baruch, the writer of the…
Read MoreHealing the Wounded World
“I must proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God to other towns too, because that is what I was sent to do.” This was the response of Jesus to the people who wanted to prevent him from leaving them. His response emphasizes His commitment to the duty His Father assigned to him. He…
Read MoreThe Law and the Prophets: Ancient Path to Personal Transfiguration
The readings of today’s feast, the transfiguration of the Lord, describe generously the splendor of the beingness of the Most High. They illustrate the magnificent nature and the grandeur of God. The vision of the Prophet Daniel testifies: His robe is white as snow. His throne is a blaze of flames, and the wheels are…
Read MoreSubmitting to the Will of God Even When It Pains Most
Abraham was a trusted friend of God. The Lord called him out of his pagan community in Chaldea to teach him his ways. He called him into a special relationship with him. His committed obedience to the will of God, even when it seemed completely senseless and purposeless, was counted for him as righteousness and…
Read MoreThe Path of Wisdom
One of the indispensable virtues required by those in the service of God is wisdom. Any Christian, who wants to serve God effectively, must respond promptly and faithfully to the injunction of the Lord: “You must be as wise as the serpent but as innocent as the dove” (Mt. 10: 16). In the Holy Scripture,…
Read MoreWe Too Are Gods
The disciples of Jesus wished to know the Father too, who Jesus had spoken about so often. But He told them, “To have seen me is to have seen the Father. I am in the Father and the Father is in me.” Jesus is the visible manifestation of the unseen God. He was before time.…
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