Posts by Fr. Venatius Oforka
Rediscovering the Ministry of Intercession
It is worthy of note that Jesus spent an entire night in prayer before He chose His apostles. This was not the only time He spent hours in prayer during His ministry on earth. It was His lifestyle. Although He was and still is God, He knew that as an incarnate being, He would be…
Read MoreNo Guts, No Glory
Whenever I reflect on the splendor and majesty of the Most High, I cannot but get down on my knees in profound adoration of the One sitting on the throne. The Prophet Daniel had a vision of His glory and attempted to describe His form and magnificence. He called Him “the Ancient of Days.” This…
Read MoreMartyred in Defense of Purity
Today, the Church celebrates the optional memorial of St. Maria Goretti, a virgin and martyr. This memorial calls to mind one of the basic Christian virtues that appears outmoded in our age. It reminds us of the virtue of purity, which greatly delights the Lord. Dazzling White God is purer than the sun. He has…
Read MoreBlessed Assurance
While they were going to the mountain, where Abraham would use Isaac his son for a burnt offering to the Lord, the lad asked him, “The fire and wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering.” Abraham replied to him, “God himself will provide, my son.” When the Lord eventually provided…
Read MoreHis Ways Are Not Our Ways
The story of the conversion of Saul started with his bitter aggression against the nascent church, which has a humble but glorious beginning. The Pentecost experience soaked the disciples with the power of the Holy Spirit and gave them a courage they had never known before. They bore witness with passion for the Crucified. Not…
Read MoreEncounter with Nebuchadnezzar
The three young men in today’s first reading, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shine brightly as wonderful examples of Christian courage needed in times of tribulations. Whoever believes in God must also trust Him. He must trust His power to do all things. He must equally know that even though God can do all things, He…
Read MoreAvoiding Desperate Moves in Moments of Trial
The devil came to Jesus after his forty days fast and urged him to use his divine powers to turn stones into bread and satisfy his hunger. I did not fully capture the devil’s maneuver here until I visited Israel for a pilgrimage. Our group of pilgrims visited the desert of Masada. Most conspicuous in…
Read MoreDriven by Love
God made human beings in His image and offered them His friendship. However, they stubbornly despised him and consequently lost His friendship. Nevertheless, He did not abandon them to the power of death. Ever since then, He has been on the mission of restoring them to His friendship. He has offered them his covenant repeatedly…
Read MoreThe Magi and Their Gifts
The Church celebrates the feast of epiphany today. However, in countries where this feast is not a holy day of obligation, it is celebrated on the Sunday occurring between 2 and 8 January. Epiphany is one of the beautiful feasts that highlight the joys and mysteries of Christmas. Giving Christmas is essentially the feast of…
Read MorePower of Positivity
Today’s gospel centers on a paralyzed man who was healed by Jesus. This man could no longer help himself. He depended on others even for his miserable life. It seemed like there was no more hope for him. However, some men, perhaps his relatives and friends, refused to give up on him. They remained positive…
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