Posts by Fr. Venatius Oforka
The Sacrifice of Praise
In his closing words in the epistle to the Romans, Paul writes: “Give glory therefore to him through Jesus Christ for ever and ever. Amen.” The psalmist picks it up from here in the responsorial psalm and blesses the name of the Lord. He uses these beautiful words; “I will bless you day after day…
Read MoreThe Golden Rule
The anger of Jonah in today’s first reading is palpitating and smoking. He is enraged to the point of death. Why? He preached the Word of God to the people of Nineveh, and they turned to God, abandoning their evil ways. God then showed them his loving mercy and compassion. For these reasons, Jonah became…
Read MoreThe Most Important Part of the Body
I remembered an impressive story told by Saji Anthony as I was reflecting on the gospel of today. I thought that it could help transmit the lesson from the encounter between Jesus on the one hand and the Pharisees, the scribes and a man with a withered hand on the other. A mother asked her…
Read MoreHeaven is the Prize
We perhaps remember this ancient hymn: Yes, Heaven is the prize! When sorrows press around, Look up beyond the skies Where hope and strength are found. Ref. Tis Heaven!—’tis Heaven!—yes, Heaven is the prize! The feast of transfiguration reminds us of the amazing glory that awaits us. After the painful phase of the process of…
Read MoreA Call Ringing Over The Restless Waves
As I read today’s gospel, I came across the statement, “And when he saw the crowds he felt sorry for them because they were harassed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd.” I remembered a song we used to sing in the seminary. There’s a call comes ringing over the restless wave “Send the light!…
Read MoreI Am Sorry!
The 3-word expression “I am sorry” can be magical in its accomplishments. It has the power of music and can calm frayed nerves and sooth wounded heart. Like balm, it can console a troubled spirit and heal a bruised ego. “I am sorry” can neutralize heated tempers and blunt the edges of repercussions of misdemeanors…
Read MoreThe Power of Love
Christianity is the most beautiful religion that has ever existed on earth. Only this religion has the ability to liberate our world from the stranglehold of evil. Only its principles and basic message can truly set both humanity and nature free from the pangs of wickedness that overshadows them. For only Christianity is the religion…
Read MoreSorrow in the Night but Joy in the Morning
The tomb is empty. He is risen. The angels testify. Mary joyfully encounters Him, the Rabbuni. This is an incredible testimony to the fact that a long and rough night will eventually metamorphose into a bright joyful morning. For no human condition is permanent. “Everything gives way and nothing stays fixed”, says the philosopher Heraclitus.…
Read MoreAmazing Grace and You
How deep is His Love! How awesome his mercy! How incredible His grace! I have experienced the manifestation of these sublime characteristics of God in my priestly ministry, both in my personal life and in that of many others. I would like to share one of such moments with you. It was sometime in the…
Read MoreCall to Martyrdom
The Christian story is the story of undying selfless love, the love of a Father who sacrificed his only Son for his beloved, and the love of a Man who courageously laid down his life for his friends. Christianity is thus a dynamic way of life that feeds on the flames of love. Without the…
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