Posts by Sr. Olisaemeka Rosemary Okwara
The Problem of ‘Othering’
Jeremiah and Jesus Judged and Condemned We are drawing closer to the end of the Lenten season and nearing the Holy Week when we recall Jesus’ perseverance in doing the will of God. In addition to the works of penance, prayer, and almsgiving, we are challenged by the readings occurring at this period to reflect…
Read MoreForgive Others Their Transgressions
Today’s gospel (Mt 6:7-15) presents us with the charge to forgive others their transgressions. It is said that forgiveness is divine because it is seemingly not in the nature of human beings to let go of hurts done to them by others. The normal human instinct would be to retaliate – to take our own…
Read MoreBelieving the Right Way
In today’s readings (1 Kgs 8:22-23, 27-30; Mk 7:1-13), we are faced with two traditions that present varied patterns of ways of living out the faith. In the first reading, Solomon presents us with ardent faith that is concretized in a life of prayer backed up by humility. The gestures of Solomon expose much of…
Read MoreFinding Fulfillment in One’s Calling
John the Baptist as the Forerunner of Jesus Today’s Gospel (Jn 3:22-30) demonstrates the transition from the ministry of John the Baptist to that of Jesus. And offers some intriguing points about Jesus’ ministry and the role of John as the forerunner of Jesus. The encounter that took place between John the Baptist and his…
Read MoreThe Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
“Be it done unto me according to your Word” Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Feast centers on the fulfilment of God’s plans for the redemption of humankind. Mary, destined to be the Mother of Jesus the redeemer of humanity, was preserved from every stain…
Read MoreBe On Your Guard Against Sin
Temptations To Sin When I returned to my religious community at the completion of my studies, I faced a lot of personal challenges. Being scholarly well-informed about the renewals and reforms that have taken place in Catholicism, and schooled in the intellectual movements of modernity and enlightenment, I became critical of many things. I saw…
Read MoreOpen-mindedness to God’s Deeds
The prophet Joel, in the first reading (Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2), invites the people to deeper commitment to the life of faith. The prophet is concerned with strengthening formal observances of prayer, such as the temple liturgy, and an inward conversion. Furthermore, a fast and a solemn assembly of the people is to be proclaimed by…
Read MoreMary the Mediatrix of all Graces: The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Celebrating the Virgin Mary’s Birthday in Today’s Liturgy Today we celebrate Mary’s birth because of her role in God’s plan of salvation as the mother of Jesus. It is something worth noting that the readings of the celebration of Mary’s birth do not center on Mary. Rather, they present us with the prophecy of the…
Read MoreRenewing the Inner Strength
The term refugee has become common in today’s world given the recent exponential rate of migration and refugee crisis in many parts of the world, especially in Europe and America. Significant with refugees or asylum seekers is that they are fleeing from a life-threatening or an unfriendly situation in their geographical location. Sometimes the reasons…
Read MoreThe Missionary Dimension of the Christian Faith
Three words are striking in my reflection on today’s Gospel; mission, discipleship, and proclamation. Mission Mission could be a complex term. The content of mission as bearing witness to God’s kingdom and the call to repentance is ever-enduring. However, the mode of its interpretation and communication requires more attention. I adopt the view of mission…
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