Posts by Sr. Olisaemeka Rosemary Okwara
Faith as Trusting Belief in God
The readings of today illustrate the qualities of faith in comparison to law or tradition. The first reading from Paul’s letter to the Galatians (Gal 3:22-29) centers on justification by faith. On its part, the Gospel (Lk 11:27-28) reminds us of the imperative obedience to God’s word. Whether in Christian history, theology, or everyday life,…
Read MoreFeast of the Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today, September 8th , the Church marks the feast of the nativity of the blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus. This feast day was introduced in Rome from the Eastern Church in the seventh century. Only a few people enjoy the privilege of a birthday celebration in the Church’s liturgical calendar — the Birthday…
Read MoreThe Life of Discipleship
Today the Church commemorates St Dominic, the founder of the Dominican Order popularly known as Order of Preachers. Dominic was a great preacher and pious religious priest who led many souls to piety and to religious life. My reflection comes from the readings suggested for today’s Memorial (1 Cor 2:1-10; Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8a, 10;…
Read MoreAssurance of Peace to Those Who Trust in God
The first reading of today from the prophecy of Hosea 14:2-10 presents us with a call to repentance, namely, amending what is not straight in one’s life and/or at least taking note of them. The gospel from Matthew 10:16-23 offers us insights on radical trust in divine providence – something that becomes meaningful daily as…
Read MoreJesus’ Alliance with Tradition and the Call to Hand on the Faith
In the gospel of today (Mt 5:17-19), Jesus affirms the enduring validity of the Scriptures: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the…
Read MoreFirm in Faith, Hope and Charity – Our Easter Proclamation
The last two Sundays, and at Easter, we proclaimed the great Alleluia of the Lord’s resurrection. Today, the fourth Sunday of Eastertide, we continue to read the post-Easter message from the Acts of the Apostles and the Evangelists. The readings continue the testimony of the power of the resurrection and its effects in the life…
Read MoreThe 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…
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