Posts by Fr. Nnaemeka Paschal Ajuka
A Prophetic Gesture of Love: Mary of Bethany’s Anointing of Jesus
As we enter Holy Week, our hearts turn toward Jesus’ final days—a time marked by rejection, suffering, and impending death. Most people Jesus encountered during this journey responded with suspicion, fear, or outright hostility. Yet, in the Gospel reading today, just six days before Passover, we are given a moment of unexpected grace. Jesus is…
Read MoreThe Call to Righteousness
The call to perseverance in righteousness is a central theme in Ezekiel’s message. He stresses that each person is accountable for their actions, and righteousness is not a static state but a lifelong commitment. If a sinner repents and turns toward justice, they will find life. Conversely, if the righteous abandon their path and turn…
Read MoreFeast of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Patrons of Europe: Cyril (826–869) and Methodius (815–885)
Missionaries to the Slavs: Saints Cyril and Methodius were brothers born in 9th-century Thessalonica, in what was then the Byzantine Roman Empire (modern-day Greece). They became Christian missionaries among the Slavic peoples of Moravia and Pannonia (present-day Czech Republic and Hungary). Through their work, they significantly influenced the cultural and religious development of the Slavic…
Read MoreJesus’ Humility and Love
Reflecting on today’s readings, particularly Hebrews 2:5-12, in a world plagued by hatred and pride, reminds me once again that Jesus’ humility and love stand as a profound example for us Christians today. Recognizing Jesus’ willingness to humble Himself, become human, and suffer for humanity’s sake, we are inspired to: · Value Every Person: In…
Read MoreElijah’s Legacy: A Call for Renewal and Unity
Elijah’s extraordinary departure in a whirlwind (2 Kgs 2:11) left an indelible mark on Jewish tradition, symbolizing the hope for repentance and transformation before the messianic age. John the Baptist echoed Elijah’s stern call for renewal, while Jesus embodied Elijah as the prophet who suffered for God’s purposes. Elijah’s enduring legacy is his role in…
Read MoreLove Beyond Obligation: Paul’s Message of Kindness and Equality
Love and friendship can reach far beyond duty, revealing kindness that transcends social barriers. In his letter to Philemon, Paul addresses him as a “beloved friend and fellow worker,” expressing heartfelt gratitude for his generosity. Through Philemon’s kindness, the hearts of God’s people have been “refreshed.” Paul’s message speaks to the transformative power of compassion,…
Read MoreHow the Last Shall Become First and the Surprising Path to Salvation
The Unexpected Openness of Outsiders: The last becoming first and the surprising journey to salvation is a theme that recurs throughout the Gospels, challenging conventional ideas about who is truly close to God. Often, those who might be seen as outsiders, with little knowledge of Christ, display a striking openness and generosity that surpasses even…
Read MoreThe Power of Small Gatherings in Faith and Service: (Memorial: St Maximilian Kolbe, 1894-1941)
We often find ourselves impressed by numbers, especially within the church. We measure successby how many people attend Mass or participate in various ministries and events. But Jesus has adifferent perspective. He was not concerned with numbers; he valued the individual. In yesterday’sgospel, He spoke of the shepherd who left the ninety-nine sheep to search…
Read MoreCalled to Evangelize
By our baptism, we are called to share in the threefold ministry of Christ: as king, prophet, and priest. Today’s liturgy emphasizes this special calling and the need to embrace the prophetic mission in our contemporary world, aligning with the mission of Gratia Vobis Ministry (GVM): “To inspire, foster spiritual growth, and equip individuals and…
Read MoreFocus on What Truly Matters
A conversation on silence, chastity, and self-mastery. A heart that seeks God turns us into pilgrims, journeying toward a complete revelation of the divine. The prophet Elijah epitomized this seeker’s spirit as he journeyed across the desert to Mount Sinai (or Horeb), the mountain of God. There, in a cave, he encountered the divine presence…
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