Posts by Fr. John Bosco Obiako
Terms of Reference on True Discipleship
When we buy some products, they usually come with a manual containing the “Instructions for Use” or “Terms of Reference”. It is always recommended to read the instructions carefully before use. If one wants to get the best out of the product purchased, one must be faithful to the instructions given by the manufacturers. Neglecting…
Read MoreEncouragement and Support
Today, the Church celebrates the memorial of St. Barnabas or San Barnaba. He is originally named Joseph; born in Cyprus to a Levitical Jewish family. The apostles nickname him Barnabas, which in Aramaic means “Son of Encouragement” or “Son of Consolation” (Acts 4:36) because of his skill in motivating others. He is a great encourager.…
Read MoreThe Most Powerful Name
Why the Holy Name of Jesus is the Most Powerful Name When I was preparing to travel outside my country for the first time, I needed to get my Passport ready before beginning the visa application process. I booked an appointment online with the immigration department. That day, I just got up and drove to…
Read MoreConquering Human Fears
“We must obey God rather than men.” This declaration, which we find in today’s first reading taken from the book of the Acts of the Apostles (5: 27 – 33), has never been more relevant than it is today. Peter and the other Apostles conquered human fear. To the high priest, president of the tribunal…
Read MoreCome Down Lord
When I was still in the minor seminary, there was a song I loved so much, and we used to sing it often at Mass during the Communion. The title of the song is “Come Down Lord.” It was written by the Medical Mission Sister, Miriam Therese Winter, and was said to have been released…
Read MoreBarrier Breaker
We are on the last Sunday before the beginning of the Holy Season of Lent. The readings of today, for me, set us in the mood for one of the purposes that the season of Lent serves for us Christians: purifying our hearts from the leprosy of sin and lukewarmness. Divine Compassion In the Gospel…
Read MoreDivine Touch
Two Healings of Lepers: In the entire four Gospels, there are two healings of lepers recorded: this one narrated by Mark (which we also find in Matthew [8:1-4] and Luke [5:12-16]), and that of the ten lepers narrated by Luke alone (Lk 17:11-19). The specificity of these healings comes out when we consider the condition…
Read MoreAn Encounter
My Advent journey this year has been accompanied, inter alia, by a beautiful book entitled “AN ENCOUNTER: A Daily Discovery in Divine Word.” It was written by Fr. Maurice Nkem Emelu, who is the founder of the Gratia Vobis Ministries and the initiator of this daily reflection via email. The book has 3 volumes already…
Read MoreDo Not Forget
Remember the marvels the Lord has done! The above is the response to the Responsorial Psalm of today’s Mass. Psalm 105 (104) is a magnificent summary of the history of the people of Israel. It goes without saying, however, that the message that the Psalm conveys goes far beyond any historical event: the psalmist wants…
Read MorePeace Unto This House
When I was growing up, I had an aunt who was a Religious Sister in the Congregation of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ. At the main entrance door of our family house, she hung a holy placard with the inscription: “PEACE UNTO THIS HOUSE.” I remember reading it aloud…
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