Posts by Fr. John Bosco Obiako
The Anchor in our Storms
In the Gospel, Saint Peter experiences what we can call a deep crisis of faith, which in some way speaks to our own daily struggles as well. When Jesus invites him onto the water, Peter starts with bold confidence. However, the moment he shifts his gaze from Christ who is the Anchor, he notices the…
Read MoreLove Over Ritual
In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us a powerful reality check: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” It is easy to follow rules. It is easy to check off religious boxes. We can attend Mass, say our prayers, and follow protocols perfectly. These surely are commendable. But Jesus reminds us that God does not look at external…
Read MoreUnder the Protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Today, the Word of God and the memorial of Our Lady of Mount Carmel merge in an invitation to rediscover profound peace in Christ. In the First Reading, the prophet Isaiah describes our human toil and our thirst for God: “My soul yearns for you in the night… we have conceived and suffered the pains…
Read MoreMere Tools in the Hand of the Master
Today’s First Reading, from the book of the prophet Isaiah (10:5-7, 13-16), presents us with an extraordinary and dramatically relevant provocation: “Shall the ax boast over him who chops with it, or the saw magnify itself against him who wields it?” The Lord uses the king of Assyria as a tool, a rod to correct…
Read MoreHoly Fearlessness
In today’s Gospel, Jesus lays bare the reality of discipleship: “A disciple is not above his teacher.” He warns us that following Him will bring misunderstanding and opposition, but counters this with a powerful, recurring command: “Do not be afraid.” Christ reassures us that we are worth more than many sparrows, and that every hair…
Read MoreSeeking Human Approval
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness before others to be admired by them.” (Mtt. 6:1) Today’s Gospel puts us at a crossroads: in life we must choose whether to be admired by others or to be seen in secret by the Father’s heart and be blessed. Beautiful things, like praying, giving alms, fasting, and…
Read MoreThe Radical Call to Love
In today’s Gospel (Matthew 5:43-48), Jesus delivers one of His most counter-cultural commands: “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” He points out that even corrupt tax collectors and pagans love those who love them back. Christ, thus, demands a higher standard for His followers, challenging us to be perfect, just as…
Read MoreThe Vice of “Just a Little More”
Today’s First Reading (1 Kings 21:1-16) introduces us to a man who has everything, yet felt he had nothing because of one small missing piece. He is a concrete example of a man afflicted by the vice of “just a little more”. King Ahab looks out his palace window and sees Naboth’s vineyard. Ahab, as…
Read MoreCOMPASSIONATE GAZE
In life, it is more common to encounter people who feel troubled, tired and abandoned. I have encountered many exhausted people. I have, myself, also felt troubled and exhausted many times because of life’s difficulties. That physical tiredness, however, could be a symptom of an inner weariness. Perhaps it’s a deeper weariness, as a consequence…
Read MoreGracious Living
Today is the Feast of Saint Barnabas, a man whose very name means “Son of Encouragement”. He was not one of the original twelve apostles of Christ, but he was actively involved in the life of the early Christian communities. Barnabas stands out because he excelled at something deeply human and desperately needed in our…
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