Posts by Fr. John Bosco Obiako
Understanding
In today’s First Reading (Acts 8:26-40), we encounter a profound moment of seeking: an Ethiopian official sitting in his chariot, reading the prophet Isaiah. Despite his high status and literacy, he remains in the dark about the heart of what he is reading until Philip asks, “Do you understand what you are reading?” His humble…
Read MoreCOURAGEOUS WITNESSES OF THE GOSPEL
In today’s first reading from Acts, we find Peter and the Apostles standing before the High Priest and the Sanhedrin. They are being interrogated for ignoring a direct order to stop preaching in Jesus’ name. Peter’s response is the heartbeat of our faith: “We must obey God rather than men.” Think about the pressure they…
Read MoreSEARCHING FOR TRUTH AND MEANING IN LIFE
In today’s Gospel (John 3:16–21), we continue to reflect on the journey of faith taken by Nicodemus. The passage brings us to the heart of a late-night encounter, an event that has resonated throughout history. Nicodemus, a man of notable status and learning, stands in the shadows. Despite his wealth of knowledge and esteemed position,…
Read MoreFaith and the Challenge of Belief
Who among us has never exclaimed, “I don’t believe it,” upon hearing something astonishing or seemingly impossible? Such a reaction is natural, especially when faced with news that defies our expectations or seems too marvelous to be true. This very sentiment was experienced by the Apostles when they learned of Jesus’ resurrection—a revelation so extraordinary…
Read MoreGet Up and Move On
For thirty-eight years, the man reported in today’s Gospel has been lying by the pool. He is not only paralyzed in body, but also in hope. He waits for someone to immerse him in the water. He waits for an opportunity. He waits for life to change from the outside. Jesus approaches and asks him…
Read MoreSeeing Correctly
Often, we think we see things clearly and understand how the world works. But sometimes, we fool ourselves or are fooled by others. We can fool ourselves because our view of reality is shaped by biases or missing information. We can also be misled by appearances, since power often works by changing how we see…
Read MoreBe Careful Not to Forget
One of the many recommendations that the Lord gives to his people through Moses is “not to forget”. Many times, God asks his children to “remember,” that is, to bring back to their hearts all that He has done for them, all that they have seen and experienced. Forgetting is perhaps one great “disease,” if…
Read MoreStay on the Right Line
After fasting as a key pillar of Lent, today’s liturgy focuses on an essential attitude: charity. The main message is clear from the beginning: what truly counts is our tangible actions of love toward others. We live in a world where people are classified into myriad categories: professions, academic qualifications, social status, accumulated successes, the…
Read MoreThe Lord Sighs
The Lord sighs. In today’s Gospel, we are introduced to the Pharisees, who attempt to trap Jesus by seeking grounds to accuse Him. They request a sign from Jesus. Like them, we sometimes seek signs from above to better understand our circumstances or make wise decisions. We often look for signs from God and even…
Read MoreThe Law of the Lord and Us
Today’s readings lead us to reflect on the theme of the “law of the Lord,” as the refrain of the Responsorial Psalm (Ps 118) reminds us, “Blessed are those who walk in the law of the Lord.” A fundamental instrument to observe any law is wisdom, not that of the rulers of the world, but…
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