Posts by Fr. John Opara
A Prophecy of Hope
Many people experience their own “world endings”: the death of a loved one, the collapse of a relationship, the shock of illness, the unraveling of plans or dreams. Sometimes it is not the world around us that breaks, but the world within. Hence, we have lost hope of a new beginning. The Gospel of today…
Read MoreThe Wonder of love
In a world where love is often portrayed as a fleeting emotion, a romantic feeling, or something that comes and goes with moods and moments, the life of Jesus shows us something far deeper: real love is willing to suffer. It is not afraid of pain, criticism, or sacrifice because it puts the well-being of…
Read MoreLike Sheep Without a Shepherd
With the coming of Jesus and through the work of the Apostles, the restoration plan of God has begun—a restoration that humanity ultimately longs for. Today’s Gospel tells us what we need to be part of it, since the laborers are few. Learning to See The first step is learning to truly perceive ourselves, other…
Read MoreAmbassadors of Life
On this feast of St. Monica, we hear the gospel of the restoration of the dead son of the widow of Nain to life. The episode recalls that all the miracles of Jesus (including the gospel accounts of Jesus raising the dead) are not merely displays of power, but signs of God’s final promise: the…
Read MoreFriendship with God
I have a friend. He was frustrated about how things were going in his family. He was angry at his brother. And I said, “well, my dear, have you prayed over it?” And he said, “I have not.” And I asked, “why?” He said, “Because, if I pray, I know what God is going to…
Read MoreReceiving Love
Whenever we think about love, we often associate it with doing something great for the one we love. The feast of the sacred Heart of Jesus gives us a wonderful opportunity to ponder upon the love of God for us, as a model for our human relationships. It is evident that God is the one…
Read MoreThe Disciples’ Response
The story of the first reading took place in Philippi, a city in the Roman province of Macedonia. Here, Paul, together with his disciple Silas, founded his first congregation on European soil in the years 49/50 AD. It is about the wonders of singing. Usually, prisoners, once they are locked up, try to behave as…
Read MoreWhoever Believes is Not Alone
We are sometimes searching for proofs regarding the truth and mysteries of our faith. On this journey, given our human condition, there are obstacles which give rise to questions and doubts. But beyond that, doubt also shows our sincerity—our inner engagement with faith. Doubts are a sign of our vitality, our willingness not to close…
Read MoreA Time of Listening
The Lenten season is a special time to pray, to reflect and to listen. God speaks to us through the scriptures, the prophets and in the quietness of our minds. As we journey through Lent, we are called to listen carefully in order to discern God’s will for us. This kind of listening requires faith…
Read MoreLiving as Salt of the Earth
“Have salt in yourselves and maintain peace with each other” – These words of Jesus carry deep significance. In a world where everything, from food to relationships, can lose their flavor, salt is a powerful symbol of preservation, strength, and transformation. Just as salt preserves food and enhances its taste, so too can our actions…
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