Paying taxes to Cesar!
In response to the question, "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar?" Jesus respinds clairly, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" (Mark12:13-17). Jesus's response endorses the paying taxes as we have to contribute to the wellfare of our nations.
Besides, Jesus invites us to respect state authority as long as this authority safeguards the safety and the unity of nations. God is the source of authority. (Romans 13:1). It is, therefore, important as well that those in a position of authority act as God's servants.
Jesus, through his wise response, invites us to take good care of material possessions as a sense of our stewardship.
However, Jesus, in no way opens rooms to idolatry towards Caesar, that is earthly leaders, but with respect and love for a harmonious healthy society. Jesus wants us to give to Caesar what is his and render ourselves to God
Pax Christi
Fr. Georges R. Bidzogo sac
Monday of the 9th week, B. 2P1, 2-7; Mk 12, 1-12
Equipped Christians
St. Peter, Apostle tells us that divine power has been given us and we have everything that allows us to live with piety. God himself has equipped us with his power. We have the means to defeat the world. We simply have to put our will into this fight. The Apostle invites us to make every effort to join our faith with virtue, to virtue the knowledge of God, to the knowledge of God self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness, brotherhood, and to brotherhood, love.
Peace Christi!
Good week!
Fr. Georges R. Bidzogo
The visitation of the Blessed virgin Mary. Zep. 3:14-18; Romans 12: 9-16; Luke 1: 39-56.
Beacons of hope and joy!
In the visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we celebrate the Arc of the new covenant (2 Samuel 6:14). Mary is the one who brings, Jesus the Savior, the hope and joy to the entire humanity. She shares the greatest gift with Elizabeth, who represents all of us. Mary, the first believer, teaches how to give thanks gratitude to the Almighty for his mercy. Elizabeth's words: "Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb," echoe our response to this gift of God and our acknowledgement of Mary, the very special Woman in the history of salvation.
Mary and Elizabeth's joy in the Visitation reminds us of how the Church ought to respond to Christ's incarnation – “welcoming Jesus with great joy and bringing him to others.” Just as Mary went to visit her cousin to share the good news of her pregnancy, so too should we share the joy of Christ with the world. Indeed, Jesus is our new law, our Lord and King, and the bread of eternal life.
Whenever we bring Jesus to the world, we become beacons of hope and joy
Pax et Bonum!
Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac.
Thursday of the 8th week, B. 1 Peter 2: 2-5.9-12; Mc 10, 46b-52
St Emily.
Priestly and royal people!
The Apostle Peter reminds us of who we are, truly a Priestly, royal, and holy nation because of the power of the Gospel. We have been baptized, then redeemed by his blood. As children of the light, our conduct should match our identity - Always living closer to Christ and giving God honor by our way of life in the world. Such a witness becomes possible in some conditions:
1) Like Barthimeo, we must acknowledge our blindness and confidently cry for Christ's healing.
2) Being steadfast in the faith despite all oppositions. Yes, Christ is our light. If we follow Him, we walk not in darkness anymore (John 8:12)
Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac
Wednesday of the 8th week, Year B. 1 Peter 1:18-25 Mark 10: 32-45
Redeemed by Christ's Blood
Jesus, in today's Gospel, tells us that anyone who wants to sit in the heavenly kingdom must accept to partake in his cup of redemption. St Peter reminds us that we're are redeemed by only one thing: the blood of Christ.
In Ephesians 1:7, St. Paul explains that, to be redeemed is to be rescued from the hands of the executioners. This means that Jesus' death paid the price for humanity's release from sin and its consequences. Through Jesus' blood, we have been freed from captivity to sin and death, and that sin no longer has power and dominion over us. We are now spiritually alive and at peace with God, and we now share in Christ's victory over death. We will share Christ's glory if we accept to partake in the same cup with Him!
Peace and Grace!
Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac
Tuesday of the 8th week year B
Mark 10: 28-30
Today's gospel is a continuation of yesterday's passage, and in it we see the disciples worrying about how they will enter heaven. What would it profit them if they detach themselves from the worldly befits to follow Jesus' paths?
Christ reassures them and tells them that he who renounces everything for the sake of the kingdom, will receive a great reward in this life and in the next – there will be suffering among those benefits. We too share this promise if we place Christ and the Gospel above all else in our lives. Let be sober as the Apostle be Peter advises us in his letter today. 1 Peter 1: 10-18.
Lord teach me the wisdom of detachment!
Fr. Georges sac
Saturday of the 7th week, St Gregory VII, Pope. James 5:13-20. Mark 10: 13-16
The power of praying for the sick
What a beautiful and powerful way to conclude his letter! St James speaks of the anointing of the sick. It is the duty of the Church to pray for the sick. This prayer must be done with a pure heart and confidence. Trust and obedience, dependency are the characteristics of little children, whose likeness we are meant to be in order to enter God's kingdom. (Mark10:13-16). In order to be heard by God, confession of our sins is essential to help us dispose our hearts to God's grace. God listens to the prayer of the righteous as he did with Elijah, the prophet.
John is also inviting us to charitable for charity covers up a multitude of sins. Prayer with confidence, confessions, and charity brings healing!
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy immortal one, have mercy on us and the whole word.
Jesus, I trust in you!
Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac
Friday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time, Year B. Mark 10:1-12
The sacredness of marriage
We are dealing this morning with the question of divorce. This was a practice in the time of Moses, and it is a very serious plague that hunts families in our day.
Jesus continues today through his Holy church to affirm the sacredness of marriage. God's intention in creation from the beginning (Genesis 2:18-23) was that all human marriage between man and woman should be lifelong. To separate what God had joined was a violation of God's design.
Without condemning anyone who is in a situation of sin, we would state clearly that divorce is unlawful according to the divine intention.
Let's pray for true love, which is aiming at protecting and caring for one another. Love calls for perseverance and patience, forgiveness, and joy. True love always finds solutions and good reasons why we should even sacrifice our selfish tendencies. It not just about the two people, but also God who is the starting point of the love - where the two who are no longer two but one. cf Mt19,6. (Read 1 Cor. 13.)
Lord, give peace and lasting joy to married couples for a yield of beautiful families. Protect, o Lord the beauty of the sacrament of holy matrimony! Amen.
Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac
Reflection of Wednesday of the 7th week, Ordinary Time, B. James 4, 13-17; Mc 9: 38-40
No to any form of competition in spreading the Kingdom of God.
John, who tried to stop other disciples who were working miracles in Jesus, because they were not part of the inner circle, represents all disrespect and fight other Christians just because they are not part of our Church. For Christ, what is important is the spreading of his kingdom and that all should be saved.
Let us love, respect, and support each other in the field of evangelization even though we belong to different denominations.
Lord, open my heart to your word and your kingdom with no discrimination of preachers or denominations!
Fr. Georges sac
Tuesday of the 7th week in Ordinary Time, James 4:1-10.
St James addresses the issues of trust and prayer this morning!
We truly struggle with this question daily. How is it possible that so many of our prayers go unanswered? Saint Augustine answers with concision: it is because we asked either for bad things or asked badly.
No doubt this answer covers many cases. Many times, God does what a good mother does. When her little one wants a knife or matches to play with, they say "No" because she knows the child would hurt themselves. She would rather give them a book instead. Just like the child who will keep crying and stay unhappy because she or he does not get what he wants so much until they later would understand why the mother refused to give them that knife or matches, so we do with God.
God is Love, All knowing and All powerful, we must ask with perseverant faith, but always remaining disposed to his Holy will.
Lord, help my prayer request remain in tune with your Holy will. Amen.
Fr. Georges sac
Monday, May 20, 2023. Memory of Mary, Mother of the Church. Acts 1:12-14; John 19:25-34.
Mary is the mother of the Church because she gave birth to Jesus, her son, the head of the Church. Mary became the mother of the saved before Jesus, her son, gave up his spirit on the cross.
While insisting on her mission as the new Eve, I would also like to emphasize that Mary witnessed the death of her son. We must also be witnesses of Jesus' passion and death every day.
I would like to emphasize the place that Jesus gives to his mother. Even at the most distressing moment of his life, that is to say, of death, Jesus was attentive to his mother. So he placed her under the care of one of the Twelve, with the instruction that she was now his mother. This disciple represents us all, and we are also told that Mary is our mother and we are wanting her comfort, advice, and support as we would for the woman who gave birth to us. We must also provide our parents with physical and spiritual support. Let's take care of our parents!
Happy new week!
Friday of the 7th week after Ascension. John 21:15-19; Ps 102; Acts 25:13-21
The Holy Spirit guides!
Paul is on trials. Aware that his trial in Jerusalem will not be fair, he asked as a Roman citizen to be trialed in Rome. By this request, the Holy leads Paul to fulfill God's plan to give him witness in Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit will always lead us to where God needs us. Come Holy Spirit.
It is the gift of the Holy Spirit that truly helps us to accept the love of God every day and to also be able to say, Lord, I love you!
By restoring Peter, after his three times denial, Jesus shows his forgiveness, his love, and the trust he puts on us in spite of our weakness. It is truly those love God with all their heart, with all their spirit, with all their strength, who can fulfill his mission faithfully day after day.
The question of Jesus to Peter : "Do you love me?" remains the daily question to answer as it involves our daily relationships as well as our various activities. (Read Mark 12:30-31)
Come Holy Spirit of love. Enter our hearts!
Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac
Thursday of the 7th week of Easter, B. Ac 22: 30-23, 6-11; Ps 15 John 17: 20-26.
In the first reading, St. Paul is accused and arrested, but the Holy Spirit gives him wisdom, strength, and courage to render God a witness in Jerusalem. After this, Paul is now given the opportunity to give the same witness in Rome.
In the Gospel, Jesus prays for believers of all generations. They are to live after the example of the Holy Trinity of Love and Unity. God is unity and love, and we are truly called God's children if we are consecrated in his love and live in unity with one another after the example of the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Love and unity are true signs of Christianity.
Come Holy of unity and love. Amen.
Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac
Wednesday of the 7th week. Acts 20:28-38; John 17:11b-19
Priestly prayer
In the first reading, St Paul bids farewell to the Ephesians. It's a moving moment. St. Paul warns them that they will face tests of faith after his departure, but he prays for them commending them to God's protection. The reading also reveals the affection the Ephesians had for Paul. Authentic Christian life must be marked by affection and love for one another. Jesus presents himself to us this morning as the High Priest who prays for his people. The main mission of every priest is to intercede for his people. Essential to this prayer are unity, a sign of true love, faith and fidelity to the divine mission. Father, grant us to live in perfect unity in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac
Feast of Matthias. Jn 16:34-38
Chosen by Christ!
The election of Saint Matthias whose feast we celebrate every May 14, teaches that: no matter how good we think we are, there would always be someone who can take our place and even do the job better. We should avoid pride. Another lesson we learn from this election is to always consult God in prayer. We, too, have been chosen to do God's work. We should be generous to say yes!
Come Holy Spirit!
Fr. Georges sac
Friday of the 6th week of Easter, B.
Acts 18:9-18; John 16:20-23
Pangs of birth
In today's gospel, Christ assure his disciples that there will be pains and sorrows as he leaves them, but their pains will only be temporary. Soon, they will rejoice.
Every spiritual pain or sorrow or tribulation is like the pangs of birth. It only lasts for a while, yet the outcome is greater joy!
No matter how dark our days may seem, the word of God teaches that all grief will come to an end and will be replaced with eternal peace and gladness.
Lord, teach me how to hope for a better future!
Fr. Georges sac
Wednesday of the sixth week of Easter. Acts 12:15.22-18 John 16:12-15;
Moved by the Holy Spirit
In the first reading, Saint Paul moved by the Spirit is now in Athens, the artistic and spiritual center of Greece at the time. Paul preaches at the Areopagus using the philosophy of the ancient Greeks in his arguments. He appreciates what is positive in their culture, in order to better introduce them to the true God, although still unknown. Without doubt, Paul is animated by the Spirit, which is a creative and innovative spirit.
It is this Spirit that Jesus promised to his disciples. With the Holy Spirit, we too will be led to the complete truth. The first truth for us, is Faith in Jesus and that the Holy Spirit truly lives within and among us.
Are we open to the truths of our Christian faith?
Are we ready to listen to the Spirit alive among us? In Athens there were those who believed and those who refused to believe and instead mocked Paul. Which category do you belong to?
Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac
Monday of the 6th week of Easter. Acts 16:11-15. Ps 149; John15:26-16,4a
The Holy Spirit as witness!
In the gospel, Jesus reassures us. The Holy Spirit will bear witness to him and help us to be credible witnesses too. Christ is fully aware of the trials and persecutions that must befall his disciples, but he is also aware that with the help of the Holy Spirit they will be able to endure and thus be victorious.
We too will be strengthened if we let the Spirit work in us. As in the case of Paul, when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, the Word of God is preached with power and the hearts of those who hear it are opened to receive it.
Lord open my heart to the power of your word!
Father Georges R. BIDZOGO SAC
May 1, 2024, St. Joseph, the Worker. Acts 15:1-6; Ps 121; John 15:1-8
As we honor St Joseph, the worker, the lowly carpenter (Mk 6:3; Mt13:55), we acknowledge the dignity of labor and the importance of labor in our lives. Joseph working with wood and tools confirms that God blesses all our activities and that every labor is an expression of our love for God and his creation. Pope St. John Paul II writes in his encyclical Guardian of the Redeemer, “Work was the daily expression of love in the life of the Family of Nazareth” (no 22). St Joseph in line with today’s Gospel, through his arduous labor for the love of God and his family is a perfect illustration of the relationship between the vine and the Branches. Joseph remained faithful in search of God’s will as a breach remains attached to the vine. All our labors, endeavors and activities should be ordered towards God. Like Joseph, may we be those branches that bear much fruits in our daily lives!
Happy feast of St. Joseph!
Fr. Georges R. Bidzogo sac
Tuesday of the 5th week of Easter
John 14 :28
The Father is greater than I
We know from our catechism and from the main biblical truth that Jesus is the second person of the Holy Trinity, and equal to the Father and the Holy Spirit. How can he make declarations such as, he is doing the Father’s will and the Father is greater than him.
Jesus accepted the will of the Father to become flesh, to become “lower than angels” (Hebrews 2:9) in order to save us. Paul insist that, “Althoug he was God, he did not count equality with God; he emptied himself; he became a servant being born in the likeness of men” (Phil 2:5-11). We can now understand the “greatness here in the role that Jesus played not in his essence as True God even when he became true men. Did you know that Jesus became submissive, obedient, and an expiatory sacrifice in order to save you!
Happy Tuesday!
Fr. Georges R. BIDZOGO sac