Ac 11: 21b-26; 13, 1-3; Mt: 5:13-16
Being the light for others
Barnabas was indeed the light for others. His life was filled with love, the love of God, towards all creation, and generosity toward others. Barnabas showed in his daily life his understanding of Christ as a God of mercy and compassion. He was known as the son of encouragement. We learn from him that life is an ongoing journey of discovery of God, self, and the world around us. We must always bring Christ's light to others.
May St Barnabas and his life give us a good example to follow in our individual as well as in our community life.
St Barnabas, pray for us!
Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac
Monday of the 10th week, year B. Mt 5:1-12.
Values for the kingdom
Today, Jesus gives us the Beatitudes to ponder upon our lives. Looking at our world, they appear to be paradoxical as promises to our way of happiness. Although weeping, suffering, being poor, meek, and being persecuted, compassionate, forgiving, seem to contradict our human logic, they express the vocation of every Christian to share in the glory and the resurrection of Christ.
One could look at the Beatitudes as an opportunity to be like Jesus, poor, obedient, pure of heart and always ready to sacrifice one's life. In that context, the beatitudes shed light on our Christian's actions attitude and behavior. When we look at the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary or of Elijah, who appeared in today's first reading (1 Kings 17, 1-6), and the life of all the saints, we can see, the Beatitudes as the way to becoming Christ's disciples. The Beatitudes are the summary of the Good news of Jesus Christ. Living according to the beatitudes is becoming a living Gospel in the world.
Have a blessed week ahead!
Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac
Thursday of the 9th week, year B. St Norbert. 2Tim 2, 8-15; Mark 12: 28b-34
The Word can not be chained
Although St Paul seems to be in a difficult situation, he rejoices in knowing that the truth of the gospel could not be restrained! Even from his cell and in chains, Paul communicated God's truth that influenced Timothy, his congregation, and other early churches, and became part of the New Testament. Still today as well, the word of God given through Paul continues to impact lives around the world. It is the word of life; it is the incarnate Son of God, Jesus Christ, who is our freedom. Not even the darkness of the tomb and the power of death could keep him in captivity. When the word is preached, it is his Good news of our salvation which is proclaimed.
The letter to the Hebrews 4:12 teaches that, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
There is no situation, no power, no condition, no circumstance, that can chain the word of God. The word of God is freedom and it is for freedom that Christ has set us free (Galatians5:1)
Pax Christi
Fr. Georges sac
Wednesday 9th week, 2Tim 1:1-3. 6-12. Mark 12:18-27. St. Boniface
A question on the resurrection!
Today's Gospel raises a very important question concerning marrying in heaven. Without completely being like l the Sadducees, many of us speak of heaven as a continuation of our earthly life. But Jesus breaks this wrong view after hearing this story of the woman who married seven husbands who who were all brothers. In heaven whose wife, will she be?
For Jesus, those who are in the age of the resurrection are nether married or given in marriage. He refers to them instead as angels, children of God, and children of the resurrection.
In order for us to understand this mystery of faith, Jesus refers us to the story of Moses and the burning Bush. There, God Himself said to Moses, "I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." We note that God refers to these three patriarchs in present tense, not past tense. In other words, they are living in a resurrected life or what we like to call heaven. It is not a continuation of our earthly life.
St. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, tells us that we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. We will be like angels, not limited in space and time!
Fr. Georges sac
Tuesday of 9th week, year B. Mark 12:13-17
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