25th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Prioritize people over Material

september 21, 2025 | 25th sunday in ordinary time, Year C

Amos 8:4-7; Psalm: 112:1-2. 4-8; 1 Timothy 2:1-8; Luke 16:1-13

In a world of injustices, greed, corruption and oppression, today’s readings urge us to reflect on stewardship or accountability toward God and one another. We are to examine our attitude towards money, material things, and especially, towards the poor and the marginalized.

God is against injustice and corruption

In today’s first reading, the prophet Amos who wrote in the mid-8th century, condemns injustice and oppression against the poor. The rich took all the land and “enslaved” the poor in their farmlands. They exported food to make more money for themselves, while the poor starved and died of hunger. Today, we face similar situations all over the world. While some cannot afford one meal per day, others waste money on less important projects. The Prophet Amos is warning us about greed, injustice, and corruption in our world. God’s judgement will have direct and severe consequences as Jesus himself warned us, “But unless you repent, you too will all perish” (Luke 13:3-5). The Brazilian Theologian of liberation Leonardo Boff affirms that, “It is not possible to live calmly and happily when you know that two-thirds of human beings are suffering, hungry and poor”

Stewardship and accountability

In the gospel, Jesus first reminds us of the fact that we will all give accounts of our lives. “What is this I hear about you?” “Prepare a full account of your stewardship”. We are neither owners of our own lives nor are we owning whatever that we possess. St. Paul rightly asked: “What have you that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). Money and other material things do not last forever. Hence, God advises us on how to make use of them without losing our salvation. The book of proverbs reminds us that: “who gives to the poor lends to God”. We are invited to invest in the poor to improve their life’s conditions and acknowledge their dignity as imago Dei (God’s image). We are accountable of our time and talents too. Gathering wealth for ourselves and using our time for ourselves, not for the church, our community, the poor and the marginalized is a lack of charity. God will definitely make an audit of whatever resources spiritual and material that he has given to each of us. We are only managers. Let’s manage wisely so that we will have friends who will welcome us in the kingdom of heaven. Remember the words of Mother Teresa, “A life not lived for others is not a life”. Let’s all behave as children of the light by being faithful stewards of what God has given us. We are not slaves of money but free children of God.

Prayer for All as path toward justice and accountability

Today, Paul implores us to pray for everyone especially, kings, rulers, and government leaders. This prayer is necessary for conversion and wisdom. If our leaders are converted and become wise, they will help to stop corruption, injustice, oppression and the poor will be well taken care of in our world and systems. “God wants everyone to be saved and reach the full knowledge of the truth.” God is the father of us all and we are all brothers and sisters. He loves us all equally and wishes that we all prosper and be in health, even as our soul prospers. By inviting us to pray constantly, St. Paul wants to destroy all spirits of selfishness, corruption and greed while working for the good and the interest of others. It is God’s will to save all. This includes salvation from starvation, injustice, greed, and corruption that has destroyed our world and left us with many poor and miserable people and families. Mother Teresa concludes this beautifully when she said: "I used to believe that prayer changes things, but now I know that prayer changes us and we change things"

Jesus, I trust in you

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Living The Gospel This week. Love for the Poor

In line with today’s reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church, in no. 2443 teaches that, God blesses those who come to the aid of the poor and rebukes those who turn away from them: "Give to him who begs from you, do not refuse him who would borrow from you"; "you received without pay, give without pay.” It is by what they have done for the poor that Jesus Christ will recognize his chosen ones. When "the poor have the good news preached to them," it is the sign of Christ's presence.

Then, it continues in no 2444,

"The Church's love for the poor . . . is a part of her constant tradition." This love is inspired by the Gospel of the Beatitudes, of the poverty of Jesus, and of his concern for the poor. Love for the poor is even one of the motives for the duty of working so as to "be able to give to those in need." It extends not only to material poverty but also to the many forms of cultural and religious poverty.

Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Year C)

In our world, arrogance is used to crush the poor and the weak, the exaltation of the Holy Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the most beautiful feasts of our Catholic Faith. We celebrate the cross as the symbol of redemption, elevated above all things. The cross is our sign of victory as God uses those whom the world considers the weak, the foolish, and insignificant to bring shame to the powerful and the mighty. This feast reminds us that all strength and glory come from God, not from worldly achievements or status. As the Bible says: "God chose what is weak to confuse what is strong" (1 Corinthians 1:27). The cross was the climax of humiliations suffered by Jesus.

The Cross as sign of humiliation

Throughout Antiquity, the cross represented ignominy, contempt, scorn, humiliation and shame for the person who suffered death by crucifixion. The public crucifixion also aimed at undermining any sense of honor that the victim had, increasing the sense of public shame that they were experiencing. In the Old Testament, the cross was seen as a symbol of curse and the one who was executed on the cross was buried the same day (Cf. Deuteronomy 21:23).

From Humiliation to glory

Jesus accepted the cross as the highest expression of God’s love for all of us. (John 3:16). With Christ, the cross changed from a sign of curse and condemnation to a power of redemption. “Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith … endured the cross, disregarding its shame” (Heb. 12:2). By becoming a curse for humanity on the cross, Jesus redeemed believers from the curse of the law. (Galatians 3:13) By accepting the humiliation of the cross, Jesus was assimilated to a thief, an outlaw, a slave, a bandit, a prisoner of war and a political rebel (Cf John 19:12; Mark 15:27). The true cross of our Lord was indeed the climax of all humiliations he suffered in order to forgive the sins of humanity. With the death of Christ on the cross, shame, death, sin and darkness are defeated. The cross has now become the ladder to heaven. Do not be ashamed of the cross. On the eve of the battle of Milvian Bridge, Emperor Constantine had a vision of the Cross, encircled with the words: “In hoc signo vinces – “In this sign you will conquer!”

The paradox of the cross.

For St. John of the Cross, the climax of God’s wisdom and power is revealed through the paradox of the cross, where suffering leads to salvation and spiritual consolation. Today’s first readings exposes such a paradox whereby God asked Moses to make a bronze serpent mounted on a pole so that anyone who had been bitten by a serpent and who looked at that bronze of serpent, was restored to life. This foreshadowed Christ on the cross as St. John will make it clear in his gospel, “And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life." (John 3:14-15). What was a source of death becomes an instrument of healing and salvation. Like the Israelites, we are invited to lift our eye unto the Lord and believe that God transforms even the most deadly circumstances of our lives into life-giving grace. It is by humbling ourselves like Christ and by submitting unto him that, we can receive the life-giving grace that Christ offers us through the cross. Humility and suffering, love and service can exalt us on high (Philippians 2:6-11).

The Cross as the supreme sign of salvation.

In today’s gospel, the Son of man is lifted up on the cross for our salvation. The cross is no longer a sign of humiliation but the supreme sign of salvation. The cross is our bridge to eternal life. Our suffering when embraced with hope can lead to greater joy and triumph. With Christ's death on the cross, our moments of failure, defeat and sufferings when lived with faith can be transformed into great moments of hope and glory. The celebration of today helps us to look at the cross no more as a curse and defeat, but the triumph of God’s love. Shame cannot dominate and triumph over us. With the cross there is a divine reversal. What was meant to humiliate, becomes an instrument of victory. Nothing, not even sin, nor can death overcome the power of God.

Jesus, I trust in you.

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Living the Gospel this week. The sign of the cross.

Just a quick reminder this week about the power of the sign of the cross. Some of us have been shy to do the sign of the cross in public places or even in some other circumstances. If only you consider this simple sign to be the shortest but the strongest expression of your faith, you will change your attitude.

First, the sign of the cross is our profession of our Faith. God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That is our identity.

Second, the sign of the cross is our protection. It is our weapon and our shield against the enemies.

Finally, the sign of the cross is a short form of prayer. Let’s not be ashamed to do the sign of the cross. It is the sign of our salvation. It is a sign of love, which always demands sacrifice. No wonder St. John Paul II said: “Do not be afraid, then, when love makes demands. Do not be afraid when love requires sacrifice”

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Jesus, I trust in you.

Fr. Georges roger Bidzogo sac

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Demands and cost of discipleship

september 7, 2025 | 23rd Sunday in ordinary time, Year C

Wisdom 9:13-18b; Psalm 90; Philemon 9-10, 12-17 Luke 14:25-33

To follow Jesus is not easy. It is a serious and costly decision. It requires denial of self, submission, and radical trust in Jesus.

1) Surrender to God's wisdom.

The Book of Wisdom 9:13 - 18b, we see the limits of human knowledge. Following Christ would consist in acknowledging divine wisdom as the true way of life. We renounce our pride and arrogance in order to understand God's will and counsel. This is a serious challenge to us to choose wisdom over folly, which often offers short-term excitement, yet it leads to long-term regret and death. Dear brothers and sisters, by sacrificing our worldly wisdom, we choose the true wisdom that saves and provides lasting security. No wonder the psalmist in Psalm 90 says, "In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge."

2) Transformative power of grace

The call to discipleship in the second reading from the Letter of St. Paul to Philemon 9-10, 12-17 is an invitation to transform. A change of the heart, which demands sacrifices. Paul, who was a prisoner himself, urges Philemon to forgive and to receive his runaway slave, Onesimus, not as a slave but as a brother in Christ. We are called to transform our human relationships through the grace of the gospel. The cost of discipleship entails allowing the transformative power of God's grace and changing former enemies into a spiritual family. Paul asks Philemon as he does ask us today to willingly act with Christlike love, forgiving any wrongs and treating any "Onesimus" as an equal, and as a brother in Christ. To follow Jesus is to demonstrate to the world that our sharing in the Faith supersedes our earthly social statuses.

3) Discipleship as detachment

In today's Gospel from Luke 14:25-33, Jesus teaches about the radical demands of discipleship. Following Jesus requires a detachment from family, possessions, and even one's own life, ultimately calling for complete trust and surrender to His love.

4) Discipleship as a radical choice for Christ.

I recall the example of St. Thomas More, born on February 7, 1478, died on July 6, 1535. He was a radical disciple of Christ. He thought of joining the monks who educated him, but he realized that he was called to marriage family life. So, he took a job in with the government service to become the chancellor of England under Henry VIII. He was very wealthy and became very famous as he was one the best friends of the king. He was a very religious and prayerful man with a sense of humor and a great relationship with his kids.

It happened that his boss Henry VIII divorced, remarried, and justified it by breaking allegiance with the Pope and making himself the head of the Church of England. He wanted all citizens to take an oath swearing allegiance to his new order. Everyone jumped on the bandwagon. All of the bishops signed as well as all Thomas’s friends. But Thomas More did not. He knew, signing would violate his conscience, compromise his integrity, offend God, and encourage others in the doing of evil. So he lost the esteem of his friends and his king. He resigned his position and lost his income. He ultimately lost his head rather than denying his heart and relationship with Jesus. To express his loyalty to Christ above his duty, he said during his execution: "I die the King's good servant, and God's first."

Are you ready like Thomas More to lose your privileges, your friendships, your fame, and your own life? Dear friends in Christ, our little choices, every day, show us where our true loyalties and priorities lie.

Jesus, I trust in you

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Living the Gospel this week. Discipleship is living like Christ.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta once told her sisters, "We must become holy not because we want to feel holy but because Christ must be able to live his life fully in us." This is true discipleship. It focuses on being fully transformed by Christ. Knowing the life of Mother Teresa and her community, we can understand discipleship is living the life of Jesus through the service to others, particularly the poor, and through faithful action rather than just feeling. She is inviting us this week to be a living offering to Jesus. "Give your heart to God, deliberately, knowingly, willingly. It belongs to Him. " Discipleship means total surrender and ownership of one's life to God's will.

1) Surrender your life to Jesus - Adoration

2)Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior

3) Pray to the Holy Spirit for help.

4) Obey like Mary and "do whatever he tells you" (John 2:5)

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Jesus I trust in you!

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Humility, A Path to Heaven

august 31, 2025 | 22nd Sunday in ordinary time, Year C

Sirach 3: 17-18, 20, 28-29; Psalm 68; Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a; Luke 14: 1, 7-14

Today’s liturgy is a good time to check our hearts and our motivations. Are we motivated by pride or are we seeking to impress others like the Pharisees? Jesus, using the imagery of meals and social interactions teaches us that kindness and humility are the true paths to true greatness and happiness.

Humility as an attitude

Today’s first reading begins with, “My child, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts” (Sirach 3:17). C. S. Lewis once said that, "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less." It means seeing yourself for who you truly are. This is very important for our daily lives because humility is the art of being able to make “a right estimate of yourself” as Charles H. Spurgeon stated. Although St. Paul teaches that the greatest virtue is charity, we cannot make it to heaven without humility. St. Thomas Aquinas teaches that prudence is the most important virtue because it helps us apply all the other virtues wisely. But there is no wisdom without humility. Only a fool thinks he is wise, while a wise man knows he is a fool. St. Augustine makes it clear that, "Humility is nothing but truth, and pride is nothing but lying."

Humility as a solid foundation of our relationships

The Catechism teaches that humility is the foundation of prayer (CCC 2559), which means before we can have a relationship with God, we must be humble. This applies in our relationship with others. We love to be around humble people. Confucius once said that, “Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues.” Humility is very important. We can be weak in every other virtue but if we have humility we can be saved because we know that we need God’s mercy. But if we lack humility, even if we are strong in every other virtue, we will be lost because of our pride. St. Vincent de Paul tells us that, “The most powerful weapon to conquer the devil is humility. For, as he does not know at all how to employ it, neither does he know how to defend himself from it.”

How to acquire humility?

As we stated above, humility means being honest with yourself, this will imply that, in our real life, we should learn to see ourselves for who we truly are. This can be very difficult to do. But let’s always remember that, we are nothing without God’s life in us. (Gen 2:7). So, gratitude is one way to acquire humility. We do not think less of ourselves, but rather we think of ourselves less.

The second important trick is to recognize our strengths as gifts given to us by God, which are meant to be used for God’s purposes. If you are a good speaker, a good athlete, a good musician, a good listener, a good artist, a good gardener, it’s not prideful to admit that you are good at these things. It is prideful to think that these gifts and talents make you better or more important than anyone else. It is prideful to think that these gifts come from yourself and should be used selfishly for your own interests. Third, Humility also means recognizing your weaknesses, either as areas of your life to be worked on, if it’s something that can be improved, or accepted as a cross if it’s not. Your weaknesses are occasions to rely on God for help, but they do not make you worse or less deserving than anyone else. Thinking your weaknesses make you special is just as prideful as thinking your strengths make you special. What makes you special is God and God’s love for you. God gave you certain strengths and certain weaknesses and the humble person accepts them both equally not counting either as his own merit. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Empty me of my pride and arrogance!

Jesus, I trust in you!

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Living the Gospel this week. Humility Prayer

On this 22nd Sunday in ordinary Time year C, we focus on Humility as a path to greatness. Pray this week asking God, the grace to let go of your need to be admired and the center of attention in everything. Dear friends, by experience, I know it is hard to put God first when we are focused on ourselves. So this week, by the power of the Holy Spirit, pray and ask for God to help you get rid of the self-centeredness which gets in the way of discipleship. By asking God to help us be humble, we can better follow Jesus and live more generously and compassionately.

Theresa of Avila speaking of humility wrote: “Humility ‘persuades the Lord to give us all what we want from him’; humility ‘conquers everything’; humility is truth; it is only through the growth in humility that we measure our progress in spiritual life.” (Way of Perfection 16:1-2)

Jesus, I trust in you

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

The narrow door of eternal life

august 24, 2025 | 21st Sunday in ordinary time, Year C

Isaiah 66:18-21; Ps 117; Heb 12:5-7, 11-13; Luke 13:22-30

The way to heaven entails a serious commitment to Christ’s teachings and way of life. Being a Christian, a theologian, a priest, a nun, a religious or just going to church frequently, receiving holy communion is not a credential for heaven. Jesus challenges us today by inviting us to be doers of the words and not just preachers of the word. Late Pope Francis reminds us of the challenge of the narrow gate. For him, Christ is pointing at a call to serve God and others. It is about living a life of love, service, and self-giving, as Jesus did. Every Christian must pass through it. For him, the narrow door is an invitation to overcome selfishness, pride, and laziness. The real challenge of today’s gospel is how do we apply the teaching of Christ in our daily lives. On the last day, we will be judged on practical love of God and of the the neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40) which has always been described by Jesus as the “narrow door” to eternal life, which entails: a choice for Christ, perseverance, complete trust in God’s mercy and grace.

The Narrow Door:

Far from being a physical place, the narrow gate is a universal call to all people from all nations to come to the Lord (Isaiah 66:18-21) who loves us all. Jesus invites us to commit ourselves to him as his disciples. This requires obedience to God’s will, effort and a focus on following Christ's teachings. The second reading from the letter to the Hebrews 12, invites us to accept discipline as “it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it.” The narrow door is a choice for life.

Choosing Jesus as a choice for life:

Jesus is aware that we are often being swayed by worldly distractions and sin. He suggests the narrow door to eternal life as a conscious choice to follow Him and to live by his way of life daily. This involves, praying, loving, serving, actively seeking God's will, practicing righteousness, and striving for holiness as our ultimate vocation.

It is an urgent call

Dear brothers and sisters, there is an urgency for each of us to make a choice for Christ, Jesus our Lord and Savior. In the Gospel, Jesus warns us of the danger of not acting now. Jesus says: “Strive to enter the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.” The refusal to take action now could lead to our exclusion from the kingdom. Let’s remember that the door to heaven is narrow and is still opened for us. We must strive to enter now before it is permanently closed.

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Jesus, I trust in you

Living the Gospel this week. Penitential Rite

Dear brothers and sisters, the penitential rite is an important part of the sacrifice of the Mass. Christ was sent to the world to save us from the power of sin. From the Old Testament, there are practices of individual and public confession for communal and serious offenses (Nehemiah 9:1-3; Psalm 51; 32:5). The new testament insists on repentance and confessions (James 5:16; 1 John 1:9). During the penitential rite, we are invited to call to mind our sins. Although the penitential rite lacks sacramental efficacy, we believe that all the venial sins are forgiven through the penitential rite.

Jesus, I trust in you

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Assumption of Mary (Year C)

The Blessed Virgin Mary: Image of our future glory

august 15, 2025 | feast of the assumption of mary, Year C

Revelation 11: 19a; 12:1-6a, 10 ab; 1Corinthians 15: 20-27; Luke 1:39-56.

We celebrate this Friday, August 15, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. As Catholics, we believe that Mary was taken body and soul into heavenly glory. Mary’s body, the woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and whose head was crowned with twelve stars in the Book of Revelation, did not know corruption as she was conceived without original sin. This enabled our Blessed Virgin Mother to be free from the consequences of original sin, which include the corruption of the body after death. The Assumption of Mary holds a profound meaning and purpose for our lives as believers.

In Mary’s Assumption, Christ’s work is fulfilled.

The role of Mary, the new Eve, and the Queen Mother is already highlighted in the beginning of the Bible as she anticipated as the woman who will humiliate and defeat Satan in Genesis 3:15. This is magnified in today’s first reading (Revelation 11) as we see the triumph of the Woman who gave birth to a child in spite of the threat of the red dragon. Salvation and power have now come and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Anointed One is now with us. Whatever Christ achieved through his life, death and resurrection is fulfilled in the Assumption, which is the anticipation of the resurrection of the body of all believers. Our Blessed Mother’s Assumption helps us to believe that we will be raised and glorified in heaven body and soul. No wonder, in 1 Corinthians 15: 20, we read:

“Brothers and sisters, Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

Like Mary, we are invited to live a life that honors both body and spirit. Mary’s Assumption gives us hope for a great future.

Mary, our Queen of Heaven

As we celebrate the Assumption, we remember Mary's role as the one who is exalted among women (Luke 1:28, 41) as well as Queen of Heaven (Revelation 12:1-6). We reflect on her unique relationship with Christ and her intercessory power, which is expressed in John 2:5 and John 19:26. Think of that, Jesus gave us his own Mother to be our Mother and Mary’s role is to lead us to Christ.

Mary as an example of all virtues

The Blessed Mother’s life is an inspiration for all believers. From the incarnation to cross as well her entire life, we learn a life of faith, humility, gratitude, and obedience to God's will, culminating in a life of holiness and deeper relationship with God.

O Mary, Queen of heaven, pray for us!

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac.

Living the Gospel: The Eucharist - Gathering for Mass

Coming together as a community of believers helps us to form a family at the heart of our Sunday worship. We gather because we would like to come together as one body, ready to listen and break bread together. This needs to create a sense of friendship and brotherhood. We should always remind ourselves that, the one who has summoned us to the celebration of the Eucharist. Let's become a welcoming community.

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

fire on earth

august 17, 2025 | 20th Sunday in ordinary time, Year C

Jeremiah 38: 4-6, 8-10; Ps 40: Hebrews 12:1-4; Luke 12:49-53

Preaching the truth and living by the Gospel has serious consequences: persecutions, imprisonment and death. Jeremiah in the first reading is imprisoned for speaking against the corrupt leaders of Judah during the siege of Jerusalem. The message of truth will cause the persecution and the death of Jesus as well as all those who will accept to follow by bringing this fire to the world. It is a race that Christians would have to run with faith and perseverance by fixing their eyes on Jesus, who came to set fire on earth.

Fire in the Bible

The Bible has always looked at fire in a positive and a negative way. Various examples in the Old and New Testaments highlight that there is a good fire. We can recall the events of the burning bush with Moses (Exodus 3), the pillar that led God’s people safely through the wilderness at night (Exodus 13), the chariot of fire that led Elijah to heaven (2 Kings 11:2), the Pentecost, where the Holy spirit came like tongues of fire over the Apostles and the new Church

(Acts 2). However, we also hear John the Baptist and Jesus himself warning people who refuse repentance to be thrown to eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

Jesus’ mission to bring fire

His whole mission was to bring the fire that changes things, that is our way of living. He does this by inviting his apostles Peter, James, John and others to completely change their lives by following him. "Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Mt. 4:19). He invites us to repent (Mark 1:15). As disciples of Jesus, set on fire by his love, we are to change and change the world by preaching his kingdom. This is not an easy task. Therefore, he says in today’s gospel: “There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished”. Jesus is aware that, to bring the change will bring resistance, divisions and persecutions even within the same household.

No false peace stands for the Gospel message

“Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” Even though he is the Prince of Peace, Jesus does not align with false peace that accepts compromission of the truth, corruption, sin, that false truth that makes us all agree out of fear or because we do not want to lose our privileges. Jesus didn't come to bring that shallow peace, that peace bringing comfort in injustice and falsehood. No. He brings peace that gives joy in the truth even if this brings divisions, troubles and persecutions. We need to be set up by this fire.

Pope Benedict XVI, while speaking about this "fire", says: "Whoever comes close to Christ comes close to the fire." This means that, “drawing near to Christ involves a purifying process, where God's love and truth can be both comforting and challenging, potentially leading to a transformation that may feel like being burned by fire.” May we all be inflamed by this fire!

Happy 20th Sunday!

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Living the Gospel this week. Posture, Song

We usually begin the Mass by inviting everyone in the congregation to stand as a sign of respect and the posture of the resurrection. Christ is risen. “We pray standing” as Tertullian once said. Standing is the posture of Christians at prayer which expresses our attentiveness to the Word of God and our readiness to carry it out in our daily lives. We mainly stand particularly during the Gospel reading, the Creed, and the General Intercessions as active engagement in the liturgy. We often begin our Mass by singing together to unite our voices in a common word. This processional hymn is a way to unify the congregation, prepare them for the worship, and focus their attention on the great mystery about to be celebrated. It signifies that, we now have started our great mystery of Faith, and symbolically unites the faithful as one body in Christ. Let’s all form a worshipping and welcoming community. Please consider 5 minutes before Mass begins, welcome the person next to you and prepare yourself to join our worshipping community every Sunday!

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Happy 20th Sunday

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Christ’s coming! Are you prepared?

august 10, 2025 | 19th sunday in ordinary time, Year C

Wisdom 18:6-9, Ps 33; Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19; Luke 12:32-48

Dear friends in the Lord, on this 19th Sunday, the Lord invites us to be ready for his return. Being "ready for the coming of the Lord" for us Christians, generally means being prepared, through faith and righteous living, for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Being ready does not imply knowing the exact time, or hour or day, but it's about living in a way that pleases God and anticipates His return. Vincent Pallotti teaches that being ready is about knowing the signs of the times, accepting the uncertainties, and continuing to live a life of faith and service daily. We are encouraged to be like servants awaiting their master's return.

Let’s be alert and ready

In a society filled with all kinds of distraction, Jesus invites us this Sunday to be watchful and prepared for Jesus' second coming. We must live for heaven, therefore we should expect Christ’s coming at a time we do not expect. In the Book of wisdom, the people of God awaited the salvation of the just, and the destruction of their foes with faith and courage. For St. Augustine, to be ready involves living a life of faith, love, and good works, reflecting the mercy and justice we hope to receive from God. How am I getting ready for the return of Christ?

Live a generous life:

Waiting for the return of the Lord, consists in using all the gifts, talents and treasure entrusted to us as God’s servants. To be ready is to be a good stewards of what we have been given, especially in our care for the poor and those who are most in need of our help. By being selfless, we avoid materialism that is becoming attached to possessions or worldly concerns, which often can distract us from the true purpose of seeking God's kingdom.

Our Faith is our Guide:

In the second reading, the letter to the Hebrews emphasizes that faith is an essential power that guides the life of Abraham even in the midst of uncertainties. Faith and obedience to God help us to remain steadfastly focused in our hope for Christ's return. An effective and faithful participation in the Eucharist is the most effective way of getting ready for Christ’s return.

Living the Gospel: What is the Eucharist?

We return this week with the understanding of the Mass. The Mass is not merely a meal which reminds us of the last Supper, but a thanksgiving of praise to God for our salvation in Christ. It is directly our sharing in the paschal mystery (Death and resurrection of Christ). It is the true meal, prepared by Christ himself in order to gather us around him at his own table as friends. At the table Christ gives us himself as true food and true drink. “My flesh is real food and my blood is real drink” (John 6:55). Speaking of the Eucharist, St. John Marie Vianney said: “We should consider those moments spent before the Blessed Sacrament as the happiest of our lives”.

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

“Vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!”

august 3, 2025 | 18th sunday in ordinary time, Year C

Ecclesiastes 1:2; 21-23; Psalm 90; Colossians 3:1-5, 9 -11; Luke 12:13-21.

What reality matters most in life could be one of the leading concerns of this 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C! Is it not sometimes so easy to focus on money, success, and things we own? Yet these do not last. Hence Qoheleth (the assembler of the writings in Ecclesiastes), says,

“Vanity is vanity. All is vanity!”

Certainly, that is why Paul tells the new convert that they have to look for the things from heaven. Jesus, came indeed to invite us to seek lasting joy; that is the joy that endures beyond this life. Such Joy comes from our relationship with God as we live according to his ways. We are warned against folly and selfish ambition, but use our blessings to serve and to help others. Jesus teaches us the right attitude towards wealth. To reach out is to be rich in what matters to God. Jesus said to the crowd: the crowd,

“Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”

Avoiding Greed, a common human problem

Today’s scripture readings are inviting us to avoid greed, self-centeredness, becoming rich for oneself, but always act in favor of the poor and the marginalized. Jesus makes it clear to us that material possessions do not secure our lives and they are not permanent. God said to him,

‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom they will belong?”

Jesus is inviting us a true discipleship, which consists in prioritizing the kingdom of heaven by investing for the kingdom of God. Peter and Andrew, James and John left everything to follow Jesus (Matthew 4:18-22). Levi left everything to follow Jesus (Luke 5:27-32); Zacchaeus gave half of his possessions to the poor (Luke 19:8); Early Christians shared

their possessions so that there was no poor

among them. Material things are not the end but God is our Ultimate End. We must find our happiness in God. This Sunday, we should learn that nothing on this earth is permanent. We should therefore avoid greed because our value is not based on our wealth. We will be judged not on what we have but on what we are and how we use what we have! Let’s therefore avoid any form of self-centeredness but learn to reach out those who are in need. Maybe this can be practiced by trying each Sunday to build a more welcoming community. This begins in the heart of each of us.

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Living the Gospel: CCC. 2402

(Catechism of the Catholic Church)

This article of the Catechism speaks of the universal destination and private ownership of Goods. Its stipulates that, in the beginning, God entrusted the earth and its resources to the common stewardship of mankind to take care of them, master them by labor, and enjoy their fruits. [Cf. Gen 1:26-29] The goods of creation are destined for the whole human race.

However, the earth is divided up among men to assure the security of their lives, endangered by poverty and threatened by violence. The appropriation of property is legitimate for guaranteeing the freedom and dignity of persons and for helping each of them to meet his basic needs and the needs of those in his charge. It should allow for a natural solidarity to develop between men. [226, 1939]

Happy 18th Sunday.

Fr. Georges Bidzogo SAC

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

God of Infinite Love

july 27, 2025 | 17th sunday in ordinary time, Year C

Genesis 18:20-32, Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 6-7, 7-8; Colossians 2:12-14 ; Luke 11:1-13

Pope Francis in Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel) says:

“God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy.”

In today’s first reading, God was not tired of granting Abraham’s request, but it was Abraham who got tired of asking for more mercy. Abraham in his intercession for Sodom and Gomorrah asks if God will sweep away the innocent with the guilty supposing God will find fifty, forty five, forty, thirty, twenty and ten innocent people in the city. The response of God was unchangeable:

“For the sake of fifty, of forty five, of the thirty, of the twenty and for the sake of the ten, I will not destroy the city”.

My dear brothers and sisters, God was never tired of granting Abraham requests. But Abraham got tired of asking. I believe if Abraham had asked for three righteous, the city would have been saved. God never tires of granting us his love, we are the ones who get tired loving him or loving one another. God does not time us when we pray; he does not give a time limit, but we are the ones who come to Mass, for example and insist that we must not stay with God beyond the specific period or duration. Yet God's love for us is unlimited. It is what St. Vincent Pallotti calls “Infinite love”. It is through prayer that we remain in communion with God’s infinite love.

Jesus, teach us to pray!

Beloved in Christ, the Gospel of Luke is known as a Gospel of prayer. In today’s passage, Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray and emphasizes persistence in prayer, assuring them that God will answer. He highlights God's readiness to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask. We observe that Jesus teaches us as his followers the pattern of prayer and how to pray. From now on, Jesus’ Father is also our Father. We are his family. We are God’s children. Jesus, through this prayer sets the tone of a relationship of intimacy, trust and confidence. This is unique to us. Jesus wants us to trust God just as little children play around or speak to their daddy just as they are. They don’t care about the place, the mess, they simply have trust in their daddy. All Jesus is asking us is to give God his place and the rest will fall in place.

“Hallowed be thy name, Daddy”

That is why Jesus is inviting us to ask and we shall receive, to seek and we shall find and to knock and it shall be opened to us. God always answers our prayers either by a

“Yes” or a “No” or a “Not Now”.

It is in this dialogue that we find our true relationship with Him. By teaching us how to pray, Jesus gives every Christian a blank check. Each of us has to write the amount they want to withdraw. Like the Psalmist in Psalm 138, we too, thank the Lord for hearing our prayers, giving us strength, protecting and guiding us. We should never forget that God’s kindness lasts forever, and He will complete His work for each and everyone of us.

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC.

Living the Gospel: New Life in Christ

In this Sunday’s second reading from Colossians 2:12, St. Paul writes:

“Brothers and sisters: You were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.”

The second reading this Sunday implies the transformative experience where one is now reconciled with God through faith in Jesus Christ. This means total and radical change of identity and way of living. Do I still live the same life like when I was not yet a baptized Catholic?

Please consider the follower as a result of your new identity:

1) You have a new type of relationship with God.

2) Your life is transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit who is now your Director.

3) Your life has a purpose and a meaning – you have something to offer to the world.

4) You are now a beacon of hope and witness to God’s love and mercy.

5) You are not alone on this journey but united in a loving and strong community of Faith. These are brothers and sisters, who love and pray for you. That is, the Church.

6) You are now invited to live a life of obedience to Christ and service to his Church.

St. Augustine says our new life in Christ, must take into consideration the outward transformation of our actions as well as an inward renewal of the heart and mind.

Fr Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Generosity opens to God’s rewards

july 20, 2025 | 16th sunday in ordinary time, Year C

Genesis 10:1-10A; Colossians 1:24-28; Luke 10:38-42

Dear brothers and sisters, this Sunday, we learn a lesson on generosity and welcoming. Martha welcomed Jesus at Bethany and offered him a wonderful meal. Mary welcomed him by opening her heart and listening to his words. Martha and Mary invite us to balance service with attentiveness to Jesus. We need to recognize the value of both practical acts and spiritual nourishment in hospitality. For St. Augustine that is true Christian hospitality, which is a natural result of a heart transformed by God's love. Such a heart is always eager to welcome others into a spiritual and physical home. Are we welcoming Christians?

Hospitality opens to God’s rewards

In the first reading from Genesis 18:1-10a, we discover the importance of hospitality and openness to strangers. Abraham was sitting by Terebinth of Mamre when he saw three men standing nearby. He welcomed them generously by offering them great hospitality. “Let some water be brought, that you may bathe your feet, and then rest yourselves under the tree.” And Abraham asked Sarah, his wife, to prepare a wonderful meal for them. The three visitors turn out to be divine messengers, who finally gave Abraham and Sarah a special blessing. "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah will then have a son." Caring for those in need is core biblical teaching. No wonder Jesus himself says: “For I was hungry, and you gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35). God's presence is found in unexpected places and in ordinary encounters. Abraham is teaching us today that giving and kindness can lead to blessings and positive outcomes. Our faith allows us to believe that God rewards those who demonstrate generosity, whether through financial giving, acts of service, or other forms of kindness. St. Paul advised the Community of Corinth: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). Generosity opens the door to both material and spiritual blessings. Our generosity is our way of laying up treasures in heaven. How do we welcome others, especially those who are not from our family?

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo SAC

Living the Gospel: Rejoicing in Hardships

In today’s second reading, St. Paul speaks of “rejoicing in his sufferings.” How hardship can help us strengthen our faith. We came across different forms of hardship, such as infertility and frustration with others. In Genesis, Sarah faces the hardship of infertility. As time passed, she struggled to believe that God’s promise of a child would be fulfilled. Yet, through this hardship, Abraham and Sarah’s faith was tested and grew stronger.

Hardships can help us to trust in God’s promises. The Gospel story of Martha and Mary includes the hardship of frustration. Martha is frustrated with Mary for not helping her with the work. Jesus gently reminds Martha that Mary has chosen the better part by sitting and listening to Him. This teaches us that in our frustrations, we need to focus on what truly matters.

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo SAC

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

“And who is my neighbor?”

july 13, 2025 | 15th sunday in ordinary time, Year C

Deuteronomy 30:10-14; Psalm 69; Colossians 1: 15-20; Luke 10:25-37

In a world more and more characterized by indifference, individualism, greed, selfishness, prejudices, tribal and ethnic and inter-state violence and wars, today’s Gospel reflects on the famous story of a man who fell victim to robbers and was beaten, stripped and left half dead. The priest and the Levite saw the man but passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler came upon the man and was moved with compassion. He transcended the religious, social and cultural barriers; took care of the victim and treated him with mercy. Who is the man left half dead? Who is my neighbor?

The Samaritan, the unlikely neighbor

The Samaritan was the least likely person to be a neighbor. Jews hated Samaritans due to religious and ethnic differences, coupled with historical tensions. Samaritans were seen as a mixed-ancestry group with a heretic form of worship distinct from mainstream Judaism. (2 Kings 17:24-41). So he was excluded in the definition of the neighbor as requested by the scholar of the law (Leviticus 19:18). Yet, he is the only true neighbor to the victim on the road. We are all called to have compassion on anyone to be their true neighbors. St. Thomas Aquinas defines the “neighbor” as anyone we encounter and to whom we extend our goodness and our generosity for God’s sake. St. Elizabeth of Trinity calls every human person as: “holy ground”. This means that everyone we meet is a “vessel of God’s love and presence”.

What about if we were the man who was left half dead?

In this parable, we are the man who was beaten on the road and Jesus is the Good Samaritan, the one who stops by our side to heal us. Just as this man would have died if the Good Samaritan would have passed, so would we have perished by sin and its effects represented in the story by the robbers as well as the wounds in the body of the man. These wounds of mortal and venial sins often require serious attention on our part. We must approach Jesus who pours out the precious blood flowing from his cross to forgive us just as the Samaritan poured out the oil and wine on the wounds of the victim. Christ left us in his Inn, the Church, and the priests are his Innkeeper who would continue his mission of healing and forgiveness until he comes again. Christ, like the Samaritan in the story, also bandages our wounds with his own bleeding flesh and restores our dignity of being children of God. The oil represents the Holy Spirit that we need for strength on our spiritual journey. This parable echoes the power of the grace that Christ has entrusted to his Church to continue in his name the healing of the “man left half dead”: “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained” (John 20:23). He handed two silver coins to the Innkeeper with the instruction, “Take care of him. If you pay more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back” (Luke 10:35). What an incomprehensible love!

Jesus in this parable exposes our own prejudices and self-righteousness. Jesus is the True Good Samaritan who saves our lives. But we are all invited to emulate his love in our daily lives.

Happy Sunday!

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZGO SAC

Living the Gospel this Week. What is Moral Law?

“If only you would heed the voice of the Lord, your God, and keep his commandments and statutes that are written in this book of the Law”

The words of Moses from the first reading from Deuteronomy 30:10, inspired me to speak about what is commonly known as Moral Law, that is, a set of religious law like canon law, or natural law or divine Law, which not necessarily set down by legislation. Moral law comes from God as a gift to guide us in choosing what good and avoiding harm. This law is already written in our hearts. It is not just a set of rules. By following moral law, we grow closer to God and live in ways that respect others. Moral Laws help build a just and loving community.

The core question that could help each of us act morally is "How will my actions affect others, and are those effects aligned with the Common Good and God’s will?”

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Proclaiming the Kingdom of God

july 6, 2025 | 14th sunday in ordinary time, Year C

Isaiah 66:10-14; Psalm 66; Galatians 6:14-18; Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 or 10:1-9

In his Encyclical Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis wrote:

“The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness.” Jesus in today’s gospel is sending out 70 disciples to proclaim his kingdom to the world. By appointing the 70, Christ extends his ministry to the wider world, encompassing all nations, as 70 represents the all descendants of Noah. The image of mother here suggests that God is the ultimate source of our comfort. “The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble” we can read in Psalm 9:9 and David continues, “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4) . In today’s gospel Jesus invites all of us to become laborers of the Gospel. “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers of his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves” (Luke 10: 2-3). We are all part of this mission.

How to bring the Good news of Christ

Jesus himself insists on the urgency of simplicity and detachment from material of the disciples in their mission. “Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals”. The disciples would rely on God's provision. Do we rely on God in our daily lives? St. John Chrysostom believes that detachment spoken by Jesus is about learning to prioritize one's relationship with God above all else. This includes a conscious effort to loosen one's grip on worldly attachments. When I left my family, this was a hard thing to do. When I had to choose between taking 9 years to become a priest with no assurance of any salary or safety versus becoming high Commissioner of the police while I still had a year at the university, was even a tougher decision to make. But I felt from Jesus, a very strong calling to bring his Good news to the world. I had to learn to prioritize the values of the kingdom and the priority of the power of the cross of Jesus Christ that St. Paul is talking about in the second reading. Paul is inviting you and I to preach the cross of Christ, which sets us free from the world’s bondage and gives us a new identity in Christ. Bringing Christ to the world is our universal mission. Perseverance in being good and doing good are important in this journey. (Cf.Gal. 6)

What is the Message we are to bring to the world today?

The message that we are to bring to the world is Jesus’ message. “The kingdom is near”. How near are you to God's kingdom? Yes, dear friends, In the name of Jesus, we are to bring the message of peace, restoration and rejoicing, newness and God’s comforting presence as we heard in the first reading. “I will spread prosperity over Jerusalem like a river and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing torrent...As mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.” (Isaiah 66:13). According to the second Vatican Council, we are invited to become agents of the missionary church. How do I bring the gospel of peace, love and reconciliation in our families, churches, communities and cities today? Remember always, you are among the missionaries of God’s kingdom! For Mother Teresa this Missionary work consisted in fostering peace and serving those in need.

Happy Sunday to you All.

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZGO SAC

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”! (Mt 16:16)

june 29, 2025 | solemnity of saints peter and paul, Year C

Acts 12:1-11; Psalm 34; 2 Timothy 4:6-8,17-18; Matthew 16:13-19

Dear friends, I’m grateful to God and to All, on this June 29 as it marks my 17th priestly anniversary, which always falls in the celebration of Saints Peter and Paul. I’m so honored that God chose this day to ordain me a priest of Jesus Christ. Today, we continue to profess the same Faith that Saint Peter professed: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”

Keeping the Faith by Teaching – St. Peter.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, the Faith we profess today is a gift of God. Down the ages, this gift has spread around the world through the ministry and witness of the Apostles and their successors. Peter was the first to profess it on behalf of us all. Christ gave him a special mission of being the visible foundation on which he would build his Church: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church” (Mt. 16:18). Peter’s role is further defined by Jesus giving him the keys to the kingdom of heaven. The image of the key suggests authority. The nature of that authority is expressed in terms of binding and loosing. This refers to the teaching authority of the Church. Jesus entrusted to Peter, the mission of interpreting with accuracy, his teaching to avoid believers deflecting from the truth. Peter as the Bishop of Rome would have to teach, preserve the Faith and the unity of the Holy Catholic Church. We all have this unique responsibility of handing over the true Catholic Faith.

Keeping the faith by Preaching – St. Paul

While today’s Gospel refers to Peter’s role of teaching, the second reading makes reference to the role of Paul as a preacher: "The Lord stood by me and gave me strength to proclaim the word fully, that all the Gentiles might hear it" (2 Tim. 4: 17). Paul indeed was the great preacher of the Gospel to the Gentiles throughout the Roman Empire. He preached it for the last time in the city of Rome where like Peter, he was martyred for his faith in Christ. Paul reminds us of the race that each of us is to undertake: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith.” (2 Tim. 4:7). Keeping the faith was not an easy thing for Paul as well as for Peter.

They both faced persecutions, imprisonments, criticism, dangers of rivers, dangers of robbers, attacks of their own people, dangers of Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, perils in sea, and facing false believers (Cf. 2 Corinthians 11:26; Acts 12).

Keeping the Faith the Faith today

Keeping the faith was not easy Peter and Paul and it does not come easy for any of us. Paul was very much aware that he needed the Lord more than his own efforts. I see that in my priestly vocation and my daily life. The Lord always stands by me to give me power as he stood by Paul; he always sends his angel to rescue me from evil as he did with Peter in today’s first reading. We are all invited to keep the Faith by offering a courageous witness of fidelity to Christ and his Gospel. Let's get to action. Please pray for me on this 17th anniversary of my ordination for guidance, renewed zeal, and deeper relationship with God and faithfulness in his service.

Saints Peter and Paul, pray for us!

Happy feast of St. Peter and Paul

Living the gospel this week. The Holy Eucharist is the “source and summit of the Christian life,” (CCC 1324). The Eucharist Is Not a Symbol (Read John 6 thru this week. Repeat from vs 53-58)

After the Corpus Christi, I promised to give some reflections on the Eucharist. Jesus says: “I’m the true bread” (John 6:33), which suggests that Jesus is substantially present - body, blood, soul, and divinity in the holy Eucharist. In the Eucharist, we eat the body of Christ and drink his blood. That is the Real presence that we also worship in the Blessed Sacrament during adoration. This is the simple way to understand this. After the consecration, the external characteristics or “accidents” of the bread and wine endure without change; we can see their aspects like color, size, shape, or any other observable feature. However their substance (their underlying reality or essence) changes into the body of Christ while the taste and appearance remain unchanged.

Take 15 minutes each day this week to pray asking Jesus to open your heart to his loving presence in the Eucharist!

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Corpus Christi Sunday (Year C)

The Real Presence of Christ

june 22, 2025 | corpus christi sunday, Year C

Genesis 14:18-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23; Luke 9:11b – 17

The feast of Corpus Christi is the celebration of the real presence of Christ. It began in 1246 by Bishop Robert de Therese of Liege who was inspired by St. Juliana's vision about the need for a special celebration of Eucharist. It was made universal by Pope Urban IV in 1264.

Eucharistic Miracle

The real presence of Christ in Eucharist is truly a great mystery of our faith. The Catholic Church has recognized over 130 Eucharistic miracles. I would like to share with you the one which happened on April 28, 2001. The miracle took place during a Eucharistic adoration at St Mary’s Catholic at Chirattakonam in India. Fr. Johnson Karoor, the pastor noticed three stains of blood on the host during the exposition of the Blessed sacrament, which he shared with the congregation. After a few days, the dots had formed a clear image of a human face. Fr. Karoor asked an altar server to confirm his observation, and the server also noticed the image of a man. The image was documented with photographs after Mass. The Archdiocese of Trivandrum verified the event, with Archbishop Cyril Mar Baselice writing about the occurrence. The Vatican approved this miracle in 2001, according to some sources. The monstrance containing the miraculous host is preserved at Mary’s Catholic Church at Chirattakonam in India. Speaking about that miracle, Archbishop Cyril Mar Baselice said: “For us believers what we have seen is something that we have always believed. If our Lord is speaking to us through a sign, he certainly needs a response from us”.

Corpus Christi, a call to transformation and holiness

As we celebrate this Corpus Christi, The Church reminds us of the need of Eucharistic adoration.

“No one eats this flesh unless he first adores it”, says St. Augustine. He is our High Priest, the True King of Peace, our Savior and redeemer, who delivered us from our sins and death (Genesis 14:18-20). We worship him. He is our food and drink. He gives himself to us. “This is my body that is for you”; “This cup is the new covenant in my blood” (1 Corinthians 11:11-26). Come to him with trust and as St. John Marie Vianney said: “Bring your problems to the Lord in the Church before the tabernacle.”

The Eucharistic presence of Jesus challenges us to be holy and merciful as St. John Chrysostom said, God freed us from all our sins so that we can be invited to the Eucharist, the antidote against death. Every real encounter with Christ in the Eucharist leads us to a new mission and every mission invites us to seek him, to love, to adore him and to serve him. O Sacrament most Holy, O Sacrament divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine!

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Happy Corpus Christi

Living the Gospel This Week.

As are celebrating the Corpus Christi, I deem it necessary to take a few weeks to address some concerns regarding the Eucharist. I will try to answer one question every week.

Q: Does the bread cease to be bread and the wine cease to be wine after consecration?

A: Yes. In order for the whole Christ to be present—body, blood, soul, and divinity—the bread and wine cannot remain, but must give way so that his glorified Body and Blood may be present. Thus in the Eucharist the bread ceases to be bread in substance, and becomes the Body of Christ, while the wine ceases to be wine in substance, and becomes the Blood of Christ. As St. Thomas Aquinas observed, Christ is not quoted as saying, " This bread is my body," but " This is my body" (Summa Theologiae, III q. 78, a. 5).

When we receive the consecrated host, we truly receive the body and the blood of Christ. So, Believe, Trust, Surrender and worship. (Please visit Jesus in the adoration chapel at least once during the week)

Happy Corpus Christi Sunday!

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Trinity Sunday (Year C)

The Mystery of the Holy Trinity, Father – Son and Holy Spirit

june 15, 2025 | trinity sunday, Year C

Proverbs 8: 22-31; Psalm 8; Romans 5:1-5; John 16: 12-15

Dear friends in Christ, According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of the Christian faith and of Christian life.” (No. 262). God alone can make it known to us by revealing himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. How can we understand this profound mystery?

Understanding the Trinity

Understanding the Trinity is very important as it makes our worship possible and our faith stronger. Any wrong understanding of this doctrine makes everything else wrong, such as the cross, our salvation, our relationships, our purpose, our calling, our prayer, our theologies and any form of teaching on God and the created world. The revealed truth of the Trinity has been at the very root of the church’s living faith (CCC 249), by means of baptism, catechesis, liturgical greetings (cf. 2 Corinthians 13:13). It becomes clearer that God has revealed himself as one but in three persons: “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one!” (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5). The CCC could not be more explicit by saying "Now this is the Catholic faith: We worship one God in the Trinity and the Trinity in unity, without either confusing the persons or dividing the substance; for the person of the Father is one, the Son's is another, the Holy Spirit's another; but the Godhead of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is one, their glory equal, their majesty coeternal" (CCC 266). Our knowledge of the Father sent the Son (John 3:16), and the Son who revealed the Father and the Spirit who unites the Father and the Son and brings them into our hearts (Cf. Romans 5:5)

The Trinity as the Center of our existence.

How we define God shapes everything in our life. If we think of the Trinity as one single person, who plays three different roles, we delve into confusion. Believing God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, One God in three people helps us to understand that Jesus is pointing us to the Father, the source of life; that Holy Spirit who draws and connects us to Jesus. In this we begin to know the Father as our Creator, The Son as our Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit as the Paraclete who walk alongside with us. This enables us to stop seeking for false peace but fall in love with the true power of God’s love. Our prayer is no longer a vague idea, but a relationship with the Father who created me out of love and the Son who redeems me and the Holy Spirit who empowers and sanctifies as the true breath of God. The realization of the Holy Trinity in our daily lives is so tremendous; it helps our prayer get stronger, our cross get deeper and our faith becomes real and alive; our community lives in harmony and unity in spite of our differences. With the celebration of the holy Trinity, we are invited to build good relationships of love, dignity, equality, communion, justice and peace. Yes, God is one in essence and three in persons without neither confusion nor separation. All three are equally and eternally and fully God. Each person contains the fullness of divine nature. Yet, there are not three gods, but one. No division, no separation, no confusion. The Trinity should be the model of our communities, churches and families today.

Happy Trinity Sunday

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Living the Gospel this week. The fruits of the Holy Spirit

As we get back to the ordinary time, It is important for us to yield the fruits of the paschal mysteries that we had celebrated. St. Augustine said the fruits of the Holy Spirit are a result of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within a person. They are a sign of spiritual maturity and a true love for God.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church no. 1832 states that, the fruits of the Spirit are perfections that the Holy Spirit forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory. The tradition of the Church lists twelve of them: "charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control and chastity.

Can you examine yourself this week by asking yourself if you bear each of these fruits. How do I live my chastity? Am I a joyful and peaceful person? Am I faithful, modest, patient, kind or gentle or generous? Pray for the grace to bear that you are lacking and to grow and strengthen others.

Happy Sunday of the most Holy Trinity!

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Pentecost Sunday (Year C)

They Were All filled with the Holy Spirit

june 8, 2025 | pentecost sunday, Year C

Exodus 19:3a-8a, 16-20b; Psalm 104; Romans 8:22-27; John 7:37-39

Background of the feast of Pentecost

God has been unveiling his plans for the world in chronological order through the ancient Jewish feasts. Jesus was crucified on the feast of Passover, when lambs were offered as an atoning sacrifice at the temple in Jerusalem. Jesus, is the true Lamb who died in order to take away the sins of the world (Cf. John 1:29). Jesus died and three days later he rose from the dead. The day of the resurrection happens to be another day in the Jewish calendar: the feast of “first fruit”, which is the feast of the harvest, on which the Jewish will present the first fruit to God in order to thank him. He is indeed “the first fruit from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:20). The next feast in the Jewish calendar is the feast of Shavuot for the feast of weeks, which we are celebrating today as Pentecost, meaning fifty. The feast of Pentecost or Shavuot in Hebrew was celebrated for 7 weeks following the feast of the harvest of the “first fruit”. The Jews celebrate it for two reasons: 1) They commemorated the gift the Law that Moses received in Mount Sinai (Exodus 19-24). 2) They wanted to celebrate the end of the wheat harvest by offering at the temple two loaves of wheat bread made with yeast (Leviticus 3:16-17), which represents God’s acceptance of his sinful people. The two loaves according to the Church’s Fathers would also symbolize the harvest of new believers (Jews and Gentiles).

People of the new Pentecost

As we celebrate the feast of Pentecost today, we commemorate the birth of the church. “Today,” says Saint John Chrysostom, “we have reached the mountain top of everything good. We have arrived at the capital city of all our feast”. On this day, the prophecies of the Old Testament (Isaiah 66; Ezekiel 37; Joel 3) come to pass. John the Baptist could not have been clearer: “After me comes the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 3:11). Today's first reading recounts the new Pentecost by telling us that: during Pentecost, all the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke in diverse languages, astonishing a multinational crowd in Jerusalem as each heard God’s wonders in their own tongue. This is the fulfillment of the words of prophet Joel, “I will pour my spirit in all people.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.” (Joel 2:28) We are these sons and daughters, young men and old who have been baptized with the fire of the Holy Spirit, who should now have an influence in our lives. His presence in our lives helps us lead the life of God, a life with God, a life for God, a life of love and truth, a life of forgiveness, peace and reconciliation. That is the goal of our Christian life-to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Come Holy Spirit, come into my heart and fill the hearts of the faithful and renew the face of the earth!

Jesus I trust in you,

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Living the Gospel this week. Mission of the confirmed

After the ascension of the Lord, we enter the immediate preparation of the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. I’m interested to reflect on the Mission and witness the confirmed person. According to the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, “Confirmation deepens our baptismal life that calls us to be missionary witnesses of Jesus Christ in our families, neighborhoods, society, and the world.” … With confirmation, the Holy Spirit helps the confirmed person to be at the loving service of the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit bestows seven gifts – wisdom, understanding, knowledge, fortitude, piety, and the fear of the Lord assisting the confirmed person in their mission of witnessing. “You will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8)

How do I live my confirmation status?

Happy Sunday!

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Ascension Sunday (Year C)

Ascension gives us Hope!

june 1, 2025 | ascension sunday, Year C

Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9; Hebrews 9:24-28; 10:19-23; Luke 24:46-53

Dear brothers and sisters, 40 days after the resurrection, we celebrate today, the ascension of the Lord into heaven. We celebrate this ascension after the death of Pope Francis and the election of a new Pope, Pope Leo XIV. It is the year of the Jubilee of hope. Such a hope is a source of renewal, strength and a guide for the future. The ascension of Christ is our hope, a source of renewed faith, invites us seek forgiveness, and focus on spiritual life, with the motto "Hope does not disappoint" (Romans 5:5)

Hoping in the things of heaven

The Ascension into heaven of our Lord Jesus Christ invites every human heart to ascend with him. In other words, the ascension invites us to set our hearts on things of heaven just as Christ is now seated in heaven. (Cf. Colossians 3:1-4). The ascension encourages Christians to focus on spiritual values and priorities rather than worldly ones. Do we focus on life after death?

Singers of Hope in this desperate world

The ascension of our Lord into heaven encourages us to become witnesses of the Good news:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Friends, Through his Ascension, we are to become singers of hope in a culture marked by individualism, rage, abuse, of the helpless, chronic diseases, selfishness, injustices, hunger, despair, violence, discrimination, hatred and greed in order to sing the melody hope, love, mercy, peace, justice and reconciliation. The ascension invites us to become signers of hope in our Church and in every area of our life where there is darkness.

Our final hope is heaven as St. Augustine teaches that the Ascension of the Lord is not a separation from humanity but a fulfillment of his mission. While Christ ascended alone, we, as believers have ascended with him through our union with Christ. Even being now in heaven, Christ remains permanently connected with us through his powerful and loving spiritual presence.

“I will be with you always till the end of the age” (Mt. 28:20)

Jesus, I trust in you!

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Living the Gospel this week. The Effects of the sacrament of confirmation

Many candidates received confirmation last week, May 28, 2025. The question we ask is what happens when one is confirmed?

In its no. 1302, the Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms that, the sacrament of Confirmation is the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost. There are five important effects:

1) Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace: - it roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which makes us cry, "Abba! Father!"

2) It unites us more firmly to Christ;

3) It increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us;

4) It renders our bond with the Church more perfect;

5) It gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross

(CCC. No. 1303).

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Sixth Sunday of Easter (Year C)

The Guidance of the Holy Spirit

May 25, 2025 | sixth sunday of easter, Year C

Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; John 14: 23-29

As we approach the feast of the Ascension of the Lord, the Liturgy of the Church begins to focus our attention on the promise of the Holy Spirit and its role in our lives. Jesus in today’s Gospel tells his disciples that, the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in his name, will teach them everything and remind them of all that he told them. The Holy Spirit will continue God’s presence in our lives and in the Church and he will also be the principle of unity in diversity.

The Holy Spirit as the Guide of the Church.

In the first reading from Acts 15, we find the description of the Council of Jerusalem (49-50 AD). It was convened to resolve a major dispute. Should gentiles who converted into Christianity, be required to observe Jewish customs, particularly circumcision?

The Holy Spirit as the was there

We see that, as the Apostles were about to make important decisions, they rely on the help of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit’s guidance was crucial in resolving issues and uniting the early Church. The Holy Spirit provided clarity and direction, helping the apostles stay true to Jesus’ teachings, which is: salvation is through grace and Faith in Jesus Christ and not by a mere observance of rules and rituals. At the same time, this gathering of the early church teaches us that true unity is not about erasing differences but embracing diversity under shared principles of peace and mutual respect. The Gentiles are not forced to be circumcised, but they are gently invited to believe in Jesus Christ while refraining from immorality and avoid certain practices that can cause scandal in the church. What are the contradictory practices to the faith that I need to avoid?

Lessons of Peace and Unity

This passage of the Acts of the Apostles invites us to seek peace and unity by using dialogue and listening to each other. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we become apostles of peace who seek unity even in the face of longstanding divisions. In this way, Christianity is about becoming bridge builders instead of wall builders. The Holy Spirit continues to guide us and Christ’s church today, especially in this challenging era. Let us open our hearts to the Holy Spirit so that we can find the strength and wisdom needed to make good decisions. Let us trust in the Holy Spirit to lead us, just as it led the apostles, and continue to guide the Church in truth and unity.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, guide us and fill our hearts with your love. Help us to follow your will and stay true to Jesus’ teachings. Be our comfort and strength in all we do.

Amen.

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Living the Gospel this week. The anointing with Sacred Chrism

In this month of May, our parish has been blessed with very important and powerful events, these include our children's first holy communion, the May crowning by the CCW and by our youth and our children. Coming up soon on this same month of May, the sacrament of confirmation for our candidates. During the celebration of that sacrament, there will be one of the most beautiful rites, the anointing of the candidates with sacred Sacred Chrism by the Bishop. What is its meaning for us? According to the Compendium of the Catholic Church, “The post-baptismal anointing with the sacred chrism in confirmation … is the sign of consecration … those who are anointed, share more completely in the mission of Jesus Christ” (CCC, no. 1294). This beautiful gesture of anointing symbolizes the gift of the Holy Spirit. It seals the person and empowers them to live out their faith boldly. The anointing with the sacred chrism, consecrates, that is setting the person apart for a special purpose and mission in the Christian life. The Sacrament confirmation, what a beautiful gift of God to us!

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Fifth Sunday of Easter (Year C)

You are my disciples, if you have love for one another

may 18, 2025 | fifth sunday of easter, Year C

Acts 14:21-27; Psalm 145: Revelation 21:1-5A; John 13:31-33A, 34-35

Dear brothers and sisters, on this 5th Sunday we read from the farewell discourse of Jesus in the Gospel of John, where Jesus reminds us of love as the testament that he gives us. “In this they will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another”. Jesus entrusts us the responsibility to manifest to the world our identity. Love defines us as Christians.

Love is a mark of our Christian identity.

Pope Francis reminded us that the aim of the Church is to proclaim Jesus Christ, whose life was a life of self-giving love. St. Luke tells us that “He went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). In the first reading from the Book of Acts 14, Paul and Barnabas revisited cities to bring the Good news of love to all Jews and non-Jews. Discipleship is characterized by perseverance and joyful dependence on God‘s grace even in times of adversity and hardship. To be a Christian is to live by love, Such a love conquers all things, endures all things and that never fails (Cf. 1 Corinthians 13). To be with God is the ultimate purpose of love for “God is love” (1 John 4:8). Our identity is love and our love for others should help them to glorify God. Jesus himself said: “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.” Keep loving in order to bring others to heaven. Heaven is the aim of love.

Encourage others to love by your way of life

In John 13:34, Jesus instructs us to love one another. Showing love by example is the beginning of a new heaven, a new earth. It is love that makes all things new. Love creates new relationships, new families where forgiveness conquers hatred; where peace conquers violence in all its forms; where the power of the gospel transcends our failures, our sadness, our griefs and our deaths into the new life of the resurrection. We need to build a society where the love of Christ is our way of life. “ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35) By fostering such a culture of love, we destroy any other culture that is distancing us from God and from one another. “Behold, I make all things new”. (Rev. 21:5A) Being Christ’s disciples is to accept this newness of life as the apostles did went Jesus called them (Mt. 4:18-22); as Zacheaus did (Luke 19:1-10), as Paul did (Acts 9; Acts 22; Acts 26), as Mary Magdalene did (Luke 8:1-3). Love is the key to peaceful and harmonious communities. Love calls us to be imitators of Christ! Theresa of the Child Jesus invites us to do this through her “little way”, which is doing everyday small actions motivated by love.

Jesus I trust in you

Happy Sunday!

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Living the Gospel this week. Supporting Each Other in Love - “Working together”

On this 5th Sunday of Easter, Year C, we hear that, Paul and Barnabas called the church together and reported what God had done with them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. This reminds us of the importance of supporting each other in our faith journeys. The early Church, as seen in Acts, shows us how believers helped one another. This support was crucial in building a strong and united community of believers.

Stewardship: How can I help build up a strong and united community in my Parish? Think of your talents, your time, your treasure.

Have a blessed Sunday!

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC