Jesus Humbles Himself Out of Love He Has for Us

03-24-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Anthony Okolo, C.S.Sp, V.F.

The passion narrative gives us an insight of what Jesus suffered for us, especially the love He has for us that made Him endure all the insults and humiliation for our sake. Today’s liturgy does not require a long homily but to allow the events of the passion story to speak directly to us in the silence of our heart. Our meditation is on Jesus’ suffering and death for our sake. He came and gave Himself completely to us by His preaching, miracles and healing and finally of giving Himself in humility on the cross.

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Some Highlights for the Holy Week Ceremony

03-17-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Tony Okolo C.S.Sp., V.F.

Beloved Parishioners,

As our Lenten season gradually draws to a close, I wish to communicate to you about Our Holy Week and Easter Celebration which would be good if you take note of some of the changes. Its aim is to update you and keep you informed of the activities at these sacred moments and assist us in deep appreciation of the great mystery of our salvation which has roots in the old tradition of the church.

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Journeying Deeper: Exploring the Depths of Prayer

03-10-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Tony Okolo C.S.Sp., V.F.

Beloved Parishioners,

Today, I intend to share a reflection with you on exploring the depth of prayer. It was St. John Damascene who gave that classic definition of prayer, as “the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God.” (CCC, no. 2559, citing St. John Damascene, De Fide Orth. 3, 24). The Catechism further tries to reinforce that point when it teaches that prayer is a “vital and personal relationship with the living and true God” (CCC, no. 2558).

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A Loving and Obedient Relationship with God Brings Peace

03-03-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Anthony Okolo, C.S.Sp, V.F.

In today’s first reading we are called to a complete obedience and respect for God’s commandment if we are to maintain a good relationship with God and with one another. God’s commandment is designed for our good and when we obey it for what it is, it gives meaning to our lives as the only way we can demonstrate our love for God is to keep His commandments. Thus, Jesus tells us in John’s Gospel “If you love me keep my commandment.” Jn 14:15

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God is Always Faithful

02-25-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Anthony Okolo, C.S.Sp, V.F.

Today is the second Sunday of Lent, a season of grace, prayer, penance, and almsgiving that helps us walk with God. The Lenten observances and practices are meaningful if they are carried out in loving obedience and faith to God. Lent, as a season of grace, is a time we leave behind those distractions and develop a deeper relationship with God. In today’s liturgy, we are called upon to have absolute faith in God irrespective of the challenges and trials that confront us every day. Such challenges can lead to loss of faith in God but from the example of Abraham in the first reading and Paul’s injunction in the second we are encouraged to remain firm and steadfast.

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Going Into The Desert

02-18-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Anthony Okolo, C.S.Sp, V.F.

Lent is here again when we draw closer to God and go into the desert with the Lord in prayer, fasting and almsgiving. The season of Lent is a season of grace because by walking with the Lord, for these forty days journey, we draw strength and grace from the life of prayer, fasting and almsgiving we do. We grow during Lent by accepting and living the Good News deeper in our lives. No matter how much the power of sin and its effect have flooded every area of our lives, salvation is possible for us the moment we make a complete turn around and embrace the mercy and love of God which He offers us every day. This is possible when we enter into the desert of our inner self to discover whom we are and what God intends for us and Lenten period that offers us that opportunity.

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Summary of Annual Stewardship

02-11-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Anthony Okolo, C.S.Sp, V.F.

Beloved Parishioners,

May the peace, blessings, and healing grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ abide in each one of you and your families. This is another time of the year we thank God for what has been accomplished in our parish for the past one year through your generous support.

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Jesus Heals Our Pain and Sickness

02-04-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Anthony Okolo, C.S.Sp, V.F.

In the gospel passage of last Sunday, Jesus was seen in the Synagogue teaching with authority and casting out demons from a man under demonic influence and possession. In that, Jesus demonstrates His power over evil forces and demons. In today’s gospel reading He demonstrates His power over pain and sickness. We read that “when he came into Peter’s house, the mother-in-law of Peter was sick with fever and immediately they told Him of her. And He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up and the fever left her.”

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