HOMILY FOR FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT (YEAR A), MARCH 5, 2017

THEME: DO NOT RATIONALIZE YOUR CHRISTIAN IDENTITY IN THE FACE OF TEMPTATION

By: Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode

Today's liturgy, among other things, is a call to reflect on our journey as Christians and particularly as we embark on our lenten penance. So it presents us generally with the reality of sin and evil in the world and the daily temptations we have to face. On a particular note, it cautions us too that as we seek to take due advantage of this season for repentance and renewal we should be wary of the antics of the Tempter. The lesson we are, thus left with today from the scripture readings is that: _every temptation is a test of our faith and trust in God_ and we must _never rationalise on our true Christian identity_.

A Reflection For Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is a day many Christians set aside as a special day. It is a day to remember our humanness and mortality. It is a day to begin the season of Lent, a time for reflection, penitence, and preparation for Easter.

HOMILY FOR SEVENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME (YEAR A), FEBRUARY 19, 2017

THEME: "Non-Violence: A Test of Christian Maturity"

By: Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode

In today's gospel reading (Matt. 5:38-48), Jesus continues his teaching on the Law with the antithesis. In today's pericope, he engages the Jewish justice system of retaliation also called the _lex talionis_(the law of retaliation): 'an eye for an eye'. We may not fully appreciate this law if we relate with it in isolation from its ancient Israelite context that is in sharp contrast with today's justice system. Certain passages in the Old Testament indicate that this system was efficient for entrenching justice and fairness (see Deuteronomy 19:21). This was meant to ensure that damages, whether intentional or unintentional (Lev. 24:20; Ex. 21:24), were paid for in a manner that is not arbitrary. However it neither prohibits vengeance nor checks the possibility of war and conflict. In the same way, Jesus engages the law of love for neighbour which is captured in the first reading (Lev. 19:1-2.17-18). He finds this law equally myopic as it limits the practice of love to one's neighbour which in this sense is one's kinsman or family member.

Pope Francis: Don’t Dialogue With The Devil

Satan is a liar and a cheat who promises people everything then leaves them with nothing, Pope Francis has said at his early morning Mass.

Pope Francis giving the homily

In his homily on February 10, Pope Francis contrasted the way Eve interacted with the serpent in the garden of Eden and the way Jesus reacted to the devil after spending 40 days in the desert.

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER TO SAINT ANNE

St Ann and the Child Mary

O glorious Saint Anne, 

you are filled with compassion 
for those who invoke you, 
and with love for those suffer. 
Heavily burdened with the weight of my troubles, 
I cast myself at your feet 
  and humbly beg of you to take the present intention, 
which I recommend to you in your special care.

Please recommend it to your daughter, 
the Blessed Virgin Mary, 
and place it before the throne of Jesus, 
so that he may bring it to a happy issue.

Continue to intercede for me 
until my request is granted. 
But above all obtain for me the grace one day 

to see my God face to face, 

and with you and Mary and all the saints 
to praise and bless him for all eternity.  Amen.

Our Father; Hail Mary; Glory be.

Saint Ann, help me now and at the hour of my death! 
Good Saint Ann, intercede for me!