Fada Onuoja Bright Day

29/08/2025

MARTYREDOM OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

1 THESSALONIANS 4:1-8
Mark 6:17-29

The beheading of John the Baptist (Mark 6:17–29) starkly illustrates the depths of human depravity when pride, lust, and revenge take control. Herod, despite being intrigued by John's messages, was weak and swayed by the opinions of others. Trapped by a reckless oath made in a drunken state, he opted for murder instead of humility. Herodias, fueled by her hatred for John’s condemnation of her illicit marriage, plotted tirelessly until she achieved her goal of his ex*****on. Even her daughter, unwittingly caught in this web of manipulation, played a role in this sinister scheme.

The gruesome sight of John's severed head on a platter serves as a haunting reminder of how sin can cloud our judgment. Proverbs 29:27 tells us, “The wick£d detest the upright,” and John's tragic end highlights the price of standing up for God's truth in the face of corrupt authority. Yet, his sacrifice was not in vain; his unwavering faith helped pave the way for Christ, the true Light.

This story serves as a cautionary tale against compromising with sin, harboring hatr.ed, or succumbing to the fear of others. As Jesus wisely said, “Do not fear those who k.ill the body but cannot k.ill the soul” (Matthew 10:28). John's martyrdom stands as a testament that while £vil men may silence God's messengers, the truth itself remains indestructible.

29/08/2025

May the Lord God take care of you as you go out in Jesus'name

28/08/2025

Happy birthday, dear Fr. May the Lord grant you more grace and strength. Amen

28/08/2025

Happy birthday, Fr. May the Lord bless you and keep you.

28/08/2025

FEAST OF ST. AUGUSTINE

BE READY

1Thessalonians 3:7-13
Matthew 24:42-51

In Jesus’ invitation to be a follower, one is called to a constant state of preparation in every aspect of life: spiritual, social, and economic. In Matthew 24:44, he issues a warning stating, “You also must be ready because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” Living in a state of preparedness is more than waiting; it is an active faith, obedience, and being immersed in the holy.

The call to faith entails having our lamps burning, as the wise virgins in Matthew 25:1-13, who prepared with oil. This oil is a life filled with the Spirit. Carelessness results in a door being shut. Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:6 tells us, “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.” This also shows us the urgency of the situation and better emphasizes how bold one ought to be in faith.

Luke 12:35-36 talks about acts of love, prayer, and daily repentance, which fuels the fire of readiness. Living expectantly and proactively requires one to approach every new dawn as a gift from the Lord. Repentance is not a mode of self-reflection, but an attitude of surrender to the Lord who desires every single soul, as is evident in 2 Peter 3:9.

Fulfilling our Father’s will requires our faith and devotion to be unwavering and steadfast. In other words, our hearts must be pure. Once the Lord returns, let us be hopeful that we are embraced for being faithful servants, ready to embrace the Lord’s gift of eternal joy.

PRAYER
Lord God, help us to be fruitful, to be holy, and to be ready. We pray for joy and peace of Christian living today and always in Jesus' name. AMEN

27/08/2025

27/08/2025

FEAST OF ST. MONICA

WHITEWASHED TOMBS

I Thessalonians 2:9-13
Matthew 23:27-32

The Pharisees are branded by Jesus as “whitewashed tombs” (Matthew 23:27–28), beautified on the outside but rotten and corrupted on the inside. This vivid metaphor reveals the perilous nature of religious hypocrisy, bearing the façade of righteousness while concealing the moral filth within. The Pharisees practiced meticulous adherence to laws and traditions devoid of the mercy and love toward God’s character and presence.

This serves as a warning that touches all of us and extends to the present. It is still possible to pretend to wear a mask of a spotless character, attending services, reciting passages, and making contributions, while lying spiritually vacant within. As highlighted in 1 Samuel 16:7, God looking at the heart and not externals, reveals His essence. Holiness is not an external display, but an internal work of grace.

Call to authentic discipleship is given by Jesus. Inside first, cleanse the inside first (Matthew 23:26), practice justice, mercy, and faith (Matthew 23:23), and allow God’s Spirit to inscribe His law upon our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33). We are still graciously invited to live with integrity, where our actions manifest the love and purity that flows from the heart.
Instead, may we not become whitewashed tombs, but proclaim living temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19) gleaming with true righteousness that flows from a heart transformed by Jesus.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, grant us the grace of inner cleansing. May we strive for purity both within and without in Jesus'name. AMEN

26/08/2025

Happy birthday, dear Fr. We wish you many returns in God's glory.

26/08/2025

26/08/2025

TUESDAY, 21TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

BEYOND OUTWARD OBSERVANCE

1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Matthew 23:23-26

Jesus challenges the harsh enforcement of religion that lacks mercy, justice, or genuine faith (Matthew 23:23). Hypocrisy lurks at the edges of true righteousness, where the gentle and forgiving image that Christians project often conceals a deeper decay (Matthew 23:27-28). Living authentically is rooted in love and grace, a reality beautifully embodied in Jesus, as Saint Paul reminds us that without love, faith, and acts of mercy, our actions are just empty performances (1 Cor 13:1-3). The Old Testament prophet Micah highlights that God’s love is defined by “mercy, justice, and love,” urging us to “act justly and walk humbly” (Micah 6:8).

Our faith should visibly reflect a transformative change that reaches deep into our hearts. As Jesus points out, true awakening happens from within, leading to a cleansing that touches the very core of our being (Matt 23:26). This collective conscience calls for self-examination and humility, reminding us that we are all flawed (John 8:7). Faith is now reimagined to flourish beyond the rigid confines of the law, blossoming into a heart overflowing with God’s love, mercy, and justice.

PRAYER
Lord God, help us to grow into a balance Christian practices both internally and outwardly. Grant us the grace of true discipleship. We pray for the safety of the travellers of this day, Lord, bless, protect all the travellers in Jesus'name. AMEN

26/08/2025

May the Lord Jesus, protect you and keep you his love as you go out in Jesus'name

24/08/2025

SUNDAY, 21TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

NARROW YET NECESSARY GATE

Isaiah 66:18-21
Hebrews 12:5-7.11-13
Luke 13:22-30

Jesus issues a sobering invitation:
“Enter through the narrow gate." reminds believers that following Christ is not about ease but about commitment, sacrifice, and faithfulness.

1: The Narrow Gate is difficult but Rewarding

Following Jesus goes beyond dedication; it's a pilgrimage through the challenging path. Jesus, the greatest of all, mentions, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). These aren’t easy words, and the journey of governed self-discipline and self-denial is never simple.

In self-denial and self-governing, Saint-Paul perceives the Christian life as an athletic life, as a contest to endure the hardship with “an athlete’s mentality: every athlete in a race is runing, but they do so in such a way to claim victory.” (1 Corinthians 9:24). Just like athletes, sportsmen and women, put themselves through a demanding regime in their life, these is equaled towards Christians where there is self governance and a life devoid of sin disentangled filled with wholesome virtue.

While the journey may be tough, it’s incredibly fulfilling. Jesus assures us that “everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:29). The narrow path might be filled with challenges, but at the end, there’s a glorious reward waiting for us.

2: The Narrow Gate Requires Sacrifice

To pass through the narrow gate, we need to travel light. This means shedding the weight of sin, pride, greed, and those worldly ties that hold us back. Jesus advised the rich young man: “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (Matthew 19:21). Unfortunately, the young man chose to walk away, unwilling to make that sacrifice.

The letter to the Hebrews encourages us: “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1). In simpler terms, we can’t truly succeed on our spiritual journey if we’re still clinging to our sins.

3: The Narrow Gate Promises Eternal Life

The narrow path may be tough, but it leads to the most incredible reward: eternal life in the presence of God. Jesus reassures us with these words: “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will sn**ch them out of my hand” (John 10:28).

Reflecting on his own journey, Paul confidently declares: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day” (2 Timothy 4:7–8). The narrow gate doesn’t lead to despair; instead, it opens up to everlasting joy.

The Book of Revelation beautifully illustrates this promise: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4). Those who stay the course on the narrow path will find themselves dwelling with God forever in the New Jerusalem.

PRAYER
Lord God, help us by your grace to follow Christ all the days of our lives. Help us not to stray from the narrow gate in Jesus'name. AMEN