*Daily Reflections, 21 June 2023. St Louis de Gonzague.*

*Discret prayer strengthens the quality of our commitment*

Jesus is our model in all aspects of life. In his prayer, fasting and almsgiving and self-giving, he was discrete and efficacious, truthful and simple and totally constrasting with the way the hypocrites behave or act.

The Christian prayer must be a silent and confident prayer denuded of distractions, self-gratification, or people's appreciation and admiration as the hypocrites do (cf. Mt 6, 5). Jesus insists on the meaning of true prayer. It is made in the secret of the conscience and of the heart: unfathomable, visible only to God. With God it is impossible to pretend. Our prayer should be a silent dialogue or an exchange of glances between God and us. In prayer, we Look at God and we allow ourselves to be looked at by God: that is praying. Such a spiritual journey, strengthens the believer and increases the quality of one's commitment as Christians. In that way, we sow bountifully and joyfully in order to reap joyfully and abundantly.

*Prayer:* Lord , you supply seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed and increase our harvest. Amen.

Sacred heart of Jesus, may your kingdom come

*Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC*

Under God's Protection

Joshua 1:9

Be strong and courageous

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Moses had just died. God announces to Joshua that he is the one to lead the people to the promised land (Joshua's: 1-2).

Whenever God gives you a huge task, a heavy load to carry, be still. Challenges, trials, tribulations and difficulties will come your way, but never take off your eyes on the Lord. He will be with you every step of the way.

"Be strong and courageous "

Remain blessed under God's Protection. Amen.

Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC

Daily Reflections, June 20, 2023. (2 Co. 8:1-9); Mt 5:43-48)

"Yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9)

Giving as an act of love

Every time we give, something is taken from us and something is added to one who receives. Giving is never directed inward, it is always outward. "God so loved the word that he gave his only Son" (John 3:16). No wonder, giving can only find its meaning only when others are made rich by its very act.
We begin to be Christ-like only when we discover that giving is an act of divine grace. Hence when we give, we give like Christ, that is without boundaries, and without measure. That is true love; the love that regenerates and sanctifies us.

Lord I need your grace to love without boundaries. Amen.

Sacred heart of Jesus, may your kingdom come!

Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC

Under God's Protection

(Ephesians 6:12).

"For we do not wrestle against beings of blood and flesh, but against the princes of this world of darkness, the principalities, the sovereignties, the spirits of evil which are in the celestial regions."

Evil, as a by-product of God's creativity, according to Saint Augustine, exists as a reality that we face daily (Mt13:24-30). All our life we ​​have to fight against these dark forces.

It is sometimes a very complicated spiritual combat of which Saint Paul speaks in this passage. So let's put on the armor of God as highlighted in (Eph 6:11-18).

Prayer: Mighty, Holy and Immortal God, through the merits of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, deliver us from all evil. Amen.

Stay under the protection of the Most High

Fr. G.R. BIDZOGO SAC

Daily Reflections, June 19, 2023.

Christian Revolution

In this passage from the Gospel Mt 5, 38-48 Jesus invites his disciples to go beyond the law of revenge (the law of retaliation). The Christian “revolution” consists in seeking true justice without however practicing the law of retaliation, that is to say “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth”.

It is not about condoning evil, violence and abuse from others, but about reacting positively, breaking the chain of evil with good deed to correct evil. Good drives out evil.
This could therefore lead the Christian to give up a legitimate right in order to avoid violence. Hence it is important to turn the other cheek, give up one's clothes or money or accept other sacrifices (cf. vv. 39-42). Christian love manifests itself in a special way in mercy which represents a higher realization of justice which is different from vengeance.

Let's be artisans of justice and peace!

Father G. R. BIDZOGO SAC

Under God's Protection

Luke 2:19: "Mary kept in mind all these things carefully in her heart"

Prayer: O Immaculate Heart of Mary, refuge of sinners, we entrust ourselves to you, and by the infinite merits of the Sacred heart of Jesus, we are confident that you will bring us, through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Bring under your mantle of protection, O health of the sick, those who suffer from any kind of ailments and all who provide care for the sick andminister to their needs, as your Son implores us to do for one another.

We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our prayers in our necessities but ever deliver us from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.

Sacred heart of Jesus may your kingdom come.

Immaculate heart of Mary, pray for us!

Mary Immaculate of graces, pray for us!

Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC

Daily Reflections, 17 June 2023. The Immaculate heart of Mary. (Lk. 2: 41-51).

Daily Reflections, 17 June 2023. The Immaculate heart of Mary. (Lk. 2: 41-51).

The Immaculate heart of Mary is one of our specific devotion as Catholics. It stresses the holiness, love and exceptional purity of the heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a heart that was filled with God's presence. A heart that sought God affectionately. According to Pope Francis, the "anxiety that Mary and Joseph felt when they could not find Jesus, reveals Jesus's centrality in the Holy Family". This should also be our anxiety whenever our hearts are distant from Jesus.

Prayer: Dear Lord help us to search Christ with all our heart In God's house, may we be able to encounter the divine Teacher and be saved.

Sacred heart of Jesus, may your kingdom come!

Immaculate heart of Mary, pray for us!

Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC

Daily Reflections, 16 June 2023. The most Sacred heart of Jesus. (Mt 11: 25-30)

Teach me love

The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus known as 'Cor Jesu Sacratissimum' is one of the most Catholic powerful devotions. Through this dévotion, the pierced and wounded heart of Jesus Christ is celebrated as a symbol of "God's boundless and compassionate love for mankind".
In honoring this solemnity, we are celebrating the God " who loved us with an everlasting love"(Jérémiah 1:3). As Christians,
the wounded Sacred Heart of Jesus is indeed the loving heart of God, which calls us each day to love like Christ. The lesson from the Sacred Heart is that, true love is always costly, yet it always gives life. Lord teach me love.

Let us all go to him with our heavy burdens of sins, problems, trials and life difficulties and he will give us rest. Let us all subscribe to the school of of Christ's love.

Sacred heart of Jesus, I trust in you!
Sacred of Jesus, may your kingdom come!

Happy feast of the most Sacred heart of Jesus!

Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC

Under God's Protection

Under God's Protection

(Hebrews 13:6)

So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

The Truth we must interiorize is that, our God is faithful and never fails. He provides for our needs. (1John1:9) He protects us from dangers. (PS 18:2-4). Why shall we fear? He comes to our help in any situation (Ps 54:4).

Never allow fear to grasp your attitude! Emmanuel-God is always with us!

May the peace of Christ flow over your life! Amen.

Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC

Under God's Protection

"Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones; And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart." (Ps 32:11)

At the end of every day, we Christians, have many reasons to celebrate with joy because we are in the Lord.
Our joy overcomes any earthly trials which we endure (Rom 8:18) For deep down we are convinced that our God is forgiveness (Ps 32 :1-2) He surrounds us with shouts of deliverance (Ps 32:7) God's unfailing love gives joy to his faithful one (Ps32:10).

Indeed trusting obedience to God is our source of joy

Lord give me joy in my heart and keep me praising. Amen.

Peace be with you!

Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC

*Daily Reflections, 14 June 2023. (2Cor 3: 4-11)*

*Grace as the power of our dispensation.*

St Paul justifies his ministry through the dispensation of righteousness. No wonder, every work, every achievement, every ministry, every calling is grace and spirit rooted.

The Dispensation of Grace is the New Covenant in Christ’s blood (Luke 22:20), which gives life to all, opens heaven to all, and qualifies everyone who trust in Christ Jesus.

Thank God for you to live in this “Age of Grace”.

Thanks for the blood of Jesus Christ, which qualifies me though unworthy.

Thanks for the Holy Spirit Who dwells in me and continues to sustain the Church. (John 14:16-26).

Only grace can qualify you for any heavenly endeavour. Just cooperate!

Sacred heart of Jesus, May your kingdom come!

Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC

Daily Reflections, 13 June 2023.

St. Anthony of Padua.

Be the salt! Be the light! (Mt 5:13-16)

By identifying us, (Christians) in today's gospel with the salt of the earth and the light of the world, Jesus reminds us of "Yes" to Him and our responsibility vis-à-vis the society. We must bring God's kingdom amidst this world of confusion and sin, promotion of error and lies, and deterioration of values.

Our light must shine so as to expose the evil and drive away the darkness. Our lives must be the visible sign of Christ's presence.

Dear St Anthony, patron saint of the poor, sailors and fishermen, priests and travelers and wonder-workers, obtain for us to be shining examples of God's love and light. Amen.

Sacred heart of Jesus, may your kingdom come!

Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC

Under God's Protection

Thank you, Lord

"I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from my enemies." (Psalm 18:3)

At the end of this day, I just want us to appreciate God's love. He saves, delivers and protects us from so many dangers. He gives peace to our and safety to our hearts.

Prayer: For all your goodness, Lord, praise, glory, honour and dominion is due for ever and ever. Amen (1Peter 5:11).

God is our deliverer

Peace unto you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC

Under God's Protection

Under God's Protection

The Eucharist is God’s Peace

In the Eucharist Jesus tells us : "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you". (John 14:27). By sharing the peace of Christ during mass , we allow Christ, the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6) to reign amidst the chaos of our heart, our lives and our communities.

We need peace desperately and will only find it in Jesus Christ.

"Peace be with you" (John 20:19)

Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC

Daily Reflections, 11 June 2023. Corpus Christi.

Truly present

Today we display our faith in Christ Jesus truly present in the Blessed sacrament, body, soul and divinity.

It is the essence of our Catholic Faith [Sacrosanctum Concilium], the testament of our Lord Jésus-Christ since that night before he was betrayed.

What we are celebrating is that, Jesus is the living bread (John 6:51). In the Eucharist, we celebrate the living body and the living blood of Jesus. That is the living sacrifice. We are therefore, living people, living communities, living sacrifices (1Cor 10:16-17).

May we live a Eucharistic life, a life of communion, a meaning presence, a symbol of unity, love, peace and reconciliation in our world today!

In the Eucharist, Christ is here. It is Jesus, the living bread.

Be a living sacrifice

Happy Corpus Christi - Sunday!

Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC

Daily Reflections, 10 June 2023. ( Mark 12: 38-44)

The offering of a widow: the cost of grace

We learn from this widow that the way we give matters in order to receive grace. Dietrich Bonhoeffer explains that: "Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life."

The true act of giving must always be in line with God's example, who gave the life of his Son, who paid the price for our life.

By giving all she had, the widow emulate an example of costly grace. This is an invitation to dedicate ourselves to God without reservation.

Beware on how you give. Is there any cost in your 'giving' (Time, Talents, Treasure)?

The quality of your giving determines your grace

Sacred heart of Jesus,
May your kingdom come

Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC

Under God's Protection

He is my stronghold

In Psalms 9:9, King David declares that: "The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."

I know you may have serious attacks in your life. You might even be worried about your life. Fear not, my friend! You are covered by Jesus's blood, which is your refuge and your defense. Where you stand right now is a fortress and a highly secured place, which is inaccessible to any of your enemies.(1 Samuel 23:14).

He is the God of unfailing Protection

Good night under His care!

Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC

Daily Reflections, June 09, 2023. (Mk12 : 35-37)

* Jesus Is The Messiah *

The Hebrew word "Messiah" means "Anointed." The Jewish people were waiting for a king of David's lineage (2 Sam 7:12) who would free Israel from the bondage of foreigners and restore its glory.

In today's Gospel passage, David inspired by the Holy Spirit said, "The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand till I place your enemies under your feet"

There is no doubt that this scripture is about Jesus, the Messiah, the "Son of David" and the Son of God. He is equal to God's power, majesty and glory.

May Christ the Messiah put all your enemies under your feet and grant you a day with God in His kingdom. Amen.

Sacred Heart of Jesus thy kingdom come!

P. G. R. BIDZOGO

Under God's Protection

"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”(Mt 28:20)

One of the best way Jesus through which the Lord is always with us, the sacraments, mainly the sacrament of the Eucharist.

St. Chrysostom tells us that, in the Eucharist, Christ is present... He, that was crucified for us, Christ Himself, prepares this very table and makes the sacrificial gifts become His Body and Blood. (Homily on the Treachery of Judas).

It is all about God's power and grace!

Tonight, may we receive peace, healing, grace and protection by the power of all the Eucharistic celebrations throughout the world in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

Good night under God's protection.

Fr. G. R. Bidzogo

*Daily Reflections, June 08, 2023. *

*Christ the Sovereign Eternal Sacrifice*

Today we focus on the office of Christ as the Sovereign Eternal Sacrifice. Jesus is the model for all Christians, especially priests. We pray for all priests who act daily in the persona of Christ. May we, as priests, be compassionate and trustworthy following the example of Jesus (He 2:17). May we remain good intercessors for the people before God, for we share the eternal priesthood of Christ, the only mediator between God and mankind (He 7:25).

We rejoice today because we have all been saved because of Christ’s one and only sacrifice, offered once and for all (He 10:12-14). Like Abraham, we are called to give total obedience to God. Jesus Himself is the model of perfect obedience to His Father. May the eternal priesthood of Jesus be our daily source of comfort and salvation!

We are saved through obedience (Rom 5:17)

Sacred Heart of Jesus thy kingdom come!

*P. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC*