We left everything!
Leaving everything for Jesus comes with a full package: "Receiving everything including eternal life". God is abundance and Jesus the gift of God to humanity. God so loved the word that he gave his only Son so that all believers may have the fulness of life. (Cf John 3:16; John 10: 10)
Let us not be afraid to give our lives for Jesus because he gave himself for us even though we were sinners, and he is the fulness of life.
This is the true knowledge, the true wisdom that we must seek if we are searching for money and dig as if we are searching for a treasure (Cf. Prov. 2: 1-9).
Prayer: Help us Lord to understand that accepting to follow Jesus is our only way to happiness.
Most precious blood of Jesus. Save us and the whole world!
Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC
Under God's protection (Colossians 2:14)
"By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross."
The cross is the principal object of our salvation. Through his sorrowful Passion and death, Jesus Christ offered incomparable redeeming benefits to mankind, namely:
*We have been set free from sin (Rom 8:2)
*He has cancelled our spiritual debts, our sins (1Peter 2:24). Our debts were paid because of his sacrifice on the cross.
*We are truly convinced of God's infinite love and care for us and the whole world. (John 3:16).
Prayer: Father when I go through problems of live, depression, thoughts of committing suicide, substance abuse, abusive relationship, help me to be aware of your loving presence and care. In Jesus name.
Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC
Daily Reflections, 10 July 2023. Mt 9: 18-26
Faith even in desperate situations.
A ruler came in and knelt before Jesus saying: " my daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live". Against the desperate situation, word of faith show God's power and bring restoration. The woman who suffered from a haemorrhage for twelve years elevated our faith even to the things that are Holy, sacred. Touching Jesus's garment, making use of blessed water, or the relics of Saint are powerful expressions of our faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who had saved and restored us through Christ's death and resurrection.
Speak words of faith this week to any dead or desperate situation in your life and God's power will be manifested.
Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC
Under God's Protection (Romans 8:9,11-13)
"You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you"
The Holy has a transformative power in our lives. Through the Spirit, we are empowered to focus on the freedom found in Christ. Living in the spirit sets us from societal pressures, from mere carnal expectations, and from conforming to worldly standards.
Prayer: Help us to surrender to the Spirit’s guidance so that we may experience the strength and grace to overcome the burdens of life. Amen.
Pax et Bonum
Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC
Daily Reflections, 09 July 20 23.
Cast your worries unto the Lord
In today's Gospel Jesus extends a heartfelt invitation to every weary soul: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). Jesus through this invitation, conveys a sense of relief, renewal, and liberation from the toil and burdens of life, physical, spiritual and emotional and psychological.
Contrary to the expected societal norms of the time (kings ride on majestic horses), Zachariah 9:9-10) gives us an image of the Messiah, who comes riding on a donkey as his identification with the meek, the marginalized, and the burdened.
Jesus is the humble servant, who offers rest and peace to all who seek Him.
He notices our burdens, cares, and worries (Ps144) and invites us to live in the spirit that gives abundant life. Yes Jesus gives us his own yoke, that is, a new covenant based on grace, love, and faith in Him.
Cast your troubles and worries unto the Lord and you shall find rest by the power of the most precious blood of Jesus Christ save us and the whole world!
Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC
Daily Reflections, 08 July 2023. Gen 27, 1-5;15-29; Mt 9: 14-17.
Off your mask!
One of the danger that religious people of all times are facing is pretense to be someone that they are not.
In today's readings, Jacob's deceit and Jesus warning against superficial religious practices, compel us to remove the mask of falsity and embrace the freedom and beauty of authenticity.
In your Christian journey, take courage and peel away the layers of pretense!
Be yourself and embrace the truth of who you are and step into a world of authenticity and truth. That is the new wine in the new wine skin of freedom in Christ.
Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC
*Under God's Protection* *(1 Peter 1:18-19.)*
*"For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect"*
You are precious in the eyes of God. He has valued you - He paid a price for you: the blood his own Son - a currency of limitless value.
As you partake at the Eucharist, you activate unlimited power that destroys every spell, every curse, every stronghold, every barrier, every sin and every devilish manipulations or accusations!
May the blood of Jesus set you free from sins and sorrows in Jesus name. Amen.
*Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC*
We drink this blood at every Eucharist.
*Under God's Protection* (1Corinthians 10:31)
*"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."*
One of the most famous quotes attributed to Irenaeus is *“the glory of God is man fully alive. Man alive is the vision of God”.*
As we are indeed the product of God's love and glory, our life, our thoughts and all our actions must reflect God's glory to the world.
Vincent Pallotti invites us to do everything for the greater glory of God, the sanctification of our neighbour and for our own sanctification.
Pax et Bonum!
*Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC*
Daily Reflections,06 July 2023, Gen 22, 1-19; Mt 9:1-8.
Faith in God's power
Today's readings are an invitation to embark each day on our own personal journey of unwavering faith. We must fall in admiration of Abraham's faith that sees beyond the limitations of our human understanding. Through faith, we surrender ourselves to a power greater than ourselves.
Yes God's test to Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac was inconceivable and unimaginable. But Abraham obeyed faithfully and God made a provision for the sacrifice.
The four friends in today's Gospel express equally unwavering faith by making a hole in order to lower the paralytic in the presence of Jesus. Jesus forgives his sins and heals his physical infirmity.
There is a breathtaking connection between our faith and God's transforming power.
In the face of the tumultuous sea of our existence, may our unwavering faith in God be our unimaginable response to the world.
Most Sacred heart of Jesus Christ save us and the whole world!
Fr G. R. BIDZOGO SAC
Under God's Protection (Mt 28: 34)
"Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region".
Jesus healed two possessed men by expelling demons from them. He came to destroy the works of the devil (1John3:8)
Whatever power or demon that holds you or your family captive, by the most precious blood of Jesus, be released from their powers through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Unlike the people of Gadarenes who asked Jesus to leave their territory, you should invite and embrace Christ transformative and life-changing miracles in your life. Alleluia!
May you cultivate a deeper connection with the divine!
Precious blood of Jesus Christ, save us and the whole world!
Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC
Daily Reflections, 05 July 2023. (Genesis 21:10).
"Cast out this slave woman with her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son Isaac"
There are times in our lives that God's decisions seem unfair, therefore too hard to be followed. The request of God to Abraham to banish Ishmaël from his family is truly a hard one to follow. Humanly speaking, sending away Hagar and Ishmael, looks cruel and inhuman even anti- family.
However we must not note that Abraham's compassion for his son is subjected to his obedience to God's will. Abraham obeyed God and was known as a friend of God (James 2:23). His faith followed God’s will, even in difficult times.
This is our daily difficulties and struggles. what God requires is always in conflict with our personal desires.
To follow Christ as disciples demands our obedience, which requires us to be willing to give up personal desires. To love the Lord will always mean that his will is what matters most.
Blessed day!
Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC
Daily Reflections, 04 July 2023.
In this passage of the Gospel of Mat 8: 23-27, we read the story of our daily experience of the crossing of the sea. there is so much storm in the boat, the Church, even the world yet
Jesus seems to be asleep. But He was asleep for a reason. In human history, God has always seemed to be absent or “asleep” when turmoil, persecution, and hardship have arisen. Many of us have the same feeling that we are abandoned. Like the disciples let us never despair but turn to the Lord in prayer. “Lord, save us!
We are perishing!” Although Jesus rebuked the disciples for their lack of faith and their fear, He also responds to their pleas and calms the storm. The Lord will not only calm the storms of your life, he will put an end to it.
Precious blood of Jesus, save us and the whole world.
Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC
*Under God's Protection (Gens 18: 23)*
"Will you indeed destroy the righteous with the wicked?"
When the outcry of the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah reached a peak, God was so determined to destroy them.
Then Abraham, "the friend of God" (2 Chron 20: 7; Isa 41: 8; James 2:23) stood before the Lord, drew near and boldly prayed to the Lord whose fountain of mercies can never dry up.
Be that righteous man or woman through whom the rest of your household, village, your city or the world.
"For the sake of ten, I will not destroy the city"(Gen 18:32)
May Jesus, Our great advocate and our intercessor to the Father, intercedes, for each of us as always. Amen
*Paix et Bonheur*
*Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC*
*Daily Reflections, 03 July 2023. Feast of St Thomas.* *John 20:24-29*
*Jesus' visible wound*
On this feast of the Apostle, Thomas, the twin, I would like to consider an important aspect of our Christianity, namely: touching the wounds of the risen Christ in our daily life.
By inviting the Apostle Thomas to place his hand on his side, Jesus asserted that:
1) He is truly risen and alive. We must profess our faith in the divinity of Christ.
2)His wounds will continue to be visible on the bodies of all who are hungry, thirty, naked, humiliated or slaves, marginalized, in prisons or in hospitals.
3)We must touch, caress, heal the wounds of Jesus by doing our works of mercy.
O Most precious blood of Jesus Christ, heal the wounds in the most sacred heart of Jesus!
*Have a blessed week!*
*Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC*
Under God's Protection (2 Kings 4:16)
Under God's Protection (2 Kings 4:16)
"At this season, when the time comes round, you shall embrace a son."
This was the powerful blessing of Prophet Elisha to righteous Shunammite woman who generously welcomed him in their home.
Although the woman was barren, she never exposed her situation to the Holy man of God. Yet the prophet blessed her with a child. People who trust God focus on doing good and leave the rest up to God.
Generosity toward those in need opens a room for God's miracles (Cf. Gen18).
The Lord sees the secret wish and hears the prayers of his servants on behalf of their benefactors.
I declare a New season, happiness, healing, grace, peace and laughter unto you and your household by the power of the most precious blood of Jesus Christ! Amen.
Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC
*Under the Protection of God*
*(Ps 41 : 1-2)*
*A culture of hospitality*
*"Happy is the one who considers the poor! In the day of distress, the Lord delivers him; the Lord protects him and keeps him alive"*
We are truly blessed when we care for others.
By supporting others we find strength. By providing hospitality, we enrich ourselves beyond measure. The act of welcoming Christ’s messengers as instructed in the Gospel (Mt 10:37-42) becomes a deep spiritual practice—a way to connect with the Divine in us and foster a deeper understanding of our common humanity.
May we cultivate a culture of hospitality, a culture of love, friendship, respect and solidarity towards all human beings because in all of us, Christ is present. This is the root of our divine security - friendship with one another!
Precious blood of Jesus, save us and Save the whole world!
*Under God's Protection*
*(Revelation 12:12a)*
*"They loved not their lives even unto death"*
Every 30th June, we remember the first martyrs of the Holy Roman Church. From the Roman martyrology, we read:
"At Rome, in the time of Nero, the commemoration of many holy martyrs, who were accused of having set fire to the city, and cruelly put to death in various manners by the emperor’s order. Some were covered with the skins of wild beasts and lacerated by dogs; others were fastened to crosses, others again were delivered to the flames to serve as torches in the night. All these were disciples of the Apostles, and the first fruits of the martyrs, which the Roman Church, a field so fertile in martyrs, offered to God before the death of the Apostles".
*"Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord" (Rom 14:8)*
The saints' reward is from God; they died for Christ and will live for ever. Amen.
*Daily Reflections, 30 June 2023. Gen. 17; Mt 8: 1-4*
Today's liturgy offer us the narratives of Abraham and Sarah's change of names by God and the encounter of Jesus with the leper.
Through the Readings, the themes of restoration, divine intervention, covenant relationship, and the role of faith and obedience in our spiritual journey are highlighted. God's power has no limitations. Old age or barrenness or blindness cannot stop God from bringing about his salvific plan, healing and blessings in the lives of His people.
What matters is our faithful relationship with Him, our obedience of faith. The healing of the leper shows God's power to restore health and bring about physical and spiritual wholeness when we approach him in faith and humility.
By accepting God's covenant to follow him faithfully, the original names, Abram, ie, 'exalted father' and Sarai, ie, 'my princess' are respectively changed to Abraham, 'father of a multitude' and Sara (Princess).
*Prayer:* O God who is always active in our lives, I pray that you may change my status, my name, my hopeless story and my situation today through Christ our Lord.
Pax et Bonum
Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC
*Under God's Protection (Psalm 147:12)*
*"Glorify the Lord, Jerusalem! Praise God, O Zion!"*
On this evening of our 15th anniversary to the priesthood, Fr Hervé Pascal and myself, Fr Georges Roger, what has been flowing in my whole being is "Praise & Gratitude"
For God's mercy and loving care for All his creation endure for ever (147:1-2). He has made us chanels of this ministry of mercy. "Praise & Gratitude"
For his strength, his goodness, his unfailing health, his peace, his Providence, and his blessings always surround us(147:13-15)."Praise & Gratitude"
For his grace and righteousness and his salvation (Ps 7:17) by calling us out of darkness, out of nothingness into his marvellous light (1Peter 2:9) "Praise & Gratitude"
For he has made us a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a people for his own possession (1Peter 2:9)
Glorify the Lord with me and exalt the mighty name of Jesus. Alleluia!
*Pax et Bonum!*
*Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC*
Daily Reflections, 29 June 2023. Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul.
Special prayer request on this 15th anniversary of priesthood of Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac and Fr Hervé Pascal Okolong sac. *Pray for us*
Peter and Paul are two great apostles, our ancestors in the faith who handed over to us the message of life.
I rejoice in celebrating Peter and Paul as two great saints but much more as two Christians who teach us in our witnesses, imperfections and struggles, to grow daily in faith. The more they realised their imperfections, the closer they drew to God. May we increase our trust in "Christ, the Son of the living God" (Mt 16:14). Faith is indeed a very demanding and arduous journey.
Thank you Father for this wonderful vocation to the priesthood. Bless all who have helped us to be where we are today by your grace. Bless all those we are ministering each day. Help us to use every opportunity to grow in trust in the Lord. Amen.
Happy feast of of St Peter's and Paul.
