"Tell all the congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month they shall take every man a lamb according to their fathers’ houses, a lamb for a household."
This verse introduces the institution of the Passover, a profound testament to God's mercy and compassion.
The Angel of Death has no power in those homes or on those people marked with the blood of the sacrificial lamb. Just as God's mercy spared the firstborn of the Israelites, liberating them from the bondage of Egypt, may it spare your household ; May the blood of the Lamb, the Ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God and his blood bring us eternal redemption and salvation.
O most precious blood of Jesus Christ, save us and the whole world.
Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC
Daily Reflections, July 21, 2023. Mt 10:16-23
*The path of love*
"If you accept understood what means: I want mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned those who did not commit a fault"
The way to God is love and justice. This is the way of Jesus. This path is totally opposed to that of the doctors of the law. Their path is to cling only to the law, to the letter of the law. Yet such an approach leads to closure, rigidity and selfishness. However, the path of love opens up to understanding, knowledge and discernment. This path leads to full fulfillment, leads to holiness, to salvation, to the encounter with Jesus who is Love (1John 4:8). Love is above everything. Love understands everything. (1 Corinthians 13). It is love that gives meaning to the law and not the contrary. This is why "the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath"
Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC
Under God's Protection* (Ps 104: 1...)
The people sing his praises.
"Praise the Lord, my soul. Lord my God, you are very great. You are clothed with splendor and majesty."
The entire Psalm (Ps 104(105) is a hymn of praise, recounting God's power and faithfulness throughout salvation history. The children of Israel have encountered all kinds of trials and persecution. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob has remained faithful to his covenant.
The same God whom we serve today is with us in all our situations of life to guide and protect us. We must be resilient and trust in God's faithfulness even in the darkest moments of oppression and suffering.
Help me Lord to always remember that, amidst the pain of oppression, hope and deliverance can truly be found in our fidelity to the Almighty - God.
*Peace be with you!*
*Father G. R. BIDZOGO SAC*
Daily Reflections, 20th July 2023. Exodus 3: 13-20; Mt 11:28-30.
God is present in the midst of our afflictions!
I AM WHO I AM" (YHWH) –
That is the name of God. He does not only exist, but he is present. The eternal and faithful God, sees and hears the cries of His people and is moved by their pain. Through Moses, God promises deliverance, setting in motion a divine plan to lead His people to a land flowing with milk and honey, a place of rest and freedom. In this moment, the hope of liberation is kindled, and the anticipation of the place of rest begins, which finds its ultimate culmination in Jesus Christ who invites us all to come to him. In Christ Jesus the cries of all the oppressed find solace. He delivers us and leads us to the promised land.
Most precious blood of Jesus Christ save us and the whole world!
Father G. R. BIDZOGO SAC
Under God's Protection (Exodus 3:7)
"The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering".
The above metaphor is used to clearly establish a fact: God sees, hears, and knows of the plight, the suffering of Israel, and of every man and woman whom he created.
Nothing in this world, happens without God's knowledge. He is always aware of everything and will always have the final say about every situation.
He used Moses to deliver the children of Israel. We have Jesus who is our new Moses, who died for us to set us free from any form of bondage and slavery.
Father, hear the voice of my pleading and intervene in my present situation in Jesus mighty name!
Pax et Bonum !
Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC
Daily Reflections 19July 2023. Exodus (3:1-6,9-12), Mt 11, 25-28
Childlike heart
Beloved in Christ, in today's liturgy, we learn that true knowledge of God transcends intellectual abilities and educational attainments. Moses was just a humble shepherd, lacking eloquence. It is in our humility and meekness that we create space for divine revelation to touch our lives and transform us. Let us recognize that intellectual pursuits should be complemented by a humble disposition, allowing God’s wisdom to surpass the limits of human understanding.
Acknowledging our brokenness and vulnerability is key to our experiencing divine revelation.
In conclusion, in the encounters of Moses with the burning bush, the psalmist’s praise, and Jesus’ words of gratitude, we discern the profound truth that “Divine Revelation is for the meek and humble hearts.”
Sacred heart of Jesus, make our unto thine!
Father G. R. BIDZOGO SAC
Under God's Protection (Exodus 2:2)
"And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him for three months."
God chose Moses to deliver His people, the Israelites, to the Promised Land. He chose Moses to be a hero to the Israelites. In life, sometimes our plans and dreams will not matter or even happen no matter how hard we try. Because God has more in store for you, it is His will that will prevail.
May God's be manifested in your life!
G. R. BIDZOGO SAC
*Daily Reflections, 18 July 2023* . *Matthew 11:20-24*
*Change your ways*
This morning, Jesus denounced Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum because they did not accept his message of repentance. Important to note that in these cities Jesus did most of His miracles and called his first disciples (Matthew 4:18). They witnessed Jesus's power and authority over sickness, the forces of nature, the sea, the wind but in spite of those miracles did not repent. They did not respond positively to God's love. Even the cities of tyre and Sidon associated with God's rejection would have repented.
What about us today?
Are we not just the people of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum?
Most precious blood of Jesus Christ, save us and the whole world
*Father G. R. BIDZOGO SAC*
Daily Reflections, 17 July 2023. (Matthew 10:34-11:1).
The power of God's hand
In today's Gospel Reading, the word of God comes to us like a sharpened blade, challenging the very fabric of our existence. "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth," Jesus declares. "I have not come to bring peace, but a sword." The path of following Christ is not one of ease and tranquility but of division and strife - the sword. There is a prize to pay if we are to follow Christ and make him our priority. The consequences could even go as far as separation with those so close to our hearts.
The good news however is that the persecutions, the threats will always prove powerless against those who are faithful to God. In the Book Exodus 1:8-14,22 that we read today, the more Israel was persecuted, the more they flourish. God's hand is powerful for those who trust in Him
Faith can defy even the darkest forces of this world.
O most precious blood of Jesus Christ save us and the whole world.
Father G. R. BIDZOGO SAC
Daily Reflections, 14 July 2023. Gen 46: 1-7. 28-28-30; PS 36; Mt 10:16-23.
Trust in God's providence
Today's scripture helps us examine our own lives and the trust we place in the providence and guidance of God. The disciples are sent in a very troublesome environment ; they will be among wolves, but they must trust in God's providence, which calls for their prudence.
In the midst of doubts, God reassures Jacob with his word: "I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you a great nation there." God only invited Jacob to trust then his presence is secured for them. "I will go down with you and come up with you"
May we too today, learn to surrender our fears, doubts, and anxieties, and embark on the journey with unshakable faith, knowing that our heavenly Father will lead us, protect us, and provide for us in every circumstance through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC
Under God's Protection (Ps 16: 1-2)
"Keep me safe, my God,
for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”
The word echoes the plea of the psalmist for God's protection and guidance in the face of adversity. It expresses a deep trust in God's love and Providence.
He is the source of all good things.
Most precious blood of Jesus Christ, save us and the whole world.
Father G. R. BIDZOGO SAC
Daily Reflections, 13 July 2923 Gen 44: 18-21, 23-29, 45:1-5; Ps104; Mt10:7-15.
Transformative power of forgiveness.
Lewis B. Smedes, a Christian author and theologian wrote "To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you," Forgiveness is not an easy task. It demands strength and resilience, divine grace and openness. Joseph who sold as a slave extends the hand of forgiveness to his brothers and see in their act God's wisdom to send him ahead to save his people.
No wonder we pledge with Ps 104 that, forgiveness and compassion are not merely virtues but divine attributes as well. Through forgiveness, God liberates the oppressed and provides a path towards spiritual healing, salvation and liberation. Alleluia.
Let us embark on the journey of forgiveness as the power that should help us to mend fractured relationships and reveal hidden blessings. Amen. Alleluia!
Sacred side of Jesus Christ, Be our home and safety!
Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC
Under God's Protection (Mt 10: 1)
"Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits with power to cast them out and cure all kinds of diseases and sickness"
With the calling of the twelve, the foundation is laid. We are also invited to recognize our own call to discipleship. Nobody should feel as a passive spectator. We are all active participants in God’s plan for salvation. Joseph even emerged from the depths of despair and became an instrument of divine reconciliation. The apostles by God's grace received the power of Christ to bring healing and restoration. We too are called to embrace our role as ambassadors of God’s love and healing power in the world.
May the Holy wounds of Jesus Christ - heal our wounds!
Father G. R. BIDZOGO SAC
Daily Reflections, 11 July 2023. (Mt 19, 27-29)
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.
