*Daily Reflections , 29 July 2023** *John 11:19-27**

*Friendship with Jesus*

As we commemorate Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, we are invited to open our hearts to the transformative power of God's love. Like them, may we build a home for Jesus in our hearts—a place where faith, hospitality, and attentive listening flourish. In the sacredness of our heart, we do encounter the Risen Christ; we draw so closer to the heart of God. If we are to benefit from today 's liturgy, we must allow the bond of friendship with Jesus to be the foundation of our lives. This is what inspires us to live as witnesses of His love and agents of resurrection in a world yearning for hope and salvation.

Ok most precious blood of Jesus Christ, refine the world!

*Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC*

*Daily Reflections, 28 July 2023.* *Exodus 20: 1-17* ; *Mt 13: 18-23*

*The power of God's word*

Dear children of God, today's readings remind us of the power of God's word as we can read from the Letter to the Hebrews (4:12): "The Word of God is something alive and active, it cuts more finely than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and can judge secret emotions and thoughts." The word of God can cause what Leon Festinger calls: *"cognitive dissonance".* It causes mental discomfort that challenges and transforms our innermost thoughts, our cultures, our mindsets, our ways, our attitudes, decisions and our styles. Our response to its cognitive dissonance will determine how positive and fruitful our lives will become.

Like the Israelites, we are invited to embrace the Decalogue, God's code of conduct and instructions as the path to true freedom and fulfillment (Exodus 20:1-17).

We are encouraged, like the psalmist (Ps 18) to delight in God's law, allowing it to reshape our hearts and minds. In the same manner, the parable of the sower invites us to allow our hearts to be receptive so that they can yield an abundant harvest.

We must cooperate with God's Word, allowing it to challenge and transform us from within.

O Most precious blood of Jesus Christ, praise and honour to you for ever!

*Father G. R. BIDZOGO SAC*

Under God's Care and Protection Novena to St. Anne.

Every year, we honour St Anne and Joachim, the grandparents of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

I would like us to appeal to the intercession of St Anne for employment. You might not need a job at the moment, but your husband, your children, your friends, and billions of people may need employment. Please let us join by praying for them. Employment is important as it helps people to take care of their material needs for them & their families.

Let us pray:

Day 1 - St. Anne Novena:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O St. Anne, we love you and appreciate your status as the grandmother of Jesus, our brother and Saviour. We are aware of your compassion and care. Please pray for me and for all those who are in need of employment.!

I am ever grateful for your unceasing intercession before your Lord and your grandchild. I thank Jesus because of his mercy and his Providence. God is my provider and of all those who trust in him. I know that, he will provide a beautiful employment to (Me..) or someone (mention the people you are praying for) this week.)

I thank you Lord for your plan is the best and your time is unopposed. I know that, you work everything for the good of your people whom you had redeemed with a great prize. I'm grateful, Lord. I'm confident that you never abandon me or allow these children of yours to suffer because of your love and for the intercession of Saint, your grandmother.

Therefore, I come to you Lord through the prayer of Saint for ....

(Mention your intentions here).

Above all, dear Saint Anne, pray that I may be open to God’s will as you were, that is with tender love, patience, perseverance in faith and hope, and with absolute trust in the Lord’s plan for all his creature.

Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Testimonies: Remember to give testimony after the Lord has blessed you in one way or the other... Open your heart and your eyes to see things that God changes in your existence.

St Anne, grand mother of the Lord, please pray for us!

Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC

Daily Reflections, 25 July 2023. Feast of St James, Apostle.

Self- sacrifice

St James, Apostle of the Lord, teaches us that true greatness is not found in seeking positions of honour and power. Rather we must humbly carry the treasure of God's love within our fragile hearts. Saint James' strong faith and devotion remind us every encounter with Christ is powerful. It liberates and restores our souls.

Every Apostle has something to tach us: the life of a disciple must be a life of selfless service, joyous trust in God's providence, and accepting and embracing our weakness as a vessel for divine grace.

Lord Jesus teach us at all times that true discipleship means means: humble service and self-sacrifice.

St James, pray for us!

Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC

Daily Reflections, 23 July 2023. *Happy grand-parents Sunday!

Today's readings call us to enter into the profound mystery of God's patience and mercy. Without patience and mercy, our living together become impossible.

In the Book Wisdom (12:13,16-19), the Lord, in His immeasurable wisdom, shows patience towards all, granting sinners time to repent. He is forgiving and kind ( PS 85) We must do the same as we surrender our weaknesses to the Holy Spirit Who intercedes for us in wordless groaning (Rom 8:26-27).

The Gospel of Matthew (13:24-43) reveal profound truths about God's Kingdom. The parables of the wheat and the weeds, the mustard seed and the yeast, all symbolise God's patience and mercy in the process of growth and transformation. God always gives sinners a chance to change their ways. "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."(2 Peter 3:9)

Thank you Jesus for your loving kindness, patience and mercy towards us. Amen.

Father G. R. BIDZOGO SAC

Under God's Protection (John 19:26)

Mary Magdalene, a courageous disciple

"Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene"

Mary Magdalene's presence at the foot of the cross during Christ's crucifixion underscores the depth of her faithfulness and her willingness to endure the pain of witnessing her beloved Saviour's suffering. Her unshakable loyalty is an inspiration for all of us to stand courageously in times of trial, to bear witness to Christ's sacrifice, and to embrace the transformative power of divine mercy.

Be a courageous witness of Christ!

Fr. G. R. BIDZOGO SAC

*Under God's Protection Mary Magdeleine.* (John 20:1. 11-18

Mary, the faithful disciple of Jesus

Mary shows love and fidelity of her service to Christ even after the death of Christ. She keeps following the Master. She seeks the light where darkness seems to invade their hearts. She mourns Christ's absence in the tomb; She has always been an example of great love and great forgiveness for Jesus Christ who loved her first even though she was a sinner. St Mary Magdalene was healed of 'seven evils' by Jesus.

She became the first messenger of the resurrection to the Apostles. "Go back to my brothers to tell them that I'm going to my Father and to your Father, to my God and your God". Mary's mission points to our destiny.

Saint Mary Magdalene, pray for us!

Fr G. R. BIDZOGO SAC

Under God's Protection (Exodus 12: 3)

"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