Thursday of the 4th week of Lent, B. Ex. 32, 7-14; Ps. 105; John 5:31-47.

Jesus is God!

In the first reading (Exodus 32:7-14), the people turned against God. He denied God; he made a golden calf... At this point,

God was about to punish his people. But Moses pleads on behalf of his people. He asks the Lord to remember his covenant that he made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jesus, the only Son of God is the culmination of this alliance

Today's gospel, Jesus himself gives us the proofs of his divinity. here are the reasons why we must believe

1) The works he accomplishes. These are the works of light and truth.

2) God, his Father himself bears witness to him. It is God himself who glorifies his Son, Jesus.

3) The holy scriptures also bear witness to Jesus. Because everything Moses wrote was to prepare for the coming of Jesus.

Blessed Thursday!

Fr Georges sac 

Wednesday of the 4th week of Lent. Is 49.8-15; Ps 144; John 5:17-30

We read the second Canticle of the Servant of God. The servant, the prophet Isaiah, is told that he is the covenant of the people who was appointed to bring the people back to God, that they might be saved. The prophet reminds us that God's love is much tenderer than a mother's love for her child. It is a love that is always tender and faithful. Love is His nature (1Jn 4:16).

Jesus realizes this hope in the Gospel. Jesus is the covenant people – the one sent to redeem the people. (Deuteronomy 7:9). He is indeed the visible image of the invisible God. (Col 1:15).

He is the only begotten Son of the Father and both act in the same way. The Father is merciful, Jesus too. The Father is loving, tender and compassionate, Jesus, his only Son is too.

May we learn to be the replica of the image of Christ!

Blessed  Wednesday day!

Father Georges sac

Tuesday of the 4th week. Ez 47, 1-9.12; John 5:5-13;

Jesus, the divine pool

In the gospel, Jesus is at the sheep pond in Jerusalem, which was believed to have healing powers. Jesus heals a man by simply telling him to get up and walk. Jesus is God.

 Jesus has an exceptional power, which goes beyond the samentals to which we give more importance. It is he who grants them their power. We must put our faith in him. 

Jesus himself is the pool of water that heals and gives life. It is he, the Temple of the first that Ezekiel speaks of in the first reading. And the flow of water in question is the water of baptism. It is Jesus himself, the water of the sanctuary that nourishes all people, represented here by the trees, fish, and other things that feed on the water.

Jesus fulfills the prophecy of the prophet Ezekiel through the healing of this man who had suffered for 38 years. He does it today through the sacrament of baptism for all those who believe in him. Whatever the duration of your problem, Christ remains Master of Time. Invite Jesus into your situation, and you will find the situation. You too, take your stretcher and walk and abandon the negativity of your past enter the new season of grace, of forgiveness, of celebration of new life and holiness. Do you want to be healed?

Father Georges sac

Monday of the 4th week of Lent, Is 65: 17-21; Psa 30; Jn4:43-54. He believed with all his household! Today's Gospel reminds us that the Roman officer, having learned of the return to life of his son, believed in Jesus, as well as all the people of his household.

The and miracles of Jesus refer us to the person of Jesus. All healing refers us to the one who heals. Our contemplation of creation should turn us to the Creator. Our faith should not be based on signs and wonders but on the person of Jesus and his presence in our daily lives. The grace of faith cannot be strictly individual, ie "Jesus and me", but a catalyst for building the body of Christ.

Happy new week!

Much blessings! Father Georges

Friday of the 3rd week of Lent, B. Hos 14:2-10; Mk 12:28b-34. PS. 80

Return to the Lord your God!

The goal of Lent is the return to God, because we are distant from him. Lent offers us an opportunity through prayer, penance and almsgiving to make this return to God with all our hearts (Joel 2:12). Above all, we must turn away from our idols. The message of the Prophet Hosea thus consists of reassuring the people who have turned away from God by giving themselves over to idols that God's love is faithful. The prophet will marry Ghoma, the famous prostitute to demonstrate that God is ready to renew his love towards his people without conditions. This is exactly what the Lord will do. He will heal their infidelity, he will love them with a free love; he will make them blossom like the lily, and will be the spring of living water.

This is only possible if the people will make God their first choice... Loving God with all one's heart, with all one's soul therefore becomes the path to happiness. This love is reflected on a daily basis by the love of our brothers and sisters.

Turning resolutely to Lord implies detachment from everything that prevents us from loving God with all our hearts.

Happy International Women’s Day!

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Thursday of the third week of Lent. Jeremiah 7:23-28; Luke 11:14-23.

Listen to my voice and I will be your God. God invites his people through the prophet Jeremiah to obey his voice and his commandments. The people, on the contrary, refused to listen to him. Hence the exile as punishment in 587bc. It is a reminder for us not to harden our hearts to God but to always be receptive to the ways of the Lord. This is the path of life. Faith is born, however, from listening to the Good News. Lent invites us to open our hearts to listen to the voice of our God, and then proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Only Savior and Lord who is the way and the life, our joy and our eternal happiness. Excellent day Father Georges

Wednesday of the third week of Lent

The commandments

It is God himself who gives his people the laws so that they can live in true freedom and love. These are instructions to follow to live better in the community. Moses gives these commandments to his people like a charter that Guides their daily lives conduct.

Christ, in the gospel, then comes to perfect these laws and gives them meaning. The Bible says that, the law of the Lord is perfect; it delights the heart. The Law gives life. We must integrate the commandments into our daily lives as a way of living our Christian love towards God and our brothers.

Happy Wednesday

Father Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Tuesday of the third week of Lent. Dan 3:25.34-43; Mt 18:21-35;

Forgiveness!

Our Christian life is not limited to prayer. We must perform acts of sacrifice, such as forgiving brothers and enemies. Forgiving is a divine act. It is an act of grace. True forgiveness comes from the heart and not just from the lips.

God forgives us without any merit on our part. He would like us to imitate him by forgiving those who harm us.

In today's passage from the book of Daniel we see Azarias although being inside the furnace with his two brothers Abednego and Mishack, he asks God to forgive the sin of those who put them to such punishment. So he asks the God who is always faithful, to forgive the sin of his people.

We can only forgive following the example of the merciful God, because as St. John Marie Vianney said,

“The mercy of God is like an overflowing stream. Its carries hearts along her path."

Good day!

Fr Georges Roger Bidzogo

Monday of the Third Week of Lent, 2 Kings 5:1-15a; Ps 41; Lk 4:24-30

Faith saves!

Naaman, the great an mighty warrior is healed from his leprosy by bathing on the little river journey. Although, he was a bit reluctant in the beginning, he finally obeys the word of prophet Elisha. Go and bathe seven times in the river, Jordan. A kind of baptism, which leads Naaman to his profession of faith, the true God, the God of Israel, who is the God of all nations. Faith saves!

Jesus in today's Gospel, refers to this healing of Naaman and the encounter between Elijah and the widow Zerephath to show that God is God of all nations. All we need is to have faith in him. The Easter mystery embraces the whole humankind, even the entire creation. Our faith in such a powerful mystery of salvation makes us all witnesses of Christ message to the whole world. Let us repent and believe in the Gospel.

Happy New week!

Fr. Georges sac

Friday of the second week of Lent.Gen 37; Mt 21:33-45

God, Master of situations!

The book of Genesis tells the story of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers. Joseph's brothers rejected him, plotted against him, and tried to kill him out of jealousy. Joseph predicates, the story of Jesus who was rejected, plotted against and ultimately innocently put to death, yet it was for the salvation of the world. Let us trust in God who can turn all situations for the good of those who love him (Rom 8:28)

In the gospel, the parable of the bad tenants is addressed to us. We are the new heirs of the vineyard and God himself is the vineyard owner. The parable allows us to meditate on our missed opportunities, our betrayals of trust in God. Let us examine our ingratitude in the face of the winegrower's overflowing generosity.

 Our gospel for today is a reminder for us to examine our lives and make sure that we are not like the bad tenants, and, if by chance we are, to take this opportunity to make up for the opportunities that God keeps granting us. Amen

Happy Friday to you all

Fr. Georges sac

Wednesday of the second week of Lent...Jer 18:18-20. Psa 30; Mt 20:17-28

Drink from the cup of the Lord

Jesus comes from the first the first prediction of his imminent death. To the two sons of Zebedee who want to be closest to him in paradise, Jesus tells them that they will have to drink from his cup. Jesus invites them into deep communion with him. The two disciples agree to blend completely into the life of their Master. They are ready to suffer and share the punishment and die with him.

Each disciple is invited to understand that being close to the Lord is not an honorary position, but rather, a condition of life marked by self-denial, worship, suffering and even death. In the first reading, Jeremiah assimilated it. Far from rebelling against God, he prays for his safety. For the Lord is our Salvation and our deliverance. Father Georges sac

Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Lent. Est 1:10.16-20; Ps 49; Matt 23:1-12.

Train yourself in godliness (1 Timothy 4:8)

In one of his letters, St. James tells us, "Put the word into practice, and do not merely hear it, deceiving yourselves with false reasoning" (James 1:22).

This is what today's word of God invites us to do. We must practice what we preach. If we have authority over others, we should not ask them to do what we would not do ourselves, but we should help others carry their burdens rather than impose more on them. All our good deeds should be a training to enter into heaven. Acting for the greater glory of God should be the true motivation of all Christian's actions. Hence, the invitation to be humble before others and before our God. Living only for God.

Let us train ourselves in godliness and abandon evil and sin. This is the best way to put the word of God into practice.

Blessed week !

Father Georges sac

Monday of the 2nd Week of Lent. Dn. 9:4-10; Ps. 78; Luke 6:36-38.

Forgiving like Jesus

In the reading from the Gospel of Saint Luke, Jesus tells us to forgive others' infirmities and we too will be forgiven; if we give to others, we too will receive. When we judge others, we must ensure that the standard we use for them is the same standard we apply to ourselves. There is often a difference between judging and justice, and we must err on the side of the latter.

True love will always seek justice and not judgment.

Fr. Georges sac

Saturday of the 1st Week. Deut 26:16-19; Ps118; Matt 5:43-48.

Consecrated to the Lord!

Moses reminds the people of their identity; a people consecrated to the Lord. Consecration designates: 1) the act of offering oneself to the service and glory of God; 2) sanctifying oneself and setting oneself apart for the cause of the Gospel; 3) taking part in what is sacred.

He who is consecrated practices his ordinances and decrees. He clings to the Lord day and night, and the Lord blesses him and shares with him his prosperity and glory. For Jesus in the gospel, happiness comes through love of others, which must go beyond differences. In a world of blind forces of spiritual and visible violence, division and hatred, our Christian love and goodness, our pursuit for peace and holiness can become a powerful signal. Holiness becomes an obligation for all, not a privilege for the few (Mother Theresa of Calcutta).

Lord Jesus, make me a saint

Father Georges sac

Friday of the 1st Week of Lent. Matt 5:20-26. Ez18.

Let's reconcile now

 The gospel text reminds us that our virtue must be more than just the talk of the Pharisees - we must live and act from an inner conviction and a deeply held faith and not just go through external emotions. God sees the deepest heart and judges accordingly. Jesus also reminds us to reconcile with our family for any wrongs we have done to them or they have done to us. Where we fail to do so, we must take concrete steps toward conversion. This is the message of the prophet Ezekiel. God wants the sinner to turn from his sin to have life. Reconciliation is therefore the ultimate goal for which Jesus died on the Cross. (Cf. 2Cor5:18)

Excellent week-end

Father Georges sac

Feast of the chair of Saint-Pierre. 1 Peter 5:1-4; Ps23, Mt16:13-19.

The passage from the Gospel of Saint Matthew shows that Peter is appointed head of the Church of Christ following his great proclamation of faith in Christ. While he was the leader of the fledgling group, he was also a powerful symbol of unity for the Church that continues to this day. This festival has been celebrated in Rome since the 4th century. It celebrates the unity of the Church under the papacy and the readings recall Christ's choice of Peter as the rock on which he would build the Church.

“You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church.” (Mt 16:18)

The pulpit of St represented, the pulpit of the faith taught by Peter. It is the symbol of the unity of this teaching of faith throughout the world. The Pope therefore remains the sign of this unity, which is the fundamental prayer of Christ. “That all may be one” (John 17:21).

In a world full of divisions and confusion, the chair of St. Peter invites us to unity in faith in Christ, the Savior of humanity.

Happy holiday

Father Georges

Saturday after the ashes Is 58:9-14; Luke 5:27-32.

Your light will rise in the darkness.

The Lord continues to tell his people how they must live if they want to enjoy his favor. They must do all that he has commanded them and put an end to tyranny and oppression and sin. It reminds us of the blessings and rewards that await us if we practice justice, kindness, and compassion toward others.

Your light will rise in the darkness.

In the gospel, the Word of God comes and meets everyone. It is light for all. For those who believe and live their lives in accordance with God's wishes, but also for those who do not live in accordance with His commandments. By accepting Jesus' call, Levi comes out of his darkness to enter the light. Lent is, therefore, the exercise in holiness by following Jesus as his disciple in words and actions. Follow me!

Father Georges sac

Friday after the ashes. Isaiah 58:9-14; Ps 86; Luke 5:27-32

Trade with your relationships 

Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord denounces fasting which is false, that is to say, fasting which is trumpeted in front of others while giving a false impression of misery.

 Instead, God wants a quiet, private fast. He also wishes that all oppression ceases and that all show charity towards their neighbors. Isaiah presents practical works of mercy that please God. We ourselves could imitate them in various ways throughout this time of penitence.

Good relationships with Jesus and with our brothers and sisters are true fasting that pleases the Lord

Happy ascension towards the glorious resurrection!

Father Georges sac

Daily Reflection, Thursday after Ash Wednesday

Make your choice!

Welcome to the season of Lent; this season of heart and purification. In today's first reading, Moses offers the people a choice - life or death. To earn a good and long life, they must live according to God's commandments. To obtain death, they only have to ignore God. There is, therefore, happiness in turning to God. Happy is the man who puts his faith in the Lord.

In the gospel, Jesus also gives us a choice – life or death. If we choose to follow Him in the path of faith, in all we do and say, we will obtain an eternal reward. This sometimes requires losing our physical life here on earth to enter into life with Christ.

The Lord, through his word, invites us to reflect on what we must change over the coming weeks in order to make ourselves more worthy of the great sacrifice made for us by Christ.

Lord, help us to choose life and your blessing!

Welcome to the season of Lent!

Meditation of February 12, 2024. Jc 1, 12-18; Mk 8, 14-21

Let us seek wisdom from Above!

The holy scriptures of this day invite us to seek wisdom. Such wisdom relates to faith - it helps the believer to clearly "see" the meaning of the events of his life with a look of faith. This is what St. Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, “the wisdom of God, mysterious and hidden,” the wisdom of the Cross. Indeed, what the ordinary eye sees in his death, misfortune, decay, Roman cruelty, the eyes of faith see God's plan for the salvation of the world, the triumph of life over death. This is divine wisdom.

Only the gift of this kind of wisdom allows the believer to persevere in the midst of trials that appear to be a test of their faith.

Let's pause and meditate. Where have we recently experienced a trial or test of faith? Perhaps someone has been rejected by a friend, associate, or family member because of a moral stance taken. Perhaps someone else is struggling to find the closeness of God that seemed so reassuring not long ago. Our great temptation is to “understand” these and similar situations. On the other hand, James exhorts us: Pray for the gift of wisdom, for the light that comes from God, to see the presence of God more clearly and to find the grace of perseverance under trial.

Happy new week!

Father Georges sac