Thursday of the 11th week of Ordinary Time, B. Sirach 48:1-14; Ps 97; Matt 6:7-15.

This morning, Christ teaches his disciples how to pray and he gives them the "Our Father" - We are called to pray to God, our Father and to serve him like Elijah and Elisha whose power and the book of Sirach praises in chapter 48.

We pray this Lord's Prayer at least once a day and it is beautiful and powerful. However, let us take time to meditate on each of the words of the Our Father and try to live it every day. The “OUR FATHER” prayer is a simple but effective prayer that allows us to recognize God as our Father by asking him for daily bread, forgiveness, guidance and protection.

Give us Lord our daily bread

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Wednesday of 11th Week , Year B. 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14; Psalm 30(31):20, 21, 24; Matt 6:1-6, 16-18.

Sacramentals are important!

Elijah finished his work and was taken up into the heavens, resulting in the tradition of Elijah’s return before the Day of the Lord’s coming. Elisha inherited his prophetic ministry and power. The cloak that separated the Jordan, just like Moses’ staff, reminds me of blessed Sacramentals. God through the Church, blesses instruments or persons to aid us on our earthly and spiritual journeys. such sacred objects have spiritual effects. Let us remember that Jesus is asking us not to focus only on external practices of our faith but on a heart to heart with Him.

Fr. Georges R. BIDZOGO SAC

Tuesday, 11th week year B. 1Kigs 21:17-29; Mt 5: 43-48.

Be perfect as your heavenly Father

In Mark 10:18. Jesus says, "Why do you call me good? There is none good but one, that is, God. "Jesus shows clearly in this passage that only God is perfect. Yet he still invites us to be perfect as our heavenly Father.
With this invitation, the sermon on the mount reaches its hardest part, but its most beautiful demand. Being perfect as the heavenly Father means learning each day to be like Jesus, the Son of the Father and to correspond to God's plan for humanity.
In the New Testament, the Greek word 'perfect' means complete, whole, or fully developed, having reached an end-goal. Jesus Christ invites us to strive for that kind of perfection, which demands daily repentance, prayer, and love for our enemies. We are truly Christians if we love as God loves, without discrimination. Only God himself can help us reach such dimension of love.
Holy Spirit come to my help. May I find mercy on your sight just as Ahab did. Lord, have mercy!

Fr. Georges R. Bidzogo sac

Monday, 11th week, B. 1Kgs 21:1-16. Mt 5:38-42.

Turning the other cheek.

Jesus, as the New Moses teaches about turning the other cheek. 

As Christians, our way of life should surpass the law of talion, which often, is disproportionate. Christian life is integrity, justice, and fidelity to the supreme sacrifice of Christ. He taught us to respond to insults without retaliation by always seeking the best solutions for peace and never to solution to worsen conflictual situations. Our actual society is ever in need non-violent reactions and solutions...

Like Naboth, our integrity and faithfulness to God is always required. Just as Naboth refused to sell his ancestors inheritance, so shall we stand firm to preserve our loyalty and love for our Catholic faith and doctrines.

Lord, we need your Holy Spirit!

Fr. Georges R Bidzogo sac

Saturday, 10th week, year B. 1R19, 19-21; Mt 5:20-26

In today's Gospel, Christ tells us that if we live a truly Christian life, it will not be necessary to take an oath for others to believe us. If we are Christians, we will always live by faith and truth, and others will recognize the truth in us. We are called to become servants of God just as Elisha became one, and we should always live in honesty and righteousness.

The true oath to make each day is to live an authentically Christian life. This is what makes us like Jesus and brings us closer to heaven.

Fr. Georges R. Bidzogo sac

Friday of the 10th week. 1 Kgs. 19:9a, 11-16.

God's works in Ordinary ways!

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, in today's first reading, we see Elijah at Horeb, where Moses received the Law of God. (Ex. 19–24; Deut. 4:1–14). He had just performed many miracles under God's power in order to convince the house of Ahab that Baal was to be rejected. Yahweh, the God of Israel, was The only one to be worshiped. Yet, they did not changed their ways, and Jezebel seeks rather the life of Elijah (19:1–2). Elijah is now seeking refuge, protection and God's vindication.

Indeed, God responded that He would destroy Ahab’s house for its idolatrous ways, but it would not happen through dramatic acts of wind, fire, or earthquake. Instead, God revealed through the gentleness and quietness of His word. In the course of time, Ahab’s dynasty would fall through the ordinary means. God does not always work in a miraculous fashion. He works more through the ordinary means and the decisions of human agents.

Help us, Lord, see your hand at work in our ordinary daily lives!

Pax Christi

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Wednesday of the 10th week, year B. Mt 5:17-19; Ps 15; 1 Kings 18:10-39.

There is no other God.

Elijah's confrontation with the baal is the affirmation of monotheism against the foreign gods introduced the land. There only One God, who is Almighty. 

In the Bible in general, the Baal represent the false gods or idols. The Baal could specifically describe the Canaanite-Phoenician god of fertility and rain. When associated with Jezebel, the Baal symbolize Beezlebub, demons, and the devil. This means manipulation of any power of darkness that opposes God and our salvation.

We rise against any Jezebel's spirit in your life in the name of Jesus Christ!

Pax Christi 

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Tuesday, June 11, 2024. St Barnabas.

Ac 11: 21b-26; 13, 1-3; Mt: 5:13-16

Being the light for others

Barnabas was indeed the light for others. His life was filled with love, the love of God, towards all creation, and generosity toward others. Barnabas showed in his daily life his understanding of Christ as a God of mercy and compassion. He was known as the son of encouragement. We learn from him that life is an ongoing journey of discovery of God, self, and the world around us. We must always bring Christ's light to others.

May St Barnabas and his life give us a good example to follow in our individual as well as in our community life.

St Barnabas, pray for us!

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Monday of the 10th week, year B. Mt 5:1-12.

Values for the kingdom

Today, Jesus gives us the Beatitudes to ponder upon our lives. Looking at our world, they appear to be paradoxical as promises to our way of happiness. Although weeping, suffering, being poor, meek, and being persecuted, compassionate, forgiving, seem to contradict our human logic, they express the vocation of every Christian to share in the glory and the resurrection of Christ.

One could look at the Beatitudes as an opportunity to be like Jesus, poor, obedient, pure of heart and always ready to sacrifice one's life. In that context, the beatitudes shed light on our Christian's actions attitude and behavior. When we look at the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary or of Elijah, who appeared in today's first reading (1 Kings 17, 1-6), and the life of all the saints, we can see, the Beatitudes as the way to becoming Christ's disciples. The Beatitudes are the summary of the Good news of Jesus Christ. Living according to the beatitudes is becoming a living Gospel in the world.

Have a blessed week ahead!

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Thursday of the 9th week, year B. St Norbert. 2Tim 2, 8-15; Mark 12: 28b-34

The Word can not be chained

Although St Paul seems to be in a difficult situation, he rejoices in knowing that the truth of the gospel could not be restrained! Even from his cell and in chains, Paul communicated God's truth that influenced Timothy, his congregation, and other early churches, and became part of the New Testament. Still today as well, the word of God given through Paul continues to impact lives around the world. It is the word of life; it is the incarnate Son of God, Jesus Christ, who is our freedom. Not even the darkness of the tomb and the power of death could keep him in captivity. When the word is preached, it is his Good news of our salvation which is proclaimed.

The letter to the Hebrews 4:12 teaches that, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
There is no situation, no power, no condition, no circumstance, that can chain the word of God. The word of God is freedom and it is for freedom that Christ has set us free (Galatians5:1)

Pax Christi

Fr. Georges sac

Wednesday 9th week, 2Tim 1:1-3. 6-12. Mark 12:18-27. St. Boniface

A question on the resurrection!

Today's Gospel raises a very important question concerning marrying in heaven. Without completely being like l the Sadducees, many of us speak of heaven as a continuation of our earthly life. But Jesus breaks this wrong view after hearing this story of the woman who married seven husbands who who were all brothers. In heaven whose wife, will she be?

For Jesus, those who are in the age of the resurrection are nether married or given in marriage. He refers to them instead as angels, children of God, and children of the resurrection.

 In order for us to understand this mystery of faith, Jesus refers us to the story of Moses and the burning Bush.  There, God Himself said to Moses, "I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." We note that God refers to these three patriarchs in present tense, not past tense. In other words, they are living in a resurrected life or what we like to call heaven. It is not a continuation of our earthly life. 

St. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, tells us that we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. We will be like angels, not limited in space and time!

Fr. Georges sac

Tuesday of 9th week, year B. Mark 12:13-17

Paying taxes to Cesar!

In response to the question, "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar?" Jesus respinds clairly, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" (Mark12:13-17). Jesus's response endorses the paying taxes as we have to contribute to the wellfare of our nations.
Besides, Jesus invites us to respect state authority as long as this authority safeguards the safety and the unity of nations. God is the source of authority. (Romans 13:1). It is, therefore, important as well that those in a position of authority act as God's servants.

Jesus, through his wise response, invites us to take good care of material possessions as a sense of our stewardship.
However, Jesus, in no way opens rooms to idolatry towards Caesar, that is earthly leaders, but with respect and love for a harmonious healthy society. Jesus wants us to give to Caesar what is his and render ourselves to God

Pax Christi

Fr. Georges R. Bidzogo sac

Monday of the 9th week, B. 2P1, 2-7; Mk 12, 1-12

Equipped Christians

St. Peter, Apostle tells us that divine power has been given us  and we have everything that allows us to live with piety. God himself has equipped us with his power. We have the means to defeat the world. We simply have to put our will into this fight. The Apostle invites us to make every effort to join our faith with virtue, to virtue the knowledge of God, to the knowledge of God self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness, brotherhood, and to brotherhood, love. 

Peace Christi!

Good week!

Fr. Georges R. Bidzogo

The visitation of the Blessed virgin Mary. Zep. 3:14-18; Romans 12: 9-16; Luke 1: 39-56.

Beacons of hope and joy!

In the visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we celebrate the Arc of the new covenant (2 Samuel 6:14). Mary is the one who brings, Jesus the Savior, the hope and joy to the entire humanity. She shares the greatest gift with Elizabeth, who represents all of us. Mary, the first believer, teaches how to give thanks gratitude to the Almighty for his mercy. Elizabeth's words: "Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb," echoe our response to this gift of God and our acknowledgement of Mary, the very special Woman in the history of salvation.

Mary and Elizabeth's joy in the Visitation reminds us of how the Church ought to respond to Christ's incarnation – “welcoming Jesus with great joy and bringing him to others.” Just as Mary went to visit her cousin to share the good news of her pregnancy, so too should we share the joy of Christ with the world. Indeed, Jesus is our new law, our Lord and King, and the bread of eternal life.
Whenever we bring Jesus to the world, we become beacons of hope and joy

Pax et Bonum!

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac.

Thursday of the 8th week, B. 1 Peter 2: 2-5.9-12; Mc 10, 46b-52

St Emily.
Priestly and royal people!

The Apostle Peter reminds us of who we are, truly a Priestly, royal, and holy nation because of the power of the Gospel. We have been baptized, then redeemed by his blood. As children of the light, our conduct should match our identity - Always living closer to Christ and giving God honor by our way of life in the world. Such a witness becomes possible in some conditions:
1) Like Barthimeo, we must acknowledge our blindness and confidently cry for Christ's healing.
2) Being steadfast in the faith despite all oppositions. Yes, Christ is our light. If we follow Him, we walk not in darkness anymore (John 8:12)

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Wednesday of the 8th week, Year B. 1 Peter 1:18-25 Mark 10: 32-45

Redeemed by Christ's Blood

Jesus, in today's Gospel, tells us that anyone who wants to sit in the heavenly kingdom must accept to partake in his cup of redemption. St Peter reminds us that we're are redeemed by only one thing: the blood of Christ.

In Ephesians 1:7, St. Paul explains that, to be redeemed is to be rescued from the hands of the executioners. This means that Jesus' death paid the price for humanity's release from sin and its consequences. Through Jesus' blood, we have been freed from captivity to sin and death, and that sin no longer has power and dominion over us. We are now spiritually alive and at peace with God, and we now share in Christ's victory over death. We will share Christ's glory if we accept to partake in the same cup with Him!

Peace and Grace!

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Tuesday of the 8th week year B

Mark 10: 28-30

Today's gospel is a continuation of yesterday's passage, and in it we see the disciples worrying about how they will enter heaven. What would it profit them if they detach themselves from the worldly befits to follow Jesus' paths?
Christ reassures them and tells them that he who renounces everything for the sake of the kingdom, will receive a great reward in this life and in the next – there will be suffering among those benefits. We too share this promise if we place Christ and the Gospel above all else in our lives. Let be sober as the Apostle be Peter advises us in his letter today. 1 Peter 1: 10-18.
Lord teach me the wisdom of detachment!

Fr. Georges sac

Saturday of the 7th week, St Gregory VII, Pope. James 5:13-20. Mark 10: 13-16

The power of praying for the sick

What a beautiful and powerful way to conclude his letter! St James speaks of the anointing of the sick. It is the duty of the Church to pray for the sick. This prayer must be done with a pure heart and confidence. Trust and obedience,  dependency are the characteristics of little children, whose likeness we are meant to be in order to enter God's kingdom. (Mark10:13-16). In order to be heard by God, confession of our sins is essential to help us dispose our hearts to God's grace. God listens to the prayer of the righteous as he did with Elijah, the prophet.

John is also inviting us to charitable for charity covers up a multitude of sins. Prayer with confidence, confessions, and charity brings healing!

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy immortal one, have mercy on us and the whole word.

Jesus, I trust in you!

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Friday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time, Year B. Mark 10:1-12

The sacredness of marriage

We are dealing this morning with the question of divorce. This was a practice in the time of Moses, and it is a very serious plague that hunts families in our day.

Jesus continues today through his Holy church to affirm the sacredness of marriage. God's intention in creation from the beginning (Genesis 2:18-23) was that all human marriage between man and woman should be lifelong. To separate what God had joined was a violation of God's design.
Without condemning anyone who is in a situation of sin, we would state clearly that divorce is unlawful according to the divine intention.
Let's pray for true love, which is aiming at protecting and caring for one another. Love calls for perseverance and patience, forgiveness, and joy. True love always finds solutions and good reasons why we should even sacrifice our selfish tendencies. It not just about the two people, but also God who is the starting point of the love - where the two who are no longer two but one. cf Mt19,6. (Read 1 Cor. 13.)

Lord, give peace and lasting joy to married couples for a yield of beautiful families. Protect, o Lord the beauty of the sacrament of holy matrimony! Amen.

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Reflection of Wednesday of the 7th week, Ordinary Time, B. James 4, 13-17; Mc 9: 38-40

No to any form of competition in spreading the Kingdom of God.

John, who tried to stop other disciples who were working miracles in Jesus, because they were not part of the inner circle, represents all disrespect and fight other Christians just because they are not part of our Church. For Christ, what is important is the spreading of his kingdom and that all should be saved. 

Let us love, respect, and support each other in the field of evangelization even though we belong to different denominations.

Lord, open my heart to your word and your kingdom with no discrimination of preachers or denominations!

Fr. Georges sac