Tuesday of the 20th week year c. Judges 6:11-24a (BONUS)

Tuesday of the 20th week year c. Judges 6:11-24a

"Yahweh-shalom"

In Judges 6, 24, Gideon gives the above name to an altar he builds after encountering the angel of the Lord. "Yahweh-shalom" or Jehovah-Shalom, means "The Lord is Peace". Brothers and sisters in Christ,  

God is the source of peace, the provider of peace, especially in the midst of fear and oppression, turmoil and whenever we fill totally abandoned in the face strong worldly  powers. 

The context of the meeting of Gedeon with God's angel is exactly a context of hardship. Israel is experiencing oppression and fear under the Midianites, and Gideon himself is hiding in fear. What situation are you in? Terminal cancer illness, loss of job, falsely accused by the enemy, your marriage is breaking down, your vocation is shaking, your faith is wavering, your life is threaten by those who seem stronger than you. Here is the goodnews. The God of Gedeon is declaring "Peace be to you" By giving you this Scriptures this morning, the Lord would like to know that, He is the one who brings peace amidst turmoil. 

Yes, The Lord is with you. He has the ability to bring wholeness and tranquility. He is Yahweh-shalom. Do not worry about all external circumstances, God is the ultimate Source of your peace.

Yahweh-shalom". I declare peace unto you and your household. Amen.

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Jesus I trust in you!

Tuesday of the 20th week year C., Matthew 19:23-30

Tuesday of the 20th week year C., Matthew 19:23-30

Jesus came to inaugurate his Father's kingdom and in this passage of the Gospel, he is teaching about the Kingdom of Heaven and the challenges of wealth. It is difficult for the wealthy to enter the Kingdom of Heaven because wealth often blinds us. However when we learn to give up everything to follow Jesus, he promises to give us a hundredfold in this life and eternal. Dear friends, God's power is available to those who trust in him, even when they feel unworthy. How willing are we to make sacrifices for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven?

Fr. Georges sac

Monday of the 20th week Year C. Mat 19:16-22

Monday of the 20th week Year C. Mat 19:16-22

Jesus invites the rich young man to sell his possessions, to give to the poor, and to follow him. Jesus is challenging every individual believer who is exposing himself to attachments to wealth and materials to open up to charity. So many of us, in spite of our superficial devotion to God and external observance of the commandments, lack active charity. Lack of charity can cause sadness from within. When our possessions become a barrier to our spiritual growth, they equally become a potential hindrance to our salvation. We, too, can become like the rich young man whenever our priorities are not aligned with God's kingdom. That's indeed the true meaning of idolatry. How free am I in the face of material possession?

Jesus, I trust in you!

Fr. Georges sac

Jesus I trust in you!

Saturday of August 19, 2025. Joshua 24:14-29; Ps16; Mat19:13-15.

Saturday of August 19, 2025. Joshua 24:14-29; Ps16; Mat19:13-15.

"Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them." Children represent qualities like humility, trust, and dependence. God expects us to open our hearts to him like children. God does not invite us to immaturity and childishness but simplicity and readiness to learn. To enter the enter the Kingdom of Heaven, one must have a childlike faith. Such a faith is constant choice to serve God completely and sincerely as Joshua and his household did in Joshua 24:14-29.

Jesus, I trust in you

Fr. Georges sac

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Rev 11:19a; 12:1-6; 1Cor15:20-27; Luke 1:39-56

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Rev 11:19a; 12:1-6; 1Cor15:20-27; Luke 1:39-56

Heaven is our destiny

As we celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we articulate the fact that Mary is an example for us all who will follow Christ. Paul tells us that,  Christ has been raised from the dead as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (1Corthians 15:20).Mary, full of grace, is the woman clothed with the sun and with the moon under her feet,  who fulfills  first the promises of Christ to all believers. Like her, we must live in humility and faith, trust in God, and openness to God's will. Mary Assumption points out to heaven as the destiny of every believer. Therefore, as Christians, we should strive for holiness. We are citizens of heaven. Through Mary's Magnificat, we understand that God is the Alpha and the Omega of everything. So, we should lead a life of joy, gratitude, and a life of total service and surrender to God, just as Mary did. 

Our Lady of the Assumption, pray for us!

Fr. Georges sac

August 14, 2025. St. Maximilian Kolbe. Joshua 3:7-10a, 11, 17; Psalm 114; Matthew 18:21-19:1

August 14, 2025. St. Maximilian Kolbe. Joshua 3:7-10a, 11, 17; Psalm 114; Matthew 18:21-19:1

The Israelites are crossing the Jordan River. The ark of the covenant carried by the priests leads the way. The Jordan, just like the red sea, split into two to allow the children of Israel to pass through on dry land. This shows the presence of God among His people. Hence, today's Psalm 114 celebrates God's mighty acts, particularly in bringing the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. God shows his faithfulness as he promised to Joshua. "There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."(Joshua 1:5). We, too, should keep in mind God's faithfulness whose covenant lasts forever. Amen.

Jesus, I trust in you

Fr. Georges sac

Wednesday 8/13, 2025 year C.Matthew 18:15-20

Wednesday 8/13, 2025 year C.Matthew 18:15-20

If your brother sins against you. What to do?

Fraternal correction is one of the highest expressions of love, and also one of the most demanding, because it is not easy to correct others. We have conflicts everywhere in our communities. To resorbe them as Christians, Jesus advise three different steps. We should do it in private. Approach the person in one to one because correction is not about humiliation but healing. Jesus advises us to go privately and gently.

If the first attempt does not work, we need to adjoint another person in showing our communautarian concern. The public approach, which consists of involving the Church community, which now is called to deepen the compassionate love of God. No matter the outcome, we should involve the dimension of prayer; personal prayer, and communautarian prayer. Let's choose the path of reconciliation and peace as Christ's disciples.

Fr. Georges sac

Monday of the 19th week year C. St. Clare. ; Deuteronomy 10:12-22 Matthew 17:22-27

Monday of the 19th week year C. St. Clare. ; Deuteronomy 10:12-22 Matthew 17:22-27

The purpose of life

Let's begin this new week by deepening the question that Moses asks the Israelites today's first reading. Children of Israel, what does God ask of you? The answer is to fear the Lord, to follow His ways, to love and serve Him with all their heart and soul, and keep His commandments. This response answers the daily question of why God made us. Our Christian life consists in seeking and corresponding to what the Lord, God is asking of us. St. Clare is given to us as an example, poverty, simplicity, and personal devotion to God.  God is expecting from each of us an indefectible relationship of love. Such a relationship is the source of true happiness. 

Jesus, I trust in you

Fr. Georges sac

Saturday of the 18th week Year. C. Mt. 17:14-20

The failure of the disciples to heal the young boy with epilepsy teaches us that our success does not rest on our skills and personal strength but on our deep faith and relationship with God. Faith in Christ can move mountains. It is important to pray for the increase of our faith than to pray for the improvement of our skills.  For with faith, nothing is impossible! Paul sums this up beautifully for us: " Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame" (Romans 5:3-4). Somebody said about faith like this: “Doubt sees the obstacles, Faith sees the way! Doubt sees the darkest night, Faith sees the day! Doubt dreads to take a step, Faith soars on high! Doubt questions, ‘Who believes?' Faith answers, 'I'." 

Jesus, I trust in you

Fr. Georges sac

Friday of the 18th week in Ordinary Time, Year C. Deut. 4:32-40, Mt. 16:24-28

Friday of the 18th week in Ordinary Time, Year C. Deut. 4:32-40, Mt. 16:24-28

Discipleship

Today, readings focus on remembering God's mighty works and embracing discipleship through self-denial and carrying one's cross. God's past faithfulness is the foundation for present obedience and future blessings. This begins by putting God's at the center by denying ourselves. Christ wants us to carry our cross in the context of our love and service for others. This is indeed a clear path to the imitate Him. That's why he invites us to follow him by allowing his footsteps to define our entire life. As Christians, we are called to love and serve those Christ Himself loved and served. We should remember we are not called to live for success but for sacrifice. The promise of God for us has never been a comfortable life but eternal life for all who believe.

Fr. Georges sac

Thursday 18th week C. Numbers 20:1-13; Ps 95 Matthew 16:13-23

Thursday 18th week C.
Numbers 20:1-13; Ps 95 Matthew 16:13-23

Faith calls for obedience

In today's 1st reading, we are in the desert. Moses and Aaron under the pressure of the people. Miriam has just died. The people lack water to drink. Moses and Aaron consult with God, who instructs Moses to strike the rock in order to produce water for the people. Out of doubt, Moses struck twice the rock. Moses did not follow God's instructions. He did not fully believe in God's word. Yet the Psalm 95 insists the importance of listening to God's voice and not hardening one's heart against him. Peter in the gospel invites us to profess our faith Christ, the Son of the living God.
Our obedience to God is capital in our journey of faith. No matter how simple God's instruction may appear, we must give it our obedience of faith.

Jesus, I trust in you!
Fr. Georges sac

The transfiguration of the Lord. Mark 9:2-10

The transfiguration of the Lord. Mark 9:2-10

Life is a package

Life is not like a movie that we watch on the screens. When you watch a movie, you can rewind and watch the interesting parts as many times as you like and skip the part you don't like. But in life, you go through all the scenes, the good, the bad, the sweetest and the ugly. What brings us comfort is that God is in all of them. From our birth to our death, God is always with us. Jesus himself, through this event of the transfiguration, is teaching us that we must embrace all stages of our life with confidence and faith. As the Word incarnate, he is the Beloved Son of God, who fulfills all the Law and the prophets. He will suffer the passion for us, and he will rise again in glory. With the transfiguration, we now understand that Jesus is not just a servant, a preacher, a prophet but the Savior. We must listen to him and follow him. Life is a full package, and God is in all the parts. 

 Jesus, I trust in you

Fr. Georges sac

Tuesday of the 18th week Year C. Nm 12:1-13; Mt 14:22-36

Tuesday of the 18th week Year C. Nm 12:1-13; Mt 14:22-36

Fear not

In today's Gospel, while facing the storm in the sea, Jesus tells his disciples not to be afraid. The biblical meaning of "fear, not" afraid mainly, refers to faith in God. Believers, as they cross over the sea of this world, must face the challenges of this world with faith and courage. We should not be paralyzed by fear, anxiety, worries, potential harm, or any circumstances. Jesus wants us to trust in God's presence, power, and love. When we face the boat of troubles in this world, resignation and fear are not the solution but full trust in God's presence and salvific power.

Jesus, I trust in you

Saturday of the 17th week Year C. Lv 25:1, 8-17; Mt 14:1-12

Saturday of the 17th week Year C. Lv 25:1, 8-17; Mt 14:1-12

Today's gospel highlights John the Baptist's martyrdom. St. Augustine viewed this martyrdom as a testament to John's humility and a way that foreshadows Christ's own sacrifice. All highly regarded John, including Herod, but John consistently pointed to Jesus as the Messiah. He wanted to decrease so that Christ may increase. By pointing out boldly at Herod's sin with Herodias, John the Baptist is reminding us of our prophetic mission to witness to truth even at the cost of our own lives.

Jesus, I trust in you

Fr. Georges sac

Friday of 17th week ordinary Time year C. Leviticus 23:1-37;

Friday of  17th week ordinary Time year C. Leviticus 23:1-37; 

God faithfulness 

In our actual liturgy, we celebrate God's love and mercy for his children. Our entire celebrations through the liturgical year are forwarded in this chapter 23 of the book of Leviticus. We have the outlines of the feasts that the Lord commanded the Israelites to observe as a reminder of his faithful love. Every liturgy celebrates God's salvific works. These include the Sabbath, Passover, the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Firstfruits (Weeks), the Day of Atonement, and the Festival of Booths (Tabernacles). The Lord recommended these feasts to be observed as holy convocations. Every liturgy of the mass is the actualization of God's faithfulness and provision for us. Let's not become too familiar to the point of losing its depth and its meaning.

Jesus, I trust in you

Fr. Georges sac

Wednesday of 17th week C. Matthew 13:44-46. Exodus 34:29-35.

Wednesday of 17th week C. Matthew 13:44-46. Exodus 34:29-35.

Discovering the most important treasure.

Jesus invites us to discover the riches of God's Kingdom and the importance of prayer and perseverance in seeking it. God is always willing to give good gifts to those who ask, seek, and knock.

The Lord is very clear. The Kingdom of Heaven is a hidden treasure, a pearl of great price, worth sacrificing everything for.

We need to detach from unnecessary worldly desires and false security and focus on the treasure of the Kingdom of Heaven. The pearl and the treasure of high value invite us to prioritize God and his kingdom. In God, we find our true treasure, our true peace, and our true joy. What do I need to give up in order to find this treasure?

Jesus, I trust in you!

Fr. Georges sac

Feast of Mary Martha and Lazarus. 1 John 4:7-16; John 11: 19-27

Feast of Mary Martha and Lazarus. 1 John 4:7-16; John 11: 19-27

The three were friends of Jesus. And Jesus enjoyed visiting them. He felt comfortable spending time with them. Each of them has something to teach us in our Christians life. Martha is a model of service. She teaches us to offer our time and talents in the service of God and others. (Luke 10:38-42). Mary, in her turn, teaches us to seek a deeper relationship with God by listening actively to his word. She is the model of the contemplative disciple. As for Lazarus, the friend of Jesus, he points out the goal of our Christian life. Like him, we are witnesses of the resurrection. Jesus is not only a simple friend to us, but the Saviour who promises us eternal life. Faith in Christ, Jesus overcomes any limitation as well as death itself.

Jesus I trust in you

Fr. Georges sac

Saturday of the 15th week. Year C.Exodus 12:37-42 Matthew 12:14-2

Saturday of the 15th week. Year C.Exodus 12:37-42 Matthew 12:14-2

Jesus chose to withdraw

Today's gospel passage depicts the Pharisees conspiring against Jesus because of his healings and teaching. Jesus, aware of their plotting, withdraws but continues to heal many, urging them to keep messianic secret. He fulfils Isaiah's prophecy about the humble, gentle, and just nature of God's chosen servant who brings hope to the Gentiles. Like Jesus we should learn to walk away from those who have evil intentions to destroy us. It is a courageous decision to make. Our peace and joy are more important than staying where we are not valued. It might be hard, but remember, God always has a better purpose. God himself asked the Israelites to leave Egypt behind after 430 years, in spite of all they had built up there. Their freedom was more important than anything else.

Jesus I trust in you!

Friday of the 15th week, year C. Exodus 11:10-12:14; Mt. 12:1-8

Friday of the 15th week, year C. Exodus 11:10-12:14; Mt. 12:1-8

The Book of Exodus (11:10-12:14), highlights the institution of the Passover. It is indeed a testament to God’s mercy and compassion. As the Angel of Death passed over the homes marked with the blood of the sacrificial lamb, God’s mercy spared the firstborn of the Israelites, liberating them from the bondage of Egypt. The Passover foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God, whose blood brings eternal redemption and salvation to all who believe in Him. God’s mercy takes precedence over religious rituals as Jesus says in today’s gospel. It is not mere adherence to rules and regulations that captures God’s heart; rather, it is a heart moved by compassion and love for God’s people.

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Tuesday of the 15th week year C. Exodus 2:1-15a; Psalm 69; Matthew 11:20-24

Tuesday of the 15th week year C. Exodus 2:1-15a; Psalm 69; Matthew 11:20-24

Today's meditation focuses on themes of divine providence, the consequences of rejecting God's grace, and the call to repentance.

Exodus 2:1-15a narrates the birth and early life of Moses. Even in dire circumstances, we must rely on God's intervention and protection. That's why the psalmist in Psalm 69 gives us a message of trust and compassion. When we cry unto the Lord, he hears and answers us.

This psalm reflects a plea for rescue from suffering and affirms trust in God's mercy and salvation. 

Jesus in the Gospel brings us salvation and warns us as he did with the people of his time, against the rejection of God's compassion, which should always lead to repentance. Our failure to repent in the face of the evidence of God's miraculous love could lead to harsher judgment.

Jesus, I trust in you 

Fr. Georges sac