Divine Mercy Sunday (Year C)

Immeasurable Mercy

April 27, 2025 | Divine mercy Sunday, Year C

Acts 5:12-16; Psalm 118; Revelation 1:9-11A-19; John 20:19-31

Dear brothers and sisters, every second Sunday of Easter, we celebrate the Divine Mercy Sunday. It was established by St. John Paul II in April, 2000 during the canonization of Maria Faustina Kowalska who received in the 1930s, the message on the immeasurable Love God has for us. On St. Faustina's message taken from her Diary, #699, we read:

“On one occasion, I heard these words: “My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which grace flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. Everything that exists has come forth from the very depths of My most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to Me will contemplate My love and mercy throughout eternity. The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy.”

Mercy Sunday

We may summarize the divine Mercy message using the ABCs.

A – Ask for His mercy. God wants us to approach Him in prayer, confess our sins, and ask for His mercy for ourselves, our loved ones, and the world. “The soul should not hesitate to ask for God’s unfathomed mercy, even if they feel their sin are great” (Diary #163)

B - Be merciful: God wants us to receive His mercy and let it flow through us to others. This means extending love, forgiveness, and compassion to everyone just as the lord recommended us: “Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy (Mt. 5:7) or again; “Truly, I say to you whenever you did it to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to Me.” (Mt. 25: 40).

C - Completely Trust in Jesus: We should trust in God's mercy, knowing that His graces are available to those who trust in Him. The more we trust, the more we receive. St. Faustina said that the cause of our spiritual falls is that we rely too much upon ourselves and too little on God’s mercy (Diary 1488). Yet God’s mercy is greater than our sin. She said that: “Trust is the only vessel with which we draw graces from the Divine Mercy”

Jesus, I trust in you

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Easter Sunday (Year C)

Easter Sunday

Children of the Resurrection

Paul tells us just as he told the Corinthians:

“And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.”

This is the crown or the victory of Christ's death, the resurrection. We are children of the resurrection.

Transformed lives

At the resurrection, everything is transformed. Peter’s words in the Acts of the Apostles bring transformation in the lives of his audience. Many were baptized and received the forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus. The Book of Acts reminds us that we are pascal witnesses. We are the resurrection people.

Raised with Christ

Easter is about a new life in Christ. For St. Paul in the second reading, since we have been raised with Christ, we must set our hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Easter is the opening of heaven and eternal life for all who follow Jesus' way of life. St. Paul once again, is asking us to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things. Simply, when we accept to live like Christ and to die with him, our life is already hidden with Christ in God.

“When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)

The truth about Easter is that, we are not overcome by evil but we overcome evil by love and by doing good like Christ. Easter invites us to practice God’s works of mercy. Whenever we practice charity, Christ's face is seen brightly from our faces. We are children of the resurrection!

Prayer: Lord, Jesus, You have risen from the dead and are gloriously triumphant! Draw me in, dear Lord, to Your suffering and death so that I may also be drawn into the glory of Your Resurrection.

Christ is risen, indeed, he is truly risen. Alleluia.

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion (Year C)

Where is God?

april 13, 2025 | palm sunday of the lord’s passion, Year C

Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 22; Philippians 2:6-11; Luke 22:1-23:56

In today's passion of our Lord, we reflect on the reality of our own suffering. God's silence in the face of Jesus' suffering is as shocking as it is in the situation of our world. Where is God when so many horrible and evil things are happening in our world? The cry of Jesus' prayer (Ps 22) helps us to understand 4 important lessons.

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

1) Expressing our frustrations to God is normal.

In the midst of our problems, doubts, and uncertainties, it is normal for us to question God or to express our frustrations and confusion to God. When a poor man called the Lord heard him. We know God is good, but at the same time, in our frailty, we must cast all our cares on God. Isaiah, in the first reading, expresses his faith in the God whose help can not fail. 2) Obedience and humility.

God does not give us the answer to why things happen they are happening in our

world or in our own lives because knowing will not make us feel any better. However, God remains in control of his plan of salvation. He invites us to obedience, humility, and service after the example of Christ. (Phil 2:1-11)

3) Silence is not absence.

The silence of God is not to be confused with his absence from our lives. God is rather working great things behind the scenes. Dear friends, when we can not trust God’s hand, we can fully trust his heart.

4) Jesus feels with us.

Jesus understands our pains. We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our pains. Hebrews 4:16- 20. God is not indifferent to the actual situations of our world, but he is at work and leading things together in Christ. Let's us pray:

"Lord, when I feel Lost, let me not forget that you're my way. sometimes I feel alone and far from You. Assure me of your presence. When life is hard, and I don’t know what to do. I cry out, wondering if you hear me. Help me trust that You are always near, Lord, Jesus. Amen.

Jesus, I trust in you

Living the Gospel this week. Greater love for Easter. John 15:13

How do I make my Holy week meaningful with my family this year?

With the celebration of the palm Sunday, we enter into the Holy week. This week can be challenging. Here are some ways to help you make it meaningful and holy.

Sit down as a family to prepare for Holy Week. Involve all who live with you into the preparations. Don’t just give them the jobs you dislike.

Set time aside for common prayer by reducing the time of your social media. Take time to read and share the Good News of the Passion with your family. Divide into at least 5 to 6 parts. Or else watch the passion of the Lord together.

Find time for the sacrament of reconciliation that helps you to seek forgiveness and to forgive others.

Pray the stations of the cross, especially on Friday. Make time for the celebrations of the triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday night Vigil or the proper Easter Mass on Sunday).

Remember: "Greater love had no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)

Fr. Georges sac

5th Sunday of Lent (Year C)

Go and sin no more!

April 6, 2025 | 5th Sunday of lent, Year C, John 8:1-11

The story of the woman caught in adultery helps us to experience God's mercy once again on this fifth Sunday of Lent. While Jesus is clearly showing that he did not come to condemn us, he also challenges us not to sin anymore. What does this mean for us?

1) Jesus has power over sin

“Sin no more,” first of all, magnifies Jesus' power over sin. By dying, Jesus destroyed our death and by rising, he restored our life. Paul writes in Romans 6:6-14: “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him...For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin. Therefore, reign in your mortal body to make you obey its passions... For sin will have no dominion over you since you are not under law but under grace.”

2) An invitation to holiness

"Sin no more" is also an invitation to holiness. Forgiveness of sin is indeed a call to walk in the newness of life that Jesus provides by his grace (1 Peter 2:24). The sacrament of reconciliation is not given to make of us swines of iniquities, but children who lead a holy life worthy of the Gospel. God's mercy offers us the grace to be transformed more and more into the image of God (Lamentations 3:22-23, 2 Corinthians 3:18).

By the sending the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to fight sin, resist temptations and lead a holy life.

Jesus, I trust in you!

Living the Gospel this week. How Do We Resist Sin?

As we are getting close to the Holy week, let us look at ways that could help us resist sins and regain the joy of our salvation (Psalm 51:12)

As a reality, which is always before us (Ps 51:3), we need God's grace to overcome sin.

Most saints have insisted on the grace of regular confession of our sin as one good way to resist and conquer sin (James 5:16).

We fight sin through the power of God’s Word like Jesus in the desert (Mt 4:1-11). We learn to apply the Scriptures to our lives daily. (2 Corinthians 10:5, Ephesians 6:10-20).

We can resist by fleeing from temptations as Joseph did, literally running away from it (Genesis 39:1-23) and pursuing righteousness and holiness through constant prayer. Let's always remember the biblical advice from the Apostle James: "Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

Happy 5th Sunday of Lent!

Fr. Georges sac

4th Sunday of Lent (Year C)

No place like home. Return to the Father.

march 30, 2025 | 4th sunday of lent, Year C

Joshua 5:9a, 10-12; Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, (9a); 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

The Fourth Sunday of Lent, known as the Laetarae Sunday invites us to rejoice and to taste the bounty of the Lord. We rejoice because our fasting is almost over and we are approaching the glory of Easter. The parable of the prodigal Son of this Sunday is the reason for our rejoicing as it foreshadows the infinite love of the Father who welcomes us, forgives us our sins and restores us to the dignity of the children of God. By closely watching both the younger and the older son in today’s parable, we could be able to find our right position in the heavenly Father’s house.

We are sons of the Father in spite of our iniquities

The request of the younger son helps us expose the materialistic attitude, the breaking of ties that can and relationships that can occur in our families. If the culture of Jesus' time could allow a child to ask for his inheritance before his father dies, the latter should make the decision to divorce his father and not return to the family. This seems to apply to our society today in a different way. Many young people are abandoning their parent’s house just because they wish to live a different type of life. Parents are being used just as a chauffeur or as a source of money etc. So like this younger son, we harm the ones who love and care for us, our faithful Father, who always celebrate our return if we repent. What a wonderful habit, to go to confession frequently!

The Father saw him and embraced him and kissed him. He gave him the best robe and put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet. Then, he killed a fatted calf to celebrate his return and the reconciliation of the family. Paul urges us to be reconciled with one another (2 Cor. 5:17-21)

Are strangers in our Father’s house?

Unlike the Father who chose to forgive his younger son, the older brother not only refuses to forgive and to show mercy to his brother but also he is not ready to celebrate his return and enjoy the family retrouvaille. He is angry and has never considered himself as a son but as a servant. God on the contrary, would like us to feel at home with him and to behave as heirs of his inheritance. To the older son, the Lord says: “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.”

The true joy of a child of God is not about how much we serve him daily, but how deep we are in relationship with him daily. Our awareness as heirs of his household determine our commitment to love and to take care of his vineyard. Which of the characters are you like? Are you the younger son who sinned and needs mercy? Are you the father who offers mercy and complete reconciliation? Are you the older son who refuses to forgive and to rejoice?

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Living the Gospel this Week.

Be reconciled with God

Paul in this Sunday’s second reading, tells us that through Christ, God reconciled the world to Himself. We are called to be reconciled with God and others.

In his apostolic exhortation “Reconciliation and Penance”, St. John Paul II writes:

“To speak of reconciliation and penance is for the men and women of our time an invitation to rediscover, translated into their own way of speaking, the very words with which our savior and teacher Jesus Christ began his preaching: "Repent, and believe in the Gospel," (1) that is to say, accept the good news of love, of adoption as children of God and hence of brotherhood.”

Who do I need to reconcile with in my family? At Church? Within my community? Will I try to make the first step this week and finalize the process before the Holy week?

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

3rd Sunday of Lent (Year C)

Take off your sandals!

march 23, 2025 | 3rd sunday of lent, Year C

Exodus 3:1-8a,13-15; Psalm 103; 1 Corinthians 10:1-6,10-12; Luke 13:1-9

After his experience in the desert and at mount Tabor, the encounter of Moses and God at Sinai and Jesus’ message in today’s Gospel of Luke 13:1-9, invite us to repentance. This is the goal of Lent.

Repent

Lent is indeed a season of grace inviting us for repentance in order to make it to the joy of Easter with Christ. Jesus is clear with us in today’s Gospel:

“Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish”.

Tertullian (155 – 220 AD) one of the Fathers of the Church teaches us that God grants us pardon by means of our repentance even though our sins have brought death penalty. Prophet Ezekiel in his Book, reminds us that God

“have no pleasure in the death of a sinner but rather that he should return from his evil ways and live.” (Ezekiel 18:23).

Our God is a kind and merciful Father (Ps. 103) who always gives us a second chance so that we can bear fruits. The parable of the fig tree illustrates appropriately our relationship with God. We are the fig tree planted in God’s vineyard and he expects good fruits from us every day. In his faithfulness and patience, God feeds us with his word, nourishes us with his sacraments and fills us with the power of his Holy Spirit for repentance. We are truly saved by repentance and faith. As Paul Washer said:

“The evidence of salvation is changed life, a changing life”.

Lent as a Time of purification

Today's first reading as well Moses cannot enter the holy ground, where the Great I ‘AM dwells. He needs to take off his shoes (Exodus 3:16). The time of Lent is inviting us to remove any dirty sandals that we are wearing: the sandals of resentment, of grudges, of selfishness and greed, corruption, untruthfulness, of lies, of gossip, of the lust power and of the flesh. We need to remove everything that is destructive to our journey to Easter. Maybe there is a great need in our lives to stay away from people and things that cause distractions and friends who manipulate us. Taking off our sandals will demand a kind of spiritual detox: sanitizing and sanctifying any area of our lives that needs purification. This Sunday invites us to take off our sandals for a humble approach to the divine. St. Augustine reminds us that this is an act of humility and reverence in the presence of God.

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Living the Gospel this Week. Bearing good fruits Galatians 5:22-23

God is expecting us to be fruitful. The letter to the Galatians speaks of two kinds of fruits. The fruits of the flesh and the fruits of the spirit. May the Lord grant us the grace to bear the fruits of love, joy, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control during these 40 days of Lent. Jesus says to us:

"A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit" (Matthew 7:18).

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

2nd Sunday of Lent (Year C)

The Sacraments and our Transformation

march 16, 2025 | 2nd sunday of lent, Year C

Genesis 15:5-12,17-18; Philippians 3:17–4:1; Luke 9:28b– 6

Lent is about transformation and holiness; Indeed the transfiguration of Christ revealed him as the Son of God who will suffer, die and rise on the third day. So the disciples should be comforted and strengthened by Jesus’ divine glory so that they could face the upcoming trials. We need the Holy Spirit to help us achieve this goal. Three spiritual experiences of transformation of Abraham, Paul and Jesus in today’s readings can enable us to envisage the power of transformation of the sacraments in our lives.

The transfiguration of Jesus helps understand our “transfiguration” in the Holy Mass as the source of our strength. In each Holy Mass, the bread and wine we offer on the altar become “transfigured” or transformed (transubstiated) into the living Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of the crucified, risen, and glorified Jesus. Just as Jesus’ Transfiguration was meant to strengthen the apostles in their time of trial, each Holy Mass should be our source of Heavenly strength against temptations, and for our Lenten renewal. After receiving holy communion, last Thursday, I observed the joy and the transformation on the faces of the homebound that I visited.

Each time we receive one of the Sacraments, we are transformed: For example, Baptism transforms us into sons and daughters of God and heirs of heaven. Confirmation makes us temples of the Holy Spirit and warriors of God. By the Sacrament of Reconciliation, God brings back the sinner to the path of holiness. Fr. Anthony de Mello tells the story of such a metamorphosis in the prayer life of an old man. “I was a revolutionary when I was young and all my prayer to God was: ‘Lord, give me the grace to change the world.’ As I approached middle age and realized that half of my life was gone without changing a single soul, I changed my prayer to: ‘Lord, give me the grace to change all those who come in contact with me; just my family and friends and I shall be satisfied.’ Now that I am old and my days are numbered, I have begun to see how foolish I have been. My one prayer now is: ‘Lord, give me the grace to change myself.’ If I had prayed for this right from the start, I should not have wasted my life.”

The Transfiguration of Jesus offers us a message of encouragement and hope: In moments of doubt and during our dark moments of despair and hopelessness, the thought of our own transfiguration in Heaven will help us to reach out to God and to listen to His consoling words to Jesus: “This is my beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased — listen to Him!” and so share the glory of His transfiguration.

Prayer: Lord, guide us to live as citizens of heaven, focusing on Your glory. Open our hearts to Your grace in our lives. May we reflect Your love and light to the world. Amen.

Living the Gospel today: Living as Citizens of Heaven. Philippians 3:20

On this 2nd Sunday of Lent, St. Paul’s invites us to live as citizens of heaven. He urges us to follow his example. This reminds us to focus on our heavenly home and not just on earthly things. Let’s fix our eyes on eternity. Let’s prioritize our spiritual life. We should seek to grow closer to God each day through spiritual exercises. Does my way of life give honor to God and shows my hope in God’s promises?

Reflect on these words of St Augustine: “The heavenly city, which is the focus here, is characterized by a pursuit of eternal happiness and the society of saints, while the earthly city is marked by the pursuit of earthly pleasures and self-glory.”

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

1st Sunday of Lent (Year C)

In the midst of temptations, trust in God

march 9, 2025 | 1st sunday of lent, Year C

Deuteronomy 26:4-10; 91; Romans 10:8-13; Luke 4: 1-13

Lent is a very special season. A period of time like no other in the year when we get a chance to make a real change in our life, a time when we can dive deeper into biblical teachings, prayers, ideas, concepts, and doctrines. The more this begins to take roots in our lives, the more we begin to grow into a profound relationship with God and better our relationship with one another. On this first Sunday of Lent, we focus on temptations and how to overcome them.

What is temptation?

Temptation is here taken to be an incitement to sin whether by persuasion or by the offer of some good or pleasure. The Catechism of the Catholic Church sees temptation as an attraction, either from within oneself or external forces, to act contrary to right reason and God’s commandments. We are tempted every day because the devil always tries turn our attention away from Jesus and God’s kingdom.

Types of temptations

The temptations that we go through are the same that Jesus experienced thousands years ago. We are often tempted like Jesus on physical needs, that is, things that our body needs (food, water and pleasures).

“If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.”

Jesus is teaching us through this temptation that our dependence on God is more important than our dependence on material.

“Man does not live with bread alone, but every word that comes from God’s mouth.”

How about if we focus on our relationship with God by using the word of God as our Master weapon.

Our daily experience shows the temptation of power and superiority. The temptation of pride and excessive search of power can be very dangerous as it can lead jealousy, using unchristian means to destroy, eliminate or suppress others. It gives rise to pride and violence in all its forms. Our devotion and love for God must come before our self-seeking ambitions.

The temptation of idolatry, that is a psychological temptation to give into false security and false idea of self-control and self-sufficiency. St. Augustine tells that, we can overcome all these temptations today by imitating Jesus. Let’s stand strong against temptations in our lives. Yes indeed, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone shall you serve”. Amen.

Living the Gospel this week: Time, Trust and Surrender

In the first reading from the Book of Deuteronomy 26:4-10, the Israelites offer their first fruits to God, showing their trust and gratitude. They recognize that everything they have comes from Him. What a powerful example of trust to imitate.

In Romans 10:8-13, Paul encourages us to trust in Jesus for our salvation. Believing in our hearts and confessing with our mouths shows our faith. In our pilgrimage of faith, our trust in God’s promise is essential. During this Lent, please open your heart to God’s promises in your life!

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

8th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Our Words and Actions tell who we are

march 2, 2025 | 8th Sunday in ordinary time, Year C

Sirach 27:4-7; Psalm 92; 1 Corinthians 15:54-58; Luke 6:39-45

On the 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the readings remind us that our speeches, actions, and lifestyles determine the type of person or the type Christians that we are. Jesus in the Gospel reading tells us

“A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For people do not pick figs from thorn bushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles. A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.”

Examine your words and your actions?

Good people are known by their Good heart and actions

The Book of Sirach 27:4-7 teaches us that our words are the fruits of our goodness. The words we speak reveal our true selves. Good words reflect a good heart. Do we pay attention to how we speak to people and what we say to them?

“Just as a tree’s fruit shows its care, words show thoughts”.

This is to say, the heart of man is manifest in his behavior as God wants us to love him from our heart as seen in Isaiah 29:13.

“This people honor me with their lips but their hearts are far away”.

Do our words and actions reveal the heart of Jesus, his love and kindness? A life of love, kindness and mercy towards others is possible for those who have victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ our Lord as we heard in the second reading of this Sunday.

“Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be firm, steadfast, always fully devoted to the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

The true heart of a Disciple

In the conclusion of his sermon in the plain, Jesus brings out three aspects for establishing a true disciple, those whose words and actions are the true expression of their faith and Christ’s light for others. Jesus mentions them as follows: 1) A true disciple guides; 2) a True disciple imitates Jesus; 3) a true disciple bears good fruits. In fact, Jesus wants us on this Sunday first to address our own faults which often blind us. Before we correct others, let us clean our own hearts. In one of his Homilies, Pope Francis said: Sometimes, we use rigidness to cover our weaknesses, our personality, our flaws, and maybe to rank ourselves above others. Jesus invites us to our own conversion. 2) Jesus invites us to imitate Him. A true disciple must learn from Christ: how he prays, how he forgives, how sacrifices himself, how he healed the sick and loved everyone without discrimination. Are we living like Christ, our Master? 3) The true heart of Christ’s disciple bears visible fruits just as a good tree produces good fruits. Our behavior should be Christ-like. “A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit.” Luke 6:43-44. Let our words flow from hearts filled with grace, love and hope. Let’s our hearts be rooted in Christ so that we can bear good fruits and produce good behavior, speaking wisely with love and kindness!

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Living the gospel this week. I confess (The Confiteor Prayer)

As we are approaching the time of Lent and as we look at this Sunday’s Gospel inviting us to examine ourselves first, I thought to reflect with you this week on the Confiteor prayer. Jesus in today’s Gospel asked a very important question

“Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?”

This calls clearly for self-introspection. In the beginning of every Mass, the confiteor helps us to do such introspection and acknowledge our most grievous faults.

The Confiteor, also known as the “I Confess” prayer, is a part of the Penitential Rite in Mass. It reminds us of our own weaknesses and need for God’s mercy. The phrase “through my fault,” said three times, translates to “Mea culpa” in Latin, often used to admit mistakes. Reflecting on the 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, this prayer helps us acknowledge our sins before God and seek forgiveness.

Please pray with Psalm 51

Special intention for our Pope, Francis

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Love of Enemies

February 23, 2025 | 7th Sunday in ordinary time, Year C

1 Samuel 26:2,7-9,12-13,22-23; Psalm 103; 1 Corinthians 15:45-49; Luke 6:27-38

Martin Luther King Junior once said:

“there is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us”

Discovering this could easily help us to be compassionate and merciful. Dear brothers and sisters, we focus on God’s mercy and compassion. Jesus in the Gospel of Luke 6:27-38 instructs his disciples to love enemies, do good to haters, bless cursors, and pray for abusers. This seems sometimes very difficult as we often fall into retaliation and vengeance. Our experience shows that, when someone hates you, you have two choices: to hate back or to refuse to hate. Jesus on this Sunday invites to love generously and unconditionally like God. He is kind to all.

Concretely, Jesus in today’s gospel invites us to the different categories of people who could be considered by us as enemies namely, the one who hates you, who curses you, who slaps you on your cheek, the one who takes your cloak, the one asks you something and you don’t give it to him, who steals from you and the one that you treat badly. Our enmity with others falls under these categories. According to Saint Augustine,

“You have enemies. For who can live on earth without enemies. Love them. In no way can your enemy so hurt you by his violence as you hurt yourself if you love him not”

Be Builders of Bridges

Christ, by inviting us to non-retaliation invites us to become bridge builders as Christians. How should I achieve this mission? First, Jesus invites us to

“Do good to those who offend us or who hate us”.

By doing good, we are building bridges. In the first reading of 1 Samuel 26, David gives us an example of forgiveness. He found Saul asleep, took his spear and jug and refused to harm him. For David, it is wrong to strike the Lord’s anointed. David refused to treat Saul according to what he did. David is foreshadowing the teaching and example of Christ Jesus who will forgive us all on the cross and reconcile us again with his Father. David portrays God’s attitude towards us whereas Abishai portrays our attitude of revenge towards the enemy. Which attitude do we often have towards our enemy?

Second, He asks us to “bless those who persecute us”. Usually, when someone is considered to be our enemy, we tend to speak bad about them, we deform their character and we even wish them bad. As children of God, we should bless our fellow humans even when we are not friends with them. By doing so, we are building bridges. Nelson Mandela one said: “I forgive all my enemies because if I don’t, even if I’m out of prison, I will still imprison myself”

Finally Jesus urges us to pray for our enemies as he did (Luke 23:34). This an invitation to invite the Holy Spirit to change their hearts and our hearts in order to become true children of the compassionate Father. Have you ever prayed for your enemies? That is indeed the true meaning of love. As St. Augustine rightly said:

“You don’t love in your enemies what they are, but what you would have them become by your prayers”

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Living the Gospel this week. Praying for your enemies

The love of the enemies is the command which makes a difference between the true followers of Christ and those who are not. I know how hard we find this invitation of our Lord. Think and pray with these words of St. Augustine throughout this week:

“That your enemies have been created is God’s doing; that they hate you and wish to ruin you is their own doing. What should you say about them in your mind? "Lord, be merciful to them, forgive them their sins, put the fear of God in them, and change them! You are loving in them not what they are, but what they would have to become by your prayers”.

Blessed Sunday!

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

Placing our Trust in God

February 16, 2025 | 6th Sunday in ordinary time, Year C

Jeremiah 17:5-8; Psalm 1; 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20; Luke 6:17, 20-26.

On this 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, we focus on trusting in God, the power of the resurrection, and true happiness. Such happiness will depend on our attitude of relying on God and finding hope in Jesus Christ’s resurrection. By giving us the Litany of the Beatitudes, Jesus is teaching us to live by God’s ways daily. Contrary to our worldly understanding, Jesus promises blessings to the poor, mourning, meek, and others who follow God’s path. We are hereby invited to acknowledge Jesus as the source of comfort, justice, and peace.

Trust in God:

In the first reading, Prophet Jeremiah sets up against the backdrop of the strategy of Juda’s leaders to form an alliance with Egypt against the Babylonians. Jeremiah warns against trusting in human strength (military and political alliances) and calls for trust in God. True happiness comes from relying on God, not on ourselves. Our blessings or curses depend on our decision to put our trust on God or on human beings and worldly things. The responsorial psalm sums it up so kindly when it says:

“Blessed the man who hopes in the Lord…who follows not the counsel of the wicked, nor walks in the ways of sinners” (Ps 1:1).

Such a hope gives us the certitude of the eternal, which St. Paul defends in the second reading. Our faith will be useless if it were not rooted on the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Our true happiness is not based on the visible things that we possess, but on the promise of eternity by Jesus. Hence his litany of the woes and beatitudes.

True Happiness

In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus is teaching on the plain and here, he gives us both the blessings and the warnings of woe. Those who put their full trust in God, such as the poor and hungry will find total satisfaction in the Lord now and in their future. However, those who are rich, full of themselves, and who are laughing now should remember that their comfort is temporary. They need therefore to seek true happiness by putting their trust in God and sharing their temporary resources with the needy. By doing so they are like “a tree planted near running water that yields its fruits in due season, and whose leaves never fade.” Ps 1).

Jesus himself, who rose from the dead, is the source of such happiness. By living according to Jesus’ own way of life, we are assured of his unfailing help. With Saint Edith Stein we can conclude:

“Lay all your cares about the future trustingly in God’s hands, and let yourself be guided by the Lord just like a little child.”

Lord help us to trust in you and not in ourselves. Strengthen our faith in the resurrection and guide us to seek true happiness in your blessings! Amen.

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Living the Gospel this week. Two ways of Living

Psalm 1 invites us to think about two ways of living: the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked. Those who choose to avoid sin and delight in God’s law. They are blessed. They are like a strong tree with deep roots, stable and fruitful. They grow and prosper under God’s care. There are also those who refuse to choose this way. They are cursed. Please read and pray with Psalm 1.

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

sharing the good news

january 26, 2024 | 3rd Sunday in ordinary time, Year C

Nehemiah 8:2-4A, 5-6, 8-10; Psalm 19;1 Corinthians 12-30; Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

On the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, we reflect on the importance of the word of God. In the first reading, we see Ezra reading the Word of the Law (Torah) from morning till noon. The Assembly responds with worship and tears. At every Mass, we celebrate the joy and the power of the Word of God.

Jesus’s Mission

Jesus in today’s Gospel, quoting Prophet Isaiah, explains His mission. He came to bring good news to the poor and freedom to the oppressed. Jesus’ mission is to help and save everyone. He came to show God’s love and care for all people. Throughout this year of the Jubilee of Hope, let’s bring hope and healing. How can we do this?

Our Mission: Following Jesus’ example

Following the example of Jesus, we observe that he started His mission filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gave Him the strength and guidance to carry out His work. This shows that Jesus relied on the Spirit for help. For us, it means that we, too, need the Holy Spirit that we received through our baptism and confirmation to guide us in our lives and missions.

On this third Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, we are encouraged to follow Jesus’ example and to give the priority to listening and sharing the word of God with others. We respect and love the place of the word in our Liturgy and in our prayer life. Let’s bring this good news and help those in need. Let's be open to the gift of the Holy Spirit, who gives us the strength and courage to fulfill our missions. By living out our mission, we show God’s love to others and make a positive impact on the world.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to listen to your word and understand its message. Fill us with the Holy Spirit to live out our mission and bring your love to others. Guide us to use our gifts for the good of the Church and the world. Amen.

Happy Sunday to you all.

Living the Gospel this Week.

This Sunday, I would like us to focus on the importance of listening to God’s word. Nehemiah showed the people that reading and understanding Scripture brings joy and strength. When we take time to listen to God’s word, we find guidance and comfort. It helps us grow in our faith and live better lives.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

(2 Timothy 3: 16-17)

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

do whatever he tells you

january 19, 2024 | 2nd Sunday in ordinary time, Year C

Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 96; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; John 2:1-11

On this 19th day of the new year of hope, the Church invites us to ponder on the first miracle of Jesus, the wedding at Cana. At this wedding, they ran out of wine and Mary, who was there together with the disciples, played a key role. Mary is indeed our mother and our intercessor whose advice remains the same for God’s children from all ages. “Do whatever he tells you.” Mary invites us to trust and to follow Jesus as she did and the Lord will rejoice over us as the bridegroom rejoices over his bride (Isaiah 62:1-5).

Why turning water into wine?

Turning water into wine aims at reminding us the true meaning of heaven. The kingdom of God is a celebration of joy, as Jesus is indeed the new and everlasting covenant, the joy, the blessings and the life of all believers. This explains the reasons for this miracle. Mary is asking Jesus to perform this miracle because she is concerned about us. “When the wine runs short… the mother of Jesus said to him: “they have no wine”. At the same time, Mary wants Jesus to reveal God’s Glory. John tells us that, “Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee and so reveals his Glory.” Finally, the miracle was to help Jesus’s disciples to grow in faith. Today’s gospel tells us that after revealing his glory, “his disciples began to believe in him”

Lessons from the wedding at Cana

1) We too will run out of supply

On the journey of faith, we too will run out of supply. St. Ignatius of Loyola calls this lack, “desolation” and St. John of the Cross speaks of the “darkest hour” a moment of spiritual crisis and dryness in our lives. We will experience moments of lack and disappointment and discouragement, loss of loved ones, moments of tiredness or financial loss. In such moments, let’s invite Jesus and Mary in our lives for only Jesus can fill our empty jars. Jesus is the true wine that brings joy into our lives. Jesus who can turn water into wine can also turn our sorrows into joy; transform our worries and anxieties into an experience of hope and rejoicing. God can indeed bless us especially when we are in trouble because he is the God who came to raise us from shame to dignity, the dust and the darkness of the tomb to the glory of the resurrection.

2) Joy as a sign of God’s presence

God can change our lack to abundance. Just as he created us out of nothing, God can take us from nothing to something greater through the power of the Holy Spirit. Let’s develop a good relationship with Jesus and Mary and our sacramental marriage, our family life, our community of Faith will be blessed and will experience constant joy. With Jesus and Mary’s presence in our families, every family and community becomes a sign of a joyous celebration of God’s presence. The gifts of the Holy Spirit in this very sense will be used by each for the unity and the good of the family, the church and the community where every member gives due respect to others.

Living The Gospel this week. The role of Mary in our Christian faith

Dear brothers and sisters, reflecting on the gospel of this Sunday, I wanted to meditate on the role of the blessed Virgin, Mary. At Cana she notices that the wine has run out and asks Jesus to help. Her faith and care for others are evident in her actions. (John 2:5)

Mary’s request to Jesus shows her trust in His ability to help. She serves as an example of faith and intercession. Just as she asked Jesus to help at the wedding, we can ask her to intercede for us with her Son.

“The greatest saints, those richest in grace and virtue will be the most assiduous in praying to the most Blessed Virgin, looking up to her as the perfect model to imitate and as a powerful helper to assist them.” Saint Louis Marie de Montfort

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo SAC

Baptism of the Lord (Year C)

baptized with christ

january 12, 2024 | feast of the baptism of the lord, Year C

Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11; Titus 2:11-17; 3:4-7; Luke 3:15-16. 21-22.

Dear brothers and sisters, welcome to the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. We end today, the Christmas season. This baptism inaugurates Jesus’s public ministry. The Baptism of our Lord serves to remind us of our own Baptisms. While Baptism serves to liberate us from original sin, all evil and bondage from any ancestry, the Baptism of Jesus was to serve as an example. Jesus did not need Baptism for he did not need any rebirth or purification.

Jesus baptism was for our salvation

In his Book, ‘Jesus of Nazareth’, Pope Benedict XVI helps us to solve the problem of Jesus' baptism. For him, sinless Jesus did not have any sins of his own to take him down into the river Jordan. It could only have been our sins that he took down into the river Jordan. The baptism of Jesus was symbolizing his death on the cross for our sins. By descending in the water of Jordan, he took our sins on his shoulders as he went down into the Jordan and as he died on the cross. Just as he came up from the water, he equally rose from the earth. There is a clear link between the baptism of Jesus and Jesus’ cross. Henceforth, St. Paul in his letter to the Romans tells us:

“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in the newness of life.” (Rom. 6:3-4)

Jesus’ baptism reminds us our baptism

Jesus' baptism in Jordan expressed his desire to die on the cross for our salvation, so does our own baptism express the intention of our whole self to die to our sin and to live like Jesus. Every day, we are called to live out of our baptism with that new life of Jesus. That is why we are baptized in the same Holy Trinity that was made manifest at Christ’s baptism as enjoined by Christ. We are Trinitarian people.

In today’s gospel, St. Luke reminds us of the voice of the Father acknowledging Jesus as his beloved Son whom we must listen to. Our baptism invites us to faithfulness and obedience to the will of God throughout our entire life. Like Jesus, our life must be filled with the Holy Spirit who will guide our lives into newness of life.

My brothers and sisters, through his baptism, Christ’s identity and mission was revealed as the beloved son of the Father. For us, our baptism makes us Jesus’ disciples, renews and connects us to God as his children, and gives us the strength to achieve our mission and ministries in the Church and in the world. We need to lead a prayerful life as an active action of building the Kingdom of God on Earth.

Happy feast of your baptism!

Living the Gospel. Effects of Baptism

Today’s reading helps us to reflect on the sacrament of Baptism. Let’s meditate on the effects of baptism. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, baptism has many effects, including:

“Purification from sins: Baptism forgives all sins, including original sin and personal sins, and all punishment for sin.

New birth in the Holy Spirit: Baptism makes the baptized a new child of God.

Membership in the Church: Baptism makes the baptized a member of the Body of Christ and the Church.

Reception of sacraments: Baptism makes the baptized capable of receiving other sacraments.

Indelible spiritual mark: Baptism imprints a permanent spiritual mark, or character, on the baptized that cannot be erased.

Sanctifying grace: Baptism infuses sanctifying grace, which makes the baptized holy and an heir to everlasting life.

Theological virtues and gifts of the Holy Spirit: Baptism infuses the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love, as well as the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Share in the priesthood of Christ: Baptism gives the baptized a share in the priesthood of Christ.

Basis for communion with all Christians: Baptism provides the basis for communion with all Christians”. (CCC #1227)

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Epiphany of the Lord (Year C)

let’s imitate the magi

january 5, 2024 | feast of the epiphany of the lord, Year C

Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72; Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12

The Epiphany or the manifestation of the lord to all nations was a feast very dear to the heart of St. Vincent Pallotti. Like a rising star (cf. Num 24:17), Jesus comes to enlighten all peoples and to brighten the nights of humanity (Isaiah 60:1-6). Now, by his light, all nations shall walk for he is the response to our restlessness. And how deep is our yearning and restlessness on this earth. The magi, through their journey of faith, invite us to discover in Jesus the true source of life and love and the true happiness and joy even in the midst of crisis and difficulties. The magi are at the search of their Saviour, the Lord carrying very symbolic gifts for the newborn child. Their journey found total meaning in adoration and worship.

“They prostrated themselves and did homage. They opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

The three gifts manifest the identity of Jesus. Gold represents Jesus’s kingship and royalty; Frankincense represents Jesus’ divinity and is associated with worship. Myrrh, represents Jesus’ humanity, especially his death and burial. Today, the Lord calls us to imitate the Magi. Like the Magi, let us fall down and entrust ourselves to God in the wonder of worship. Let us worship God, not ourselves; let us worship God and not the false idols that are seduced by the allure of prestige or power, or the allure of false news; let us love God and not bow down before passing things and evil thoughts.

Prayer: O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face.

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Living the Gospel: Being the light of Christ in the world today!

Today Jesus, the newborn King, manifests himself as the light of the nations. He will invite his disciples in the sermon of the mount to be the light, which dispel darkness and help people.

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden". (Mt 5:14-16).

How can I become the light of the world throughout the coming year 2025

In Matthew 25: 31-46, Jesus invites us to live out our faith by accomplishing good works: feeding the hungry, visiting the sick and being kind to one another.

Maybe you can share the testimony of the goodness of the Lord and the truth of the Gospel. Sharing your story to others. This can enlighten them on their journey. This can also bring hope and encouragement to others.

Trying to invite others to follow Christ by sharing the word of God with them and spending time with them and listening to them.

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Holy Family (Year C)

strengthen the family

december 29, 2024 | feast of the holy family, Year C

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14; Psalm 84; Col. 3:12-21; Luke 2:41-52

After every Christmas, the Holy Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Family. On this feast, we reflect on the values that strengthen the family as the domestic church. Jesus, Mary and Joseph are given to our world as examples.

Respect for Parents

Jesus set an example of obedience to Mary and Joseph. In today’s Gospel, he returned to Nazareth and was obedient to them. (Cf Luke 2:51). The Feast of the Holy Family brings to our attention the love and respect of parents, which seems to lose its vigor and importance in our actual society. According to the Book of Sirach 3:2-6, honoring and respecting our parents is God’s commandment. Valuing our parent’s wisdom and guidance is a sign of love. It builds up a strong family foundation which is rooted in God's commandment. “Those who honour their father will have joy in their own children, and when they pray they will be heard”.

Love and Unity

According to today’s second reading, Colossians 3:12-14, the family is a place where members learn compassion, forgiveness, kindness, humility and patience. It teaches us about love and unity within the family. These virtues help maintain harmony and love within the family. Love is what holds a family together and fosters unity. It helps family members support each other through good times and bad. This creates happy and united families, where every individual plays his role. The happiness in the family could be sustained through prayer and discernment of God’s will.

We have our room in God’s Family

In the time of Jesus, family included the extended family. The Bible frequently speaks of the “House of David.” (Isaiah 22:22; Psalm 122:5; Amos 9:1; 2 Samuel 7:18). The head of the house represents the immediate family, the dynasty and the future lineage, including people who are not related by blood but who could become family through a covenant relationship. Today’s feast reminds us of our place in God’s family. We all belong to the Family of the Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We belong to the family of God, the Church, which is the Family of families.

Prayer

Lord, help us to honor and respect our parents. Guide us to love and unite our families. Show us our place in your family. Make our families one heart, full of love in the heart of Jesus through Mary and Joseph. Amen.

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo SAC

Living The Gospel this week : Honour and respect for Parents. Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14.

On this feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I suggest you read this passage of the Book of Sirach if possible with your family.

“For the Lord honors a father above his children, and he confirms a mother’s right over her children. Those who honor their father atone for sins, and those who respect their mother are like those who lay up treasure. Those who honor their father will have joy in their own children,

and when they pray they will be heard. Those who respect their father will have long life,

and those who honor their mother obey the Lord; My child, help your father in his old age,

and do not grieve him as long as he lives; even if his mind fails, be patient with him; because you have all your faculties do not despise him. For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, and will be credited to you against your sins”.

“Parents are the primary educators of their children. Children should then honor their parents” (Saint John Paul II)

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo SAC

Christmas Eve / Day (Year C)

All hearts in Bethlehem

Reflection on Christmas Midnight Mass December 24, 2024

Isaiah 9:1-6; Ps 95; Titus 2:11-14; Luc 2:1-14

Beloved in Christ, tonight the whole universe’s focus is in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Yes, Bethlehem, “House of Bread”,

draws our attention to Jesus who comes to us as the “Bread of life” who will satisfy our hunger and quench our thirst (John 8:35). Jesus wants to make every “Bethlehem”, that is a place of his birth. He is coming to dwell in our hearts and in our world in order to set us free from our darkness and give us peace and light. Isaiah reminds us that in Jesus, “the people who were walking in darkness have seen the great light and anyone who dwells in the land of gloom, a light has shone.” Yes in Bethlehem, the light is born to light up our lives.

In Bethlehem, Titus reminds us that the grace of God has been manifested to all people. Bethlehem invites us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly and devoutly. In today’s Gospel, we discovered that the first people to meet with Jesus face to face were shepherds, who usually were separated from the people; they lived with sheep and smelt like the sheep. They were on the margins of society. Bethlehem is once again a reminder that God loves the unlovely so shall we love those who are rejected, the unimportant, unloved and outcast. All are important in God’s eyes.

Finally, Bethlehem reminds us of the rejection of Christ by the famous people, the powerful of this world and the rich. “There was no room for Joseph and Mary in the Inn”. Today, Christ is still rejected in our world by the futile logic of war, the clash of arms, the hatred of one another, the discrimination, the rejection of others on the basis of race or tribe or origin, unforgiveness and unrepentance. But beyond all let Bethlehem be a great reminder of Mary and Joseph, the Shepherds and the magi who all set their hearts in Jesus. They did not speak, They worshiped. So let’s worship Him. “O Come Let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord”

The Word Became Flesh

Reflection on Christmas Day Mass

December 25, 2024

Isaiah 52:7-10; Ps 97; He 1:1-6; John 1 2:1-18

Dear Sisters and brothers in Christ, Christmas is all about love. The One who was eternally with God has come to visit us. Let’s reflect on the powerful word of St. John when he tells us that, “The Word became flesh”.(John 1:14) Because of his infinite love God assumes completely our human condition. The word flesh evokes our human frailty. The Letter to Hebrews tells us that:

“He had been made like us, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God.” (Hebrews 2:17).

He became flesh for our sake with no exception. Isaiah the Prophet, foresaw this: “All the end of the earth will behold the salvation of the Lord” (Isaiah 52: 10) Christmas reminds us that our troubles, our problems, our sins and all our

situations, wherever we may be are taken care of, if we welcome the Word made flesh in our lives. He wants to dwell among us so that we can be like the shepherds at the night of the nativity. They left their flocks. This is an invitation for us to leave behind us, the prison of our sorrows, the prison of our darkness, the prison of our prejudices, the prison of our past sins and the prison of old Adam in order to embrace the tender love of the God who became a child. Christmas is a time to put aside our masks and armour; In this beautiful season, may we let go of our fears and cast all our worries and cares on the newborn King and he will care for us (Cf Ps. 55:22). Jesus wants to take flesh in our hearts, and all he is looking for is an open heart. His eyes are alight with love for us. May we keep our Christmas heart open all the year round. (Jessica Archmint)

Merry Christmass to you all!

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Living The Gospel. What can I do this Christmas?

This question seems strange. Isn't it ? But Christ is about giving thanks to God the Father for the gift of his Son for our salvation.

We can never repay God for all that He has done for us. Pope Francis reminds us that gratitude is “the interior attitude that we should deem most important.” That is, we will want to live lives that are pleasing to Him, because what pleases Him is what makes us happy, and that means living a life of giving, not getting. May the spirit of Christmas, the season of giving, renew in us the desire to give gratefully always and in all ways, that God may be glorified and we may share His life forever in heaven. He is knocking, he wants to dwell in you. Please open your heart!

“It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you” (Mother Theresa of calcutta)

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo SAC

4th Sunday of Advent (Year C)

Schooled by the Blessed Virgin Mary in Advent

december 22, 2024 | 4th sunday of advent, Year C

Micah 5:1-4A, Psalm 80; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45

On today's Sunday, we light up the angel’s candle (God’s love candle) and we are assisting at the most important, as well as the most beautiful encounters in the Bible story. Mary meets her cousin, Elizabeth and Jesus meets his cousin, John the Baptist. What would be the implication of such meetings in our journey of faith? During Advent, as Christians we learn many things from the Blessed Virgin Mary, including: Faith, Hope, Humility, Charity, Patience and Prayer.

Mary’s meeting with Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-45)

In today’s Gospel, the Blessed Virgin Mary, who had just said “Yes” to the angel, had chosen to become the vessel that will bear the Savior of the world. The Word of God tells us that she “set out and traveled to the hill country in a haste to visit her cousin, Elizabeth who is also pregnant with John the Baptist for six months. What can we learn from this visitation?

Mary’s journey of Faith is also ours

First, Mary travels to the hill country to Judah on a journey of faith. She believed in the word of the angel. Elizabeth told her: “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled” (Luke 1:45).

A Christian’s life is a journey of faith. We must believe in God’s word just as Mary did.

Mary’s charity, humility and spirit of service

By visiting Elizabeth, Mary also expresses her love and charity through the spirit of service. She manifests the urgency of sharing the Good news. Advent and our entire Christian life is about bringing Jesus (the Good news) to others. Do we share the goodness of God with others? Are we effective soul winners? Do we show compassion to those in need?

Christ’s presence is our joy

The season of Advent invites us to be opened to the Holy Spirit after the example of Elizabeth. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth recognized Mary as “the mother of my Lord”. John the Baptist, still in her womb leapt for joy as an acknowledgement of the presence of the Messiah, the Son of God. The New and the Old testament have met and every prophecy is now fulfilled.

Like Mary and Elizabeth, the Church ought to respond to Christ's incarnation with open heart and exceeding joy. As Jesus filled Mary with the Holy Spirit, in the same way, his presence filled the Church with the Holy Spirit. As he dwelt in Mary as the Ark of the new covenant, so will he also dwell in the Church through the Eucharist. In Jesus, God’s love has filled our heart!

Prayer: Lord Jesus welcome in every moment of my life. Help me with your presence. May I open my heart to your love!

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Living The Gospel this week: The Hail Mary Prayer (Luke 1:28, 42)

On this third Sunday of advent, I suggest a little reflection on the “Hail Mary Prayer”. This little and simple prayer used by us Catholics is very powerful. It draws us closer to Jesus as we acknowledge the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the history of salvation. This prayer is rooted in the bible and is divided in two parts. The first part comes from the words of the Angel Gabriel (Luke 1:28) and Mary’s Cousin Elizabeth (Luke 1:42). The second part is a request, asking Mary to pray for us, especially at the moment of our death.

Mary is always ready to help us as she did at Cana (John 2:5) by praying for us, just like a good mother would. By saying the Hail Mary, you are not worshiping Mary, but you only ask for her prayers and her assistance. Mary is a humble servant of God, who tells us: “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5).

Let us always remember that: “the Hail Mary is the most beautiful prayer after Our Father and the most beautiful compliment to Mary”, St. Louis Grignion de Montfort. He “also believed that devotion to Mary is the most perfect devotion because Mary is the most conformed to Jesus Christ”.

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

3rd Sunday of Advent (Year C)

Joy, an attitude of the Saint

december 15, 2024 | 3rd sunday of advent, Year C

Zephaniah 3:14-18a; Philipians 4:4-7; Luke 3:10-18.

What a beautiful invitation in today’s liturgy: “Gaudete in Domino semper” (“Rejoice in the Lord always”). In a world filled with depression, anxiety, troubles, problems, wars, business stress and loneliness, the invitation sounds as a relief and a solution to human joy and true happiness. Why shall we rejoice and what can keep us joyful in the Lord?

Reasons for rejoicing

Prophet Zephaniah (7th CB) tells us that God is in our midst, as a Mighty Savior; He will rejoice over us with gladness, and renew us in his love, he will sing joyfully because of us, as one sings at festivals. God has removed your punishment and turned away your enemies. God loves us. Jesus, the word made flesh, is the embodiment of God’s love. We are God’s beloved children. We must turn away from every evil and rejoice in Christ. We deserve to be happy. Let’s never be prisoners of hatred, of our sins, of our anger, our stress and of our struggles! Rejoice in the Lord always.

How can we sustain our joy in the Lord?

To sustain the spirit of joy, St. Paul suggests a few things. First, we should pray with gratitude. Through prayers, God transforms our sorrows into joy, our obstacles and problems into bridges and solutions. Let’s find joy in prayer. Second, St. Paul advises us to cast our anxieties unto the Lord so that the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, there is joy in gratitude. A grateful heart is a happy heart.

The Secret of joyful heart

In the Gospel, John the Baptist gives us the secret of Christian happiness. It resides in avoiding evil, - being generous, being satisfied for what we have and fulfilling our duties faithfully.

Always think for the good of others.

Christmas is the time of giving. Mother Teresa of Calcutta gives us an incredible example of the joy of the Gospel. She gave her entire life to the poor. She once said:

“We wait impatiently for paradise, where God is, but it is in our power to be in paradise even here on earth and from this moment. Being happy with God means loving like him. Giving like him; helping like him; serving like him”.

Being Happy is to be attentive to the needs of others. John the Baptist does not ask one to change their profession, but to exercise every vocation with charity, honesty and totally focus on the good of others. In other words, if you are a nurse, be good nurse or a good doctor; be a good priest, be a good deacon; be a good teacher; be a good parent; be a good civil servant; be a good soldier; be a good president; be a good minister; be a good Mayor; be a good officer. Do not say what is not true! Do not spread news that is not true! Do not take what is not yours! Liars don’t go to heaven.

“Do to others what you would have them do to you” (Mt 7:12).

This will give you joy in Christ. Satisfaction is not always about what we have, but the realization of how blessed we are for what we have.

“Gaudete in Domino semper!” (“Rejoice in the Lord always”)

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Living the Gospel this week: Rejoicing in God’s Presence

“The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior” (Zephaniah 3:17)

We often overlook the power of the presence of God in our midst in our daily lives, especially in times of difficulties. On this third Sunday of Advent, Prophet Zephaniah reminds of the power of the presence of God amidst his people. He invites us to celebrate God’s presence.

1) God’s presence removes any fear because it is a loving presence. “There is no fear in love. Perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18) – Meditate on what Jesus has done for you by removing any form of condemnation and judgment upon you!

2) When we feel anxious or worried, let’s find comfort in knowing that God is with us as a Mighty Savior. He loves us and will take care of us. He can do all things (Philippians 4:13)

May you find peace and safety and peace in God’s presence by visiting Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament for this week for few minutes of adoration as Psalm 16:11 reminds us that “In God’s presence there is fullness of joy; at his right hand eternal pleasure”

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

2nd Sunday of Advent (Year C)

Repentance and Restoration

december 8, 2024 | 2nd sunday of advent, Year C

Baruch 5-9; Psalm 126; Philippians 1:4-6,8-11; Luke 3:1-6

Take off your robe of mourning and misery

The reading of the Book of Baruch considered as an Apocrypha in the Catholic Bible is a good opportunity for the season of Advent. While conveying the message of hope and consolation for the Jewish people in exile, Baruch, Secretary of Jeremiah enjoins the exile people to admit that they are sinners and God who is faithful will grant pardon and mercy if they repent from their sins. This will enable them to return and find peace and justice in the Lord.

John call to repentance

John the Baptist, in the whole tradition appears to be one of the greatest preachers of repentance and the return to the Lord for the people of Israel. Quoting abundantly, prophet Isaiah, John the Baptist invites the people to receive the baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sin in order to prepare the way for God's salvation. “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God”

This preaching of John of the coming of the Lord is a key theme of Advent. Let us respond to John’s and Baruch message today by repentance and reform of our lives. Like John, we are also call to be prophet of Christ by announcing the coming of Lord by our lives. Refusal of repentance is a refusal of the freedom of Christ, who freed us to live in freedom, not to indulge in the flesh but serve in love. (Galatians 5:1, 13-18) That is to live by the spirit and not by the desires of the flesh.

As we light the candle of peace, let’s prepare God’s way in our heart; let’s us make our crooked ways straight and right. Let’s put on the robe of God’s glory and righteousness. Amen.

Fr. Georges Bidzogo SAC

Living the Gospel this week: the candle of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

The candle of peace, represents the presence of the Prince of Peace. It is the second candle lit in the Advent wreath. It is Jesus Christ that brings peace in the world.

Peace is a gift from God and it is a sign of God’s presence filling our lives.

1) Are you at peace? Come, Holy Spirit of peace!

2) Why are you not at peace? Maybe because of my crooked ways.

Come Holy Spirit help me to make my ways straight. We cannot encounter Christ in crooked ways.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, prince of Peace”

(Isaiah 9:6)

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC