30th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

“Go your faith has saved you”!

october 27, 2024 | 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Jer. 31:7-9; Ps. 126; Heb. 5:1-6; Mark 10, 46b-52

Faith is a very important component for our personal and transforming relationship with Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who died and rose again for our salvation. Jesus tells Bartimaeus that: “go your faith has saved you”. The New testament portrays through various miracle stories that Faith and salvation go together. Faith is the door to salvation.

Faith as the key to receive God’s promises

The first reading from Jeremiah (605 B. E. C), is a cry of Faith of the people of Israel even in their great moment of trouble.

“Shout with joy for Jacob, exult at the head of the nations; proclaim your praise and say: The LORD has delivered his people, the remnant of Israel.”

The people are in captivity in Babylon (587 B.E.C) however they are invited to trust in the God as their Father who will bring them back home.

“Behold, I will bring them back from the land of the north; I will gather them from the ends of the world”.

Faith is our strength in times of weakness, sickness, trials and persecutions. As believers, we should always trust in God’s salvation even in the weakest and darkest moments of our lives. It is in times of sickness, bereavement, depression, persecutions and difficulties that we should trust all the more in God.

Jesus is going up to Jerusalem

Jesus is on his last journey of his life toward Jerusalem to be our passover, that is to die and to rise from the dead and enable us to die to sin and to rise to eternal life. Through the healing of Bartimaeus, he manifests God’s love and mercy to all humanity. He shows how God listens to our cries and heals our brokenness. Bishop Robert Barron reminds us that Bartimaeus represents each of us living in sin, which makes us spiritually blind. We too, like Bartimaeus must call out to Jesus in faith. “Bartimaeus represents all of us, called out of the “city of sin” into a life with Christ. We are to respond to Jesus’ call and follow Him on the way as Bartimeaus did. On this journey Faith is necessary.

The saving power of Faith

Not only that, Bartimaeus has shown his faith in Jesus, “The Son of David” by overcoming the obstacle of the crowd, he had even let go of his cloak. As soon as he heard the invitation of Jesus:

“Take courage he is calling you”,

Bartimaeus threw aside his cloak and ran to Jesus. We all know that a blind man does not just throw aside his cloak because it is important for them; It protects them from cold. Moreover if a blind person throws away something, it is not easy for them to find it again because they do not see. So Bartimaeus throwing away his cloak is a strong indication of his faith that Jesus will give him his sight. Faith is a gift of God. When we come to Jesus in Faith, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me”, he gives us direction; he gives meaning to our existence.

Throw aside your cloak as a sign of your faith in Jesus and keep persevering in prayer.

Living the Gospel this week: Note on Elections and voting!

“What do you want me to do for you?”, Jesus asked. “That I may see”, replied Bartimaeus.

Jesus knows that like Bartimaeus, we can suffer from spiritual blindness. This time of election is an opportune time to call out to Jesus and let Him guide us. By doing so, we can see clearly and follow His path.

As these elections approach Let pray that no matter the difference of our opinions, we may remain united as Parish and as family. (Our love in Christ is stronger than our political enmity. No one is supposed to judge others because of their choice).

Let us pray that as Christians, we may vote with our well formed conscience and fulfill our responsibility of bringing the goodness, the truth, the mercy and love of God.

As Christians, we also have the responsibility to bring God’s kingdom and to promote our Common Good through voting. Father, “Thy kingdom come” (Mt. 6:10)

Meditate on these words to the Philippians: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3-4)

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO sac

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Walking after the example of Jesus

october 20, 2024 | 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Isaiah 53, 10-11; Ps. 32; Hebrews 4: 14-16; Mark 10:35-45 | Mission Sunday

Friends, we celebrate today the Mission Sunday and we pray for vocations. Last Sunday our main question was about eternal life. What must I do in order to inherit eternal life? Today’s liturgy is trying to answer the same question. Every spiritual action, every decision, and every move in our daily life is supposed to bring us closer to God and his eternal kingdom.

Becoming a servant like Christ.

Contrary to James and John, both, sons of Zebedee and the other disciples in today’s gospel, Jesus, the humble and suffering servant is teaching us that the kingdom of God is not about positions of power and honor, domination and arrogance, privileges and worldly promotions, but it is all about humility and service. The greatest among us must be the servant of all. Jesus himself is our role model. He came to serve and not to be served and willingly gave his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). The suffering servant song of Isaiah that we read today describes Jesus as the scapegoat mentioned in the book of Levitus 16:10. Jesus was the unblemished Lamb who was sacrificed for our sins but he was glorified. Following Jesus requires our daily sacrifices, our loving service for God and for others and a life of humility.

Approaching the throne of grace with assurance

We must be aware of who Jesus is truly for us. Jesus is the High and excellent Priest who is capable of sympathizing with us in all our weaknesses (Cf. Hebrews 4:15). As the High Priest, he offers prayers for us and offers himself as a pure sacrifice for us, therefore let us approach his throne of grace with confidence in order to obtain mercy and find grace in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16). On this very Sunday, in spite of all that has disqualified us from the kingdom, Jesus keeps inviting us to approach him with confidence because his throne is not a throne of rejection, but a throne that embraces all; it is not a judgemental throne or a throne of criticism but a throne of grace. That is why he tells us on this mission Sunday that:

“The Son of man came to give his life in ransom for the multitude” (Mt 10:45)

Let us also become a sign of compassion, hope and grace for our brothers and sisters. How do we sympathise with those who are weak or with those with some bad character?

God’s mercy is always available for us!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to follow your example of humble service. Teach us to love others as you love us. Give us the strength to serve selflessly and seek Your Kingdom above all. Amen.

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Living The Gospel this Week. Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53:10-11)

Isaiah in this passage describes a servant who takes on pain and sorrow to bring healing and forgiveness. This is indeed what Jesus willingly did in order to save us from our sins.

As we give thanks to God today during our Harvest weekend, the sacrifice reminds us of his love for us and calls us to love others in the same way. Our little sacrifices: financial support to the church, forgiving and bearing one another’s burdens and share in their suffering are not made in vain. God will reward each of us accordingly!

Follow Jesus’s example and embrace and embrace any opportunity of giving as a sign of love and service.

• Reflect on the love of Christ by being kind and generous to those around you.

Meditate on Mother Teresa words: “The fruit of prayer is faith. The fruit of faith is love. The fruit of love is service. The fruit of service is peace!”

May God grant us the grace to fulfill our mission of building up the kingdom of God here on earth!

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

God bless you

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

LIFE EVERLASTING OCTOBER 13, 2024 | 28TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B WISDOM 7:7-11; PSALM 89; HEBREWS 4:12-13; MARK 10:17-30

The life everlasting is the concern of the entire Bible. It is an article of faith that we profess every Sunday and on all Solemnities. Henceforth, today’s Sunday focuses on eternal life, which is the concern of the human person represented in today’s gospel by the man who runs up to Jesus to ask: “what must I do to inherit eternal life” (Mark 10:17).

Eternal life is therefore not only important but a necessity.

How to attain it?

Wisdom as the highest gift The first reading is presenting wisdom as the highest attribute which helps us to discern the truth as opposed to falsehood; the good as opposed to evil; wisdom helps to rediscover the true meaning and the true source of life and happiness. Since the Old Testament (Proverbs 8), Lady Wisdom has always called people to follow his ways and find life. To receive eternal life, the Book of wisdom invites us to accept Jesus, the incarnate wisdom of God who gives true wisdom and life everlasting.

Abide with the word of God

The second reading tells us that “The word of God is living and active, sharperthan any two-edged sword”. (Heb. 4:12).

It is a living word that touches and transforms our lives. The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life (John 6:63). Jesus in person, the living Word of God, speaks to our hearts through the Scriptures. St. John acknowledges that Jesus the Incarnate Son of God has the word of eternal life. (Cf. John 6: 68). We must abide with the word of God in order to have eternal life.

Loving relationship with God and sharing what we have with others

Contrary to the attitude of the rich man who thinks that eternal life could be gained through his own efforts (Mere observance of the commandments), Jesus invites his followers to a loving relationship. We need to move from the mere observance of the law to a gift of self; moving from “doing” or “not doing” something to “being” with God. Like to the rich man in the gospel, to us too, Jesus says:

“Sell what you have and give to the poor… and come, follow me” (Mark 10:21).

Heaven is for those who train their heart to detach themselves from unnecessary things. In order to go to heaven, Jesus wants us to take off whatever weighs down our hearts in order to make room for him as he gives himself to us in the daily Mass. We are invited to practice charity for on the last Judgement, we will be judged on love (Mt. 25:31-46). That is true wisdom which teaches us to prioritize spiritual wealth over material wealth and sharing over selfishness and greed.

Prayer: Lord, grant us wisdom to seek your will above all else. Help us to embrace your word and detach from worldly possessions. Guide us in our journey of faith, so we may follow you faithfully and reach eternal life. Amen.

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Living the gospel this week: “Indeed the word of God is living and effective”

The second reading for the 28th Sunday the letter to the Hebrews tells us that God’s word is alive and powerful. This reminds us of the power of God’s word in our lives.

1. God’s word is not just written text: - It is active and speaks to us personally. - It reveals our innermost thoughts and guides us in the right path. In your schedule, make the word of God a priority. Read and reflect on the Scriptures, allowing them to shape your hearts and minds.

2. God’s word is a guide for our lives. It helps us discern right from wrong and keeps us on the path of righteousness. Let us commit to regular reading of the Bible, so we can grow in our understanding and love for God’s word.

"For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls." (Psalm: 119: 105)

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Called to live in community

october 6, 2024 | 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Gen. 2:18-24; Ps. 128; Hebrews 2: 9-11; Mark 10:2-16

Greek mythology tells us that human beings were originally extraordinary creatures with two faces, with four legs and four legs. Threatened by the power of these humans, Zeus decided to weaken them by cutting them into two pieces. These two halfs lived now miserably continually longing for the other half. Love and companionship are exactly the coming back of the original self.

Called to live in community

On this 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, we reflect deeply on the reality of Marriage. In the first reading from Genesis 2:18-24, in the second creation story, God created animals and birds for man to name, but none was suitable. God then made a woman from man’s rib because he says:

“It is not good for man to be alone”.

Living together is fundamental for us as human beings. God found it important for a man to have a companion, a helper. Just as the rib is found at the side of the man and attached to him, so even shall the good wife, the rib of the husband, stand at his side as his soulmate and they become one flesh. They are one and equal. They should become beacons of Christ light in the world.

Marriage is God’s design

In Mark 10:1-31, Jesus goes deeper on the question of marriage, reaffirming its wealth, reiterating its sacredness and its unity and indissolubility, that is its lifelong commitment. Jesus is very clear, the permission given by Moses was given because of human hardness of heart, but this was never part of God’s will. “In the beginning, God made them one and whatever God has united.

“No man shall separate.”

In other words, marriage, a covenant, a sacrament, which are beyond any contractual obligation or economic utility.

Marriage is a triangle with God at the Top

In Ephesians 5, we see faithfulness, perseverance and faithfulness as the three pilars on which every marriage should be rooted after the example of Christ. Our society needs to be reminded that marriage is a divine institution. Hence, it takes three to make marriage: God – the man – and the woman. Marriage is indeed like a triangle. The closer husband and wife draws to God, the closer they draw to each other. The further they move from God, the further they move from each other. Closeness to Christ is indeed the solution to all unhealthy relationships.

Family prayer with Psalm 128.

With Psalm 128, we pray for God’s love and blessings over our families all the days of our lives. May each of our families discover the importance of trusting in God’s will and growing in faith. May our families in this perilous time, seek God’s provision and protection. This Sunday we also ask for joyful and loving days filled with peace and laughter within families and that the separated and divorced may also find healing and peace! We finally pray that our families may be encouraged to stay close to God by reading the word of God together and having frequent visitation to the blessed sacrament and participation in the holy eucharist in order to comfort each other in God’s presence throughout their lives. Amen.

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Living the Gospel this Week

Living the Gospel this week. Becoming a little child in hand of God

This lesson we would like to focus on this 27th Sunday is trusting faith. Jesus praises the nature of little children. Jesus once again asks us to consider the trusting faith of a child. Jesus is not suggesting we return to babyhood but to embrace the unwavering trust children have in their parents.

Do you find comfort in the presence of God? We need the same trust little ones have for their parents with God as our Father. As we grow, we seek independence, but in our relationship with God, we must remain like trusting children. Whatever happens, just say: “My Father I know you are here with me”.

This week, try to imitate Christ’s example of humility and sacrifice in your relationship with family and community.

Happy 27th Sunday

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Be not a stumbling block for the little ones

september 29, 2024 | 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Numbers 11:25-29; James 5:1-6; Mark 9:38-43, 47-48.

These days, we hear so many scandals around us. Jesus in today’s gospel warns us against becoming the cause of sin or scandals to the little ones.

“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.” (Mark 9:42)

The little ones are every disciple of Jesus, whether young or old who are identified by their childlikeness in God (Mt. 18: 1; Mt. 10:42). Jesus is aware of the vulnerability of our faith; he is also aware of how hurtful we can be to one another and sometimes, how often, we can be obstacles to other people’s happiness and spiritual growth.

Jesus shows the seriousness and the gravity attached to any attitude of scandal caused to others by suggesting that a millstone be put around the neck of such a person and to throw them into the sea. He suggests instead, that one should cut off with any behavior which might be the cause of our downfall and thereafter, our inability to access the heavenly home.

No abuse or violence is tolerated to the innocent souls

The faith and the lives of innocent souls, these include, children, women, the unborn, the elderly, the poor, the weak, the marginalized must never be violated or abused. Today’s gospel reminds us of all the little ones who have been abused by clergy, religious, church workers and others. I would like us to offer our prayer for the conversion of those who commit these sins, as the Gospel recommends us this Sunday. I express our sadness and frustration because of the failure of some Church leaders to expose offenders or to protect the victims. I would also like us to extend our prayer for the victims and their families known by us or unknown. Like Christ, we love the little ones of God and we commit ourselves to bring them justice and healing and advocate for their safety.

Besides the children abuse scandals, there are other scandals caused by us to the little ones in our society today, namely: domestic violence, homicide against women, abortion which is depriving so many unborn to see the light of day. We also sometimes witness to the marginalization of the poor, the migrants, the mentally ill, the homeless and the promotion anti-Christian sexual practices, and teachings.

Our prophetic voice for the little ones

Today’s reading is a clear reminder that the credibility and the progress of the proclamation of the Gospel is rooted in the way we witness Christ Jesus through our daily prayer, our faithfulness to Christ’s teaching and through our words and deeds. Pope Francis frequently reminds us that:

“Christians are urgently called to be a prophetic voice for the little ones in our society”

This was the invitation of Moses in today’s first reading today. We must open up to the Spirit of God and share with joy and conviction in the ministry entrusted to us by the risen Christ. Our prophetic voice could be our lived faith, hope and charity within our communities leading people to observe like Tertullian:

“See how these Christians love each other”.

Living the Gospel this Week

"It's not how much you give but how love you put in giving” Mother Teresa of Calcutta

“Warning to the Rich. Come now, you rich, weep and wail over your impending miseries. Your wealth has rotted away, your clothes have become moth-eaten, your gold and silver have corroded, and that corrosion will be a testimony against you; it will devour your flesh like a fire.” (James 5:1-3)

James speaks against those who store wealth while others suffer. Food is being thrown away while millions of children go hungry daily. St. James invites to be charitable. For St. James, helping those in need is a key part of living our faith.

Pray and reflect on these quotes from Mother Theresa of Calcutta:

“A life not lived for others is not a life.” “I prefer you to make mistakes in kindness than work miracles in unkindness.”

Come Holy, Spirit and enkindle in us the fire of your love!

Happy 26th Sunday!

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Jesus, our way to peace!

september 22, 2024 | 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Wisdom 2:12,17-20; Psalm 54; James 3:16-4:3; Mark 9:30-37

Worldly wisdom, the way to chaos

Today’s liturgy challenges our world's definition of greatness and success. St. James says:

“What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source of your pleasures that wage war on your members? You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel” (James 4:1-2).

We often think that success is getting whatever we want out of life. Such understanding directly implies doing whatever this takes to satisfy our self-ambitions of getting the pleasure, the money, the power, the position we want. This is worldliness, which is false wisdom, promising to give us the desires of our hearts and filing them with envy and greed and selfish ambitions. This leads to dissatisfaction and immediately we learn to constantly covet what others have that we don't. For the Apostle James, the result of this false way of life based on worldliness is family crisis, evil and vile practices, battles of estates, dispute on land, civil war around the globe, individualism, everyone focusing on themselves, and working for themselves. This is the chaos and the wickedness illustrated in the first reading (Wisdom 2:12 -17-20). To succeed with worldly wisdom, it requires to hurt someone else to get what we want. The wicked plot to test the righteous man with insults and torture, challenging his faith and patience, and plan to condemn him to a disgraceful death to see if God will protect him. This way of life is harmful as opposed to the wisdom of Christ, which is a way to peace!

Divine wisdom a way of life

Opposed to the earthly and worldly wisdom, which uses pain, destruction and selfishness, today’s liturgy suggests Christ's way of life, which is love and self-sacrifice. Jesus is the suffering servant described in the first reading who is announcing his passion and death in the first part of today’s Gospel. He will give his life for the good of others. In today’s Gospel, the disciples display erathy wisdom by focusing on their personal greatness, and self-ambitions. By using the example of a little child, Christ invites Christians of all times and ages to humble servants to all (Mark 9:30-37) This is the way to true peace. To become like this parable of peace, we should let go of our selfish ambitions. They can easily lead us away from the love of God and of our neighbour. “If any man desires to be first, the same shall be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)

Lord, grant us true wisdom to seek Your will above our own. Help us to serve others with humility and love. Guide us to live righteously and in peace. Amen.

Living the Gospel this Week: Peaceful Living

This week the second reading from James 3:16-4:3 calls for peace and purity. It warns against jealousy and selfishness, urging us to seek peace and good deeds. St. John Paul II is teaching us that:

“There is no true peace without fairness, truth, justice, and solidarity.”.

Pray for peace, love and unity in this time of election campaign.

Come Holy Spirit and make me channel your peace!

Have a blessed Sunday and a peaceful week ahead!

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Carry your cross and keep moving!

september 15, 2024 | 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Isaiah 50:4-9; James 2:14-18; Mark 8:27-35.

Beloved in Christ, Jesus in today’s gospel makes us this invitation:

“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me”

(Mark 8:34).

This is because there is no Christianity or discipleship without the cross. However, we live in a world where everyone, both young, adult and elderly, rich, parents, are so quick to denounce suffering. They simply want to become famous, heroes, rich and influential without sacrifice and hard work. Yet, Jesus invites us to take up our cross and follow him. The cross is inevitable and endurance is the true antidote of suffering.

“Only our endurance will win the race for us”

(Lk. 21:19).

Learning from the Lithuanian people

Billy D. Strayhorn, in his book, At Cross Purposes narrates how cross-bearing is taken a little more seriously in Lithuania than any other place. Crosses are erected by individuals and communities everywhere in the countryside, on roads, in city parks and village squares as signs of Faith, Hope and Love. They bring them health and protection and help them commemorate historical events, weddings, births and baptisms. The nation’s pride is the Hill of Crosses located north of Siauliai where crosses were erected as early as the mid-19th century. Even when the Soviet government totally destroyed the hill in 1961, then 1973, and 1975, people kept erecting more crosses until the destruction of the hill stopped in 1980. Today, the number of crosses is in the thousands. They are of different sizes and shapes, but they all immortalize Lithuania’s troubles, misfortunes, joys, hope and Faith. For the Lithuanian people, the cross is more than a symbol in the Church. It is a symbol for the world to see, a symbol that will not go away. It is a symbol of sacrifice, a sacrifice that gives each and every one of us Hope and Faith and courage. A cross-less Christianity is a Christ-less Christianity.

The Cross calls our obedience to God’s will

The first reading from the third Servant song of Isaiah foreshadows the coming of the Suffering Servant. Because of his obedience to the will of his Father, he endured all kind of suffering in order to restore hope and vitality to fallen and wounded humanity:

“Lord Yahweh has opened my ear and I have not resisted, I have not turned away. I have offered my back to those who struck me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; I have not turned my face away from insult and spitting” (Is. 50:5).

By foretelling his passion, death and resurrection for the first time, Jesus fulfills this prophecy in today’s Gospel. Jesus is the Messiah and Saviour who by his obedience gives his life for our salvation. Our Faith in Him, explains St. James in the second reading, should help us to alleviate the sufferings of others by our works of mercy, both corporal and spiritual.

The Cross: A Symbol of Suffering and Hope

Jesus in the Gospel text has made the cross, the truest cost of discipleship namely, denying oneself, taking up one’s cross, and following Jesus. The cross is the sign that every human circumstance can become a sign of hope. The cross, from a sign of condemnation, the cross (curse) has become a sign of salvation (Deut. 21:23) – from a signification of suffering, it now signifies Hope, Faith and Love; from a symbol of rejection, it has become an icon of Acceptance.

That is why, no matter how you place the cross, it must have an existential representation of positivity: - When placed flat on the ground- it becomes a bridge against the valleys of life challenges; -When placed on the wall, it becomes a ladder to climb towards elevation and eternity; - When viewed with the lens of Mathematics, it becomes a plus (+) or additional sign; - When placed in a traversed position, it becomes (x) times. Sign of *multiplication* (restoration) of lost fortunes for Christ’s sake (Matt. 16:25; Job 42:10).

So we should be ready to take up any cross that we are given and follow Jesus because it is the highest expression of God’s love as well as our Christian love. No wonder St. John of the Cross reminds us:

“In the twilight of life, God will not judge us on our earthly possessions and human success, but rather on how much we have loved”.

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord

september 8, 2024 | 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Isaiah 35:4-7a; James 2:1-5; Mark 7:31-37

Open the eyes of my heart Lord, I want to see you

Dear friends in the Lord, at the annual National prayer Breakfast on February 2, 1984, Ronald Reagan, the former president of United States told a story of Telemachus, a young Turkish monk martyr whose self-sacrifice opened the blind eyes and the deaf ears of the Romans and their fifth century Christian emperor Honorius. Led by his inner voice, Telemachus went to Rome to stop an inhuman gladiatorial fight between slaves. He followed the crowd where the gladiators were fighting and jumped into the arena and tried to stop them, shouting:

“In the name of Christ, hold back!”

The gladiators stopped and the spectators became indignant. A group of them rushed into the arena and beat Telemachus to death. When the crowd saw the brave little monk lying dead in a pool of blood, they fell silent, leaving the stadium, one by one. Three days later, because of Telemachus' heroic sacrifice of his own life, the Emperor decreed an end to the horrible games.

A world of indifference

We live in a world of indifference, insensitivity, individualism and neglect of our neighbours. Our eyes are sometimes blind to hardship, the problems, and the difficulties of others. While we turn a deaf ear to the sound of the cry of people around us, our heart is getting more and more hardened within ourselves and even incapable of gratitude and praise. Our world is not far from the Church of Laodicea described by John:

“So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, will I spew thee out of my mouth.” (Rev. 3:16).

Today’s readings come as a remedy to this situation.

Sight Restoration

The word “Ephphatha” “Be opened” summarizes all the readings of this Sunday. The Prophet Isaiah, in the first reading (Isaiah 35:4-7) says that God stands for the frightened, oppressed; he cares for the blind, the deaf, the lame, the mute and encourages the powerless to be “strong and fearless”. Like God whose eyes are always focused on the helpless, so should our eyes be opened to other brothers and sister’s predicaments.

St. James in the second reading (James 2:1-5) gives us some basic and challenging principles of social justice as a way of being open to Christ’s teaching. He warns us not to despise or shame the poor while showing special consideration to the rich. He wants us to have that preferential option for the poor in our daily living.

By healing the deaf man with a speech impediment, Jesus in today’s Gospel fulfills Isaiah’s Messianic prophecy,

"The eyes of the blind shall be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped."

The illnesses listed by Isaiah are symbolic of our interior illnesses: blindness to the needs of our neighbor, our unwillingness to hear God’s voice and the inability to speak words of praise and gratitude as we should in our daily lives. Through today’s miracle story, like Telemachus, St. Mark also reminds us that we are humble instruments of Christ. As followers of the Lord, our mission as the church and as individuals is to see the needs of the needy, hearing the cry of the helpless, being the voice of the voiceless and singing the praise of the Lord for his faithfulness endures forever and ever Amen. (Psalm 146)

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Put the word into practice

September 1, 2024 | 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Deut. 4:1-2, 6-8; Psalm 15; James 1:17-18, 21-22,27. Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23.

On the twentieth Sunday, the book of Proverbs invited us to seek wisdom and understanding (Prov. 9:1-6). True wisdom consisted in following the paths of God and letting go of our foolish ways by leading a life worthy of the spirit of Christ (Eph. 5:15-20). Last Sunday (21st Sunday year B), was an invitation to make a choice between the true God and our false man-made gods. With the Apostle Peter we all have chosen to follow Jesus and leave aside our former ways of life.

“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the word of eternal life” (John 6:68).

On this 22nd Sunday, wisdom is the practice of true religion, which consists in the imitation of Christ and following his way of life. It is purity of heart rather than external rituals.

Love is better than sacrifice (Hosea 6:6)

In the first century, the early Jewish Christians referred to themselves as “The Way”, which echoes the way of life enshrined in the Torah as well as the disciples belief that Jesus was “the way” to God the Father (John 14:6). Henceforth, Jesus in today’s Gospel (Mark 7:1-23), wants our Christian convictions based not on external rituals and traditions (the Sabbath observances, bathing, washing of hands and all kinds of ablutions for purifications and circumcision), but on the inner conversion. True religion will consist in honoring God by a good Christian lifestyle. To avoid sin, we should avoid the corruption of our hearts. No wonder Hosea says:

“For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings…I want faithful love more than I want animal sacrifices. I want people to know me more than I want burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6).

Keeping God’s Commandments as a way to life

In the first reading, (Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8) Moses instructs Israel to strictly follow God’s laws to demonstrate wisdom and receive life and land. The power of commandments rests on their practice in our daily life.

David Josiah Brewer once said:

“The better life restless on the prohibitions of the ten commandments and more on the parable of the Good Samaritan and the Golden Rule”.

In other words, living righteously before the Lord, walking blamelessly and doing justice, thinking and speaking the truth in our heart and slandering not with our tongues, harming not our fellow human beings and practically honoring and revering the Lord in our daily life (Psalm 15). Putting the word into practice is the true religion.

Acting on the word

The Apostle James is straightforward to us:

Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.” (James 1:25)

According to James:

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself

unstained by the world.” (James 1: 27).

Practicing the works of mercy is one of the great ways to put God’s word into practice.

Let us pray through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that the Lord may help us to obey his commandments and to act on God’s word, and keep our hearts pure. May the Holy Spirit guide us in showing our faith through our actions! Amen.

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Urgent note on upcoming election

1) Registration drive by CatholicVote

Just in recent weeks, some Catholic parishes in the diocese of Lansing have been asked by CatholicVote to host voter registration drives at the parish. Our Lawyer, Will Bloomfield has indicated that CatholicVote has a 501© (4) division that engages in some partisan activities and a 501(c) (3) division that is non-partisan, which can coordinate voter registration. Pastors may authorize such voter registration drives and encourage participation in such non-partisan initiatives. Such initiatives from CatholicVote are consistent with diocesan/Michigan Catholic Conference policies.

It is however important to note that CatholicVote does not have the Catholic Teaching Authority of the Church. The standard prohibition on election year materials made by the USCCB, remains in place, i.e., election year materials are prohibited unless published by the diocesan bishop, the Michigan Catholic Conference, or the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

2) Vote pamphlets distribution

Our attention was drawn last week that vote pamphlets were distributed or placed in our parishioners’ vehicles last week in our parking lot. We are very sorry for the inconvenience. The Holy Redeemer Church declines all responsibilities concerning such action. As a Catholic Church, we reaffirm our neutrality and impartiality in all political matters including the presidential elections.

The Church calls us to form our conscience according to our faith and put it into practice in our decisions’ making. This formation of Conscience is made through: a) An assimilation of the Word of God as the light for our path; b) A constant search of God’s will through meditation and prayer; - c) A regular examination of our conscience before the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; d) By inviting the Holy Spirit to assist us in the process and, e) being guided by the authoritative teaching of the Church.

May God bless you!

Prayer: Lord God, as the election approaches, we pray for discernment so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word, live your love, and keep in the ways of your truth as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace. We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

To whom shall we go?

August 25, 2024 | 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Jos. 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b; Eph. 5:21-32 or 5:2a, 25-32 or 5:2A, 25-32; Jn. 6:60-69

To whom shall we go ? You have the words of eternal life

Today’s liturgy challenges us to make a choice between the true God as opposed to false gods or idols; between wisdom as opposed to foolishness; between gratitude and ingratitude; between the eucharist as the true flesh of Jesus as opposed to the Eucharist as mere symbol; between following Jesus as opposed to continuing our former ways of life.

Shechem, a symbol of choice

After the Exodus and 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, it was the entry of Israel into Canaan. Just before his death Joshua gathers the twelve tribes of Israel to remind them of the covenant at Sinai. The meeting takes place at Shechem, a very important place where Abraham had an altar. Joseph was buried there (Joshua 24:32) and with the death of Solomon, Shechem became one of the first cities of the northern kingdom after the schism. What is more important here is that Shechem became the symbolism of choice. Jacob, in order to keep his faithfulness to God had obliged his family to abandon all the false gods and buried all the amulets and statutes under a tree a Shechem. Joshua as a leader too, invited the people of his time and us today to make a clear choice between serving God or idols. He makes clear his choice:

“As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD” and “We also, like the people of Israel, will serve the Lord, for he is our God”.

You have the word of eternal life

Like Joshua and the people of Israel in the first reading, Peter, representing all believers who sometimes might struggle to understand the mystery of Christ's self-gift in the Eucharist, speaks on our behalf. Jesus is the Holy One of God and the eucharist is our only true source of life. It is the true place of worship and praise. Here true love is given and true life offered. It is a new exodus through which God listens, feeds, rescues us from troubles, delivers and protects us from our adversity (Ps. 34).When we recall what God has done for us in Christ, Jesus, we only have one answer:

“Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”

God is first in our lives. We should express this by living our faith in Jesus Christ daily.

Lord give us this bread always!

Living the Gospel this Week:

“For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” (Ephesians 5:32)

Meditate with these words of Venerable Fulton Sheen:

“It takes three to make love, not two: you, your spouse, and God. Without God, people only succeed in bringing out the worst in one another”.

Take 10 minutes to pray for and with your spouse this week. Take 10 minutes to pray for one couple that you know.

Happy Sunday!

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

seek wisdom, seek understanding

august 18, 2024, 20th Sunday in ordinary Time. Year B.

Proverbs 9:1-6; Psalm 34; Ephesians 5: 15-20; John 6:51-58

Seek wisdom, Seek understanding (Proverbs 4:5)

Wisdom is a gift from God given to all who seek it. It is the ability to apply truth in specific situations for godly purposes. Seeking wisdom is seeking the ability to discern or judge what is true, right or lasting. In a world torn apart by war, strife, family divisions and various political ideologies and conflicts, today’s readings invite us to seek wisdom and understanding as lasting solutions for a happy life. If we are to become true Christians and better people, we are encouraged to seek the true nourishment from Jesus, the bread of life, and to live in a way that pleases God.

“Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed” (Proverbs 9:5)

Invitation: Live wisely

The Book of Proverbs would like us to walk in the way of simplicity and insight. This is the way that helps us to leave behind foolishness, drunkenness, debauchery, the illusion of power and violence, money and pleasure. The true wisdom as we hear from Ephesians is to live wisely; being careful in how to live a godly life and make good decisions in accordance with the will of God. True wisdom is to live according to the Holy Spirit, which is the spirit of prayer, gratitude and thanksgiving in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord to God the Father. This is the true understanding of life.

Jesus, the Living Bread, our True wisdom

True wisdom is the understanding and the acceptance of the foundational mystery of Jesus as the living bread in the Eucharist. Again today, he tells us:

“My flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed”.

The wisdom which builds the house for us today is the Eucharist is the food of eternal life, the spiritual nourishment, the true sustenance that comes from Christ in the Eucharist. To explain the truth of the reality of Christ in the Eucharist, there is a story of a charter that flew from Uruguay crossing the Andes Mountains to Chile in October 1972. It never reached its destination. All forty passengers on board were presumed dead. But 72 days later, 16 emerged alive to tell how they had survived on the snow capped slope where their plane had crashed. The world was stunned to learn their story. For food, they had eaten the flesh of the passengers who had died in the crash.

To us, Jesus says:

“Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.”

No wonder St. John Chrysostom wrote:

“How many of you say, I would like to see his face, his garments, his sandals. You do see him, you touch him, you eat him. He gives himself to you, not only that you may see him – but also to be your food and your nourishment.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, Open our hearts to love him and to receive him.

Living the Gospel This Week

This week, St. Paul is advising us to live with joyful hearts. How can we stay focused on God’s goodness throughout this week? St. Paul himself answers this question by inviting us to pray regularly, singing spiritual songs, and giving thanks to God. Keeping a grateful heart helps us remember His blessings! Meditate on the words of St. John Chrysostom: “Happiness can only be achieved by looking inward and learning to enjoy whatever life has and this requires transforming greed into gratitude.”

Happy Sunday to you All.

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

God is our strength and sustenance!

August 11, 2024, 19th Sunday in ordinary Time. Year B.

1 Kings 19:4-8; Ps 33; Eph 4:30-5: 2; John 6:41-51

We often find ourselves exhausted in some difficult situations, hardships, persecutions and burdens in our lives. Like Elijah, we try to run away as we feel hopeless, powerless and abandoned. Sometimes, we wish we could be dead. But God reassures us in today’s reading that he is our refuge, our strength and sustenance (Psalm 43:1-3)

The Eucharist, food for the journey

In the first reading, Elijah is tired and exhausted as he runs away from his enemies. He even wishes to die. Along his journey in the desert, he receives the comfort of an angel from heaven who feeds him with bread and drinks. This food and drinks become his strength and sustenance till he arrives at Mount Horeb. The bread of the angel symbolizes the Eucharist, which is the spiritual food sustaining us through our long journey towards eternal life. It is indeed the new manna nourishing our souls with new bread from Heaven, Christ is our living Bread!

Jesus, the Living Bread!

In the Gospel, Jesus deepens his teaching on the Bread of life in spite of the unbelief and suspicions of his listeners. Should there be any suspicion or doubt, Jesus is affirming:

“I am the living bread that comes from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.”

The living bread is indeed Jesus’s own flesh.

“The bread I will give, he says, is my flesh given for the life of the world”.

As Catholics, we are invited to believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. The Eucharist renews in us the Spirit of God received during our baptism. St. Paul therefore exhorts us to live transformed life in the spirit, getting rid of all kinds of irritation, bitterness, anger, quarrel, insults and evil words. According to St. Paul in our second reading, a Eucharistic community is characterized by a harmonious life, service of one another, sacrifice, tenderness, generosity, forgiveness, reconciliation and peace. It is an invitation to be imitators of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Jesus the Bread of Life indeed gives life to us so that we may become the bread of life for others for the Eucharist is the actualization of the death of Jesus on the cross. (St. Thomas Aquinas.)

Lord give this bread always!

Living the Eucharist. “They shall all be taught by God.” (John 6:45)

Quoting prophet Isaiah 54:13 and Jeremiah 31:33-34, explains how we need to open our heart to accept the gift of God. By listening to the word of God, we are drawn to Jesus. The love of God draws us to Christ and the Eucharist becomes the transformative power that helps us overcome ungodliness and worldly lust. Every Eucharistic celebration is therefore an invitation

to die to sin and live unto righteousness through Christ our Lord (Romans 6:11).

This week try to attend daily Masses and try to live a sober, righteous and a godly life. May every Eucharist we partake teach how to become like Jesus by becoming “living bread” for others!

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Gratitude must be our attitude!

august 4, 2024, 18th Sunday in ordinary Time. Year B.

Exodus 16:2–4, 12–15; Psalm 78:3–4, 23–24, 25, 54; Ephesians 4:17, 20–24; John 6:24–35

Meister Eckhart, a German Catholic Theologian once said that:

"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, 'thank you,' that would suffice."

For this to be real, gratitude should remain the memory of the heart as expressed by the French Bishop, Jean Baptiste Massieu. Yet according to our daily experience our memory can be very selective. The Israelites are giving us an example of this in today’s first reading. In spite of all that the Lord had done for them, they grumbled against Moses and Aaron just because of hunger. We too might have compromised our freedom, salvation, our Christian faith, our doctrines, morals and sacraments because of material needs and temporal wants. Let’s stop thinking like the “Egyptian fleshpots' ', but thank God for the gift of life, family, community, Jesus is our bread of life, faith and salvation. Let our soul bless the Lord for his mercies endures forever.

Giving Thanks to the Lord

As continue reflect on this powerful and wonderful sixth chapter of St. John, let us remember the true meaning of the Mass. The word Eucharist means, “Thanksgiving”. This should be a reminder that we go to Mass to give thanks to God for his goodness to our world, families and friends. We need to be grateful. Hearts that do not remember God’s powerful hand are not thankful and cannot be joyful. It is a grumbling heart that always wants to return to “egypt” or to “slavery and negativity”.

Jesus gives us life

The word eucharist also means the true bread of heaven, that real presence of Jesus in the blessed sacrament of the altar. Jesus is the true bread of life who promises eternal life to all who believe in him and who will eat this bread and drink this cup. We are hungry and thirsty for so many things in life, but Jesus is inviting us to the food of eternal life. He is also the only one who can truly satisfy all your needs. Please come to the altar. If the manna kept the children of Israel going, Holy Communion can sustain us through this earthly pilgrimage. Let us develop a taste for the Eucharist. If you can begin to attend daily Masses and take some hours for the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, your life will change. With The Eucharist, what happened to each of us at our baptism is fulfilled - we become a new creation in Christ as we heard in today’s second reading (Eph. 4:17,20-24)

Thank you Jesus, Bread of life. Thanks you for your constant care and love. Help us to renew our minds and hearts. Amen.

Living the Gospel this Week:

Psalm 78. Our God is Faithful.

Despite our disobedience, our God is faithful. He keeps seeking for us and guiding us. We must remember his blessings and teach our children about God.

Prayer: We know the stories, Lord. Our parents have told us. We hear them in church. They tell of your faithfulness through all of history. Even when we mess up, you are near. We remember these stories to learn from them. When your people were trapped in Egypt, you saved them. Save us from the things that trap us. Release us from our bad choices. When your people were thirsty in the desert, you provided water from a rock. Quench our thirst, Lord. Help us to long for the life you give, the food that does not perish. Teach us not to thirst for unhealthy things. In remembrance, we recall how you provide good things for us. Amen.

Happy 18th Sunday to you All!

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Unity in faith and our confidence in God

July 28, 2024, 17th Sunday in ordinary Time. Year B.

2 kings 4:42-44; Psalm 145; Ephesians 4:1-6; John 6:1-15.

Considering the various opposed ideologies and events going on in our world today, we come to realize how much our families, our churches, our nations and our world is in need to focus on what unites us. As Christians, St. Paul urges us just as he did with the Ephesians around AD 62, to live a life worthy of the calling we have received. What is that calling? It is a life of humility and gentleness, patience, love and peace. St. Paul reminds us of our serious bond that we share with one another as a Nation, or as a family and as children of God. Besides our differences, we share in “one body and one spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of all of us who is over all and through and in all. (Ephesians 4:5-6). Striving to keep peace within the community and the nation will consist in listening to each other in order to find the truth while journeying together. For this, we must all put our trust in God and accept the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our personal and community lives. Let us follow this advice from the Book of Proverbs:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5)

Trusting in God’s Care

Both the first reading and the Gospel focus on miracles of abundance. In the first reading, a man came from Baal-shalishah and brought twenty barley loaves to Elisha who used them to feed a hundred people, and there was left over. Jesus in the Gospel, uses only five loaves and two fish from a little boy to feed more than five thousand people. After everyone was satisfied, they collected twelve baskets of leftover fragments. We can learn very important lessons here.

1) With God, everything is possible

(Mt. 19:26).

2) There is always enough with God.

3) God wants us to show our generosity like the man who brought the bread to Elisha and the little boy who gave the bread and the fish, so that God can open his abundance to us.

Our daily efforts, our generosity and our self-giving sacrifices contribute to the change and transformation of the world just as our gift of bread and wine are changed into the Eucharist, the Body and the Blood of Christ!

The feeding of the crowd with bread and fish foreshadows the Eucharist, which is indeed the obvious truth that God is present in our lives and he cares for our spiritual as well as our material needs. So by sharing and trusting in God’s love and care, we too can build a caring, loving and peaceful community! No wonder St. Paul advises:

“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:8).

Come Holy Spirit. Fill the hearts of the faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be recreated and they shall renew the face of the earth!

Happy Sunday!

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO sac

Living the Gospel this Week:

In the end of today’s Gospel we can read: “So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat” (John 6:14).

The gathering of leftovers symbolizes the fullness of God’s provision. As Bishop Barron suggested in one of his reflections, let us through this week deepen our appreciation of the Eucharist as a gift of Jesus himself to us so that we become the gift of Jesus to the world.

As we continue to give thanks to God for the Eucharistic Congress held in Indianapolis, may we continue to build a stronger intimacy or relationship with Christ by participating actively in the Mass! The pope’s message to us at the Congress through Cardinal Luis Tagle is:

“Conversion to the Eucharist”

If possible, begin to attend daily Masses. Jesus is truly waiting for you. Remember that the Eucharist unites us as one body!

May we meditate on this quote of St. Alphonsus Liguori:

“Do not think that Jesus Christ is forgetful of you, since he has left you, as the greatest memorial and pledge of his love, himself in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.”

O Sacrament most holy. Oh sacrament divine!

Happy 17th Sunday in cycle year B.

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

The lord is my shepherd

July 21, 2024, 16th Sunday in ordinary Time. Year B.

Jer. 23:1-6; Ps. 23: 1-6; Ephesians 2:13-18; Mark 6:30-34.

Dear friends in Christ, on this 16th Sunday, we find comfort in the Word of the God who promised to bring security, justice, and to care for us even when our leaders, our parents, our friends will fail to do so.

“Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will raise up a righteous shoot to David” (Jer 23:5).

A good king is compared to a good shepherd who protects and takes care of his flock. Unfortunately, like in today's first reading, in Israel there were many bad shepherds as we might have today in our times (1 Samuel 8). Henceforth, like some other prophets, Jeremiah condemns leaders who mislead and scatter God’s flock (Jer. 23:1). Yet, the Good news is filled with hope and assurance that Jeremiah brings is that God is the true Shepherd of his people. He will send them Jesus, “the Son of justice” and the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18) who will watch over them, feed them, protect them and even lay down his life for the sake of his sheep.

Following the guidance of Christ

In psalm 23, we read: “The Lord is my Shepherd. There is nothing, I shall want”. The people of Israel acknowledge themselves as the “people of God” and “his flock”. The reality is well described in Psalm 95 as reads:

“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.” (Ps. 95:6-7).

This is important for us again today to see ourselves as the people who belong to God; the sheep of his flock. We need to accept Christ’s lead and guidance.

“He guides me in the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk in the dark valley; I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage”

(Ps. 23).

Christ is indeed with us as he promised till the end of the ages (Mt 28:20).

Unity at the heart of Christ’s leadership

Christ leads by sacrificing himself and promises to bring all people together. The whole of humanity is a beneficiary of such a promise because Christ has made us one by his sacrifice, breaking down barriers and granting us all access to the Father, ensuring peace among us as reported by St. Paul in today’s second reading (Ephesians 2:13-18). It is very important for us to understand that with Christ’s death and resurrection, the barriers of sin and death are broken; all obstacles to our attaining true eternal life, both of soul and body, were removed. The project of the Gospel is to remove all barriers to the construction of true love, friendship, peace, and forgiveness and reconciliation of healthy community life. “For he is our peace, he who made both one and broke down the dividing wall of enmity”. (Ephesians 2:14).

That is the new covenant - calling all who believe in the love of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit to become Apostles of compassion.

We are apostles of compassion

Today’s Gospel invites us to share in the mission of Christ as The Good Shepherd. When he saw the crowd, exhausted, frail, and desperate and lost, he had compassion for them. This is an invitation for our Church and each and every one of us, to take care of the crowds of our time who are like sheep without shepherds. First, like Jesus himself, we need to regularly retreat silently in prayer in order to be fruitful in our ministries. Second, just as Jesus manifested the compassion of God towards the crowd, so shall we also emulate the compassion of Christ to other people by feeding them spiritually and physically. St. Mark is telling us this Sunday that Jesus the Good Shepherd is among us so that we may become good shepherds in our world today!

Happy 16th Sunday!

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO sac

Living Out the Gospel this Week:

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have

been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13)

With this statement, St. Paul notes that everything has changed with Jesus. Believers and unbelievers, Jewish and gentiles who have been “been far off” have now been “brought near” by the pure grace of God. Thanks to the blood of Christ!

Pray that the Holy Spirit may help you break all barriers against love, unity, family and community!

Prayer: St. Francis of Assisi: Make me an instrument of your peace

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

Have a blessed new week to you!

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO sac

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Our Mission!

July 14, 2024, 15th Sunday in ordinary Time. Year B. Amos 7:12-15; Ps. 85; Eph. 1:3-14; Mark 6:7-13

On this 15th Sunday we focus on the missionary church. The word mission designates an important assignment to be carried out. The first reading tells us the story of Amos, a shepherd and farmer from Tekoa. Amos is called by God to be a prophet in Israel at Bethel, the house of God. In his message, while advocating for true worship and righteousness, he condemns social injustices and false worship. The prophet Amos criticizes the rich for oppressing the poor and the leaders of the land for their corruption. In a world filled with injustices, the message of prophet Amos remains relevant. We are invited to act justly, help those in need, and be sincere in our faith and worship, by living out our faith by action!

The Psalm 85 that we read this Sunday focuses on God’s desire for peace and justice. Just as Jesus sent out the apostles to spread His message and heal in pairs, this prayer of the psalmist reminds us of our role in promoting God’s peace and justice. It highlights the importance of forgiveness, mercy, and working towards a just world. Lord help us to be active in promoting peace in our lives and communities. Yes, peace seems impossible, but it is our future.

The Church’s mission and our mission is from God. Just as he called Amos in the first reading, Jesus calls and sends the twelve apostles out into the world with clear instructions. (Mark 6:7-13).

must go two by two. According to the Jewish custom, a credible witness is that which is held by at least two people. Moses stated, "Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established" (Deuteronomy 19:15). Evangelization is therefore a community act and not just of one individual. Jesus also asked his Apostles to only carry what is essential, not even bread and money. To follow Jesus we must trust him totally and be available for the mission - free from any form of selfishness and attachments. Finally, Jesus tells us that our missions will not be free from persecutions. Our mission this Sunday is to announce the Good news of love, forgiveness and peace in spite of the opposition.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help us to hear Your call and respond with faith. Give us the courage to follow where You lead. Help us to trust in Your care and share Your message of love with others. Amen.

Living the Gospel this week. Ephesians 1: 3-14

This week we can focus on how we respond to God’s love for us. “He chose us before the foundation of the world”!

The truth is that we are chosen, redeemed, even sealed with the Holy Spirit. We are blessed with spiritual riches. Think of the blessings of God!

Let‘s live a holy life and share God’s love with others!

Dear friends in Christ, our mission is to heed God’s call to us, to know him, love, serve him, and trust fully his guidance so that we may become holy.

Loving Father in heaven, I pray for the grace to hear your call to bring love and peace into the world. Lord, give me your courage. Come Holy Spirit!

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

WE ARE PEOPLE OF HOPE!

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B. Ezekiel 2:2-5; Ps 23; 23; 2 Cor. 12: 7-10; Mark 6:1-6.

A) May God continue to bless America!

Dear friends, greetings of peace and love to you all in the name of Jesus. This week has been marked by fireworks, the barbecue, family visitation for the celebration of July 4th, the independence of our great nation, the United States of America. Happy belated independence day indeed! This Sunday, I would like us first of all to pray: -- for those who fought for this independence and for those who are still fighting to sustain it; -- for those who laid down their lives for that cause and for those who were left behind to mourn them. We also pray that the people may be reminded to give God his rightful position in this Nation and among all nations in the world. I would like us to remember the beautiful and powerful words of George Washington, the first President of the United States, who once said: “It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and Bible”. Let us remember that independence is all about freedom. And when God sets his children free, he sets them free from slavery and bondages, oppression and idolatry but also sets them free for Himself so that they may know, love and serve Him. This had always been a constant reminder of the prophets to the children of God.

B) We will be held accountable of the decisions we make

Ezekiel in the first reading is called and commissioned by God to speak to the children of Israel in exile in Babylon. The people who were set free by God became rebellious and constantly refused to follow God. It is in fact their stubbornness (complaints against God, idolatry, disobedience and their rebellion) that was the result of their exile. However, God did not give up on them. He shows his love, patience and his mercy by sending Ezekiel to remind them of their covenant with God. He loves them and does not want to lose them. However, the first reading reminds us that we are responsible for our own decisions. God cannot force us to obey. We will be accountable for the decisions we are making today for our families and for our country.

C) We must be humble and only trust in God

“My grace is sufficient for you. For my power is made perfect in weakness”

Dear friends in Christ, Paul had had an extraordinary experience of paradise, the dwelling place of God (2 Corinthians: 1-6). It was a great privilege for Paul to have such a surpassing revelation. This could cause Paul to feel superior to anyone else and to be boastful. To prevent this God gives Paul a “thorn in the flesh”, which could be a kind of human weakness or suffering, such as persistent temptation to sin (Romans 7:22-25) or forms of aggressive discouragement. Definitely, God has major lessons to teach us.

First, in spite of all the spiritual and physical abilities that we may have, humility is important in our service to God. We must always trust that God is at the source of our achievement. Second, our spiritual strength is no guarantee of health, wealth, or prosperity. Trust and faithfulness to God is the key in our relationship with him.

Finally, God is willing to allow Satan a limited level of power to create helpful weakness in His children. No doubt, God's power is made perfect in a believer's weakness, not in our strength. Our tendency is to get rid of any form of suffering, yet God wants us rather to rely on his strength in our weaknesses. When we accept our sufferings, our weaknesses and rely on God’s strength that we are truly strong for then, it is God’s strength working true us and not our own strength. We should be strong enough to accept our weakness and be weak enough to accept God’s strength to be strong! We need to have enough faith in Jesus and not reject him as the people of Nazareth did (Mark 6:1-6).

Prayer:

Lord, as you gave to Prophet Ezekiel, give us the strength to speak Your truth, even when it is hard. Help us to embrace our weaknesses and trust in Your power. Increase our faith, so we may always believe in Your love and guidance. Amen.

Rev. Fr. Georges R. BIDZOGO SAC

Living the Gospel this week. “Is it not the carpenter, the son of May…?”

Beware of the danger of familiarity

We focus this week on this sentence from the Gospel of Mark 6: 1-6. Jesus was born in Nazareth and being close to them brought familiarity and they could not take him with consideration. Jesus could perform miracles there and he was astonished at their unbelief.

1) Beware of neglecting whoever is closer to you… Your parents, your children, your spouse, your Pastor, your staff, your colleagues at work. Anything you cannot pay for, is God’s gift to you.

2) Beware of neglecting the power in the Eucharist because of our familiarity with it. As we are reminded by Mark Twain: “Familiarity breeds contempt and children”.

3) Faith and Healing: Jesus is only able to heal a few sick people in Nazareth because of their unbelief. Do I have faith in God’s power to heal and help us?

"In faith, there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don't." — Blaise Pascal.

Prayer:

Lord increase our Faith!

Rev. Fr. Georges R. BIDZOGO SAC

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

The God of kindness and compassion!

13th Sunday in ordinary Time, Year B. Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24; Psalm 30; 2 Corinthians 8:7,9,13-15; Mark 5:21-43

Paul collection appeal for Jerusalem Church.

In the late ‘40s A.D. , a famine swept across Judea, and Christians in Jerusalem needed financial assistance. In response to the request made by the leaders of Jerusalem Church, Paul encouraged Christians to contribute to an offering to provide relief for the Church of Jerusalem. Giving is a virtue commended by Paul. He encouraged them to respond generously to the needs of others who are not from their community. Paul refers them to the hymn of Kenosis, i.e. self-emptying. In his letter written to the Philippians 2: 1-11, St. Paul reminds all Christians that they have directly benefited from Christ’s sacrifice, that is a free gift which should encourage them to always respond generously to others. Paul also insists here that everyone could only give according to what they have and no one will be held accountable before God for what they don’t have, but only for what they have. Paul is teaching stewardship by calling the Corinthians who have in abundance to give in abundance and those who have little to share the little they have with the impoverished Church in Jerusalem. For Paul, there will also be a time, when the Corinthians will be in need, then they should also expect help from other Churches around the globe.

The Church as a beautiful family

Paul is teaching us that the Church is a beautiful family where we help each other out. This understanding goes back to the Book of Exodus when the children of God were collecting manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:18). God will keep providing for those who give generously as he did for the Community of Israel in the desert. Paul is speaking to us today and he is encouraging us to keep doing what we are doing for the less privileged in our Community. Our collections towards the outreach, the DSA, the Divine Mercy Foundation, the Pallottines formation, etc... are an indication that we are following the right paths as far as God’s calling to charity towards those in need is concerned. St. Paul is inviting and encouraging those associations, groups, individuals among us to give more for the need of the Parish, for the formation of priests in poor countries, for the help of feeding and education of poor people around us and in other poor countries, for the help of people with medical and housing difficulties. In helping those in need, we are imitating Jesus who is our helper in times of need (Hebrews 4:16).

Jesus is our response in times of desperation.

In his habitual method of “sandwich construction” (a different story is placed between the beginning and the end of another story). St. Mark reports the stories of two people in desperation. Jairus whose daughter is 12 years old is dying and the woman who has been suffering from hemorrhages for 12 years. They are both desperately seeking Jesus’ assistance with extraordinary faith. In both cases, Jesus shows compassion. He cares and shares in our sufferings. No wonder, Prophet Isaiah says:

“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering” (Isaiah 53:4).

By healing the woman who has been suffering from hemorrhages for 12 years, Jesus restores our self esteem, and place in society, and gives us the possibility to start a new life. By restoring Jairus’ daughter to life, he indicates that in him the power of death is broken. The envy of the devil that brought death into the world (Wisdom 1:13) is conquered. Jesus will give eternal life to all who believe in him. Yes, with Jesus there is life-changing healing, as we have been created to share eternal life with God.

Blessed Mother of God, help us to have faith in Christ your Son and so respond generously to his invitation to eternal life by opening our hearts to the needs of others. Amen.

“Talitha Kum!”

Please pray for me on this day of my 16th anniversary of priestly ordination! Pray for vocation to the priesthood and support vocations in your own way!

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Living the Gospel this week.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32)

Compassion

Jesus reveals his compassion to the woman and to the synagogue’s official. Jesus is caring and concerned about those who seek him in faith. He stops what he's doing to acknowledge the woman's faith and heals her instantly. Think of Jesus stopping everything he is doing to focus on you this week.

Spiritual salvation

The woman was instantly "healed" or "saved". This indicates that she also received spiritual salvation. Jesus wants us to be restored to a right relationship with God for eternity, not just physical healing.

Let us pray with the words of St Paul:

“Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:23.)

Happy Sunday 13th Sunday! Happy priestly anniversary to Fr. Gee!!!

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

The Powerful God

12th sunday in ordinary time, Job 38:1,8-11; Psalm 107; 2 Corinthians 5:14-17; Mark 4:35-4.

For the Israelites of the time of Jesus, the sea represented the greatest threat to human beings. It was the expression of evil powers because it contained all the terrible creatures. The sea has uncontrollable forces. This Sunday, the storm comes in as an addition to the scary and threatening environment surrounding the sea concept. But Jesus will silence everything with a word:

“Be silent”.

We find ourselves in the sea of the world with all kinds of threats and dangers. There is no place in life that guarantees us of a storm-less sail on the sea of life. Yet meeting with storms does not mean that we made wrong decisions or that we are necessarily in the wrong direction. No. Storms are part of our lives. Every sector of life has its storms: the storms in our hearts, storms of anxiety, storms of depression, storms of hardship, storms of temptations, storms of inequality, storms of corruption, storms in marriage, storms in family life, storms in community life… All we need is to always remember that there is a powerful God, who is the source of energy. St. Augustine said that:

“The storms of life waken up the sleeping Christ inside us”

The storm awakens our trust in God who reaffirms his mighty handiwork to Job in the first reading (Job 38). We must renew our trust in God’s power.

"I am the Lord All-Powerful, the first and the last, the one and only God" (Isaiah 44:6)

Our God is in control of this world.

Finding Peace in Christ

When faced with the storm, the disciples remember to turn to Jesus in prayer. Lord save us, we are perishing, they said. When faced with the storms in our own lives, we should remember Jesus’ power over all things. Just as He calmed the sea for the disciples, He can bring peace to our troubled hearts, our troubled families, our troubled churches and our troubled societies. We only need to trust Him and have faith. St. Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians tells us that, since we live by Christ, Christ’s love changes us. We no longer live for ourselves, but for Him. In Christ, we become new creations, leaving our old ways behind. This new life in Christ is full of hope and promise. When we trust in His love, we can face any storm of life with courage. We know that He is with us, guiding and protecting us.

Father in heaven, thank you for your word on this 12th Sunday. You know all the storms we are facing on the sea of this world. Help us to trust you even when everything seems messy, lost and uncontrollable. Silence the storms and give us your strength and your guidance.

Fr. Georges R. BIDZOGO SAC

Living the Gospel this week: Turning to God in Prayer

The book of Job says:

“Surrender your heart to God, turn to him in prayer…” (Job 11:13-19)

In our daily lives, we might feel afraid or lost, despair, threatened by the storms of life. Let’s turn to God in prayer. When the disciples felt threatened by the outrage of the sea and the heavy storm, they cried to Jesus. Just as they did, we can cry out to Him too. He hears us and will help us. With the letter to the Hebrews,

"So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

(Hebrews 13:6)

Let us remember that Jesus is always with us, even in the most difficult moments of our lives. He is our peace and our strength. By trusting in Him, we find the courage to face any challenge. (Psalm 119:71)

Prayer: The Holy Mother of God helps me to trust in the power and love the love of God as you did. Dear Mother, when we face the storms of life, teach us and help us to know that you are with us. Holy Spirit our Comforter, help us to deal with our fears, and give us your peace. Help us to live as new creations in Christ

(2 Corinthians 5:17) showing your love to others. Amen.

Fr. Georges R. BIDZOGO SAC

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Silent but All-powerful!

11th sunday in ordinary time, Ezekiel 17:22-24; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10; Mark 4:26-34

Introduction

It sometimes happens that we do not see how God is at work in our daily life, and because of the many trials, we often get discouraged. This Sunday, we are given a beautiful image of God’s powerful assurance of His love and protection and his presence in our daily lives. Today’s readings remind us that God is our refuge, our fortress and our help in times of troubles. Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 encourages us to live by faith and not by sight. Such a life makes us responsible people because we are accountable for all our actions. We should all long for our eternal life with God.

God is of might and restoration

In the first reading, Ezekiel is one of the four major prophets, called by God to be a spiritual guide for his people in exile. Here Ezekiel conveys a message of hope. In his message, he speaks of trees and birds, the trees represent the nation while the birds represent the peoples. As an exiled people, Israel was like a felled tree doomed to disappear. But God will make it live again because he is the all-powerful God who gives restoration from any deadly situation.

God’s hidden presence

Inspired by his ordinary life, Jesus gives us two parables in today’s gospel. For Jesus, God is at work in our daily lives and activities. Those daily activities have meaning and construct our relationship with God. Our daily endeavors can open our eyes to the mystery of God. So, we simply need to have attentive ears, hearts and eyes, to be able

“to seek and find God in all things.”

St. Theresa of Avila said: “growth of a spiritual seed within us requires prayers and meditation. Let us be sowers of the seed”

God is doing something good with your life

By comparing the kingdom of God with the tiniest seed or the mustard seed, Jesus would like us to realize that God’s presence dwells in our hearts and is at the heart of things in the world. Just as the tiny mustard seed, while cast upon the ground, grows until becoming the tallest tree (cf. Mk 4:31-32), so does the power of God grow in our lives without us noticing. The clamor of the world and our busy daily schedule prevent us from stopping and seeing how the Lord is conducting history. Yet – the Gospel assures us – God is at work, like a good little seed that silently and slowly. God always works in a humble, hidden, and often invisible way.

Confidence in the Lord

By telling us these parables, Jesus' aim is to build up confidence in us. We should not allow ourselves to be paralyzed by doubt when we find we are working hard but the results are not achieved or when things seem never to change. The result of sowing does not depend on our abilities but on the action of God. It is up to us to sow, and sow with love, with dedication and with patience. The farmer sows the seed and then does not realize how it bears fruit. The seed grows spontaneously, day and night, even when the farmer least expects it (cf. vv. 26-29). With God, dear friends, even in the most infertile soil there is always the hope of new sprouts.

May Mary Most Holy, the Lord’s humble handmaid, teach us to see the greatness of God who works in the little things and to overcome the temptation of discouragement!

Jesus I trust in you every day!

Have a blessed week

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC