Ownership of Goods

Living the Gospel: CCC. 2402

(Catechism of the Catholic Church)

This article of the Catechism speaks of the universal destination and private ownership of Goods. Its stipulates that, in the beginning, God entrusted the earth and its resources to the common stewardship of mankind to take care of them, master them by labor, and enjoy their fruits. [Cf. Gen 1:26-29] The goods of creation are destined for the whole human race.

However, the earth is divided up among men to assure the security of their lives, endangered by poverty and threatened by violence. The appropriation of property is legitimate for guaranteeing the freedom and dignity of persons and for helping each of them to meet his basic needs and the needs of those in his charge. It should allow for a natural solidarity to develop between men. [226, 1939]

Happy 18th Sunday.

Fr. Georges Bidzogo SAC

New Life in Christ

Living the Gospel: New Life in Christ

In this Sunday’s second reading from Colossians 2:12, St. Paul writes:

“Brothers and sisters: You were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.”

The second reading this Sunday implies the transformative experience where one is now reconciled with God through faith in Jesus Christ. This means total and radical change of identity and way of living. Do I still live the same life like when I was not yet a baptized Catholic?

Please consider the follower as a result of your new identity:

1) You have a new type of relationship with God.

2) Your life is transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit who is now your Director.

3) Your life has a purpose and a meaning – you have something to offer to the world.

4) You are now a beacon of hope and witness to God’s love and mercy.

5) You are not alone on this journey but united in a loving and strong community of Faith. These are brothers and sisters, who love and pray for you. That is, the Church.

6) You are now invited to live a life of obedience to Christ and service to his Church.

St. Augustine says our new life in Christ, must take into consideration the outward transformation of our actions as well as an inward renewal of the heart and mind.

Fr Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Rejoicing in Hardships

Living the Gospel: Rejoicing in Hardships

In today’s second reading, St. Paul speaks of “rejoicing in his sufferings.” How hardship can help us strengthen our faith. We came across different forms of hardship, such as infertility and frustration with others. In Genesis, Sarah faces the hardship of infertility. As time passed, she struggled to believe that God’s promise of a child would be fulfilled. Yet, through this hardship, Abraham and Sarah’s faith was tested and grew stronger.

Hardships can help us to trust in God’s promises. The Gospel story of Martha and Mary includes the hardship of frustration. Martha is frustrated with Mary for not helping her with the work. Jesus gently reminds Martha that Mary has chosen the better part by sitting and listening to Him. This teaches us that in our frustrations, we need to focus on what truly matters.

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo SAC

What is Moral Law?

Living the Gospel this Week. What is Moral Law?

“If only you would heed the voice of the Lord, your God, and keep his commandments and statutes that are written in this book of the Law”

The words of Moses from the first reading from Deuteronomy 30:10, inspired me to speak about what is commonly known as Moral Law, that is, a set of religious law like canon law, or natural law or divine Law, which not necessarily set down by legislation. Moral law comes from God as a gift to guide us in choosing what good and avoiding harm. This law is already written in our hearts. It is not just a set of rules. By following moral law, we grow closer to God and live in ways that respect others. Moral Laws help build a just and loving community.

The core question that could help each of us act morally is "How will my actions affect others, and are those effects aligned with the Common Good and God’s will?”

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

The Source and Summit of the Christian life

Living the gospel this week. The Holy Eucharist is the “source and summit of the Christian life,” (CCC 1324). The Eucharist Is Not a Symbol (Read John 6 thru this week. Repeat from vs 53-58)

After the Corpus Christi, I promised to give some reflections on the Eucharist. Jesus says: “I’m the true bread” (John 6:33), which suggests that Jesus is substantially present - body, blood, soul, and divinity in the holy Eucharist. In the Eucharist, we eat the body of Christ and drink his blood. That is the Real presence that we also worship in the Blessed Sacrament during adoration. This is the simple way to understand this. After the consecration, the external characteristics or “accidents” of the bread and wine endure without change; we can see their aspects like color, size, shape, or any other observable feature. However their substance (their underlying reality or essence) changes into the body of Christ while the taste and appearance remain unchanged.

Take 15 minutes each day this week to pray asking Jesus to open your heart to his loving presence in the Eucharist!

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

Regarding the Eucharist

Living the Gospel This Week.

As are celebrating the Corpus Christi, I deem it necessary to take a few weeks to address some concerns regarding the Eucharist. I will try to answer one question every week.

Q: Does the bread cease to be bread and the wine cease to be wine after consecration?

A: Yes. In order for the whole Christ to be present—body, blood, soul, and divinity—the bread and wine cannot remain, but must give way so that his glorified Body and Blood may be present. Thus in the Eucharist the bread ceases to be bread in substance, and becomes the Body of Christ, while the wine ceases to be wine in substance, and becomes the Blood of Christ. As St. Thomas Aquinas observed, Christ is not quoted as saying, " This bread is my body," but " This is my body" (Summa Theologiae, III q. 78, a. 5).

When we receive the consecrated host, we truly receive the body and the blood of Christ. So, Believe, Trust, Surrender and worship. (Please visit Jesus in the adoration chapel at least once during the week)

Happy Corpus Christi Sunday!

Fr. Georges Roger Bidzogo sac

The fruits of the Holy Spirit

Living the Gospel this week. The fruits of the Holy Spirit

As we get back to the ordinary time, It is important for us to yield the fruits of the paschal mysteries that we had celebrated. St. Augustine said the fruits of the Holy Spirit are a result of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within a person. They are a sign of spiritual maturity and a true love for God.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church no. 1832 states that, the fruits of the Spirit are perfections that the Holy Spirit forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory. The tradition of the Church lists twelve of them: "charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control and chastity.

Can you examine yourself this week by asking yourself if you bear each of these fruits. How do I live my chastity? Am I a joyful and peaceful person? Am I faithful, modest, patient, kind or gentle or generous? Pray for the grace to bear that you are lacking and to grow and strengthen others.

Happy Sunday of the most Holy Trinity!

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Mission of the confirmed

Living the Gospel this week. Mission of the confirmed

After the ascension of the Lord, we enter the immediate preparation of the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. I’m interested to reflect on the Mission and witness the confirmed person. According to the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, “Confirmation deepens our baptismal life that calls us to be missionary witnesses of Jesus Christ in our families, neighborhoods, society, and the world.” … With confirmation, the Holy Spirit helps the confirmed person to be at the loving service of the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit bestows seven gifts – wisdom, understanding, knowledge, fortitude, piety, and the fear of the Lord assisting the confirmed person in their mission of witnessing. “You will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8)

How do I live my confirmation status?

Happy Sunday!

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

The Effects of the sacrament of confirmation

Living the Gospel this week. The Effects of the sacrament of confirmation

Many candidates received confirmation last week, May 28, 2025. The question we ask is what happens when one is confirmed?

In its no. 1302, the Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms that, the sacrament of Confirmation is the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost. There are five important effects:

1) Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace: - it roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which makes us cry, "Abba! Father!"

2) It unites us more firmly to Christ;

3) It increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us;

4) It renders our bond with the Church more perfect;

5) It gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross

(CCC. No. 1303).

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

The anointing with Sacred Chrism

Living the Gospel this week. The anointing with Sacred Chrism

In this month of May, our parish has been blessed with very important and powerful events, these include our children's first holy communion, the May crowning by the CCW and by our youth and our children. Coming up soon on this same month of May, the sacrament of confirmation for our candidates. During the celebration of that sacrament, there will be one of the most beautiful rites, the anointing of the candidates with sacred Sacred Chrism by the Bishop. What is its meaning for us? According to the Compendium of the Catholic Church, “The post-baptismal anointing with the sacred chrism in confirmation … is the sign of consecration … those who are anointed, share more completely in the mission of Jesus Christ” (CCC, no. 1294). This beautiful gesture of anointing symbolizes the gift of the Holy Spirit. It seals the person and empowers them to live out their faith boldly. The anointing with the sacred chrism, consecrates, that is setting the person apart for a special purpose and mission in the Christian life. The Sacrament confirmation, what a beautiful gift of God to us!

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Supporting Each Other in Love - “Working together”

Living the Gospel this week. Supporting Each Other in Love - “Working together”

On this 5th Sunday of Easter, Year C, we hear that, Paul and Barnabas called the church together and reported what God had done with them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. This reminds us of the importance of supporting each other in our faith journeys. The early Church, as seen in Acts, shows us how believers helped one another. This support was crucial in building a strong and united community of believers.

Stewardship: How can I help build up a strong and united community in my Parish? Think of your talents, your time, your treasure.

Have a blessed Sunday!

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Becoming good shepherds

Living the Gospel this week: Becoming good shepherds:

Following the example of Jesus, everyone who is entrusted with the care of others is a shepherd. Hence, pastors, parents, teachers, doctors, nurses, government officials, etc. are all shepherds. We become good shepherds by loving those entrusted to us, praying for them, spending our time and talents for their welfare, and guarding them from physical and spiritual dangers. Parents must be especially careful of their duties, thus giving their children good examples through the way they live their Christian lives.

Am I a good shepherd? A good sheep? A good follower?

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

"You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church"

Living the Gospel this Week. "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church" (Mt. 16: 18)

This Sunday offers us an opportunity to reflect on the Ministry of St. Peter as the Bishop of Rome. The "ministerium petrinum" or the Chair of St. Peter, is the service proper to the Bishop of Rome, which is exercised in collaboration with the college of all Bishops. As the Vicar of Christ, the Pope acts as Christ's representative, in guiding, governing and sanctifying the Holy Catholic and apostolic Church on earth. The Pope has the responsibility to preserve the deposit of Faith and doctrines and morals handed unto the Church by Christ. Let's pray for a faithful and dynamic Vicar of Christ in our Church.

Prayer: Lord, of all wisdom, send your Holy Spirit to guide the Cardinals in their choice. May they select a Pope who will be a faithful witness to your truth and a shepherd of Your Church in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Fr. Georges BIDZOGO sac

Seeking indulgences

Living the Gospel this week. Seeking indulgences

The Catholic Church understands indulgences as a remission of temporal punishment due to sins that have already been forgiven. The punishment could earthly suffering or time spent in purgatory.

The divine Mercy Sunday offers us an opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence. How? We must be in a state of grace, detached from all sin, and participate in prayers and devotions in honor of Divine Mercy in the presence of the Blessed sacrament. We must recite the Our Father, the Creed and say a prayer for the Pope. Additionally, one should have confession and holy communion on Divine Mercy Sunday.

With Saint Augustine, would love us to understand that: “Each opportunity to obtain an indulgence is a wonderful opportunity to grow in holiness.”

(St. Augustine)

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC

Greater love for Easter

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

How Do We Resist Sin?

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

Be reconciled with God

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

Bearing good fruits

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

Living as Citizens of Heaven

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

Time, Trust and Surrender

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