Is God still with us?

 

 Thursday of the first week in Ordinary Time. Year C

Is God still with us? 

 “Why has the LORD permitted us to be defeated today by the Philistines?" (1 Sm 4:1-11)

Beloved, this was a very bad moment for Israel. They were defeated and the All powerful ark was  captured. Why?

There had been moments when I questioned the whereabouts of God while his people suffer. But coming to think of it, we abandoned him first when we chose to sin, but did the just God ever abandon us because of our sins? 🤔 

Why would God, All powerful and loving not prevent evil on his people? Don't we deserve good life, no sickness, no robbery, no accident, no kidnapping, no rape, no death, a cross free Christianity? 

The gospel of Mark 1:40- 45 instead, presents Jesus offering his healing presence to the leprous man, and all who sought him even when he wanted to be alone in the desert. No matter what caused the defeat of Israel today, obviously the sons of Eli and Eli were forewarned, Christ did not promise us sun without rain, love without hurt, life without suffering, he promises to fill our suffering with his presence! So in the mystery of suffering, will you still hold on to him?

We are often confused on what direction to take in the _way_ full of diverse routes, wide and narrow; who to trust in a _truth_ mixed with falsehood, and troubled over a _life_ that has an end, unknown to us. -Fulton Sheen-. Christ calls us to abide in him always, he is the way, truth and life, cut off from whom we can do nothing. 

Good morning and have a blessed day.

-Gerald Nwogueze, OFM Cap.

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Fiat Voluntas Tua! (Thy Will be done!)

 Thursday of the first week in Advent (C)

Fiat voluntas tua

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven but the one who does the will of my Father"(Mt 7:21, 24-27)

Beloved, 'Christianity no be for mouth'. It's one thing to be a Christian and another to make Christ's words the rock of your Christianity. We are called Christians; being like Christ, acting like Christ, thinking and speaking like Christ, an in summary, being another Christ. On this basis, actions speak louder than popular acclamations.

What a misery it would be that on the last day, after being a Christian, a religious, minister, priest; with all the duties, practices, deprivations, sacrifices and so on, we get the reply, 'I do not know you'. However, in faith and hope; the Lord is our portion, justified by faith, of course not without good work. This is only when we do the will of the Father; founded on Christ the rock.

Beloved, a house built on the rock stands firm amidst rain, storms, problems, evil, obstacles and limitations. They come during and after we have received the word and Eucharist, to distort our disposition and distract them from taking root in us. Let's watch and pray.

That's why when temptations to steal, to fear, to commit sins against purity; fornication, masturbation, pornography and others, to lie, to judge, to let your anger and pride take hold of your emotion, etc. come, the house built on Christ stands unshaken, a life that abides in the word, full of the spirit, wisdom and fear of the Lord, perseveres to the end. 

What saves me at last, where have I built my being a Christian; acting on Christ's word; the rock, or on sand; being without acting? 

Let in a nation that is just, one that keeps faith. (Is 26:1-6)

Thy will be done O Lord!

Good morning and have a blessed day.

-Gerald Nwogueze, OFMCap. 

Preserve me O God🙇🏾‍

 Thirty-third Sunday in ordinary time (B)

Preserve me O God🙇🏾

He will gather his elect from the four winds. (Mk 13:24-32)

Beloved, if God should mark our guilt who shall survive? 

At the end of Nigerian movies, the caption often read, 'to God be the glory' 

We are reminded today about the end, how glorious it will be for our own journey to be heaven at last. These readings might have either made us worried or relieved. Which ever, we are called today to make an introspection, to evaluate our lives and make necessary amends to be on track. 

Only the righteous, the elect shall be with God. The response and journey to God's call is not automatic, its a daily job, it thrives and grows through falling and rising, learning and growing in love. Those who respond to this call of holiness; he justifies and in turn would glorify. We are his elect by baptism, we are his saints! 

However elect and saints of Christ,😇

 Are you making conscious effort, Is our life lived in accordance with the precepts of God? Are we  living in fear of the end time or making effort to order our steps in the eternal word of Christ which shall not pass away? 

Dearly beloved, this life as we know it is passing away and full of vanities, we are to live it in hope and in view of the next.

 Let's Make an introspection and evaluate our lives so far, bearing in mind that we are not justified by our power and might, but by our faith; the power of grace and the redemptive mercy of Jesus Christ. Let's pray with the psalmist, 'preserve me oh God for in you I take refuge.' Amen.

May our lives be on track in the life in Christ, whose word is eternal yes and amen. Amen!

Happy Sunday

Gerald Nwogueze, OFM Cap.

Solemnity of Mary Queen and Patroness of Nigeria

 

Mary Queen and patroness of Nigeria, we rededicate our country to God through you that by your maternal protection, we may be delivered from every slavery and enjoy lasting peace, prosperity and progress. Amen

Good morning and happy solemnity!

Tomorrow may be too late!

 

 Friday of the Twenty-first week in ordinary time (B)

Tomorrow may be too late! 

Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him! (Mt 25:1-13)

Beloved, an unknown author once said 'life...always gives us a choice but time...never waits for us to make it.' Igbo proverb has it that you look for a black goat while it is still day.

 Like the ten virgins, we know our aim is to join the bridegroom to the heavenly banquet, with the criterion that we should be ready, with our lives shinning brightly in Faith, Hope and Charity. Be wise, take initiative NOW to preserve that oil, bcus the time is uncertain. God help us!

Good morning and have a blessed weekend.

-Gerald Nwogueze, OFM Cap.

Feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis of Assisi

St. Francis was the first person, historically recorded, who bore the marks of the crucified Christ in his hands, his feet, and in his side.

He received the marks some two-years prior while in prayer on the remote mountaintop of Mt. Alverna (also known as La Verna). Francis had gone there with two other friars, Brother Leo being one. While deep in prayer on a day near the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, a crucified seraph (angel) appeared.

Mother of Sorrow, Queen of peace. Pray for us

Today is memorial of Our Lady of Sorrow

"And sword will pierce your own soul too, so that the secret thoughts of many may  be laid bare" (Luke 2:35)

We have to live life to the full- moments of joy, we prosper and make Merry. Also expect pain, poverty and suffering. They make us weak but stronger, yearn for but trust all the more. 

Christ did not promise us sun without rain, love without hurt, life without suffering, he promises to fill our suffering with his presence!

We all can't be suffering at the same time, so that others can console us, give us hope and joy to balance our affliction. I need you, we need us.

Every cross we bear has been sanctified with equivalent grace within, that's why when you think you can't go on, God sends your Mother Mary, Simon of Cyrene, Veronica and women of Jerusalem. Say Yes, accept the cross, for there lies the crown, death- resurrection.

Mother sorrows, Queen of peace, pray for us!

Good morning. Have a nice day

-Gerald Nwogueze OFMCap

Join in praying the Novena to Padre Pio Day 7

Novena to Padre Pio - Day 6

O St. Pio, I come to you today knowing that you are truly a miracle worker. As one who is close to Jesus, I ask that you would pray for these my intentions: (State your intentions here) I pray with the words of Pope John Paul II as I beg for your prayers on my behalf: “Glorious, humble and beloved Padre Pio. Teach us, we pray, humility of heart, so that we may be counted among the little ones of the Gospel to whom the Father promised to reveal the mysteries of His Kingdom. Help us to pray without ceasing, certain that God knows what we need even before we ask Him. “Obtain for us the eyes of faith that will help us recognize in the poor and suffering, the very face of Jesus. “Sustain us in the hour of trouble and trial and, if we fall, let us experience the joy of the sacrament of forgiveness. Grant us your tender devotion to Mary, mother of Jesus and our Mother. “Accompany us on our earthly pilgrimage toward the blessed Homeland, where we too, hope to arrive to contemplate forever the Glory of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Amen In closing, St. Pio, we pray the prayer you composed for Confidence and Trust in God’s Mercy: “O Lord, we ask for a boundless confidence and trust in Your divine mercy, and the courage to accept the crosses and sufferings which bring immense goodness to our souls and that of Your Church. Help us to love You with a pure and contrite heart, and to humble ourselves beneath Your cross, as we climb the mountain of holiness, carrying our cross that leads to heavenly glory. May we receive You with great faith and love in Holy Communion, and allow You to act in us as You desire for your greater glory. O Jesus, most adorable Heart and eternal fountain of Divine Love, may our prayer find favor before the Divine Majesty of Your heavenly Father.” Amen. All glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. St. Padre Pio, Pray for us! Amen.

Read more at: https://www.praymorenovenas.com/novena-to-padre-pio
 

Exaltation of the Holy Cross

 

Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross

The feast was celebrated in Rome before the end of the 7th century. Its purpose is to commemorate the recovering of that portion of the Holy Cross which was preserved at Jerusalem, and which had fallen into the hands of the Persians. Emperor Heraclius recovered this precious relic and brought it back to Jerusalem on 3 May 629.

"We exalt and adore you O Christ, for by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world"

All I preach is Him crucified.

-St. Paul

The crucifix is my source.

 -St. Bonaventure 

Gaze, contemplate and imitate him crucified

-St. Clare of Assisi

I can't hold back my tears at the innocence/ humility of the babe in Manger and the dying Jesus on the cross.

-St. Francis of Assisi

Fashion into a cross every distress and pain you experience and lift it on your shoulder following his footsteps, Calvary is very near.

-Gerald Nwogueze OFMCap

Prayer before and after confession

From All Catholic Prayers App

Prayer before Confession Devotion

Receive my confession, O most loving and gracious Lord Jesus Christ, only hope for the salvation of my soul. Grant to me true contrition of soul, so that day and night I may by penance make satisfaction for my many sins. Savior of the world, O good Jesus, Who gave Yourself to the death of the Cross to save sinners, look upon me, most wretched of all sinners; have pity on me, and give me the light to know my sins, true sorrow for them, and a firm purpose of never committing them again. 

O gracious Virgin Mary, Immaculate Mother of Jesus, I implore you to obtain for me by your powerful intercession these graces from your Divine Son. 

St. Joseph, pray for me.

Prayers After Confession # 2 Devotion

What thanks do I not owe to Thee, my God! not only for having created me, redeemed me, and called me into the bosom of Thy Church, but still more for having waited for my return whilst I was wandering from Thee in the miserable paths of sin; for having so often pardoned me, as I hope Thou hast done this day, and for having preserved me from so many other sins, into which I should have fallen had I not been preserved by Thy gracious hand. But my enemies will not cease to tempt until death, and if Thou support me not, alas! I shall soon begin again to offend Thee more grievously than ever. Grant me then, through the merits of Jesus Christ the precious grace of final perseverance. The Divine Saviour has assured us that whatever we ask in His Name, Thou wilt grant it to us. I entreat Thee, therefore, through all that Thy dear Son suffered for me, never to let me forsake Thee any more. I feel the greatest confidence that, if I continue to pray for this grace, I shall obtain it, because Thou hast promised to hear our prayers. But I tremble with fear lest, in some unguarded moment, I should forget my dependence on Thee, fail to invoke Thy help, and thus relapse into my former misery. Grant, therefore, that in all my temptations I may have instant recourse to Thee, by invoking the holy Names of Jesus and Mary. Thus, O my Lord, I may confidently hope to die in Thy grace, and to love Thee forever in heaven, where I shall be sure never to be separated from Thee, and to be consumed in the fire of Thy holy love for all eternity.

Amen.

Catholic Prayers - http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=wiktoria.goroch.bible_prayers

His mercy is greater than my sins.

Don't give up, struggle on, God will support us, just trust the process! No one said its going to be easy, only know its going be worth it.

Which is better to say when we sin,

 "o my soul, we are so miserable, useless and most abominable of all creatures cus we have offended him who loves us so much"  

Or

"O my soul, yes we have messed up, arise and let's make effort not to mess up again?"

The truth is that, 

we still need to promise again and yet again and again never to sin again. No matter how many times we have made them and broke them, because God counts and sees every conscious effort you make keeping them not only the number of "I will never do it again," only do not take those second chances for granted.

Sometimes God allows me to fall just to let the "Have mercy on us" make more meaning and to turn accusing finger inward. Cus I will be more slow to judge the other person whose sin may have irritated me. I will then be like, I don't have power to condemn. Then "Your, him, you" turns to "Our, We, Us" 

He loves US even in OUR weaknesses. Let's pray for each other and not condemn ourselves.

 

Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary

This feast probably originated after the Council of Ephesus in 431, which established her right to the title of “Mother of God.” It was first mentioned in a hymn composed by Saint Romanus, an ecclesiastical lyrist of the Greek Church and adopted by the Roman Church in the 17th century.

Ant. Your birth, O Virgin Mother of God, proclaims joy to the whole world, for from you arose the glorious Sun of Justice, Christ our God; he freed us from the age-old curse and filled us with holiness; he destroyed death and gave us eternal life.

The Queenship of Mary

 The Queenship of Mary 

Venerable Pius XII established this feast in 1954. But Mary’s queenship has roots in Scripture. 

-At the Annunciation, Gabriel announced that Mary’s Son would receive the throne of David and rule forever. 

-At the Visitation, Elizabeth calls Mary “mother of my Lord.”

- Venerable Pius XII points out that Mary deserves the title because she is Mother of God, because she is closely associated as the New Eve with Jesus’ redemptive work, because of her preeminent perfection and because of her intercessory power.

Gift of a new heart comes with responsibility

 Thursday of the Twentieth week in ordinary time

I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you. Ez 36:23-28

The new heart and spirit is not a magnetic pull to sanctity without your willing and cooperating with it. That's why of all the people invited to the party, one was not on his wedding garment.

God help us

Good morning. Have a nice day.

Gerald Nwogueze OFMCap

I keep the commandments. What do I still lack?

 

 Monday of the twentieth week in Ordinary time.

 “All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?”

(Mt 19:16-22)

This is a necessary question that every Christian should ask himself, when you feel you've got all it takes to be perfect, then it remains what u lack. Discover it and don't back off like the young rich man. 

Good morning and happy new week.

Gerald Nwogueze

The Glorious Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 Let's come to the throne of grace!

The Almighty has done great things for me: holy His name. 

 As we celebrate, may we be aided by her intercession that after this our exile in the vale of tears, we may be shown the blessed fruit of her womb and come to share in her glory, the gate which she through her obedience, left wide open, unlike eve. 

Happy Solemnity.

Gerald Nwogueze OFMCap

Proudly Celibate

 Friday of the nineteenth week in ordinary time (A)

Proudly Celibate

"Some renounced marriage

  for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever can accept this ought to accept it.” (Mt 19:3-12)

I did not choose celibacy because I hate women or marriage. So also a soldier not because he hates his life. Its because of a special way I preferred to serve God. 

I am so full of love that I can't share it with only one person, its overflowing to reach multitude which I abandoned my loved ones to serve.

Continue to pray for us. 

Good morning. Have a nice weekend 

Friar Gerald Nwogueze

The Franciscan Tau

 Wednesday of the Nineteenth week in ordinary time (A)

The origin of the Tau

But do not touch any marked with the “Thau” (Ez 9:1-7)

The Tau is the sign placed upon the foreheads of the poor of Israel, it saves them from extermination.

Saint Francis of Assisi took hold of this sign in a manner so complete and intense that, at the end of his life and through the stigmata impressed in his flesh he became the living image of the Tau that he had so often contemplated, drawn, and especially loved.

We Franciscans receive and put on this tau as a heritage and sign of Christ's love and ours for him. 

Through his intercession, may we be delivered from every harm and danger. Amen

Good morning. Have a nice day

Gerald Nwogueze OFMCap

Life without a cross...

 Friday of the Eighteenth week in ordinary time (A)

What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? (Mt 16:24-28)

-Jesus invites us to set as priority care for our souls. 

-Remove attachment to die to ourselves daily 

-Courage to defend the faith we profess.

Good morning. Have a nice weekend

-Gerald Nwogueze OFMCap

Come and Eat

 Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

Call to Divine Bouquet

Those who came all ate and were satisfied. All creation look to you, to give them their food in proper season. 

Come let's share in the supper of the Lamb, in the Blessed Sacrament of his love of which nothing can separate our union, not life, death. (Rom 8:35-39)

Come if your heart is longing, come if your soul is thirty, Come, without paying and without cost, to the fountain of life. (Is 55:1-3)

As we respond to his invitation today, may Christ, the good Shepherd who never abandons his hungry sheep, feed and nourish you with his word and sacrament, give you life, truth and way to eternal life.(Mt 14:13-21) All we need is to come, seek the giver, not the gift. 

Good mornng. Happy Sunday

Friar Gerald Nwogueze