The Bible says: “do not judge” is the popular mantra we hear whenever someone calls our attention to some wrong we have done or tries to correct us. And to avoid ‘offending’ others or avoid talking about difficult subjects where we must necessarily take a stand, we sometimes pretend to be ‘liberal’ saying: ‘well, I […]
Author Archives: Fr. Simon Onyekachi Madu, OSJ
27
Mar
Mar
4th Sunday of Lent Year C (Laetare Sunday): Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 33(34):2-7, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Luke 15:1-3,11-32 Shame is a feeling of embarrassment, humiliation or worthlessness caused by self evaluation of having done or experienced something dishonorable, immoral or improper. Even though the feeling of shame helps to keep our excesses in check so that […]
20
Mar
Mar
Do you gloat when others fall? Gloating is taking delight and pleasure, even rejoicing over someone else’s hardship, misery or disappointments. Our human nature inclines to it because it exudes certain pleasures. But is this pleasure favourable or destructive?
Rather than gloating and then sinning, there are three important lessons you can learn when others fall. No school, except experience will teach you this. If you want to know, read slowly…
13
Mar
Mar
To tempt Eve, the devil was concerned about what God has said and twisted it. To afflict Job, the devil was interested to ‘change’ what God had said about Job as a righteous man. To tempt Jesus as well, the devil was interested in what the Father said at his baptism: If you are the (beloved) Son of God turn this stone to bread.In the spiritual realm, patterns are important revealing deep truths! There’s something about God’s Word that interests our enemy the devil. If you’re reading this piece you should be interested to know this as well. Don’t go away continue reading slowly
10
Mar
Mar
The rosary of St Joseph can prayed with the rosary substituting the Hail Marys with the following prayer: Joseph, Son of David and Husband of Mary; we honor you guardian of the Redeemer, and we adore the child you named Jesus.
06
Mar
Mar
Have you ever found yourself already eating a tempting food, although you have planned to fast or watch your weight? Have you ever found yourself watching television or glued to your phone, although you planned working on an important project? Or did you ever catch yourself flirting with another person or ‘laying with them’, although you are married or in a serious relationship? Or you found yourself laying with someone, although you have decided to keep chastity until marriage? All these challenging situations require a large amount of willpower and thus puts a person’s self-discipline or self-control to the test.
Only those who try to resist temptations know how strong it is. It is easier to condemn others for being unable to resist temptations, until we find ourselves in similar conditions. And so I ask you: Are you gravely tempted and can’t resist anymore? Listen, I will share with you useful tips to overcome temptations. Continue reading slowly…
27
Feb
Feb
I hear this complain almost every time during counselling sessions: “Father, I trusted and believed him with my life, but he deceived me, used me and dumped me.” And whenever I ask: How come you did not notice he is a trickster? The response usually is: “he told me he loves me, he called often, […]
19
Feb
Feb
7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C: 1Sam 26:2-23, Ps 103, 1Cor 15:45-49, Lk 6:27-38 The desire to get revenge on someone who hurt you is a natural feeling we all have; and this feeling becomes worst in people who are prone to anger or bitterness. Of all the reasons why people seek revenge, the […]
13
Feb
Feb
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C:Jer 17:5-8, Ps 1:1-4,6, 1 Cor 15:12,16-20, Lk 6:17,20-26 If you have ever been betrayed by those you trusted you will understand what people mean when they say: “I’ll never trust anyone ever again!” Yet we often want to advice or tell the person that this feeling will change […]
06
Feb
Feb
5th Sunday in Ordinary time, Year C: Isa 6:1-2;3-8, 1Cor 15:1-11, Ps 137(138):1-5,7-8, Luke 5:1-11 Sometimes it takes disappointments and sufferings to discover hidden potentials in us and better appreciate God in our lives. These things happen as if to say you needed that suffering or problem to ‘provoke you into action’ than if things […]