Morning Voice

July 18, 2021. Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – B. READINGS: Jer 23:1-6; Ps 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6; Eph 2:13-18; Mk6:30-34. A British proverb says: “God gives his anger by weight, but his pity without measure.” And a Bayombe proverb adds: “A wrong step by the leader is a warning for those following.” Sheep without a shepherd are easy prey for a wild beast. When shepherds forget or resign from their primary task which is to take care of their sheep, these run the danger of getting lost, disoriented, in permanent danger. God has not created us to be lost sheep. But regrettably, the leaders to whom we are entrusted had dismission from their task. Therefore, the flock is at lost, erring in the lonely deserts of this life in search of comfort, consolation, and security. Where then will they find that comfort? The Lord himself promises to be the new leader of his sheep. He will be the one to care for them, lead them, and protect them. He will be their perfect and good shepherd, not lik...

July 11, 2021 Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – B. READINGS: Am 7:12-15; Ps 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14; Eph 1:3-14or 1:3-10; Mk 6:7-13. A Sicilian proverb says: “The prior said to the abbess: without money no Mass will be sung.” And a Kurdish proverb adds: “When the money starts to glitter and clink, even a Mullah will leave the mosque.” Is the announcement of the Gospel opposed to material possession, especially money? Put in that way, this question could sound simplicist and even provoking. But it is the aim of the Gospel of Christ to provoke and call to action. The main issue here is the relation between the announcement of the Gospel and money. To see the way many men and women of God live today, the temptation is great to say that they have become evangelists, pastors, preachers, prophets, priests, or bishops only for money. For, someone said, it pays well it seems, that work of 'man of God'. But, the real question, ‘Are we prophets and preachers for money or for th...

July 4, 2021 Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – B. READINGS: Ez 2:2-5; Ps 123:1-2, 2, 3-4; 2 Cor 12:7-10; Mk6:1-6. A Japanese proverb says, “You can only endure the weaknesses of others by knowing your own. Flattery is the best persuader.” And a Puerto Rican proverb adds, “Never say no due to pride, or yes due to weakness.” We do all have our little devils surrounding our lives. In one or another way we are all weak because we are sinners. No man can presume of his righteousness before God. But what keeps us going, despite our sins, is God's merciful love. We are all debtors of God's love which reaches the ends of the earth, and debtors of his right hand always eager to save and justify. In the abasement of his only Begotten Son, God raised our fallen humanity. He made us strong when we were weak by rescuing us from slavery to sin. The Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms, “God is infinitely good and all his works are good. Yet no one can escape the experience of ...

June 29, 2021 Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles. READINGS: Acts 12:1-11; Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; 2 Tm4:6-8, 17-18; Mt 16:13-19. A Swahili proverb says: “Every door with its own key.” And a Bosnian proverb adds: “During the battle, you cannot lend your sword to anyone.” Every strong edifice is erected on a strong foundation. Nothing that does not have a good foundation can stand firm in times of adversity and opposed winds. If the Church of Jesus Christ, the Holy Catholic Church stands, despite the adversities, it is proof that it is erected on a strong foundation, the apostolic faith. St. Peter carries the key of authority, truth and faith and St. Paul the Sword of the word and love. Peter and Paul are the principal Pillars of the Church founded by Jesus. St. Peter was chosen by Christ to be His Vicar on earth; he was endowed with the power of the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven and given the role of Shepherd of Christ's flock. St. Paul was chosen to form part ...

June 27, 2021. Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – B. READINGS: Wis 1:13-15; 2:23-24; Ps 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11, 12, 13;2 Cor 8:7, 9, 13-15; Mk 5:21-43 or 5:21-24, 35b-43. A Kikuyu proverb says, “Death is like a dress that, at some point or another, everyone has to wear.” And a Rwandese proverb adds, “A friend who visits you when you are suffering is your best friend.” I thought of the Pieta. I thought of death. I thought of Mary holding the lifeless body of her son, the Son of God and I questioned, is there a mystery greater than death? And because it remains a deep mystery, we can prevent asking, why do we suffer? Why is life so hard? And even more, why do we die? Has God created man for suffering and death? In confront with suffering and death, we find ourselves always with those questions. We hardly understand and accept the reality of death. Where is it from, and why do we have to endure it? Is God taking any pleasure to see us dying? If so, which kind of God is he then? A fe...

June 24, 2021 Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist. READINGS: Is 49:1-6; Ps 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15; Acts13:22-26; Lk 1:57-66, 80. “A man was sent from God, whose name was John. He came to testify to the light, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.” (Jn 1, 6-7; Lk 1, 17) A Ganda proverb says: “Parents give birth to the body of their children, but not always to their characters.” And a Bajan proverb adds: “There is no name which cannot distinguish a child.” The Entrance Antiphon opening us to today's solemnity leads us to the discovery of the man named John, the Baptist and the greatest Prophet. He is a man born with a mission and for a purpose. Not only the circumstances of his birth are mysterious and providential, but his whole life will be a work of God's compassion and providential presence among his people. We are today six months before Christmas, and the tradition of the Church, based on the biblical reports, holds that the precursor of the M...