Reflection for 31st March 2023

 Friends, today we are presented two similar scenarios in both first and the Gospel reading. The first reading taken from the prophet Jeremiah 20:10-13 gives us the picture of vocational crisis of the prophet. In fact this is one of the chapters with a lot of laments and the laments come because of resistance to the message. The prophet had been preaching on how catastrophic the future would be because of their resistance to change, but nothing was happening, everything continued the same way and finally they did not want him at all! At the time he thought of giving up but he realized that he couldn’t. Thus he continues the prayer of lament which was very common in the Old Testament whenever things were not moving in better way.

The prophet realized that if God is “Deo Creante” he also is “Deo Elevante.” Therefore, there is no any other refuge than giving oneself to Him, so to unglue from God is to choose emptiness and this gives him a great confidence and trust in the Lord, despite all the hardships.

On the other hand, we find in the Gospel the rejection of the message of Christ because he affirms himself as Son of God. In the first verse of the Gospel we hear that they picked stones and wanted to stone him. To stone someone was a sentence of some few crimes in the Jewish context and this included blasphemy. But Jesus apologetically quotes Psalm 82:6, since they based their accusation on the scripture, to show them that they were ignorant of their own Scripture.  They were so fixated that they could not have space for the grace of God to enter.

Like prophet Jeremiah we can also find ourselves in a certain challenge that shakes our vocation either in our area of apostolate or anywhere. How are we going to deal with such challenges? Are we going to just give up? Jesus persevered all oppositions and was patient. He showed that he is a master and fulfilment of Scriptures. We too as Servants of the Word, are supposed to be masters of Scriptures! We are not supposed to get angry when someone challenges us in the matters of scripture. May God give as the necessary graces we need to persevere in our missionary vocation and to be truly servants of the word.

Geremias Armando Carlos

III Year Theology

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Reflection for 29th March 2023

1st Reading: Dan 3:14-20, 24-25, 28 

Gospel: John 8:31-42

Dear friends, in today’s Gospel passage Jesus is sincere with us. He says, “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:32). It is then clear that freedom is something that God always intended for us. In fact, he gave us the faculties of intellect, emotion, and will so that we could freely decide how we would live. God’s intention was that we would use our freedom to turn to him and receive His life within us. We are then invited to deeply examine ourselves on the matters of truth. How are we really truthful with ourselves on our daily endeavors? If we were to give accounts of our undertakings, is it something that we would be proud of?

The first reading presents clearly what truth would mean for us. I am indeed inspired by the opening of the passage. “Nebuchadnezzar said to them, ‘Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve the gods and you do not worship the golden statue that I have set up?” (Dan 3:14). “Is it true?” Here the king acts prudently. To his credit, Nebuchadnezzar did not accept the accusation on hearsay. He made sure of it with a personal interview. This was an even greater test for Shadrack, Meshach and Abednego. It is one thing to make a stand for God. It is a greater thing to stick to ones stand when asked “Is it true?” It is a moment for us to recall the occasions that we accused others falsely, or others were accused falsely to us and we believed the message. This reminded me of a friend of mine who resolved never to listen to gossips, but to call the party involved together with the accused and sort out the matter. There are many who have suffered due to false accusations and others because of the truth. On which side am I?

It is interesting to note that these three young men were very categorical in their reply irrespective of the threat and the danger that awaited them in making a contrary choice. They say, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to present a defense to you in this matter. If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us … let him deliver us. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue that you have set up” (Dan 3:16-18). Through this, some few elements vividly come out. They had no need to defend themselves. Their guilt in the matter was clear, they clearly would not bow down to this image. In fact, they knew that God was able to save them from both the burning fiery furnace and from the hand of Nebuchadnezzar himself. They knew God’s power, but they also knew that they must do what was right even if God did not do what they expect or hope Him to do.

We often complain about our rights and what is fair. Often it is better to make a stand and endure our difficulty, leaving our fate in God’s hands. They did not doubt God’s ability, but neither did they presume to know God’s will. To you glory and praise forevermore are the words of the Responsorial Psalm this morning in the praise of God.

Ooko Thomas

III Year Theology

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Reflection for 27th March 2023

1st Reading: Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30,33-62

Gospel: Jn 8:1-11

Friends, today as we listened to the words of the Scriptures, all of us are reminded first of all to be mindful of the dangerous temptations of sin and evil all around us, the worldly desires and the pleasures of the flesh. Then we are also reminded that each one of us are all sinners and we should not think that any one of us are better than the others and we should not take pride because we think that we are somehow superior due to our actions.

 In our first reading today, we heard from the Book of Daniel, of the story of Susanna, a faithful Jewish woman living in the land of exile in Babylon. Those two elders we have heard from the story were entrusted with the guidance and leadership over the people of God, and were highly respected for their position and leadership. Yet, they chose to allow themselves to be swayed by the wicked temptations of the world, the temptation of the flesh, the desire for the beautiful they ended up falling into those temptations and the traps of sin, committing grievous sins against God. Not only that they attempted to violate the honour and purity of Susanna, a faithful servant, but they also committed more sins in trying to hide their sins and faults. That is why we should not even let sin to tempt us in the first place, as unless we are vigilant and careful, we can be easily dragged further and deeper into the trap of sin, and end up committing more and more vile things against God and against our fellow brethren.

 In our Gospel passage today, we heard of the story of the Lord Jesus and a woman who was caught in the act of adultery. The Lord Jesus was tested by a group of Pharisees and teachers of the Law who gathered a crowd with a woman who was caught in the midst of her sinful action, and through that, those people wanted to gauge His reaction and response to the woman, as the Lord had often reached out to those whom these people deemed as sinful and unworthy of God, like the tax collectors and the prostitutes. They wanted to find the opportunity of accusing the Lord of tolerating sins and not following the precepts of the Law of God as revealed through Moses, so that they could persecute Him.

 It is therefore an important reminder to all of us that, after hearing everything from our Scripture passages today, that we should always be mindful of the dangers and the allures that sin and how we should resist the temptations of those sins so that we will not end up falling into the path towards damnation. That is why we are reminded today to resist the temptations to sin, to control our desires and focus on the lord.

Patrick Kalyango

III Year Theology

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7 Minute Homily on Fifth Sunday of Lent

Ezekiel 37:12-14

Romans 8:8-11

John 11:1-45

I am the Resurrection and the Life; Whoever Believes in Me will Live (John 11:25-27)

 As we continue to journey with our lord in this Lenten season, this Sunday, we read one of the great stories in the gospels that is the story of Lazarus: it is not a story of death, but it is a story of God’s glory. Resurrection hope is the key theme of the Scripture readings of the Fifth Sunday of Lent. We can see the gradual movement in themes. If we have been very observant, we have moved from the thirst for living water which was on the Third Sunday of Lent then the desire to be healed of our spiritual blindness this was on the Fourth Sunday then in the fifth Sunday we move to our ultimate desire to have a share in eternal life with the risen Lord.

 

Lazarus come out; he tells you and me too to come out!

 I once visited St Catherine ward in Nsambya hospital where I went to visit the mother of one of friars Fr. Amos CMF. When I entered, I met a doctor who had worked in the emergency room for 12 years, this Dr. saw the best and the worst side of the field of medicine as he shared with me. But the most unforgettable memory it’s when they brought an accident patient who seemed lifeless. Everyone had lost hope, all were weeping but this Dr. told me that he was confident that the patient will come to normal. After receiving some treatment for a period of time the patient responded positively to the medicine. And his words came to be fulfilled.

 It is amazing how this experience affirms what the Bible teaches us about life beyond the grave. There will come a time when the doctor can do no more for us, but somewhere on the other side, Christ will say, “Patrick, come out!” This is a story that affirms resurrection.

 Death and resurrection are the themes that permeate today's Scripture lessons. In our first reading prophet Ezekiel one of the most important prophets in Israel who lived during a time when many of the people of Jerusalem were taken as prisoners and forced to live in exile in Babylon. The king and Ezekiel were taken away too. Ezekiel helped the people follow God’s ways even though they were far from home. Ezekiel bears witness to the renewal of the dead Israel in process of preparation for her return to the Promised Land. He gives his people in exile that Yahweh will one day bring them back and the live in freedom while in the Promised Land. He assures the faithful that not even death will stop Him from carrying out this promise.   

 In the second reading, Paul assures the Roman Christians, who were facing a difficult moment of persecution and even put to death. In the same way Paul tells us today that as we are all surrounded by a culture of death, that the same Spirit Who raised Jesus from the dead, who is the third person of the Holy Trinity who is always present in our hearts and in the Church, helping us to live like brothers and sisters and who dwells within us will raise our mortal bodies to Life on the Last Day.  Paul takes the Resurrection of Jesus as a reality, the foundation of our Faith and the basement of our hope of having a share in Jesus’ Resurrection. 

 In the Gospel, the story of raising Lazarus is the last and highest and preeminent sign of Jesus, is the symbolic narrative of Jesus’ victory over death at the cost of his own human life, and a sign anticipating his Resurrection. The action of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead is yet another sign of God's covenant promise of life. In all that Jesus does, we see the glory of God. In the raising of Lazarus, we have the most spectacular manifestation of God's glory through Jesus Christ. Describing this great miracle, the Church assures us that we, too, will be raised into eternal life after our battle with sin and death in this world.  Thus, resurrection hope is the central theme of the Scripture readings for the Fifth Sunday of Lent.  The reading assures us that our faith in Jesus, who is “the Resurrection and the Life,” promises our participation in resurrection and new life. The story displays to us the divine power of Jesus who is the chosen Messiah and had power over death.

 The action of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead is yet another sign of God's covenant promise of life to us. In all that Jesus does, we see the glory of God. In the raising of Lazarus, we have the most spectacular manifestation of God's glory through Jesus Christ. We pray for ta  strong faith to always have hope for eternal life.

 

Kalyango Patrick

III Year Theology

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Reflection for 22nd March 2023

First Reading: Is 49: 8-15

Gospel Reading: Jn 5:17-30

During the first Exodus Journey, the Israelites faced hunger and thirst. The first reading of today presents to us a kind of a second Exodus journey where the Lord promises a glorious return of the exiles from Babylon. This journey shall be without hunger and thirst. The Lord reveals his Compassion, love and concern for his people. Jesus continues to show the mercy and compassion of God through doing good works even on the Sabbath. The Old Law which was given by Moses prohibited Servile work on the Sabbath. It was a day of rest and worship of God. Moses before he ended his leadership, promised that God would raise a prophet like him among the Israelites and perhaps Jesus is the prophet that Moses foretold. Jesus then is the new Moses. He is the founder of the new Law. Jesus re-interprets the law for us and we have to follow the new teaching as given by Jesus.

Jesus’ attitude of continuing to do good works on the Sabbath is a sign that he is displeased with the way the pharisees handled the Sabbath law and Jesus slowly shifts our focus to the first day of the week and not the Sabbath. The first day of the Week will not only be a day of worshipping God but a day to do good works and humble service. Sunday is not a day to commit scandals, thus, alongside worshipping God on Sunday, we ought to visit the sick, poor, prisoners, elderly and the abandoned. Jesus is teaching us never to grow tired of doing works of mercy and compassion.

May this Lenten season be a period of learning to do good through Alms giving, prayer especially praying for the deceased and those who have no one to pray for them and self-denial.

Landus Bwambale

IV Year Theology

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Reflection for 21st Tuesday 2023

 First Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-9,12

Gospel: Jn 5:1-16

God’s action of Recreation

A seminarian went to his formator and informed him that there was a poor woman at the gate who wanted some financial help. The formator in return asked the seminarian, how much he had given her. Nothing at all, replied the seminarian. The seminarian like many of us think that helping is for those with more and are in higher positions. This makes us remain indifferent to the needy and thus, we are an able to recreate them to the joys they miss.

When Jesus was in Jerusalem at the feast of the Jews, he caught sight of the crippled man who was ill for 38years.  He (Jesus) meets his need, saying, Get up! Pick up your mat and walk (Jn. 5:8). And the man did just that! (Jn 5:9). Thus, Jesus recreates the crippled man into a new person. He brings the missing Joy and happiness in the life of this man.

In the first reading, God recreates the land and the people of Israel. Ezekiel receives the prophetic vision and in it, God reveals his recreating power. The Glory of God had deserted the temple and land of Israel (Ezek 8:1ff) due to the sinfulness of the people. Ezekiel sees the flowing river and the source of the water was the altar in the temple; the very presence of God (Ezek 47:2). The flowing river recreates, cleanses, heals and gives life to the land, the dead sea and the people of Israel (Ezek 47:7).

We are thus invited today to participate in God’s act of recreation. And we can make this possible through touching the hearts of those in need by our action of love and mercy. When we help the needy,  give hope to the hopeless, or become a reason for other to live by making their  life better, we participate in God’s act of recreation. Let us pray that God may always open our eyes to recognise those who suffer so that we may be able to help them and thus recreate them in their lives. 

 Vicent Abigaba

IV Year Theology Student

 

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Reflection for 14th March 2023: Dan 3;25;34-43, Gospel: Mt 18:21-35

 

Forgiveness as means of experiencing God’s Mercy

FORGIVENESS is difficult, and the Gospel today reminds us that we will only receive forgiveness if we forgive others. Jesus encourages us to forgive as many as seventy-seven times, which is unlimited because our Father does not limit the number of times, He forgives us. We are invited to forgive at all times whomever seeks forgiveness from us.

The parable of the ungrateful servant is a reminder to remember God's love and mercy, as He has forgiven us all our sins and reached out to us despite our disobedience and temptations. Each of us have received such great grace and good things from God, just like the master had shown pity on his servant, forgiving him a massive sum of debt. We need to ask ourselves if we have held grudge or hatred against one another and

refused to forgive others for their faults and sins.

The Lord's prayer states that we must forgive others first and be kind, compassionate, merciful and forgiving before we expect to be forgiven by God. This is because if we continue to hate each other, it is likely that we will continue to sin. If we have not learnt to forgive like God had forgiven us and loved us, then how can we gain true forgiveness and reconciliation with Him?

We all have flaws because we live with one another as missionaries. We frequently make each other wrong. We are invited by our constitution's article 41 to acknowledge our faults and beg forgiveness from our brothers. We are obligated to show one another love. We can demonstrate this love by forgiving one another. "He who much is forgiven, loves More." Lk. 7:47.

Let us love one another, let us forgive each other. God bless you all.

Nelson Shirima

IV Year Theology

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Economes Meet at Martyrs of Barbastro Formation House

 

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CELEBRATION OF ECO-WEEK

 

The Martyrs of Barbastro House community, under the able leadership of SOMi Group, organized a seven-day Eco-Week from February 27th to March 5th, 2023. Every day began with a nature-related activity.

 The community held a Nature Rosary on Monday, February 27th, followed by Suppper with Nature on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the entire community came together for an evening Nature tea and night movie. Thursday featured guided meditation, and Friday featured the Eco Way of the Cross. The community celebrated Nature Mass on Saturday, and the Eco-Week concluded with a special benediction around the compound on Sunday. These seven-day activities were completed with flair.

Furthermore, the reading of Laudato Si was encouraged. The community also worked together to clean up our environment by slashing and collecting plastic items scattered throughout the compound. With the spirit of service and commitment, we do small things for the greater glory of God in caring for our environment, this is our duty(Laudato Si 95).

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Reflection for 13th Monday, March 2023:1st Reading: 2 Kgs 5:1-15; Gospel: Luke 4:24-30

 

One of the African proverbs says, “Familiarity breeds contempt; distance brings respect.” One of the greatest privileges a child can have is growing up in an authentic Christian home: a home where both the father and mother endeavor to love God with all their hearts and strengths, loving their neighbor as themselves, and bringing their children in the fear of the Lord. But this wonderful privilege can be an incredible danger in that faithless familiarity can breed contempt, that is taking things or persons for granted. The child can be confident about the Christian knowledge, but they are utterly coldhearted to the true nature of Christianity and their need for the Gospel of Jesus. This is the exact scenario we find in the Gospel of today. The Nazarenes had a great privilege of unlimited access to Jesus, and intimate participation in his ministry, but their familiarity with him did not lead them to faith in Jesus. They received the teaching of Jesus with displeasure, such that they became enraged and wanted to kill him. What are the effects of our familiarity to Catholic teachings and doctrines? Did our personal experience with Jesus bring transformation or contempt?

 

Faithless familiarity is also reflected in the first reading of today. Despite God giving success to the Syrians in battle against Israel, turning his back on his people, Israel, coming to the aid of foreigners, yet Naaman failed to listen to the command of the Lord. By his ego, experience, reason and desires, he wants things in his own way, and he wants to be saved in his own way. God includes Naaman, a Gentile, who is unclean in his covenant. It is a classic picture of the love of God to those who live in darkness. God’s gift of salvation and blessings are free. We just need open and receptive hearts and come to God in faith to embrace the gift of salvation and blessings from him. Two things which can hinder us to experience the blessings from God are our pride and opinions. Naaman almost lose the gift of healing because of his pride, and he almost lost out his healing because of his thinking which was contrary to Scripture. In Proverbs 6:17 we read that, “God hates haughty eyes, or proud looks.” Elisha invites Naaman to humble himself and, “wash in the Jordan seven times.” A very simple thing to do, surely, but Naaman reacted with indignation. It takes great humility to be open, listen and accept the message of Jesus Christ with faith instead of rage and fury. The Bible says, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). The issue here is not about washing and be clean. That would not cure him. It is about the obedience of faith, a personal faith in the command of the Word of God. Let us submit ourselves humbly to the plan of God for us to experience salvation, real joy and deliverance in our lives.

Kudzai Innocent

IV Year Theology

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