THE JOY, CHRIST’S GLORY!
Jerome Ituah, OCD
Isaiah 43:1–3a, 4–5; Psalm 138; Roman 8:14–18, 28–30; John 17:11, 17–26
SOLEMNITY OF ST JOHN OF THE CROSS
14th December 2025
In the First Reading, the prophet Isaiah powerfully reassures the exiled people of Israel, repeating the divine command: ‘Fear not.’ ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you… Fear not, for I am with you.’ God promises that Israel is called by name and, when passing through the waters and fire, will neither be overwhelmed nor consumed. This promise is the foundation of courage: faith in God’s redemptive presence.
YOU ARE A HERALD OF JOY
By Chidi Ezeakacha, OCD
Isaiah 35:1-6,10; Psalm 145(146):6-10; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11
GAUDATE: THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YR A
14th December 2025
The opening words of Pope Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium proclaim: “The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ, joy is constantly born anew.” With these sentiments of expectation, I invite you, on this third Sunday of Advent, to light your candle of joy.
CHRIST IS OUR PEACE
By Chidi Ezeakacha, OCD
Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 71:1-17; Romans 15:4-9; Matthew 3:1-12
SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YR A
7th December 2025
Our world yearns for peace and harmony. We find ourselves torn apart on every side by conflict and division. Yet, amidst this discord, we cling firmly to the words of our Lord: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” As we petition the Lord for this gift on the Second Sunday of Advent, let us light the candle of peace and proclaim with the Psalmist: “In his days, justice shall flourish, and great peace forever.”
CHRIST OUR HOPE IS PRESENT
By Chidi Ezeakacha, OCD
Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 121:1-9; Romans 13: 11-14; Matthew 24: 37-44
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
30th November 2025
We stand at the threshold of a new liturgical year. This is the Season of Advent, a time of sacred anticipation. We have walked into this new cycle with joy and expectation, awaiting the coming of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ …