Fifth Sunday of Lent, Year C – 6 April 2025. Readings: Is. 43:16-21; Responsorial Psalm Ps 126:1-2.2-.4-5.6(3); Phil. 3:8-14 & Gospel Luke 8:1-11. The first reading narrates how God delivered the people of Israel from their ordeal in Egypt. In the second reading, St. Paul tells the Philippians that he has accepted the loss of everything for the sake of Christ. The Gospel recalls how the Scribes and Pharisees brought in a woman whom they allegedly caught in the act of adultery. Jesus said: “Neither do I condemn you. Go away and sin no more.” During this Lenten Season, we…
Author: Justine John Dyikuk
Plagued by unprovoked abductions, torture, killings, and raids of Christian villages across north-central Nigeria, the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi diocese, Most Rev. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, CMF has called on the US Congress to redesignate Nigeria as a country of Particular Concern (CPC) citing unabated Jihadi wars on his flock. “Nigeria and eventually my diocese and the state of Benue have become in recent years one of the most dangerous and insecure places for Christians” the Bishop of the capital of Benue State, disclosed adding that “Islamic extremists are fiercely contesting the possession, control and governing law of the land, especially…
Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year C (Laetare Sunday) – 30 March 2025. Readings: Jos. 5:9a.10-12; Responsorial Psalm Ps 34:2-3.4-5.6-7(9a); 2 Cor. 5-17-21 & Gospel Luke 15:1-3.11-32. The first reading narrates how the Lord renews his Covenant with the Israelites through Joshua at Gilgal. In the second reading, St. Paul categorically states that “Anyone who is in Christ Jesus is a new creation.” The Gospel of Luke presents us with the classical story of God’s love for us. Bearing in mind that we belong to a Church of sinners and saints, Laetare Sunday invites us to imitate God’s proliferate love…
Third Sunday of Lent Year C – March 23, 2025. Reading: Ex 3:1-8,13-15; Responsorial Psalm 102:1-4,6-8,11; 1 Cor. 10:1-6,10-12 & Gospel Luke 13:1-9. The first reading tells how God called Moses from the burning bush and revealed himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as well as “I Am who I Am” whose name shall be invoked for all generations to come. In the second reading, St. Paul takes the Corinthians memory lane by revealing how a cloud guided their fathers to pass through the Red Sea. The Gospel presents the response of Jesus to the people who…
Tributes have trailed the sudden death of a young Nigerian “missionary” priest, Very Rev. John Simon Tanko, 47, who recently died of heart failure while on holiday in his home country after being away with the St. Patrick’s Missionary Society in Kenya for 7 years. The priest of the Catholic Diocese of Bauchi, Nigeria, who was the parish priest of St. Patrick’s Catholic Parish, Bangladesh, Mombasa, in the Archdiocese of Kenya was found dead on his bed on Sunday 23 February while parishioners were waiting for him to offer Holy Mass. Fr. Tanko “was a bridge that carried the gospel…
Second Sunday of Lent Year C – 16 March 2025. Reading: Genesis 15:5-12,17-18; Responsorial Psalm 26:1,7-9,13-14; Philippians 3:17-4:1 & Gospel Luke 9:28-36. The first reading details about the Covenant God established with Abraham. In the second reading, St. Paul warns those he calls the “enemies of the cross of Christ” noting that “they are destined to be lost.” He indicated that our homeland is in heaven where our saviour is waiting to transform our wretched bodies into copies of his glorious body. The Gospel discloses how Jesus took with him Peter, James and John to Mount Tabor where he was…
First Sunday of Lent Year C – 9 March 2025. Reading: Deut. 26:4-10; Responsorial Psalm 91:1-2.10-11.12-13.14-15(R.15b); Rom. 10:8-13 & Gospel Luke 4:1-13. In the first reading, Moses recounts to the Israelites how their forebears came from Aram and became a great nation through God’s help after being ill-treated by the Egyptians. The second reading indicates that God comes through, as a helper and saviour, to those who believe in their hearts and confess the name of Jesus. The Gospel recalls how Jesus, aged 30, prayed and fasted for 40 days and nights ahead of launching his public ministry and was…
Eighth Sunday of the Year C – 1 March 2025. Reading: Sir. 27:4-7; Responsorial Psalm 92:1-2.12-13.14-15(R.1a); 1 Cor. 15:54-58 & Gospel Luke 6:39-45. The first reading discloses that speech tests a man’s integrity – It urges us to guard against praising people before they speak. In the second reading, St. Paul argues that death is swallowed up in victory as perishability takes on imperishability. The gospel recounts Jesus’ teaching on the relationship between the heart and the mouth. Mindful of Jesus’ caution against hypocrisy in which he stresses that a blind man cannot lead another blind man, today’s liturgy challenges…
Sixth Sunday of the Year C – February 16, 2025. Reading: Jer. 17:2-8; Responsorial Psalm 1:1-2.3.4 &6(R.Ps.40:ab); 1 Cor. 15:12-16-20 & Gospel Luke 6:17.20-26. Raised in a society that sees wealth as a blessing from the Lord and poverty as a curse, the Prophet Jeremiah changes the narrative by laying a curse on those who trust created things. In the second reading, St. Paul responds to the resurrection controversy by insisting that we would remain in our sins if Christ had not been raised. In the gospel reading, Christ presents the Beatitudes to a large crowd. Jesus, the paradoxical hero,…
Fifth Sunday of the Year C – 09 February 2025. Reading: Is. 6:1-2a.3-8; Responsorial Psalm 138:1ac-2a.2bcd-3.4-5.7c-8(R.1b); 1 Cor. 15:1-11 & Gospel Luke 5:1-11. The first reading presents us with the call of Isaiah who felt unworthy to be chosen as a Prophet. In the second reading, St. Paul reminds the Corinthian community of the advantage of believing in the gospel. In narrating the apostles’ call, the gospel tells how Jesus entered Simon’s boat and ordered him and his companions to put their nets into the deep for a catch. They did and had a big catch. Jesus assured Peter and…
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord – 2 February 2025. Readings Mal. 3:1-4; Responsorial Psalm Ps 24:7.8.9.10 (R.10bc); Heb. 2:14-18 & Gospel Lk. 2:22-40. In the first reading, the Prophet Malachi projects that the Lord would send his messenger to prepare a way for him as he finally enters his temple. The second reading reveals that as a compassionate and humble saviour, Christ shares equality with us to liberate us from the power of evil, fear, and death. The gospel presents us with the story of how the parents of Jesus took him to the Temple, (not the Synagogue)…
Third Sunday of the Year C – 26 January 2025. Readings: Nehemiah 8:2-6,8-10; Responsorial Psalm 18:8-10,15; 1 Corinthians 12:12-30 & Gospel Luke 1:1-4,4:14-21. The first reading recounts how Ezra the priest presented the Law to the generality of the children of Israel. The second reading presents an analogy of the body working in unison as a metaphor for the Church, the body of Christ comprising various apostolates. In the gospel, St. Luke reveals that they were ministers of the Word from the outset. He emphasized that with the power of the spirit, Jesus came to Nazara where he was brought up, and went…
Second Sunday of the Year C – January 19, 2025. Readings: Isaiah 62:1-5; Responsorial Psalm PS 96:1-3,7-10; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 & Gospel John 2:1-11. Sunday Synopsis In the first reading, the Prophet Isaiah brings a message of hope that the nations will see Jerusalem’s integrity, noting that she would be called by a new name and a crown of splendour. In the second reading, St. Paul insists that there are a variety of gifts in the Church given by the same Lord but meant for service. The Gospel narrates how Jesus and his mother were invited to a wedding at…
The Church has stressed the need for the salvation of souls and pushing the frontiers of evangelisation in the Catholic Diocese of Bauchi. This came to the fore at a First Mass which held Tuesday evening, Jan. 7, 2025, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi State. Speaking at the occasion, the newly appointed Priest in Charge of the Pastoral Area, Rev. Fr. Joseph Habila Shomgwan emphasised that the “Salvation of Soul is the Supreme Law” while underscoring the importance of spiritual growth as a central theme of the church’s mission in the years to come. The cleric emphasised…
Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God – January 1, 2025. Readings: Numbers 6:22-27; Responsorial Psalm PS 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8(R.v.2a); Galatians 4:4-7 & Gospel Luke 2:16-21. In the first reading, God commanded Moses to bless the sons and daughters of Israel. In the second reading, St. Paul assures that we have received the spirit of adoption as God’s sons and daughters. The Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) kept everything that was said about her son pondering it in her heart as the gospel relates. The visit of the shepherds, circumcision and naming of Jesus indicates how God…
The Nativity of the Lord (Solemnity) Mass During the Day Readings – Is. 52:7-10; Ps 98:1.2-3ab.3cd-4.5-6(R.3cd); Heb 1:1-6 & Jn. 1:1-18 or Jn. 1:1-5.9-14 – 25 Dec. 2024 Christmas Synopsis The first reading, presents Christ as the one who publishes peace. The text invites all to sing for joy for the Lord has comforted his people.The second reading reminds us that God sent his Son in the final terms who appeared bearing the stamp of his glory and nature. The gospel reveals Jesus as the light who pre-existed as the Word and took flesh as Christ bringing grace and truth…
Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year C – 22 Dec 2024. Readings: Micah 5:1-4; Hebrews 10:5-10; Gospel Luke 1:39-44. The first reading presents us with the assurances of the Prophet Micah to the people that out of Bethlehem, least of the clans of Judah will be born one who would rule over Israel and restore their fortunes. The second reading tells us that Christ came to offer himself for us once for all to be holy. The gospel recounts the glorious visit of the Blessed Virgin Mary to her kinswoman Elizabeth and reveals how Mary’s greeting made the child in the…
Readings: Zephaniah 3:14-18; Philippians 4:4-7; Gospel Luke 3:10-18. In the first reading, the Prophet Zephaniah brings tidings of great joy to the people of Israel. The second reading tells how St. Paul assures the Philippians that all he wants is their happiness. The gospel recounts the encounter between John the Baptist and his audience – how the people asked John what they needed to do to be saved. In the light of being content and joyful, we are charged to share our clothing and food with the needy and refrain from extortion and intimidation. Introduction Friends in Christ, today is…
Second Sunday of Advent, Year C – December 08, 2024. Readings: Baruch 5:1-9; Responsorial Psalm Ps 125:1-6; Philippians 1:4-6,8-11; Gospel Luke 3:1-6. In the first reading, God tells the inhabitants of Jerusalem through the Prophet Baruch to remove the dress of sorrow and distress to wrap themselves with the cloak of integrity. The second reading recounts how St. Paul urged the Philippians to increase in knowledge and deepen in perfection. It was a fulfillment of the Prophesy of Isaiah: “Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight…” We are charged to prepare a way for the Lord by…
First Sunday of Advent, Year C – December 1, 2024. Readings: Jer. 33:14-16; Responsorial Psalm Ps 24:4-5,8-9,10,14; 1 Thess. 3:12-4:2; Gospel Luke 21:25-28,34-36. In the first reading, the Prophet Jeremiah discloses that the Lord would fulfil his promise to the House of Israel and the House of Judah by raising a virtuous Branch, David who shall practice honesty and integrity. The second reading challenges Christians to increase in love before God and humanity and on the need to be confirmed in holiness in the sight of God. In the gospel, Jesus talks about the coming of the Son of Man…
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe/Thirty-Fourth Sunday of the Year, B – Last Sunday of the Year: Nov 24, 2024 Readings: Daniel 7:13-14; Ps 93:1ab.1b-2.5; Rev. 1:5-8; Gospel – Jn. 18:33b-37. The first reading discloses that Daniel saw a vision of the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven to the one of great age. In the second reading, we are presented with Christ, the Firstborn from the dead, the Ruler of the kings of the earth as one who loves us and washes away our sins through his blood. The gospel reading recounts how Jesus…
33rd Sunday of the Year, B – November 17, 2024. Readings: Daniel 12:1-3; Ps 15:5,8-11; Hebrews 10:11-14,18; Gospel – Mark 13:24-32. Sunday Synopsis The first reading recounts the vision of Daniel about eschatological realities. In the second reading, the writer of the letter to the Hebrews reveals that unlike other priests who offer sacrifices daily… In the Gospel, Jesus reveals the things that would happen at the end of time – How the Son of man will send his angels to gather his chosen ones from the ends of the earth. As we struggle on this pilgrim journey, we pray that the Holy Spirit…
32nd Sunday of the Year, B – November 10, 2024. Readings: 1 Kings 17:10-16; Ps 145:7-10; Hebrews 9:24-28; Gospel – Mark 12:38-44. In the first reading, we are told how a widow ministered to the needs of the Prophet Elijah despite her scarce resources. The second reading tells us how Christ shared his humanity with us by offering himself to take away our sins. In the gospel, we are presented with the story of the widow who gave two copper coins – her all. Jesus praised the widow for giving more than others since she gave all she had to live on. We…
31st Sunday of the Year, B – November 3, 2024. Readings: Deut. 6:2-6; Ps 17:2-4,47,51; Hebrews 7:23-28; Gospel – Mark 12:28-34. Our first reading reveals the assurances of Moses to the people of Israel that if they fear the Lord and serve him all their days by keeping his laws and commandments, they, their children, and their grandchildren would live long. The second reading discloses Jesus’ eternal priesthood and his intercessory role for our sake. In the Gospel, Jesus gives a summary of the law and the prophets as the love of God and neighbour. Our liturgy reveals how Jesus…
Shikrot Mpwi – All Saints Day Synopsis Homily for the Solemnity of All Saints, Year B – 1st November 2024 Readings: Revelations 7:2-4, 9-14; Responsorial Psalm Ps 24:1BC-2, 3-4AB, 5-6; 1John 3:1-3; Gospel Matthew 5:1-12A. On All Saints Day, the Church prepares us for heaven by urging us to have our garments washed by the Blood of the Lamb like the elect whom St. John saw in the first reading. In the second reading, John emphasises that we must purify ourselves for the eternal journey. The gospel presents us with Jesus’ blueprint for candidates of heaven – being poor in…
30th Sunday of the Year, B – October 27, 2024 Readings: Jer. 31:7-9; Ps 125:1-6; Hebrews 5:1-6; Gospel – Mark 10:46-52. In the first reading, the Prophet Jeremiah presents us with the message of hope for the “remnant of Israel.” The second reveals Jesus as the heavenly High Priest who pleads our course. It was necessary for the personage Melchizedek to provide an alternative priesthood which would be the basis for the Messiah to be identified as a High Priest. The Gospel reading discloses the encounter between Jesus and Bartimaeus in which the blind beggar was healed. Like Bartimaeus, we are urged to follow Christ bearing in mind that only…
29th Sunday of the Year, B/World Mission Sunday – October 20, 2024. Readings: Isaiah 53:10-11; Psalm 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22; Hebrews 4:14-16 & Mark 10:35-45 Or Mark 10:42-45. The first reading reveals how the suffering servant “gives his life as an offering for sin.” The second reading stresses that the faithful should hold fast to their faith. The reading reveals that we have a high priest who is able to sympathise with our weaknesses. In the gospel, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus to ask for a favour to sit on His right and His left. Jesus…
28th Sunday of the Year, B – October 13, 2024. Readings: Wisdom 7:7-11; Ps 89:12-17; Hebrews 4:12-13; Gospel – Mark 10:17-30. The first reading written hundreds of years after the death of Solomon, around the Babylonian exile, personifies God who alone is to be worshiped and glorified. The second reading insists that since nothing is hidden from God, it is to him that we will give an account of our lives. In the gospel, Jesus speaks “plainly about the real obstacle that wealth presents.” It recounts how the rich young ruler went away sad because Jesus told him to give everything, he…
27th Sunday of the Year, B – October 6, 2024. Readings: Genesis 2:18-24; Ps 127:1-5; Hebrews 2:9-11; Gospel – Mark 10:2-16. Today’s first reading presents God as a scientist who creates man and woman in his image and likeness to be one and united for life. The second reading relates that Christ endured his passion to bring us to the perfection of his sons and daughters making us God’s brothers and sisters. In the gospel text, some Pharisees who stood on the side of the law put Jesus to the test by asking his opinion concerning divorce. Jesus turns the discussion into the…
26th Sunday of the Year, B – September 29, 2024. Readings: Numbers 11:25-29; Ps 18:8,10,12-14; James 5:1-6; Gospel – Mark 9:38-43,45,47-48. In today’s first reading, we learned that because Moses was aging and the people were grumbling, God extended the spirit of Moses to seventy elders. The second reading comes hard on the rich who live a life of comfort to their heart’s content while they cheat the poor, and condemn or kill the innocent. In the gospel, Jesus’ disciples tried to stop a man who was not one of them from casting out devils in his name, but he rebuked them saying, since…
