San Damiano Novitiate House - OFM Conv. Zambia

San Damiano Novitiate House - OFM Conv. Zambia San Damiano Novitiate House is a formation House of the Conventual Franciscans in Zambia.

During the Novitiate year, the novice is helped to deepen his understanding of the divine call to religious life and to the basic meaning and requirements of how to live this call in the Conventual Franciscan Fraternity.

16/11/2024

SUNDAY READINGS REFLECTION

33RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B

DANIEL 12:1-3, PSALM 16:5.8-11, HEBREWS 10:11-14.18, MARK 13:24-32
We celebrate today the 33rd Sunday in ordinary time year B. The readings are talking about the end of time, the suffering of God’s people and God’s intervention to those who remain faithful to him. In the first reading, Daniel talks about eschatological events (end of time) in which God will vindicate his faithful people. During that time, the people of Israel were persecuted by King Antiochus Epiphanes IV for their faith. Daniel therefore gives them hope amidst uncertainties that God will bring judgment upon all humanity through Archangel Michael. Daniel explains judgment that will begin with resurrection from the dead and reception of reward according to one’s faithfulness to God: The righteous will share everlasting life with God while the unrighteous will suffer everlasting shame. Our gospel passage corresponds well with the first reading in that it also talks about the end of time. Jesus talks about end of time using apocalyptic images (sun darkened, moon loosing light, stars falling and heavens shaken). The apocalyptic images show the destruction of cosmic order by God before recreating a new world. Recreation will begin with the coming of Jesus with great power and glory in the crowd and sending of his angels to gather all God’s elect from the end of the earth as prophesied by Daniel (7:13). Further, Jesus responds to the timing when Parousia will come. For Jesus, the end of time will be preceded by natural and human calamities. God will send signs before the end of time. Disciples and believers are therefore called to be always vigilant and prepare for the unknown day of the Lord’s coming. Our second reading continues to make contrast between the Levitical priesthood and that Christ’s priesthood. Levitical priesthood offered continuous sacrifices for human sins while Jesus one single and perfect sacrifice has effectively taken away all sins and reconciled humanity to God. Although sin and evil continue to exist in the world, Jesus has won over sin and evil, and continues to sanctify humans through his death on the cross.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, as we draw closer to the end our liturgical calendar year B, the reading invites us to reflect on last things…death…last judgment…eternal life/hell. The first reading and the gospel give us hint on how the end of time will come about and the events that will follow. These reading are drawn from historical event of great human suffering (persecutions) as a result of their faith and thus seeks to give them hope and consolation. That suffering is not the end of everything but that God will vindicate them and reward them for their perseverance and faithfulness. The experience of the people during Daniel’s time and that of Jesus may be the experience of our own time today. We live in world of sin (moral decay, apostasy), evil (killing) and suffering (pandemics, wars, earthquakes, famine and many others). As a result, many allude to such events as signs of the end of time as predicated in the past years while others question if God truly exists or cares. Does God delight in human suffering? These baffling questions continue to flood our minds and at times shake our faith. My dear brothers and sisters, the readings gives us hope that God does not distance himself from us in times of life challenges but rather he is close and cares for our welfare. He journeys with us along the path of life with its challenges and gives us hope that challenges are not the end of everything but that he will vindicate us when we remain steadfast in our faith. Christ’s single and perfect sacrifice is still effective today and can change the course of our life; to those of us who struggle with sin, we are assured of forgiveness and victory; to those overwhelmed by life challenges, we are assured of God’s deliverance and restoration; to those of us in despair as a result of situations beyond our control, we are assured of God’s intervention in due time to bring about peace, hope and joy. We are thus invited to have faith, hope and be ready for the Lords coming and intervention.

Have a blessed Sunday.

(Fr. Vincent Sichande, Ofm. Conventual)

09/11/2024

SUNDAY READINGS REFLECTION

32ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B

1 KINGS 17:10-16, PSALM 146:7-10, HEBREWS 9:24-28, MARK 12:38-44
We celebrate today the 32nd Sunday in ordinary time year B. The readings invite us to give all that we are and have to God. In the first reading, Prophet Elijah is sent by God to live in Zarephath away from King Ahab whom he opposed for making people worship Baal (god of storm believed to bring rains) instead of God. As such, God brought severe drought on the land. Perhaps God wanted to show them that He alone is the source of everything including rains and not Baal. At the entrance of Zarephath, Elijah encountered a gentile widow (worshiper of Baal) gathering cooking stick. Elijah then request from her water and morsel of bread. Despite having a handful and last meal, the widow believed and obeyed Elijah’s word of assurance of divine providence and sustenance and offered him a meal. As a consequent, the widow was sustained by God during the whole drought period. Our gospel passage gives a striking resemblance in which the widow’s offering of all to God was applauded by Jesus. Our gospel passage begins by denunciation of scribes by Jesus for their pride and pretentious lifestyle. The scribes, who are experts in legal matters took advantage of widows by exploiting their wealth to sustain themselves. Doing such to widows who are vulnerable and lack social security was a serious offence to God who loves and cares for them. Jesus thus denounces such deceitful and cunning behavior. In addition, Jesus praises the widow’s offering to God as far much better than scribes in that she offered all that she had. The widow’s offering demonstrates her total trust in divine providence and sustenance; unlike the wealthy scribes who defrauded others for their sustenance. The widows offering might be an allusion to what Jesus will do by giving himself on the cross and thus invites his disciples to be generous in their self-giving to God. In the second reading, the author makes contrast between Jewish Levitical priesthood and that of Christ’s priesthood. Unlike the human high priests who entered the human sanctuary to offer countless animal blood sacrifice in atonement for sins, Jesus through his death on the cross entered the heavenly sanctuary to offer once and for all sacrifice to atone for human sins and reconcile them to God. Therefore, believers are invited to have faith in Jesus whose self-offering on the cross reconciled them to God and assured them salvation.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today’s liturgy invites us to reflect on our total self-giving to God and to others. That we give all that we are and have as gift to God. Our Christian faith demands that in order to live in right relationship with God, we need to give all to God including our very life (Matthew 16:24-26, 19:21, Mark 12:30, Luke 14:26-27). We are called to give everything to God without leaving or holding back anything to ourselves. The story of widows in the first reading and in the gospel and that of Jesus self-giving in the second reading teach us the virtue of generosity or total self-giving. Someone once said, “Giving is not about what we give but about what remains when we give”. Success in life demands that we commit ourselves totally to our faith and what we do. Our Christian life demand that we give ourselves totally to God and allow him to take charge of our life either in good and bad moments of life; business people invest all their resources, time and energy in order to succeed; married couples commit themselves totally each to other in order to flourish. Nevertheless, we usually fail to thrive in life because we commit ourselves partially and hold something back to ourselves for fear of losing even what we have. Faith implies having complete trust in God. Faith is total dependence on God even when we have plenty or nothing at all. Our total self-giving to God is an expression our faith, recognition of our nothingness before God and how God can fill us with his blessings and make us find fulfilment. God blesses and transforms our gifts of self-giving into abundance. As a consequence, we become gifts and blessings to others.

Have a blessed Sunday

Friar Vincent Sichande, Ofm. Conventual.

02/11/2024

SUNDAY READINGS REFLECTION

31ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B

DEUTERONOMY 6:2-6, PSALM 18: 2-4.47.51, 7:23-28, MARK 12:28-34

We celebrate today the 31st Sunday in ordinary time year B. The readings invite to love God with undivided loyalty and to love others as we love ourselves. In the first reading, Moses addresses the people of Israel when entering the Promised Land on how to conduct themselves as they begin new life. Moses gives the Israelites instructions which are fundamental and central to their faith and life called “Shema Israel” or “Hear Israel”. Every devout Jew ought to know and recite the great ‘Shema’ twice every day. The ‘Shema’ shows Yahweh’s Sovereignty and Israel’s undivided loyalty to God and the covenant. Israel’s survival and prosperity in the new land depend on their obedience to God’s laws. The call to love God with one’s all heart, soul and might signify total commitment in showing unwavering loyalty to God. In the Gospel, Jesus responds to the Scribes on the greatest commandment by quoting Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Leviticus 19:18. In his response, Jesus affirms the ‘Shema’ in which loving God with ones all heart, soul, mind and strength comes first. The second is loving one’s neighbour as oneself. The two commandments are a summation of the Ten Commandments. The Scribe agrees with Jesus’ assertion and wins Jesus’ approbation in that he knows the most important commandment of love which is far much better than offerings and sacrifices. Jesus implicitly invites the scribes not only to know the greatest commandments and but also live them. Our second reading continues exalting Christ’s priesthood above the Levitical priesthood. Unlike the Levitical priesthood which was impended by human imperfection and death (though perennial through succession after one’s death), Christ’s priesthood is permanent, holy and definitive. Through Jesus the high priest, believers have permanent access to God and are assured of eternal life.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today’s liturgy invites us to reflect on the theme of love which is the basis of our Christian faith and life. Pope benedict XVI in his encyclical letter “Deus Caritas Est” observed that the term love is the most frequently used and misused word, attached with different meanings”. There are three types of love: 1. Filia - love based on friendship or relations (children and parents, friends). 2. Eros – love between man and woman. 3. Agape – selfless or self-giving towards other. Agape love is the foundation of our faith and life in that it reveals the nature and identity of God and how we can relate to him. The Bible tell us that God is love (1 John 4:8). God’s love was revealed and perfected in Jesus (John 3:16). Jesus demonstrated perfectly God’s love through his life, death and resurrection (John 15:13, 1 John 3:16). God’s love is selfless and unconditional (Romans 5:6-8); he loves us even in our weakness or imperfection and in sinful condition. In Christ we have been redeemed, saved and share in the life of God. God’s love invites us to respond with love. The first reading and the gospel calls us to love God with our all heart, mind, soul and strength. Meaning, we love God with all that we are and have (whole being) – we give ourselves totally to God as gifts and make him the centre of our life through whom our life activities flows from. It is this commitment to love God with our whole being that we can truly love others. Like God’s love that wills the good of our wellbeing (John 10:10), we too ought to love others, willing for their wellbeing (1 Corinthian 13:1-7, Thessalonians 5:15). Loving others entails committing ourselves to bring happiness and not pain, doing good without counting the cost or expecting anything in return, to make others feel valued for who they are and not what they have or what we can benefit, to make others feel safe when around us even in their weak or vulnerable moments without taking advantage of them, protect their dignity and rights at all costs, giving them companionship in every life situations without deserting them, showing compassion and forgiveness whenever they err without condemning them.

Have a blessed Sunday

(Friar Vincent Sichande, OFM. Conventual)

26/10/2024

SUNDAY READINGS REFLECTION

30TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B

JEREMIAH 31:7-9, PSALM 126: 1-6, 1HEBREWS 5:1-6, MARK 10:46-52

We celebrate today the 30th Sunday in ordinary time year B. The readings invites us to reflect on God who seeks to restore our life to complete wholeness. We are presented with the reality of our human
conditions which often make us slaves and blind. The readings thus gives us hope of restoration. In the first reading, prophet Jeremiah announces the great message of hope to restore the remnant Israel suffering in exile. As such, prophet Jeremiah invites people to shout for joy in that God will save them. God’s restoration will include all those considered insignificant is society (the blind, the lame women and children) among the remnant. God will comfort, guide and lead them in that he is their father. Our gospel passage fulfil Jeremiah’s prophecy of God’s restoration in the story of Jesus’ healing of blind Bartimaeus. On his way to Jerusalem, Jesus meets the blind Bartimaeus and restores his sight. Despite the public attempt to silence him, he persistently cries louder to Jesus and was heard. When called by Jesus, Bartimaeus is ready to leave behind his former life and security (symbolized by discarding of his cloak) and trust Jesus’ power to restore his sight and change his life completely. The passage might be an allusion to the disciple’s blindness in understanding Jesus’ message on discipleship and the kingdom of God on the way to Jerusalem. The disciples, like blind Bartimaeus are invited to respond to Jesus’ message with faith and receive Christ light and follow him towards the path of greater exodus of liberating humanity through his suffering, death and resurrection in Jerusalem. Our second reading, presents the superiority of Christ priesthood over Levitical priesthood. Unlike Levitical priesthood that is temporal and done by human who are weak and sinners, Jesus priesthood is forever and from God Himself. Thus, Jesus who offers his life to save humanity continues to intercede and pleads for sinners and leads them to God.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we continue our reflection on Jesus’ teaching about discipleship and the kingdom of God. Today’s liturgy reminds us of our weakness and failures to respond
to God’s call. Like the Israelites, we often live in captivity as a result of our own weakness and sin. Like Bartimaeus, we have become blind to the reality of who Jesus is, we find comfort and security in
in ourselves, in material and temporal realities of the world: pride, self-righteous, forgiveness, greediness, impatient, selfishness, addiction of every kind, stingy, sickness, idolatry. These and many others tendencies often hinder us from experiencing God’s grace in our lives. The promise of deliverance to the Israelites and the healing of blind Bartimaeus gives us hope that we too can find healing and restoration from God. This is because Christ our high priest, through his paschal mysteries has set us free and continues to plead for us to his father in heaven. The question Jesus asked Bartimaeus is the same question he is asking us today; 'what do you want me to do for you?' Like Bartimaeus we can begin by first trusting in Jesus’ healing grace and calling upon him. That we approach him with faith for the things we want him to change in our life.
Secondly, we are called to be persistent in our prayers that no matter what, we will not give up. In addition, we should not be discouraged by what others will say or think of us. Thirdly, we should be ready to let go of all that we hold on to, things that give us false security and temporal happiness. Perhaps we can ask ourselves, what is it that we hold on to but still does not give us peace, joy and freedom; fourthly, we are called to go to Jesus and tell him all that we desire. The things that can change the course of our life; fifth,
we should be ready to embrace the new life that Jesus offers and follow the new path that leads to eternal life – a commitment to become faithful and committed disciples.

Have a blessed Sunday.

(Fr. Vincent Sichande, Ofm. Conventual)

19/10/2024

SUNDAY READINGS REFLECTION

29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B

ISAIAH 53:10-11, PSALMS 33:4-5.18-20.22, HEBREWS 4:14-16, MARK 10:35-45

We celebrate today the 29th Sunday in ordinary time year B. The readings invite us to imitate Christ, the humble servant of Yahweh who came to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. In the first reading, Isaiah presents the fourth song of the suffering servant of Yahweh. The suffering servant of Yahweh whose identity is not known could refer to somebody known by the prophet or the entire people of Israel suffering during exile. Isaiah shows that God allows his servant to suffer in that his sufferings is salvific in nature and will fulfill God will for humanity. Through suffering, the servant of Yahweh will atone for the sins of many and restore righteousness to God’s chosen nation. Our gospel passage presents Jesus as the suffering servant of Yahweh who fulfils Gods salvific plan through his passion, death and resurrection. Our passage today, comes immediately after Jesus predicts his suffering and death (that awaits him in Jerusalem) for the third time. In all the three predictions about his impending suffering and death, the disciples are said to have failed to understand Jesus. In today’s passage, James and John preoccupied with privilege and power, request Jesus to give them places of honor in the kingdom of God. For Jesus, to sharing in the place of honor entails sharing in his salvific suffering and death. Through suffering, Jesus will ransom many; he will be a liberation to free humanity from the bo***ge of sin, Satan and death. Disciples are therefore called to imitate their master who came to save and give his life as a ransom for many. Our second reading presents Jesus’ closeness to those whom he has redeemed through his sacrifice on the cross. Although Jesus is an eternal high priest glorified and residing with God in heaven, he identified himself with those who suffer in that he himself had the same experience except sin. As such, believers are invited to remain steadfast in faith and have confidence in approaching Christ in prayer whenever they need his mercy and grace.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today’s liturgy invites us to reflect on Christ’s salvific suffering in relation to our own suffering. The readings further invites us also to reflect of Christian leadership of service and sacrifice and not of privilege and power. The question of suffering has baffled many people including Christians since time in memorial. We often have these questions in mind especially when we go through suffering or encounter those who are suffering; why do God allow suffering? Why do innocent people suffer? If God is all powerful, why can’t he heal or do away with suffering at once? These questions have made many people lose faith and others refuse completely to believe in God. Today reading reveals to us the salvific nature of Christ’s suffering. God out of love for humanity, made Christ as a liberation to free humanity from the bo***ge of Satan, sin and from death. Thus when we suffer as Christians, we are called to look up to Christ who is close to us and identifies himself with us especially in moments of weakness, temptation and trials. United with the glorified Lord in moments of our suffering and pain, disappointments and struggles, gives us assurance of God’s consolation, peace and the promise of victory. That we surrender our lives completely into God’s hand even when weigh down by life challenges and struggles. The readings further invites us to imitate Christ’s servant readership characterized by humility, selflessness and sacrifice. As religious or civic leaders, parents or guardians, office bearers or stewards, we learn from Christ that true leadership is in serving those entrusted to us with compassion and love and to sacrifice our life for their wellbeing; putting other people’s needs before ours. True leadership is not in seeking privileges, power and control, but to serving others selflessly and helping them to realise their full potentialities and fulfilment in life. Leader’s greater joy is in the wellbeing of those they lead.

Happy a blessed Sunday

(Friar Vincent Sichande, Ofm. Conventual)

12/10/2024

SUNDAY READINGS REFLECTION

28TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B

WISDOM 7:7-11, PSALM 90:12-17, HEBREWS 4:12-13, MARK 10:17-30

We celebrate today the 28th Sunday in ordinary time year B. The readings invite us to reflect on making right choice in our quest for happiness and meaning in life. We are called above all to choose God who gives us understanding and wisdom on how best we can live our life purposefully and assures us entry into eternal happiness with him in his kingdom. The first reading which is attributed to Solomon talks about his ardent preference for understanding and wisdom to material possession. In order to rule the kingdom with justice, integrity and efficiency, Solomon sought for understanding and wisdom from God. Possessing God’s understanding and wisdom enabled him to have a deeper insight into the mystery of life and as a result he was blessed with abundance material possession. In our gospel, Jesus on his way to Jerusalem encounters a man on a quest for eternal life. At first, Jesus asks him to keep God’s commandment as the basic requirement to enter eternal life. Jesus further invites the rich young man to a higher demand of God’s kingdom; renunciation of material possession and radical following of Jesus. The rich young man was not ready to renounce his material security and thus went away. With the rich man’s reaction, Jesus teaches his disciples on the dangers of putting material possession before God as hindrance to entry into the kingdom. For Jesus, entry into the kingdom of God demands decisive choice of prioritizing God above everything else including material possession. The second reading talks about the effectiveness of God’s word in the context of Israel’s failure to enter the Promised Land. According to the author, many Israelites delivered from Egypt could not enter the Promised Land in that they disobeyed God’s word. The author therefore implores believers to listen to God’s word and adhere to its teaching. This is because God’s word is effective and has power to permeate and reveal human hidden motives.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, every human person aspires to have a good and happy life. Aspirations in life demands making right choices and committing oneself toward the path leading to their realization. Choices and commitment play an important role in realizing one’s aspirations in life. Making right choices enables us to prioritize important things above others; things that are directly or indirectly connected to what we want to achieve in life. Having such priorities in most cases demand some sacrifices. That no matter how appealing or desirable some things might be, we tend to forgo them and hold on to that which can leads us towards the goal we want to achieve in life. For example, when one wants to buy a dream car, he or she will strive to work hard and restrict oneself in terms of unnecessary expenditures. For us believers, the ultimate aspirations of our life is union with God, here on earth and in eternity. Our true happiness and fulfilment flow from our relationship with God. When we live in right relationship with God, we acquire wisdom and understanding on how life ought to be lived. We prioritizes God’s will above all and make necessary sacrifice to certain lifestyles that can destroy our relationship with God and hinders us from experiencing eternal happiness with God.

Have a blessed Sunday

(Friar Vincent Sichande, OFM. Conventual).

28/09/2024

SUNDAY READINGS REFLECTION

26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B

NUMBERS 11:25-29, PSALM 19:8.10.10-14, JAMES 5:1-6, MARK 9:38-43.45.47-48

We celebrated today the 26th Sunday in ordinary time year B. The readings invite us reflect on the inclusiveness of God’s gifts to all and avoid monopolizing them. As Christians, we often feel jealousy and resentment towards others especially when they manifest the same gifts we have or do the work we do. In the first reading, we hear God sharing the spirit of prophecy to 70 elders in order to help Moses lead the Israelites. When the gift of prophecy was given, two elders (Eldad and Medad) received the spirit of prophecy though they were not with others in the tent of meeting. Joshua complained and told Moses to stop them. Moses rebuked him for his jealous and expressed desire for all people to partake in and share in the spirit of God. Our gospel passage correlates well with the first reading. After seen some man casting out demons in the name of Jesus, John forbade him in that he was not part of the twelve. Jesus tells him to be inclusive and without limiting God’s power at work even to those not part of their group. Further, Jesus admonishes the disciples to avoid scandalizing ‘little one’ in order to avoid severe punishment. When God’s power is at work in them, the disciples are admonished not to be a stumbling block to those with little faith …lest they fall away. Jesus further called the disciples to get rid of sin. Using figurative language of cutting off one’s hand and foot, plucking one’s eyes indicates the seriousness and demand of the kingdom of God and how one ought to make necessary sacrifices in order to inherit it. In the second reading, James rebukes the rich for amassing wealth and food through exploitation and taking advantage of the poor. James warns them over the severe judgment that awaits them if they do not change their conduct.
My dear brothers and sister in Christ, today’s readings invite us to reflect on two important themes. Firstly, tolerance and inclusiveness toward those who do good works even when they are not part of our group, church or religion. We are living in a world of competition where the rich, powerful and talented excel and achieve whatever they want in life. They control and decide on how things ought to be done with little or no care on how it will affect others; whether it infringes on other people’s rights or endangers their life. Unfortunately, such worldly tendencies and control have crept into our religious circles. Many of us Christians feel superior and want to control others. When others begin to manifest supernatural powers like us, we begin to talk ill and spread false stories in order to discredit them; that religion, church or pastor has no spirit; he or she uses evil spirits to perform miracles; he is a fake prophet; our church is the only genuine church; they are just new comers. How often do we feel jealousy and resentment towards others whom God uses to manifest his spirit and power? We monopolize God’s gifts and claim exclusive rights in exercising them. We forget that God’s gifts are inclusive and meant to be shared to all. We are reminded that God’s gifts are inclusive and can work in everyone even in those we consider unworthy, outcast, infant in faith or different from us. As Christians, we should be happy seeing God’s spirit and gifts at work in others. Secondly, we are admonished to refrain from sinful tendencies in that they not only jeopardize our entry into God’s kingdom but also become a stumbling block to others. In other words, when we live in sin, our relationship with God and with other is imperiled. Our relationship with God and entry into his kingdom make strong demand that we take necessary sacrifices in order to avoid tendencies that can lead us and others into sin. May we learn to appreciate the gifts of others or the good things others do. Let us reflect today on these important questions: How do I treat people of other religion or churches or faith? Do I feel jealousy when I see others not belonging to my family, group, church or religious succeed? What habit do I need to cut off that can destroys my faith and commitment to God?

Have a blessed Sunday

(Friar Vincent Sichande, Ofm. Conventual)

21/09/2024

SUNDAY READINGS REFLECTION

25TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B

WISDOM 2:12. 17-20, PSALM 54:3-8, JAMES 3:16-4:3, MARK 9:30-37

We celebrate today the 25th Sunday in ordinary time year B. The readings invite us to imitate Jesus, a humble and selfless Messiah who offers his life to save us. We are called to remain faithful, persevere in faith and pursue things that can build our relationship with God and with others. In the first reading, we hear about the conspiracy of the wicked against the righteous. The book of wisdom was written by unknown Jew living in Alexandria. At that time, Jews struggled to keep to keep their faith and identity as God’s children due to Greek culture influence; culture characterized by philosophy, paganism and pursuit of wealth. As such, individuals or community who faithfully paid allegiance to God were ridiculed and inflicted with physical pain by those who opposed God laws and righteous living. Our passage thus depicts the plot of the ungodly against the righteous to see their forbearance and if God will come to their aid. In our second reading, we hear about the cause of division among believers. James points out that division is caused by jealousy and selfish ambitions by some members. Pursuit of wrong ambitions can distorts true prayer life that’s depends on God and thus destroys their spiritual life. Believers are therefore encouraged to pursue God’s wisdom which promotes peace, gentleness, reasons well, compassionate and bears good fruits. Our gospel presents Jesus’ second prediction of his death. In the last week’s first prediction, Jesus rebuked Peter for opposing God’s ways of fulfilling his saving plan through his suffering, death and resurrection. In today’s passage, upon hearing Jesus second prediction, the disciples still did not understand and thus were afraid to ask him. Probably, the disciples struggled to understand the kind of Messiah Jesus was talking about. In their Jewish understanding, a Messiah was supposed to be a powerful political figure who would overthrow the Romans, restore peace and order to the Jews. Therefore, hearing about suffering Messiah was a shock and disappointment. Further, Jesus admonishes his disciples arguing on the way about who is the greatest among themselves. For Jesus greatness means serving others especially those considered insignificant in society. Greatness lies in sacrifice, service and care for others.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today’s liturgy invites us to reflect on our Christian discipleship amidst the challenges of opposition, indifference, false teachings, pursuit of power, wealth and recognition. The struggle to live our Christian faith and identity today is real. Like the Israelites in the first reading, we often struggle to live a holy life and keep our identity in the world surrounded by people of different beliefs and convictions. Living a faithful and committed Christian life is often seen outdated, waste of time and hindrance in enjoying life and pursuing one’s dreams and goals. Many of us, our Christian faith is by name only and our lifestyle is like everyone else. Furthermore, discipleship today focuses more on wealth, fame and giftedness. Like unbelievers, this kind of lifestyle often distorts our relationship with God and with others. On one hand, we live a superficial spirituality whose motives are distorted; that our prayers are always centered on selfish desires, achievements and maintaining one’s status in society. As such, when we don’t get what we want or when we encounter challenges, we lose faith and live like unbelievers. On the other hand, our superficial life influenced by the world often distorts our relationship with others. We develop attitudes of resentment, revenge, forgiveness and lack of charity towards others including fellow believers. We become egocentric in our dealings with others. Others are regarded as insignificant and used as means to achieve our goals. The readings today invites us to remain steadfast in faith and maintain our Christian identity despite the challenges around us. We are called to remain focused and learn from Christ who messianic mission is to save humanity through sacrifice and service to all especially those in need.

Have a blessed Sunday
(Friar Vincent Sichande, Ofm. Conventual).

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SUNDAY READINGS REFLECTION (3RD SEPTEMBER 2023) 22ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A JEREMIAH 20:7-9, ROMANS 12:1-2, MATTHEW 16:21-27 We celebrate today the 22nd Sunday in ordinary time year A. Today’s readings reminds us the cost of discipleship. Discipleship is a daily transformation of our life and conform it to God’s will. In the first reading, prophet Jeremiah feels seduced by God. Jeremiah was convinced that as a prophet of God, his life will be easy and successful. Nevertheless, he encountered rejection, opposition, mockery and reproach. Jeremiah tried to stop proclaiming God’s message but a strong force compelled him to continue working as a prophet of God. At last, Jeremiah trusted God who gives him strength to continue the prophetic ministry. In our gospel, we see similar perception in following God. Our gospel passage which continues from last week’s passage. Last week, Peter professed Jesus as ‘Messiah, Son of the living God’ and was given the responsibility and authority as leader of Christ’s church. In today’s gospel, Jesus tells his disciples about his impending suffering and death in Jerusalem. Peter took Jesus aside and rebuke him that it should not happen to him. Peter and other disciples thought Jesus’ Messianic mission was to liberate Israel from the Romans and restore its fortune. Therefore, Jesus’ assertion about his suffering and death in Jerusalem was a scandal to them and against their Messianic expectations. Jesus nevertheless rebukes Peter and calls him Satan (as reflected in Matthew 4:10) in that he stands as an adversary trying to block God’s chosen way of the cross to liberate humanity. Jesus, further tells them that discipleship demands self-denial, taking the cross and following him. Discipleship thus implies imitating Christ in losing one’s life in order to find it. Paul in the second reading implores the Romans Christians to give themselves totally to God as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to G

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