Reflections by Fr Mathibela Sebothoma

  Aluta Continua: Remembering Miriam Makeba in a South Africa Still Struggling for Dignity By Mathibela Sebothoma I grew up listening to Miriam Makeba’s music. As a young person in the 1980s, with the help of Peter Mnono Makgatholela, we sang her songs not just for entertainment, but as an expression of identity and hope. Only later did I come to understand that the woman whose voice shaped our imagination had been exiled and banned from her own home. Her music was not only beautiful; it was a lifeline for a people kept silent. On November 9, 2008, Miriam Makeba collapsed on stage in Castel Volturno, Italy, performing at an anti-mafia concert in solidarity with the writer Roberto Saviano. She was seventy-six. Seventeen years later, on the anniversary of her passing, her songs Aluta Continua (1980) and African Sunset (1987) still speak urgently to South Africa. Aluta Continua was recorded during her exile in Guinea. Its title, “the struggle continues,” drew from Mozambican liberatio...

  Homily – Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) Theme: “A Grateful Heart is a Blessed Heart” Readings: 2 Kings 5:14–17; Psalm 98:1–4; 2 Timothy 2:8–13; Luke 17:11–19 Introduction Gratitude is one of the simplest and most powerful acts of faith. Yet, in a world filled with entitlement and self-interest, saying “thank you” has almost become rare. Today’s readings invite us to rediscover the transforming power of thanksgiving. Life Story There’s a story of a man who prayed, “Lord, give me a bicycle!” After weeks of no answer, he decided to steal one and prayed, “Lord, forgive me.” Sometimes we are quick to ask but slow to give thanks! The Word of God In the first reading , Naaman, a foreigner from Syria, is healed of leprosy after washing in the Jordan. When he realises his healing, his heart overflows with gratitude. He recognises that there is no God like the God of Israel. His thanksgiving is not just words — it’s a conversion of heart. In the Gospel (Luke 17:...

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  Homily - Thursday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time  Readings: Malachi 3:13–20a Psalm 1:1–2, 3, 4, 6 Luke 11:5–13 Theme: “Keep Knocking – God Always Answers.” Introduction: We live in an age of instant coffee, instant messaging, and instant results. We press a button and expect immediate answers — even from God. But faith is not fast food; it’s a slow-cooked relationship. Today’s readings remind us to keep knocking on heaven’s door with trust, patience, and perseverance. Life Story: A little boy once prayed for a new bicycle. After a week with no results, he decided to “help God” — he went to the church, found a statue of Mary, and left a note: “Dear Jesus, if You ever want to see Your mother again, send me that bicycle!” We may laugh, but many of us have been there — trying to hurry God’s answers! The Word of God: In the first reading (Malachi 3:13–20a) , the prophet confronts a people who have grown tired of waiting on God. They complain tha...

  Wednesday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle I 📖 Readings: – Jonah 4:1-11 – Psalm 86:3-4, 5-6, 9-10 – Luke 11:1-4 Theme: “Learning God’s Mercy in the School of Prayer.” Introduction: Sometimes we pray for God to act — and when He does, we become upset because His mercy extends even to those we think don’t deserve it. Jonah’s story is the mirror of our own hearts: we want mercy for ourselves but justice for others. Jesus, on the other hand, teaches us to pray for forgiveness, for daily bread, and for hearts like God’s — full of mercy. Life Story: A little boy once prayed, “Lord, make me a good boy — but not too good, or my friends won’t like me.” It’s funny, but it captures our human struggle: we want holiness, but on our own terms! Jonah was like that — he wanted God to be merciful, but only toward Israel. When God forgave the Ninevites, Jonah threw a tantrum like a child who didn’t get his way. The Word of God: In Jonah 4 , the prophet sulks under a...

  Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary Theme: “Contemplating Christ with Mary: Faith That Listens, Prays, and Acts.” Introduction: Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary , a feast that invites us to rediscover the power of prayer — especially through the Rosary , that simple yet profound chain of faith connecting heaven and earth. In today’s Gospel, Jesus visits the home of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38–42). Martha is busy serving; Mary sits at His feet, listening. Both love the Lord — but Jesus reminds us that listening, contemplation, and relationship come before busyness. Humorous Story: There’s a story of a man who rushed to church every day, prayed the Rosary while checking his phone, and left before the final blessing. One day, he told the priest, “Father, I pray the Rosary daily, but I don’t feel close to God.” The priest smiled and said, “Maybe you’ve been talking to God on speakerphone instead of face-to-face.” Sometimes we are like that...