Reflections by Fr Mathibela Sebothoma

  Homily  for the Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) : Introduction  A man was invited to a wedding but decided to sit right in the front row at the main table, where the important guests were seated. When the host arrived, he asked him to move to the back of the hall because those seats were reserved. Embarrassed, the man had to stand up and walk past everyone to the last table. After that, he told his friends, “Next time I’ll sit at the back so that, maybe, they’ll call me forward.” We laugh at this, but Jesus uses a very similar story in today’s Gospel to teach us about humility and the right way to live in God’s presence. The Word of God First Reading: Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29 The wise man says, “Conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.” God favors the humble, and He resists the proud. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 68 God is described as the protector of the lowly: “God gives a home to the forsaken; he...

 Homily -  Saturday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time (Year II) based on: 📖 Readings: 1 Thessalonians 4:9–11 Psalm 98:1, 7–8, 9 Matthew 25:14–30 Introduction – Humorous Story A teacher once asked her class: “What would you like to be remembered for?” One boy said, “That I was kind.” Another said, “That I was helpful.” The last boy replied: “That I finished my homework!” Sometimes, what people remember us for is not just what we say , but how we use the opportunities given to us. Today’s Gospel challenges us to ask: What will God remember us for when He calls us to account? The Word of God 1 Thessalonians 4:9–11 – Paul reminds the community that they are “taught by God to love one another.” Love is not just words but a way of life, expressed in simplicity, hard work, and peaceful living. Psalm 98 – The whole creation rejoices in God’s saving justice. The psalm echoes the idea that when we live rightly, all of creation joins in praising God. ...

  Homily – Friday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time Readings: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 10-12; Mark 6:17-29 Introduction There’s an old African proverb that says: “When you tell the truth, you don’t need to remember anything.” But, as we know, telling the truth often comes with a price. Today we commemorate Saint John the Baptist , who preferred death to silence, because his life was dedicated to preparing the way of the Lord with integrity. The Word of God In 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 , Paul urges us to live lives that are holy, pleasing to God, and respectful of our bodies. Holiness is not a private luxury but a public witness—it sets us apart in a world that often normalises sin. John the Baptist embodied this holiness by denouncing sin, even in the royal palace. The Psalm (97) proclaims God as King, who loves justice and hates evil. It reminds us that those who stand with God must also stand for what is right. John’s voice echoed this psalm: “You...

  Homily for Thursday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time  –Memorial of Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church : Introduction  Someone once joked that confession lines would be very short if people confessed only their own sins—and not their neighbours’! Yet, when Saint Augustine looked at his life, he saw how easy it was to blame others or to justify himself. But grace broke through, and he became one of the greatest saints and teachers in the Church. His story reminds us that God’s grace is stronger than our weakness. The Word of God 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13 – St. Paul speaks of the joy he receives from the perseverance of the Thessalonian community. He prays that they may “abound in love for one another” and be strengthened in holiness until the coming of Christ. Love and holiness are the fruits of a heart open to God’s grace. Psalm 90 – Reminds us of the brevity of life: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain wisdom of heart.” Augustin...

  Homily for Wednesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time  Memorial of Saint Monica   Introduction A little boy once asked his mother: “If God is everywhere, does that mean He even follows me when I hide under the bed?” The mother smiled and said: “Yes, my child. God’s love is so great that there is nowhere you can go to escape it.” Today’s readings, together with the Memorial of Saint Monica , remind us of God’s presence that never abandons us and the power of perseverance in faith and prayer. The Word of God St. Paul (1 Thessalonians 2:9-13) recalls how he and his companions worked hard to bring the Gospel, not for personal gain but as fathers caring for their children. The Thessalonians received the Word not as human speech but as the living Word of God, active in them. Psalm 139 beautifully reminds us that God’s presence surrounds us. Whether we rise with the dawn, settle at the farthest sea, or hide in darkness, His hand is always upon us. The ...

  Homily for Tuesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time (Year II) based on the readings: 1 Thessalonians 2:1–8 Psalm 139:1–3, 4–6 Matthew 23:23–26 Introduction  A little boy once asked his grandmother, “Gogo, what does it mean to be holy?” She smiled and said, “It’s like washing dishes. If you only clean the outside, people may think the plate is clean, but when you try to eat from it, you’ll find it dirty inside. Holiness is about washing the inside first.” The boy thought for a moment and replied, “So holiness is like doing the dishes properly!” The wisdom of children reminds us of today’s Gospel. The Word of God In the first reading , Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his ministry among them: not one of trickery or selfish gain, but one marked by sincerity, gentleness, and self-giving love. He shared not only the Gospel but his very life. This is the model of true Christian leadership. The Psalm beautifully echoes God’s intimate knowledge of us. He ...

  Homily for Monday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time (Year II) 📖 Readings : 1 Thessalonians 1:1–5, 8b–10 Psalm 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a, 9b Matthew 23:13–22 Introduction  There is a story of a man who got lost while driving in the countryside. He asked a local farmer for directions, and the farmer replied, “Well, if you want to get there, I wouldn’t start from here!” The man laughed but realized there is no other place to start except where you are. The same is true for our faith journey—we cannot begin from anywhere else but here and now, with the life God has given us. The Word of God  In the first reading , Paul praises the Thessalonians for their vibrant faith, hope, and love. He notes that their example has spread “everywhere,” showing that authentic faith is contagious. Their lives became the Gospel others could see and hear. The psalm calls us to sing a “new song” to the Lord, rejoicing in His faithful love and salvation. This song is not on...

 Homily -  Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time : 📖 Readings First Reading: Isaiah 66:18-21 – God gathers people from every nation to see His glory. Psalm: Psalm 117 – “Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.” Second Reading: Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13 – The Lord disciplines those He loves; discipline brings growth. Gospel: Luke 13:22-30 – “Strive to enter through the narrow door… some are last who will be first.” Introduction  A man once asked his priest: “Father, will there be golf in heaven?” The priest replied: “Don’t worry—if you get in, you’ll be too happy to ask for golf!” That’s the catch: heaven is wonderful, but not everyone enters automatically. Today’s readings invite us to reflect on who enters God’s Kingdom, and how. The Word of God Isaiah 66 God promises to gather all nations and tongues. Salvation is not limited to one group; His plan is universal. Psalm 117 The shortest psalm in the Bible, yet one of the most pow...

  Homily for Saturday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time (Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17; Psalm 128; Matthew 23:1-12) Introduction  A man once said, “My grandmother used to pray that I’d find a good wife. My mother used to pray that I’d be a good husband. Now my wife prays that I’ll just take out the rubbish!” This light story reminds us: real love is shown in small acts of service and humility . Today’s readings invite us to discover God’s blessing in humble faith, loving service, and simple obedience. The Word of God Ruth 2 & 4 : Ruth, a foreigner and widow, shows loyalty to Naomi and works humbly in the fields. Boaz notices her faithfulness, and in time she becomes part of God’s great plan—an ancestor of David and ultimately of Jesus. God blesses her humility and fidelity. Psalm 128 : The psalm celebrates the blessings of those who walk in God’s ways: fruitful work, flourishing family, peace and prosperity. It echoes the story of Ruth’s family life being restor...

  Homily for Wednesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time - Memorial of Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church Readings: Judges 9:6-15; Psalm 21:2-7; Hebrews 4:12; Matthew 20:1-16 Memorial: Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church Introduction  A man once joked: “If God ran a business like this vineyard, He’d go bankrupt—paying the same to those who worked one hour and those who worked all day!” But the Kingdom of God is not a business. It is a family where love, mercy, and generosity—not strict fairness—set the rules. The Word of God Judges 9:6-15: The parable of the trees warns of false leadership. The fruitful trees refuse kingship, and the bramble—a destructive, thorny plant—becomes king. It shows what happens when good people do not step forward to serve. Psalm 21: The true King is God, who blesses and strengthens His people. Hebrews 4:12: God’s Word pierces our hearts, cutting away envy, selfishness, and pride. Matthew 20:1-16:...

 Homily for Tuesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time  (Readings: Judges 6:11-24a; Psalm 85:9, 11-14; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Matthew 19:23-30) Introduction  A little boy once prayed, “Lord, please make me rich—at least enough so I don’t have to depend on my parents anymore.” His father overheard him and said, “My son, even if you’re rich, you’ll still depend on God!” The boy paused and replied, “Okay, Lord, just make me rich enough to depend on You… with style!” The Word of God Judges 6:11-24a – Gideon feels small and unworthy: “My clan is the weakest… I am the least in my family.” Yet God calls him a “mighty warrior” and promises to be with him. God’s strength shines most through our weakness. Psalm 85 – God’s peace and salvation are near. Justice and peace will embrace, reminding us that His presence transforms brokenness into harmony. 2 Corinthians 8:9 – Paul reminds us of the paradox of Christ: “Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so th...

  Homily for Monday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time based on the specific readings you gave: Readings: Judges 2:11-19 Psalm 106:34-35, 36-37, 39-40, 43ab, 44 Matthew 19:16-22 Introduction  A man once prayed: “Lord, please let me win the lottery, just once!” After weeks of this prayer, a voice came from heaven: “My son, at least buy a ticket!” The point is: God gives us opportunities and calls us to act, but if we remain tied to our old ways—or to what we cannot let go of—we miss His blessings. The Word of God Judges 2:11-19 : Israel abandons God for idols, and disaster follows. Yet, in mercy, God raises judges to deliver them. Still, they relapse again and again. This shows our human weakness: we know the good but often fall back into sin. Psalm 106 : A lament that remembers Israel’s infidelity. They mingled with other nations, adopted their practices, and even sacrificed their children to idols. Yet God, in His mercy, listened when they cried out...

  Homily – Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Introduction  A little boy once asked his grandmother, “Gogo, why do we pray before meals?” She replied, “Because we must thank God.” The boy thought for a moment and said, “But at school, my friend Sipho says his family doesn’t pray, they just eat. Does that mean they don’t thank God?” The grandmother smiled and said, “My boy, some people are like chickens—they eat but never look up.” (We laugh, but it’s true: sometimes we go through life without lifting our eyes to God, forgetting that He gives meaning, strength, and fire to our lives.) The Word of God Jeremiah 38:4–6, 8–10 : Jeremiah is persecuted for speaking the truth of God. He is thrown into a cistern, sinking in mud. Yet God delivers him. This shows that fidelity to God often brings conflict, but God never abandons His prophets. Psalm 40:2–4, 18 : A cry of thanksgiving—God lifts us out of the pit, puts a new song in our mouth, and gives us courage to trust Him. ...

  Homily - Saturday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time 📖 Readings Joshua 24:14–29 – Joshua urges Israel to serve the Lord faithfully and renews the covenant. Psalm 16:1–2a, 5, 7–8, 11 – “You are my inheritance, O Lord.” Matthew 19:13–15 – Jesus welcomes little children and blesses them. Introduction  A little boy once prayed: “Dear God, if You can’t make me a better boy, don’t worry. I’m having fun the way I am!” We laugh, but often we are like that boy—enjoying life without realizing God calls us to a deeper commitment. Today’s readings challenge us to choose God sincerely, like Israel, and to have the humility and trust of a child. The Word of God First Reading (Joshua 24:14–29) Joshua, nearing the end of his life, gathers the people at Shechem. He challenges them: “Choose this day whom you will serve.” Israel renews its covenant, acknowledging God’s saving acts. This is about loyalty, total dedication, and rejecting false gods. Psalm 1...