Reflections by Fr Mathibela Sebothoma

  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...

  Homily for Monday of the Twenty-Seventh Week in Ordinary Time (Year I – 2025)   Theme: “Listening Before Acting: The Better Part” Readings: Jonah 1:1—2:1, 11 Responsorial Psalm: Jonah 2:3, 5, 8 Luke 10:25–37 Introduction: Have you ever tried helping someone only to realise later that what they needed wasn’t your help — they just wanted you to listen? Sometimes, our eagerness to do makes us forget the grace of simply being present . Today’s readings challenge us to move from impulsive doing to prayerful listening. They remind us that true discipleship begins not in the rush to act, but in the quiet of obedience. Life Story: A little boy once prayed, “Dear Lord, if You can’t make me a better boy, don’t worry — I’m having a good time the way I am.” Sometimes we are like that with God: we want His blessings without changing direction! Jonah tried to do that — running from God’s call while still hoping for His protection. The Word of God: In the first reading, Jona...

  Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) Theme: “Faith that Moves the Ordinary into the Extraordinary” Introduction: Today’s readings invite us to rediscover the power of faith — not the kind of faith that moves mountains for show, but the quiet, deep faith that moves hearts, heals wounds, and sustains us in difficult times. We live in a world where faith is often seen as outdated, something for “church people.” But Scripture reminds us today that faith is the heartbeat of discipleship, the lens through which ordinary moments become sacred, and ordinary people become saints. Life Story: A young boy once prayed, “Lord, please give me a big, strong faith like my father’s… but not as expensive!” His mother asked, “What do you mean, expensive?” He replied, “Dad’s faith makes him forgive, share, and help people all the time — it looks like hard work!” Faith is hard work sometimes. It’s not magic. It’s trust, perseverance, and obedience — even when we don’t see the res...

  Homily – Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi Readings: Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29; Psalm 69:33-35, 36-37; Luke 10:17-24 Theme: “Returning to God with Joy – Walking in the Footsteps of Francis” Introduction: Today we celebrate the beloved Poverello of Assisi, Saint Francis — a man of peace, humility, and radical simplicity. His life is a living Gospel, a song of praise to the Creator, and an invitation for us to return to God with open hearts. Life story You know, Francis once said: “Preach the Gospel at all times; use words if necessary.” Sometimes I think if Francis were alive today, he’d have added, “…and maybe reduce the WhatsApp messages too!” — because some of us preach more with forwarded posts than with our lives! The Word of God: Baruch 4 speaks to a people in exile, urging them to take courage, return to God, and trust that He has not abandoned them. This mirrors Francis’ own conversion — from worldly pursuits to the joy of returning to the Father. Psalm 69 ...

  Homily for Friday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time (Cycle II) Baruch 1:15-22 Psalm 79:1b-2, 3-5, 8, 9 Luke 10:13-16 Theme:  “A Call to Repentance and Responsibility” Introduction A wise elder once said, “When you point one finger at others, three fingers point back at you.” That sums up today’s readings: before we complain about what others are not doing, we must first look within and ask how faithful we ourselves have been to God. Life story There’s a story of a young man who prayed, “Lord, change the world!” Years later, he prayed, “Lord, change my community.” In his old age, he finally prayed, “Lord, change me.” That’s when his prayer began to be answered. The Word of God In Baruch , the people admit their sins openly: “We have sinned against the Lord.” It’s a moment of humility—no blaming, no excuses, just repentance. The Psalm is a cry of sorrow and hope: “Help us, O God our Saviour, for the glory of Your name.” Even in failure, God’s...

 H omily for Thursday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time  Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels (2 October 2025)   Theme: “Guided by God’s Word, Guarded by His Angels.” Introduction: When I was a child, my grandmother often told me, “Don’t walk alone at night, your guardian angel can only walk as fast as you do.” At that time, I thought angels were like invisible bodyguards who sometimes needed to catch up with me. Only later did I realise how deep her words were — that God truly sends His angels to protect us, but also that we must walk in His ways so His presence stays with us. Life story: There’s a story of a little boy walking home late one evening. His mom asked, “Weren’t you scared walking through the dark street alone?” He replied, “Not really. The whole way I was singing loudly so that my guardian angel wouldn’t get bored.” The Word of God: Nehemiah 8:1–12 – The people of Israel, after years of exile, stand together as the Word of God is proclaimed. The...