Reflections by Fr Mathibela Sebothoma

  Short Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Easter Readings : Acts 14:21–27 | Psalm 145:8–13 | Revelation 21:1–5a | John 13:31–33a, 34–35 Theme : “See, I am making all things new.” (Revelation 21:5) 😄  Many years ago, a young boy asked his Gogo why her Bible looked so old and worn out. She replied, “Because I actually read it, my boy!” He thought for a moment and said, “Then mine must be brand new forever!” It’s true — we often keep the Word of God neatly on our shelves instead of living it out. But today, Christ calls us not to preserve the Gospel in a book, but to embody it through love. 📖 The Word of God The Gospel of John presents us with one of the most profound and revolutionary teachings of Jesus: “I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you.” It’s not just about being nice — it’s sacrificial, self-giving love. In Acts, we see the early Church returning to the places where they had been persecuted, to strengthen the faith of the new discipl...

Short Homily – Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter Theme: “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” 📖 Readings: – Acts 13:44–52 – Psalm 98:1, 2–3ab, 3cd–4 – John 14:7–14 😄  There was once a little boy who, during Sunday school, was asked, “Where is God?” He pointed upwards. “In heaven?” the teacher asked. “No,” he said confidently, “in our lounge—Mum says God visits every time Father comes for tea!” Sometimes we want proof that God is near. But like Philip in today’s Gospel, we forget that God has been with us all along. 📖 The Word of God In John 14:7–14 , Philip says, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” It’s a very human request. We want signs. We want clarity. Jesus responds with loving firmness: “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me?” To see Jesus is to see the Father. He is the visible face of the invisible God. In Acts 13 , we hear of Paul and Barnabas facing jealousy and rejection from the Jews. ...

  Short Homily – Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter Theme: “Do not let your hearts be troubled – God is still at work!” Readings: Acts 13:26-33; Psalm 2:6-7, 8-9, 10-11ab; John 14:1-6 😄 Introduction  A priest once told his congregation: “Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.’ But many of you only follow Him like you follow road signs—you see the direction, you nod, but then you turn wherever you like!”  But today’s Gospel gives us direction and reassurance from the heart of Jesus Himself. 🔍  “I Am the Way” Jesus tells His disciples, “Do not let your hearts be troubled... I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:1-3). The disciples were confused and afraid, much like many of us today when we look at the state of the world—or even our own families and Church. But Jesus doesn’t leave them with fear. He points them to Himself: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” This isn’t just about going to heaven. It’s about how to live on earth. He ...

  Homily for Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter Readings 📖 First Reading : Acts 13:13-25 Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 89:2-3, 21-22, 25, 27 Gospel : John 13:16-20 Introduction 🙏 Good morning, brothers and sisters in South Africa! Today’s readings remind us that Jesus is our Good Shepherd, guiding us through the diverse and vibrant paths of our Rainbow Nation. Whether in the bustling streets of Johannesburg, the coastal beauty of Cape Town, or the quiet hills of KwaZulu-Natal, His love leads us with purpose, even when life feels like a challenging journey. 😄 A priest in Durban once told me about a parishioner who got lost driving to a church braai in the Drakensberg. He trusted his GPS, only to end up on a dirt road surrounded by curious goats, looking at him like he was their next meal! Frustrated, he called the parish, and the priest laughed, saying, “Bru, you followed a gadget, but now listen to my voice to find the way!” Just like that, we sometimes follow the wrong signals—...

  Short Homily for the Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle Readings: Acts 1:15–17, 20–26 | Psalm 113:1–2, 3–4, 5–6, 7–8 | John 15:9–17 Theme: “Chosen to Bear Fruit that Will Last” 😊 Many years ago, I told a seminarian during community washing-up duty: "You weren't chosen for your dishwashing skills, but now that you're here, wash with love!" He replied: "Father, I was hoping God would call me to preach, not to polish spoons!" That’s life in ministry — sometimes God chooses you for things you never saw coming! Just like Saint Matthias — chosen after Jesus had ascended, not by CV or popularity, but by prayer and discernment. Sometimes, your greatest calling is not what you expected. 🔍 The Word of God In Acts 1 , the early Church needed to replace Judas. They didn’t host elections or consult social media. Instead, they prayed and trusted the Holy Spirit. Matthias is chosen — not because he was famous, but because he had been faithful . He had walked t...

  No, Mr Trump — There Is No Genocide in South Africa By Fr Mathibela Sebothoma US President Donald Trump has once again made reckless and inflammatory claims — this time accusing South Africa of perpetrating a so-called “white genocide.” This allegation is not only false, but also dangerous, as it stokes racial tension, misrepresents the lived realities of South Africans, and undermines our long, difficult — yet determined — journey towards justice, reconciliation, and democracy. Let us be clear: there is no genocide in South Africa. Trump’s assertions resurface every few years, often echoed by far-right groups who cherry-pick statistics on farm murders or land reform to suit a narrative of white victimhood. These are not innocent misunderstandings. They are deliberate distortions, weaponised to ignore context, history, and — most importantly — facts. What Do the Numbers Really Say? South Africa certainly faces a serious crime problem, and it affects people across all racial...

  Short Homily for Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter Theme: “The Voice That Brings Life” Readings: Acts 11:19–26 | Psalm 87:1b–3, 4–5, 6–7 | John 10:22–30 🪕 Some years ago, after giving a passionate Easter homily, a parishioner came up to me and said, “Father, I didn’t hear a thing, but you looked very convincing!” At least they heard something — even if it was only my body language! 📖 The Word of God In today’s Gospel, Jesus says, “My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me.”  But the people questioning Him refuse to believe. Why? Because belief is not just about facts — it's about relationship. It’s about trust. In Acts, the early Christians spread the Good News even after persecution, and the Church grows in Antioch. These were ordinary people empowered by the Spirit — not experts, just believers. The name Christian was first used here, not as a label, but as a witness: people who live and act like Christ. Psalm 87 reminds us that no matter ...