Reflections by Fr Mathibela Sebothoma

  Homily -  Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Introduction A little boy once asked his catechism teacher: “Ma’am, why do Catholics believe Mary went straight to heaven?” The teacher replied, “Because if you were Jesus and you could prepare a room in heaven for your mother, wouldn’t you do it right away?” The boy thought for a moment and said, “If she made the food I like, she’d go in before the Apostles!” Today, we celebrate that special “yes” of God to Mary – that she should share fully in the glory of her Son, body and soul, in heaven. The Word of God 1st Reading – Revelation 11 & 12 The “woman clothed with the sun” points to Mary but also to the Church. Mary’s victory over the dragon (symbol of evil) is possible because of Christ’s triumph. This is a sign of hope for us: the same God who lifted Mary will also lift us. Psalm 45 A royal wedding song celebrating the Queen – in Christian tradition, Mary as the Queen at the side of...

  Homily - Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr Introduction Someone once said, “Forgiveness is the bridge we build for others to cross—one day we may need to walk on it ourselves.” Today’s readings invite us to walk across two “bridges”: one of God’s mighty power that removes obstacles (seen in the crossing of the Jordan), and one of unlimited forgiveness (taught by Jesus). The Word of God First Reading – Joshua 3:7–10a, 11, 13–17 Israel’s journey to the Promised Land reaches a decisive moment—the Jordan River is in full flood, but God works a miracle. The Ark of the Covenant, symbolising God’s presence, goes ahead of the people, and the waters stop flowing. This reminds us that God not only leads but also clears the path when we walk in obedience. Psalm 114 The psalm poetically recalls how creation itself bowed before the God of Israel: the sea fled, the Jordan turned back, the mountains skipped like rams. The message is that God’s presence changes everyth...

  Homily - Wednesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time Homily Theme: “Forgive From the Heart” Introduction  A man once said to his priest, “I’ve forgiven my brother more times than I can count, but he still annoys me!” The priest replied, “Good—you’re in good company. God forgives you more times than you can count too.” Forgiveness is not about keeping score—it’s about keeping our hearts free. First Reading – Deuteronomy 34:1-12 Moses stands on Mount Nebo, seeing the Promised Land but not entering it. His life’s mission is complete, even if he doesn’t step into the final destination. Moses shows us that faithfulness is measured not by reaching every goal, but by walking obediently to the end of our journey. Leadership in God’s eyes is about service, not reward. Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 66:1-3, 5, 8, 16-17 A psalm of praise: “Blessed be God who refused me not my prayer.” It is a reminder that God’s plans are greater than ours and that His answers—whether “ye...

  Tuesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time Theme: “Unless You Become Like Little Children” “Do Not Be Afraid—The Lord Himself Goes Before You” Introduction  A little boy was terrified of the dark. One evening, his mother asked him to fetch the broom from the back porch. The boy peeked out and saw nothing but darkness. He said, “But Mom, it’s dark out there!” She reassured him, “Don’t worry, Jesus is everywhere—even in the dark.” The boy thought for a moment, then shouted toward the porch, “Jesus, if You’re out there, could You hand me the broom?” Sometimes we believe Jesus is present—but we still hesitate to take the step forward. Exegesis of the Readings First Reading – Deuteronomy 31:1-8 Moses is preparing the people of Israel for his departure. He reassures them, “The Lord Himself will go before you… Do not fear or be dismayed.” This is a moment of transition and uncertainty—Joshua will take over leadership, but the real Leader is God Himself. The passage ...

  Homily - Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Theme: Faithful and Ready: Living as Pilgrims of Hope Introduction There’s an old story of a parish priest who once visited a farmer and found him in the middle of painting his barn. The priest asked, “Why paint it now? The rain is coming.” The farmer smiled and said, “Because if I wait for perfect weather, I’ll never finish anything.” Sometimes in life—and in faith—we wait for the perfect moment to pray, forgive, serve, or love. But Jesus reminds us that the perfect time to be ready is now —because the Master can come at any hour. The Word of God 1️⃣ Wisdom 18:6–9 The author recalls the night of the Passover in Egypt—God’s saving action that freed His people. The faithful trusted in His promise and acted as He instructed, even though the future was uncertain. This shows that readiness is not passive—it is an act of trust in God’s Word. 2️⃣ Psalm 33 The psalmist declares that those who hope in the Lord are truly blessed. God...

  Homily – Saturday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time Readings: Deuteronomy 6:4-13 – The great commandment: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength.” Psalm 18:2-3a, 3bc-4, 47, 51 – “I love you, Lord, my strength.” Matthew 17:14-20 – Healing of the boy possessed by a demon; faith the size of a mustard seed. Introduction Have you ever been given a tiny gift that turned out to be far more valuable than it looked? Perhaps a small key that opens a treasure chest, or a little plant that grows into a massive shade tree? Today’s Gospel reminds us that faith, even if small, can accomplish the impossible —but it has to be real, alive, and rooted in God. A little boy once planted a mustard seed in a pot. After two days, he looked and saw nothing. He came to his grandmother and said, “This thing doesn’t work!” She told him, “Faith is like gardening—you can’t dig it up every day to check if it’s growing.” He frowned and said, “But Gran...

 Homily-  Memorial of Saint Dominic, Priest Theme: “To Preach with Life and Word: Following Christ through Contemplation and Mission” Introduction Today we remember Saint Dominic , founder of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) . He reminds us that the Church is nourished not only by words of wisdom but also by lives of holiness. A young man once asked a Dominican friar, “What’s the secret to a good sermon?” The friar smiled and said, “Three things: be brief, be brilliant, and be gone.” The man laughed. The friar added, “And make sure you live it before you preach it—because your life preaches louder than your words.” The Word of God 1. Deuteronomy 4:32–40 Moses recalls the mighty deeds of God: no other nation has heard God speak and lived. This call to remember and obey is foundational—God’s past faithfulness demands our present fidelity. 2. Psalm 77:12–13, 14–15, 16 and 21 The psalmist meditates on God’s wonders, a call to trust in divine providence . Saint Domini...