Reflections by Fr Mathibela Sebothoma

  Homily for Wednesday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time (Cycle II)   📖 Readings : 1 Timothy 3:14–16 Psalm 111:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 Luke 7:31–35 Introduction A little boy once complained to his mother: “Mom, school would be great if it weren’t for the teachers!” His mother laughed and replied: “No, my son, school is the teachers.” Sometimes we resist the very things that are meant to help us grow. Isn’t that just like our spiritual life—we resist God’s ways when they don’t suit us? The Word of God In 1 Timothy , Paul reminds the young Church that faith is not just an idea, but a “great mystery” revealed in Christ: God made visible in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, proclaimed to the nations, and believed in the world. Faith is embodied—it must be lived in community. The Psalm praises God’s mighty works and faithfulness. His deeds are not hidden—they invite reflection, gratitude, and imitation. In Luke 7 , Jesus compares his generation to chil...

   Homily – Tuesday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time Memorial of Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs Readings: 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Psalm 101:1b-2ab, 2cd-3ab, 5, 6; Luke 7:11-17 Introduction There’s a story told of a little boy who, when asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, replied: “I want to be important enough that when I die, people cry—but not so important that people cheer!” It’s a child’s way of saying that a life worth living is not about power or fame but about relationships, love, and service. Today’s readings and the witness of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian challenge us to measure life not by success but by faithfulness and compassion. The Word of God 1 Timothy 3:1-13 Paul outlines the qualities of bishops and deacons: integrity, self-control, faithfulness in marriage, good reputation, and strong faith. Leadership in the Church is not about prestige but humble service, built on character and example. Psalm 101 This psalm i...

 Homily/Sermon -  Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (14 September) ✝️ Introduction Today the Church pauses to celebrate not simply a symbol, but the very mystery of our salvation—the Holy Cross. What was once an instrument of shame, torture, and death has been transformed into the sign of victory, love, and eternal life. The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross invites us to lift high the Cross, not as a decoration, but as the heart of our Christian faith. 📖 The Word of God Numbers 21:4-9 – The Israelites, bitten by serpents in the desert, are healed when they gaze upon the bronze serpent lifted up by Moses. This foreshadows Christ lifted on the Cross, through whom humanity finds healing from the sting of sin and death. Psalm 78 – A cry of repentance and trust: “Do not forget the works of the Lord.” We are reminded to remember God’s saving deeds, even when we feel lost or abandoned. Philippians 2:6-11 – The hymn of Christ’s humility. Jesus “emptied Himself, ...

  Saturday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time – Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. 📖 Readings 1 Timothy 1:15–17 Psalm 113:1b–2, 3–4, 5 and 6, 7 Luke 6:43–49 🕊️ Introduction Today’s Gospel challenges us with the image of the tree and its fruits. Jesus reminds us that a good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. In the end, our lives are measured not by appearances or empty words, but by the fruits of love, justice, and mercy that flow from our hearts. To live on a strong foundation is to hear the Word of God and put it into practice. Anything less is like building on sand—fragile, temporary, and easily washed away. St. John Chrysostom, whom we celebrate today, embodied this truth. Known as the “golden-mouthed preacher,” he did not simply preach eloquent words but lived them boldly. He spoke truth to power, defended the poor, and reminded the Church that faith without action is hollow. His life was not e...

  Homily for Friday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time (Cycle I, 2025) with the given structure: 📖 Readings 1 Timothy 1:1–2, 12–14 Psalm 16:1b-2a, 5, 7–8, 11 John 14:23 (Acclamation) Luke 6:39–42 Introduction There is a funny story about a man who loved to complain about everyone in his small village. One day, he came home angry and told his wife, “People have so many faults—it’s exhausting to point them all out!” His wife gently replied, “Maybe God gave you two eyes, not to watch others, but to watch yourself.” Today’s Gospel reminds us that it is far easier to see the speck in another person’s eye than to notice the log in our own. The Word of God 1 Timothy 1:1–2, 12–14 : St. Paul reflects on God’s mercy. He was once a persecutor, yet Christ forgave him and entrusted him with ministry. It is humility, not pride, that makes us instruments of grace. Psalm 16 : A song of trust, celebrating God as our refuge and inheritance. It reminds us that real...

  Homily for Thursday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time (Cycle II) with the right texts: 📖 Colossians 3:12–17; Psalm 150:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6; Luke 6:27-38 Introduction A little boy once prayed: “Lord, make the bad people good, and the good people nice.” Sometimes the hardest part of being Christian is not avoiding sin, but being nice—showing kindness, patience, and forgiveness even when others make it difficult. Today’s readings remind us that love and mercy are the heart of Christian life. The Word of God First Reading (Colossians 3:12–17): Paul gives us a “Christian wardrobe.” He says: “Put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” Just as we carefully choose our clothes each morning, we are invited to clothe ourselves in Christlike virtues daily. Above all, he says, “Put on love,” which binds everything together. Psalm 150: This joyful psalm reminds us that every action of our lives should be a hymn of praise to God. With every breath, we ar...

  Homily -  Wednesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time (Cycle I, 2025) 📖 Readings : Colossians 3:1-11 Psalm 145:2-3, 10-11, 12-13ab Luke 6:20-26 Introduction  A little boy once asked his mother: “Mom, if heaven is for the poor, why are you always working so hard to make money?” The mother smiled and said, “So that we can stay poor in humility and rich in faith.” Sometimes, children remind us that our priorities are upside down! The Word of God Colossians 3 reminds us that our true life is hidden with Christ in God. We are called to “seek the things that are above” —to put away anger, greed, pride, and selfishness, and to put on Christ. In Him, all divisions disappear. Psalm 145 is a hymn of praise that recognizes God’s greatness and the blessings of His reign. It reminds us that true joy comes not from possessions but from living under God’s kingship. Luke 6:20-26 gives us the Beatitudes and the woes. Jesus reverses the logic of the wo...