Reflections by Fr Mathibela Sebothoma

  Homily for Tuesday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time  – Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church (30 September 2025, Cycle I) : Theme:  “The Word of God: Fire for the Journey.” Introduction There is an old saying: “Dust on the Bible leads to rust in the soul.” If Saint Jerome were here today, he would nod furiously at that! Jerome, the fiery scholar who translated the Bible into Latin, once said: “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” He reminds us that the Word of God is not optional – it’s our lifeline. Life story I once heard a story of a child who asked his mother: “Mum, who wrote the Bible?” The mother replied, “God did.” The child thought a little and then asked, “Then how come He keeps spelling things differently in different books?” We laugh, but the truth is – many of us don’t even notice these details because we don’t open the Bible often enough! The Word of God Zechariah 8:20–23 : The prophet envisions people from...

 Homily - Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels Theme: “God’s Messengers, Our Protectors” Introduction: Today we celebrate the mighty Archangels—Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Each of them reveals something of God’s closeness to us: Michael defends, Gabriel announces, and Raphael heals. Together, they remind us that heaven is never far, and that God sends His messengers to guide, strengthen, and protect us. Life story: Someone once said, “Angels may be invisible, but they spend all their time cleaning up our messes!” How true that is—whether it’s defending us from evil, bringing us God’s word, or healing our wounds. The Word of God (Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Psalm 138; John 1:47-51): Daniel shows us God’s throne surrounded by angels, a reminder that our God is Lord of history. The Psalm assures us: “In the presence of the angels I will bless You, O Lord.” The Gospel (John 1:47–51) reminds us of Jacob’s dream—the heavens open, angels ascending and d...

  Homily for the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time  (Cycle C – 2025)   Theme:  “The Great Reversal: Living for God, Not for Wealth” Introduction Have you noticed how our world often celebrates people who live large—big houses, flashy cars, social media followers—while quietly ignoring those who struggle every day just to survive? Today’s Gospel gives us a sobering reminder that God’s view of success is very different from the world’s. Life Story A little boy asked his grandmother, “Gogo, why does Father always preach about heaven being so wonderful, but he never asks us to go there right now?” Gogo smiled and said, “Because he knows people still want to finish their braai first!” It’s a funny reminder: we love comfort here, but today’s readings challenge us to think about eternal life and how we treat others now. The Word of God Amos 6:1a, 4-7 The prophet condemns the wealthy in Israel who live in luxury—lying on ivory beds, eating lambs and calves—whil...

  H omily for Saturday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time (Cycle I)  Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest : Theme:  “True Greatness is Found in Humble Service.” Introduction Sometimes we imagine greatness in terms of power, titles, and positions. But God’s idea of greatness is often the opposite—it is seen in humility, service, and love. Today, as we celebrate Saint Vincent de Paul , the patron of charity, we are reminded that true greatness lies not in being served but in serving others. Life Story A young boy once told his mother, “When I grow up, I want to be important like our parish priest. Everyone shakes his hand and says ‘Good morning, Father.’” The mother replied, “That’s lovely, my son. But remember—it’s not the handshakes that make him important. It’s the fact that he spends his life shaking hands with the poor, the sick, and those no one else wants to greet.” The boy thought for a moment and said, “So… being important means shaking dirty ha...

  Homily for Friday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time (26 September 2025). Readings Haggai 2:1-9 Psalm 43:1, 2, 3, 4 Luke 9:18-22 Theme: “The Glory of the New Temple and the Cost of Discipleship.” Introduction Today’s Word of God invites us to look beyond appearances. In life, there are moments when things seem small, weak, or even disappointing—but God promises a greater glory. Jesus Himself reminds us that this glory is only possible through the cross. Life Story Someone once said: “Everyone wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die!” That is exactly what Peter struggles with in today’s Gospel. He wants the Messiah, but not the suffering. The Word of God First Reading (Haggai 2:1-9): The prophet comforts the people who see the rebuilt temple as less glorious than Solomon’s. God promises: “The latter splendour of this house shall be greater than the former.” The true glory is not in gold or size, but in God’s presence. Psalm 43: The psalm...

 Homily for Thursday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time   (Haggai 1:1-8; Psalm 149; Luke 9:7-9): Theme: “Building God’s House Before Our Own” Introduction My dear brothers and sisters, today’s Word is a gentle but firm nudge from the Lord. Through the prophet Haggai, God reminds His people that while they were busy decorating and upgrading their own homes, His house remained in ruins. The Gospel then shows us Herod, restless and curious about Jesus, yet unwilling to change. Both readings point us to one truth: we cannot neglect God while expecting peace in our own lives. Life story Someone once said: “We spend thousands on building kitchens but don’t have time to cook. We buy big TVs but no longer sit together as a family. We upgrade our homes but sometimes downgrade our souls.” That’s exactly what Haggai is challenging—our mixed-up priorities! The Word of God Haggai 1:1-8: The prophet speaks to the returned exiles, reminding them that while they have rebuil...

  Homily f or Wednesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time  Readings: Ezra 9:5–9 Tobit 13:2, 3–4a, 4befghn, 7–8 Luke 9:1–6 Theme: “Restored by God, Sent on Mission.” Introduction A parishioner once asked me after Mass: “Father, why does God always choose weak people? Couldn’t He just pick the perfect ones to do His work?” I smiled and said: “If God only chose the perfect ones, we would all be unemployed!” God delights in taking weak, broken, even sinful people—and restoring them for His mission. The Word of God Ezra 9:5–9 : Ezra prays with deep humility, confessing the sins of Israel. He recognises that God, despite Israel’s unfaithfulness, has granted mercy, given them a “stake in His holy place” , and allowed them to return and rebuild. This is not just history—it’s a model of repentance and renewal. Tobit 13 : A hymn of praise for God who punishes but also restores, who scatters but gathers again. God’s justice is never without mercy. He rest...