Friday August 21, 2026

Matthew 22:34-40

When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees they got together and, to disconcert him, one of them put a question, ‘Master, which is the greatest commandment of the Law?’ Jesus said, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second resembles it: You must love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments hang the whole Law, and the Prophets also.’

Fr. Chibundi has added a third commandment to what our Lord says above. It is “Remember there is but one God and you ain’t it!!”

It is actually interesting to see just how much time and energy the Pharisees put in stopping the ministry of our Lord. They actually did this in the name of saving their religion from corruption. Jesus was a threat. You know I want him to remain a threat to forces within me that are hostile to the life of the Kingdom. We often think of Jesus as a kumbaya kinda of a person. But he was disruptive. So today how does love God and Love Neighbor disrupt your life. How is this challenging? You know the answer very well. Life by its very nature is tough and challenging let alone living with others who do not see things as we do. Remember though, there is but one God and you are not it!!!

Wednesday August 19, 2026

Matthew 20:1-16

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner going out at daybreak to hire workers for his vineyard.

There must have been some trouble in the early church which prompted Jesus to tell this parable to his disciples. The question for me is if we finally got that message. Sometimes church which is supposed to be a place of worship, forgiveness and welcome can become a rather toxic place where enemy lines are drawn. This happens in every community and family if we do not stop reminding ourselves of our mission. Maybe instead of mission, the disciples were being driven by ambition. The first disciples wanted to be respected, given places of honor because they were the first ones to be called. In fact no one would be allowed to be called an apostle unless they were called by Jesus himself. Then here comes St Paul. He had never walked with Jesus and was claiming to be an apostle. Trouble began!!

Remember another incident when the disciples stopped a guy who was casting out a demon because “he is not one of us…” And the Lord said “…why did you stop him, he who does not scatter actually gathers with us…”

This was there thing you see. It very quickly became about them not the mission. Have you ever had a priest who needed to control everything? He has to hold court all the time and you better not do something better than him? I know you have!!! That priest or person needs to go on retreat to be reminded that it is God who does the calling. He calls some at the 11th hour and it is non of our business to question their reward or gift.

Monday August 17, 2026

Matthew 19:16-22

There was a man who came to Jesus and asked, ‘Master, what good deed must I do to possess eternal life?’

Yes Jesus cut to the point, what do I need to do? Oh if only life in the Kingdom was about doing this and that. How many masses can one miss and still be ok? How many soup kitchens do I have to serve at?

Listen folks it is not about doing this or that act. It is about becoming. St. John the Baptist and many other saints have given us a clear picture of what should be happening on our spiritual journey. He increases and I decrease. In other words we let ourselves be transformed into the image of Christ.

This is not something incredibly difficult you know? You have already been doing it. Think of the many times you have denied yourself so that your children can have. Yes you are decreasing and are happy to do so in order to give your children the best life.

So today I pray for your journey of becoming. May you become more and more everyday a channel of God’s grace.

Friday August 14, 2026

Matthew 19:3-12

Some Pharisees approached Jesus, and to test him they said, ‘Is it against the Law for a man to divorce his wife on any pretext whatever?

This is a hot button issue even in our times. I have heard though that things have changed a lot in the meantime. What I hear is that most divorces are initiated by women at least here in the developed world. But that is not the argument here is it?

There is real pain and hurt when loving relationships turn into war zones. There is real pain when one is betrayed by another. And I know this: no one gets married to be divorced. Life happens, people change and lovers grow apart.

The teaching of the Lord however stands. What God has joined let no one put asunder. What is at issue I believe in this passage is “using” one another as mere means to an end or objects. Women at this point in time were treated as property and could be dismissed so casually. Obviously this is not the case in our time and age. Women’s rights or people’s rights are fully recognized now. This does not mean there are not times when one looks upon another as less than human and treats them harshly. This is an issue that will stay with us as long as we live. The financial disparity between people can lead to abuse.

I pray no one ever goes through this most difficult and in some cultures embarrassing time. But I am also realistic, it will happen to some. So this day, we pray for all struggling couples. I pray you have clarity on your path.

Wednesday August 12, 2026

Matthew 18:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If your brother does something wrong, go and have it out with him alone, between your two selves.

One may wonder what was going on in the early church or among the followers of Our Lord when this narrative was written. Maybe folks were too quick to sue each other without making an effort to settle differences. Jesus or the author of this narrative asks his readers if they have made an effort at all.

Truth be told I think we shut down too quickly sometimes. Recently I have said that I am exhausted from dealing with the same family drama and for my peace of mind I have raised my hands and walked away saying “to each their own..” Scripture however reminds us that the bonds that bind us together should not be broken so easily. Make every effort to talk it out!!!

I am reminded of a mother who never gives up on their child. This mother keeps trying to talk to someone who has let an addiction take over. Again and again she reaches out. Yes sometimes it is hard to watch but maybe God is also saying through this mother-child tie that this relationship is too important to let it be destroyed by not talking. Today let us pray for those in our midst who are at the brink of destroying a beautiful relationship. Let us pray that they “reach” each other and fix things.

Tuesday August 11, 2026

Matthew 18:1-5,10,12-14

The disciples came to Jesus and said, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’

It is not the question that was problematic, it is the timing of the question. It clearly revealed what the disciples were preoccupied with. For them it was about Power and prestige. I hate to say it but not much has changed in ecclesiastical circumstances. We will get back to this one.

Jesus at this point in the narrative is really troubled at heart. The Pharisees, and political leaders are planning on killing him. He is very much aware of the growing opposition and begins to talk to his closest friends about this fear, this threat to his life. He then predicts that he will be killed in Jerusalem. Now this is not “hey guys FYI I will be betrayed and crucified when we get to Jerusalem..” He is sharing something that is extremely difficult and no one hears him. When your life is at stake, you don’t eat, you don’t sleep well, you get paranoid. Yes you do if you are fully human. Yet everyone is thinking what else can they get from him.

Have you ever been around people like that? People who demand your last drop of blood or energy and take take take. It is never enough for them until they suck you dry. Well the disciples are being jerks. They are worried about power and the Lord is sick to his stomach about his own life.

I do not want to make this a long read. But don’t be that guy!! Check on those who always appear strong. They may need your shoulder now and then.

Monday August 10, 2026

2 Corinthians 9:6-10

Do not forget: thin sowing means thin reaping; the more you sow, the more you reap. Each one should give what he has decided in his own mind, not grudgingly or because he is made to, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Our culture says the same thing using words such as: You get what you put in or garbage in, garbage out. I don’t think I am a fan of the latter saying but there must be a lot of truth to it. Can we start with this other saying today. Life is not fair.

How many times have you put in so much work in a project and seem to be spinning your wheels. And then some other person barely tries and things work out for them. They may have the right name or right connections. In Zambia there is this famous saying which has served me well. My lane, my race, my pace. We say this not to discourage competition but encourage folk not to constantly compare themselves. In a roundabout way it speaks to knowing and understanding our individual missions. We were sent to Mother Earth for a reason, for a purpose. We always have to bear that in mind.

So maybe today is a good day to revisit our vocations our callings. Are we sowing thinly there and expecting the most? I don’t think any of us go out and intentionally do the least. We just get distracted and forget the mission here and there. Come back to it with your Time, Talent and Treasure.

Thursday August 6, 2026

Matthew 17:1-9

Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone. There in their presence he was transfigured:

We are midway through the gospel of Matthew and the tide is beginning to shift for our Lord from bad to worst. There is mounting pressure from the authorities and it seems after this event we do not have miracles except in the end with the miracle of the resurrection. Some of his followers are also beginning to question their decisions and actually many left. At one point he asks his disciples if they too want to leave? What is happening? It’s the talk about Jerusalem and what will happen there. The Son of Man will be handed over to the authorities and brutally executed. This is not sitting well with anyone.

So he takes the three to show them in a way that God is still in control of events. Do you know of someone who needs to be shown that? Someone who could use a sign that God is in control. Many times life has struck the code that holds things together and everything falls apart. I know you have been there in this space where you are barely holding on. If you are going through that phase now, just know it is a phase. God will calm the rough waters. Maybe come to Mass and pray with us. It’s not that the gathered community has figured it all out. But we have learned to see the little signs that transform our perception. Hang in there, it may get rougher but He is working on something for you. Sometimes I wonder how I survived it all. And for me, the pain was self inflicted and yet God did calm the waters.

Wednesday August 5, 2026

Jesus left Gennesaret and withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. Then out came a Canaanite woman from that district and started shouting, ‘Sir, Son of David, take pity on me. My daughter is tormented by a devil.’

Does a mother or would a mother ever stop praying for a troubled child? Absolutely not, this actually reminds me of the passage in the Hebrew Scriptures which says “even if a mother forgets her child, I will never forget you..” God is saying in the strongest way that He will not forget Israel just as it is impossible for a mother to forget her child.

Anyway this mother brought her child to the Lord. She a Canaanite woman had not slept in forever because her baby was tormented. We don’t even know if her daughter was a believer or accepted Jesus but what we know is this: Mama prayed!!!

Do not get tired of praying for your babies. God will answer and give you peace. I know this, the demons of our times have gotten more stubborn and complicated. These can only be driven out by prayer and fasting….. and some therapy

Tuesday August 4, 2026

Matthew 15:1-2,10-15

Then the disciples came to him and said, ‘Do you know that the Pharisees were shocked when they heard what you said?

You will probably want to ask me what he said that shocked the Pharisees but may not shock you and I. Well, Jesus shockingly said what you eat does not make you unclean but what comes out of your mouth can make you unclean. See the Pharisees were strict about the kinds of foods people were allowed to eat. I actually don’t blame them for this. I think we have to mind what we eat. However for the spiritual journey we gotta mind our words. The famous American saying “say whatever and let the chips fall where they will..” may be a problem. As we grow we need to choose our words. May the words of our mouth bring comfort and healing. Here is a rule I was told long ago and how I wish I was faithful to this rule. Before you say anything or repeat anything ask yourself these questions:

Is it True

Is it Kind

Is it Necessary?

Monday August 3, 2026

Matthew 14:22-36

Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he would send the crowds away. After sending the crowds away he went up into the hills by himself to pray.

When is the last time you did this: Go by yourself to pray. Yes the highest form of prayer for us is the Eucharist but there is something special about private prayer. I have not done this in a while. I mean I pray here and there but it has been a hot minute since I cleared the afternoon or the day for prayer. When I was in the novitiate we usually had what our novice master called “desert day.” We were encouraged to go off out of the novitiate and stay out until evening prayer. I did not realize then what a gift that was. Life has gotten so busy that even if I were to clear the day, my mind would not clear as easily.

Today I want us to get back to this practice. Get back to going into prayer by yourself especially when things are getting too busy. That mental break at the park will do you so much good. I pray you make the time to spend a few hours reflecting on what God is doing in and with your beautiful life.

Friday July 31, 2026

Matthew 13:54-58

Coming to his home town, Jesus taught the people in their synagogue in such a way that they were astonished and said, ‘Where did the man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? This is the carpenter’s son, surely? Is not his mother the woman called Mary, and his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Jude? His sisters, too, are they not all here with us? So where did the man get it all?’ And they would not accept him.

This little passage has caused some headaches for some believers. What does it mean that he had brothers (named) and sisters. In fact one of his brothers, St James became the bishop of Jerusalem and he was called in extra biblical literature as James the Just or James the brother of Jesus who was called Messiah. You should read the Epistle of St James, it sounds like Jesus speaking. A very practical piece of scripture for the early Church.

Anyway something changed with Jesus, he grew into his ministry and what a broth it was. He learned to lean into the Spirit and Voice of God. You and I can do that too you know, we can learn to trust the Spirit. Today I want to pray for your spiritual growth and transformation. You can learn to trust the Voice of God within you. This growth is not linear though. Sometimes the growth shows and other times it does not. My growth has been keeping my homilies short. Trust me, they are short.

Thursday July 30, 2026

Matthew 13:47-53

Jesus said to the crowds: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea that brings in a haul of all kinds.

I remember this fishing technique when I lived in Kafue, Zambia. It was not a pretty sight at all. Everyone was dirty from the mud that comes along with the fish and the smell was terrible. However it was a lot of fun too. You have to lighten the mood when the work is that messy.

Of all the things our Lord could liken the Kingdom of Heaven, this one is interesting. Maybe he is saying that even the ugly parts of our lives are sacred ground. Our imperfections and perfections have to be comfortable side by side. In fact maybe we learn from both sides of our personalities. St Paul says he is aware of a thorn in his side which he has tried to pray away. On another occasion he says “the good that I want to do, I don’t do…”

You know, the Kingdom of God is like boarding school! Those who have had that experience know the drama, the fun and the discipline of it.

Wednesday July 29, 2026

John 11:19-27

Many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to sympathise with them over their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus had come she went to meet him.

Today we celebrate the Feast Day of Sts. Martha, Mary and Lazarus the friends of Jesus. You know I have said before that everyone needs a place to go where they can just be. It is a gift to have friends who take you as you are and meet you were you are in life. Of the three I think Martha is quite the Character. I have no evidence about this but she strikes me as a particular color haired woman. She is fiery and speaks her mind. On this particular day she went to meet the Lord. And Lordy Lordy did she have some words for him.

See they had sent word that Lazarus was very sick. Jesus delayed in responding and now Lazarus was very dead. Martha either pointing her finger or striking Jesus chest (In my mind) says “if you had been here, my brother would still be alive..” Just sit with that frustration for a second. Have you ever said that prayer? She is super frustrated but still believes.

Lord if you had been around…. I have to say that as a teenager when I learned of my father’s death, I said the same thing.

Let us pray today for all those like Martha who sometimes say things in frustration that hurt others. Let us pray also for a Martha in our lives, one who won’t mince words but speak the difficult truths that we might need to hear.

Monday 27 July 2026

Matthew 13:31-35

Jesus put a parable before the crowds: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the biggest shrub of all and becomes a tree so that the birds of the air come and shelter in its branches.’

We totally miss the scandal of likening the Kingdom of Heaven to a mustard shrub because we are separated by geography and time. But the scandal of it all is what preaches the most for me. See the kingdom of God was always likened to a Lebanon Cedar. It is great, majestic and rare. The Lebanon Cedar has stature. Jesus picks the most common even annoying shrub that grows everywhere and makes it a symbol of this holy great kingdom of God.

He is telling his disciples and us that God grows or is comfortable everywhere. In other words, God has broad shoulders and can house all kinds. You know I have said jokingly that if King David is in heaven given all the shenanigans he pulled, you may want to relax a little.

Thursday July 23, 2026

Matthew 13:10-17

The disciples went up to Jesus and asked, ‘Why do you talk to them in parables?’ ‘Because’ he replied, ‘the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven are revealed to you, but they are not revealed to them.

The past two Sundays we have been reading from the 13th chapter of Matthew. We have one more week of parables this coming Sunday. Take a listen to those homilies. They are posted on our website.

Most of us think that Jesus regularly taught in parables and that these parables are cute little stories. This is a mistake. Even the disciples questioned him when he spoke in parables. This means his regular teaching was plain talk. Simple and straightforward. Parables are complex, they also confront us at the core. Think about the powerful parable that we find in the Hebrew Scriptures. The one told by Nathan to King David when he was being a total dushbag. That parable convicted David and brought him back to his senses.

So our Lord will use a parable when he cannot get through to their senses. These are powerful stories that should arrest the listener. Think Good Samaritan. The message there was so powerful that to this day we are only scratching the surface of it. So read or hear these parables with this in mind: Do I get it now?

Wednesday July 22, 2026

John 20:1-2,11-18

It was very early on the first day of the week and still dark, when Mary of Magdala came to the tomb.

Today we celebrate the feast day of St Mary of Magdala. What a fascinating woman she must have been. I wish her gospel account of the life of Jesus had made it into the canon. I gotta tell you a story about a woman in Lebanon Ky who made an appointment with me. I was a young priest then fresh out of seminary. Well this angel of a person in Lebanon came to see me. In our meeting she said “father my issue is with Mary Magdalene. If that woman thinks she will have Jesus all to herself in heaven, she has another thing coming to her. I love love our Lord!” Seminary had not prepared me for such a love and my response was “….I think there is enough Jesus to go around…”

I had no idea how women love. Well let me say some women. It is a different kind of love than I have for our Lord. Mary Magdala loved our Lord. Not even the Roman soldiers would scare her and the other Marys away. My favorite episode is when she recognizes him. Scripture says she embraced him. I think she threw herself into his arms and gave him the biggest maybe most awkward hug. She would not let go!! Scripture says Jesus told her “let me go…”. Anyway do you have a friend like that? Can you be or are you a friend like that? I love it when I meet people who have been friends since grade school. If you have kept a friendship over 25+ years or since grade school there is something special about you.

Today check on your friend.

Tuesday July 21, 2026

Matthew 12:46-50

Jesus was speaking to the crowds when his mother and his brothers appeared; they were standing outside and were anxious to have a word with him.

This little passage has caused some headaches for the church for two reasons. Immaculate conception and Family Drama. However I think there should be no tension at all. This is life. Whether our Lord had siblings or cousins or the whole issue of misunderstandings within family does not take away from how holy this family is in my opinion.

Many of us at some point in our lives have been grossly misunderstood and judged. This is probably one of the most painful moments of our Lord. His family is here to take him home because people think he is mad. I bet, word was sent to the family to come take him. I can sense the pain of it all.

Today I invite you to say a prayer for those who cannot seem to fit in. Pray too for their mothers who suffer alongside them.

Friday July 17, 2026

Isaiah 38:1-6, 21-22,7:2

Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah, ‘Go and say to Hezekiah, “The Lord, the God of David your ancestor, says this: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will cure you: in three days’ time you shall go up to the Temple of the Lord. I will add fifteen years to your life…

Folks nothing is written in stone with God, he can change his mind. When you get some time please read this passage. First Hezekiah gets some terrible news from Isaiah. He is told by the prophet to put his affairs in order for he was going to die. Well Hezekiah, goes into prayer and asks for more time. God hears the cry and changes his mind.

Think of a time in your life when you thought this is it. It’s over now but you also dared to pray for a miracle. You somehow pushed through and by God’s good grace you saw another day. I still remember the day I left the monastery. I had Spent seven years in there. Seven years seems like a short period but it was all I knew. Like Mary in the Sound of Music I stood outside the gates with my suitcase and wondered what I would do? I can’t go back home… ok I will go to America. That in itself was a miracle.

Today retell your miracle. I know you have a couple. God has heard your prayer.

Monday July 13, 2026

Matthew 10:34-11:1

Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth: it is not peace I have come to bring, but a sword.

The disciples and our Lord most probably, did not want to rough up any feathers. These were peaceful people who would bare a lot on themselves in order to make peace. But at some point some very difficult decisions had to be made. They had to draw a line which inevitably caused some tensions.

You have done this in your life as well. It is the hazard of growing up. We would hope that people will understand that these differences we have should not mean that we are enemies. It simply means we have non negotiables. Unfortunately we are at a place in history where demonizing each other and attacking each other’s character is so common place. Think of the people who became enemies because of COVID-19.

Your decision to follow Christ will gain you some friends and some enemies. Take it in strides.