Pause 'N' Preach-Reflections

 

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You are God’s Temple

You are God’s Temple... Fr. Patrick Etuk, MSP My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Today, as we gather to celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, we are called to reflect on the profound meaning of this event in the life of the infant Jesus, and what it meant for an ordinary Jewish family. This day, which commemorates the presentation of Jesus in the temple, carries with it a message of God's goodness and mercy that is as relevant to us today as it was to those who witnessed it over two thousand years ago. The prophet Malachi, as we heard in our first reading, foretold this moment when he said, "See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me; the Lord whom you seek will suddenly appear in his temple, like a refiner's fire he will purify the sons of Israel" (Malachi 3:1). In these words, Malachi speaks of a purification, a cleansing of the temple. But what is this temple he is referring to? It is not a physical building, but rather...
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Repent and Believe the Good News

Repent and Believe the Good News... Fr. Patrick Etuk ...As we gather on this 3rd Sunday of the year, the liturgical readings guide us toward a profound theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures: repentance. From Jonah's mission to Nineveh to Jesus' call to his first disciples, we are invited to reflect on the urgency of turning back to God and embracing a life of faith. In the first reading, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, we witness the power of God's word to evoke change. Jonah, initially reluctant, finally goes to Nineveh and proclaims God's message. The response is immediate and communal. The Ninevites, from the greatest to the least, demonstrate profound humility and a deep commitment to change. Their actions show us that repentance is not merely a private affair but a communal endeavor. Their sackcloth and fasting are external signs of an internal transformation, a powerful reminder that our faith must be lived out in community, supporting and strengthening one another in o...
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"I Do Will It. Be Made Clean"!

  "I Do Will It. Be Made Clean"! ...Fr. Patrick Etuk, MSP ... In today's Gospel, we hear about the time when Jesus encountered a man suffering from leprosy. Leprosy was not only a physical ailment but also a symbol of being an outcast from society, often associated with sinners or those living in ways that society deemed unacceptable. Despite the man's isolation, Jesus showed him compassion and healed him. Jesus didn't just see the man's condition; he felt his pain deeply. With a touch filled with love and power, Jesus healed the man, showing that God cares for those who are suffering and isolated. In Mark 1:41, Jesus declares, "I do will it. Be made clean," revealing his willingness and ability to heal. However, Jesus instructed the man to keep his healing private and instead present himself to the priest as prescribed by Moses. This act reminds us that Jesus didn't seek personal glory but directed all honor to God. The story also teaches us th...
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