Thursday of week 25 in Ordinary Time 

Haggai 1:1-8
Psalm 149:1-6,9
Luke 9:7-9

COMPREHENDING THE TRUTH

It can be all too easy to misjudge God and the incredible divine plan laid out for us! In the first reading from Haggai (1:1-8), we meet the prophet Haggai, who passionately points out that the returning exiles are caught up in their own lives, neglecting what truly matters—God’s wishes! Haggai reminds them that while they enjoy their lavish homes, the House of the Lord lies in ruins. God calls on them to reflect on their lives and take action: gather materials and get to work on rebuilding the Temple!

Turning to the Gospel, we encounter Herod, a man who’s heard the buzz surrounding Christ’s presence. Despite witnessing countless miracles and powerful teachings, the people still miss the mark—they mistake Jesus for John the Baptist or a long-forgotten prophet! This challenges us, too! Who do we believe Christ is in our lives? Is He just a remarkable teacher preaching love and virtue, or is He our true Lord and Savior?

Let’s ignite our spirits and ask God to deepen our passion for His will, empowering us to embrace His love and truth with enthusiasm! Amen! Have a Spirit-filled Thursday!

Fr Joseph Osho