All brethren,
It is my sincere gratitude to all and sundry that contributed to the cause of giving the late Joanes Midha a burial befitting a real hero. The true spirit of Fish Group was renewed and everyone present confessed that the Fish Group must be accellerated to move to next phase with utmost steadiness. Kudos to everyone.
We are setting the gears of celebrating 25yrs of a great group that has produced great leaders of the church and our community. Many members are wondering what kind of a celebration would befit this MOVEMENT. A number of suggestions have been floated for the next years event but still enough is not coming out.
The Fish leadership, has taken the initiative to call all members,friends and simpathizers for an open day forum to discuss the direction the movement wants to take in the next phase.This day will be on 30th August,2009 at Fish Youth Center in Kisumu. We must create a better Kisumu through the initiatives of our movement. Our story is rich and is that of a success that the whole world must learn from, lets attend this day and focus our energies on bettering our lives and those of our neighbours.
''HELPING THE YOUTHS HELP THEMSELVES'' - THE FISH YOUTH GROUP.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Great entertainer passes on -Ojaje Midha Johanes
Dear Brothre and Sisters
It is with immense grief and deep sorry that I announce the untimely death of Johaness Midha-Ojaje formely of Magadi Fish Group and Fish theater.
Midha will be remembered for his skills in attracting and entertaining crowds and leaving all craving for more with his drums during traditional dances and Dramas, especially during the Fish cultural days.
May the good Lord rest his soul in eternal peace.
fare thee well Ojaje wuod Yimbo.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Michael Jackson is Dead
Do any of you remember the late 70's and early 80s and part of 90s. This man was a real model for many youths now wazee. It is a sad day!.......we have lost Whacko Jackooo....An Icon....An Artist.....A Legend - the man who changed the face of pop culture forever......"I will remember him with that all time favorite...."Billy Jean, Thriller, Liberian girl where he put some kiswahili words, Beat it, and more so his wow!
Pole, Pole sana to all music lovers. ......I know you are all morning...AND PARTICULARLY ...... NICK MJ ONYANGO i know your are particularly devastated.....so i have attached an MJ
photo album for you)
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Fr. Kizito's Case
Yesterday and today morning my wife and I had a very difficult time watching the KTN news item on Fr. Kizito and the children from the slums of nairobi. I was particularly saddened since I have known Fr. Kizito through his newspaper articles in the nation in the days of Moi. He had come to endear himself to the kenyan population with his long running 'Fr. Kizitos diary' articles. This was the time we as Kenyans felt very vulnerable and needed a voice to talk for us.
KTN yesterday reported that the priest had gone further and given consolation to several children from challenged backgrounds and in return sexually molested a number of them. What is sickening if the news item is true is that he not only taped the actions but also invited some Italian friends of his to also sodomize these kids.
My wife suggested that this was the strongest justification yet for catholic priests to marry. I said no. why? Because that evil cannot be solved through marriage. In fact a wife is neither a sex toy nor a sex therapist. There is more to marriage than sex and in any case, I felt that Fr. Kizito's issue is not sexual deprivation but rather some kind of compulsion which requires psychiatric treatment. If it was sex alone, am sure the old man would have easily got a woman or even paid for the services of the thousands of sex workers who are reported to be in Nairobi. The sex workers are reported to charge anything between 20 bob and tens of thousands. The old man could afford that and it would be a lesser sin since it would not hurt so many young lives.
The moral question though is one, what of the good work the man has done for more than 20 years? That has a simple moral answer that is also in the form of a question. What is the value of the life of one boy? Someones son? Nay what is the value of your own life? What would you be paid to have someone violate it in your youth?
I wonder how the doctors of the church would treat this issue. of course judgement is left unto the Lord. But i wonder how the priests would look at this and the separation of the sinner from the sin given that this sinner is really a savior to thousands others.
I would like to hear your true comments on this issue and how we should understand it.
KTN yesterday reported that the priest had gone further and given consolation to several children from challenged backgrounds and in return sexually molested a number of them. What is sickening if the news item is true is that he not only taped the actions but also invited some Italian friends of his to also sodomize these kids.
My wife suggested that this was the strongest justification yet for catholic priests to marry. I said no. why? Because that evil cannot be solved through marriage. In fact a wife is neither a sex toy nor a sex therapist. There is more to marriage than sex and in any case, I felt that Fr. Kizito's issue is not sexual deprivation but rather some kind of compulsion which requires psychiatric treatment. If it was sex alone, am sure the old man would have easily got a woman or even paid for the services of the thousands of sex workers who are reported to be in Nairobi. The sex workers are reported to charge anything between 20 bob and tens of thousands. The old man could afford that and it would be a lesser sin since it would not hurt so many young lives.
The moral question though is one, what of the good work the man has done for more than 20 years? That has a simple moral answer that is also in the form of a question. What is the value of the life of one boy? Someones son? Nay what is the value of your own life? What would you be paid to have someone violate it in your youth?
I wonder how the doctors of the church would treat this issue. of course judgement is left unto the Lord. But i wonder how the priests would look at this and the separation of the sinner from the sin given that this sinner is really a savior to thousands others.
I would like to hear your true comments on this issue and how we should understand it.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Ordination Photos
After all was said and done, attached are the pictures from the ordination, and i do not have to rewrite the story again.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
THE FISH GROUPS SILVER JUBILEE
Dear Brothers and sisters,
I wish to Kindly take this opportunity to inform you that next year will be our 25 year since the Fish group was founded by Fr, Tony Chantry MHM and Sr, Mary Ellen Howard SND.
Sasa wana Samaki, Iam writing to ask your opinion about the forthcoming Silver Jubilee. As you may be aware this function is earlier scheduled for April 2010. However, because of the of pressing issues of time I wish to urge us to start planning’s early.In order to prepare for the jubilee, a one-day pre-jubilee planning and consultation roundtable is proposed for Sat August 29, 2009 9am-5pm, Kisumu, Fish Youth Centre.We are urging those who may be interested in joining the Jubilee Steering Committee to indicate their interest on the group board below (through email or messaging) by June 15. We hope the steering committee will have a good mix of people from abroad as well as at home, as well as various skills sets such as Media, Communication, Social Interaction, Hospitality, Sports, Fundraising, Liturgy and any other field you may deem important.1. Give your views on agenda below by June 15, 20092. Indicate if you are interested in volunteering in the Jubilee planning committee below –also by June 15, 2009.
Thank you,
Martin Opondo
Fish Administrator
Steve Owiti Says
May I also take this opportunity to congratulate Fr. Nyawir on his long desired ordination. I am impressed at the energy that this issue has generated. As a laity l wanna keep off this debate coz of personal reasons, if anything whatever their doctrines are they would fit me better do l say.Enough of this brethrens, next year we gotta CELEBRATE the 25years of the Fish.Can we say how,where and with whom we wanna celebrate this?FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Magazine for that celebration to be edited by Dr Ogongo Steve a seasoned journalist.
Cultural week to be organised by Poet Ambassa (Jere Maduong),Orido, Akwany,Kodhek etc
Sports week with finals on the Easter monday Old members vs the newmembers
Fundraising without involving the wazungus this time for the fete organised by Jere, Lwanga, Steve Owiti, Annes,all our clergy(Fish)and many others.
Identify the rest and say where you wanna be!My dream for that day is one that will surpass the ordination that happened last sato.Good week .
I wish to Kindly take this opportunity to inform you that next year will be our 25 year since the Fish group was founded by Fr, Tony Chantry MHM and Sr, Mary Ellen Howard SND.
Sasa wana Samaki, Iam writing to ask your opinion about the forthcoming Silver Jubilee. As you may be aware this function is earlier scheduled for April 2010. However, because of the of pressing issues of time I wish to urge us to start planning’s early.In order to prepare for the jubilee, a one-day pre-jubilee planning and consultation roundtable is proposed for Sat August 29, 2009 9am-5pm, Kisumu, Fish Youth Centre.We are urging those who may be interested in joining the Jubilee Steering Committee to indicate their interest on the group board below (through email or messaging) by June 15. We hope the steering committee will have a good mix of people from abroad as well as at home, as well as various skills sets such as Media, Communication, Social Interaction, Hospitality, Sports, Fundraising, Liturgy and any other field you may deem important.1. Give your views on agenda below by June 15, 20092. Indicate if you are interested in volunteering in the Jubilee planning committee below –also by June 15, 2009.
Thank you,
Martin Opondo
Fish Administrator
Steve Owiti Says
May I also take this opportunity to congratulate Fr. Nyawir on his long desired ordination. I am impressed at the energy that this issue has generated. As a laity l wanna keep off this debate coz of personal reasons, if anything whatever their doctrines are they would fit me better do l say.Enough of this brethrens, next year we gotta CELEBRATE the 25years of the Fish.Can we say how,where and with whom we wanna celebrate this?FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Magazine for that celebration to be edited by Dr Ogongo Steve a seasoned journalist.
Cultural week to be organised by Poet Ambassa (Jere Maduong),Orido, Akwany,Kodhek etc
Sports week with finals on the Easter monday Old members vs the newmembers
Fundraising without involving the wazungus this time for the fete organised by Jere, Lwanga, Steve Owiti, Annes,all our clergy(Fish)and many others.
Identify the rest and say where you wanna be!My dream for that day is one that will surpass the ordination that happened last sato.Good week .
Fish Youth Group's SILVER JUBILEE - Steve Owiti
Brethren, next year we gotta CELEBRATE the 25years of the Fish.Can we say how,where and with whom we wanna celebrate this?
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
• Magazine for that celebration to be edited by Dr Ogongo Steve a seasoned journalist.
• Cultural week to be organised by Poet Ambassa (Jere Maduong),Orido, Akwany,Kodhek etc
• Sports week with finals on the Easter monday Old members vs the newmembers
• Fundraising without involving the wazungus this time for the fete organised by Jere, Lwanga, Steve Owiti, Annes,all our clergy(Fish)and many others.
• Identify the rest and say where you wanna be!
My dream for that day is one that will surpass the ordination that happened last sato.
Good week .
Steve
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
• Magazine for that celebration to be edited by Dr Ogongo Steve a seasoned journalist.
• Cultural week to be organised by Poet Ambassa (Jere Maduong),Orido, Akwany,Kodhek etc
• Sports week with finals on the Easter monday Old members vs the newmembers
• Fundraising without involving the wazungus this time for the fete organised by Jere, Lwanga, Steve Owiti, Annes,all our clergy(Fish)and many others.
• Identify the rest and say where you wanna be!
My dream for that day is one that will surpass the ordination that happened last sato.
Good week .
Steve
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Ordination of Paul Nyawir
Folks,
It is over now we have Fr. Francis Nyawir. I don't know if what I saw can change my thinking but I appreciated going there in fact He "Blessed" me. To be sincere everything was hollow......... I was happy because i met so many Fish group members all the members of all times. The ones who have their experiences with priests and the curious ones. They were all there and we enjoyed our same union. we took photos with all the big Guns who were present.
There was one thing that did not go well with all the people who attended and this was that fr. Pesa of coptic concelebrated the Eucharist. this and that everybody was allowed to recieve "holy communion" Jothurwa Komnio Mtakatifu onge ikruok ne. I do not attach any true value to this but I think we need to give these people some time as there could be more that we have not seen.
after the service the Fr. Shihundu told us to join the Change otherwise we will find ourselves on the wrong side when the change is inevitable. Good quote though maturity state that watch before you leap.
All the people who said they will be there were missing in action. these include but not limited to Ann, Vincent wuod Guardian, Hellen Gamba, i wish to ask you to be serious with your messages when you are to be there please be there and give feed back.
Oritiuru Jorech wetena Sammy will upload the photos.
Martin Opondo
It is over now we have Fr. Francis Nyawir. I don't know if what I saw can change my thinking but I appreciated going there in fact He "Blessed" me. To be sincere everything was hollow......... I was happy because i met so many Fish group members all the members of all times. The ones who have their experiences with priests and the curious ones. They were all there and we enjoyed our same union. we took photos with all the big Guns who were present.
There was one thing that did not go well with all the people who attended and this was that fr. Pesa of coptic concelebrated the Eucharist. this and that everybody was allowed to recieve "holy communion" Jothurwa Komnio Mtakatifu onge ikruok ne. I do not attach any true value to this but I think we need to give these people some time as there could be more that we have not seen.
after the service the Fr. Shihundu told us to join the Change otherwise we will find ourselves on the wrong side when the change is inevitable. Good quote though maturity state that watch before you leap.
All the people who said they will be there were missing in action. these include but not limited to Ann, Vincent wuod Guardian, Hellen Gamba, i wish to ask you to be serious with your messages when you are to be there please be there and give feed back.
Oritiuru Jorech wetena Sammy will upload the photos.
Martin Opondo
Friday, May 29, 2009
Another priest for renegade church - Jacob Okal
All of you must have met Francis Nyawir in one forum of the other. I don’t blame him for crossing over to the reformed catholic, I think he got the worst frustration one can get when he was aspiring to be a catholic priest. This must have been his true calling. I congratulate him and wish him well.
For those who will be in Kisumu, please give Francis your support by attending the event.
Mr Francis Nyawir of the Reformed Catholic Church who will be ordained priest this weekend at the Social Centre in Kisumu.
A rebel wing of the Catholic church is set to ruffle feathers again by ordaining a priest, to be followed by the ordination of the group’s local leader as a full-fledged bishop.
Mr Francis Nyawir will on Saturday be ordained as priest of the Reformed Catholic Church at the Kisumu Social Centre.
It has been a long walk to the pulpit for Mr Nyawir, who studied long and hard to be a Catholic priest, but dropped out along the way, was ex-communicated, and now finds his calling in the controversial splinter group.
From a strict Roman Catholic upbringing — his four brothers all went through seminary — he became an altar boy at his local church.
In 1982 the strapping 20-year-old joined the Apostles of Jesus Seminary in Nairobi for a one-year course, and then returned to the Kisumu Diocese for pastoral work.
About two years later, he went to St Augustine’s Senior Seminary in Bungoma for a diploma in philosophy.
On graduation, he joined St Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Nairobi for a degree in theological studies.
It is here that he encountered an obstacle. Towards the end of his studies, he got into trouble with the college administration. He says simply that he returned late from a break.
Expelled and with no hope of becoming a priest, he decided to get married as he did not need to be celibate any more.
Several years later, he enrolled at the Apostles of Jesus Scholasticate in Nairobi to complete his education and was awarded a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree by the institution that is affiliated to the Rome-based Pontifical Urbanian University.
Then he set upon picking the pieces of his life, going to South Africa for pastoral work for a year as he soul-searched. When he returned, he had nothing else to do, so he turned to the classroom.
He was employed at Mbeji Academy in Siaya as a Humanities teacher before he moved to Kibos Secondary School.
Religious studies
While at it, Mr Nyawir studied for a Masters of Arts in Religious Studies from Catholic University of East Africa.
In 2005, he moved to Uganda where he landed a teaching job. It is around this time that he heard of the Reformed Catholic Church when he read a newspaper report about Father Gabriel Shiundu, the leader of the Kenyan chapter, who was getting married.
“I wrote to him, called him and eventually visited him,” he recalls.
He was put on probation by the church leadership and asked to form a small Christian community. If successful, he was told, he would be ordained as a priest in the church.
This he did and presently, the community has a membership of 30. This is despite the fact they did not have a priest to dispense Eucharistic celebrations and celebrate Mass.
For those who will be in Kisumu, please give Francis your support by attending the event.
Mr Francis Nyawir of the Reformed Catholic Church who will be ordained priest this weekend at the Social Centre in Kisumu.
A rebel wing of the Catholic church is set to ruffle feathers again by ordaining a priest, to be followed by the ordination of the group’s local leader as a full-fledged bishop.
Mr Francis Nyawir will on Saturday be ordained as priest of the Reformed Catholic Church at the Kisumu Social Centre.
It has been a long walk to the pulpit for Mr Nyawir, who studied long and hard to be a Catholic priest, but dropped out along the way, was ex-communicated, and now finds his calling in the controversial splinter group.
From a strict Roman Catholic upbringing — his four brothers all went through seminary — he became an altar boy at his local church.
In 1982 the strapping 20-year-old joined the Apostles of Jesus Seminary in Nairobi for a one-year course, and then returned to the Kisumu Diocese for pastoral work.
About two years later, he went to St Augustine’s Senior Seminary in Bungoma for a diploma in philosophy.
On graduation, he joined St Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Nairobi for a degree in theological studies.
It is here that he encountered an obstacle. Towards the end of his studies, he got into trouble with the college administration. He says simply that he returned late from a break.
Expelled and with no hope of becoming a priest, he decided to get married as he did not need to be celibate any more.
Several years later, he enrolled at the Apostles of Jesus Scholasticate in Nairobi to complete his education and was awarded a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree by the institution that is affiliated to the Rome-based Pontifical Urbanian University.
Then he set upon picking the pieces of his life, going to South Africa for pastoral work for a year as he soul-searched. When he returned, he had nothing else to do, so he turned to the classroom.
He was employed at Mbeji Academy in Siaya as a Humanities teacher before he moved to Kibos Secondary School.
Religious studies
While at it, Mr Nyawir studied for a Masters of Arts in Religious Studies from Catholic University of East Africa.
In 2005, he moved to Uganda where he landed a teaching job. It is around this time that he heard of the Reformed Catholic Church when he read a newspaper report about Father Gabriel Shiundu, the leader of the Kenyan chapter, who was getting married.
“I wrote to him, called him and eventually visited him,” he recalls.
He was put on probation by the church leadership and asked to form a small Christian community. If successful, he was told, he would be ordained as a priest in the church.
This he did and presently, the community has a membership of 30. This is despite the fact they did not have a priest to dispense Eucharistic celebrations and celebrate Mass.
Monday, April 27, 2009
FR. TONNY PASSES BY KIBUYE - Matayo Wangalwa
Nachukua fursa hii kuwashukuru nyote kwa mawaitha yenu ya mara kwa mara. Ningalipenda kuwaarifu kwa Padre Tonny alipita Kibuye kanisani katika misa ya pili ikielekea ukingoni na akawaamkuwa wakristu wote. Baadaye tuliarifiwa kwamba ataongoza misa ya tatu. 
Salam aleiku wana samaki.
Wanachama waliokuwa katika misa ya kwa kama kawaida walielekea kwa mkutano. Bunda si farasi, baada ya misa ya tatu tulimpata mgeni. Alisema itakuwa furaha kwa mwaka kesho tukipanga kuadhimisha miaka ishirini na tano tangu kikundi kianzishwe(SILVER JUBILEE). Aliomba hii kuwa juhudi ya wanasamaki wote, waiotangulia na wa leo. TAFADHALI TUANZENI MIKAKATI MAPEMA.
Wenye hamu ya picha yake padri ya hivi punde, niliweze kuzipata tu hizi mbili nilizozishikanisha hapa. Asanteni.
Ni mimi wenu samaki ndogo,
Salam aleiku wana samaki.
Wanachama waliokuwa katika misa ya kwa kama kawaida walielekea kwa mkutano. Bunda si farasi, baada ya misa ya tatu tulimpata mgeni. Alisema itakuwa furaha kwa mwaka kesho tukipanga kuadhimisha miaka ishirini na tano tangu kikundi kianzishwe(SILVER JUBILEE). Aliomba hii kuwa juhudi ya wanasamaki wote, waiotangulia na wa leo. TAFADHALI TUANZENI MIKAKATI MAPEMA.
Wenye hamu ya picha yake padri ya hivi punde, niliweze kuzipata tu hizi mbili nilizozishikanisha hapa. Asanteni.
Ni mimi wenu samaki ndogo,
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
LENT ’09: 5th Sunday – By Fr. Gordon, imc.
John 12:20-33
Some Greeks who had come to worship at the Passover Feast came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, "Sir, we would like to see Jesus." Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.
"I am troubled now. Yet what should I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it and will glorify it again." The crowd there heard it and said it was thunder; but others said, "An angel has spoken to him." Jesus answered and said, "This voice did not come for my sake but for yours. Now is the time of judgment on this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself." He said this indicating the kind of death he would die.
Time has come brothers and sister in Christ to summarize these reflections we have been sharing during this lent period. Next Sunday will be the Palm Sunday introducing us to the Holy Week through Easter. A lot has to be discovered in the Lord, in our talents and in our Christian commitments as baptized children of God.
This Sunday, Jesus speaks of losing to win, giving in order to receive, dying so as to live. It is just too difficult to understand this from the logic of the world and the society in which we live. However, looking at Jesus (announce his imminent death), we find the final gesture of everyday life offered for a more humane world for all; a world that finds its salvation in a loving God.
Probably we begin to really know Jesus when we are attracted by his total dedication to God and his passion for a happier life for others. Let’s hear his call, however faintly it may be: “Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be". It all starts from a desire to 'serve' Jesus, to collaborate in His work, to live only for His project, to follow in his footsteps, to express in many simple ways and gestures how God loves us all. It is here then that we start to become his true followers. To be that means sharing his life and his destiny, "where I am, there also will my servant be". This is what it means to be a Christian: to be where Jesus was, take care of what he was dealing with; have the goals he had, be on the cross as he was, and finally one day to be at the right hand of the Father where he is.
For Personal reflection:
1. Are we really mediators for others to know Jesus through our life example (actions)?
2. Evaluate the goals you made at the beginning of Lent. Achievements? Something to improve in?
Wishing each one of you a happy end of Lent, an intensive Holy Week and a Happy Easter!
Some Greeks who had come to worship at the Passover Feast came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, "Sir, we would like to see Jesus." Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.
"I am troubled now. Yet what should I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it and will glorify it again." The crowd there heard it and said it was thunder; but others said, "An angel has spoken to him." Jesus answered and said, "This voice did not come for my sake but for yours. Now is the time of judgment on this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself." He said this indicating the kind of death he would die.
Time has come brothers and sister in Christ to summarize these reflections we have been sharing during this lent period. Next Sunday will be the Palm Sunday introducing us to the Holy Week through Easter. A lot has to be discovered in the Lord, in our talents and in our Christian commitments as baptized children of God.
This Sunday, Jesus speaks of losing to win, giving in order to receive, dying so as to live. It is just too difficult to understand this from the logic of the world and the society in which we live. However, looking at Jesus (announce his imminent death), we find the final gesture of everyday life offered for a more humane world for all; a world that finds its salvation in a loving God.
Probably we begin to really know Jesus when we are attracted by his total dedication to God and his passion for a happier life for others. Let’s hear his call, however faintly it may be: “Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be". It all starts from a desire to 'serve' Jesus, to collaborate in His work, to live only for His project, to follow in his footsteps, to express in many simple ways and gestures how God loves us all. It is here then that we start to become his true followers. To be that means sharing his life and his destiny, "where I am, there also will my servant be". This is what it means to be a Christian: to be where Jesus was, take care of what he was dealing with; have the goals he had, be on the cross as he was, and finally one day to be at the right hand of the Father where he is.
For Personal reflection:
1. Are we really mediators for others to know Jesus through our life example (actions)?
2. Evaluate the goals you made at the beginning of Lent. Achievements? Something to improve in?
Wishing each one of you a happy end of Lent, an intensive Holy Week and a Happy Easter!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
LENT ’09: 4th Sunday – By Fr. Gordon, imc.
John 3:14-21
Jesus said to Nicodemus: “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.
Brothers and sister in Christ, I would entitle this Sunday as the Sunday of Love… A Sunday of Joy and Trust for God is LOVE, and this is the underlying message of the Gospel of John.
When John presents us with the idea that God loves us SO MUCH… I was thinking of a situation of deep love, a love we can describe as “mad”. Let’s think of common expressions like, “I love you madly...” “I love you like crazy” etc. Or better, we can think of a young person lost in love that despite what the parents, the friends and so on may say, he/she sees nothing but the absolute person loved and he/she is ready to do whatever it costs to win the situation. This is the kind of love our God has for us, not that we are the best, not that we are perfect, no; He simply loves us without conditions, despite what others may say about us or how we may see ourselves, he loves us. Is this not crazy?
Well, what is funny in this Gospel is how John challenges us… That this love is shown in His son who died for us, that we know this and thus our condemnation is not anything strange but rather a personal conscious option… that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. Hey, halt a bit, did you get that right? That people preferred darkness to light? Why? What is disturbing them when they are in the light? What is it that I have that I fear to be discovered when I’m in the Light (of the Lord)? Should we continue hiding in darkness even when we have been found as today? (If today you hear his voice, harden not your heart. Heb. 3:15).
Beloved brothers and sisters, we sometimes think that God has abandoned us. We sometimes think that if we sin again, somehow we are no good. Instead, today God invites us over and over again to turn to Him. God knows that we are human and that in our struggles with sin, we will continue to fail and to fall. However, God is still with us and God still invites us to live in Him for He loves us.
This is the love we are called to share with others. Not actually to judge and condemn as we often do, but to be charitable to one another in the Lord and walk in His light. Love means, above all, interest for the other, participation in their reality, search and concern in their needs, bet all and stand by them. Love always wants the good of the beloved and tries to favour the other in every possible way. For those who love, the way and the fate of the loved one are not things of indifference; instead, they apply all possible forces to enable the other live with joy and fulfillment. May we be enlightened enough to put that in practice because GOD IS LOVE.
Jesus said to Nicodemus: “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.
Brothers and sister in Christ, I would entitle this Sunday as the Sunday of Love… A Sunday of Joy and Trust for God is LOVE, and this is the underlying message of the Gospel of John.
When John presents us with the idea that God loves us SO MUCH… I was thinking of a situation of deep love, a love we can describe as “mad”. Let’s think of common expressions like, “I love you madly...” “I love you like crazy” etc. Or better, we can think of a young person lost in love that despite what the parents, the friends and so on may say, he/she sees nothing but the absolute person loved and he/she is ready to do whatever it costs to win the situation. This is the kind of love our God has for us, not that we are the best, not that we are perfect, no; He simply loves us without conditions, despite what others may say about us or how we may see ourselves, he loves us. Is this not crazy?
Well, what is funny in this Gospel is how John challenges us… That this love is shown in His son who died for us, that we know this and thus our condemnation is not anything strange but rather a personal conscious option… that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. Hey, halt a bit, did you get that right? That people preferred darkness to light? Why? What is disturbing them when they are in the light? What is it that I have that I fear to be discovered when I’m in the Light (of the Lord)? Should we continue hiding in darkness even when we have been found as today? (If today you hear his voice, harden not your heart. Heb. 3:15).
Beloved brothers and sisters, we sometimes think that God has abandoned us. We sometimes think that if we sin again, somehow we are no good. Instead, today God invites us over and over again to turn to Him. God knows that we are human and that in our struggles with sin, we will continue to fail and to fall. However, God is still with us and God still invites us to live in Him for He loves us.
This is the love we are called to share with others. Not actually to judge and condemn as we often do, but to be charitable to one another in the Lord and walk in His light. Love means, above all, interest for the other, participation in their reality, search and concern in their needs, bet all and stand by them. Love always wants the good of the beloved and tries to favour the other in every possible way. For those who love, the way and the fate of the loved one are not things of indifference; instead, they apply all possible forces to enable the other live with joy and fulfillment. May we be enlightened enough to put that in practice because GOD IS LOVE.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
LENT ’09: 3rd Sunday – By Fr. Gordon, imc.
John 2:13-25
Since the Passover of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said, "Take these out of here, and stop making my Father's house a marketplace."
His disciples recalled the words of Scripture, Zeal for your house will consume me.
At this the Jews answered and said to him, "What sign can you show us for doing this?"
Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up."
The Jews said, "This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?" But he was speaking about the temple of his body.
Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the Scripture and the word Jesus had spoken…
The temple for the Jews was more than just a building. It was the visible sign of God in the midst of them and they were proud of their temple. It took them many years to construct it thus when Jesus talked of raising “it” up in three days, they surely thought He had gone nuts.
What Jesus meant was so hard to conceive that the evangelist explains that He was not just talking of the rocks one over the other but of his body. This way, he totally changed the connotation of the temple (house of God, visible presence of God as the Jews had it). Jesus thus becomes now the new Temple, the visible presence of God in their midst. Let’s not forget he is the EMMANUEL, which means, God-with-us. Contemplate the face of Jesus is therefore contemplate the face of God. A personal encounter with Christ is thus an encounter with God.
As brothers and sister in Christ, created in the image and likeness of our God, we are therefore manifestation of God. This Gospel presents us with a new face of God, God-made-man, Jesus Christ our savior, the same who lived on this earth doing good to all. The same they despised, the same they tortured, the same who suffered, the same who was dispossessed of all, the same who told the apostles to feed the crowd, the same we contemplate on the cross (way of the cross in lent time is a common practice). This is the same Christ whose face we contemplate in that brother or sister of ours in need, in the sick, in the street children, in the dying in the hungry, in the poor, in the lonely… Surely, if Jesus was moved with all that oppressed others, we have no other option as Christians but to feel just what he felt and act just as he did.
For Personal reflection:
1. Lets sing: Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers; That you do unto me.
- When I was hungry, you gave me to eat; When I was thirsty, you gave me to drink.
Now enter into the home of My Father.
- When I was homeless, you opened your door; When I was naked, you gave me your coat.
Now enter into the home of My Father.
- When I was weary, you helped me find rest. When I was anxious, you calmed all my fears.
Now enter into the home of My Father.
2. Does the content of this song say anything to you? How much have you done this lent?
Since the Passover of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said, "Take these out of here, and stop making my Father's house a marketplace."
His disciples recalled the words of Scripture, Zeal for your house will consume me.
At this the Jews answered and said to him, "What sign can you show us for doing this?"
Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up."
The Jews said, "This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?" But he was speaking about the temple of his body.
Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the Scripture and the word Jesus had spoken…
The temple for the Jews was more than just a building. It was the visible sign of God in the midst of them and they were proud of their temple. It took them many years to construct it thus when Jesus talked of raising “it” up in three days, they surely thought He had gone nuts.
What Jesus meant was so hard to conceive that the evangelist explains that He was not just talking of the rocks one over the other but of his body. This way, he totally changed the connotation of the temple (house of God, visible presence of God as the Jews had it). Jesus thus becomes now the new Temple, the visible presence of God in their midst. Let’s not forget he is the EMMANUEL, which means, God-with-us. Contemplate the face of Jesus is therefore contemplate the face of God. A personal encounter with Christ is thus an encounter with God.
As brothers and sister in Christ, created in the image and likeness of our God, we are therefore manifestation of God. This Gospel presents us with a new face of God, God-made-man, Jesus Christ our savior, the same who lived on this earth doing good to all. The same they despised, the same they tortured, the same who suffered, the same who was dispossessed of all, the same who told the apostles to feed the crowd, the same we contemplate on the cross (way of the cross in lent time is a common practice). This is the same Christ whose face we contemplate in that brother or sister of ours in need, in the sick, in the street children, in the dying in the hungry, in the poor, in the lonely… Surely, if Jesus was moved with all that oppressed others, we have no other option as Christians but to feel just what he felt and act just as he did.
For Personal reflection:
1. Lets sing: Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers; That you do unto me.
- When I was hungry, you gave me to eat; When I was thirsty, you gave me to drink.
Now enter into the home of My Father.
- When I was homeless, you opened your door; When I was naked, you gave me your coat.
Now enter into the home of My Father.
- When I was weary, you helped me find rest. When I was anxious, you calmed all my fears.
Now enter into the home of My Father.
2. Does the content of this song say anything to you? How much have you done this lent?
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
LENT ’09: 2nd Sunday – By Fr. Gordon, imc
Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18;
… Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw behind his back a ram, amongst the briers, sticking fast by the horns, which he took and offered for a holocaust instead of his son…
Mark 9:1- 9
And Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah." For he did not know what to say, for they were exceedingly afraid. And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him."
Our God is a God of life and not of death… This is how I would present the theme of this Sunday’s readings. He is a God who is not happy to see his creation die. He wants us to live fully and thus the lesson we learn from the book of Genesis whereby Abraham is tempted to sacrifice his son but the Lord of life comes in his rescue. This is the same God who is calling us in this lent, to get out wholeheartedly to “rescue” those who need us. He is the same God calling us through the Voice of our leaders, and in a special way through the voice of some of our Fish members (Richard Obudho, Anna Amimo etc etc) who are inviting us to an action that leads to joyful life of sons and daughters of God. Listen to these voices and act!
Yes, that was the call of the Lord for the apostles, (Peter, James and John); to listen to what Jesus would tell them. And this is the same voice speaking to us. Unfortunately more than once, consciously or unconsciously, we do not pay attention to this voice. Many a times, we, like the apostles, would rather prefer to enjoy the “good moment” and not to think of any other thing. But the message is clear for us all in this time of lent as it was for the apostles then: we must not stay static here; we must not stay up there alone (in the mountain). We must come down to (Jerusalem) where many things are waiting for us. We must go down there, full of joy (of having been with Him) to transmit the same to those who badly need just a moment of joy in their lives. We must be messengers of justice, love and reconciliation.
Therefore brothers and sisters, on this Second Sunday of lent, as we reflect on the Transfiguration of Jesus, let us enter more deeply into the mystery of faith by living in the Transfiguration now. It is a time for our transformation/change/conversion too. It is truly good for us to be here, yes. As we progress through our Lenten pilgrimage together, let us draw encouragement from the account of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ and experience the grace of these forty days so that we might greet the coming Easter, reflecting more fully the Image and likeness of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord who lived here on earth doing good to others.
For Personal reflection:
1. Do I need a stop in my life – like that which Jesus gave his three disciples on Mt. Tabor, in order to see him transfigured and thus also transform my life?
2. We walk through life with hope to reach the glorious encounter with the Risen Christ. Am I ready to accept that the final victory comes only through the cross, for the service to others, through life dedicated to brothers and sisters? Or prefer to stay comfortably in Mt. Tabor (make three tents) without coming down to the Calvary and the Resurrection?
… Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw behind his back a ram, amongst the briers, sticking fast by the horns, which he took and offered for a holocaust instead of his son…
Mark 9:1- 9
And Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah." For he did not know what to say, for they were exceedingly afraid. And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him."
Our God is a God of life and not of death… This is how I would present the theme of this Sunday’s readings. He is a God who is not happy to see his creation die. He wants us to live fully and thus the lesson we learn from the book of Genesis whereby Abraham is tempted to sacrifice his son but the Lord of life comes in his rescue. This is the same God who is calling us in this lent, to get out wholeheartedly to “rescue” those who need us. He is the same God calling us through the Voice of our leaders, and in a special way through the voice of some of our Fish members (Richard Obudho, Anna Amimo etc etc) who are inviting us to an action that leads to joyful life of sons and daughters of God. Listen to these voices and act!
Yes, that was the call of the Lord for the apostles, (Peter, James and John); to listen to what Jesus would tell them. And this is the same voice speaking to us. Unfortunately more than once, consciously or unconsciously, we do not pay attention to this voice. Many a times, we, like the apostles, would rather prefer to enjoy the “good moment” and not to think of any other thing. But the message is clear for us all in this time of lent as it was for the apostles then: we must not stay static here; we must not stay up there alone (in the mountain). We must come down to (Jerusalem) where many things are waiting for us. We must go down there, full of joy (of having been with Him) to transmit the same to those who badly need just a moment of joy in their lives. We must be messengers of justice, love and reconciliation.
Therefore brothers and sisters, on this Second Sunday of lent, as we reflect on the Transfiguration of Jesus, let us enter more deeply into the mystery of faith by living in the Transfiguration now. It is a time for our transformation/change/conversion too. It is truly good for us to be here, yes. As we progress through our Lenten pilgrimage together, let us draw encouragement from the account of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ and experience the grace of these forty days so that we might greet the coming Easter, reflecting more fully the Image and likeness of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord who lived here on earth doing good to others.
For Personal reflection:
1. Do I need a stop in my life – like that which Jesus gave his three disciples on Mt. Tabor, in order to see him transfigured and thus also transform my life?
2. We walk through life with hope to reach the glorious encounter with the Risen Christ. Am I ready to accept that the final victory comes only through the cross, for the service to others, through life dedicated to brothers and sisters? Or prefer to stay comfortably in Mt. Tabor (make three tents) without coming down to the Calvary and the Resurrection?
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
LENT ’09: 1st Sunday – By Fr. Gordon, imc.
Mark 1:12-15
The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him.
After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel."
Maybe our minds could be running into the imagination of what a desert would be like… Mentally going to Sahara etc, not actually to contemplate the sand dunes but rather to situate ourselves next to what Jesus would have experienced on this occasion. And something comes to my mind, the first monks who would withdraw themselves to the caves and to the desert to be alone with non but God… A different experience… I will mention it again.
A desert is terrible place to be in. It is a place of nothing. It is a place of death. It is a place of danger and fear. No wonder, the Gospel of Mark presents us with these images like Satan, wild beasts… These are nothing good as far as human integrity is concerned. But, we have to discover the secret here. Jesus did not go in search for these dangerous moments but rather driven by the spirit – to be with non but His Father (alone with non but thee my God). Consequently, we can say that we as Christians we are called during this Lenten period to let ourselves be guided by the Spirit of God to be where He wants us to be; to listen to Him and to trust in Him as our ALL (in thee I trust).
In this situation, Mark puts Jesus in the midst of two extremes: With wild beasts and Angels. Wild beast we can say are the most dangerous beings created by God – representing the difficulties Jesus would face in his mission as messiah as compared to the angels which are on the other hand, the most friendly beings amongst the creatures – sign of the closeness of God who takes care of Jesus and his mission. And to us Christians? This means that in the journey of our faith, we may meet many dangers but we have to be convinced and trust always in our God who will always send us His Angels to make our mission/journey a success. These angels maybe you and me… Sent to rescue that needy son or daughter of God in danger, in pain, in suffering, in fear, in solitude, in want. Look around, you have a lot to do as an angel sent by God… And to the needy, in whichever way they maybe in, let them have courage because the Lord will not leave them alone without sending His Angels at an appropriate time – Fish Action!
Lent is a time of grace, appropriate time to return to the Lord, to renew our Christian commitments and to offer the best of ourselves as we prepare for the great Feast of our Lord – Easter. This journey must begin immediately in each one of us. All our Lenten intentions must be set rolling now for the message of the Lord is clear to us as it was then… “This is the time of fulfillment… Repent and believe in the Gospel”.
For Personal reflection:
1. As we begin this new Lenten season, what are the new things starting to flourish in me? What are my temptations and in what areas am I failing?
2. What can I do this lent to increase my trust in God and my readiness to help others?
The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him.
After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel."
Maybe our minds could be running into the imagination of what a desert would be like… Mentally going to Sahara etc, not actually to contemplate the sand dunes but rather to situate ourselves next to what Jesus would have experienced on this occasion. And something comes to my mind, the first monks who would withdraw themselves to the caves and to the desert to be alone with non but God… A different experience… I will mention it again.
A desert is terrible place to be in. It is a place of nothing. It is a place of death. It is a place of danger and fear. No wonder, the Gospel of Mark presents us with these images like Satan, wild beasts… These are nothing good as far as human integrity is concerned. But, we have to discover the secret here. Jesus did not go in search for these dangerous moments but rather driven by the spirit – to be with non but His Father (alone with non but thee my God). Consequently, we can say that we as Christians we are called during this Lenten period to let ourselves be guided by the Spirit of God to be where He wants us to be; to listen to Him and to trust in Him as our ALL (in thee I trust).
In this situation, Mark puts Jesus in the midst of two extremes: With wild beasts and Angels. Wild beast we can say are the most dangerous beings created by God – representing the difficulties Jesus would face in his mission as messiah as compared to the angels which are on the other hand, the most friendly beings amongst the creatures – sign of the closeness of God who takes care of Jesus and his mission. And to us Christians? This means that in the journey of our faith, we may meet many dangers but we have to be convinced and trust always in our God who will always send us His Angels to make our mission/journey a success. These angels maybe you and me… Sent to rescue that needy son or daughter of God in danger, in pain, in suffering, in fear, in solitude, in want. Look around, you have a lot to do as an angel sent by God… And to the needy, in whichever way they maybe in, let them have courage because the Lord will not leave them alone without sending His Angels at an appropriate time – Fish Action!
Lent is a time of grace, appropriate time to return to the Lord, to renew our Christian commitments and to offer the best of ourselves as we prepare for the great Feast of our Lord – Easter. This journey must begin immediately in each one of us. All our Lenten intentions must be set rolling now for the message of the Lord is clear to us as it was then… “This is the time of fulfillment… Repent and believe in the Gospel”.
For Personal reflection:
1. As we begin this new Lenten season, what are the new things starting to flourish in me? What are my temptations and in what areas am I failing?
2. What can I do this lent to increase my trust in God and my readiness to help others?
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