This Sunday’s Gospel Message from the Priest
Palm Sunday Gospel Message
Matthew 26:14-27:66
Palm Sunday marks the gateway to Holy Week, a week filled with inner contradictions. We begin the liturgy by waving palm branches and shouting “Hosanna!”—a celebration to welcome Jesus as the triumphant King. Yet, in the blink of an eye, the atmosphere shifts dramatically with the reading of the Passion narrative. The figure hailed as King now becomes a Condemned One—abandoned, betrayed, and crucified.
In the text of Matthew, we see just how fragile human loyalty is. Betrayal does not come from a distant enemy, but from within the inner circle: Judas Iscariot, who sold his teacher for thirty pieces of silver. We also see Peter, who confidently promised to be faithful until death, yet ultimately denied Jesus three times before the rooster crowed. This event invites us to reflect: how often do we also “sell out” our principles of faith for worldly gain, or deny the presence of Jesus in our suffering neighbors for the sake of our own safety?
The culmination of this reflection is Jesus’ silence and obedience. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He wrestled with profound fear, yet He chose to submit His human will to the Father’s will: “Not my will, but Yours be done.” Jesus did not repay violence with violence, nor insults with insults. He endured every humiliation, from the unjust trial before Caiaphas to the flogging in Pilate’s courtyard, with a calmness that shatters the world’s arrogance.
Palm Sunday teaches us that following Christ is not merely about celebrating His victory, but also about the willingness to walk with Him toward Calvary. Our cry of “Hosanna” today will be tested by our faithfulness when facing the “cross” in daily life. Will we still acknowledge Him as King when our life’s circumstances are at their lowest and most bitter? Christ hanging on the cross is the most radical sign of God’s love. He became poor so that we might be rich; He was condemned so that we might be free. Let us enter this Holy Week not merely as spectators of history, but as disciples willing to carry our own crosses with hope, for we know that after the darkness of Good Friday, the light of the Resurrection will surely come.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, the celebration of Palm Sunday that we observe today serves as a sign to us that the passion, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus are drawing near. His passion, death, and resurrection remind us that Jesus is no longer physically with us, His disciples. Before He left us, on this day Jesus said, “The Teacher needs it.” Jesus needed a donkey to complete the work of salvation for humanity.
Dear brothers and sisters, on this Palm Sunday, those words are also spoken to all of us. So, we can ask Jesus, “Jesus, what do You need right now?” A question whose answer we should be able to provide so that salvation may continue throughout the ages. So let us welcome Jesus’ coming not only with praise while waving palm branches, but also by asking the Lord Jesus, “What does Jesus’ need?” and asking ourselves, “Am I willing to provide what the Lord Jesus needs?”
It is our response that fills this life with joy and hope for a better world, because the work of salvation that God is doing will continue throughout the ages. Beloved brothers and sisters who love the Lord, let us ask for the accompaniment of the Most Holy Heart of Jesus so that we may strive to live this life well and rightly, especially as we enter this blessed week. May the Lord bless you. Amen
Fr. Wifridus Ngalla, cicm
5th Sunday of the Lent Gospel Message
John 11:1-45
The story of Lazarus is indeed intentionally placed on the Fifth Sunday of Lent, as a prelude to the Passion of Jesus. Traditionally, the Fifth Sunday of Lent is also known as Passion Sunday. The Roman Missal of 1570 states that the Sunday before Palm Sunday is Passion Sunday. The cross begins to be veiled with a purple cloth on this day. The Roman Missal of 1962 reaffirms that the Fifth Sunday is called Passion Sunday I, and Palm Sunday as Passion Sunday II. Thus, the illness, death, and resurrection of Lazarus can be read as a preparation for the Passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus himself.
This preparation is also evident in Jesus’ conflict with the Jews. Their confrontation is slowly entering its final stage. The conflict that began in John 5 gradually intensified in John 7, continued into John 9, and escalated toward the end of John 11. They remained resolute and agreed to kill Jesus (vv. 46–53). This reaction brought an end to Jesus’ public ministry (v. 54). It is indeed ironic: the one who gives life has now suddenly become the one marked for death.
Although it ends ironically, this extraordinary story still conveys several messages:
First, this story directs Catholics to reflect on Easter. The first reading, the second reading, and the Gospel reading all share the same conclusion: only Jesus, as Lord, can conquer death. He is the resurrection and the life!
Second, the Jews’ persistent unbelief recalls the story of the rich man and the poor Lazarus (Luke 16). Even someone raised from the dead (Luke 16:31) could never convince those who have closed their hearts.
Third, Lazarus is a name that carries a message. Lazarus, El-Azar, God has brought help. But it is worth remembering that help is only effective for those who are willing to open their hearts to God’s will.
Fr. Wifridus Ngalla, cicm
4th Sunday of Lent Gospel Message
John 9:1-41
Brothers and sisters in Christ, the pink stole worn by Catholic priests is rarely worn. This is because it is used in only two liturgical celebrations: the first is during the Mass on the Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday, the Sunday of Joy), and the second is during the Mass on the Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday, the Sunday of Joy).
Why should we rejoice during Lent? There are several reasons:
- We rejoice because we are in the middle of Lent, meaning we have completed half of the period of fasting and abstinence.
- Rejoice because we have reached the midpoint of life’s struggle, which involves not only attending to physical needs but also spiritual needs.
- Rejoicing means giving us the strength to complete the Lenten season.
The message we wish to convey is that our suffering as we strive to improve ourselves through the spirit of fasting, abstinence, charity, and repentance is nothing compared to the joy we will experience at Easter. Why is that? Because through Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection, we become new people living in the Light of Christ. St. Paul says, “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.”
I offer a question for reflection: to what extent do we live in that Light? To live in the light means to live in Christ. The transformation of the blind man in the Gospel of John changed him from someone who had been unable to see since birth into a person who could see. An encounter with God will transform us into truly good people. Jesus’ act of mixing His saliva with dirt reminds us of the story of humanity’s creation from the earth. God’s act in the creation story is carried out anew by Jesus. The first person the blind man saw was Christ, who loved him. Certainly, the blind man healed by Jesus experienced great joy.
Brothers and sisters, God’s love is like a light that cannot be confined by anyone or restricted by any rule. Moreover, Jesus not only healed the blind man’s physical eyes but also opened the eyes of his heart to truly recognize Jesus as the true light. It is this movement that continually enables the blind man to bear witness that Jesus is not only a prophet but also the Lord. An act of faith took place within the blind man, enabling him to believe in and worship Him.
Lent is an opportunity for us to restore the eyes of our hearts—not merely to acknowledge Jesus as Lord, but to allow ourselves to be guided by the Light. May God bless us all.
Fr. Wifridus Ngalla, cicm
3rd Sunday of Lent Gospel Message
John 4:5-42
According to the Gospel, Jesus was sitting by the well at Sychar. This well was called Jacob’s Well. At that moment, a Samaritan woman came to draw water. Then Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” These words seem simple, yet they carry profound meaning. Herein we see how God encounters humanity with kindness and love.
Brothers and sisters, especially during this season of Lent, there are several things I wish to reflect on together with you. First, a personal encounter with God brings transformation to life. Historically, relations between Jews and Samaritans were not good. Social, cultural, and religious differences separated them, keeping them at a distance. Yet Jesus engaged in dialogue with this very Samaritan woman. This was an event Jews generally avoided. Jesus’ action sought to break down cultural, moral, and religious barriers.
The encounter between the Samaritan woman and Jesus testifies to how close God’s presence is, especially in the most difficult circumstances of human life. God does not look at our background, past, or status. God comes to meet every person. As disciples of Christ, we too are called to courageously break down walls of difference with an attitude of love, dialogue, and mutual respect. During this Lenten season, we can ask ourselves: Does our presence bring love to others, or does it instead increase distance and division?
Second, Jesus is the source of living water. The Samaritan woman came to draw water from the well—something essential for daily life. But Jesus spoke of something deeper: “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.” What Jesus speaks of is living water—God’s grace and life that satisfies humanity’s deepest thirst. Brothers and sisters, in modern times, many people are actually “thirsty.” They thirst for love, acceptance, security, and meaning in life. Yet we often try to quench that thirst with the wrong things—wealth, status, popularity, or endless entertainment. We constantly seek these things, yet our hearts remain empty. Lent reminds us that only God can truly satisfy the human heart. Therefore, fasting, abstinence, prayer, and almsgiving are not mere obligations, but means to purify our hearts and prepare them to receive the “living water” that comes from God.
Thirdly, God touches the wounds in our hearts. In conversation, Jesus touched the deepest part of the Samaritan woman’s life. He knew her complex and heavy past. Yet remarkably, Jesus did not shame or condemn her. Instead, He opened the way to repentance. This is the very image of a merciful God. God knows our entire lives: our sins, our failures, our wounds. And yet God loves us. Perhaps some among us feel unworthy to come to God. We may feel our sins are too many, or that we carry a dark or heavy past. But today’s Gospel gives us hope: no sin is greater than God’s love. Therefore, during this Lenten season, we are invited to courageously receive the sacrament of repentance. God did not come to shame us, but to heal and guide us.
Fourth, we are called to be witnesses of God’s love. The encounter with Jesus changed the Samaritan woman’s life. She returned to the town and told the people: “Come and see! There is a man who told me everything I ever did.” She who once came alone to draw water had now become an evangelist. This is the true meaning of Lent: not merely abstaining from something but renewing our hearts to become witnesses of God’s love. We must open our eyes and hearts to realize that this world needs not just words, but living testimony shown through our actions, words, and deeds. For example: being honest in our work, faithful to our families, caring for the poor, and maintaining a peaceful attitude amidst differences.
Friends, at Jacob’s well, Jesus invites us through repentance onto the path of truth. During this Lenten season, let us come to our “wells”—the well of prayer, the well of God’s Word, the well of the Eucharist. There, we allow God to speak to our hearts. May we not only come for the “ordinary water” of daily needs but open our hearts to receive the living water that brings strength, hope, and salvation. And after experiencing an encounter with Christ, may we cast off the “old vessels” within us—sin, selfishness, and bad habits—and find the courage to be witnesses of God’s love in this world.
Fr. Wifridus Ngalla, cicm
2nd Sunday of Lent Gospel Message
Matthew 17:1-9
Beloved brothers and sisters There is a proverb that says, “After climbing a high mountain, one understands the vastness of the world.” Climbing is not just a physical journey, but also an inner journey. The higher one climbs, the more one sees with a different perspective—broader, clearer, and deeper. So, it was with the disciples whom Jesus took up the mountain. They did not only climb physically but were also lifted to see the glory that had been hidden. On that mountain, they experienced something that changed their perspective forever. So, through today’s reading, I reflect on two things.
First: God Reveals His Glory at the Right Time
The Transfiguration did not happen by chance. It happened after the disciples began to recognize who Jesus was, but before they faced the suffering of the cross. God knows when humans need reassurance. Often in our lives we also find ourselves in dark situations, such as difficult ministry, a tiring journey through life, or uncertainty about the future. However, like the disciples, we are also occasionally invited to “go up the mountain” to experience moments of light: comfort, peace, or signs of God’s love that are so real. The problem is, we often do not realize that these are moments of grace. We take them for granted, when in fact that is when God is strengthening us to face the “descent from the mountain” of a life full of challenges.
Second: Don’t Stay Too Long in Your Spiritual Comfort Zone
When he saw the glory, Peter said he wanted to build three tents. He wanted to stay there, in that beautiful and peaceful experience. Perhaps this is also our tendency? When we experience fervent prayer, a peaceful atmosphere, or enjoyable ministry, we want to stop there. We want to maintain that spiritual comfort. But Jesus did not allow them to stay on the mountain. They had to come down. Because faith is not only about experiencing God in the light, but also faithfully following Him in dark situations. Beautiful spiritual experiences are not the goal, but provisions for living a real life of loving, serving, and remaining faithful even when we do not always feel God’s presence emotionally.
Beloved brothers and sisters, the Transfiguration teaches us that in our journey of faith, there are times when we see God’s glory, but there are also times when we must return to the world with all its struggles. What matters is not how long we stay at the peak, but whether we bring that light down into our daily lives. So, when life feels heavy, remember we have “seen the light.” And that light never truly fades; it remains in our hearts, guiding our steps, until we finally reach the true “mountain of glory” with God.
Fr. Wifridus Ngalla, cicm
1st Sunday of The Lenten Gospel Message
Matthew 4:1-11
The gospel reminds us of the ordeal we go through every day. That is, the temptation we face each day. Being a “spirit,” the devil often knows what we need most. So, he tempts us with it as he did to Christ. If we are hungry, he tempts us with food. If we are thirsty, he tempts us with drinks. If we like power, he tempts us with it.
If you need money, the devil tempts us to steal from others. If you need a job, he tempts you to offer a bribe to get a job. If you are too greedy for marks, he tempts you to cheat in your exams. Once one falls to one temptation, he continues with the next until one finally perishes. He is very subtle, manipulative, and an expert in “one step at a time!”
How was Jesus able to overcome Satan and his temptations? He overcame because, beforehand, he had already fortified himself. He tamed his appetite for ambition and vainglory. Most importantly, he was not alone in his struggle against Satan and his temptations. The Holy Spirit was with him. He overcame through prayer and fasting.
So, during this season of Lent and beyond, we must prepare ourselves for the ultimate journey and battle. We must be firm in prayer and watchful in sacrifice and service so that we do not fall to the temptations of the evil one.
Fr. Wifridus Ngalla, cicm
6th Sunday in ordinary Time Gospel Message
Matthew 5:17-37
Gospel passage this Sunday, we heard from the Gospel according to St. Matthew in which we heard of the Lord speaking to His disciples and followers, and all those who followed Him of the need for all of them to truly appreciate and understand the meaning, purpose and intention of the Law of God which they had been given and entrusted with by the Lord. He spoke about all these in the context of how the people of that time had not been practicing the Law in the manner that the Lord has intended them to, especially their leaders and those entrusted with the guardianship of the Law, like the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees.
Instead of obeying the Law faithfully as they should havem they allowed themselves to be swayed by worldly concerns and matters, and focusing themselves so much more on the literal aspects and details of the Law, the customs, practices and the ways that were added over the many centuries since the Law was revealed and passed down to the people of Israel through Moses. They bothered themselves and focused so much on the minute details of the rituals and practices of the Law, and was so rigid and unbending on its implementations that they ended up forgetting about why those laws and rules were established and given by the Lord in the first place. Not only that, but they were also arbitrary in the manner how they exercised those laws and rules to suit their preferences.
That was why the Lord made it clear before all that they ought to truly understand what the Law of God had been meant for, to lead and guide all of the people of God towards Him and to teach them all to love Him and one another wholeheartedly. And it is meant to show how they should live their lives with virtue and righteousness, with sincerity of heart and mind, living worthily at all times and following the commandments with true understanding and appreciation, doing their best to walk in the path of God’s righteousness and grace. That is why the Lord was very critical of those Pharisees and the teachers of the Law who often made use of the Law and the commandments to glorify themselves in the eyes of the people, and failing to apply them properly and worthily.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, therefore as we conclude our reflection for this Sunday and prepare ourselves ever more wholeheartedly for a truly fruitful upcoming season of Lent, let us all therefore continue to strive to lead a truly holy and worthy life before the Lord. May the Lord continue to bless us in our lives and guide us all in our respective paths so that we may continue to walk ever more faithfully in His Presence, becoming good role models and inspirations for one another. Amen.
Fr. Wifridus Ngalla, cicm