This Sunday’s Gospel Message from the Priest
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
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Gospel Message
Matthew 5:13-16
Brothers and sisters in Christ, each of us has surely experienced or is currently experiencing difficult situations in life. Economic problems, family issues, work problems, a heavy future, and even inner struggles that we cannot share with anyone. In such circumstances, life can feel dull. Our spirits weaken, our prayers feel dry, and whatever we do seems fruitless. We are tired, disappointed, and even feel that we are no longer able to be a blessing and an example to others.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus strengthens us through a simple statement that awakens us all. Jesus says: “You are the salt of the earth, and you are the light of the world.” Not “you should be,” but “you are.” This means that since we were baptized, we are called to boldly be salt and light for the world. We are called to bring Christ into the world through our lives, not primarily through words, but through the way we live each day.
Jesus gave us two images: salt and light. First, “You are the salt of the earth.” Salt is small, inconspicuous, and often invisible. But without salt, food would taste bland. Salt gives flavor and meaning, just as our presence in the world should enable us to be salt. We may feel small, ordinary, and insignificant. However, when we live in love, honesty, faithfulness, and compassion, we are giving “flavor” to a world that is often cold and full of selfishness.
Jesus also reminds us that salt that has lost its flavor is no longer useful. Jesus’ words remind us that faith must be lived and manifested in our families, at work, in our communities, in our neighborhoods, and wherever we are. The question for us is: has my presence been able to be salt that gives positive flavor to one another, or is it the opposite?
Second, “You are the light of the world.” Light is not made to be hidden. Light exists to illuminate darkness, so that people do not get lost and fall. The light may be small, like a lamp, but it can illuminate even the darkest situations. Being light means having the courage to bring goodness and love during hatred, honesty during injustice, the courage to forgive in the midst of wounds, and to give hope in the midst of despair.
The light will always shine, and we share it with our families and the people we serve and encounter through simple acts: listening with empathy, helping selflessly, forgiving even when hurt, caring for one another, and choosing peace over retaliation. We may feel small and powerless in the face of our respective life challenges. But Jesus does not demand that we do great things. He only asks us to faithfully do good and love wherever we are. A pinch of salt is enough to give flavor. Even the smallest light is meaningful during darkness; “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” The question for us is: have I been a light for one another, even if it is small?
Brothers and sisters, being salt and light means being brave and willing to give testimony that directs and guides our lives, our families, and those around us to God, the source of true salvation. May today’s Gospel strengthen us to continue to be salt that gives flavor and light that illuminates our lives, our families, our communities, and our surroundings. May the blessing of Almighty God be with us all, + Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Fr. Wifridus Ngalla, cicm
4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Gospel Message
Matthew 5:1-12a
Dear brothers and sisters beloved by God, in my opinion, everyone who lives wants to be happy. There are several perspectives on happiness, for example, that happiness is when one’s life is secure, one has sufficient finances, one is healthy, one’s work is successful, one is respected by many people, and so on. Therefore, many people pursue happiness in their own ways: some work hard, some strive to accumulate wealth, some strive to occupy strategic positions in society, but on the other hand, competition between people often occurs, causing them to defeat one another.
Learning from such situations and experiences, when we contrast these events with the teachings of Jesus that we heard earlier, there seems to be something different. Of course, Jesus also wants everyone to be happy, but His teachings do not contain a list of successes. Jesus said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit… those who mourn… those who hunger and thirst for righteousness… those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.” Of course, in the eyes of the world, this sounds strange, but in the eyes of God, this is the road map to true happiness. So, through these eight Beatitudes, I reflect on two small things:
First, I reflected that happiness does not depend on circumstances.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Being poor in spirit is not about having nothing, but about having a heart that realizes that life depends entirely on God. He does not make himself the center, nor does he consider power, position, or achievements as his main support. Such a person can remain happy even though they live simply, even though they are far from the spotlight, even though they are not always praised. Because the source of their peace is not their situation, but their relationship: with God, which is deep. This is happiness that is not fragile. The world gives happiness that may be easily lost, but Jesus gives happiness that is rooted within and is not easily lost.
Second, I reflected that happiness can also be born from a loving heart. Jesus continued: “Blessed are the meek… the merciful… the peacemakers.” Through these words, I reflect that true happiness does not come from receiving, but from giving. Not from demanding, but from loving. Not from controlling, but from serving. Beloved brothers and sisters, a heart full of compassion may often be wounded, often weary, often unappreciated. But it is precisely there that God works most deeply, because it is there that the human heart experiences what most closely resembles the Heart of Christ Himself. We learn to love the pierced Heart of Jesus: a heart that is wounded, yet continues to love; a heart that is betrayed, yet continues to give itself.
Therefore, for us Christians as followers of Christ, happiness does not mean living without the cross, but rather when we can find God in the cross itself, that is where true happiness can be found. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus always reign in our hearts.
Fr. Wifridus Ngalla, cicm
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Gospel Message
Matthew 4:12-23
Brothers and sisters in Christ, as we gather this Sunday to praise the Lord and glorify His name, we recall how vital and central God’s Word is to our lives and faith as Christians. For the Scriptures—containing the words of God found in both the Old and New Testaments—and their interpretation by the wisdom and teaching authority of the Church, the “sensus fidei” (sense of faith). It forms the vital foundation of the Church and of all we believe as Christians, becoming the pillar of our faith and truly anchoring us amidst all the world’s fluctuations and uncertainties. That is why, as Christians, we are constantly urged to regularly read the words of God recorded in Scripture and, each in our own way, to truly grasp the meaning and intent of God’s word addressed to us individually.
From this week’s Gospel reading, the Gospel according to Saint Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist, we heard about the Lord Jesus and His work among God’s people. Furthermore, from today’s First Reading, the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, the prophecy that God’s salvation would come from the lands of Zebulun and Naphtali is clearly stated. St. Matthew, who wrote the Gospel primarily for Jewish readers living in Judea and Galilee, assured them all that God’s promises and prophecies were fulfilled and completely accomplished in Jesus Christ the Savior—the One whom Christians believe God sent to save the world.
We also heard how the Lord began His ministry and mission, calling several disciples and believers, and choosing the first twelve apostles from among them. The Lord began in the region of the Sea of Galilee, where He met fishermen and called some of them to be His disciples. Among them were Simon and Andrew, and James and John. The Lord called them and promised them that they would no longer catch fish where they had been working, but would become “fishers of men.” And that was precisely the mission to which they were called: to help the Lord in his mission to gather all the lost and scattered children of God, and to become fishers of men as apostles and leaders of the church.
Therefore, we must always continue to nurture our faith in God naturally and sincerely. We should strengthen our faith and understanding of God’s will, His love and mercy for us, and show the same love and compassion to all those around us, especially those we love and care for. Therefore, let us all always be sincere and faithful Christians, not only in words but in all our deeds and actions. Only then can we become true and faithful witnesses to God’s Word, the divine Logos, which is revealed more clearly through us to this world. Finally, as this Sunday concludes the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, let us pray and work for the unity of all Christian believers. Amen.
Fr. Wifridus Ngalla, cicm
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Gospel Message
John 1:29-34
When John the Baptist met Jesus at the Jordan River, he cried out, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” John the Baptist’s words carry special meaning. The title “Lamb of God” refers to the story of the Jewish Passover. In that story, each household slaughters a lamb and applies its blood to the doorposts. Thus, the households marked with the lamb’s blood are saved and spared from the destroyer.
Therefore, it can be said that God deeply loves humanity. Even when God punishes humanity, God still provides a solution so that God’s people do not bear that punishment. Through the lamb’s blood above the door, humanity is freed from punishment.
That is why, when John the Baptist encountered Jesus, he immediately declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” John the Baptist wanted to emphasize that Jesus was God’s servant, offered to redeem and liberate humanity from all the sins of the world. Through the blood shed on Jesus’ cross, humanity is freed from eternal death and restored to a relationship with God. And through Jesus’ death, salvation reached to the ends of the earth.
At Mass, we celebrate Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. His Body and Blood were offered and poured out for us. Jesus gave Himself for the salvation of all humanity and the forgiveness of sins. As the priest presents the bread and wine, he echoes the cry of John the Baptist: “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” The faithful acknowledge that salvation is realized in Christ. We partake in the banquet of salvation. Our unworthiness does not exclude us from God’s invitation, for God came for sinners. God desires to make us worthy of Himself. From our side, we acknowledge our weakness as sinners and show our resolve to rise and be transformed.
Therefore, when we receive Christ’s body and blood in Holy Communion, we are called to become channels of God’s grace that saves this world. Now, having received Christ’s body, let us become those who invite, those who welcome, and those who bring peace and joy. Let us also pray that we may participate in the mission of bringing God’s salvation to all creation.
Fr. Wifridus Ngalla, cicm