Friday February 7, 2025

Mark 6:14-29

King Herod had heard about Jesus, since by now his name was well known. Some were saying, ‘John the Baptist has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.’ Others said, ‘He is Elijah’; others again, ‘He is a prophet, like the prophets we used to have.’ But when Herod heard this he said, ‘It is John whose head I cut off; he has risen from the dead.’

Have you ever prayed with the scriptures? It is a beautiful practice. You read the passage several times and allow it to open up. You can even go a step further and become every person in the story.

I like being Jesus in this narrative. I like to be the one through whom God’s power is striking the land. In fact we are all called to stir up goodness around us. It is not as comfortable being Herold. But I have to go there in my prayer and find times when I have tried to block God’s grace. Yes sometimes I have not been easy to work with.

Remember the beauty of Christianity is not that we become experts at catching and identifying the sin of others. We have to catch ourselves and be able to stop ourselves from being stumbling blocks.

May God bless us all.

Wednesday January 5, 2025

Mark 6:1-6

Jesus went to his home town and his disciples accompanied him. With the coming of the sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue and most of them were astonished when they heard him. They said, ‘Where did the man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been granted him, and these miracles that are worked through him? This is the carpenter, surely, the son of Mary, the brother of James and Joset and Jude and Simon? His sisters, too, are they not here with us?

Let’s get right to it: There are a few people in life who will always hold you hostage to what you used to be. Heck there are moments in your own life when you yourself cannot let go of who you used to be. One way of dealing with it is to make the past part of your present, to embrace and grow from it. I think Jesus connected with people because he might have spoken God’s word in carpenter language. He connected with people unlike the Pharisees and scribes.

You know I worked so hard to lose the accent, I wanted to fit in but every time I opened my mouth to speak I would be asked where I am from. At some point I embraced it and leaned into it.. So look again at your upbringing, see it as a gift.

On the other hand, give yourself the gift of growth. You can become so much more.

Now to the fun part. This passage is a problem for Catholics. St Mark says Jesus had brothers and he names them. This was not an issue. Good Catholics say they were his cousins, or half brothers. Do what you want with this information but for me, mother Mary does not become less holy because she had other children. In fact she becomes even holier. Imagine the patience that one has to have to raise a number of children. I only have one child and he gives me a full plate of challenges. I am going straight to heaven because of him.

Tuesday January 4, 2025

Mark 5:21-41

TALITHA KUM

When Jesus had crossed in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered round him and he stayed by the lakeside. Then one of the synagogue officials came up, Jairus by name, and seeing him, fell at his feet and pleaded with him earnestly, saying, ‘My little daughter is desperately sick. Do come and lay your hands on her to make her better and save her life.’ Jesus went with him and a large crowd followed him; they were pressing all round him.

I want you to pay attention whenever St Mark puts Jesus in a boat. Something big is about to happen. For this passage we have two major miracles. The healing of the bleeding woman and the restoring to life of a little girl.

I actually like what I did there, instead of saying raising to life of a dead girl, I used restore. There is still some life in her in you that needs to be revived. See what Jesus does in this miracle. He sends everyone out of the room except those who want the little girl restored. Maybe for our healing to fully occur, we need to send some people out the door. I know we are trying to grow a church here and we cannot afford to lose anyone. However be careful who you have up close. Do they breathe life in you or cry you to death? With those who wished her life left in the room, Jesus said “Talitha Kim” little girl get up. He then asked that she be fed, take it easy before she re-engages with the world. Do that for yourself.

Fr Chibundi

Friday January 31, 2025

Mark 4:26-34

He also said, ‘What can we say the kingdom of God is like? What parable can we find for it? It is like a mustard seed which at the time of its sowing in the soil is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet once it is sown it grows into the biggest shrub of them all and puts out big branches so that the birds of the air can shelter in its shade.’

What is the big idea here? What is the good news? Well, he cheapens the Kingdom of God. He speaks of it as if it were a common thing. That is the problem.

See people at this time would have been impressed if he had said that the Kingdom of God is like a Lebanon Cedar. Now that is impressive!! The Lebanon cedar is majestic and frankly … rare! There is value in that which is rare. Enter Jesus and he says “no the kingdom of God is so common and can even be found in the Tavern.” There is really nothing special about the mustard tree or bush. It is actually an annoying bush that is hard to kill. It is a bush that is everywhere!!!

Think about this one and pray about it. What changes in your mind when the son of man says the Kingdom is everywhere. It is not that rare.

Fr Chibundi

Thursday January 30, 2025

Mark 4:21-25

SHINE SHINE SHINE

Jesus said to the crowd, ‘Would you bring in a lamp to put it under a tub or under the bed? Surely you will put it on the lamp-stand?

Immediately my heart begins to sing my favorite childhood song “this little light of mine.”

I think we all know that we are light, that we are energy. Today for a brief moment I want to go to a time and place when my light did not shine so bright. The first time I felt that in a significant way was when as a teenager my daddy died. That knocked the wind out!! But also our little village had a way of coming together to keep my family’s light alive. They protected us.

In a very weird way I feel that our light will not shine unless we have either passed through some dark moments or we have felt what it truly feels like to lose our light.

Later on in life I was to experience some challenging times. Some brought on by my own foolishness and others by virtue of being alive. Our lord today says “remember you are light!!!” God wants us to shine. Listen I live in the real world now and I know all too well that it is challenging to keep the flame. Remember though my friend, stop apologizing for being human. In fact celebrate the challenges because then you will notice your beautiful light.

Fr Chibundi

Monday January 27, 2025

Mark 3:22-30

The scribes who had come down from Jerusalem were saying, ‘Beelzebul is in him’ and, ‘It is through the prince of devils that he casts devils out.’

This is one of the few times we find in scripture where Jesus is hurt by the evil, nasty words of the scribes. He goes on to say in response to this slanderous statement “‘I tell you solemnly, all men’s sins will be forgiven, and all their blasphemies; but let anyone blaspheme against the Holy Spirit and he will never have forgiveness:”

I am sure you have had some nasty untruths said about you. When someone not only attacks our character but spits on everything we are it hurts. I often replay the words in my mind and take deep sighs. Have you completely dealt with those untruths? Does it still hurt? I do not want to unearth them but you know this is something you have to take to counseling or prayer. Let us pray today for all those who hurt because of what we said or someone else said. And let us be the ones to correct the record. God bless us all.

Wednesday January 22, 2025

Jesus went into a synagogue, and there was a man there who had a withered hand. And they were watching him to see if he would cure him on the sabbath day, hoping for something to use against him.

No matter what you do or don’t do, there are people in your world who are so vain they look for an opportunity to bring you down. Isn’t that sad though? We do not see it much in church life but n our other lives it is there. The sad thing is if this attitude enters our own beloved families. So what do we do when we ever encounter such negative folk?

Know yourself, know your program. Jesus enters the synagogue and sees the man with a withered hand. Yes it is on the sabbath, yes he “should not work.” But here is a man who is suffering. He heals him and yes they unleash the law on Jesus.

Who are you in this narrative? Are you Jesus? Are you the unnamed man or the Pharisees? Maybe you are all three depending on where you are in your life? What I hear the Lord saying to me is this “do not let the negativity or the legalistic get in the way of your goodness.” Stay the course my friend.

Tuesday January 21, 2025

Mark 2:23-28

One sabbath day, Jesus happened to be taking a walk through the cornfields, and his disciples began to pick ears of corn as they went along.

In the past several days I have missed doing my favorite thing—- going for a run. It is terribly cold out there and my favorite route is covered up with mounds of snow. I have often said that February is my most difficult month because I cannot be outside but it seems my February has come a wee bit early this year.

Jesus went for a walk. We all need to find an activity that helps clear our minds. As part of your spiritual life daily activities are super important. So if you are still able to move, I invite you to see it as a form of prayer. If you cannot move maybe you can recapture reading a book.

Let us pray

“Gracious God through your goodness you have granted this spiritual being that is me a beautiful body. I thank you for the gift of it. Grant me the grace and wisdom to take good care of myself. Grant me the will and power to move and dance, to play and pray using the body. These things I ask through Christ Our Lord. Amen”

Take care of yourself!!!

Friday January 17, 2025

Mark 2:25-40

When Jesus returned to Capernaum, word went round that he was back; and so many people collected that there was no room left, even in front of the door. He was preaching the word to them when some people came bringing him a paralytic carried by four men, but as the crowd made it impossible to get the man to him, they stripped the roof over the place where Jesus was; and when they had made an opening, they lowered the stretcher on which the paralytic lay.

One thing I want you to notice in the gospel of Mark is how busy our Lord is. Wherever he goes a crowd follows. Mark wants the reader to see how this thunder of Gods power is hitting this area. This is not an ordinary preacher, this is God at work. I find it curious that the writer does not tell us what the sermon was about but what strikes him is the action of Jesus and the actions of those around him. A sermon might be forgotten but a visit at the hospital will never be forgotten, a bowl of chilli will not be forgotten.

Secondly this unnamed paralytic has the best friends in the world. I don’t know if he asked to be taken to Jesus or if they saw his sufferings and said “we will take you.” His friends were determined to place him before the Lord. May we be that church that does all it can do to bring them to him. Today say a prayer for someone in your life who needs a healing. You do not have to look far, trust me.

Thursday January 16, 2025

Mark 1:40-45

A leper came to Jesus and pleaded on his knees: ‘If you want to’ he said ‘you can cure me.’ Feeling sorry for him, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him. ‘Of course I want to!

My first question as I read this most powerful passage is, how did he do it? How did this leper get that close to Jesus. This was a failure on the part of whoever was in charge of the security of Jesus. This leper should have been stopped 300 meters away from the Lord.

Maybe there is a teaching here for me. Do I block people from reaching the Lord or do I help them get an audience. Our call really as believers is to get as many people as we can to God. It is not our duty to vet who gets an audience. So to all clergy, to all who feel they need to protect the Lord, I say maybe we should examine our calling.

The other teaching here for me is the response of Jesus. Of course Jesus will heal the man, but does he have to touch him? Does he have to feel sorry for him? A healing without the extra stuff would suffice.

He touched him!!! Maybe hugged him, embraced him. Sometimes a lot of healing comes when we just show compassion. When we are willing to accept the pain of others, they do not feel alone. You know the pain of this leper was that he was ostracized from his family!!! In Jesus he finds a family who will love him to wholeness. Try that one. Try hugging the pain of another. It will change them but more importantly, it will change you.

Monday January 13, 2025

Mark 1:14-20

As he was walking along by the Sea of Galilee he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net in the lake – for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you into fishers of men.’ And at once they left their nets and followed him.

Monday of week one(1) in ordinary time we start over again. How many times in your life have you started over again? Sometimes we start over with some gusto and excitement and other times we drag ourselves to the start line with the famous “here we go again.” Today it is the latter for me. The children are going back to school after Christmas and snow break, work is well… work. I may have to be on the same path I was last year without much progress. Hake this should be happening in February not mid January. The politics are politicking. You get where I am right?

Jesus on the other hand is excited about a new ministry and he is calling people to come join him plant the Kingdom today. Today is the day he asks us to hear again our calling. Like the disciples maybe we are looking at him with broken nets, exhausted and saying…pardon? Me … become fisher of men? Today? Do you know how I feel right about now?

Yes and bring it all our Lord says. Bring your hopes and dreads to planting this new vision of God. How exciting is it that you are being asked to be an active participant in planting love, acceptance and forgiveness.

So my friend dig a little deeper and get moving. You are being called to ministry today …. Of all days, today!

Wednesday January 8, 2025

Mark 6:34-44

As Jesus stepped ashore he saw a large crowd; and he took pity on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he set himself to teach them at some length.

Here is a little tip about the Gospel of Mark that you may want to know. Whenever Mark wants to tell us something really important, he will place Jesus in a boat or stepping out of a boat. This is one of the ways St. Mark says “pay attention, something important is about to happen.” St. Matthew has a different approach. He makes Jesus go up a mountain. That is how he calls our attention to an important teaching.

So what is the imprtant teaching here? Our Lord is about to feed the five thousand from five loaves of bread and two fish.

For this reflection however I want us hear these words “he took pity on them for they were like sheep without a shepherd.” Jesus felt deeply, his heart was moved with compassion. The scriptures invite us to connect with this beautiful feeling. When is the last time your heart churned for another? That is a God feeling. I think we are losing touch with this beautiful feeling. I heard recently that a woman was set on fire in New York and nobody stopped. No one took the time to put the fire out. People were too busy or did not want to get involved. NO! We can’t let ourselves live in a world without compassion. Thank goodness I live in Kentucky where we still are moved with compassion. I have seen your compassion at Rabbouni in our outreach and care for one another. It is a good thing, a God thing to feel deeply for another person. Thank you for stopping and reconnecting with humanity.

Tuesday January 7, 2025

Matthew 4:12-17

Hearing that John had been arrested, Jesus went back to Galilee, and leaving Nazareth he went and settled in Capernaum, a lakeside town on the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali.

Things change! Sometimes you make plans on how your life will unfold and then the Universe has its own plans. How many of us have had a life we planned long ago? And how many of us make plans, then unplanned stuff happens, derails everything and then we make other plans?

I don’t know if he always intended to go to Capernaum but I know that this town became his home base after his Hero John died. In fact it is from here that he begins his message. He begins his message the very same way John did. Repent! The Kingdom of God is at hand.

What if there is divine influence in all things. What if God made the best out of this unfortunate situation. Capernaum became a blessing. A blessing that saw Jesus take on full ministry.

I really don’t know why my life has turned out this way. This was not the plan!! What I do know for sure now is that God has blessed everything. This Rabbouni Catholic Community has been a miracle. And although some days I wish we were big enough and had our own building, I also know that it is an absolute miracle we will be celebrating 16 years this year. I mean…. talk about God turning things around in the most unusual way.

Your path, your life is ordained my dear friend. God is making all things good. Yes even the tragic moments.

Come see us, you may like us.

Friday January 3, 2025

John 1:29-34

Seeing Jesus coming towards him, John said, ‘Look, there is the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. This is the one I spoke of when I said: A man is coming after me who ranks before me because he existed before me.

I am beginning to paint a picture in my mind of the personality of Our Lord Jesus. You could not tell by looking at him that he was the one. I think he was a quiet spirit, an unassuming individual who was ignored by many. You simply could not tell he was Son of God.

I do not know if I have met any millionaires here in America but I am sure I have. See in the old country you will know that you are with a millionaire. They will either tell you about it, wear it, drive it, or they will tell you by their entourage.

I am so blessed to have lived in two worlds my friends because I get lessons from both.

Back to Jesus. If John had not pointed him out, do you think they would have known? He probably could have gone on doing good and saving humanity in a quiet way. Maybe we need to tap into that. Build the kingdom of God quietly. Almost like building it one person at a time.

Much Aloha

Thursday January 2, 2025

John 1:19-28

This is how John appeared as a witness. When the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ he not only declared, but he declared quite openly, ‘I am not the Christ.’

A happy new year and a happy new YOU. I certainly hope that you brought in the new year with much gusto. As always I want to hold all those who are facing some tough times and life is a little burdensome right now. Remember everything can just be a phase. To those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, to the victims of terror, we at Rabbouni remember you and your families.

This scripture reading above gives us a window into the discussions in the early church. There was a time when the John movement appeared stronger than the Jesus movement.Some even believe that Jesus was a disciple of John at some moment in time. So the author of John goes to great lengths explaining that John was not the Christ. This question is important to all of us. Who are you? You have done crazy things, you have shocked your world by your ability to live through different phases of your life. Who are you? You have birthed children, you have taught children but who are you?

Fr. Kevin used to say that we are God’s word spoken in time. I love that. I hope In defining yourself this year, I hope you hear what God is saying by your existence.

BTW, please remember Rabbouni in your end of year giving. We could use your gifts.

Monday December 30, 2024

Luke 2:36-40

When they had done everything the Law of the Lord required, they went back to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. Meanwhile the child grew to maturity, and he was filled with wisdom; and God’s favour was with him.

I have often wondered about the quiet years of Jesus. What was it like to grow up in the little town of Nazareth, what became of his friends and extended family relationships? One thing I am beginning to realize is that life happens faster than I thought. I look at my 12 year old and I swear it feels like yesterday that we brought him home and now we are sharing shoes. In these past twelve years his personality has been formed by many people and experiences and yet I can tell he is his own man. He came to us with his own blueprint. Here and there I can have a glimpse of what sought of man he will become but who knows for sure? We can only pray and stay on message with our raising of the child. I know there is so much out of our control.

Jesus grew in maturity. Are you still growing? As we approach the end of the year can you look back on how much you have grown. Mary Ann shared with me yesterday on how to make resolutions, on how to grow in the coming year. She gave me three points

1. What am I going to START doing differently this coming year?

2. What am I going to STOP doing this coming year?

3. What am I going to CONTINUE doing in this coming year?

Monday December 23, 2024

Luke 1:57-66

The time came for Elizabeth to have her child, and she gave birth to a son; and when her neighbours and relations heard that the Lord had shown her so great a kindness, they shared her joy.

Do you know of someone who has been wanting something for so long? This person has seen disappointment after disappointment and then finally an answer. Part of our Christian calling or should I say human calling is to rejoice in the joy of others. It is not time to tell our story or to one up them but simply to acknowledge that God has done something special for them. May we practice joy for others.

Almost all of us have had that one friend or family member who we think becomes annoyed over our blessings. But for every one upper God truly sends ten or more people who genuinely are happy for us and pray for us. I repeat my message from last Sunday: Be the bringer of joy!!

Friday December 20, 2024

Luke 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. He went in and said to her, ‘Rejoice, so highly favoured!

We finally meet Mary! It is interesting and a topic for another discussion how late in the liturgical calendar we meet Mary. Given her very important role in the story of salvation she actually likes to be in the background. But isn’t this typical of mothers though. They often choose not to be the story, it’s all about their children.

Here is a little detail I have missed over the years. Gabriel went in and said to her… I thought Gabriel just appeared to her. But he actually knocked like a normal ‘human being’ and went in. I imagine him like a Zambian standing outside the hut and saying “odi” the usual Zambian knock or as an American appearing in the ring camera “hello, may I come in please?” He knocked on the door. He did not just appear.

How many people in your life have told you that you are so blessed? How many have said you are lucky? What have you heard from God’s angels that have walked in your life? Mary did not brush it off, she believed that she was highly favored. I am going to believe today that I am blessed maybe that will change everything. See Mary had 99 problems and 1 blessing. Hint hint!!

Thursday December 19, 2024

Luke 1:5-25

In the days of King Herod of Judaea there lived a priest called Zechariah who belonged to the Abijah section of the priesthood, and he had a wife, Elizabeth by name, who was a descendant of Aaron. Both were worthy in the sight of God, and scrupulously observed all the commandments and observances of the Lord. But they were childless: Elizabeth was barren and they were both getting on in years.

One of the most painful (emotionally draining) and lonely journeys that has ever been walked by any couple is INFERTILITY. Well at least in the African context. Family in Africa expects lots of children from a couple and we are not shy asking when a married couple will start giving us babies. I have since found out that sometimes, well anytime or rather it is not ever appropriate to ask for babies from a couple. This is stressful!! This obviously is for my fello Africans.

Anyway back to the scriptures. What have you been praying for recently. Can you see God working on it or is there just silence? Zechariah and Elizabeth had everything in their lives except a child. They waited a long time for God’s answer. Today I want to pray for all those who are waiting on God. Please do not be discouraged. This God will find a way to fulfill your heart. The answer sometimes comes in very different ways. God bless you and I see you!

Monday December 16, 2024

Matthew 21:23-27

Jesus had gone into the Temple and was teaching, when the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him and said, ‘What authority have you for acting like this? And who gave you this authority?’

It did not take long for me to realize it. In fact within the first week of being in the 4th Division, I knew in my bones that one of the police officers was destined for greatness. He was not even a year old as a police officer. I went to the 7th Division and there was a young man who had just left the academy. He was still riding with another officer and I knew he is destined for the Chief’s office in the future. Sometimes you just know. Sometimes you pick up on things. Then you make a choice whether to help that person or be jealous of them.

The Pharisees could tell, they felt the fire in Jesus and instead of choosing to help him, they became the opposition. Did you know that there people who are in your life who see your potential? Some will help you others will make your life hell.

Give your power to the right people. As for the haters, do what Jesus did. He did not answer their question. Nope, he did not give them power over him.