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.

Wednesday December 11, 2024

Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’

How much stress is on you these days? The stress of keeping up with the Jons, the stress of work, the stress of Christmas, the stress of being in a relationship or not being in one. Heck it is stressful being alive.

The sacrament of confession and spiritual friendships used to help us deal with living. Now the sacrament is about gone and men, well we are not talking like that any more. So before you lose it, find time to pray or exercise. But you need to do something.

Just come back to your rosary.

Tuesday December 10, 2024

Matthew 18:12-14

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Tell me. Suppose a man has a hundred sheep and one of them strays; will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go in search of the stray?

No he will not Lord, he will count his losses and move on. But what do we know really of the relationship between this man and the lost sheep. Would he even sleep, would he even eat? No and No. His heart would be troubled to no end.

Once when I was associate Pastor at St Augustine in Lebanon, a mother came to me with the most unusual prayer request. She said, “Fr. Chibundi I know you are close to God (so she thought), would you pray for my son that he gets arrested?” I thought this woman is crazy to have such a request. She went on “He is on drugs father and I don’t know every night where he is. He could be dead in a ditch. But if he were arrested, I would know every night where he is.”

Then I realized that she was not crazy, she was a mother. Our God is restless folks until he knows where we are, until we are right with him.

God loves you and searches for you! Maranatha…come Lord Jesus.

Friday December 6, 2024

Isaiah 29:17-24

The Lord says this:

In a short time, a very short time,

shall not Lebanon become fertile land

and fertile land turn into forest?

The deaf, that day,

will hear the words of a book

and, after shadow and darkness,

the eyes of the blind will see.

Part of our faith is marked with the spirit of the parausia, that is, the second coming. This anticipation that he is coming again has had two responses throughout history. Some have decided to disengage with the world coz what’s the point? The other response is keep doing his work as if nothing has changed.

We at Rabbouni also believe in making God happen. Not in a literal sense for who are we for a task like that. But there is something special about you. You can make God happen wherever you are. That’s some incredible power. The one we are looking for is within reach.

Thursday December 5, 2024

Matthew 7:21-24,27

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘It is not those who say to me, “Lord, Lord,” who will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven.

The advent season is upon us and we as church remind ourselves one more time that God did intervene in our history by becoming one like us. This advent season we prepare ourselves for the birth of our Lord. Whenever this season comes around I often ask myself if I have noticed the pregnant moments in my life. I know… a man talking about being pregnant is ridiculous. But this is exactly the sense I want to bring to advent. God is becoming, God is moving within my life.

One of the symptoms of God’s moving could be our Christmas lists. I watch Mary Ann as she inquires what her nieces, nephews, even strangers on an angel tree want for this Christmas. This thinking of wanting to make Christmas special for someone else is a sign of the movement of the Holy Spirit. The spirit always leads us to action. So let us not only offer lip service “Merry Christmas” but let us make it truly MERRY by our actions.

Mahalo

Tuesday November 26, 2024

Luke 25:5-11

When some were talking about the Temple, remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, Jesus said, ‘All these things you are staring at now – the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed.’

During the month of November, the church puts before us readings that lead us to reflect on the end times. In the olden days we begin the month by celebrating Mass at the cemetery. We remember our loved ones and the life they gave us. We then remind ourselves that this world is not our home. We are on a journey and just you hold on because this script is like non other.

Well today our reading tell us bluntly that the world as we know it will end. Let that sink in for a second. This beautiful world will end!!!

But honestly, how many times has the world as you knew it ended? I can tell you that my world has ended one too many times. Not a thing of the past has remained. My world ended as a teenager when my father died and we were plunged into poverty and grief. God that was a difficult time. It is still difficult to even think about it. My world ended again when I left the passionist congregation and left my motherland Africa. Actually after staying a number of years in America I went back home for a visit. Kid you not, when the plane landed and I stepped on the soils of motherland, electricity went through my body. The land speaks there and I felt whole again. That’s another reflection….

The world as I knew it ended again when I left the archdiocese and started picking boxes at UPS while supporting a young church - Rabbouni.

The point is my dear friend, it all passes away except except your relationship with God. That relationship is everlasting. So cultivate it. The only sure thing in your life is GOD. You better bank on GOD.

Fr Chibundi