St. Matthew's Catholic Church Oke Paadi Ondo.

25/05/2026

The Angelus reminds us of the beautiful moment when Heaven touched Earth through the “Yes” of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In praying the Angelus, we pause to remember the humility, obedience, and faith of Mary, who accepted God’s will with complete trust. It is also a call for us to listen to God daily, respond with courage, and allow Christ to dwell in our hearts and actions.
As the Church prays, “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us,” we are reminded that God is never distant. He walks with us in our joys, struggles, and hopes.

The Angelus teaches us to remain prayerful, humble, and open to divine grace throughout the day.
May our lives echo Mary’s response: “Be it done unto me according to your word.”

24/05/2026

DAILY MASS READINGS
25 MAY 2026

MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH

First Reading: Genesis 3:9-15, 20

After Adam had eaten of the tree, the Lord God called to him and asked him, "Where are you?" He answered, "I heard you in the garden; but I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself." Then he asked, "Who told you that you were naked? You have eaten, then, from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat! The man replied, "The woman whom you put here with me — she gave me fruit from the tree, and so I ate it. The Lord God then asked the woman, "Why did you do such a thing?" The woman answered, *The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it." Then the Lord God said to the serpent: "Because you have done this, you shall be banned from all the animals and from all the wild creatures, On your belly shall you crawl, and dirt shall you eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel." The man called his wife Eve, because she became the mother of all the living.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM:
: Psalm 87:1-2, 3 and 5, 6-7

📢 R. Glorious things are told of you, O city of God.
1. His foundation upon the holy mountains the Lord loves: The gates of Zion, more than any dwelling of Jacob.
2. Glorious things are said of you, O city of God! And of Zion they shall say: "One and all were born in her;
3. And he who has established her is the Most High Lord."
4. They shall note, when the peoples are enrolled: "This man was born there."
5. And all shall sing, in their festive dance "My home is within you."

Acclamation:

O happy Virgin, you gave birth to the Lord; O blessed mother of the Church, you warm our hearts with the Spirit of your Son Jesus Christ.

John 19:25-34

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I thirst." There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth. When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, "It is finished." And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit. Now since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath, for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and water flowed out

POINT FOR REFLECTION

Today the Church celebrates the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Mother of the Church. Firstly, she, who is the Mother of Christ the Head, is also the Mother of His body, which is the Church (cf. Eph 1:22-23; 4:12). Secondly, while dying on the cross, Christ entrusts His Beloved Disciple to His Mother and vice versa (cf. Jn 19:25-27). By this act at that crucial time of His earthly life, Christ makes His Mother the Mother of the Church, and all of us, children of Mary. Thirdly, after Christ's ascension, when the community of disciples left behind gather in prayer, Mary is present as a mother (cf. Acts 1:12-14). As our Mother, she is always concerned about our needs. Therefore let us constantly seek her intercession.

24/05/2026

23/05/2026

On this Pentecost Sunday, may the fire of the Holy Spirit renew our hearts, strengthen our faith, and fill us with divine wisdom, peace, and love. Come Holy Spirit!

23/05/2026

DAILY MASS READINGS
24 May 2026

PENTECOST SUNDAY (Solemnity)

First Reading
ACTS 2:1-11

Responsorial Psalm
PSALMS 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34

Second Reading
1 CORINTHIANS 12:3-7, 12-13

Gospel
JOHN 20:19-23

19On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

20When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.

21Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.”

22And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

23If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

POINTS FOR REFLECTION

While Acts 2 gives us the dramatic Pentecost scene, John 20:19-23 offers an intimate “Johannine Pentecost” where the risen Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit upon his disciples. This passage reveals three essential gifts of the Spirit that define the Church’s identity and mission.

1. The Gift of Peace

Jesus enters the locked room where fearful disciples hide and declares “Peace be with you.” When he breathes the Spirit upon them, he imparts divine peace—not mere absence of conflict, but the wholeness and harmony that flows from God himself. This Spirit-given peace transforms paralyzing fear into confident faith, enabling the Church to fulfill its mission even amid persecution.

2. The Commission for Mission

“As the Father has sent me, so I send you” establishes the Church’s missionary nature. The breathing of the Spirit recalls God breathing life into Adam—this is a new creation. The disciples receive not human resources but divine empowerment to continue Christ’s work. The same Spirit that animated Jesus’ ministry now empowers the Church for apostolic witness.

3. The Ministry of Reconciliation

“Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained” entrusts the Church with the ministry of reconciliation. Through the Spirit, the Church becomes God’s instrument of mercy and justice, mediating divine forgiveness to the world. This sacramental authority reveals the Spirit’s ultimate purpose: restoring broken relationships between God and humanity.

Conclusion

John’s Pentecost account shows that the Spirit’s coming is fundamentally about transformation for mission. The Spirit creates a community of peace, empowers it for apostolic witness, and entrusts it with reconciling ministry. On Pentecost, we celebrate our ongoing participation in this divine life that continues transforming fearful disciples into bold witnesses of the Gospel.

22/05/2026

DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTION
23 May 2026

SATURDAY
Easter Weekday 7A

1ST READING: Acts 28: 16-20.30-31

When we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier that guarded him. After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews; and when they had gathered, he said to them, "Brethren, though I had done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar-though I had no charge to bring against my nation. For this reason therefore I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain." And he lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ quite openly and unhindered.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 11

R. The upright shall behold your face, O Lord.
1). The Lord is in his holy temple; the throne of the Lord is in heaven. His eyes behold the world; his gaze probes the children of men.
2). The Lord inspects the just and the wicked; the lover of violence he hates. For the Lord is just and loves deeds of justice; the upright shall behold his face.

ACCLAMATION: John 16:7.13

I will send the Spirit of truth to you, says the Lord; he will guide you into all the truth.

Gospel
JOHN 21:20-25

20Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!” 23The saying spread abroad among the brethren that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” 24This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. 25But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

POINTS FOR REFLECTION

John 21:20-25 is the closing passage of the Gospel of John, focusing on Jesus’ interaction with Peter and the beloved disciple, traditionally identified as John.

1. Individual Discipleship

In verses 20-22, Peter asks Jesus about the future of the beloved disciple. Jesus responds by emphasizing that Peter should focus on his own path, saying, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” This highlights the unique callings of each disciple and the importance of focusing on one’s personal journey with Christ.

2. Clarification of Rumor

Verses 23-24 address a misunderstanding among early Christians, where a rumor spread that the beloved disciple would not die. The text clarifies that Jesus did not make this claim, stressing the need for careful interpretation of His words to avoid misconceptions.

3. Testimony and Authenticity

Verse 24 asserts the reliability of the Gospel, stating that the beloved disciple’s testimony is true. This emphasis on eyewitness accounts reinforces the credibility and truthfulness of the narrative, ensuring readers of the Gospel’s authenticity.

Conclusion

John 21:20-25 concludes the Gospel by emphasizing individual discipleship, the importance of accurate interpretation, and the reliability of testimony. It encourages readers to trust in the Gospel’s message and to pursue their unique journey with Christ, leaving them with a sense of continuity and faith.

21/05/2026

DAILY MASS READINGS
22 May 2026

FRIDAY
Easter Weekdays 7A

First Reading
ACTS 25:13-21

13Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Berniʹce arrived at Caesareʹa to welcome Festus. 14And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a man left prisoner by Felix; 15and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews gave information about him, asking for sentence against him. 16I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up any one before the accused met the accusers face to face, and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him. 17When therefore they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought in. 18When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed; 19but they had certain points of dispute with him about their own superstition and about one Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive. 20Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wished to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them. 21But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I commanded him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.”

Responsorial Psalm
PSALMS 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20

1Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 11For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 12as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. 19The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. 20Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word!

Gospel
JOHN 21:15-19

15When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16A second time he said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep. 17He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go.” 19(This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, “Follow me.”

POINTS FOR REFLECTION

John 21:15-19 is a key passage in the New Testament that details a post-resurrection conversation between Jesus and Peter. This interaction is crucial for understanding themes of forgiveness, restoration, and leadership within the early Christian community.

1. Context and Setting

This passage occurs by the Sea of Galilee after Jesus’ resurrection. Following a miraculous catch of fish, Jesus engages Peter in a dialogue that is set against the backdrop of Peter’s earlier threefold denial of Jesus. This context highlights the need for Peter’s restoration.

2. The Threefold Questioning

Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Each affirmation from Peter is met with a command to care for Jesus’ followers: “Feed my lambs,” “Take care of my sheep,” and “Feed my sheep.” This mirrors Peter’s denials and signifies his reinstatement, emphasizing love and pastoral responsibility as central to his leadership.

3. Prophecy of Peter’s Future

Jesus foretells Peter’s martyrdom, indicating a future of sacrifice and service. The statement about Peter being led where he does not want to go foreshadows his crucifixion. Jesus’ command to “Follow me” reinforces the call to discipleship and self-denial.

Conclusion

John 21:15-19 is a powerful narrative of redemption and commissioning. It underscores the transformative power of Christ’s love and the responsibilities inherent in spiritual leadership. Peter’s reinstatement not only redeems his earlier failures but also establishes him as a foundational leader in the early Church, rooted in love, service, and sacrifice.

20/05/2026

DAILY GOSPEL AND REFLECTION

21 May 2026

THURSDAY

Gospel
JOHN 17:20-26

20“I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, 21that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22The glory which thou hast given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23I in them and thou in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them even as thou hast loved me. 24Father, I desire that they also, whom thou hast given me, may be with me where I am, to behold my glory which thou hast given me in thy love for me before the foundation of the world. 25O righteous Father, the world has not known thee, but I have known thee; and these know that thou hast sent me. 26I made known to them thy name, and I will make it known, that the love with which thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

POINTS FOR REFLECTION

In today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus’ final prayer before His Passion—a prayer for unity among all believers. This is not just a request; it is a divine mission. Jesus prays that we may be one, just as He and the Father are one, so that the world may believe in Him.

1. A Prayer for All Believers

Jesus does not pray only for His disciples but for all who will believe in Him through their witness. This means you and me—we are part of His prayer! He wants us united in love, not just in name, but in a deep, divine communion.

2. Unity as a Sign of God’s Love

Jesus says that our unity will show the world that the Father sent Him. When we love one another as He loves us, the world sees God’s presence in us. St. Bernard understood this well—his life was a witness to this love.

3. The Glory of Being One with Christ

Jesus desires that we share in His glory, that we be with Him forever. This is not just about heaven—it’s about living now in His love, so that His joy may be in us and His love may be seen in our lives.

Conclusion

Jesus’ prayer is still being answered today. Let us live in unity, rooted in His love, so that the world may see and believe. May we, like St. Bernard, be instruments of that unity. Amen.

LET US PRAY

Heavenly Father, Saint Bernard was filled with zeal for your house and was a radiant light in your Church. By his prayers may we be filled with this spirit of zeal and walk always as children of light. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

20/05/2026

Beata Domina nostra Fatimensis est titulus Beatæ Mariæ Virginis, quæ anno 1917 in Fatima, Portugallia tribus pastoribus apparuisse creditur. Nuntius eius ad orationem, pœnitentiam et devotionem erga Deum spectat, praesertim per Rosarium. Haec devotio fideles hortatur ut fideliter vivant, pacem quaerant et in Dei misericordia confidunt.

20/05/2026

DAILY MASS READINGS
20 May 2026

WEDNESDAY
Easter Weekdays (7A)

First Reading
ACTS 20:28-38

28Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you guardians, to feed the church of the Lord which he obtained with his own blood. 29I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. 32And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. 34You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. 35In all things I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” 36And when he had spoken thus, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37And they all wept and embraced Paul and kissed him, 38sorrowing most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. And they brought him to the ship.

Responsorial Psalm
PSALMS 68:29-30, 33-36

28Summon thy might, O God; show thy strength, O God, thou who hast wrought for us. 29Because of thy temple at Jerusalem kings bear gifts to thee. 32Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; sing praises to the Lord, Selah 33to him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; lo, he sends forth his voice, his mighty voice. 34Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and his power is in the skies. 35Terrible is God in his sanctuary, the God of Israel, he gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God!

Gospel
JOHN 17:11-19

11And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name, which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. 12While I was with them, I kept them in thy name, which thou hast given me; I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13But now I am coming to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14I have given them thy word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15I do not pray that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil one. 16They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17Sanctify them in the truth; thy word is truth. 18As thou didst send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth.

POINTS FOR REFLECTION

In John 17:11-19, Jesus offers a heartfelt prayer for His disciples just before His crucifixion. This passage highlights key themes of unity, protection, and sanctification, reflecting Jesus’ deep concern for His followers and their mission in the world.

1. Unity Among Believers (John 17:11)

Jesus prays for His disciples to be one, mirroring the unity between Him and the Father. This unity is essential for the Church’s witness, demonstrating the divine nature of their mission and the importance of harmony among believers.

2. Protection from the World (John 17:12-15)

Acknowledging the challenges His disciples will face, Jesus seeks protection for them from the evil one. His prayer emphasizes the need for spiritual safeguarding, as believers navigate a world that often opposes their values.

3. Sanctification Through Truth (John 17:16-19)

Jesus defines sanctification as being set apart through God’s truth. He sends His disciples into the world to share the Gospel, underscoring the importance of grounding their mission in the Word of God.

Conclusion

John 17:11-19 encapsulates Jesus’ deep care for His followers, urging them toward unity, reliance on divine protection, and a commitment to truth. This prayer not only reflects Jesus’ concerns for His disciples but also serves as a call for all believers to live out their faith actively and cohesively in the world.

19/05/2026

DAILY GOSPEL AND REFLECTION
19 May 2026

TUESDAY
Seventh Week of Easter

Gospel
John 17:1-11

1When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify thy Son that the Son may glorify thee, 2since thou hast given him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom thou hast given him. 3And this is eternal life, that they know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent. 4I glorified thee on earth, having accomplished the work which thou gavest me to do; 5and now, Father, glorify thou me in thy own presence with the glory which I had with thee before the world was made. 6“I have manifested thy name to the men whom thou gavest me out of the world; thine they were, and thou gavest them to me, and they have kept thy word. 7Now they know that everything that thou hast given me is from thee; 8for I have given them the words which thou gavest me, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from thee; and they have believed that thou didst send me. 9I am praying for them; I am not praying for the world but for those whom thou hast given me, for they are thine; 10all mine are thine, and thine are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name, which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.

POINTS FOR REFLECTION

John 17 records Jesus’ prayer before His crucifixion, often called the “High Priestly Prayer.” It reveals His divine authority, mission, and intercession for believers.

Christological Teachings in John 17:1-11

1. Jesus’ Divine Glory and Authority (vv. 1-5)

- Jesus asks the Father to glorify Him, affirming His pre-existent glory (v. 5).
- He claims authority over all flesh (v. 2) and declares that eternal life comes through knowing Him and the Father (v. 3).
- His request to be “glorified” reflects His divine identity as the eternal Son of God.

2. Jesus’ Intercession for His Disciples (vv. 6-11)

- Jesus has revealed the Father to His disciples (v. 6) and prays for their protection (v. 11).
- He intercedes for them, ensuring their unity and preservation in faith.
- His prayer highlights His role as their advocate and protector.

Conclusion

John 17:1-11 reveals Jesus as the divine Son who shares the Father’s glory and authority while interceding for His followers. His prayer underscores His divinity, mission, and ongoing care for us, reinforcing His central role in salvation.