Furaha ya Kikatoliki

19/03/2026

19/03/2026

“ASALI ITOKAYO MWAMBANI”
Tafakari ya Kwaresima
Ijumaa, Machi, 20, 2026,
Juma la 4 la Kwaresima

Hek 2: 1, 12-22;
Zab 34: 17-21, 23;
Yn 7: 1-2, 10, 25-30.

KUWEKWA MAJARIBUNI

Kitabu cha Hekima kina kadiriwa kuandikwa miaka mia kabla ya kuja Kristo. Lakini cha kushangaza maelezo yake yanaonekana kuwa karibu sana katika kumwelezea Yesu. Somo la leo linaongelea kuhusu mtu ambaye anamjua Mungu na hata anajiita “Mtumishi wa Mungu” (Hek 2:3). Na k**a Yesu, huyu mtu ana adui ambao wanamfuatilia ili kumtega katika maneno yake na hata kutaka kumua. (2:19-20).

Leo tunakumbushwa kwamba kutakuwa na upinzani daima juu ya Kristo na wale wanao mfuata. Katika somo la Injili, tunasoma, juu ya kushindwa kwa jaribio la kumk**ata Yesu wakati wa sikukuu ya Tabernaklo kwasababu “saa yake bado” (Yn 7:30). Ni kweli, Yesu alisulubiwa na kufa, lakini kifo hakikuweza kumweka chini. Mungu alimfufua! Ndivyo hivyo sisi Mungu hataruhusu kitu tunacho vumilia kituangushe bila kutusaidia. Atatuimarisha. Atatupa neema. Atatuinua tena.

Yesu anatuita sisi tuwe mabalozi wake. Anatutaka sisi tushirikishe habari njema kwa kila mtu tunae kutana naye. Huu ndio wito wa pekee, lakini pia kuna changamoto zake. Pengine juhudi zetu zitafanikiwa baada ya kupata upinzani mkubwa na majaribu makubwa, na hata changamoto nyingine ni za kusukumwa. Lakini tukibaki imara katika kushirikisha Injili kwa upendo na sio kwa kujiona wema wenyewe, kwa furaha na sio hasira, tutabarikiwa sana. Yesu atatuambia “vyema mtumwa mwema ingia katika furaha ya Bwana wako” (Mt 25:21). Hauhitaji kuwa mtu uliye bobea katika kuongea au kuwa mashuhuri katika kuongea. Wala haupaswi kuwa na nguvu labda nyingine. Tunapaswa kutambua tu Yesu anatupa nguvu na neema tunapo amua kumshuhudia. Na neema yake itatutunza k**a ilivyo na nguvu ya kuwavuta watu kwake.

Sala: Bwana, nakupenda. Nisaidie nikuone na kukupenda wewe katika jirani zangu. Nisaidie ninapo wekwa katika majaribu, na familia yangu, marafiki zangu, na wengine wanao nipinga kwasababu ya kukutangaza wewe na thamani ya Injili yako. Tufariji daima tunapo tangaza Injili yako. Tupe nguvu yako ya Kimungu. Yesu nakuamini wewe. Amina

Copyright ©2013-2026 ©FurKat, Furaha ya Kikatoliki: see www.fur-kat.blogspot.com

19/03/2026

MASOMO YA MISA, MACHI 20, 2026
IJUMAA: JUMA LA 4 LA KWARESIMA

SOMO 1
Hek. 2:1, 12-22

Wasiomsadikia Mungu walisema hivi, huku wakimfikiri yasiyo kweli, Zaidi ya hayo na tumwotee mtu wa haki, maana hatuna haja naye, naye yu kinyume cha matendo yetu; atukaripia ya k**a tumeiasi torati, na kutush*taki ya k**a tumekosa adabu. Asema ya kwamba anamjua Mungu, na kujiita mtumishi wa Bwana. Ametuwia magombezi ya fikira zetu. Hata kumtazama twaona ni kugumu; maan amaisha yake si sawasawa na masiha ya wengine, na mwenendo wake ni wa kigeni. Tuanhesabiwa naye kuwa k**a madini hafifu; anajitenga na njia zetu k**a na uchafu. Wenye haki asema kuwa mwisho wao ni heri; hujivuna ya kwamba Mungu ndiye baba yake.

Haya na tuone k**a maneno yake ni kweli; tufanye kujaribu yatakayompata wakati wa mwisho wake; mradi mwenye haki akiwa ni mwana wa Mungu, Yeye atamtegemeza na kumwokoa mikononi mwa adui zake. Na tumhakikishe kwa jeuri na maumivu, ili tujifunze upole wake na kuithibitisha saburi yake akidhulumiwa. Hata tumhukumu auawe mauti ya aibu, maana ataangaliwa sawasawa na maneno yake.

Ndivyo walivyosemezana, wakakosea kabisa. Kwa maana uovu wao uliwapofusha; hawakuzijua siri za Mungu; wala hawakuutarajia mshahara wa utakatifu, wala kudhani ya kwamba iko thawabu kwao wenye roho zisizo na hatia.

Neno la Bwana… Tumshukuru Mungu.

WIMBO WA KATIKATI
Zab. 34:16-20, 22 (K) 18

(K) Bwana yu karibu nao waliovunjika moyo.

Uso wa Bwan ani juu ya watenda mabaya,
Aliondoe kumbukumbu lao duniani.
Walilia, naye Bwan akasikia,
Akawaponya na taabu zao zoe. (K)

Bwana yu karibu nao waliovunjika moyo,
Na waliopondeka roho huwaokoa.
Mateso ya mwenye haki ni mengi,
Lakini Bwana humponya nayo yote. (K)

Huihifadhi mifupa yake yote,
Haukuvunjika hata mmoja.
Bwana huzikombo a nafsi za watumishi wake,
Wala hawatahukumiwa wote wamkimbiliao. (K)

SHANGILIO
Lk. 8:15
Heri wale walishikao neno la Mungu katika moyo wao mwema na mnyofu, na wazaao matunda katika uvumilivu.

INJILI
Yn. 7:1-2, 25-30

Baada ya hayo Yesu alikuwa akitembea katika Galilaya; maana hakutaka kutembea katika Uyahudi, kwa sababu Wayahudi walikuw awakitafuta kumwua.

Na sikukuu ya Wayahudi, Sikukuu ya Vibanda, ilikuwa karibu. Hata ndugu zake walipokwisha kukwea kuiendea sikukuu, ndipo yeye naye laipokwea, si kwa wazi bali kana kwamba kwa siri.
Basi baadhi ya watu wa yerusalemu wakasema, Je! Huyu siye wanayemtafuta ili wamwue? Na kumbe! Anena waziwazi, wala hawamwambii neno! Yamkini hao wakuu tuna jua hakika ya kuwa huyu ndiye Kristo? Lakini huyu twamjua atokako; bali Kristo atakapokuja hakuna ajuaye atokako.

Basi Yesu akapaza sauti yake hekaluni, akifundisha na kusema, Mimi mnanijua, na huko nitokako mnakujua; wala sikuja kwa nafsi yangu; ila yeye aliyenipeleka ni wa kweli, msiyemjua ninyi. Mimi namjua, kwa kuwa nimetoka kwake, naye ndiye aliyenituma.

Basi wakatafuta kumk**ata; lakini hakuna mtu aliyeunyosha mkono wake ili kumshika, kwa sababu saa yake ilikuwa haijaja bado.

Neno la Bwana… Sifa kwako Ee Kristo.

Copyright © 2026, "MASOMO YA MISA" published by T.M.P. Book Department, Tabora – Tanzania. Readings reproduced by Furaha ya Kikatoliki: see www.fur-kat.blogspot.com.

19/03/2026

“SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER”
Daily Spiritual Reflections
20th MARCH 2026
------------------------------------------------
FRIDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

Wis 2: 1, 12-22 Ps 34: 17-21, 23 Jn 7: 1-2, 10, 25-30
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WHEN TRUTH BECOMES A THREAT

History shows us that those who choose righteousness are rarely welcomed with respect and acceptance. Instead, they are watched closely, misunderstood, and sometimes deliberately opposed. A person who tries to live honestly and do what is right can sometimes make others uncomfortable. The Book of Wisdom speaks about the plotting of the wicked against the righteous person. The righteous one becomes a problem simply because of who he is. His life exposes false ways, questions selfish choices, and reminds others of God’s truth. Unable to accept this challenge, the wicked turn against him. They choose hatred over self-examination and violence over conversion. The text foreshadows the suffering of Christ, the truly righteous one, who would be rejected and condemned by those who could not bear the light he brought into the world.

In the Gospel, we see this reality unfolding: Jesus knows that His life is in danger, yet He does not abandon His mission. He goes to Jerusalem and teaches openly. The people are divided, some accept that He is sent by God, while others remain trapped in their own ideas and expectations. They judge Him by appearances and fail to recognize that His mission comes from the Father. Yet one thing is clear: human plots can never defeat God’s purpose; no human plan can stop what God has begun. God works in His own time and in His own way. Even when goodness is rejected or attacked, God’s plan continues quietly but certainly. These readings invite us to look at ourselves. How do we react when the truth challenges us? Are we willing to accept it and change, or do we resist it because it disturbs our comfort?

Following God is not always easy. It may bring misunderstanding or rejection. But we are never alone. God stands with those who choose what is right. The world may try to suppress the truth, but the truth belongs to God. And God never abandons those who walk in it.May we be given the courage to live truthfully, the openness to accept God’s ways, and the patience to trust in His time.

Response: The Lord is close to the broken-hearted.

Copyright ©2013-2026 ©Springs of Living Water by ® http://springs.carmelmedia.in

19/03/2026

*Readings at Mass*
*Friday 20th March 2026*
*Fourth Week of Lent*
*Liturgical Colour: Violet*
________
*First reading*
Wisdom 2:1,12-22

The godless say to themselves, with their misguided reasoning:

‘Our life is short and dreary,
nor is there any relief when man’s end comes,
nor is anyone known who can give release from Hades.
Let us lie in wait for the virtuous man, since he annoys us
and opposes our way of life,
reproaches us for our breaches of the law
and accuses us of playing false to our upbringing.
He claims to have knowledge of God,
and calls himself a son of the Lord.
Before us he stands, a reproof to our way of thinking,
the very sight of him weighs our spirits down;
his way of life is not like other men’s,
the paths he treads are unfamiliar.
In his opinion we are counterfeit;
he holds aloof from our doings as though from filth;
he proclaims the final end of the virtuous as happy
and boasts of having God for his father.
Let us see if what he says is true,
let us observe what kind of end he himself will have.
If the virtuous man is God’s son, God will take his part
and rescue him from the clutches of his enemies.
Let us test him with cruelty and with torture,
and thus explore this gentleness of his
and put his endurance to the proof.
Let us condemn him to a shameful death
since he will be looked after – we have his word for it.’

This is the way they reason, but they are misled,
their malice makes them blind.
They do not know the hidden things of God,
they have no hope that holiness will be rewarded,
they can see no reward for blameless souls.
________
*Responsorial Psalm*
Psalm 33(34):16,18-21,23

The Lord is close to the broken-hearted.

The Lord turns his face against the wicked
to destroy their remembrance from the earth.
The just call and the Lord hears
and rescues them in all their distress.

The Lord is close to the broken-hearted;
those whose spirit is crushed he will save.
Many are the trials of the just man
but from them all the Lord will rescue him.

He will keep guard over all his bones,
not one of his bones shall be broken.
The Lord ransoms the souls of his servants.
Those who hide in him shall not be condemned.
______
*Gospel Acclamation*
Mt 4:4

Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory!
Man does not live on bread alone,
but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory!
________
*Gospel*
John 7:1-2,10,25-30

Jesus stayed in Galilee; he could not stay in Judaea, because the Jews were out to kill him.

As the Jewish feast of Tabernacles drew near, after his brothers had left for the festival, he went up as well, but quite privately, without drawing attention to himself. Meanwhile some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, ‘Isn’t this the man they want to kill? And here he is, speaking freely, and they have nothing to say to him! Can it be true the authorities have made up their minds that he is the Christ? Yet we all know where he comes from, but when the Christ appears no one will know where he comes from.’

Then, as Jesus taught in the Temple, he cried out:

‘Yes, you know me
and you know where I came from.
Yet I have not come of myself:
no, there is one who sent me
and I really come from him,
and you do not know him,
but I know him because I have come from him
and it was he who sent me.’

They would have arrested him then, but because his time had not yet come no one laid a hand on him.
________
_Scripture readings from the Jerusalem Bible, Text of the Psalms from The Grail_

17/03/2026

“SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER”
Daily Spiritual Reflections
19th MARCH 2026
------------------------------------------------
THURSDAY, FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

Solemnity of St Joseph, Husband of Mary

2 Sm 7: 4-5, 12-14, 16 Ps 89: 2-5, 27, 29 Rom 4: 13, 16-18, 22 Lk 2: 41-51
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THE LEGACY OF ST JOSEPH

As we celebrate the Solemnity of St Joseph, the husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus, the first thing that comes to our mind is what the Scripture says about him: a just and faithful man, whose silence continues to speak to us so powerfully because of him doing God’s will diligently, teaching us humility, obedience, and steadfast trust in God’s providence even amidst uncertainty and hidden struggles of daily life.

The Greatest of men saints: Known as a carpenter, a working man, who voluntarily relinquished his early royal lineage. A compassionate, caring man, St Joseph shows what real manhood means. Real strength is to be obedient to God’s will and defend the dignity of the vulnerable. He surrendered his rights and fulfilled his obligation as God dictated to him as the angel told him taking Mary as his wife (ref. Mt 1:19-25). So, being a just person means desiring, willing and striving for the good of others. Faithfulness is our relying on and trusting in God’s project, plan and protection.

A man for others: When society often exults and rewards human greatness and achievements, St Joseph reflects that true greatness lies in caring for the needy and the most vulnerable; for him, it meant leaving everything he owned, family, friends, and fleeing to a strange country with his wife and child, reflecting his care and concern, as an example of love of God lived concretely in caring for others. So, the Church rightly holds St Joseph as the patron saint of the Universal Church, families, fathers, expectant mothers, travellers, immigrants and the dying. In 1955, when Pope Pius XII established the Feast of “St. Joseph the Worker” to be celebrated on International Workers’ Day (May 1), the Church wanted all to reflect Joseph’s status as the patron of workers.

Servants whose reward is reserved: The first reading projects Gods intervention in David’s decision and his assurance, through the prophet, that God himself would build his house as well as a kingdom that lasts forever. David was chosen to unite the twelve tribes of Israel, yet the unity did not last long. It is only that Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, shares the Davidic lineage and the spiritual kingdom would be built on the sacrificial love of Jesus. However, God chooses people as and when necessary to work for him. In being chosen by God to do His work, it is important for us to keep the example of St Joseph and let our attitude be “when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘we are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty’” (Lk 10:17).

Faith and Righteousness: Our salvation is a gift from God. So, faith simply means trust and dependence on what God has to offer and not rely on our strength and achievements. While St Paul speaks about God’s faithfulness in keeping His promise, our attitude needs to be that of Abraham who manifested a humble obedience and commitment to God’s plans. Abraham believed in hope and so became the father of many nations. His example is vividly visible in the attitude of St Joseph, a life of trust and surrender, a life and worship acceptable to God.

A model to our times: In a world that values human power, possessions and achievements, the feast of St. Joseph reminds us of the fundamental principle of Christian spirituality and holiness. St Joseph’s trust in God, silent strength, and unwavering commitment is an inspiration and challenge in our spiritual growth. Even though we do not find a single word spoken by St Joseph, his life speaks volumes about faith, obedience, humility, and trust in God. His greatness consists in playing an important role in God’s plan, offering a model of holiness that is still relevant today. In a materialist modern world, Joseph inspires us to embrace God’s plans without hesitation. Faith requires trusting God in the unknown without hesitation or fear, trusting in God’s divine providence. Joseph was given a unique role, but he never sought recognition. He worked quietly. In a world that rewards noise and honour, St Joseph reminds us that true greatness can be achieved with a quiet life doing God’s will. True greatness comes from serving God and others selflessly, just as St Therese of Child Jesus and Mother Teresa of Calcutta remind us, “God wants us to be faithful in small little things to achieve great sanctity.”

Response: His descendants shall continue forever.

Copyright ©2013-2026 ©Springs of Living Water by ® http://springs.carmelmedia.in

17/03/2026

*Readings at Mass*
*Thursday 19th March 2026*
*Fourth Week of Lent*
*Saint Joseph, spouse of the Virgin Mary, Solemnity*
*Liturgical Colour: White*
________
*First reading*
2 Samuel 7:4-5,12-14,16

The word of the Lord came to Nathan:

‘Go and tell my servant David, Thus the Lord speaks: “When your days are ended and you are laid to rest with your ancestors, I will preserve the offspring of your body after you and make his sovereignty secure. (It is he who shall build a house for my name, and I will make his royal throne secure for ever.) I will be a father to him and he a son to me. Your House and your sovereignty will always stand secure before me and your throne be established for ever.”’
________
*Responsorial Psalm*
Psalm 88(89):2-5,27,29

His dynasty shall last for ever.

I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord;
through all ages my mouth will proclaim your truth.
Of this I am sure, that your love lasts for ever,
that your truth is firmly established as the heavens.

‘I have made a covenant with my chosen one;
I have sworn to David my servant:
I will establish your dynasty for ever
and set up your throne through all ages.

‘He will say to me: “You are my father,
my God, the rock who saves me.”
I will keep my love for him always;
with him my covenant shall last.’
________
*Second reading*
Romans 4:13,16-18,22

The promise of inheriting the world was not made to Abraham and his descendants on account of any law but on account of the righteousness which consists in faith. That is why what fulfils the promise depends on faith, so that it may be a free gift and be available to all of Abraham’s descendants, not only those who belong to the Law but also those who belong to the faith of Abraham who is the father of all of us. As scripture says: I have made you the ancestor of many nations – Abraham is our father in the eyes of God, in whom he put his faith, and who brings the dead to life and calls into being what does not exist.

Though it seemed Abraham’s hope could not be fulfilled, he hoped and he believed, and through doing so he did become the father of many nations exactly as he had been promised: Your descendants will be as many as the stars. This is the faith that was ‘considered as justifying him.’
________
*Gospel Acclamation*
Ps 83:5

Glory and praise to you, O Christ.
They are happy who dwell in your house, O Lord,
for ever singing your praise.
Glory and praise to you, O Christ.
________
*Gospel*
Matthew 1:16,18-21,24

Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary; of her was born Jesus who is called Christ.

This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph; being a man of honour and wanting to spare her publicity, decided to divorce her informally. He had made up his mind to do this when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.’ When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do.
________
_Scripture readings from the Jerusalem Bible, Text of the Psalms from The Grail_