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Jacob's Ladder with Fr Isaac Muzenda, Masvingo (2026)

04/09/2026

Jacob’s Ladder with Fr. Isaac Muzenda
Friday 4 September 2026
Friday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Responsorial: Ps 37:3-4, 5-6, 27-28, 39-40
Luke 5:33-39

Paul urges us to contemplate our stewardship and responsibility. He states, “What is expected of stewards is that each one should be found worthy of his trust.” He cautions us, however, that although “…my conscience does not reproach me at all,” we must understand that this “does not prove that I am acquitted: the Lord alone is my judge.” Another pertinent reminder is from Sira, who advises us not to be “so confident of forgiveness, that you add sin to sins…for both mercy and wrath are with him, and his anger will rest on sinners” (Sira 5:5-6). While we may feel we have accomplished much in our various roles, be it within our families, society, community, or Church, Paul exhorts us not to become complacent and consider ourselves worthy of heaven before our earthly journey concludes. Instead, he advises us to “leave that until the Lord comes.” Ultimately, it is the Lord who will declare to those deserving, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Mt 25:23). The Lord himself will bestow upon his own “whatever praise he deserves, from God.” It is essential to remember that, regardless of our intentions, successes, work, or responsibilities, in the end, “each of us will give an account of ourselves to God” (Rom 14:12).

The Lord helps us recognise the conflicts that often arise when we see ourselves through the perspectives and ideologies of others. The Pharisees and scribes approach Jesus, criticising His disciples for eating and drinking while they observe fasting and prayer, thereby reflecting their own beliefs regarding the conduct of a disciple. In response, Jesus elucidates that it is not appropriate to fast while the bridegroom is present with them; however, a time will come when He is taken away, and then His followers will fast. Ecclesiastes reminds us that "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Eccl 3:1). We are called to reflect on our varied experiences; some individuals are in seasons of mourning or hardship, which should not be judged by those experiencing seasons of joy and gratitude. Expecting uniform responses from all overlooks the unique ways in which God works in each person's life. The journey of faith involves embracing these differences and recognising God's presence in each of our experiences. These diverse encounters underscore the unity and richness inherent in the Church.

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03/09/2026

Jacob’s Ladder with Fr. Isaac Muzenda
Thursday 3 September 2026
Thursday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of St. Gregory the Great, Pope & Doctor of the Church
1 Corinthians 3:18-23
Responsorial: Ps 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
Luke 5:1-11

In our willingness to fit into the world, we work so hard to become recognisable to the ideologies and standards of the world. We become experts in politics, psychology, science, technology, philosophical arguments, and other fields that tend to speak the language of the world. We become educated, astute academics and professionals of the world we live in. Some go even further to become staunch supporters of partisan aspects of governments, political candidates, sports teams, musicians, movie stars and such. To this, Paul shoots us all down, “…the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God.” This is not a matter of disapproving our worldly pursuits, but the invitation to recognise that we should not lean on our understanding and knowledge (Pr 3:5), but to see how God even works in the things and people we would usually overlook, the “foolish” of this world. To cement this, Paul states, “God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise," for, in his argument, “…there is nothing to boast about in anything human: Paul, Apollos, Cephas, the world, life and death, the present and the future.” Allowing God to guide our thoughts, worldview, ideas and actions, allows us to recognise that we are who we are because of our relationship with God, for "…you belong to Christ and Christ belongs to God.” That, in itself, allows us to realise that, even if we do not always meet the standards of the world, God's choice for each of us remains, and we are instruments of his mission, his love, and the work he is doing in the world through us.

The gospel reading offers us a chance to recognise that God does not only come into our space to invite us to a life together with him, but also makes use of who and what we are. we recognise that, while his motive was the call of Peter, the Lord "ot into one of the boats – it was Simon’s – and asked him to put out a little from the shore.” God enters our lives, our situations, and makes use of what we already have: our gifts, our abilities, our different circumstances. These, at times, may feel inadequate for us, because we tried so much with them and we did not feel they were enough to transform, not just our lives, but where we are and what we do. The Lord, instead, does not ask us to bank on our view, but even after they had fished the whole night, he still commands them, “Put out into deep water and pay out your nets for a catch.” At times, we may have lame excuses, and at other times, these excuses may rise from geuine concerns and how we view ourselves, “Leave me, Lord; I am a sinful man.” Despite Peter's worry, the Lord simply calms him down, “Do not be afraid.” Similarly, the Lord, as he did with many of his prophets and kings, does not look at our self view of inadequacies, worries and perspectives, but recognises the possibilities he has for us. These may not always make sense, and Pope St Gregory the Great reminds us, “If the work of God could be comprehended by reason, it would no longer be wonderful, and faith would have no merit if reason provided proof.” The realisation of these truths, led the disciples to follow the Lord, and "…they left everything.” May we also realise that aspect of our calling: our limitations do not limit God.

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03/09/2026

Jacob’s Ladder with Fr. Isaac Muzenda
Thursday 3 September 2026
Thursday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of St. Gregory the Great, Pope & Doctor of the Church

“The proof of love is in the works. Where love exists, it works great things.”

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02/09/2026

Jacob’s Ladder with Fr. Isaac Muzenda
Wednesday 2 September 2026
Wednesday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Responsorial: Ps 33:12-13, 18-19, 20-21
Luke 4:38-44

Paul points out that the work of salvation, the work of the Church, is not determined by those who participate in it, but on God who is its source. He argues, “what is Apollos and what is Paul?” Instead, he asks us to remember that, “Neither the planter nor the waterer matters: only God, who makes things grow.” We are invited to realise that in the work God has entrusted to us, despite our different responsibilities, our work, our contributions in finances or in kind, or even the amount of work we do or type of vocation we have in the Church and in the Mission of Christ, we are all “fellow workers with God.” The reality and impact of that work is not meant to make us enemies or competitors. We are not in it for competition or to challenge each other, or even to outdo each other. Such ways of living, as Paul points out, are evidence of our immaturity in faith, “infants in Christ…you are still unspiritual.” As evidence of this, he states, “Isn’t that obvious from all the jealousy and wragling that there is among you…?” The call to Christian faith, as well as the work we are called to be a part of, is not a means of our personal glory, or presenting ourselves as more capable than our brothers, and sisters, but rather, for the greater glory of God. The only time Paul invites us to outdo each other, is when he calls us to “outdo yourselves in honouring one another” (Rom 12:10). May we come to the realisation that we are collaborators of mission, not competitors, for the glory of him who called us to this life.

The day's gospel reading reveals a deep intimacy. While Jesus clarifies that he comes to share the Good News with everyone, in different places and to various people, it also shows that sometimes the Gospel must enter our personal spaces. Peter’s mother-in-law was not one of those who were brought to Jesus; instead, Jesus came into her home and healed her. This demonstrates two dimensions: first, Jesus enters our space, especially when we cannot come to him ourselves. Difficulties may isolate us from the worship community, leaving us overwhelmed and unwell, whether because of sin, loss of faith, or fear. Like Peter’s mother-in-law, we may feel confined, unable to go out or serve. Just as the shepherd seeks the lost sheep, Jesus comes to us and knocks at our door, reminding us to listen to his voice and not harden our hearts. The second dimension involves our response after this encounter: we are called to serve actively. Like the Gerasene demoniac, Jesus instructs us to share how much the Lord has done for us and show mercy (Mk 5:19). We see this in Peter’s mother-in-law rising to serve. Our relationship with God should motivate us to serve others, bringing His presence to those who are unable to act. May our prayer be, “Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; Save me and I will be saved, For You are my praise” (Jer 17:14), and our response, “Here am I. Send me!” (Is 6:8).

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01/09/2026

Jacob's Ladder with Fr. Isaac Muzenda
Tuesday 1 September 2026
Tuesday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time
1 Corinthians 2:10-16
Luke 4:31-37

The Catholic Church teaches that the mission of Christ and the Holy Spirit is fulfilled in the Church, which is the Body of Christ and the Temple of the Holy Spirit. This shared mission invites believers to participate in Christ’s communion with the Father through the Holy Spirit (CCC 737). Through baptism, we are entrusted with Christ’s mission and equipped with the Holy Spirit to carry it out, as Paul states, “…we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit” (1 Cor 12:13). In today’s world, when we feel alone, overwhelmed, or confused about our purpose, the Spirit “helps us in our weakness” and “intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings” (Rom 8:26). Paul also reminds us that “The Spirit reaches the depths of everything, even the depths of God.” God understands our circumstances better than anyone else because “the depths of a man can only be known by his own spirit, and similarly, the depths of God can only be known by the Spirit of God.” Paul urges us to recognize that we are called to be guided by that Spirit, which reveals who we are, what we are called to do, and the mission God has given us. We have received the Spirit from God to help us understand the gifts He has given, rather than seeking the spirit of the world. By cooperating with this Spirit, we can judge the value of everything, and our true worth is not to be determined by others.

The Lord’s mission reflects the life and power of the Holy Spirit, and it is the Holy Spirit who glorifies Him (CCC 690). His teachings leave a deep impression on others because He speaks with authority. Like Moses, who came to redeem and save those enslaved by evil and authority figures of their time, Jesus encounters similar opposition. In today’s Gospel, He faces a man possessed by an unclean spirit, which declares, “I know who you are: the Holy One of God.” While the spirit acknowledges Him, Jesus commands, “Be quiet! Come out of him!” This highlights that evil often recognises Jesus more clearly than those meant to understand His message. Today, the world struggles with Christ’s identity, while His followers often hesitate to defend or proclaim it. The Catechism reminds us that the Holy Spirit makes the confession of Jesus as Lord through those who receive Him (CCC 690). Demons act out of fear, but believers do so out of faith and love. Jesus prayed in John 17:4, “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work You gave Me to do,” emphasizing the importance of our mission to proclaim that “there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12) and that “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil 2:10-11). The command remains for us and the entire Body of Christ: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, until the close of the age.”

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30/08/2026

Jacob's Ladder with Fr. Isaac Muzenda
Sunday 30 August 2026
Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jeremiah 20:7-9
Responsorial: Ps 63:1-5, 7-8
Romans 12:1-2
Matthew 16:21-27

The readings of the day remind us of the unavoidable reality of suffering, both as human beings and Christians. The most difficult part of suffering to accept is that God does not cause it; suffering simply exists. Our fallen state makes us aware of this truth, as suffering results from sin. During these times, we become conscious of our powerlessness, limitations, and mortality. Jeremiah highlights an aspect many try to avoid: being honest and open with God about our struggles. In both Jeremiah and Lamentations, he openly shares his feelings with God. Similarly, our first reading shows him saying, 'I am a daily laughing-stock.' Sharing our pain is not rebellion but the foundation of our relationship with God, an honest connection in every situation. We lament our illness to God, the Master of life and death (CCC 1502). When we honestly share our struggles with sincerity and openness, we present our lives to God, even when we feel too weak to endure.

The Lord Jesus redefines suffering by showing its salvific purpose. After predicting upcoming events, Peter asks that they not happen, but Jesus uses this moment to teach that followers should embrace their crosses and sufferings. Paul later emphasizes that we should offer ourselves as a "holy sacrifice, truly pleasing to God," mirroring Christ’s sacrifice for us. Earlier, he mentioned that “we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Rom 5:3-4). By uniting our sufferings with Christ’s, we participate in our salvation, as Paul states, “I rejoice in my sufferings for I am making up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ, for the sake of his Body, the Church" (Col 1:24). While many, like Peter, might prefer to avoid suffering and death, we are reminded that suffering links us to our Redeemer. Pope John Paul II explains, "Christ raised human suffering to the level of redemption… While Christ achieved redemption fully, He did not end it, but it remains open to sufferings we might endure out of love for others." As we contemplate our sufferings, our pain, loss, illness, or hopelessness, may we also offer whatever we can to God, who sustains and strengthens us for our salvation and that of the world.

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30/08/2026

Sunday 30 August 2026
Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jeremiah 20:7-9
Responsorial: Ps 63:1-5, 7-8
Romans 12:1-2
Matthew 16:21-27

29/08/2026

Jacob’s Ladder with Fr. Isaac Muzenda
Saturday 29 August 2026
Memorial of the Passion and Beheading of John the Baptist

“Why was John allowed to die? For what occurred was not a death but a crown, not an end but the beginning of a greater life.”
- St John Chrysostom

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29/08/2026

Jacob’s Ladder with Fr. Isaac Muzenda
Saturday 29 August 2026
Memorial of the Passion and Beheading of John the Baptist
Jeremiah 1:17-19
Responsorial: Ps 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15 & 17
Mark 6:17-29

The prophetic office has always defended God's commands from the beginning. The delivery of the message has often been unappreciated. While there are cases, like Jonah's message to the Ninevites, that were quickly obeyed, most times prophecy involves pain and isolation. Jeremiah vividly expressed this pain, and today we honour another prophet who sacrificed his life for his message: John the Baptist. Pope Benedict XVI notes, “As an authentic prophet, John bore witness to the truth without compromise. He denounced transgressions of God’s commandments, even when it was the powerful who were responsible. When he accused Herod and Herodias of adultery, he paid with his life, sealing with martyrdom his service to Christ, the Truth.” This mission persists today, as people still challenge us about our lifestyle, conduct, and interactions. Our reactions are often negative, filled with anger and frustration. Eugene Kennedy describes John the Baptist as still standing as a prophet today - an unyielding figure that unsettles us and leaves us unsure of how to feel about him, even when we recognise the truth in his words. This call for correction continues in Scripture readings, homilies, retreats, and recollections, because the message for our transformation remains relevant. Guy Mellot reminds us, “The voice in the wilderness still cries out - not from the desert sands, but from the pages of Scripture - calling us to prepare our hearts for the Lamb who has come, and is coming again.”

John’s identity has always been to serve as the precursor to Christ, a forerunner, “a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him” (Lk 1:76). He understands his role as preparing the world for Christ’s arrival, a voice crying in the wilderness and the one who baptises Jesus. He emphasises this purpose with the words, "...this joy of mine is now full. He must increase, and I must decrease” (John 3:29-30). John’s story reflects a preparation for Christ’s own suffering: he's arrested out of envy and grudges, with little support from those who could help, and there’s scarcely any protest against his death. Similarly, his life highlights the injustices many in our societies face: innocent victims suffering because of unrelated events. This is seen in John himself, in Salome’s involvement, and in Herod’s abuse of power, despite his regard for John. Just as Christ, who came to give abundant life, was sacrificed and condemned, John preached heavenly peace but was unjustly imprisoned and killed. Bede the Venerable notes that he, bearing witness to the Light, was called a bright and shining lamp, yet was silenced by ungodly men in darkness. Many victims exist among us, voiceless souls seen as sacrifices for our peace and comfort. John’s life reminds us to be cautious of how our actions, decisions, and grudges can harm others.

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27/08/2026

Jacob's Ladder with Fr. Isaac Muzenda
Thursday 27 August 2026
Thursday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of St. Monica
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Responsorial: Ps 145:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
Matthew 24:42-51

The Church continually emphasizes to its members that each individual is called to holiness, highlighting this universal vocation. The Apostle Paul articulates this when addressing his letter to “the holy people of Jesus Christ, who are called to take their place among all the saints everywhere.” Members of Christ's Body are called to embody this mission, for “he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do” (1 Pt 1:15). This invitation enables us to recognize that, as Paul articulates, “you have been enriched in so many ways,” and to value the gifts already bestowed upon us. We have been blessed in diverse manners, and each of these gifts is intended to serve as a means for us to serve God more fully. Additionally, Paul underscores that “the witness to Christ has indeed been strong among you.” The Church continually reminds us that, “The duty of Christians to participate in the life of the Church compels them to act as witnesses of the Gospel and of the obligations deriving from it. This witness is a transmission of faith through words and actions” (CCC 2472). While the call to holiness may be demanding and occasionally daunting, one truth that Paul emphasizes is that “God is faithful,” and “he will keep you steady and without blame until the last day.” The saints we revere even today serve as a testament to what unwavering love and fidelity can accomplish, demonstrating that such achievements are indeed possible. We cannot realize this on our own; therefore, we are invited to rely on God. The reality of this reliance is, “recognising this utter dependence with respect to the Creator is a source of wisdom and freedom, of joy and confidence” (CCC 301).

The Lord Jesus emphasises the importance of vigilance in our faith, recognising that we do not know the timing of His visitation. Ordinary Time in the liturgical calendar, linked with the realities of the Advent season, underscores the necessity of being prepared to meet Him, both at the end of time and in our daily encounters. In today’s Gospel, as throughout the entire liturgical year, “Jesus insists on vigilance; he always relates it to himself, to his coming on the last day and every day” (CCC 2730). To this, the Lord exhorts us, “Stay awake…stand ready…” since “you do not know the day when your master is coming.” The challenges of daily life, such as the pressures of life, the stresses of mental health, the financial burdens, family responsibilities, and other concerns, often lead us to feel lost and complacent. Ultimately, we tend to go through life, sometimes neglecting our preparedness in matters of faith and in contemplating death. The Church highlights this, explaining that a lack of vigilance results in "...lax ascetical practice, decreasing vigilance, carelessness of heart” (CCC 2733). The Lord not only urges us to be vigilant but, as the source of divine providence, entrusts us with this responsibility. The Psalmist reminds us that, “All eyes look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time” (Ps 145:15), and “All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time” (Ps 104:27). He entrusts this responsibility to all of us, so that our anticipation is expressed through action. It is our duty to work with others, work for others, and relate with others in such a manner that we "...give them their food at the proper time.” In doing so, we become the means through which God sustains others as they too strive to encounter Him, strengthening their faith and keeping them alert and prepared, just as Monica becomes the means by which Augustine finds and realises his faith and vocation.

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Jacob's Ladder with Fr Isaac Muzenda

04/09/2026

03/09/2026

03/09/2026

02/09/2026

01/09/2026

30/08/2026

30/08/2026

29/08/2026

29/08/2026

27/08/2026

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