Blessed Fr gitonga

LATEST: Pope Leo XIV has appointed Rev. Fr. Obed Muriungi Karobia, OFM Conv., as Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi.

Bishop elect Obed Muriungi was born in Meru, Kenya, on 29th June, 1979. He made his solemn profession on 10th October, 2010, and on 28th July 2012 he was ordained to the Priesthood in the Order of Friars Minor Conventual. He has served in various capacities including; as a Provincial Superior of the Friars Minor Conventuals in the Kenya.

Congratulations Monsignor Obed Muriungi on his new appointment! 👏👏👏

Marcello Omuttaha

WORD Today
March 26, 2026
(A reflection on the Bible readings in today's Holy Mass)
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Genesis 17:3-9
John 8:51-59
Please read the Bible passages first:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032626.cfm
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"The Lord remembers His covenant forever." (Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 105:8)

A covenant is a sacred bond wherein God and humanity enter a profound vow. God pledges unwavering love, provision, and protection; humanity promises fidelity, obedience, and trust. This divine-human pact echoes through salvation history, culminating in Christ's Passion during this Lenten season.

The First Reading (circa 2000 BC) unveils God's covenant with Abraham. Prostrating before the Almighty, Abraham receives the promise of countless descendants and an everlasting inheritance - the land of Canaan as a beacon of blessing for all nations. God seals this with the rite of circumcision, a sign of belonging. Yet humanity's weakness soon becomes evident: from Israel's golden calf to our own daily infidelities, we shatter our side of the bargain time and again.

Undeterred, God remains faithful. He "sweetens the deal" beyond imagination. Not content to merely forgive, He takes the punishment upon Himself! In the Gospel, Jesus boldly declares His divinity: "Before Abraham was, I AM," echoing God's name (Exodus 3:14). The Jews' fury - picking up stones - foreshadows the cross, where the eternal "I AM" becomes vulnerable flesh to atone for our betrayals.

Jesus embodies the covenant's fullness. By His obedience unto death, He fulfills God's vow perfectly, absorbing our sins. Our part of the deal remains to love and obey. But God sweetened the reward: "Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death" (v. 51) - a glorious reward! Christ's sacrifice opened the gates of heaven that was closed before. Not only will the obedient have a joyful life on earth, it continues eternally in heaven!

This Lent, let us renew our covenant with Jesus. To obey all His commands - not just the comforting ones, but the challenging calls to love our enemies, and carry our cross. To live them His directions to the fullest - not just the bare minimum. To embrace His will - making them our own, surrendering personal agendas. In the desert of penance, trust Christ's faithfulness: the covenant that began with Abraham endures in His blood, leading unerringly to resurrection and life. For He remembers His covenant - forever.
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Video:
GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS
youtu.be/8NQKHHNp-CI
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KEY POINTS ABOUT THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ANNUNCIATION

1. *Date of Celebration* – The Solemnity of the Annunciation is celebrated every *March 25*, exactly *nine months before Christmas*, marking the moment when the *Angel Gabriel* announced to the *Virgin Mary* that she would conceive *Jesus Christ* (Luke 1:26-38).

2. *Divine Announcement* – The Angel Gabriel’s message to Mary signifies the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a *Savior* and the beginning of *Jesus’ incarnation*.

3. *Mary’s Fiat (Yes to God)* – Mary humbly accepted God's plan, responding, *"Let it be done to me according to your word"* (Luke 1:38), demonstrating *obedience, faith, and trust in God*.

4. *The Incarnation of Christ* – This solemnity celebrates the *moment when the Word became flesh*, meaning that *Jesus, the Son of God, took on human nature* in Mary’s womb through the power of the *Holy Spirit*.

5. *Fulfillment of Prophecy* – The event fulfills *Old Testament prophecies*, particularly *Isaiah 7:14*, which foretold that a *virgin would conceive and bear a son* called *Emmanuel (God with us)*.

6. *A Key Event in Salvation History* – The Annunciation marks the beginning of *God’s redemptive plan*, as *Jesus' conception* sets the stage for His birth, life, passion, death, and resurrection.

7. *Mary as the New Eve* – Just as Eve’s disobedience led to *sin*, Mary’s obedience made way for *salvation*, earning her the title *"New Eve"* in Christian theology.

8. *Celebration in the Liturgy* – The solemnity is observed with a *special Mass*, including the recitation of the *Angelus* and the *Nicene Creed*, where the faithful traditionally *genuflect or bow* at the words *"And by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man."*

9. *Connection to the Rosary* – The Annunciation is the *First Joyful Mystery* of the Rosary, emphasizing Mary’s *faith and humility* in accepting God's will.

10. *Invitation to Faith and Obedience* – The solemnity encourages believers to imitate Mary by *trusting in God’s plan*, saying *"yes" to His will*, and embracing faith in daily life.

This day serves as a *reminder of God’s love*, Mary’s role in salvation, and the significance of *Jesus’ incarnation* in bringing *hope and redemption* to the world.