Felix Kilonzo

The Gloria in Excelsis Deo, also known as the Greater Doxology, is a cornerstone of Catholic liturgical worship, expressing praise and adoration to God. This ancient Christian hymn has been an integral part of Catholic tradition for centuries, and its significance is multifaceted. As we explore the importance of the Gloria in Excelsis Deo, we will discover its role in Catholic worship, its scriptural basis, and its liturgical significance. The Gloria plays a vital role in Catholic worship, particularly in Ordinary Time and major feasts. It's a powerful means of expressing praise and adoration to God, and its significance is highlighted in various Catholic traditions. On Sundays, the Gloria is recited or sung, highlighting the glory of God and serving as a celebration of Christ's resurrection. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) states, "The Lord's Day is the day of the Resurrection" (CCC 2174). This emphasis on the resurrection of Christ is a fundamental...

25th Sunday in ordinary time year C  First Reading :Amos 8:4-71 Responsorial Psalm :Psalm 113: 1-2.4-6.7-5 (R. See la, 7a)  Second Reading:Timothy 2: l –8 Gospel reading :Luke 16: 1-13 FELIX KILONZO 23rd baptismal anniversary  As I reflect on today's mass readings, I am struck by the themes of faith, hope, and perseverance that run through each of the passages. As I celebrate my 23rd baptismal anniversary, I am reminded of the journey that has brought me to this moment, and the ways in which God's love and guidance have shaped my life. In 2 Corinthians 5:9, St. Paul writes, "So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home or away." This verse reminds me of the importance of living out my faith in all aspects of my life, whether in times of joy or in times of challenge. As St. Augustine said, "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you." This quote resonates deeply with me, as I reflect on my own fai...

The Adoration Ministries in Nigeria have become a subject of concern, as they seem to have deviated from the true purpose of Eucharistic Adoration. Instead of fostering spiritual growth and devotion to God, these ministries have prioritized fame, greed, and material gain. As Father Chidiebere Philip notes, "Many are no longer centers of true worship, they have turned into crowds, noise, spectacles, politics, and fan clubs." This commercialization is a distortion of the true purpose of Eucharistic Adoration, which is to deepen our spiritual connection to Jesus Christ and foster a relationship with God through reverence and adoration. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) emphasizes, "The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life" (CCC 1324). However, in many Adoration Ministries in Nigeria, the focus has shifted from worshiping God to worshiping priests or seeking quick miracles and material gain. The Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Mic...

Friday of 23rd week in ordinary time year C  1st reading:1 Timothy 1:1-2.12-14 Responsorial psalm:Psalm 16:1-2a and 5.7-8.I 1 (R. See 5a) Gospel reading:Luke 6:39-42 THEME:A Tribute to Father Mychal Judge "Righteous are you, O Lord, and just are your judgments" (Psalm 118:137). These words resonate deeply as we reflect on the life and sacrifice of Father Mychal Judge, a Franciscan friar and chaplain with the New York City Fire Department. On September 11, 2001, Father Judge gave his life in service to others, embodying the very essence of righteousness and justice. His unwavering dedication to serving others is a testament to the transformative power of faith and love. As we read in 1 Timothy 1:12, "I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me worthy and appointed me to serve him." Father Judge's life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to serving others. He ministered to firefighters, the sick, the h...

In the Christian life, it is essential to be vigilant and discerning, particularly when it comes to teachings that claim to offer spiritual insight or guidance. The Apostle Paul's letter to the Colossians provides a timely warning against false teachings, emphasizing the importance of remaining rooted in Christ. As Paul writes, "See that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, and not according to Christ" (Colossians 2:8). This cautionary advice serves as a reminder that not all teachings, no matter how plausible or appealing, are grounded in the truth of Christ. The passage from Colossians highlights the danger of being swayed by "plausible arguments" that deviate from the core message of the Gospel. In a world where various philosophies and ideologies abound, Christians are called to be discerning, ensuring that their beliefs and practices are aligned...

Pope Leo XIV's message on the importance of following God's plan is a powerful reminder for people of all ages. By proclaiming Sts. Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis as saints, the Pope highlights the significance of living a life directed towards God. These young laymen's lives serve as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that holiness is attainable for everyone. The Pope's quotes emphasize the importance of faith, trust, and service in living a life that follows God's plan. He encourages people to trust in God's love and providence, to be humble and serve others, and to foster peace and forgiveness. These values are essential for building strong, meaningful relationships and creating a more compassionate and just society. One of the key takeaways from Pope Leo XIV's message is the importance of abandoning oneself to God's adventure. This requires a willingness to listen to God's word and empty oneself of worldly attachments. By d...

As we reflect on the readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, we're reminded that following Jesus Christ is a challenging yet rewarding journey. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, "The Paschal mystery of Christ's cross and Resurrection stands at the center of the Christian life" (CCC 571). This journey requires us to carry our cross and follow Him, embracing a life of sacrifice and death to ourselves. In today's Gospel reading, Jesus emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our love for Him above all else. "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:26). This radical commitment requires us to put Jesus first in our lives, even above our loved ones. As Pope Francis reminds us, "Christ is the centre of creation, Christ is the centre of his people and Christ is the centre of history." Th...

The question of what constitutes the authentic Christian faith has been a perennial concern since the earliest days of the Church. This challenge is poignantly illustrated by St. Augustine's observation in 397 AD: “Though all heretics wish to be called Catholics, yet when a stranger asks where the Catholic Church meets, no heretic will venture to point to his own chapel or house.” This statement underscores the enduring tension between those who claim to represent the true faith and those recognized within the broader Catholic tradition. The Apostolic Foundation: St. Peter and St. Paul The foundation of the Catholic Church is deeply rooted in the apostolic era, particularly through the ministry of St. Peter and St. Paul. St. Peter, often regarded as the "rock" upon which Christ built His Church (Matthew 16:18), played a pivotal role in the early Christian community. His leadership in Jerusalem and later in Rome symbolized the unity and continuity of the Church’s mission. ...

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C First Reading:Sirach 3:17-20,25-29 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms65:4-5,6-7ab,10-11 (R. 11b) Second Reading: Hebrews 12:18-19,22-24a Gospel Reading: Luke 14:1,7-14 Reflection Theme: Serving With Humility and self-Awareness Brethren, it has been a week that we have had an opportunity to talk about the important figure of the church. On Thursday, we reflected on the life of st. Augustine and how we can best we can learn about his core message of hope and contemplation to all. From the life of st. Augustine, we are invited to understand that without God we are nothing in regardless of our stature and standing in the society. We are invited to serve with humility not by design but by both mind and soul. Today we pick up from where we left on Thursday and talk about serving with Humility and self-Awareness. As we reflect on the scripture readings from Sirach 3:17-20,25-29, Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24ab and Luke 14:1,7-14, we are invited to explore message of bein...

Thursday of 21st week in Ordinary Time Year C Memorial of St. Augustine, Bishop and Doctor Of The Church First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 90:3-4,12-13.14 and 17 (R. 14) Gospel Reading: Matthew 24:42-51 Reflection Theme: Serving With Humility Yesterday, the church was celebrating the life St. Monica of Hippo and her prayerful motherhood and servant leadership. Today we are invited to reflect on the profound influence of st. Monica to her son st. Augustine who through his life demonstrated what most of us are; proud and not ready to do the lord’s work no matter the persuasion. In our Gospel reading from Matthew 24:42-51, we are reminded about impact on unwavering faith, persistent prayer and humble service to God and all humanity. St. Augustine, who we celebrate today is an example of such leader and teacher of faith through his various notable works, ranging from City of God and Confessions. He served the City of Hippo in the present day Algeria as its Bi...

Friday August 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the BVM 1st Reading Revelation 11:19a, 12:1-6a,10ab Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 45:10,11,12,16 [R. 10b] 2nd reading 1 Corinthians 15:20-27 Gospel: Luke 1:39-56 Brethren, today, we are introduced to a theo-drama that opened up the door to salvation of the human kind in God’s plan. Why do I call it a theo-drama? It was a God initiated plan that began many years before the actual birth of our lord Jesus Christ. it is a dramatic moment where Mary’s life, Faith,and relationship with God reaches their climax. Yesterday night, I found myself embroiled in a discussion of how wrong Martin Luther was when he mislead people on the subject of salvation. He said, that it was by faith alone and from the story of assumption of Mary in to heaven and our readings today, we are on the contrary opinion that is the opinion of the church. In our first reading we hear about the opening of the ark of covenant. We all know the understanding of th...

Dear brothers, relationship is key to all of us. Relationship with God is the most important of all as it helps us seek His divine guidance in matters that we would otherwise not have a clear path. While highlighting the key aspect of the ignatian spirituality, we said, it was build on finding God in all things and discernment. We spoke about the imaginative nature that is practiced by those who follow it.  In Dominican spirituality, Contemplation is important aspect which involves with individuals deepening their relationship with God. In so doing, the Dominicans, experience God’s presence and love and are able to respond to the needs of others. St. Dominic, like st. Augustine of Hippo before him, believed that through contemplation was essential for fully being centred in God. In his writings St. Augustine of Hippo, Bishop, believed that contemplation allows individuals to seek and understand divine truth hence fostering a deeper connection of God. St. Augustine believed in intel...

Last week, on the memorial day for saint Ignatius of Loyola, we spoke more about the key elements that has been a driving force of the Ignatian Spirituality that is a cornerstone for the Society of Jesus[Jesuits].  Today, we lay foundation to a 5 part write up,  that will highlight among other things,  the Dominican Spirituality and its purpose for the search of truth. First and foremost  wish to thank my Sister Veronica Masinga,TOSD of the the provincial lay Dominicans of south Africa for being  my teacher,on the sidelines. I have for the last year studying authorities that talk more about the Dominican spirituality especially on its importance of personal study and contemplation.  After exploring the ignatian spirituality that strongly focuses on finding God in all thing and discernment, I wish to speak about the Dominican spirituality. The order of saint Dominic was founded in the 13th century by a Spanish priest Saint Dominic as the Order of...

 By Felix Kilonzo Imagine being able to discern to God’s will in every moment, to find peace in the midst if turmoil, and to cultivate a sense of spiritual freedom. Ignatian spirituality offers a rich and practical path for the Catholics to deepen their faith and live out their baptismal call.  Ignatian spirituality is rooted in the spiritual experiences and writings of st. Ignatius of Loyola,SJ the founder of the society of Jesus, popularly known as the Jesuits. The aspects of the ignatian spirituality include; personal relationship with God; Spiritual exercises of prayer and discernment,Finding God in all things and finally Interior freedom. The ignatian spirituality is known for its practical and flexible approach to spiritual growth making it accessible to people in the christedom. Being practical christian is a key element in finding the truth, like any other teaching in the catholic Church, the ignatian spirituality is supported by the scripture and often inv...

Clericalism was unknown word to me until when I found myself embroiled in a push and pull of the clergy and the lay leadership in a parish I will not mention by name for fear of victimization. The holy spirit works in amazing ways, and it was through this push and pull that I realized the truth is not we think it is but what some people decide it is. In my working as the least among the lay leaders was smooth for about 1yr and 3 months until when, I made a post criticism conduct of one young priest, whose behaviour, was neither ‘Fatherly’ nor ‘Christly as he lacked patience and gift of understanding in his conduct.  Since my criticism was for wanting a better service from ordained minister of the church, there was a break of what was seen as unwritten rule. The rule was the priest was always right[ even if he is clear err] and in case of doubt please leave and never talk about it.  The real power at play came from the minister who called my Outstation moderator, to...

AS A  BY STANDER,one would wonder what Eucharistic Adoration Ministry is. why do we attach and name it  under specific place or Rev. Priest incharge? Do we have to be desperate to go to  adoration ministry for adoration? Does the adoration ministries in Nigeria and some other parts of Africa Conform to Jesus teachings on Bread of life as it is in the Gospel Of John Chapter 6? Why do we have to prevent the commercialization of church institutions that are themselves should be source of reconciliation and harmony with the lord Jesus Christ? To begin with, in adoration of the Blessed Eucharist, we deepen our spiritual connection to Jesus Christ present in consecrated Host. Through doing so, we foster our relationship with God through prayer and worship. In this adoration of the Holy Eucharist,we honor with reverence Christ's presence in the sacrament. In doing so, we enhance our spiritual growth by offering a chance of repentance and renewal. In adoration of the Blessed Euch...

It has been long since we shared a write-up. Today, I invite you we talk about the mission of the 72. They may have been sent on a journey of faith with just but instructions. The instructions were; they should rely on others for their survival. This maybe hard for some of us to contemplate but to Jesus, it was the way we are all sent.  Jesus sent his disciples 2 by 2 and never had he contemplated to send loners in the ministry. Why did he send them in twos? The most important element he wanted to articulate was trust, first to God and second to the person you are walking together with.  Trust is a vital component of any relationship. This is so because it makes us let down our guard just because we know someone got our backs. Trust is built on honesty,reliability, and vulnerability. Without Trust no relationship can grow leave alone flourish. In journey of life we can build honesty through open communication which involves sharing of thoughts and feelings openly w...

Kenya as a nation has come from far; we have evolved from a single party state in the 80s to chaotic transition to multiparty democracy in the early 90s. We have witnessed people disappear without trail after they put the government of the day on account. We were alive when we witnessed a regime change in 2002 and here we are. We have witnessed our media evolve from fear to authoritative and devolved to mere mediocre as we march on to the 2017 elections. The feeling of toppling KANU out power in 2002 after 39years was mutual. It was a great move and precedence in African democratic space. We as a nation were united and had a common goal and agenda. We wanted to make it right where we had been making it wrong during the elections.  In the aftermath, the face of Kenya greatly transformed and the economic growth was tremendous. 10 year after the 2002 elections, Kenyans deviated to tribal politics and Kikuyu backed Uhuru Kenyatta won the 2013 vote despite calls for the nul...