Felix Kilonzo

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...