David Michael Okechukwu's Blog

A story is told about a soldier who was finally coming home after having fought in Vietnam. He called his parents from San Francisco.  “Mom and Dad, I’m coming home, but I’ve a favor to ask. I have a friend I’d like to bring home with me. “Sure,” they replied, “we’d love to meet him.” “There’s something you should know,” the son continued, “he was hurt pretty badly in the fighting. He stepped on a land mind and lost an arm and a leg. He has nowhere else to go, and I want him to come live with us.” “I’m sorry to hear that, son. Maybe we can help him find somewhere to live.” “No, Mom and Dad, I want him to live with us.” “Son,” said the father, “you don’t know what you’re asking. Someone with such a handicap would be a terrible burden on us. We have our own lives to live, and we can’t let something like this interfere with our lives. I think you should just come home and forget about this guy. He’ll find a way to live on his own.” At that point, the son hung up the phon...

Today is the birthday of Pope Francis and all l wish him today is nothing more but for the strenght to lead us in the right part and l also wish you many more grace to work for God Amen. The Vatican is also promoting the Pope’s birthday on social media, encouraging users to take to their accounts with the hashtag: #Pontifex80. For those who want to send Pope Francis a note, they can write to him at following email addresses, divided by language: Latin: Papafranciscus80@vatican.va Italian: PapaFrancesco80@vatican.va Spanish/Portuguese: PapaFrancisco80@vatican.va English: PopeFrancis80@vatican.va French: PapeFrancois80@vatican.va German: PapstFranziskus80@vatican.va Polish: PapiezFranciszek80@vatican.va #Pontifex80  #Davidmichaellovesyou 

"SWEETNESS OF SOUR ORANGES "  "He often bought oranges from an old lady.After they were weighed, paid for and put in his bag, he would always pick one from his bag, peel it, put a segment in his mouth, complain it's sour and pass on the orange to the seller. The old lady would put one segment in her mouth and retort, "why, it's sweet," but by then he was gone with his bag.His wife, always with him, asked, "the oranges are always sweet, then why this drama every time?" He smiled, "the old mother sells sweet oranges but never eats them herself. This way I get her to eat one, without losing her money. That's all." The vegetable seller next to the old lady, saw this everyday. She chided, "every time this man fusses over your oranges, and I see that you always weigh a few extra for him. Why?" The old lady smiled, "I know he does this to feed me an orange, only, he thinks I don't understand. I ne...

Liturgical Colour: Violet. Readings at Mass ________ Entrance Antiphon Cf. Is 49: 13 Rejoice, O heavens, and exult, O earth, for our Lord will come to show mercy to his poor. ________ Collect O God, Creator and Redeemer of human nature, who willed that your Word should take flesh in an ever-virgin womb, look with favour on our prayers, that your Only Begotten Son, having taken to himself our humanity, may be pleased to grant us a share in his divinity. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. ________ First reading Genesis 49:2,8-10 Jacob called his sons and said: ‘Gather round, sons of Jacob, and listen; listen to Israel your father. Judah, your brothers shall praise you: you grip your enemies by the neck, your father’s sons shall do you homage, Judah is a lion cub, you climb back, my son, from your kill; like a lion he crouches and lies down, or a lioness: who dare rouse him? The sce...

As a man was passing the elephants, he suddenly stopped, confused by the fact that these huge creatures were being held by only a small rope tied to their front leg. No chains, no cages. It was obvious that the elephants could, at anytime can break away from their bonds but for some reason, they did not. He saw a trainer nearby and asked why these animals just stood there and made no attempt to get away. “Well,” trainer said, “when they are very young and much smaller we use the same size rope to tie them and, at that age, it’s enough to hold them. As they grow up, they are conditioned to believe they cannot break away. They believe the rope can still hold them, so they never try to break free.” The man was amazed. These animals could at any time break free from their bonds but because they believed they couldn’t, they were stuck right where they were. Like the elephants, how many of us go through life hanging onto a belief that we cannot do something, simply because we ...

In life, we must try our best to achieve success because success doesn't come easily. No matter the challenges we face, our mind, heart, spirit, soul and body should be focused on the goal we are pursuing and not relent because of the obstacles of life. The tougher the task, the better the result.  #Don'tgiveup #Davidmichaellovesyou 

Today's Verse “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:20b During the holidays, many enjoy spending time with family. However, others may find themselves alone this Christmas. For those of you who are alone, be encouraged by the fact that you aren’t really alone; God sees and knows your pain. When you start to feel down, here are a few things to try: Reach out to someone you know who is on their own as well, find a place to volunteer, or take part in a Christmas celebration at a church somewhere close by. Don’t be afraid to try something new, even though it may be hard at first. Pray that God would provide someone for you to spend the holiday with. If you still find yourself alone on Christmas, celebrate with the Lord. He is great company. -- Commentary by Traci Elliott Today's Prayer Dear Lord, I pray a blessing over those who don’t have anyone to celebrate with this Christmas. I pray that you would sur...

Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles - Feast Liturgical Colour: Red. Readings at Mass ________ Entrance Antiphon These are the holy men whom the Lord chose in his own perfect love; to them he gave eternal glory. ________ Collect O God, who by the blessed Apostles have brought us to acknowledge your name, graciously grant, through the intercession of Saints Simon and Jude, that the Church may constantly grow by increase of the peoples who believe in you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. ________ First reading Ephesians 2:19-22 You are no longer aliens or foreign visitors: you are citizens like all the saints, and part of God’s household. You are part of a building that has the apostles and prophets for its foundations, and Christ Jesus himself for its main cornerstone. As every structure is aligned on him, all grow into one holy temple in the Lord; and yo...

Today's Verse “But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ; by whom are all things, and we by him.” – I Corinthians 8:6 Have you ever taken a moment to think about a “spring of life?” It is really an interesting concept to consider – “a source where eternal youth can be found.” Many believe it to be a silly fable, but some may wonder if it really is fictitious? Think about our relationship with God. When we make that important decision, to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, it opens up a whole new pathway in life. God is almighty and omnipotent. He owns and handles everything. We become one with Him through Jesus Christ. He is the source of all that we need – our eternal source. When we live with Him in Heaven, life will be brand new and there will be no more pain or concerns. So, you have to ask yourself the question once again,is there such a thing as a “spring of life?” The answer is ess...

About Today Year: C(II). Psalm week: 2. Liturgical Colour: Green.  Saint Otteran Ireland He was abbot of Meath and later came to Iona. He died in 548 and his grave on Iona was greatly revered. As a result the Vikings chose Otteran, the titular guardian of their ancestors’ ashes, as patron of the city of Waterford in 1096. He is now patron saint of the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore. ________ Liturgical colour: green The theological virtue of hope is symbolized by the colour green, just as the burning fire of love is symbolized by red. Green is the colour of growing things, and hope, like them, is always new and always fresh. Liturgically, green is the colour of Ordinary Time, the season in which we are being neither especially penitent (in purple) nor overwhelmingly joyful (in white).

Thursday of week 30 in Ordinary Time  Liturgical Colour: Green. Readings at Mass ________ Entrance Antiphon Cf. Ps 104: 3-4 Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice; turn to the Lord and his strength; constantly seek his face. ________ Collect Almighty ever-living God, increase our faith, hope and charity, and make us love what you command, so that we may merit what you promise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. ________ First reading Ephesians 6:10-20 Grow strong in the Lord, with the strength of his power. Put God’s armour on so as to be able to resist the devil’s tactics. For it is not against human enemies that we have to struggle, but against the Sovereignties and the Powers who originate the darkness in this world, the spiritual army of evil in the heavens. That is why you must rely on God’s armour, or you will not be able to put up any re...

When I was a kid, my Mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made dinner after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my Mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all dad did was reached for his biscuit, smile at my Mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don’t remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite! When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my Mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I’ll never forget what he said: “Honey, I love burned biscuits.” Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, “Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she’s real tired. And besides – a little b...

About Today Year: C(II). Psalm week: 2. Liturgical Colour: Green. St Chad ( - 672) England He was educated at Lindisfarne under Aidan. He became abbot of Lastingham and was chosen to be bishop of Northumbria, but St Wilfrid contested his appointment, and Chad obediently withdrew. He was then sent as bishop to Mercia, where he founded the see of Lichfield. His ministry there was very short (he died at Lichfield on 2 March 672), but he was immediately revered as a saint because of the holiness of his life, his outstanding humility, and his dedication to preaching of the Gospel. ________ St Cedd (- 664) England Like his brother Chad, he was educated at Lindisfarne under Aidan. He founded many monasteries and was sent as a bishop to evangelize the East Saxons. He established his see at Bradwell in Essex. He died at his monastery at Lastingham in Yorkshire on 26 October 664, of the plague. ________ Liturgical colour: green The theological virtue of hope is sy...

Wednesday of week 30 in Ordinary Time  Liturgical Colour: Green. Readings at Mass ________ Entrance Antiphon Cf. Ps 104: 3-4 Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice; turn to the Lord and his strength; constantly seek his face. ________ Collect Almighty ever-living God, increase our faith, hope and charity, and make us love what you command, so that we may merit what you promise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. ________ First reading Ephesians 6:1-9 Children, be obedient to your parents in the Lord – that is your duty. The commandment that has a promise attached to it is: Honour your father and mother, and the promise is: and you will prosper and have a long life in the land. And parents, never drive your children to resentment but in bringing them up correct them and guide them as the Lord does.     Slaves, be obedient to the men w...

About Today Year: C(II). Psalm week: 2. Liturgical Colour: Green. Saint Frei Galvão (1739-1822) Brazil Antônio Galvão was born in the state of São Paulo to a deeply religious family of high social and political status. He was educated by the Jesuits from the age of 13, but although he wanted to become a Jesuit this was judged inopportune because of official persecution of the order (which was suppressed in the Portuguese Empire in 1759). Instead, at the age of 16, Galvão joined the Franciscans and took the name of ‘Anthony of St Anne’ in honour of his family’s devotion to that saint.     He was ordained a priest in 1762 and transferred to São Paulo, where, with only brief intervals, he spent the rest of his life. He was revered as a confessor and a healer, and popular devotion to him was such that both ecclesiastical postings and governmental decrees that would have taken him away from São Paulo soon had to be rescinded. He died there on 23 December 1822, at the...

Tuesday of week 30 in Ordinary Time  Liturgical Colour: Green. Readings at Mass ________ Entrance Antiphon Cf. Ps 104: 3-4 Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice; turn to the Lord and his strength; constantly seek his face. ________ Collect Almighty ever-living God, increase our faith, hope and charity, and make us love what you command, so that we may merit what you promise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. ________ First reading Ephesians 5:21-33 Give way to one another in obedience to Christ. Wives should regard their husbands as they regard the Lord, since as Christ is head of the Church and saves the whole body, so is a husband the head of his wife; and as the Church submits to Christ, so should wives to their husbands, in everything. Husbands should love their wives just as Christ loved the Church and sacrificed himself for her to make ...

Don't always dream of what you want in life, identify them, make plans to achieve them and you will be glad you did because God will crown your effort with success.  # Davidmichaellovesyou  

Monday of week 30 in Ordinary Time   or Saint Antony Mary Claret, Bishop  Liturgical Colour: Green. Readings at Mass ________ Entrance Antiphon Cf. Ps 104: 3-4 Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice; turn to the Lord and his strength; constantly seek his face. ________ Collect Almighty ever-living God, increase our faith, hope and charity, and make us love what you command, so that we may merit what you promise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. ________ First reading Ephesians 4:32-5:8 Be friends with one another, and kind, forgiving each other as readily as God forgave you in Christ.     Try, then, to imitate God as children of his that he loves and follow Christ loving as he loved you, giving himself up in our place as a fragrant offering and a sacrifice to God. Among you there must be not even a mention of fornication...

 "There are so many religions and each one has its different ways of following God. I follow Christ: Jesus is my God, Jesus is my Spouse, Jesus is my Life, Jesus is my only Love, Jesus is my All in All; Jesus is my Everything.

 "Just for half of a second do not think. Do it now! Go no way and you will be in peace. You are not to make any attempt. This attempting is just the mind disturbing the mind. Don't make any attempt because peace is already there. Any attempt to find peace is throwing a stone into a calm lake. Peace is already here. You just disturb it by running outside. Don't make any effort for Peace and what will you feel? When you don't make any attempt there is no mind, but when you try to make any attempt there rises the mind which is going to disturb you. Don't make any attempt."

Going to church everyday doesn’t make me a christian, its the life the l live outside the church that makes me a true christian.  #LiveChrist - David Michael Okechukwu  Happy sunday  #Davidmichaellovesyou

Many people believe the ultimate thing that could kill a relationship is cheating; couples are so conscious of this act they feel it would be difficult to move on with the relationship once a party is guilty of that offence. Oblivious to this, there are many things that could make a couple split and infidelity may never be raised in cases like that. We all know the dangers involved with cheating and the consequences that may follow. The people involved feel betrayed and may not be able to put that behind them for a while. However, some relationships do break even without the people involved being caught in a cheating web. Certain issues could give the same end result cheating would give if the relationship is not effectively managed. Find below some of the other things that could kill your relationship aside from cheating: 1. Lack of courtesy In relationships, people of different backgrounds and doctrines often come together as one. You really do not expect your part...

One day a man saw an old lady, stranded on the side of the road, but even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was still sputtering when he approached her. Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn’t look safe; he looked poor and hungry.  He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was those chills which only fear can put in you. He said, “I’m here to help you, ma’am. Why don’t you wait in the car where it’s warm? By the way, my name is Bryan Anderson.” Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady, that was bad enough. Bryan crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt.  As he was tightening up the lug n...

Even in the midst of problems that seems inevitable, keep cool, be optimistic and let God take charge. Happy weekend dear friend. #Davidmichaellovesyou

 "God loves me. I'm not here just to fill a place, just to be a number. He has chosen me for a purpose. I know it." Happy sunday dear friends 

About Today Year: C(II). Psalm week: 2. Liturgical Colour: Green. In other years: St John of Capistrano (1386 - 1456) He was born in Capistrano in the Abruzzi in 1386. He studied law at Perugia and for some time held the office of a judge. He joined the Friars Minor and was ordained. He travelled throughout Germany, Poland, Transylvania, Moldavia, and Russia, leading an apostolic life, strengthening Christian morals and combating heresy.     When the Turks were invading Europe in the wake of the fall of Constantinople, they laid siege to Belgrade, then a border fort of the kingdom of Hungary. John preached a crusade against them and took part in the battle on 22 July 1456 in which John Hunyadi, his army and John’s peasant crusaders lifted the siege and defeated the Turks, keeping Christian Europe safe from Turkish invasion for the next 70 years.     Plague spread through the camp and John died of it, at Ilok, in what is now Croatia, on 23 October 1...

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time  Liturgical Colour: Green. Readings at Mass ________ Entrance Antiphon Cf. Ps 104: 3-4 Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice; turn to the Lord and his strength; constantly seek his face. ________ Collect Almighty ever-living God, increase our faith, hope and charity, and make us love what you command, so that we may merit what you promise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. ________ First reading Ecclesiasticus 35:12-14, 16-19 The Lord is a judge     who is no respecter of personages. He shows no respect of personages to the detriment of a poor man,     he listens to the plea of the injured party. He does not ignore the orphan’s supplication,     nor the widow’s as she pours out her story. The man who with his whole heart serves God will be accepted,     his petitions...