Tag: Catholic Diocese of Manzini

by Thokozani Mkhonta

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It is reckoned that our needs and desires go a long way in defining who we are. Our actions are largely motivated and informed by the things we desire to possess and persons we aspire to become. The scarcity of means to fulfil our needs is thus a major dilemma of life. Often, individuals have to put up with uncomfortable conditions and tolerate difficult people for the sake of gaining a livelihood. It is saddening to recognize the plight of those who lack the means to satisfy even basic needs.

It is as though the ones with much fortune and wealth are the happiest in life. Yet, it is evident that people tend to always seek and need more of what they already possess. This evidences the fact that we often deprive ourselves happiness by failing to appreciate and celebrate what we already have. If we fail to properly regulate our aspirations and ambitions, they will always rob us the opportunity to celebrate the present moment by stimulating an unsuitable longing for that which is yet beyond our possession.

Continue reading “Reflection for the Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord” →

by Thokozani Mkhonta

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Pain is a sad certainty of life. It is difficult to discern the meaning of life in the midst of pain. It is for that reason that our attention is often drawn to God when we go through pain since he is the ultimate being who has reasons for all things.

Those who look up to God are often in a better position to cope with pain. God assures those who put their faith in him that all pain is temporary, and that those who persevere shall be delivered. This can be typified in the situation of the people of Israel. In the midst of political oppression and exploitation, they waited with hope for the Messiah who was to deliver them from the hands of their oppressors. Israel knew that he served a God who honours his promises. Thus, the Israelites knew that all their suffering was going to end someday. It is difficult to imagine the situation of gentiles who might have been going through a similar situation as Israel: not being able to deliver yourself from pain whilst also without hope of anyone who might deliver you.

Continue reading “Reflection for the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord” →

by Thokozani Mkhonta

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The occasion of a brand-new dawning year is often an opportunity to evaluate the past year and set goals for the new year. The goals which people set for themselves often express a desire to better the achievements or situation of the past year. This evidences an inherent desire in human beings to maximize their potentials and become the best that they can be.

Whilst it is desirable and commendable to strive for success all the time, there is a concern in the manner in which success tends to be perceived and measured in present times. It is recognizable that success has tended to be so much viewed in terms of material and monetary possessions. Thus, the goals which people set for themselves tend to be significantly oriented towards wealth accumulation.

Continue reading “Reflection for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God” →

by Khonzumenzi Dlamini

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Today we celebrate and honour the Holy Family of Mary, Jesus and Joseph. Having celebrated Christmas today we are called to reflect on the gift of family. Ideally, the family is called the domestic Church and this became exemplary during the lockdown where all of us went back to be with our families. It was unfortunate that we also read in newspapers how domestic violence occurred in the families during the lockdown.

It shows that there are some unattended wounds in families. Today we are called to pray for our families. We must learn from the Holy Family of Mary, Jesus and Joseph. The first thing we learn from them today from the Gospel passage is fidelity to God. They followed the law and presented Jesus to God in the Temple as it was the Jewish norm to offer the first male child to God.

Continue reading “Holy Family Sunday – Year B” →

by Khonzumenzi Dlamini

When exploring Salvation History, we get the reality that God has over the times taken the initiative of revealing himself. This took place through the Patriarchs in the Old Testament and the Prophet and so on. God provided numerous revelations of himself throughout Salvation History. The second reading today from the letter to the Hebrews 1:1-6 explains, the culminating of God’s revelation and Christ’s unique superiority. Today we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ a superior mode God used to reveal himself to Humanity in order to save us. This is God’s final revelation till he come again in the Parousia (Second coming).

Continue reading “Reflection for Christmas Day Mass – Year B” →

by Khonzumenzi Dlamini

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As we draw closer to Christmas, Holy Mother Church invites us to celebrate the 4th Sunday of Advent. Our Gospel passage narrates the Good News of how the birth of Christ our Saviour will come about. Luke 1:26-38 narrates that God sent the Angel Gabriel to Mary in the place called Nazareth.

Our focus today should be open to the will of God as Mary did. As fellow Catholics as we come to the end of the year 2020 and about to celebrate Christmas, each and every day of our lives we should always say “Here I am Lord let it be with me according to your word. ” This defines the way that we should follow as the people of God.

Continue reading “4th Sunday of Advent – Year B” →