​​​​​Holy Infant Catholic Church

Father Michaels Weekly Thoughts

WEEKLY THOUGHTS FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME FEB. 8th, 2026.

Dear friends, greetings and best wishes from Uganda. I left for my vacation on December 29th 2025 of course arrived on the next day in the afternoon. The weather was hot and warm- just the opposite here in the US. There was great excitement of ushering in the new year that was celebrated with prayers at places of worship and fireworks. I celebrated Mass at the home of my nephew Lawrence and Irene who had lost their 10-year daughter Sonia Rita on December 20th 2025.

I spent the first two weeks visiting sick members of the family- my brother Joseph with dementia and three cousin brothers confined at home due to illness that has affected their mobility. Please remember them in your prayers.

On January 15th, 2026, Uganda held the Presidential and Parliamentary elections. Unfortunately, elections were rigged and won by the current president who has been in power for the last 40 years. Please, pray for Uganda as it is now bleeding and opposition members undergoing persecution, imprisonment, abductions and even to the extent of losing their life.

Greetings from Bishop Joseph and members of my Family and Joseph my nephew who visited me some years back.

In the Gospel Reading of last Sunday; Matthew 5:1-12 Jesus taught his disciples about the beatitudes- those blessed- the poor in spirit, the meek, those who mourn as theirs is the kingdom of heaven. This was quite different from the expectations of the people of the time of Jesus.

In the first reading of this Sunday; Isaiah 58: 7-10 the Prophet Isaiah calls upon the people to walk in the light of God as they live their life of generosity- share their bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and homeless, clothe the naked. By so doing the light of God shall shine into their life, they will experience healing and God will answer their prayers.

In the Gospel Reading Matthew 5: 13-16 Jesus continues to teach his disciples about their specific mission. Jesus wants his disciples to be salt of the earth – give flavor and preservation to food from decay. Contemporary preservation of food is fridge, freezer and cool rooms.

When Jesus tells his disciples “You are the light of the world and let your light shine before others- Jesus encourages leadership in his followers. Any Christian has to be an inspiration to others to see the goodness in the leader’s life and actions. Indeed, actions speak louder than words.

Let me make a resolution to get involved in the Church or Parish ministry like a member of the choir, usher or altar server.

Being light to the world and salt of the earth calls upon me to be witness to truth and justice. It also calls upon me to stand for the moral values that fight against corruption and all forms of injustices and oppressions.

Let us endeavor to shine Jesus the light of the world and source of holiness.

Ash Wednesday Mass at Holy Infant begins at 10:00am and Shepherd of the Hills at 4:00pm.  We hope you can attend.

Have a great week.