BAPTISM OF THE LORD, YEAR A: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD AND OUR OWN BAPTISM

(Matthew 3:13-17)

Today we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, a feast that officially brings the Christmas season to an end. We thank God for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, a birth that reveals the Trinity to humanity. Thus, today, we hear the voice from above declaring: "This is my beloved Son with whom I am pleased." We are thankful for such a holy birth that gives us a new birth, a rebirth.

Through Nativity, God enters into our world of sin as the lamb of God to take away the sins of the world. In baptism, He opens a gate through which we enter heaven to take up the holiness of God. And as we witnessed in the Gospel, the heavens were opened. This is great. The heavens that were closed by the sins of Adam has been opened by the righteousness of the One who came to fulfil all righteousness and received Baptism that we all may receive it for salvation.

 

Is Christ's Baptism same with ours?

This is a point we should look into for those who say because Christ was baptised at so and so age then... We are baptised to be washed from sin. But Jesus had no sin in Him but was baptised. There was no urgency for baptism on his part. He needed it not for himself. But we need it for our salvation since we all are products of Adam and Eve. For those people too who said that Jesus was baptised at river Jordan and as such teach erroneously that baptism must be at a river, why did they not say it must be at river Jordan? Why did they not say John must be the one to baptise? Why do they leave the river when the Holy Spirit has not spoken? Jesus stepped into the waters of Baptism to purify it and make us partakers in the life of holiness that comes from Him.

The necessity of Baptism and its implications

Jesus came to be baptised but John wanted to refuse him on the ground that he should rather receive baptism from Jesus. But Jesus insisted and John consented.

Why is it that some people stop certain persons from receiving baptism? Especially the infants. Jesus would rather say let the children come to me for the kingdom of God is for people like them. If baptism is a gateway to heaven, why stop them? Does it follow that because Jesus did not get baptised as an infant then no infant should receive baptism? Oh no. He is the one who has come to teach us the importance and necessity of being baptised. His own parents may not have known this. Yet they did the one they knew which was presenting the babe in the temple. In our own time through the revelation of the Gospel, we have come to know the necessity of this rebirth. It should be part of our obligations for the infants. Just as we do not seek their consent to send them to school and to provide them healthcare, we should endeavour not to take their spiritual upkeep and life everlasting for granted since they too can die, that they may not do so in the state of original sin which Baptism targets together with any other sin.

Our Consenting

We as candidates in need of Baptism consented to the terms and conditions of Baptism. We also by extension declared our willingness as godparents and biological parents or guardians to train up the baptised in the faith. How are we going about these responsibilities? How do we even make choices of godparents for our children?  Handsomeness, beauty, wealthiness, connectedness, etc? How do you take care of the children you gave your consent to train up in the faith? Do you care if they go for the sacraments, the wears they put on, the friends they keep, the places they go, the dangers of their faith?

Our profession

Baptism is faith-based. It is a symbolic act. Hence in Baptism we see just water, we see no sin, we may not see the heavens open with our physical eye, we may not see the Holy Spirit descend like dove, we may not hear any voice speak. But is there the reality of the rebirth, of the descent of the Holy Spirit, of the presence of the Trinity? O yes! And this is why there must be Profession of Faith. Thus, we are asked some questions at our Baptism. This may be likened to what transpired between Jesus and John the Baptist today. In summary, we accepted the Faith and rejected the Devil. How long does this rejection and acceptance last? Are you still faithful to your baptismal promises? Is your white garment presented on the day of Baptism white still? Is your candle given on the day you were baptised still shining? All these should make us sit back and ask ourselves some questions concerning our Baptism.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

LET US PRAY

We thank You Lord God Almighty for the feast of today. May we not forget that Baptism made us Your children and children of the Church.

May the baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ bring us renewal of our baptismal graces and favours. May we all who are reborn, grow and be part of that kingdom prepared for us by keeping our promises that we may hear on the last day: this is my beloved son/daughter, with whom I am well pleased. This is our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen

Happy Feast Day/Happy Christmas.

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 Baptism of the Lord, Year A: Homily by Fr. Isaac Chima

Theme: We are collaborators in Christ’s mission

Readings: Is 42:1-4,6-7; Acts 10:34-38; Mt 3:13-17

Dear brothers and sisters, today the Church celebrates the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. This feast not only concludes the Christmas season but also marks the beginning of the Church’s Ordinary Time. The baptism of Jesus inaugurated His public ministry, after thirty years of hidden life in Galilee in preparation for the mission of redeeming humanity. On the day of His baptism, as we heard in today’s Gospel, the Father and the Holy Spirit publicly confirmed and revealed His mission before the crowd gathered around John.

Something remarkable happened at this baptism, according to Matthew’s Gospel. John initially refused to baptize Jesus, recognizing Him as the Christ and knowing that He was without sin. But Jesus insisted, saying it was necessary “to fulfil all righteousness.” Jesus chose to be baptized so that He might identify with us sinners, the very people He came to redeem. Through His baptism, Jesus made the sacrament of baptism a profound point of contact between Himself and those He saves. In baptism, He washes away our sins, makes us heirs of the Father’s kingdom, and commissions us as disciples who share in His mission. Our baptism not only grants us divine sonship; it also makes us collaborators in Christ’s mission, a mission we embrace through our baptismal promises.

Let us reflect briefly on this mission we have inherited. In today’s first reading, the prophet Isaiah outlines the mission of the Servant of God, who is Jesus Christ. He is the Chosen One who brings justice to the nations and perseveres in this mission. He is meek and humble, for “a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench.” He is a light to the nations, opening the eyes of the blind and freeing prisoners from darkness.

In the second reading, St. Peter describes how Jesus lived out this mission: He went about doing good, healing all who were oppressed by the devil, and showing no partiality.

Dear friends, as we enter Ordinary Time, the Church reminds us of Christ’s mission, outlined by Isaiah and Peter—a mission we have inherited through baptism. Our task this year is to carry this mission wherever we go and in whatever we do.

Looking at Christ’s mission, the Church reminds us that it is the vocation of all the baptized to fight for justice and ensure that no one suffers injustice under our watch. How faithful have we been to this call? Do we allow injustice to persist in our presence? Do we remain silent when we should defend what is right? Do we still speak for those who have no one to speak for them? Innocent people suffer whenever those called to defend justice choose silence. Our challenge this year is to speak for justice.

Again, Christ’s mission calls us to be meek and humble in our service, rejecting pride and arrogance, and working with integrity. It also calls us to be bearers of Christ’s light and teaching, beginning with our families and friends. Our mission this year includes helping the helpless and doing good to all we encounter. In the second reading, Peter said Jesus “went about doing good.” As collaborators in His mission, we too must leave traces of goodness in the lives of those we meet and in every place we go. St. Peter reminds us to serve without partiality or favouritism.

Dear friends, as we enter Ordinary Time, let us remain faithful to the mission we have embraced through baptism. Let us pray that our baptismal promises may be renewed and strengthened as we remember the baptism of Christ.

Peace be with you.

Rev. Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima

EPIPHANY SUNDAY: REFLECTION BY FR JULIAN EKEH

THEME: BE WISE, FOLLOW YOUR STAR

(Matthew 2:1-12)

Today is the solemnity of Epiphany of the Lord. We celebrate the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. The Gentiles are represented by the Wise Men; three of them from the East, standing for the generality of the people Christ has come to save. We celebrate the inclusive love of God against the exclusive mentality of the Jews who thought salvation was only for them and of Herod who thought the kingdom is his. We celebrate the covenant-keeping God, God who remembered His promise to Abraham that He will make his sons as numerous as the stars of heaven. At the appointed time, by the aid of a star He led his people from far and wide and gathered them in faith.

We reflect on how best to follow the star that leads us to our quest and goal.

Steps to follow your star:

DISCOVERY: The star could represent anything that helps one to locate his destiny. The wise men saw it rising, followed it and got their satisfaction.

AVOID THE PALACE: The Palace and Herod are the things along the way that look attractive but are actually distractive. The Wise Men may have been presented with nice delicacies and gifts in the palace. These are distractions.

BE SPIRIT-GUIDED: The Angel spoke and the Wise Men obeyed. Yes they entered into conversation with the evil one but they realised themselves and came back to their senses.

YOU'VE GOT SOMETHING TO OFFER: To get to your goal, to experience the manifestation of the Lord in your life, your academics, your marriage, your business etc. You've got to sacrifice your laziness, sleep, give in your best and use well your precious time.

TREASURE THE GIFTS YOU'VE GOT

In your gifts lie the manifestation of your mission. In the gifts presented to Jesus we saw a manifestation of His mission. In the Gold His Kingship came to light; In the frankincense His Priesthood shone while in the myrrh his Suffering, DEATH and RESURRECTION was shown.

We pray as we celebrate this great solemnity that God may arise in our lives and manifest His power. May Your opportunities and potentials to attain greatness be numerous like the stars.

May Your star never go out of your sight. May the darkness and powers that have made your star not to shine be destroyed.

May no Herod stop you from seeing the greatness, glory and divinity of God in your life through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Happy Epiphany, Christmas & New Year.

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 2^nd Sunday after Christmas: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Jesus: The Creating and Re-Creating Word of God

Readings: Sirach 24: 1-2,8-12; Eph 1:3-6,15-18; John 1:1-18

Dearest brothers and sisters, the Church invites us today to ponder the Word of God who has taken flesh and dwells among us—the Divine Logos who has come to live in our midst.

In describing this Divine Logos, St. John leads our minds back to the origin of all things. The first chapter of his Gospel mirrors the opening of Genesis. In Genesis, God created the universe through His Word. In John, we see God recreating the world through that same Word made flesh.

At creation, it was through the Word that God conquered the primordial darkness, bringing light into the world and forming all things out of the formless void. When sin disfigured God’s beautiful creation and plunged humanity into darkness, God once again came to our rescue through His Word, who took flesh in the Blessed Virgin Mary and dwelt among us. His birth restored light to a world overshadowed by sin and death. Today’s Gospel reminds us that in Him is life, and this life is the light of all people—a light the darkness cannot overcome. This is the mystery of the Incarnation we celebrate at Christmas.

Dear friends, we are blessed to share in this divine manifestation, for from His fullness we have all received grace upon grace. He chose us before the foundation of the world to belong to Him. The first reading praises Him as the eternal Wisdom who dispels the folly of worldly wisdom and enlightens our hearts. The second reading blesses God for granting us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. His name is Emmanuel—God with us. The psalm urges us to rejoice, for He strengthens the bars of our gates, blesses our children, brings peace to our borders, and fills us with the finest wheat. Truly, the Incarnate Word brings us joy, love, healing, and blessings beyond our imagining as we enter this new year.

Yet John also reminds us that these blessings are abundant only for those who welcome Him. He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, it did not recognize Him. He came to His own, and His own did not accept Him. But to all who did welcome Him, He gave power to become children of God.

This sets before us a task for the new year: to welcome Christ into our hearts by embracing goodness and love toward all people. One of the surest ways to welcome Jesus is to reject sin and to treat every human being as we would treat Christ Himself. We must remember that anyone who fails to show love, respect, fairness, humility, and tenderness to others cannot claim to love Christ. Dear friends, this is our vocation for this year—to let the light of the Incarnate Word shine through our actions and our lives.

Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima

 SOLEMNITY OF EPIPHANY OF THE LORD: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Theme: A Call to Be Reflectors of Christ’s Light to the World

Readings: Is. 60:1–6; Eph. 3:2–3a,5–6; Mt. 2:1–12

Dear friends, the solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord Jesus Christ is a great celebration for all of us. The word Epiphany comes from Greek and means “manifestation” or “revelation.” In this solemnity, we celebrate the revelation of Christ to the whole world—to the Gentiles, to all of us who, in the understanding of the Jews of that time, belonged to the Gentile world. We see this in the manifestation of Christ’s star to the Magi, the three Gentile kings who came from the East to visit the newborn Jesus.

The solemnity of Epiphany is a celebration of divine inclusiveness. In this feast, God reveals Himself beyond the borders of Israel. It is a celebration of divine outreach, reminding us that all humanity belongs to God and that every person—regardless of race, tribe, colour, or tradition—is invited to share in the joy of the Incarnation, the birth of Christ. It is a universal celebration, proclaiming that God has come to show His love to the whole world, for “He so loved the world that He gave His only Son for its redemption.” Epiphany celebrates the expansive nature of God’s salvation and the truth that His reign reaches beyond every boundary.

Today’s Gospel offers us important lessons for the new year.

Dear friends, the Lord has been revealed to us in this Christmas season, and His light has shone upon us, as this feast proclaims. Christ wants His light to shine in the world through us. In today’s Gospel, the Magi became the first point of contact between Christ and their nations; they carried His light back to their people. One of the challenges of our world today is that many Christians are shy or afraid to share Christ’s light. Anti-life policies spread in governments because many Christians in leadership fail to reflect Christ’s teaching. Some remain silent out of fear of criticism; others choose the darkness for the sake of money or fame. Dear brothers and sisters, Christ calls us to be the prism that reflects the light of His teaching into the world’s policies and decisions.

Many of our friends do not come to church because those of us who do often fail to reflect Christ’s light to them. Put simply, our lives do not always communicate Christ’s teachings, and our actions do not draw others toward Him or His Church.

Perhaps you have noticed that many Christians hesitate to speak about Christ to their friends. They prefer silence rather than risk losing friendships or causing offense, even when those friends promote ideas contrary to the Christian faith. Dear friends, Epiphany challenges us to be a point of contact between Christ and those who do not come to church. Let our vocation this year be to bring Christ’s light to our friends, illuminating their hearts and lives with the Christian message. Let us be the “Bible” our non‑churchgoing friends can read.

The second lesson is that the Gospel shows us the best way to encounter Jesus. The Magi approached Him with the finest gifts of their culture—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—symbolic offerings for the newborn King. Dear friends, God has blessed us with many talents and gifts, and He wants us to come to Him each day with the best of what He has given us. Our voices for reading and singing, our musical skills, our intelligence for teaching, and our ability to lead—these are all beautiful gifts from God. He wants us to use them to build up the Christian community, our families, and society. Sadly, many people use their talents to create division and confusion. Today, the Church invites us to use our gifts to promote peace, love, and unity in the Church, in our families, and in the wider society.

Peace be with you. Happy Solemnity of Epiphany.

Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima

 Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Jan. 1): Homily by Fr. Isaac Chima

Theme: The Best Way to Begin a New Year

Readings: Num 6:22–27; Gal 4:4–7; Lk 2:16–21

Dearest brothers and sisters, today is a very important and special day in the life of each one of us. It is the beginning of a new year—a day of new beginnings. Even more, it is the beginning of a new month. Truly, it is a day that invites us to look back on the past year and thank God for the grace of entering another one.

Many people began last year, but not all of them crossed over into this New Year. Since the grace of God has brought us safely into a new year, let us thank Him for all His love, blessings, protection, mercy, and favour throughout the past year, and for allowing us to see another.

But what is the best way to begin a new year? The Church, in her wisdom, shows us the best way. It is to begin with the blessings of God. Dear friends, without God’s blessings, we can do nothing. Having seen how essential His blessings were for the Israelites in the desert, God, in today’s first reading, instructed Moses to tell Aaron to bless the house of Israel in His name. He said, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them, ‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift His countenance upon you and give you peace.’ So they shall put my name upon the Israelites, and I will bless them.” It is the blessing of God that will guide and lead us in this New Year. Indeed, we need these blessings.

Therefore, dear friends, from the altar of the Eucharistic sacrifice, through the ministry of the priests, God sends His blessings of love, peace, healing, favour, prosperity, grace, safety in travels, protection, and many more graces into your lives and into your families today. These blessings are essential for us to withstand the storms of the New Year. We need them in order to succeed in our plans. Last year, many storms threatened our lives—especially the storm of economic hardship—but the blessings, grace, and protection of God kept us going.

The Church also invites us to rely on the grace and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary this year. Today is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. The Church dedicates the first day of the New Year to this woman whose intercession sustains us in difficult moments. In Mary, we have a mother who loves us and cares for our needs. She stands before her Son, interceding for us every day. This is why the Church dedicates the first of January—the beginning of the New Year—to her. Let us embrace her; let us entrust our plans and projects for the year to her protection and guidance. Let us call upon her through the rosary every day of this year.

Dear friends, every New Year is a call to a new beginning, a new life, and a new vision. The Church invites us today to make new resolutions: to abandon old ways of sin and embrace a renewed life. Today gives us the opportunity to reflect on how we lived last year, to resolve to change whatever was not good, and to step into this New Year with new life and new intentions. This resolution is important because of the blessings God is giving us today. If we want to enjoy the beautiful blessings of God in this New Year, we must receive them with renewed hearts. In Mark 2:22, Christ tells us that new wine cannot be put into old wineskins; otherwise, both the wine and the wineskins will be lost. In the same way, if we carry the new blessings of this year into an old life of sin, they will not bear fruit. So let us say no to the old life of envy, anger, pride, arrogance, greed, wickedness, immorality, and other vices. Let us instead say yes to love, peace, holiness, harmony, tolerance, unity, forgiveness, and many other virtues. In this way, the blessings of the New Year will not be lost but will bear abundant fruit in us.

Happy New Year.

Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima

SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD (JAN. 1): REFLECTION BY FR JULIAN EKEH

THEME: NEW YEAR, NEW VISION: COME AND SEE

(Luke 2:16-21)

Today, we have come to see just like the shepherds what the Lord has in stall for us. We have come to give thanks for last year. We have come to receive a new year. We have come to glorify God for His mercies and loving kindness. We have come to rededicate ourselves to God, who made it possible that we see yet another brand-new year. We have come to behold Mary the Mother of Jesus. She is the one through whom we were launched into the new year of blessing after the tears of sin we were plunged into by Eve. Let us consider what the shepherds saw in Mary.

They saw a woman who had just given birth. The woman's heart must be filled with thanksgiving. She has finally been delivered of the Baby after a long period of waiting, after so much labour pains, after a lot of uncertainties. She now smiles. This is a nice message of hope for us who persevered after the last year. We shall smile like the mother smiles after delivery.

The shepherds saw Joseph. Joseph is a good helper, Joseph is a godsent. On your journey through this brand-new year, may you never lack reliable friends who will accompany you and be there for you to help you achieve your dreams.

A new babe was seen lying in a manger. There is going to be joy, hope for growth, development, sucking from heavenly favours out of the labour of our hands, we shall receive loving care from God, we shall be carried on eagle's wings. The Lord will not allow us to get lost. We shall be spared and preserved from the grip of Herods.

Lastly, like the shepherds, we shall praise and glorify God for the things He will make us see this new year. And just like Jesus who at the end of the Gospel of today answered the name given to Him by God, may we answer the names given us by God without allowing any problem to define us nor allow any circumstance to change the plan of God for us.

Let us be men of vision. Let us dream big dreams now, and let's not stop at dreaming but work towards the actualization of our vision for this year. It will not be an empty dream this year. If you believe it will be that way for you. Come on, let us go into this year with optimism. It is going to be a year of blessings. People will gather to see the glorious manifestations of God in your life.

Let's journey along in hope, faith, and charity.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

 

BLESSINGS

May God bless and keep you this year, Amen,

May He make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you, Amen

May He lift His Holy countenance upon you and give you peace, Amen

May the Lord bless this new day, new month, and brand-new year for you and your family in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

 

God bless your New YEAR. (1st January)

Happy New Year to you, my beloved in the Lord

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh 

https://chimaisaac.medium.com/solemnity-of-mary-mother-of-god-jan-1-reflection-by-fr-julian-ekeh-62d47108b7f1