Tuesday of 33^rd Week, Year II: reflection

Theme: Salvation will come to your house today.

Reading: Lk: 19:1-10

“Today, salvation has come to this house” was the response of Jesus to the gestures of Zacchaeus in the gospel of today. Indeed, such a response would gladden the heart of anyone that received it.

Special attention should be paid to the gestures of Zacchaeus that attracted such a Blessed declaration from Christ. One was his effort to see Jesus and how he defied all obstacles on his way to achieve that quest. His obstacles were many: his physical incapacity (dwarfism), the crowd, and his social status; he conquered them all. The other was his openness of self to Jesus with an honest resolve to repay his debts of sin if found wanting.

Today is a bright new day. Our challenge is to defy all obstacles that are preventing us from embracing Jesus, obstacles that are hindering us from embracing the grace offered by Jesus. Zacchaeus conquered his; you can conquer yours too.

Then, to receive a blessed assurance from Jesus, we should open ourselves to Him, show Him how we really are, and honestly resolve to rebuild our lives broken by sin, for we cannot come to Jesus and, at the same time, continue enjoying a life punctuated by sin.

So, dear friends, defy your obstacles to meeting Jesus, open yourself to Jesus, and make concrete efforts to remedy the sinful past. If you do this, salvation will come to your heart and house today. 

Peace be with you. Have a blessed Tuesday.

Fr. Isaac Chima

 Monday of 33^rd Week, Year II: reflection

Theme: Don’t allow your voice of prayer to go silent

Reading: Lk 18:35-43

"The voice of prayer is never silent, nor dies the strain of praise away" is a line from a beautiful old hymn for night prayers, meaning that our prayers and praises to God should never cease and can never be in vain.

The blind man in the gospel of today showed us how true the words of this old hymn are. He was blind and was only surviving by begging for help. Though the people helped him to recognize the presence of Jesus, they turned around to shut him up when he started praying to Jesus for help.

However, as we saw, the blind man never allowed the situation that surrounded him to silence his voice of prayer; instead, he persisted in his faith and was rewarded.

Dear friends, our world is full of things that exert negative force on us, things that challenge our faith in God, and things that often push people to look at prayers as wasted efforts. They come to us in many forms and shapes. Some of them are temptations, disappointments, depressions, sicknesses, death of loved ones, hardships, joblessness, ill-treatment, family problems, etc.

Many people have stopped praying on account of the severity of these problems. Some claimed they prayed to God in their moments of difficulty but received no response.

The gospel reading of today assures us that any voice of prayer that refuses to be silenced by difficulties will receive a positive answer from God.

So, dear friends, no matter how tough things are in your life, never allow your voice of prayer to go silent; never allow the difficult circumstances or negative forces hovering around you to silence your voice of prayer.

Fr. Isaac Chima.

 33^rd Sunday, Year B: Homily by Fr. Isaac Chima

Theme: Is my name in the book of life?

Reading: Dan. 12:1-3; Heb. 10:11-14,18; Lk. 13:24-32

Dear friends, on this thirty-third Sunday, we are reminded of the final consummation at the end of time. We have just one Sunday for the liturgical year to end. So, the church brings to us the reality of the eschatological things, the end of time. The readings of this Sunday are set in a prophetic tone of the end time. In other words, they point to God’s people’s future deliverance through Christ’s redemptive work at the end of time. Through these readings, the Holy Mother Church reminds us that there will be an end to this worldly existence; she tells us how the last days will be, and, most importantly, she raises our hope of salvation by reminding us of our future and eternal perfection through Christ’s single sacrifice.

It was in this line of thought of the hope of salvation after the perils of life that the first reading was situated. It is actually from the last chapter of the book of Daniel. In the reading, the angel informed Daniel that the hardships his people were facing in exile were coming to an end. That the Archangel Michael would appear to defend and protect the people. On that day, all those whose names were written in the book of God, that is, those who have distinguished themselves in living good life (both the living and the dead), will enter eternal life, while those whose names did not enter the book of life will be meant to face eternal perdition.

The book of God is the book of life. It will be opened on the last day of our lives when we will stand before the judgement throne of God. Those who lived worthy lives will see their names in that book. It also implies that there is the book of the devil, the book of death, where the names of those who have lived unworthy lives on earth will be written. These books record everything we have done on earth, both the good and the bad.

Dear friends, the time given to us to live on earth is a golden opportunity to write our names in the book of life through our good actions. Through his Sacrifice on the cross, Christ the Lamb of God, as was revealed in the book of Revelation, has opened the seals of this book of life and has made it possible for us to write our names in it. Let us not miss our opportunities.

The second reading demonstrates to us the efficacy of the one and single sacrifice for sin which Christ the eternal High Priest offered for our sins, the sacrifice that has given us the ability to write our names in God’s book. That sacrifice on the cross has destroyed the yoke of Satan and sin upon us; it has given us the ability to accomplish virtuous acts and the capacity to call Abba Father. That sacrifice has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.

The tone of the Gospel of today is similar to that of the first reading. St. Mark was writing to his people, who were suffering many persecutions under the Roman government (not the Roman government of our days). He was addressing, in a special way, those of them who were thinking that Christ was delaying His second coming – those who had started losing hope in the promises of Christ, assuring them of the reality of the second coming of Christ.

St. Mark made a catalogue of frightening things that will usher in that last day, things that got his audience frightened. It is also true that many people in our days are frightened when they are reminded of the reality of the last days of their lives and our world; they are frightened when they are reminded that one day they will die and face the judgement of God. At times, what gets people frightened is the fact that the life they are living isn’t worthy enough to guarantee them a place in the kingdom of God.

Dear friends, the Church invites us today to pulse and reflect over the last days of our lives. The truth is that that last day must surely come. One day we shall die and leave this earth and everything we possessed; let us not be deceived by anyone who says the contrary. The big question we must ask ourselves today is whether we have been able to write our names in God’s book of life with the way we have been living our lives, or whether we have been busy writing our names in the devil’s book of eternal perdition. My prayer is that God will save us from writing our names in the book of eternal damnation.

Dear friends, one thing we must be sure of is that each action we take on earth either helps our names to be written in the book of eternal life or in the book of eternal death. Let us, therefore, pray in today’s Mass to use our life’s opportunities to inscribe our names in God’s book of life.

Peace be with you.

Fr. Isaac Chima

 33^rd SUNDAY, YEAR B: HOMILY BY FR. JUSTIN ADIELE

THEME: “THE END IS NEAR”

INTRODUCTION:

James Dean, an American actor in one of his famous quotes said; “dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.” Coincidentally, his life was cut short in a car accident at the age of 24 (Feb. 8, 1931 – Sept. 30, 1955), leaving him a lasting symbol of rebellion, youthful defiance, and restless spirit. Today being the second to the last Sunday of the Church’s liturgical year, we should start acting and living as if the end is near. This will make us quit every rebellion, every moral rascality, every faith defiance, and every restlessness and worldly attachments.

 

THE FIRST READING (DAN. 12: 1 – 3)

The first reading talked about the end of time, when Arch Angel Michael shall arise, when troubles will stir up in the world like never before. Then, those whose names are written in the book of life; those who have turned many to righteousness, whether living or dead, would be deliver into everlasting life. Consequently, as we talk of a hypothetical end of time this period, let us pause to ponder through a hypothetical evaluation of our lives, to make sure our names are written in the book of life; the book of the righteous.

 

THE SECOND READING (HEB. 10: 11 – 14. 18)

For three Sundays running, the second reading has continued to direct our attention to the priesthood of our Lord Jesus Christ which for all ages continues to sanctify and perfect all those who are called by his name (the sanctified). He remains at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us. But then, we have to continue to draw closer to Christ our priest through his ministers, continue to present ourselves before him, and continue to strive to live holy and better lives for his prayers/intercessions to work wonders in our lives.

 

THE GOSPEL READING (MK. 13: 24 -32)

The gospel reading also presented us with the end of time as when the Son of Man would appear and send out his angels to gather his elect from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens. This means that there would be a choosing/selection to be carried out. Not all would be chosen or gathered; but will you be among the chosen; will I be among the chosen? Do you think you have done enough good/right to be among the Lord’s chosen? There is only one way to find out; and that is living daily by the Saviour’s Word or gospel.

 

CONCLUSION

The end which no one knows the appointed hour is hypothetically and always near. We should periodically run a check on ourselves, on the quality of our life as Christians. We must quit every form of procrastination to straighten up our lives, our records, and our relationships with God and with our fellow men, so that there would be no condemnation or accusation against us from any quarters of our lives.

Happy Sunday!

Fr. Justin

 33^rd SUNDAY, YEAR B: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: BUT MY WORDS WILL NOT PASS AWAY

(Mark 13:24-32)

The call today is to hold unto God's word. In a world of many words. In a world of many voices. In a world of numerous signs and wonders. In a world shrouded with darkness. In a world shaken by many powers. In a world blown by different kinds of wind. In a world that seems to be coming to an end. God turns our attention to His word.

In a world where the only news is bad news. The Lord wants us to hear Good News once again. The Lord wants us to consider the things that will end, the things that will pass away and take seriously the one thing that will never pass away: the word of life. He wants us to know that He is not far. He is near. He wants us to know that we shall see His goodness in our generation. All He promised us shall come to pass. Thus, let the changing and transient things of this life not kill us. Let them not kill our joys. Let them not blow our minds away.

We are invited to look back and consider the many things that have come and gone, the many glories that never lasted, the many powers that commanded respects in the past. The gadgets and technologies that trended in the past. Where are they today?

Where are those lands for which many killed? Where are the electronics for which many stole? Where are those sophisticated stuffs which people exchanged their bodies and souls for?  They all have passed away. A lot are still passing away. Let us go for what matters.

 

WHAT ARE YOU FACING NOW?

Darkened sun?

The sun is not meant to be dark. It is not in its nature not to shine. The darkness will not last long. The word of the Lord will surely at the right time thunder: Let there be light! There must be light. Child of God, the sun with rise once more in your life. Hope in the Lord. Hold unto the Son of God the source of the sun.

 

Moon without light?

The night in your life cannot remain without light. The light made for your night must illuminate your environment again.

Are you worried that you have all it takes to bloom, but you are not as great as you're supposed to be? Are there forces overshadowing your glorious manifestation? They, too, must pass away. Do not be overpowered by the agents of darkness. Their tactics will fail someday.

 

Falling stars?

God forbid! May your star never fall. The stars of the society, of the Church, of your marriage, of your family. Your stars will rise again. Your voice must be heard again. The star of holiness, of patience, virtues, of grace. These must shine out. Sin should not rule for long in your life.

Those children of yours raised in Christian values should not fall from grace to grass.  Your sacramental life will shine again. The enemy of your salvation shall fall down. His rule and intimidation will not last. That too shall pass away.

 

Shaken powers in heaven

Michael and his fellow princes in heaven will wage a spiritual battle on your behalf. The time for heavenly silence will soon be over. There is hope of success in the battles you are facing. The heavenly powers will overcome the evil political powers, the diabolical powers. The many wars the devil thinks he has won will be turned around by God. The days of stranglehold will be over.

Therefore, stop bragging about any power you have that doesn't glorify God. Stop being arrogant because of your physical beauty. Stop crushing people with your wealth. Stop using your intelligence and position wrongly. They will all pass away in a short while.

 

THERE IS HOPE

The Lord Jesus assures that He the Son of man will come with power and glory. He is coming with divine assistance and angelic help.

Deliverance shall come from four corners of the earth, even where there seems to be no way, God will make a way. This is His word that will not pass away. Christ is the only hope of the word in crisis. Let's not let go of Him. He insists that there is hope. When He has eliminated the powers fighting against His children, there will be restoration of joy. His word is everlasting upon those who hold him in fear.

 

Fallen fig

The fig falls to bring forth new growth. You shall grow again. The Better you will come. New grace will blossom, new joy shall spring forth. Your summer is near. True rest is on the way. Holy joy will soon be felt. By those who fail to allow the tribulations to break them.

 

HOLD UNTO CHRIST THE WORD, THE LIGHT

Welcome Christ in your life. Don't let his word pass from you. Open the gates of your heart and let him come in. You can't afford to lose Him.

What are the things, the feelings, the thoughts making you lose grip of the Most High, His plan for you, His holy will for you, say no to them all.

Dear Child of God, disconnect yourself from that power promising you heaven on earth. Refuse to be held down by evils of this generation. Reject the ephemerals of this life driving you crazy.

Do not forget the word of the Lord. Do not forget the instructions of your Saviour. Do not allow either the joys or sorrows of life to make you pay attention to the enemy of your salvation.

Use the word of God as your lamp and staff. You will not regret it. It will not disappoint you. That Word is living. That Word is God. That Word is Christ. The word heals, restores, blesses, and saves.

Let us listen to that Word. Let us speak that Word. Let us live the Word. Let us not allow it to pass away, even as the enemy wants to snatch it from us.

The word of God for you today is that you will live and overcome the evil world.

LET US PRAY

We thank and worship You, Oh Lord, for revealing to us the things that will pass away. Give us the grace not to allow ourselves to be carried away by them. May we hold firm the secret key to fulfilment, which is Your word. May we be blessed by Your Word that we hear and eat as food today and forever. Amen.

Happy Sunday (33rd Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr B)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 Friday of 32^nd Week, Year II: reflection

THEME: BE EVER READY FOR THE LAST DAY

Readings: Lk 17:26-37

In today’s gospel reading, Our Lord Jesus harped on the surprises and the suddenness of the Last Day, which must surely come to us.

While some people are still waiting to hear the sound of the trumpet indicating the arrival of the End, this End has continued to come to many people with the surprises and the suddenness that Jesus talked about.

Many people have met this End while on the road either driving or walking; some have met it while fighting; some have met it while sleeping; some met it after a brief or serious sickness at home or in the hospital; some met it in many other places or circumstances they never imagined. In all, everyone knows it comes unannounced.

Since this End is coming unannounced and has met many people according to its foretold surprises and suddenness, what, then, should we do?

Jesus urges us to be vigilant so that we would not be taken unawares; he wants us to be ever ready to embrace it any day and anywhere it comes to us.

To those who are waiting for the dying minute to start their preparations, it is good to be reminded that it has come to many people without any announcement; to those who are waiting to hear the sound of the trumpet to start amending their lives, it is good to be reminded that the trumpet has been sounding in the individual lives of many people at different occasions and locations of our world every day.

Dear friends, let us be ready; many people who were with us have been taken as foretold in today’s gospel.

Peace be with you. May God bless your good efforts today. 

Fr. Isaac Chima

 Thursday of 32^nd Week, Year II: reflection

Theme: Spread the Good News in any situation you find yourself in.

Reading: Philemon 7-20

In today’s first reading, St. Paul demonstrates to us that anyone who truly believes in Jesus will continue to carry out His mission regardless of the circumstances he finds himself in. Paul was in prison because of the mission handed to him by Jesus, and instead of becoming angry with Jesus and renouncing his faith, as many people in our world do when they are faced with difficulties, especially on account of the gospel, he was busy spreading the gospel of peace and reconciliation through Christ by reconciling Onesimus and Philemon.

Why didn’t Paul feel betrayed by Christ and stop doing His bidding? One of the reasons is that Paul clearly understood that physical suffering, hardships, trials, and tribulations in this world are not signs that God has deceived or abandoned us. He understood that the One in whom he believed also went down the same road of physical torment in the hands of men of this world, and thus warned his followers that they would be treated worse than He was, but that their perseverance will win them victory.

Why, then, are many Christians in our world gradually losing this kind of strong faith of St. Paul in Christ? One of the reasons is that many Christians enjoy listening to lies from the so-called men of God rather than reading through the pages of the Bible or listening to sound Christian messages that reveal the true experiences of the people who had a firsthand encounter with Christ. Many Christians like to be misled in matters about Jesus and the conditions of our world.

Dear friends, whoever truly believes in Jesus would understand that trials, hardships, and tribulations do not separate us from the love of Christ and should not stop us from carrying out the mission given to us by Him. Whoever renounces his faith in Christ because of hardships and trials never had faith in Him in the first place.

May God grant you the grace to stand firm and be victorious in all situations. Amen.

Fr. Isaac Chima