Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross: Homily by Fr. Isaac Chima

Christ’s Cross: Our Symbol of Hope

Readings: Num 21, 4-9; Phil 2, 6-11; Jn 3, 13-17

Dear friends in Christ, the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross invites us to celebrate the dedication of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, the Church built on the site where Jesus was crucified and buried, which houses the relics of the Cross of Christ. It is also a day we celebrate the triumph of the Holy Cross, the central position of the Cross in our Christian life, the saving power of the Cross for all who believe, and the transformative power of Christ that turned a symbol of shame into a symbol of hope.

When you look at the Cross of Christ, what do you see and feel, and what message does the Cross of Christ convey to you? Through the readings of today’s Mass, the Church unveils some of the messages that the Cross of Christ gives us.

In the first reading, we saw the communal disobedience and rebellion of Israelites, which resulted in an immediate and severe punishment. One of the dangers of sin is that it distances us from God (Is 59:2), causing us to fall short of His glory (Rom 3:23), grace, and protection. This separation makes it easier for the devil to step in and wreak havoc.

While the Israelites were defencelessly wandering in the desert, they enjoyed God’ grace and protection from human enemies and other threats to their lives in the desert. In today’s passage, as soon as their sins created a rift between them and God, they were immediately attacked by the forces that had previously been restrained by God’s grace and protection. Sin always exposes us to dangers.

However, when they cried to God in the midst of their sorrows and Moses interceded on their behalf, God forgave them and healed them with the symbol of the same creature that afflicted them, which was appended on a tree. Even in the midst of our sins and the sorrows they inflict upon us, if we turn our gaze towards God, He will send us His help.

The symbol of the ancient bronze serpent that healed the Israelites prefigured Christ, as affirmed by Christ in His conversation with Nicodemus in today’s gospel. He said, “As Moses lifted the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” With this affirmation, Jesus tells us that just as the Israelites were healed of their afflictions by looking upon the bronze serpent hung on a tree, those who look up to Him, hanging on the Cross, will be saved from their affliction. Therefore, all those who have distanced themselves from God due to their sins, as well as those who have fallen under the destructive power of the evil one, should not lose hope; the Cross of Christ invites them to look upon it and be saved. The Cross is our symbol of hope, assuring us that the attacks of the enemy will not overcome those who believe in God. It is our symbol of victory over the forces of evil. (Col 2:15).

The second reading provides another message that the Cross of Christ conveys to us. This reading tells us that Christ humbled himself, accepted his cross, and carried it till the end. Therefore, God, who permitted such a cross to befall him, exalted him and rewarded him with the name that is above every name. The cross of Christ reminds us that each of us carries a cross, one that God has permitted us to carry, not for our destruction but for the salvation of our soul. “Carry your cross and follow me,” Jesus said (Mt 16:24).

Your cross could be your spouse, your sick child, your brother struggling with addiction, your stubborn son or daughter, your unemployment, or your lack of resources. Following the example of Jesus, if you carry your cross with humility, trusting God’s love in all situations of life, victory will ultimately be yours. (Phil 2:6-11).

The cross of Christ also speaks to us of the transformative power of our Saviour. Once regarded as a symbol of shame and disgrace, the cross has been transformed into a symbol of hope and victory. Prior to Jesus’ death on the cross, the cross represented shame, a course reserved only for criminals and outlaws (Gal 3:13). Nevertheless, the nature of Jesus is that He transforms whatever He touches. His encounter with this emblem of shame – the cross – transformed it into a symbol of faith and salvation, a symbol that is revered and venerated. Such is the power of Christ.

Dear friends, the Church invites us to allow ourselves to be touched by Jesus. He transforms everything He touches. If he touches you, your life will never remain the same. Today, we have the Cross of Christ in our midst, our symbol of hope and triumph hanging in every church; make sure you also give it a place of honour in your homes. Let us embrace it; let us venerate it, so that we may experience its transformative power, for wherever it is lifted up, all those who gaze upon it will be saved from physical afflictions and eternal damnation.

Peace be with you.

Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima

 

 THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: MAY YOU NOT PERISH UNDER YOUR CROSS

(John 3:13-17)

Today, we celebrate the exaltation of the cross. We celebrate not the wood of shame but the man who hanged on it to take our shame. We celebrate the great price paid for us in love that we may not perish.  We also celebrate the dedication of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, which is situated in Jerusalem, believed to have been erected on the spot where the Lord was crucified and buried.

We celebrate today following the prophetic message of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Gospel that just as Moses lifted the serpent in the desert so shall the Son of Man be lifted up that everyone who believes may have eternal life in Him. We celebrate today to deepen our faith in Christ who came into the world to save us through His suffering and death on the cross. Let us reflect on Christ's Cross and our own crosses and endeavour not to be enemies of the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Place of the CROSS in our lives

We celebrate the central position the cross occupies in our lives as Christians. In a very special way, call to mind the saving power of the Cross of Jesus Christ.

 

Sign of Salvation

After the fall of man, who disobeyed through the fruit of the tree, God prefigured the saving of man through the tree. The boat of Noah saved creation from extinction, the staff of Moses made a pathway through the waters for the Israelites to be saved and at the appointed time the Son of God Himself mounted the tree of the cross in obedience to God to save those condemned by the fruit of the tree of Eden. On this tree He restored to man all that was lost. The tree that once brought shame now brought glory. The tree that once closed Eden, became a banner on which the kingdom was declared open.

 

Sign of prayers

In the past the cross was an instrument of ‘God forbid’, but when it encountered our Lord Jesus Christ, the man of prayers, it became a place of prayers. It became a pulpit of evangelization. It became the mountain we look up to. It became a call for prayers, for divine intervention, for God-man relationship, for honouring God. It seems to say to us: ‘Sorsum Corda’. Little wonder we begin and end our prayers with the Sign of the cross.

 

Sign of blessings

We exalt the cross because Christ has transformed it from being associated with curse to being a place of blessing. Therefrom Jesus blessed not only His friends but also His enemies. Jesus on the cross brings the idea of the crucifix, opening our eyes to the fact that nothing is impossible with God. He can turn even the ugliest situation into a blessing. Let us continue to bless ourselves and one another with the Sign of the Cross. At the feet of the cross, those who said ill of Jesus, turned and spoke blessings (Ọnụ ndi kwuru njo tụariri kwuo mma). As we call upon God, may we experience the miracle of the cross in our lives. May all our darkness turn to light. May we bless and place the cross of Jesus in our homes, offices and places of work.  May we not be ashamed of the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

May you never perish under your own cross

Today, we look within ourselves in humility and abandonment to God with the realization of the fact that we've got some crosses to bear. Our crosses are the burdens we carry. They are the sorrows we endure. They are the heartbreaks we go through. They are the disappointments we experience. They are the insults we receive. They are the humiliations we are subjected to. They are the pains and tribulations we encounter on a daily basis.

Your cross may be your wife, your husband, your sick child, your drug addict brother, your shameless daughter, your joblessness, your lack, your sickness, the attacks, etc.

Whatever it is, Jesus has taken it up. In His love, He comes to save you from the pain and sorrows of your various crosses. He comes to take it up. He comes that you may start looking up to Him and no longer to these problems. He comes to make you see divine hand in every situation. Believe in God. If He was able to transform the shameful mark of the cross to something glorious, He can save you from perishing under whatever heavy burden you're in. May the cross of Christ be exalted in your life as a sign of victory and may you rejoice in the Lord for the battles you will win through the glorious sign of salvation given to us by Jesus Christ.

We adore you, Oh Christ, and we praise you, for by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world.

Happy Sunday to you.

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 23^rd Sunday, Year C: Homily by Fr. Isaac Chima

Theme: Loving Jesus more and our kith and kin less

Readings: Wis 9:13-18b; Philemon 9b-10,12-17; Lk 14:25-33

Dear friends in Christ, today's gospel reading presents us with one of the statements that many find hard to accept as originating from Jesus. In this gospel passage, He said, “If any one comes to me and does not hate his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, and his own life, he cannot be my disciple.”

We know very well that Jesus didn’t hate his own parents, relatives, and friends (his apostles); in fact, he loved deeply. We also recognize that Jesus taught us to love everyone, including strangers and enemies, and that one should be willing to sacrifice his life for those he loves. Therefore, the initial response of anyone who hears this challenging demand from Jesus in today's gospel might be to question why Jesus would urge people to hate their family members and themselves as a condition for being His disciple. It is actually very strange. Nevertheless, it is this slight confusion that we aim to clarify in today's homily.

The first step towards understanding what Jesus actually wanted from his disciples when He made that statement would be to briefly examine what he said semantically. The Hebrew language lacks comparatives. For instance, in the Hebrew language, it is not possible to speak of loving something more or less than another. The only option available is to speak of loving or hating. Furthermore, the Hebrew verb for to hate – שִׂנאָה – does not imply dislike, to detest, or to abhor; instead, it implies ‘loving less’. This is evident in the Old Testament, where such expression was used. For example, in Genesis 29:30-33, where it is mentioned that Jacob loved Leah less than Rachel, and in Deuteronomy 21:15-17, which discusses the division of property.

Consequently, when Luke reported that Jesus said anyone who comes to him without hating his father, mother, wife, children, relatives and even his own self is not worthy of him, it did not imply that Jesus was promoting hatred towards family members. Rather, Jesus was indicating that anyone who desires to follow him must love him more than they love their family and themselves. This notion is further supported in the Gospel of Matthew 10:37, where it is explicitly stated that Jesus said, “Whoever loves father and mother more than me is not worthy of me.”

By encouraging anyone who aspires to be his genuine disciple to love Him more than he loves himself, his family, and friends, Jesus is telling those who wish to follow Him to prioritize Him above all personal preferences and the desires of their families and friends. It is a reminder that the first commitment of every Christian should be to Jesus and that Christianity is a call to self-renunciation for the sake of God’s kingdom. This is further illustrated in the subsequent statements of Jesus in today’s gospel. He said, “Whoever does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple,” and “Whoever does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.”

Following Jesus is a vocation that transforms people’s choices and actions, often setting them against the currents of society, which can lead to insults and persecutions. Hence, the choice to follow Jesus requires thoughtful consideration and a profound commitment. That was why Jesus wanted everyone to reflect deeply before deciding to follow Him, so that one will not say “yes” today and “no” tomorrow when confronted with the serious challenges of life. This is the meaning of Jesus’ parables of the man planning to build a tower and the king preparing to wage war against another king in today’s gospel.

How can we demonstrate that our love for Jesus surpasses our love for ourselves, our families, and our friends? How can we exhibit genuine commitment to Jesus? Dear friends, whenever our preferences or desires, as well as those of our families, friends, workplaces, and society, conflict with the teachings of Jesus, we show our greater love for Him by choosing to follow His commands, regardless of the consequences. That’s what Jesus wants from a true disciple.

Why must we prioritize Jesus above all else? In this regard, the first reading provides valuable insight. It extols the wisdom of God, contrasting it with the reasoning and plans of mortals, which are ultimately futile and prone to misguidance, because the human intellect is burdened by the limitations of the perishable body and worldly concerns. This reading further underscores that it is only when God imparts His wisdom and sends His spirit upon the earth that people on earth will be guided correctly and learn to act righteously. Given our finite nature, which limits our understanding and abilities and hinders us from identifying the best course for ourselves and for humanity, it is solely through the guidance of God – who is infinite and knows tomorrow with clarity, and in whose eyes a thousand years are like yesterday – that we find what is truly best for us. God’s wisdom should be favoured over the limited perspective of humanity, which cannot foresee the future with clarity.

The second reading provided a concrete example of prioritizing and adhering to the voice of God over our personal preferences and societal norms. Onesimus was Philemon’s slave and found himself in prison, possibly due to an offense against Philemon. In this reading, St. Paul was urging Philemon not only to forgive and reinstate Onesimus in his service but also to set aside the conventional slave-master relationship that existed between them, embracing Onesimus as a brother instead. This was a call to accept the divine wisdom that makes everyone equal before God instead of the conventional human wisdom that relegates Onesimus to the status of a slave under Philemon. It was a big challenge for Philemon; he accepted it as a true Christian.

Dear friends, being a true disciple of Jesus entails subduing our own desires and those of others around us in order to fulfil His will, trusting that He knows better than we do, and that His guidance will never lead us astray.

Peace be with you.

Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima

 23^RD SUNDAY, YEAR C: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

DISCIPLINE: THE CHRISTIAN WAY OF LIFE

(Luke14:25-33)

Discipline is a word that is taken seriously by only a very few. Discipline is what differentiates the serious person from a careless one. It is the path to life in Christ. Discipline is an attitude of a disciple. Discipline stems from 'disciple' which comes from the Latin root 'discipuli'. A 'discipuli' is a student, a pupil, a follower. In the Palestinian context, he is a student of a particular rabbi or master. John the Baptist had his own disciples. Jesus, when He came, like others who lived before Him gathered people around Him and many too conglomerated around Him by themselves. His teachings, works and way of life attracted people to Him; and behind Him a lot of people trooped.

Thus, in the Gospel of today, He looks to see those following Him and how they are following Him if they really knew the demands of such a decision.

 

WHO IS BEHIND ME?

The Igbo translates a disciple as 'Nwa azu' which literally means one who follows behind a master, who traces the steps of a teacher, a dedicated imitator, an apprentice, one who tries to learn from a master. He is so careful that he wishes not to miss any step. The good disciple is so disciplined that he reads every movement of the master and will not like to displease him. Thus, he keeps following with all in him.

As a caring master Jesus looks back. He wanted to know who and who is following and why. To His greatest dismay it was a large crowd.

He asks within Himself: why are all these coming behind me? Jesus wants to know those behind Him answering Christians and why they are following Him.

What are you doing behind Jesus? Jesus puts this question to you today: why are you following me? Following Jesus means keeping Him in front and making Him all that matters. As He leads the way, He wants to know who is really following.

 

Some people come to Jesus for protection, for vengeance, for fruit of the womb, to be fed, for healing etc. Are these the main reasons we should be following Jesus? After getting these what next? How long does your Christian discipline endure?

Since after your Baptism how far? Since after your marriage, how well are you living the marital life? Since after your ordination how priestly are you? Since after your profession, how serious have you been with those vows? Since you entered that public office what sacrifices are you making?  These are the things Jesus looks back to see. Are you living based on Christian disciplines and values? Are you a seasoned Christian indeed in that space you occupy?

Jesus looks back to see if really those behind Him are following like a crowd or as convinced disciplined individuals? Have you developed a special attitude in your relationship with God that marks you out positively before God as a special heavenly candidate?

 

HOW WE OUGHT TO FOLLOW

Admission into the Jesus' school of discipline is open with a price. Jesus says that it must not be with unwillingness to sacrifice one's love for any other thing that he has placed above Him: friends, family, relations, wealth, possession, ego, money, etc.

Self-control is a good synonym of discipline, not just self-control but Jesus-controlled life. Discipline demands keeping away the apparent sweet things to get hold of everlasting joy in the Lord. Discipline calls for the ability to stay focused on the goal of fulfilling the master's will.  Discipline means saying yes to the master's will and no to the agents of distraction enticing us with those easy-going, sweet solutions we desire. But sometimes, the hard way is the best way.

 

DISCIPLINE VS EASY LIFE

Discipline reminds you that nothing good comes easy, that following Jesus is walking along the heavenly way, it is not an easy road for we are travelling to heaven...

Discipline reminds you that marriage is not a bed of roses, that even roses have thorns. The couple should be mature to handle marital problems when they come and with self-control avoid some issues from arising at all.

It reminds you that the Christian life is not always about 'it shall be well with you' but also of the cross.

It warns the politician that uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. To whom much is given, much is expected.

Discipline helps the student to study and not play away.

Discipline challenges the businessman not to be wasteful with time and resources.

Discipline encourages you to know that when the going gets tough, the tough must get going.

Discipline taught by Christ today helps you to sit and ponder; the way forward, to live an examined life, to ask oneself essential disciplinary questions with regard to walking according to Divine will.

Discipline empowers you to wage a war against indiscipline and conquer the enemies of our salvation be it the self, the world or the devil.

Child of God, may you be wise enough to follow Jesus with discipline today so that when our Lord looks back, He will find you following Him with the right disposition, not around the moneybags, not partying with those who have sold their consciences, not in the company of those who have no respect for values.

May we rather be found following with love and in obedience with the commandments of God. May our following attract the blessings, favours and mercies of the Lord to follow us all the days of our lives

May God bless His word in our hearts.

LET US PRAY

Almighty Everliving God, we thank You for calling us to follow you. Dear Lord, in following You there are many obstacles distracting us. Keep our hearts fixed on You. Give us the sufficient grace we need to be where You want us to be. May we not worship from afar but be drawn nearer to You even through the crosses on this way. Grant our prayers and bless us through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Happy Sunday to you (23rd Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr. C)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 22nd Sunday, Year C: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Humility: The Pathway to Divine Favours

Readings: Sirach 3:17-20,28-29; Heb. 12:18-19,22-24a; Lk 14:1,7-14

Dear friends in Christ, in the gospel of last week Sunday, Jesus cautioned his fellow Jews, as well as all of us, that one of the factors that could exclude them from the kingdom of God on the final day is their neglect to heed God’s call to genuinely live like Abraham’s descendants. In this Sunday’s gospel, He presented another reason that would deny them God’s grace and access to heaven as well. He stated that it is their lack of humility caused by the sin of pride.

The importance of humility and the admonitions against its vice – pride – were addressed in the three readings of this Sunday.

In the first reading, the author of the book of Sirach tells us about the importance of performing every action with humility and perceiving every high position as a call to be humble. He stated that the advantage of this approach is that we will gain favour with God. This implies that one of the simplest ways to lose God's favour is by performing good deeds with pride, perhaps with the intention of receiving accolades from others. We must recall that Jesus cautioned in Matthew 6:2 that anyone who gives alms to gain recognition from people has already received their reward and, consequently, will obtain nothing from God.

Another straightforward way to fall out of God's favour, as seen in this reading, is by viewing our elevated positions and wealth as a chance to look down upon others. Humility is founded on the psychological understanding that everything one possesses is a gift from God. Therefore, no individual should raise himself above others due to wealth or status. Instead, these should be utilized in humble service to others.

Pride leads individuals to misuse the gifts bestowed upon us by God, preventing such gifts from being utilized as God intended. God has given us various talents and abilities so that we may employ them in service to Him and to others. However, pride causes those who possess these gifts to desire that others plead with them before they will offer their talents for the benefit of the community. When God's gifts are used in this way, it becomes a glorification of one's own ego rather than a genuine service to others. Furthermore, pride sets people against God, as it compels people to claim the glory and praise that rightfully belong to God, neglecting the truth that all glory and praise are due to Him.

This first reading went on to emphasize that God reveals His mysteries solely to the humble, while the proud remain afflicted without healing. Indeed, the affliction of the proud lacks healing because pride leads individuals to perceive themselves as superior to all others, disregarding the counsel and suggestions of those around them. By viewing their perspectives as more valid than those of others, the proud often find it challenging to embrace the wisdom, mystery, and guidance of God, which always come when we listen to another voice other than ours. Consequently, when the proud err, they persist in their errors.

The second reading continues to explore the theme of humility, reminding us that we have all been redeemed by Christ and granted the grace to stand before God, where each individual is regarded as a firstborn child, a first-class citizen. One of the detrimental effects of pride is that it compels individuals to regard others as second-class citizens, treating them with disdain. If we are all equal in the presence of God, it follows that anyone who treats others as inferior has violated God's law and may face severe judgement from Him.

In today’s gospel, Jesus encourages us to practice humility in both our personal and social lives. We ought to practice humility in our personal lives by consistently sharing our meals and time with the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, the ignored, and the dishonoured members of society, rather than solely with those we perceive to be of similar status with us. We must reject any lifestyle or mindset that leads us to believe or feel that the less fortunate individuals in our society should be kept at a distance. A humble heart does not look down upon the poor; instead, it recognizes them as fellow firstborn children of God and generously invites them to partake in His abundance. Furthermore, Jesus calls us to demonstrate humility in our social lives by refraining from thinking of ourselves as those who should occupy places of honour in society; we should rather allow others to acknowledge and honour us, “for everyone who exalts himself will be humiliated, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

According to St Augustine, pride turned angels into devils, whereas humility turns men into angels. Dear friends, the rewards we will receive from God when we humble ourselves before Him and our fellow humans far surpass any benefits we might gain from living a life steeped in pride. Pride is a deadly sin that triggers other sins. This should lead us to question the vision those who identify themselves as the 'Pride' community and the 'Pride Movement' have for our beloved world. May God help us.

Have a blessed Sunday

Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima

 22^ND SUNDAY, YEAR C: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: THE TWO WORRIES OF JESUS IN A BANQUET HALL

(Luke 14:1.7-14)

It is indeed uneasy to grab the fact that in a banquet Jesus entertained some worries. Banquet should be a place where people go to forget their sorrow (tashiri ugba, ñushiri mmii, mesarakwanu ahu). But Jesus was disturbed in twofold by the attitude of His fellow guests and the host.

He uses two parables to warn us against the two vices of pride and selfish relationships. Jesus knows how to translate every opportunity to teaching. He knows how not to waste time in correcting anomalies. He is always observant in any environment He enters. He enters the house of the ruler and took the place reserved for Him.

Now let us look into the two factors that disturbed Jesus when He should be enjoying His meal at the table.

 

FIRST WORRY: (WITH THE GUESTS) TAKING ANOTHER'S PLACE

Round table discussions are allowed at occasions. Exchange of pleasantries are welcomed.  As soon as Jesus entered, discussions started. I tried to understand in my ordinary way what could have led Jesus to start talking about taking a place of honour. I imagined that Jesus at entering the place may have behaved gentle. He may have wanted to take the commonest position. He may have stood at one corner with His disciples. Then the usher must have noticed him standing at one of the places that is not for the honourables and then led Him up to the high tables. It is therefore at this point that the issue which may have led to the parables of today started. I want to think that they asked Him why He must take the place of the lowly. And Jesus in their very midst observed how they took their own positions and explained to them that honour is not what people should give to themselves but what should be merited.

The honour you enjoy, is it given to you or are you arrogating it to yourself?  Pride goes before a fall. He who exalts Himself is humbled. But he who humbles himself is exalted. The quest to be recognized, to show off, to make claims of what one is not has actually destroyed our world. This ungodly desire makes people not to be comfortable with what and who they are and have. It makes a person to spend more than his income. To live in a mansion when you're meant in reality to live in a place that's more modest. Jesus calls it 'taking another's place'. Pride leads to unhealthy competition. 'Laam ishi alara Jon, i wu jon?' Why do you take another's place.  We know of some students who denied their parents and called them their housemaid to maintain the high position they placed themselves in school. Some used other peoples' houses as theirs when they are from very poor homes.

Your place is reserved for you.

He is the chairman today, you may be tomorrow. Why are you not happy being where you're called to be today? When the high place is envied, definitely the one who gets there must look down on others therefrom. It will indeed be a thing of shame when you consider how the mighty will fall if pride takes the lead. Nebuchadnezzar is a good example. A lot of self-acclaimed lords in our own days have fallen and yet keep making noise. The proud man's disease is indeed incurable. The best cure to this disease is prescribed by Jesus today: Go down, take the least place, do not seek recognition, be normal and do the normal. Humble yourself the Lord will take you up. To be human is to be drawn from the humus, which is soil and this is humility. When the hand of God touches you that place you will certainly go high. That is God's will for us; to go high in goodness. But Lucifer who has been made to fall wants to pull each and everyone of us down. May you be taken up from below and never be thrown down from above.

 

THE SECOND WORRY OF JESUS (WITH THE HOST): UNNECESSARY CONNECTION

Jesus looked around and saw His fellow guests. They were people well placed in the society. Today in Nigeria we can see them as the senators, the governors, the party chairpersons, the business tycoons, the CEOs of big companies, the religious leaders etc. It was a "colourful" audience. But the colours were incomplete. The beauty was not there. Some and in fact the most important group of people who actually needed a banquet were not present. Why? they were not invited.  Who and who is welcomed around you? Who do you give your invitation cards to? Who do you call to sponsor your wedding? An exemplary poor man or a scandalous rich man? Who do you call to be Godfather or Godmother to your children at baptism? On what grounds? Financial stability or moral probity? All these worried Jesus so much.

It disturbs Christ that the developed countries of the world cannot assist the third world countries without stealing their resources from them. It worries Him how the rich related only with the rich. It annoys Him that the Governor's daughter can only be married by a Governor's son or a Governor to be. It pains Him that true love can never be shown by the mighty to the lowly. It pains Him that the poor masses are only given gifts with hooks. Yes, they are only remembered when it is time for election. Only remembered when it is time to use them as thugs, remembered when they are needed for dangerous business. It pains Him that the rich man can't send his children to study in the public schools with the poor children. It pains Jesus that the only door through which the poor can enter and interact with their rich counterparts is blocked with soldiers.

Jesus is not happy that the poor are even taking stones ready to be violent at their rich exploiters in the high places yet they remain insensitive. Jesus is seriously worried that the wealth of a nation is being enjoyed by a part of the country leaving others who should benefit more impoverished. Let these barriers be destroyed. May we not invite only those who invite us. Let us in humility take our places in service to God and humanity and be generous in distributing our God-given favours. May God reward us abundantly on the resurrection morn for our humility and generosity.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

 

LET US PRAY

Oh Lord, we thank You for this word of life. We thank You for making our world a place of happiness for all. We are sorry for making you feel sad by our greed and wickedness.  Help us to live our lives in a way that will make You happy with us. May Your teaching today sink into our hearts through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Happy Sunday to you

(22nd Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr. C)

Rev. Fr Julian O Ekeh

 21^ST SUNDAY, YEAR C: HOMILY BY FR. JUSTIN ADIELE

THEME: “THE PATH LESS TRAVELLED IN OUR LIFE”

INTRODUCTION

The readings today tried to remind us of the roads/paths less travelled in our life. The “narrow paths” that we intentionally try to avoid as we journey through our faith-life; we try to avoid these paths because we misjudge them to bring some kind of discomfort to us and not convenient for our joy. But indeed, it is these less convenient narrow paths that are less travelled, like the stone which the builders rejected, that turns out to be the cornerstone of our development, happiness and salvation.

 

THE FIRST READING (IS. 66: 18 – 21)

One path less travelled mentioned in the first reading is the path of proclaiming the glory of God to the nations. It is a path less travelled by many because many would prefer to remain in their comfort zones. Such was the case of Israel of old that God would sometimes permit wars to displace them from their comfort zones, sending them as fugitives to the nations and distant coastlands who have never heard of the fame and glory of God; these fugitives would then bring the Goodnews to the nations where they are scattered. The Psalmist today invited us to go out to the world and tell the Good News. But it is a path that is less travelled. Let us remember that God the Son (Jesus) had to leave the comfort of heaven and his Godship, emptied himself, to become man to make the glory of the Father known to the world.

 

THE SECOND READING (HEB. 12: 5 – 7, 11 – 13)

Another path that seems to be less travelled mentioned in the second reading is the path of discipline/training. Many children, for example, would not like to be disciplined by their parents for any reason. But the Bible tells us today that whom the Lord loves, he disciplines and scourges. Discipline entails that you must not have it your own way all the time, but God’s way or your “superior’s way”. At first instance, God’s discipline/ways may seem to cause us pain rather than joy, yet later it brings peace and righteous fruits to those trained in it. We may not enjoy the path of discipline now but later it builds us into great men and women. This narrow path of discipline demands obedience, humility and respect to God, constituted Church/state authorities, to our parents. It also demands repentance from our indiscipline and disobedience against God’s commands.

 

THE GOSPEL READING (LK. 13: 22 – 30)

In the gospel, against being forced into going into the world to proclaim the Good News, Jesus freely went through towns and villages teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. He was never forced out of his father’s house or his comfort zone.

 

CONCLUSION

We are invited today to strive to enter through the narrow gate; to embrace those narrow paths less travelled in our life: the path of bringing the Goodnews to the nations, the path of leaving our comfort zones, the path of discipline, obedience and humility. Our less travelled paths could also be the path of prayer, the path of service to others, the path of charity, the path of forgiveness. Walk through these paths more often, and God will never deny us nor cast us out of His kingdom on the last day.

Happy Sunday!

Fr. Justin