14^th Sunday, Year A: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Theme: Learn from me (Mt 11:29): Making Christ Our Role Model

Readings: Zec 9:9–10; Rom 8:9.11–13; Mt 11:25–30

Dear friends in Christ, every social space in our world is full of people who implicitly or explicitly offer themselves as models to be followed. These individuals represent different lifestyles, many of which contradict the moral values of society and the teachings of the Church. Today, Jesus invites us to make him our role model and to learn from his own way of life. Let us reflect on what the readings of this Sunday teach us in this regard.

The message of the first reading lies in the reason the prophet Zechariah asked Israel to rejoice. The section we read today was likely written when Israel was under Greek rule during the reign of Alexander the Great, who conquered the known world at a very young age. Zechariah had before his eyes the arrogant lifestyle of this powerful king, who oppressed Israel, as well as the lifestyles of other rulers of the Ancient Near East. Suddenly, God opened his eyes to a future king who would rule Israel and the world—a king whose qualities and lifestyle would sharply contrast those of the rulers of Zechariah’s time.

According to Zechariah’s vision, this future king would be gentle and humble. He would speak of peace instead of war; he would not be proud but humble; he would ride on a donkey instead of a horse; he would love instead of hate; he would give justice instead of injustice; he would be merciful instead of vengeful. These beautiful qualities of the king God promised made Zechariah exclaim with joy, inviting his people to rejoice and be glad.

Zechariah’s prophecy of a gentle and humble king was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. In today’s Gospel, Jesus, our King, describes himself as humble and gentle—qualities that the kings of the Ancient Near East would have considered signs of weakness. As a humble and gentle king, Jesus rode on a donkey instead of a horse (Mt 21:7). He proclaimed peace instead of war (Mt 5), restraint instead of retaliation (Mt 5:38–39), and love of enemies instead of killing them (Mt 5:44).

To all of us who have seen Christ’s qualities and his style of kingship, he extends an invitation in today’s Gospel, saying, “learn from me”. He wants us to imitate him, to copy his way of life, to make him our role model. Jesus wants us to choose his lifestyle rather than the lifestyles of the arrogant rulers of our world or the celebrities who promote moral values contrary to the Gospel.

What does it mean to learn from Christ? What does making Christ our role model entail? Learning from Christ demands that we do not stubbornly cling to the things worldly wisdom has taught us. Instead, we must be childlike so that our lives become malleable to the direction of the Spirit of God. St Paul reiterates this in the second reading.

Learning from Christ means that before taking any action, we ask ourselves what Christ would have done in the same circumstance. If the way I want to act is not the way Christ would have acted, then I should refrain from such action. Learning from Christ means telling myself that if the way I want to speak to my wife, husband, children, friends, or colleagues is not the way Christ would have spoken to them, then I should not speak that way. Learning from Christ means telling myself that if what I want to say contradicts what Christ has taught, I should keep quiet. It means telling myself that if the way I want to treat another person is not the way Christ would have treated them, then I should refrain from treating them that way.

This approach should be reflected in everything we do: the way we walk and work, the way we help people, the way we dress, and the way we love. Christ is telling us that in matters of faith and morals, we must make him our model.

The challenge before us today is to search our hearts and sincerely tell ourselves the truth about the people we have made the models of our lives—the people we allow to influence our choices, the footsteps we are following, and the teachings upon which we have built our lives. It is shameful for a Christian to choose as a role model someone whose life contradicts the teachings of Christ and the moral values promoted by the Church. It is equally contradictory for a Christian to build his life upon teachings that run against the demands of Christ. Who, then, is that celebrity, politician, or businessman you have made your role model? Who is that person informing your choices and decisions? Does his or her lifestyle radiate the spirit of Christ or the spirit of the evil one?

In the second reading, St Paul reminds us who we are as Christians. He tells us that we are no longer in the flesh but in the Spirit. If indeed the Spirit of God dwells in us, it would be wrong—indeed self‑destructive—to make those who live according to the flesh our role models. St Paul invites us to shun learning how to live, choose, and act from those who follow the desires of the flesh, because living according to the flesh leads to death. All role models who entice us with worldly desires or lure us into carnal living are certainly leading us down the path of death.

Let us pray in today’s Mass for the grace to choose Christ—and those who live according to his teachings—as our models in everything.

Peace be with you.

Rev. Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima

 14^th Sunday, Year A: Reflection by Fr Julian Ekeh

Theme: Come to me...Learn from me

(Matthew11:25-30)

Jesus in today's Gospel reading sends out invitation and a scholarship. He starts by thanking God for those to whom these benefits are directed; the little ones.

In a world where a lot of enticing things are inviting us, Jesus sends His own special invitation. In a world where a lot of forces are trying to lure people out of their vocations, professions, marriages and destinies Jesus calls us to come to Him.

To be able to go to Jesus, there are things we must drop, there are things we must take up and there are virtues we must acquire. Let us know some of them

 

Openness and Childlikeness

Jesus thanks God for revealing to mere children. Jesus wants us to come with our empty jars to feel them with divine illumination. He invites us to come with readiness to receive, to learn. He wants us to come with the proper disposition. The child asks a lot of questions.  He wants us to ask Him all the questions of our life, to really inquire from Him before embarking on any thing, to seek His face, to do it as He does. May everything that has closed the doors and windows of divine knowledge from us give way, that we may be docile.

 

Drop all your wisdom

If you need it from God, then you must drop yours. Forget about your wisdom, glory not in your understanding. Surrender all at the foot of Jesus. Jesus was so happy that these revelations were hidden from the wise. Go through the things you call wisdom, check out all those who take themselves to be knowledgeable. Every knowledge without Christ doesn't go down well.

Can you call to mind your days of innocence? I mean before so-called eye openers called you naive and exposed you to the 'evil wisdom', 'the Eve knowledge' that is making you lose your friendship and peace with God? Jesus calls upon you to drop such wisdom of the world and come to Him for wisdom from on high, to get the wisdom that is gift of the Holy Spirit. If you didn't learn it from Christ, drop it!

 

Learn and take Home

Jesus' calling assures a giving. He says: Come to me...and I will give you. He bequeaths. He allows you enter into Him. He gives and opens himself to expose all the virtues He wants us to learn.

 

Learn to rest

Jesus wants us to learn and understand what rest truly means. Our hearts, says St Augustine are restless till they rest in God. Learn to find rest only in doing the will of God. Learn to rest only after giving in your best and not resting when you have works undone. Learn to understand rest as fulfilment. Learn to feel at rest only when you have saved the life entrusted to you as a medical doctor, to teach the students in your care, to lead the people to a true place of rest.

 

Rest from burdens

Jesus draws us to Himself to learn how to rest from burdens.

There are different types of burden: Self-imposed burdens- They are the burdens we gave ourselves through our careless behaviors, sins of commission and omission. A good example is when a man decides not to take care of his home and raise his children in the fear of God and they turn out to be a headache to him.

There are burdens imposed by others. Jesus invites those who are in this situation to come to Him equally. They are suffering because of what they do not know. Here we see those who are under oppressions of all kinds; bad government, bad husbands, bad wives, bad children etc. Nothing is impossible with God. Going to Jesus, you will learn the best ways out of all these. Jesus will give you rest. Wipe your tears, ebezina, bebiri, hara. Feel the consoling hand of Jesus, learn to lean on His shoulders. Hear Him say to you: It is well, ihe i na amaghi agaghi ama gi, Am with you.

The world and the society has got some burdens. The economy, the injustices, the bad government, the wars, the killings, the indifferent attitude to things that matter. Jesus says: I have conquered the world.

 

Learn gentility and lowlines

Part of the course Jesus offers is gentleness and lowliness. Let us learn to be like Jesus our master, treat people we meet with kindness and love. Let us learn not to inflict harm on others, let us work with Jesus in taking away burdens from the shoulders of people, wipe tears from faces and mend hearts rather than break them. Let's humble ourselves that after our labours here on earth, after our daily goings to Jesus Christ we may forever find rest when we hear the final calling: Come you blessed of my father and inherit the kingdom. May God bless his word in our hearts through Christ our Lord. Amen

Happy Sunday (14th Week, Ordinary Time, Yr A)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 13^th Sunday, Year A: Homily by Fr. Isaac Chima

Theme: Generosity and Hospitality: Keys to Blessings

Readings: 2 Kgs 4:8–11, 14–16a; Rom 6:3–4, 8–11; Mt 10:37–42

Dear friends in Christ, on this Thirteenth Sunday of the Year, the Church reminds us that through acts of kindness, generosity, and hospitality, we can attract God’s blessings upon our lives and families. She teaches us that abundant blessings are reserved for concrete acts of charity shown to those in need.

The first reading tells us that the woman of Shunem and her husband were childless. They may have prayed unceasingly for the gift of a child; they may have offered countless sacrifices in the temple; they may have fasted for many years, begging for God’s mercy. Yet it seemed as though God was saying to them: “I have heard your prayers, but there is still one thing left to do.” That “one more thing” was sensitivity to the needs of others—expressed through kindness, generosity, and hospitality.

When the woman saw Elisha, she recognized a man in need and made herself available to help. She invited him to eat and later prepared a room for him so he could rest whenever he passed by. Let us say she saw an opportunity to help and did not turn away; she did not allow that moment of grace to slip through her hands. In response to her kindness, Elisha promised her a child, and God fulfilled that promise. She never imagined that her small acts of charity toward a stranger would become the turning point of her life.

What does this story teach us?

It teaches us never to turn away from those in need. The needy are everywhere—on our streets, in our neighbourhoods, even in our homes. Every day brings us face to face with them, and each time we turn away from helping them, we lose an opportunity for God’s blessing. The woman of Shunem would have remained childless had she ignored that opportunity to help. Another lesson is that those who receive kindness should also respond with kindness, just as Elisha did.

Dear friends, acts of kindness can unlock the blessings for which we have prayed and fasted for many years. A small act of charity can transform your life. Prayer for blessings, healing, success, and breakthrough is good, but today’s reading teaches us to accompany our prayers with generosity, for such acts amplify our chances of receiving what we seek. It may be the little money you give to pay the school fees of an orphan in your village; the small help you offer a neighbour or a beggar who disturbs you; the provisions you buy for an elderly person; the ride you offer someone to the hospital after a long day; or a word of encouragement to someone depressed. Whatever form it takes, do not turn away.

The Old Testament is full of examples where generosity unlocked blessings:

• In Genesis 18:1–15, Abraham and Sarah’s hospitality brought them the blessing of a child.
• In Genesis 19, kindness to strangers saved Lot and his family.
• In Joshua 2:1–21, Rahab’s kindness saved her household.
• In 1 Kings 17:7–16, generosity toward Elijah saved the widow of Zarephath and her son.
• In Tobit 11, acts of kindness brought healing to Tobit and protection to Tobias.

To be truly kind, we must pay attention to certain attitudes within us.

First, we must overcome insensitivity and indifference. Many times, we look away from those in need, telling ourselves that their suffering is not our responsibility. Sometimes we even see the needy as a disturbance. But indifference deprives us of the right disposition to receive God’s blessings. Let us learn from the woman of Shunem and from Elisha to be sensitive to the needs of others.

Second, we must overcome selfishness. Self-centeredness makes us focus only on our own needs and blinds us to the needs of others. When we are selfish, opportunities to help appear as threats to our interests. Yet today’s reading teaches that helping others is never a threat—it is a pathway to our heart’s desires.

Third, we must not allow our difficult experiences to make us hostile to those who seek our help. Economic hardship and social crises can make people angry, depressed, and easily irritated. But the first reading teaches us not to let our struggles turn us against the needy. The woman of Shunem, though childless and possibly distressed, did not allow her pain to harden her heart. This is a lesson for anyone going through difficult times: do not let your challenges destroy your generous spirit.

Fourth, we must overcome fear and suspicion. Many people say, “Times are bad; no one can be trusted.” But the people of the Old Testament also lived in dangerous times—yet they still welcomed strangers. Every generation has its challenges. Therefore, let us not be afraid to help the needy; let us rather see the image of God in them. Hebrews 13:2 reminds us that by welcoming strangers, some have entertained angels without knowing it.

In the Gospel, Jesus teaches that whoever receives the “little ones” receives Him, and whoever receives Him receives the Father who sent Him. Therefore, rejecting those in need is rejecting Jesus and the Father. But to all who show kindness to the needy, to priests, and to missionaries, Jesus promises a reward.

To you who care for those who preach the Gospel and for the poor, you will never go unrewarded.

Peace be with you. Have a blessed Sunday.

Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima

 13^th Sunday, Year A: Reflection by Fr Julian Ekeh

Theme: Genuine Giving and Genuine Receiving

(Matthew 10:37-42)

What do I stand to gain? How much are we talking about here? What will you give me after? When am I expecting the alert? These are the type of questions we often hear these days. In all, it is about getting and getting. But the gospel of today says if you give...you will.

A young boy in those days when we were growing up in the village returned home from the city where gain and money was everything. He wouldn't understand why we can simply carry a bicycle to go on an errand for an old woman just for free, go and harvest 'ololo' for the woman and give her without pay all in the name that she had no one to help her at home. For boy, she had the money. One day, the woman begged him to help her sweep out their obiri. He asked her: " how much". To her greatest surprise, she sent him out of her compound and called other kids who helped her. When she returned from Ekeukwu market, she distributed a lot of goodies to the good children, blessing them and singing their praises, telling everyone how good they are and at the same time warning them not to behave like the 'city boy'.

In today's gospel, Jesus teaches us the secret of losing to gain and of giving to receive. That secret is actually spending on the other or giving to the other or working not for gain. When you do it wholeheartedly the gains will all be yours. The wealthy woman of Shunem in the second book of kings was hospitable to Elisha without any expectations. It came from the heart. You know how the story ended. She kept thinking of giving why Elisha was also bothered about giving. Always think of what to give and not what to receive, no matter your situation you've got something to give.

Back to the Gospel Jesus points out what should motivate our giving and receiving. Before we look into it, let us ponder a while on these: what do you usually pray to receive? Material things? what type of people do you enjoy associating yourself with? The already made persons? Those without problems? Those who tolerate everything from you?

 

Those we should receive and mode of receiving:

 

A prophet

Jesus says if you receive a prophet because he is a prophet you shall receive a prophet's reward. The ministers of God and the self-acclaimed prophets may be jumping and clapping at this. It is not just what you think. What does it mean to receive a prophet because he is a prophet? This is the question.

A prophet is a bearer of truth. He tells you truth about your life. That truth that you will not like to hear, he gives it to you in an unadulterated manner. He takes you away from your pleasurable negativities. He hurts you momentarily to save you eternally. Jesus tells you to receive him. He may be ordained or not, receive him. By the way by virtue of baptism every Christian is a prophet. Jesus is in fact telling us to receive all who come to us with truth and sincerity.

Jesus wants them to be received with true hospitality (Openness), your time(attention), treasure (support), your talent (adherence).

 

Receive the righteous

The type of people you open your home for, determines to a great extent the type of blessings that flow into your home or out of it. Jesus encourages us to receive people for righteousness sake.

We should receive those who do good with no hook attached. Not those who give you job to take your wife, not those who come in to snatch your husband. Not those who come to shine teeth in the name of rejoicing, not those who come to pour out crocodile tears in the name of weeping with you. Be wise to know when people come with good intention. Receive those who will not take your soul away from God.

 

The Little Ones

Here, Jesus calls us to receive the little ones and give them. Receive their worries, receive their complaints, receive the little offering of their crude talents, give them nets and teach them fishing and not just fish, give them advice, give them hope, encourage them to aspire. Jesus assures that such gestures will not go unrewarded. Seek out those little stars around you, bearing the light of God and goodness, future leaders, enable them to shine. You will not regret it. Learn from Christ who made His disciples great to teach people how to follow the path to genuine greatness.

 

Take home about giving

We must ask ourselves what do we give and not what we take away from others.

We should desist from giving like Nigerian political godfathers who give to get. They put someone in power and want to dictate for them, they syphon the public fund through those they put in power by making them pay through their noses.

Having known how God wants us to give, let us also beware of what God wants us to give. Your state and position in life determines what God wants you to give. As a president or governor what should you give? Selective scholarship awards? Oh no! Give what ought to be given for the good of all.

As a priest what should I give? I should give my total pastoral attention to the flock of God entrusted to me, feed and nourish them with the word of God, the sacraments and my life.

As a parent what should you give? Love and care, holistic upbringing to your children in the fear of God. The medical doctor, the teacher, the engineer, businessman, the shoemaker, just name your profession. That place is where God wants you to give out from.

You can't give what you don't have.

Giving is sharing part of oneself.

Give it and feel the pain.

Give in the name of God.

Give sincerely and not for gain.

Gains from above will in your life rain.

Receive also with thanks and gratitude

Make gratitude your daily attitude.

 

May God reward you for all your acts of kindness and surround you with sincere and genuine people who will help you to achieve the purpose of your being and receive the blessings in stall for you through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Happy Sunday (13th Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr A)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 12^th Sunday, Year A: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Theme: Do not be afraid: evil will be conquered in time and in eternity

Readings: Jer 20:10–13; Rom 5:12–15; Mt 10:26–33

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we live in a world where some people now consider going to Mass an activity for those who are not busy; a world where belief in God is seen by many as unreasonable or unattractive; a world where being a Christian is considered foolishness, and living according to the teachings of Christ is judged as unwise. We live in a world where many people reject any preaching that calls them to abandon sinful living, a world where many are ready to calumniate, insult, threaten, persecute, and even kill those who preach the Good News of Christ. Every day we hear of priests and religious being murdered by those who feel threatened by the Gospel.

In the face of these harsh realities, Jesus speaks to us—we who have been given the mission to preach the Good News with our words and actions—in today’s Gospel, and He tells us, “Do not be afraid.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus urges His disciples to proclaim openly everything they have heard from Him, even the teachings He shared with them in private. As we reflect on how to carry out this mission, there is an essential step we must take: we must first listen to Christ before we can speak about Him. No one can give what he does not have. To hear Christ, a disciple must spend quiet time with Him—listening to Him in prayer and reading His words in Scripture.

Let us not allow the busyness of life to deprive us of moments of intimate conversation with God. It is in those beautiful moments of silent prayer that Jesus communicates what we are to share with others.

Dear friends in Christ, Jesus did not hide the truth that those He sends to preach the message of life and light will be confronted, despised, accused, and pressured to submit to the will of the evil one. He told His disciples to expect violent reactions, rejection, and persecution from those who hear the Gospel of light.

It is a sad reality that many people love the works of darkness. They feed on evil and prefer darkness because it hides their wicked deeds. For this reason, anyone who carries the light of Christ becomes a threat to their way of life. They do not respond with gratitude but with intimidation, calumny, threats, and terror. Evil men do not smile at those who expose their sins; rather, they always try to silence institutions that call them to justice and righteousness.

We see this in many countries where laws are enacted to cage the Gospel—laws that forbid Christians from preaching outside church buildings, laws that force Christians to accept lifestyles contrary to their faith.

In the first reading, we saw evil men trying to silence a prophet who preached God’s word to them. Jeremiah lived at a time when powerful leaders in Israel wanted religion confined to the sanctuary so that their wickedness would not be exposed. He preached in a society filled with injustice, greed, murder, and social corruption. Like in our own time, many at Jeremiah’s time did not want to hear any call to repentance. These evil men responded with threats to Jeremiah’s life.

As preachers and bearers of the Good News, many of us assume that physical harm will never come our way. But Jeremiah’s story teaches us the truth. He was badly treated and left to die, yet he never abandoned his mission and God never abandoned him.

The Church invites us today to imitate Jeremiah’s courageous missionary spirit: to refuse to renounce our faith because of trials or persecution. We must not abandon our faith when evil confronts us for doing what is right or for speaking in the name of Jesus.

So, dear friends, when people mock you for your faith in Christ, do not be ashamed. When they laugh at you for going to Mass every Sunday, do not be ashamed. When they ridicule you for giving your time and resources to the Church, do not feel bad. When they criticize you for living according to the teachings of Christ, do not be ashamed. When they treat you badly for refusing to join them in sin, do not be afraid. When they threaten you for calling them to repentance, do not be afraid, because evil will be conquered by good both in time and in eternity.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus gives us several reasons why we must not be afraid of those who persecute us for doing good. First, He tells us not to fear because whatever is hidden will be revealed (Mt 10:26). All lies told against the righteous will eventually be exposed, and posterity will honour those who acted justly. The judgement of eternity will correct the injustices of time.

Secondly, Jesus says we should not fear those who can kill only the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, we should fear the One who can destroy both body and soul (Mt 10:28). This means that the death with which people threaten us is not the greatest evil. The true tragedy is the death of the soul—a perpetual separation from God—which awaits those who kill the innocent and those who renounce their faith out of fear. Jesus therefore warns that whoever refuses to acknowledge Him before others will not be acknowledged before His Father on the last day (Mt 10:33).

Thirdly, Jesus tells us not to be afraid because God values us and cares for us (Mt 10:29–30). If God watches over sparrows—birds of almost no market value—how much more will He care for human beings made in His image and likeness. This is our blessed assurance. If we suffer, it does not mean God has abandoned us; if we die, it does not mean God hates us. Suffering and death are part of the path that leads to the home God has prepared for us, where suffering and death no longer exist.

The second reading reinforces this message. After the fall of Adam, it seemed as though evil had conquered the world. But St Paul tells us that the reign of evil did not last because grace triumphed in Christ. In the same way, the evil that threatens us today will not last forever. The evil that rises against us will eventually fall. We need only trust completely in the power of that Man—Christ—who conquered the primordial evil. Hope in Him does not disappoint (Rom 5:5).

Fr Isaac Chinemerem Chima

 12^TH SUNDAY, YEAR A: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: FEAR OF GOD VS FEAR OF MEN

(Matthew 10:26-33)

Fear is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The fear that is called Holy Fear is the fear we mean here. It is the fear of God for his infinite goodness. It is a reverential fear. It is the fear of losing the love of a beloved and not the fear of punishment. It is the fear of breaking the heart of a loved one. It is the fear of losing the trust of a lover. It is According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the gifts that help to make us docile in readily obeying divine inspirations (CCC1831)

Indeed, the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Sirach 1:12) and He is happy who delights in the commands of God (psalm 112).

The background above will help us to understand why Jesus warns us against Fear of men. In his words, he said: " Have no fear of men" Going further he tells the disciples why they should not fear. Human power is limited. Humans target the body, they lure with material things. They can put an end to the body, but the spirit in you cannot die. The good in you can't die. The truth you carry cannot be silenced. The light in you cannot be put off except with your permission. The zeal in you can never be quenched. Do not be afraid to bear witness for God.

The fear of God helps you to stand on God's side always. The fear of God makes you revere God as your Father and try your hardest in love to keep His statutes. It helps you to avoid committing sin, to rather lose your life than lose God, to see no meaning in living a life that is not Christ-based. Fear of God makes us run back to God immediately we sin and say sorry. It helps us not to take God and the grace He offers us for granted.

There is something you should never be afraid of. Never be afraid of starting the mission of witnessing in your life. Never be afraid of people who try to make you lose your self-worth. You've got a spiritual identity that is so great, that should give you confidence. Fear not! You will not fall. Your Father in heaven knows your worth. Witness to God in your life. Tell yourself the truth about who you are: a product of divine will. The will of the evil one will not take place in your life.

 

ACKNOWLEDGING GOD BEFORE MEN

A lot of circumstances around us challenge us to preserve ourselves, making us unable to preach in season and out of season. Jesus maintains that we should acknowledge Him before men even when we are at risk of losing fame, good name, wealth, popularity etc. Do it for God and think of what God has to gain and not what you have to lose. The glory of the Lord and everlasting life should inspire everyone of our actions.

Thus, we are called upon to be voice of the voiceless, be able to say no to oppression, marginalization, harassments etc.

Look around you, there's a situation calling for your attention. Remove fear of man and activate fear of God in you. That person who has no one to defend needs your assistance.  Remove human respect. Help him. That's a form of witnessing.

Just check well where you work, you must see an urgent reason to stand up for the truth. When you have fear for God, you will be a doer of God's will and even under persecutions and trials, the Lord will save and deliver you. May God bless you for your determination to draw your inspiration from Him and may your persecutors be frustrated by the light from above through Christ our Lord. Amen

 

Happy Sunday (12th Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr A)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 11^TH SUNDAY, YEAR A: REFLECTION BY FR JULIAN EKEH

THEME: THE LABOURERS ARE FEW

(Matthew 9:36-10:8)

We are invited by Jesus today to see the world from the divine perspective, to visualise reality the way God views it, to feel what God feels about His creatures, especially the human person.

 

HOW GOD LOOKS AND WHAT HE SEES IN US

God looks at us with love. God looks at us with compassion. He feels what we are passing through at each point in time. He looks to see what He saw in the garden of Eden: "And it was very good." He wants to see a beautiful world, He wants to see a peaceful people, he wants to see a happy human family, he wants to see a well-ordered society, He wants to see an organised system of leadership, He wants to see politicians driven by love, poised to serve, passionate to make the society a better place in obedience to the divine law.

But unfortunately, he does not see what gives Him joy. He feels heartbroken. He sees man's inhumanity to man. He sees misappropriation of values. He sees humanity in their numbers harassed and helpless, scattered like sheep without a shepherd. He cannot do for us what we should do for ourselves.  He will not do for us what He has given us the power to do by ourselves. He doesn't want us to appear irresponsible in the things He has committed under our care as our responsibilities. So he invites us again and again.

 

BE THE LABOURER

In a world filled with a lot to do, Jesus saw just a few labourers. He saw a few politicians ready to stand on justice, truth, and equity. He saw a few honest leaders driven by the tears of the people, inspired by the desire to bring positive change into the world. He saw a few incorrupt leaders. He saw even that the good ones were not given the opportunity to labour for the good of the people.  He sees those who are there for selfish reasons and, ungodly, wicked ambitions.

He invites us to pray the Lord of the harvest to send more labourers into his harvest. Yes, they need to take their rightful place.  The God-ordained leaders should take up their roles. If not, our society will not be good. We shouldn't keep calm until this happens.  Let's get rid of the corruption that is almost succeeding in making evil a norm in our world today. The true labourers are men with moral probity. We need them not only in politics but also in our religious and cultural institutions, economics, medical, academic, and indeed all spheres of life.

Let the pastors of souls be real labourers in the vineyard of the Lord and not men who are compromiseable by money or other factors.  Let them be men who call a spade by its name. Let them be men who feel what the people are feeling. Let them be men and women ready to wipe away tears and not to cause them. Let us all be more compassionate like Christ to be able to see how harassed and helpless our people are, how they are harassed by poverty, ignorance, immorality, indiscipline, etc. Let us offer to them what God has deposited in our hands for their nourishment and not harass them all the more. We are all called for this.

 

HE CALLED HIS DISCIPLES

Jesus called from the ordinary people of the time those He used to change the world. They were only twelve in number. Their names were mentioned. Jesus calls you and I today in a very special way. We are the disciples of Jesus today. He calls us by name to bring about the desired change our world needs.

We are many in the world. But you have to start seeing yourself as that one special person the Lord can use to change society, starting from where you are. Are you a father? be the father working hard to give fatherhood its rightful image. Are you a mother? Be that mother that will give motherhood its true definition.  Be an epitome of what a mother should be.

Parents, parents’ figures, elders, influencers, social media content creators, please try to see the world the way God sees it. Help our world that is wandering helter-skelter like a sheep without a shepherd to get it right. Let us not be in the majority selling out evil packages of different sorts to trend and make money. Let us stop leading the world astray all the more. Let us stop corrupting innocent minds. Let us labour to build a decent world after the mind and plan of God.

In all we do, let us not forget about the kingdom we are called to be part of. As we labour to fashion this world after that ideal kingdom of justice, love, and peace. Let us look forward to being admitted into heaven when our work here is done. Let's stop lazing about. Let's all take up the mandate of Christ today to: heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse leppers, and cast out demons. Let's use all that the Lord has blessed us with to give our world our best and nothing but the best.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

 

LET US PRAY

We affirm with You, Oh Lord, that there are few labourers. We pray for more. Make us good labourers in the world. Help us by Your grace to be compassionate, to heal the world of corruptions and cast away all forms of evil, especially those trying to destroy the family, religion, and politics.  Strengthen us as we work for the coming of Your kingdom through Christ our Lord. Amen

Happy Sunday to you

(11th Sunday, Ordinary Time Yr. A)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh