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

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

Theme: Commissioned to Heal the Broken World

Readings: Ex 19:2–6a; Rom 5:6–11; Mt 9:36—10:8

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today the Church reminds us that God has called each of us by name and has entrusted us with the mission of healing our broken world with the Good News of Christ. Through our baptism, God chose us to be a kingdom of priests so that, through us, the world may come to know Him, be saved from evil, and be healed of every infirmity.

Today’s Gospel reading presents the real condition of the world at the time Jesus encountered it, and it reveals why He chose and commissioned us for this mission. It says: “When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” These words also describe the situation of our world today. We live in a world devastated by social, economic, and political crises—problems that have produced broken families, joblessness, hunger, sickness, mass migration, and countless other painful realities. These difficulties make it hard for many to trust again in God’s providence and love. Because of the weight of these problems, many people feel helpless, weak, and abandoned by both God and man. The different shapes of our struggles are written boldly on our faces and on the faces of our friends.

Yet, dear friends, the Gospel reminds us that the loving and compassionate heart of Jesus still beats for suffering humanity. God still thinks of each of us in our various trials. This passage shows us one of the steps Jesus took to lift humanity out of the dungeon of sin and suffering. To save the lost sheep of Israel—those harassed, helpless, and without a shepherd—Jesus chose twelve men, called them by name, and sent them out to heal every disease and infirmity, to cast out demons, to raise the dead, and to proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Their mission was to begin with their own people. He also invited them to pray continually that good shepherds would never be lacking in God’s vineyard.

In the second reading, St Paul reminds us that Jesus met us while we were still sinners and helpless. He picked us up, washed us clean with His blood, and reconciled us with the Father. Therefore, like the apostles in the Gospel, on the day of our baptism—when Jesus cleansed us from sin with the baptismal waters of rebirth—He chose us, called us by name, and sent us into the world: to our families, our friends, our colleagues, and our communities, to be sources of help for all who suffer from physical or spiritual burdens, and to announce to them the Good News of God’s kingdom.

Dear friends, Jesus has commissioned us to be bearers of good news to those whose lives have been marked by painful experiences, beginning with our own families and friends. He has chosen us to console those battered by social and economic hardship—by hunger, poverty, and unstable relationships. He has commissioned us to restore peace to families and friends living in conflict, to bring healing to hearts wounded by years of violence, and to rekindle love in those who believe love no longer exists. He has sent us to restore hope to those who have lost hope in life and in God, those who think the only solution is to give up entirely. Jesus has commissioned us to be instruments of healing for broken hearts. He sends us to announce His love to friends who have abandoned their faith, to tell them that God still loves them and cares for them. The Lord of the harvest invites us to help make the world a better place and to lift people out of suffering.

In the first reading, God made a similar choice of the people of Israel. He chose them to be His own people and to represent Him among the pagan nations surrounding them. To those nations, Israel was to be a bearer of God’s light. They were to live holy lives and become a kingdom of priests. In the same way, God has chosen us from among our brothers, sisters, and friends—many of whom no longer believe in the Good News—to be bearers of light, hope, and goodness in society. We can accomplish this mission only if we live according to God’s will.

Let us pray in today’s Mass for the grace to live up to this mission entrusted to us by God.

Rev. Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima

 Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), Year A: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

The Eucharist: Food for the Eternal Journey

Readings: Deut. 8:2–3, 14b–16a; 1 Cor. 10:16–17; Jn. 6:51–58

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, each year, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ invites us to contemplate the concrete and tender love of God for humanity. Through Christ and with Christ, God not only came down to dwell among us; He continues to nourish us with His very life in the Eucharist so that we do not grow weary on our journey towards our eternal home in heaven. The Eucharist is the food that gives spiritual strength and eternal life to all who partake of it. It is the source and summit of our Christian life—the very centre of our life as Christians.

As we know, food and nutrients are essential for all living things—plants, animals, and human beings. Without nourishment, life cannot be sustained. In today’s first reading, Moses reminds the people of Israel how God sustained them with manna in the desert when they were on the brink of death from hunger. They were fleeing Egypt, the land of slavery, and journeying towards the Promised Land.

For travelers to survive, food and drink are indispensable; they nourish the body and restore lost energy. Israel’s journey from Egypt to the Promised Land led them through the desert—a harsh terrain where the scorching sun made survival difficult. To cross such a place, extra strength was needed, and this strength came from food and drink. When the Israelites ran out of provisions, they cried out to Moses and to God. God intervened by feeding them with manna, a heavenly food that strengthened them for the journey. Moses urged them not to forget how God saved them from hunger and death.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus—like Moses—addressed the new people of Israel, who are on another kind of journey. They are not travelling to a physical land of promise, but to the heavenly home. Jesus teaches that just as those on a physical journey need material food to sustain them, those on a spiritual journey need spiritual food that gives unfailing strength and leads them to their eternal destination. This food, as Jesus revealed, is His Body and Blood, offered to us in the Eucharist.

Just as the desert is filled with thorns, wild animals, and scorching heat—realities that make survival difficult—so too is the world filled with temptations, trials, and tribulations for those journeying towards heaven. As desert travelers need material food to endure the realities of the desert, Christians need the spiritual nourishment of Christ’s Body and Blood to withstand the forces of evil on their journey towards eternity. The Eucharist is the food Jesus gives us to strengthen us against everything that seeks to deny us our heavenly inheritance.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus revealed the profound power of the Eucharist. He teaches that it unites the lives of those who receive it with His own life, making them one with Him and with God. Whoever eats this bread will live forever, for he carries within him the seed of eternal life. Jesus contrasts this heavenly bread with the manna of old. He said, “This is the bread that came down from heaven; it is not like the bread your ancestors ate and died. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” Therefore, anyone who desires to reach the heavenly home must never take the Eucharist lightly. We must approach it with worthy hearts and remove from our lives anything that prevents us from receiving it worthily.

In the second reading, St Paul reminds us that the Eucharist unites us not only with God but also with one another. Because we eat from one bread and drink from one cup, the Eucharist forms us into a communion—a people bound together in Christ. It is a meal that enables us to commune with God and with our neighbours. Thus, anyone who receives the Eucharist but refuses to live in communion with others fails to reflect the Christ whom he receives. To partake of this sacred meal, which strengthens us for the eternal journey, we must reject division, hatred, and selfishness. Instead, we must cultivate openness to God, love for our neighbours, and a deep commitment to unity.

Peace be with you, and happy Solemnity of Corpus Christi.

Rev. Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima

 

 SOLEMNITY OF THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST (CORPUS CHRISTI): REFLECTION BY FR JULIAN EKEH

THEME: I AM... COME!

(John 6:51-58)

Today, we celebrate a great solemnity. We celebrate the source and summit of the Christian Life (C.C.C 1324, Lumen Gentium no. 11) We celebrate the mystery of transubstantiation of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. We celebrate in thanksgiving to Jesus for the institution of the Holy Eucharist. We celebrate the joy and satisfaction, the miracles and empowerment we draw from the Eucharistic table.

We recall the purpose behind the institution of this great solemnity by Pope Urban IV which included the honour of Jesus Christ, plea for forgiveness, protecting Jesus and preventing those who deny His Real Presence from doing so.

This feast proclaims the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. It focuses on the Holy Eucharist as the Body and Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ.

 

MESSAGE FROM THE GOSPEL

In the Gospel of today, we saw Jesus teaching about the Holy Eucharist. He did not only teach His disciples but the crowds of the Jews.

He begins with "I am." He says: "I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever..." This should have initiated a flashback to Divinity. This is meant to make them reflect on the wondrous doings of God in the wilderness and how He fed them with bread from heaven. But because the Jews were in the flesh, they were unable to understand the teachings.

Jesus continued: " Unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of man and drink his Blood, you have no life in you" He went ahead to differentiate between the food that He is and that which their fathers ate and died.

Today's celebration is, therefore, an invitation to:

COME AND EAT

Happy are those called to the supper of the lamb. Do you still receive the Holy communion? Do you still do that in the state of grace? Do you feel the hand of Jesus waking you up as he woke Elijah to come and eat to be strengthened for the journey ahead.

 

COME AND DRINK

Life is in the blood. Giving us His blood, opening His side for us like the Pelican is suggestive of the fact that Jesus does not want us to die of thirst of eternal life. When one lacks blood, he dies. Let us go to eat and drink of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

COME AND SHARE

As we share in the life of God, partake of the heavenly banquet, we are encouraged to be sharers of love. The Eucharist is a unifying force. Let us see each other as one with whom we have something to share.

 

COME AND BE FORGIVEN

The Eucharist draws us to pray for the forgiveness of our sins and those of the whole world. It helps us to prepare ourselves and remain in the state of Grace. It removes venial sins from our hearts and gives us grace to avoid mortal sins. Let us not take the grace of God for granted.

 

COME AND ADORE

"Venite adoremus" is an important invitation we receive. The Real Presence of Jesus Christ in all the tabernacles of the world, indicated by the light that burns endlessly, there calls for profound adoration.

How serious is your devotion to the celebration of the Holy Mass?

How many times have you visited Jesus in the Holy Eucharist on your own?

Do you still genuflect deeply when you enter the Church with the Eucharistic Lord in the tabernacle?

Do you still maintain the great silence accorded to the Blessed Sacrament?

 

COME AND BE TRANSFORMED

The Eucharist comes into Being by Transubstantiation. Transubstantiation implies transformation. In receiving the Eucharist, we are transformed into what we consume. Are you open to the benediction and transformation that flows from the Body and Blood of Christ?

 

COME AND LIVE FOREVER

Do not starve to death. Do not perish eternally in hell. Without Jesus, you're lifeless. Without Jesus, there will be no life in you. Obtain the grace of enjoying eternal bliss from here.

Jesus insists that He lives for us, and since He lives, we too shall live.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

 

LET US PRAY

We pray in this celebration that the Body and Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord Jesus epitomized in the Eucharist may be our strength and our joy, our refuge, and our salvation.

We pray that we may not be distracted by the poisonous food of the world but heed the Divine word and ever enjoy here and hereafter at the Holy altar set before us through Christ our Lord. Amen

Happy Sunday, Happy Corpus Christi Celebration (Year A)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 Most Holy Trinity Sunday, Year A: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Theme: The Blessed Trinity: The Loving God Who Lives With Us

Readings: Ex 34:4b–6, 8–9; 2 Cor 13:11–13; Jn 3:16–18

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we celebrate the solemnity of one of the greatest mysteries of our Christian faith: the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity. This celebration reminds us that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are one. It teaches us that there are three distinct Persons in one God, sharing the same Divine Nature. They are co‑equal and co‑eternal. Each Person of the Trinity is fully God, yet there is only one God. They are one in substance, distinct in Persons and functions, yet perfectly united in purpose.

Although the word Trinity does not appear in the Bible, the teachings of Jesus clearly point to the reality of the existence of the Blessed Trinity—especially when He commanded: “Go into the world and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 28:19). St Paul also reveals this unity in today’s second reading when he prays: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”

The doctrine of the Blessed Trinity is a truth that no amount of philosophical or scientific research can fully explain or disprove. It is a mystery—one that goes beyond the full grasp of the human mind. Indeed, the very nature of God is beyond our full comprehension. This is why God says through the prophet Isaiah (55:8–9): “My thoughts are not your thoughts, and my ways are not your ways… as the heavens are high above the earth, so are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts.”

Thus, the Trinity is a mystery best appreciated with the eyes of faith. As a dogma, it is “an article of faith revealed by God, which the Magisterium of the Church presents as necessary to be believed.” Therefore, St Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:18 becomes essential for us today: “May the Lord enlighten the eyes of your minds so that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance among His holy people.”

Today’s readings reveal beautiful truths about the nature of our Trinitarian God. The first reading presents one of Moses’ encounters with God on Mount Sinai. There, God revealed His name and His nature: “I, the Lord, am a God who is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” We may not fully grasp the impact of these words unless we remember the kind of gods worshipped by the nations surrounding Israel—gods who were unapproachable, terrifying, vindictive, unpredictable, and harsh. In contrast, the God of Israel revealed Himself as loving, merciful, faithful, and approachable. It filled the people with great joy knowing that their God was not like the gods of other nations. He is a God who loves His creatures, a God who can be spoken to, a God who is a Father. This is our God. We are blessed to have a God who loves us.

The Gospel deepens this revelation. It tells us that God’s love for us is so profound that He united His life with ours by sending His Beloved Son—not to condemn us, but to save us, so that we may share in His eternal life. Our God is both transcendent and immanent. He is the God who dwells in the highest heavens and yet chooses to live among us. He is Emmanuel—God with us. He is not distant from the struggles of His children; He enters into our human condition to redeem it.

To continue experiencing the presence of this loving God in our families and communities, St Paul gives us practical instructions in the second reading: “Brethren, rejoice. Mend your ways, heed my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.” Dear friends, the only thing that can deprive us of God’s beautiful presence is living in a way that contradicts His nature. The nature of our God is love, compassion, peace, graciousness, and faithfulness. St Paul challenges us to live according to these divine qualities so that “the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit” may truly remain with us (2 Cor 13:13).

Happy Feast Day. Peace be with you.

Fr Isaac Chinemerem Chima