Homily of Holy Thursday by Fr. Isaac Chima

 

Christ’s Passover: New Covenant for a new life

Image from: The Last Supper | Sophia Institute for Teachers

Ex 12:1-8,11-14; 1Cor 11:23-26; Jn 13:1-15

Dearest brothers and sisters, the celebration of this evening - the Passover of the Lord - is at the foundation of the Church’s life. It celebrates the institution of the Holy Eucharist by Jesus Christ on the night He was Betrayed. The Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith; it is at the centre of the Christian life; it is what we gather in the church to celebrate every day. This Passover also celebrates the institution of the Sacred ministerial priesthood. We started its commemoration by celebrating the Chrism Mass. The Eucharist is a meal that saves us from the power of the sin and death, it is a meal of the new covenant, and a meal that requires its recipients to live a particular pattern of life. These qualities are clearly illustrated in the readings of today.

The first reading from the book of Exodus recounted the Passover meal and the experience of the people of Israel in Egypt, the land of slavery. After many years of suffering and slavery in the land of Egypt, God instructed the people to prepare to leave Egypt. On the night of their departure, God instructed them to mark their liberation and redemption by celebrating the Passover. They killed a lamb, ate it in a ceremonious way, but in a haste, and smeared it blood on their doorpost to save them from the angel of death who would go round that night to kill the firstborn sons of the people of Egypt. It was the blood of that lamb that saved them from death. The Passover meal was to be commemorated every year to celebrate that event. It became a great feast for the people of Israel, in remembrance of the great event that saved them from slavery.

On the event of the commemoration of that Passover, Jesus instituted a new Passover for us. Just like the old Passover, in the new Passover, the blood of the Lamb that was shed on the Calvary saved us from sin and death, and we are instructed to celebrate this meal in remembrance of the salvific event that saved us in Christ.

In the second reading, Saint Paul tells us that what Jesus did at the Last Supper was an institution of new covenant between God and His people. So, the Eucharist is not just an ordinary meal, it is a covenant between us and God. It replaced the old covenant with the people of Israel. According to the Gospel accounts and that of St. Paul, we are to celebrate this meal in remembrance of God’s saving deeds in Christ until Christ comes again. The celebration is not to be a passive remembrance, but an active one, a celebration that brings to life or makes present the same meal that was instituted on that night by Christ. It is referred to as an anamnesis. The term anamnesis shows us that the Eucharist is an active reminiscence of the Last Supper, a celebration through which Christians actively enter into the Paschal mystery. So, our active participation is required at every Mass if we really want to benefit from the blessings of the Mass.

In the Gospel, Jesus showed us the type of life he expects from those who have participated in the new covenant, it the life of love and service to others. As soon as he finished eating the Passover meal, Jesus descended from the table and started washing the feet of His disciples. Thereafter, he told them that that he has given them an example to follow, and a new commandment to love one another. Dear friends, the Eucharist is a communion with God which challenges us to commune with one another. Jesus has shown us that loving and serving one another are the qualities that should characterize the life of whoever participates or has participated in this meal of love and salvation. Therefore, all of us who participate in this meal are challenged to go out to spread the love of God through good service to one another. We are called to be humble in this service, just like Jesus who knelt down to wash the feet of his apostle. The foot is the most common part of our body, the part with which we march on dirt and filth. So, it is only a servant/slave who washes the feet of others. At the Last Supper, Jesus assumed the position of the servant/slave. He wants us to do same.

Therefore, dear friends, it will be a contradiction if the one who is participating in this meal or who has participated in this meal cannot love other people and cannot help those in need. It will be a contradiction if the one who eats this salvific meal cannot replicate what Christ did. It will also be a contradiction if the one who eats this meal cannot be humble. Let us go out and replicate this new life required of us by this new covenant.

Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima

PUSC, Roma

 

 

Holy Thursday: Reflection by Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 

THE EUCHARIST: APPRECIATION OF GOD THROUGH SERVICE

image from: The Last Supper | Sophia Institute for Teachers

(John 13:1-15)

Today is the birthday of two holy inseparable twins namely the Eucharist and the ministerial Priesthood.  Eucharist is the Greek word for thanksgiving. This is demonstrated in what Jesus did at the Last supper when He took the bread and chalice and gave thanks (As recorded in 1Cor 11:23-26). In celebrating it, St Paul urges us to proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. In the Eucharist we give God thanks for loving the world to the end and sacrificing His life on the cross for man. We give God thanks for leaving Himself for us as food to be eaten. We give thanks for communion with God and are challenged to enter into communion with each other in pure love. Thus, it is not just about eating and drinking but living and making the eternal sacrifice perfected on the altar of the Cross renewed from generation to generation, for ages unending to eternity.

For this reason, Jesus ordained and commissioned His apostles. He teaches them how to perpetuate this Great Sacrament, through service and love. That is why He came down from the table to wash their feet. Peter refused but Jesus insisted. This washing of feet became very important in the celebration of today.

MESSAGE

LET US COME DOWN

Let us leave our ivory towers and come down. Jesus the High Priest of the New Covenant came down, who are we not to bring ourselves down? We should be humble. This is a good way of appreciating the Eucharistic Jesus. Let the celebrating priest also remember that He is called to serve the people. Let all of us sharing in the common priesthood of the faithful be ready to serve one another and not always desiring to be served. Christ came down and gave His life for many. How many people have we given our lives for? Come down dear.

RESPECT EACH OTHER

To wash the feet, one must kneel. Kneeling denotes reverence and respect. Just as the bell invites us to kneel when the Blessed Sacrament is being carried from one place to the other, let us revere each other for the Christ in them. By doing this we are saying thank you to the Eucharistic Jesus.

BE PURIFIED

The Eucharist purifies our hearts of sin and prepares it for the journey to eternity. Let us get purified through the Holy Eucharist. Let us help one another to get purified. Let's encourage each other to journey on. Let us serve them in holiness, give them peace, share our understanding and good words with them. Let us, like Abraham who washed the feet of the traveling strangers, offer a hospitable hand of purification to one another as we make our way to heaven. When we do this God with be glorified and appreciated.

LET'S BE OPEN TO RECEIVE

A good number of people are not open just like Peter who initially refused to accept the service of Christ.

Are you open to the service of the priests of God trying to reconcile you with God? Do you hear Jesus when He tells you if I do not wash you, you have no part in me?  Receive the washing at the confessional, receive the washing hand of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist and reply Amen.

LET US PRAY

Thank You Jesus for calling us to share in Your supper, a memorial of your Passion. Help us to ever live in appreciation for the gift You have bestowed on us in this Sacrament. Bless Your priests who perpetuate this Thanksgiving Celebration. Bless us and grant that we may have a share in You now and in eternity through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Have a fulfilled Holy Thursday Celebration.

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

Wednesday of the Holy Week: Reflection on the Gospel by Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 

PREPARE FOR THE PASSOVER

image from: Spirit of the Master: Why Do People Eat The Lord's Supper in Church Buildings Instead of Homes?

(Matthew 26:14-25)

Jesus charges His disciples to prepare for the Passover. He gives them instruction on where to go for it and how to get things ready. This is because His time is at hand.

Are you prepared to enter into the Triduum? Are you spiritually disposed for the Paschal Celebrations we are about to begin? Have you gone for confessions?  Are you ready to put yourself into the activities of the three holiest days? Have you taken the decision to follow Jesus to the end or to betray and deny Him along the line?

It will not really go down well spiritually with anyone who will miss this precious opportunity the Church is offering us this year to ponder on the cost of our salvation.

Get prepared dear Child of God. Put away every distraction. Overcome every temptation standing between you and God's holy desire for you this moment of grace. May God help us to prepare well for Easter.

LET US PRAY

Dear Lord, we pray to enter into the passion mood with You. Help us to prepare ourselves well to worthily celebrate the paschal feast of this year. May your grace see us through in all the spiritual activities of the Holy days ahead through Christ our Lord. Amen

God bless your Wednesday (Wednesday of the Holy Week)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

Tuesday of the Holy Week: Reflection on the Gospel by Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 

LOVE AND BETRAYAL AT TABLE

image from: Morning by Morning—Daily Prayer Journey with Tommy Hays

(John 13:21-33.36-38)

The Gospel of today paints a picture of Jesus at the table with His disciples. Mealtimes are usually times of sharing intimacy, friendship, feelings, joys, and sorrows. At table, it is easier to know who is happy or not. The sad one may lose appetite and will not really eat as he used to. Before they started to eat Jesus was troubled in the spirit that one of His own will betray Him. Even though it has been written that Jesus would die, why must the betrayal come from a friend? It was painful. It is indeed a case of "Et tu, Brute". The pain lies in the statement: "One of you..." It is never expected that a friend should betray that's why all the betrayed seem to ask in tears: Even you? You, as well? And you too?

If all must, will you too? "Chaiii, oshi aka onye adighikwanu mma" (why must it come from you?)

Peter, in trying to prove that if all must betray, he will be an exemption, swore, but Jesus made it clear that even He too will deny Him before the cock crows thrice. And this he did.

In the midst of the many betrayals and denials there are still some remnants. At the table today, one of the disciples of Jesus remained close to the heart of Jesus, feeling His pains and calming His fears. He became a consolation to Him. He tries to ask Him what's the matter, he was signalled to know what is at the heart of Jesus, he asks: who is the one You speak about? Jesus showed him how to know the betrayers. Well, they are not meant to stay long. They must bring out the content of their evil heart and move out. Their relationship doesn't endure. They must go for God's glory to shine. As soon as Judas left, there was darkness. Jesus started talking about His glory.

Are you true to Jesus? Is your love for Christ real? How many times have you betrayed Jesus in the Church, in the Sacraments, in your vocation, in your profession, in your ministry, in your business, in that your friend, in your husband or wife, in your daily activities?

Do you really know the trust God has deposited upon you by making you His child in Baptism? What are the things for which you readily tell God; To hell? We should be like John the beloved and love this God that love us so much with a love that is pure, true and everlasting.

LET US PRAY

You love us so much Lord. But we have betrayed and denied you severally by our acts of commission and omission. We are sorry. Help us by your grace never more to break Your heart, never more to trouble Your heart like Judas the betrayer but remain close to Your heart like John the beloved, loving You with no intention of leaving You forever. Amen

God bless your Tuesday (Tuesday of the Holy Week)

Pray for me as I mark my birthday today

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

Monday of the Holy Week: Reflection on the Gospel by Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 

SEE BEYOND

 

image from: The Perfumed Gospel | Philip Jenkins (patheos.com)

(John 12:1-11)

We have entered the Holy Week. This is an important week in our lives as Christians. We are called upon through the Gospel of today to look beyond things of this world, to transcend the material things in order to grasp the spiritual realities.  It is a time of deeper reflection on the true meaning of life. It is a time to draw closer to Jesus. It is a time to prepare ourselves and make peace with God, when we kneel in adoration at the feet of Jesus, when we appreciate the sacrifice of the Body and Blood of Christ on the cross of Calvary for our sake.

In today's Gospel, we saw the two characters who taught us via positiva and via negativa. Mary's act was an act in the right direction. Judas' behaviour was an act in the wrong direction. Whereas Jesus wants us to emulate Mary, He wants us to desist from the Judas tendencies. He condemns Judas outrightly. He appreciates Mary sincerely.

Mary saw Jesus as the most expensive of all she could think of, all she could ever possess. For her, Jesus deserves her expensive ointment. She emptied it at His feet. For her, beauty is nothing. She sacrificed her beauty at the feet of Jesus by using her hair to wipe the feet of Jesus. She poured away her riches at Jesus' feet. She soothed the feet that has gone around Palestine doing good. She saw beauty in the feet of the one who brought tiding of salvation. She gave Jesus a sense of belonging and welcome after the fatigue of His missionary exploits.

Judas on the other hand whose rightful position should be the feet of Jesus, could not do what the woman did and will not allow her do it. He lost his place. The apostle should learn at the feet of his master, listening to His word. He should wash His master's feet. But He gave way in search of other things that were not important. He was after money, He was after gains, He valued wealth and acquisition more than Christ. Judas was insincere. He even will use the name of the poor to defraud. He trains himself always to betray Christ. He has betrayed the trust of Christ in the public. He has actually betrayed himself and his real self. He lacked the ability of seeing beyond the immediate, beyond the here and now, behind the person of Christ. He lacked self-control and spiritual discipline.

Dear child of God, during this period, let us look beyond the joy we derive from sin. Let us look beyond the gains we get by keeping Jesus aside. Let us see beyond our cares and worries and think about the worries of Christ towards us, the expectations of God on us, the will of God for our salvation. Let us not stop people who want to seek the face of God this period from doing so. Let us not be distractions to ourselves and others. Let us not discourage those who with sincerity wants to take their proper place at the feet of Jesus. Let them alone.

Like the woman in Today's Gospel, let us kneel to ask God for forgiveness. Let us open our hearts and give Him ourselves and all we have. Let us fill our homes with the fragrance of holiness, reconciliation, prayers, faith and love. Let us contribute our quota in immortalizing Christ in our world. Let us anoint Him with the ointment of companionship and spirit of true discipleship. Let us appreciate the spiritual relevance of this Holy Week that it may be fruitful for us like it was to Mary and her household. Let us carry all our family members along in this last part of our preparation for Easter.

LET US PRAY

Dear Lord Jesus, we are sorry for the many times we have allowed the passing things of this world to keep our eyes away from You. We repent for approving the selling and actually selling the ointments You gave us for fame, honour and power. May we sustain the grace You have bestowed on us this period and attain the glory no man can afford. Bless Your word in our hearts this Holy Week and forever. Amen

God bless your Monday (Monday of the Holy Week)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

Palm Sunday: Reflection on the Passion Narrative Yr. B by Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 

PASSION FOR CHRIST

(Mark 14:1-15:47)

The celebration of today is one that launches us liturgically into the Holy Week. The Holy week is so called because of the important events in the life of Christ that is re-enacted from this Sunday to Holy Saturday.

In a special way, today is called the Palm Sunday or the Passion Sunday. It is the Sunday that precedes the Easter Sunday. It is called Palm Sunday because of the Blessing and distribution of palm branches representing the Palm branches the crowd waved as Jesus entered Jerusalem. These branches after the blessings become Sacramentals and are to be preserved to serve as ash for next Ash Wednesday. On the other hand, today is called the Passion Sunday because of the Passion Narratives that become the Gospel of today. Here, we hear about the story of Christ's condemnation, suffering and death. We listen to it, not just as a story but contemplate on it as a reality in the life of Christ.

THE DIVISION OF TODAY'S CELEBRATION

Today's celebration is divided into two parts: THE TRIUMPHANT ENTRY OR THE PALM PART, THE HOSANNA PART and THE PASSION PART, THE THORN CROWN PART or THE 'CRUCIFY HIM' PART.

In the first session we saw the myriads of people singing and following Christ along, hailing Him as it were with their palms. We saw Jesus on the donkey riding in majesty as the Messiah that is to come. The people chanted: Hosanna filio David. We do the same procession today, as we look up to Jesus as the only Messiah that comes in the name of the Lord for our salvation.

We are brought to a deeper reflection on the Passion of Christ so as to appreciate all He went through to set us free. We are not just to hear it and get entertained but put ourselves in the number of the people who witnessed these great events and ask ourselves where we belong. Are we among the Hosanna people or the Crucify Him people? That's the question.

MESSAGE OF TODAY

The story of the Passion is the longest narration in the gospel we can think of in the Catholic Liturgy. We must stand to hear it all. It is worth it. We must give it our attention. That was the reason why Jesus came into the world. That was why Jesus emptied Himself and took up the human nature. Let us go home with the message of this celebration so as to ever live in appreciation to Christ for His Holy Passion for our salvation.

ZEAL FOR CHRIST

In the passion narrative we saw man in His crude, corrupt nature and God in His zeal to save man which made Him become silent over all His Son endured for Man's redemption.

The passion is a story of betrayal, of denial, of disappointment, of humiliation, of abandonment, of false judgment, of eclipse of godliness, of shame, of capital punishment, of man's inhumanity.

Jesus saw all these. He knew it even as the Hosanna chants were going on. In the Gospel today He nearly prayed that it should pass away. But He insisted on allowing not His Human will but the Divine will to take place.

His passion for the souls of men urged Him on. His love for our freedom encouraged Him to ride on to die.

Let us confront life with passion for God and the love for God. Let us not allow the changes and chances of this life to weigh us down. Let us not allow our desires, sinful passions, lust, greed and emotions to steal our attraction for God and the will of God for us. Do we really have the zeal to actualize our mission of knowing God and inheriting His kingdom at last?

BE TRUE

Falsehood reigned in the story of the Passion of Christ. The Chief priests and the pharisees cooked up their accusations against Jesus because they wanted Him dead. Pilate knew the truth and was not courageous to stand for it. The crowd knew that Barrabas was an evil man but chose to free Him and crucify Jesus. They used their passions wrongly. They were dishonest with the powers invested on them by God.

Are you a true Christian? Do you shout Hosanna in the noon and crucify Him in the night?  Do you like Peter declare before Church members, where you are known to follow Jesus till death and when you think no one sees you or knows your identity you deny Christ? Be true and tell yourself that truth on this.

Only Passion for Christ can make you stand up for Jesus in season and out of season.

BE HOLY AS YOU ENTER THE HOLY WEEK

With Christ's entry into His passion, the mood of His close pals changed. While the crowd rejected Christ His mother and the women were thrown into mournful prayers, they were drawn more to Him. The beloved disciples kept following. They remained steadfast. Few bystanders repented. Some confessed their sins. Some declared that Jesus Christ is the Lord. All these took place within the context of the passion. People entered into communion with God.

Let us be among the few who brought consolation to Jesus as He endured His passion. Let us be among those who will prove to Jesus that His suffering and death on the Cross is not in vain. We can only do this by living a holy life, by emptying ourselves for God to feel us with His grace, by removing from our lives everything that will crucify Jesus the second time.

Let us like Christ accept whatever cross that will come our way with perfect resignation and total abandonment. Let's look up to God knowing that He will not allow us to be put to shame. May we move away from the noise in the world and embrace silence and in the silence of our hearts hear the voice that speaks of peace reconciling us to God whose heart we have often wounded by sin. Let us not give up nor lose faith in the face of the many trials that come our way. Let's not be overwhelmed by the difficult times. They will all pass away. There's no crown without cross. We shall overcome by the grace of God. God can never abandon us. Let's appreciate all the celebrations of this holy week and come out of it triumphantly victorious.

LET US PRAY

We thank and worship You Lord for keeping us alive to celebrate this year's Passion. We thank You for this Holy Week which the Corona virus pandemic didn't allow us to observe so well last year. As You continue to bless us oh Lord, give us the grace to appreciate the great price Your Son paid to set us free. Give us the zeal to continue living according to Your holy will for us. May the passion of Christ strengthen us now and for ever. Amen

Happy Passion Sunday (Yr B)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

Homily of Palm Sunday Yr. B by Fr. Isaac Chima

 

Passion Sunday: Called to be true witnesses to the Gospel

image from: The Inside Story on Where All of Those Palm Sunday Palms Come From | (churchpop.com)

Dearest brothers and sister, Palm Sunday is a special Sunday in the liturgical year. it is a Sunday that opens the door to a great week – the Holy week – for us. It ushers us into a week that is rich with the reminiscence of the events that saved us from sin, the events that restored us to God’s friendship, the events that restored us to life.

Today we carry branches of Palms or olives and follow Jesus into our Churches, the new Jerusalem, the same way the people of Jerusalem cut branches of trees and spread them on the way as Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem. These branches of olive or palm that have been blessed have become sacramentals. They will be burnt on Ash Wednesday next year, and ashes from them will be used to usher us into another period of Lent.

Branches of olive or palm have wonderful significances in our world. They signify peace, victory and hope. These significances have their root from the culture of the Mediterranean basin, especially from the culture/customs of the ancient Egypt and ancient Greek, where olive branches represented peace or victory, particularly regarding supplication to both the gods and persons in power.

Therefore, dearest friends, today, we have the symbol of peace in our hands – the branches of palm or olive. These days, our world needs peace more than any other thing because it has been battered by problems from all its quarters. It is also known to everyone that Peace is the greatest gift we, as Christians, can give to our families and friends. With these branches of olive/palm, let us become messengers of peace to our world, our families and friends. Indeed, it will be a contradiction if the bearer of olive/palm branches is not a promoter of peace in his/her neighbourhood.

The olive/palm branch also signifies victory. Today, we have recalled Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where he became victorious over the forces of darkness and death. We have also read the Passion of Christ which showed us Christ’s journey to victory. We are witnesses to this victorious power of Christ over evil and death. Hence, as we carry these branches of palm/olive, a sign of victory, let us remind the world that our Saviour is a victorious king; let us be witnesses to the victorious power of Christ over sin and death in our society. Friends, we are children of victory. In fact, if anybody asks you why you have the branches of olive/palm in your hands today, tell that person that our victories King is passing by today, and he has victoriously entered our neighbourhood to fight our battles of life and to give us victory. However, it will be a contradiction if children of victory are afraid to proclaim Christ to their friends.  

The olive/palm branch also signifies hope. This was evident in the book of Genesis when the dove that was sent out by Noah returned with an olive branch, a sign of the hope of a new beginning. Dear friends, it is not an uncommon knowledge that the impact of covid-19 pandemic has left many people without hope of the future. The difficulties of our world have made many people to have no hope in life and in God. Many people are searching for where to anchor their hope. Dear friends, today we have the sign of the hope of a new beginning in our hands, that is the branches of olive/palm. Let us go out and spread this message of hope, let us tell the world that in Jesus, there is the hope of a new beginning. The resurrection of Christ is a guarantee of a new beginning, it is an ensemble of hope. Let us be torch bearers of hope wherever we enter, starting from today.

Friends, we have the vocation to spread the message of peace, hope and Christ’s victory in our world. As we do this, it is good to remember that Christ wants us to be true witnesses. Jesus needs those who will stay with Him both in good times and in bad times, those who will stay with Him when it is joyful and when it is sorrowful. Our witness to Christ should not be like that of the crowd who shouted Hosanna at the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem but did not come out to defend Him when he was unjustly tried and condemned to death. Many of them denied him and chose Barabbas in his place, as we read in the Passion narrative. Many of them shouted ‘crucify him, crucify him’ with the same intensity with which they shouted ‘Hosanna, Son of David’.

Dear friends, many concrete situations of our lives demand us to witness to the truths of the Gospel. We have all noticed that our world has been penetrated by many doctrines, ideologies and lifestyles that are contrary to the truth of the Gospel. These evil lifestyles and ideologies are promoted and advertised as fashionable models by many governments of the world and, especially, by our so-called celebrities. It is unfortunate that some of them go to the extent of forcing their ungodly views on others. Dear friends, we would be acting like the crowd in the Passion Narrative if we continue to keep quiet and watch our world being battered by these people. Let us not deny Christ and our faith in the presence of such teachings and lifestyles by keeping quiet. We deny Christ any time we decide to play the card of indifference in the face of evil. We choose Barabbas any time we swim against the truth of the gospel. May we not remain indifferent and unconcerned in the face of the anti-life ideologies that have penetrate our societies. May we stop being politically correct in the face of evil. Let us speak out for Christ.

Finally, today ushers us into the Holy week. The wish of Christ and his church is that all of us who will participate in the programmes of this Holy week should be holy too. Hence, let us set sin aside and focus on the Paschal Mysteries. Jesus invites us to open ourselves to be washed clean by His Precious Blood through the sacrament of reconciliation. Let us carry our cross and march with Christ to Calvary so that we will rise with him in glory.

Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima

PUSC, Roma

  

Saturday Week 5 of Lent: Reflection by Rev Julian O Ekeh

 

JESUS: THE MOST WANTED

(John11:45-57)

The Jewish Passover is close at hand. The Chief Priests and the Pharisees gathered for a meeting. The agenda was: What are we to do to Jesus? Their fear was: "If we allow Him to go on like this, everyone will believe in Him and the Jews will come and destroy our holy place and our nation"

As the deliberations continued, an intervention came from the high priest that year, Caiaphas by name, who according to the scriptures was speaking prophetically even without knowing.

His intervention was: ...it is expedient for one man to die for the people than for the people to perish"

Jesus became the most wanted and never walked about openly again among the Jews. The people were looking for Jesus. To make the search for Jesus more serious and intensified, the authorities gave an order that if anyone knew His whereabouts, he should let them know. There must be a reward attached for one who will help them catch Jesus. Little wonder why Judas took the decision to betray Jesus for their arrest.

Why is Jesus wanted in our world today? A lot of people today congregate in the name of Jesus. What is their agenda about Jesus? Some gather to fight Christ and His Church. Some kill Christ. Some want to arrest the word of God and stop us from preaching Christ. Some want to protect political, social or cultural interest and sacrifice Jesus. These and many other way are the wrong ways of gathering in the name of God.

Why should we want Christ? We should want Christ to save us and the whole world. This period we are appreciating His self-donation that made it possible for us all not to be lost.

Jesus was wrongly wanted by the Chief Priests and Pharisees. Let us rightly want Jesus to have His way in our lives, lets us live our lives like those who cannot do without Jesus. Let us embrace Jesus as the only good thing that the world needs without which life on earth will be meaningless.  Let's pray that the scattered children of God all over the world may be gathered to seek and find God.

LET US PRAY

We want You and need you every hour Oh Jesus.  Let Your holy presence give us the peace, joy and salvation we need. May we not get tired of You. Help us dear Lord to find You when we need You. Grant these through Christ our Lord. Amen

God bless your Saturday (5th Week of Lent)

Rev Julian O Ekeh

Friday Week 5 of Lent: Reflection by Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 

WHY DO YOU STONE ME?

(John 10:31-42)

The Jews in today’s gospel had taken up stones to stone Jesus. They are still holding the stones just like the men who caught the adulterous woman. Jesus wondered why they should stone Him. What has He done wrong? What is His crime? He rolled out the numerous good things He has done for them; He reminded them of the many good works He has revealed to them from the Father. Then, He asked them: For which of these do you stone me?

When evil men want to have their way in their wickedness, they cook up a reason to back up their actions. They know how to give the dog a bad name in order to eliminate it. Thus, they said that they were stoning Jesus not because of His good works but because of blasphemy; that He called Himself God. But is He not God? They were the ones making a mistake. Beware of stoning people out of your own mistake and ignorance of God and His ways.

Why do we use the stones in our hands on the wrong persons? Can't we learn from David who picked up stones to stone the enemy of God and of the people of God? We have a common enemy as human beings created in the image and likeness of God. He is the devil. He is the one Jesus came to save us from His traps. He is the architect of our problems and our tempter. Let us unite our forces with Christ to destroy every satanic ploy and evil plots.

But why do you stone? What are you doing with those stones in your hand? Why are you targeting innocent people to destroy them? Why do you enjoy inflicting harm on people?

When you do that, do you know you are directly harming Jesus Christ? Yes, You're. Because His word says: 'whatever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me'. Whatever; good or bad. Think twice about the way you treat people, the way you pick quarrels, the way you pick offence, the way you  get angry, the way you spread rumours, the way you gossip, the way you destroy people's good names, the way you tell lies, the way you accuse innocent people, the way you misjudge and the way you tarnish image and kill. When you do these Jesus asks you: Why do you stone me?

Are you receiving stones Child of God? Learn the attitude of Jesus. Do not be discouraged. Do not stop your good works. Do not fear. Keep on keeping on. They have seen nice fruits in you, rain down sweet fruits for these people. Melt their hearts of stone with fruits of love. You can convert them to start believing. Someday, they will drop those stones. They will get tired. They will never arrest you. God will show you a way out, from those who persecute you. They will gather but their gathering will be in vain.

LET US PRAY

We thank You Lord for teaching us by Your word on the best way to disarm those who stone us. We pray today that we may not waste the holy stones of faith, prayers, abstinence and love which you have put in our hands. May we not pick up wrong stones of wickedness, hatred and envy. May we not give up when evil men gather against us. Strengthen us by your grace through Christ our Lord. Amen

God bless your Friday (5th Week of Lent)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

Solemnity of Annunciation of the Lord: Reflection by Rev Fr Julian Ekeh

 

YOU WILL CONCEIVE AND BEAR A SON

image from: The Annunciation of the Lord – 25 Mar – Living Water Community (lwc-tt.com)

(Luke 1:26-38)

Nine months from today we shall celebrate the birthday of the Lord Jesus. The Church in her wisdom designed it that we celebrate today the Annunciation. In this Solemnity we celebrate the love of God. We thank God for the gift of our Mother Mary who accepted the Word of the angel and gave her fiat that necessitated the Incarnation. 

This Solemnity challenges us to believe in the word of God without doubting, like Mary. We learn from Mary to make ourselves available for God to use us. We Learn to cooperate with the grace of God so that His will may be done in our lives.

Mary conceived and gave the world the best gift from heaven. She became the gate through which God entered into human race. Let us make way for God to enter into our families, our Church, our society and our world through us.

Through Mary the world received a Saviour who saved us through His passion, death and resurrection. Let us accept the fruit of Mary's womb. Let us return love for love. Mary has conceived, ours is to receive. Let us prepare ourselves to welcome all that God in His love has deposited in us. He has bestowed upon you all that is good. Nurture them till maturity and bring forth lifestyle that will lead you to heaven at last.

LET US PRAY

We thank You, God, for your love on man that made you release the Holy announcement that gave us hope through Mary the Mother of Your Son. Help us to live loving You all the days of our lives. Grant us an increased faith in Your Son our Lord Jesus Christ just like Mary and bring us to heaven at last where You live and reign for ever and ever. Amen

God bless your day.

Happy Solemnity

Rev Fr Julian Ekeh

Reflection on the Gospel of Wednesday Week 5 of Lent by Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 

YOU'RE NOT A SLAVE

(Image from: 20170602.jpg | Jesus Calls (prayertoweronline.org)

(John 8:31-42)

Jesus came into the world to set us free from sin and show us the way to heaven. He teaches the Jews today that He is the way to freedom. He insists: 'So, if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed."

Are you free? Have you been set free? Have you made the noble choice of being free from sin, from anger, from jealousy, from betrayal, from all forms of corrupt practice? Jesus invites us today to accept His word just as He addressed the Jews. When we allow His word to live in our hearts, we will grow in faith and believe more in Him. We will actually emulate Abraham as our father in faith and not be like the Jews who claimed to have Abraham as their father, yet they planned to kill Christ. May we make Christ live in us. Let us make our hearts good abode for Him to dwell.

When God lives in us, sin will not find a place, vices will not dwell within us, crime will have no place. We shall no longer be in the bondage of the devil and demonic manipulations. He will flee from us. We shall become hot for every evil. We will no longer be hiding from God like Adam and Eve. We will freely converse with God like Abraham and indeed become heirs to the heavenly inheritance prepared for us from the foundation of the world.

Dear Child of God, what is that chain the enemy is using to enslave you? Is it fear? Is it falsehood? Is he using intimidation? Is it the feeling that God will not forgive you? Is it making you think you have become so used to sin that you can no longer get off it? Is it the fallacy that 'everybody is doing it'? Is it the slogan: If you can't beat them you join them? Is it the thought of losing human respect and connections? What is the devil actually using to enslave you? Free yourself in Christ Jesus!

Hear it again: You're not a slave. You're not a slave to that bad friend. You're not a slave to that bad habit. You can't be a slave to that corrupt system. Don't be enslaved by the unholy relationship. Break that chain of infidelity.

Christ has set you free. Be freed from sin, go for Sacramental Confession, always receive the Holy Communion, pray and rebuke the devil and he will run away from you. Practice virtues. He who is doing good will never live in fear and bondage.

LET US PRAY

Thank You Jesus for Your liberating word. Set us free and grant that we may remain free from every bondage of sin, demonic attacks and manipulations, fear and distractions. May we be real children of God our Father. Grant our prayers Almighty God through Christ our Lord. Amen

God bless your Wednesday (5th Week of Lent)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

Reflection on the Gospel of Tuesday Week 5 of Lent by Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 

I AM GOING AWAY

Image from: Christ Carrying The Cross With Crown Of Thorns Background - Fotografie stock e altre immagini di Corona di spine - iStock (istockphoto.com)

(John 8:21-30)

What an announcement by the Lord! Where is he going to?  The Jews wondered. He replied: Where I am going, you cannot come.

Oh Jesus, why can't we come? What's happening?  You can't come because "you are from below, I am from above, you are of this world, I am not of this world, I told you that you would die in your sin, for you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am he". God forbid!

It is only a tree that would know that it will be cut down and remain at a place. This is supposed to be a note of last warning and a call for repentance for the Jews, but they would not read the handwriting on the wall. "I am going away" is an invitation for them to cease the moment and run to God for mercy.

What is it that would stop us from going where Christ is leading us to? What are the attachments and cares, the worries and temptations or the sins holding us down? Jesus is saying that the Jews are from below. Are we also still living like those from below? Are we still behaving like those who do not have heaven as our target? Do we still get stuck to the enslavements of our lower appetites?

Jesus desires to take us up, Jesus wants us to aspire for holiness. Jesus wants our attentions to be fixed on Him. Jesus exhorts us to beware lest we perish in sin. Let us hear the word of God this Holy Season and allow it to touch our lives.  Let nothing stop us from journeying along with Christ through His Passion and death to His glorious resurrection. May we never die in sin but die to sin and live to righteousness.

LET US PRAY

Do not go away from us because of our sins Oh Lord. Help us to follow You wholeheartedly Holy and Gentle Shepherd of our souls. We depend on You, raise our minds and hearts to live for You all the days of our lives in holiness and live forever with You in heaven through Christ our Lord. Amen

God bless your Tuesday (5th Week of Lent)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

Reflection on the Gospel of Monday Week 5 of Lent by Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 

CONDEMNERS BROUGHT THE CONDEMNED TO THE REDEEMER

(John 8:1-11)

The Gospel of today is an interesting one. In it we saw how an enemy can bring one to his or her Saviour without knowing. We see how someone who thinks he is being mean to you can end up leading you to glory, victory and a favourable destiny. The men who brought the woman to Jesus came to test Jesus. They caught the adulterous woman in the act, but they needed to use her as a bait to get an innocent man, while the guilty men were allowed to go. For them, this will be the last chance of Jesus, it is going to be their only chance of arresting Jesus based on his wrong judgment. But it turned out to be a lost chance for them and created an avenue of second chance for the woman, whom Jesus told to go and sin no more.

Jesus turned out to be her only redeemer, her last hope and indeed would not condemn her. But why do men put God to the test? If men were God, they would have obliterated our names from the good book of God. But "ebe Chineke gunyere anyi, onye gakwanu agupu anyi?" No one can take away the everlasting life God has destined for us. We have a Redeemer, a Saviour and a Deliverer who reconciles us with God. Let us come as we are to God and sincerely be sorry for our sins. They are nothing to his mercy. Let us not leave His presence the way we came. Let us keep in mind His holy countenance. Let us appreciate His love and decide never more to offend the God that loves us with so much tenderness.

But you that is always accusing people even as the Lord watches you, how clean is your hand? Our life as Christian should be that of assisting the fallen to rise. We should genuinely bring sinners to God for forgiveness and not with the desire that they be condemned. We should go within ourselves and purify our hearts of all forms of uncleanness and sinfulness. We have to personalise this year's Lenten observance. We should pray for forgiveness for the many times we put God to the test and the times we led people into sin, accused them or wished the ruin of their good names.

We have a Redeemer in Christ. He will not condemn us nor allow the enemy of our salvation to do so. Let us not live under the stranglehold and condemnation of the devil, of evil in us and in the world around us.

Go, dear child of God and sin no more.

LET US PRAY

Oh God of mercy and compassion, thank You for Your love and kindness. A lot of forces drag me to You. All my sins are open before You. I deserve condemnation and punishment. But You amaze me with Your forgiveness and salvation. Help me by Your grace to live in the state of grace and never more to sin against You again. May I appreciate the chances You give me and never abuse them through Christ our Lord. Amen

God bless your Monday (5th Week of Lent Yr B)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

Reflection on the Gospel of 5th Sunday of Lent by Rev. Fr Julian O Ekeh

UGO EBERELA! ...I HAVE COME TO THIS HOUR

(John 12:20-33)

The tone of the Lenten celebration is changing. We are getting into the heart of the great mystery of the Passion of Christ. Already the Church gives us every picture to get prepared for the Most Holy Week.

The images in the Church says it all. We shall observe them all covered beginning with the crucifixes. Everything beautiful is hidden. This is an ancient practice which is of great importance to religious psychology. Seeing these decorations veiled steer up in us the desire for Easter celebration and of experiencing the joy that follows the sufferings of Christ.

The moment is here. When we desire for divine glory. When we prepare to celebrate the Sacred mysteries the proper state. When we seek the face of God from the crowd and separate darkness from light. This is the time the longing souls search more seriously for God to find Him and reconcile with Him. It is also a time when careless souls   miss opportunities, fighting against God and all He stands for. Ugo eberela! For the enemies of Christ, this eagle should be targeted and shot down. Thus, they will say: Ugo eberela na mgbagbu. But can they destroy God? oh no! Therefore, Kristi Ugo anyi, eberela na mfeli (Christ our eagle is about to take the flight of victory and glory). Let us go with Him. Let us not be left behind. Let us not be among those watering down the salvific efforts of Christ.

 

THE HOUR HAS COME

Ajuwa nkwu kapiwa onu, oge mgbufu ya eruola (Everything that has beginning must have an end, the end is here).

The Gospel of today happened within the context of the Passover of the Jews. Many have come from many places to celebrate this great feast. They are seeing the usual feast. But Jesus is seeing a Passover where He will take over. A Passover that will no longer be celebrating Moses but himself, a Passover that will no longer need a lamb but the Son of God. He sees a Passover that will not be celebrating the blood of the lamb but His own blood, a Passover that will no longer remind the people of crossing the red sea, but of crossing over from death to life, from sin to holiness, from fighting against God to fighting for God. The Lord Jesus sees a Passover that celebrates, not just the sparing of the Israelites from drowning in the waters of the sea but the salvation of the whole world from being drowned in the ocean of sin. 

Jesus prayed for this hour. But alas, it is the most painful hour of His life. But it is going to be the Most fruitful Hour when the purpose for His coming into the world is realized. Thus, addressing the Greeks representing the beneficiaries of the sacred hour Jesus said in the gospel: the hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified... For this purpose, I have come to this hour. Father glorify your name.

 

THE TEMPTATION OF THE SACRED HOUR

When the hour came for Jesus to manifest his glory, a lot of temptations came. The temptation of the last hour is bound to come. How prepared are you? The season of lent began with the theme of temptation. We are taken back to that as we look at our salvation from a closer range. Are you getting tired of the promises you made at the beginning? Do you feel like giving up on some of the religious practices you have begun? Have you started considering the cost instead of the the merits of the cross?

Jesus experienced all these. Hear him: "Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? Father save me from this hour? No..."

Are you troubled at heart because of the weight of anything you're doing for God? Are you troubled because of anything you're suffering on account of your faith? Are you grieved because of the weight of forgiving that person, the reality of living with that sickness that has refused to go, the difficulty of trying to endure a bitter relationship, of being faced with death of loved ones?  In the face of all these, it is easier to say: these shall not be my portion! Jesus was tempted to flee from the realities of the hour but he remained resolute. He overcame, he saw the bitter pains. He saw the inviting joys and celebrations of the Jewish feast. But He prayed God to take the glory. At such decisive moments, if we fail, the enemy steals the glory. Do not allow laziness, the desires of the flesh, the noise of the world, the suggestive lures of deceptive attractions to take away your heart from your goal. Heaven is our goal. Let us keep easter in view and strive on. Let us not backslide. Let us not end badly. If we are doing badly already, let us know that it is getting late.

 

HEAR THE VOICE OF ENCOURAGEMENT

The struggle to heaven, to success, to survive, to overcome can be very frustrating and lonely especially when one lacks encouragement. After the prayer of Jesus today, a voice from heaven thundered: "I have glorified it, I will glorify it again." Here, God encouraged His son to continue, to enter the Passion without fear, that at the end glory will be His.

Jesus extended that divine encouragement to us all who hear His voice today. He says: "This voice has come for your sake, not for mine". He assures us that this is the time when the world shall be judged. The ruler of this world shall be cast out. By the death of Christ on the cross we will become partakers in the everlasting happiness of heaven, when we shall be drawn to God.

Therefore, Child of God, do not allow anything to take you away from God as Christ is about to be lifted up above all the troubles troubling your spiritual wellbeing, above your family problems, moral problems etc

The hour has come, let us all fight the good fight of faith without giving up.

LET US PRAY

Thank You Lord Jesus for leading us thus far in our journey with You this Holy Season. The hour has drawn near. We pray against any force that will make us not to share in the joys of Easter. Help us by Your grace to keep soaring on the wings of prayers, righteousness and faith. May we give You glory in all things and share in Your glory again and again here on earth and in heaven forever and ever. Amen.

Happy Sunday (5th Sunday of Lent, Yr B)

Rev. Fr Julian O Ekeh

Homily of 5th Sunday of Lent Year B by Fr. Isaac Chima

Suffering: the bridge to Glory

image from: pic-Jesus on cross 1920x1080 - JesusLiftedup.com

1^st Reading: Jer. 31:31-34

2^nd Reading: Heb. 5:7-9

Gospel: 12:20-33

Dear brothers and sisters, God has a project, a mission for every human being He created. God has destined us for glory in Jesus Christ, a project which he left for us to realize. In the Gospel reading of today, Jesus gave us an example of how to realize the plan of God for us. He teaches us how to handle or deal with the situations that confront us on our journey towards our God-destined glory, and also how to achieve other goals and objectives we have set for ourselves. The central message of his teaching is that ‘nothing good comes easy’ and that ‘we should be ready to thread the paths of suffering and pain if we really want to reach our destined glory.’

Dear friends, as we approach the great Paschal events that gave us life, the church presents to us the real picture of these salvific events, that is, the way of the cross. Hence, we should not be afraid to embrace suffering and pain on our journey towards our destined glory and towards eternity; we should be ready to walk on thorns and to wear crowns of thorns, to be despised, to be rejected, to be humiliated, to lose our time and energy if our goals and objectives are to be realized.

In the first reading of today from the prophet Jeremiah, God made a plan for a permanent covenant with the people of Israel, a covenant that will not be written on tablets of stone, but in the hearts of the people. This new plan of God was set to be realized in and through Jesus. So, Jesus came into the world with the mission of establishing a new covenant between God and humanity, a mission of reconciling us with the Father and making the Word of God – God’s covenant – permanent in our midst. Hence, God’s project for Jesus was that of establishing a new covenant, a covenant that will be written in our hearts.

Dear friends, what Jesus passed through, the many hurdles he jumped, the problems he encountered on his journey towards the realization of the mission set for him by God is a good example for all of us who are marching towards our own God-destined missions and glories, and the many goals we have set for ourselves.

In the Gospel of today, Jesus plainly told us the path opened for him to realize his mission, the path that will lead him to the glory destined for him by God. He said: ‘the hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified… but unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone.’ Dear friends, the road that will lead him to glory required him to sacrifice his life on the cross. So, it was the path of suffering and shameful death on the cross that lay between Jesus and the glory destined for him by God. In the same way, dear friends, between us and the glory, the realization of the mission entrusted to us by God and our goals in life, there are many obstacles. Between us and the realization of the glories set for us by God there are temptations, a difficult life of faith and currents against Christian morality. Between us and the glory destined for us by God lies the challenge of saying ‘Yes’ when others are saying ‘No’, standing by the truth when the majority is saying the contrary, giving out our time and treasures for the good of our neighbours and the society. Between you and the throne of glory which God has prepared for you lies the task of saying ‘No’ to the lure of sin, enduring abandonment and criticisms from friends and relatives.

Christ did not abandon his mission – his journey to glory - at the sight of the magnitude of suffering that stood between him and the realization of that mission. He rather saw the cross as a bridge to his glory. Jesus stood firm on his way to his destined glory, even when God didn’t answer his prayers the way he requested them. The second reading said: “in his life on earth, Jesus made his prayers and requests with cries and tears to God, who could save him from death.” Of course, God did not grant his supplication the way he requested it. But then, he did not quit the mission entrusted to him. He learnt obedience through suffering. How many times have you quit a task because it was difficult and uncomfortable? How many times have you stopped a spiritual exercise because it was taking your time and causing you your friends? How many times have cursed God because He didn’t answer your prayers the way you asked him? How many times have you denied your Christian faith because you want to avoid being mocked or criticized?

Dear friends, Jesus has given us an example to follow. Let us not quit the Christian life because of the sufferings and criticisms it brings to us. Let us not quit the race for our destined glory because of abandonment by friends and loved ones. Let us not quit our wonderful goals and objectives because the road to them is full of thorns and pains. Let us not stop praying, fasting and giving alms in this season of Lent because of the pains inherent in them. Let us take up our cross and march with Christ towards our own glory.

Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima

PUSC, Roma

Reflection on the Gospel of Saturday Week 4 of Lent by Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 

THE UNBIASED NICODEMUS

(John 7: 40-53)

A lot of issues may be raised from the Gospel of today. I am specially captivated by the person of Nicodemus and the integrity he portrayed. In a society filled with biased persons, he stood against their bias and prejudice.

While some people were busy debating about where Jesus came from, others like Nicodemus were already sure that He is the Christ. While some were held by the tradition which says that the Christ must be descended from David, some others who have outgrown conventionalism have known Him to be greater than David and a Saviour who has come from above. While the chief priests and the Pharisees were concerned about arresting Jesus on baseless claims hinged on corruption and dishonesty, it was obvious to the officers that no one spoke like Jesus. There is always the division. But why is it that the biased camp, the corrupt camp, the prejudiced camp always outnumber the unbiased?

Thank God for the person of Nicodemus. He will not judge without hearing and learning what the person does. He is not interested about where one comes from and what people are saying about him. He doesn't take decisions based on hearsay and gossips. He is not biased by jealousy, pride or greed. He is not blinded by love for power or personal perspective.

He was inviting the officers, the chief priests and Pharisees to have a personal encounter with Christ to have an objective idea of His Person. Nicodemus was warning them to be upright and just. He was telling them: Jidekwanu ogu (be just), Egbula onye aka ya di ocha (don't destroy the innocent), Onu mara ekwu (know what you say about others), M mere gini wu ogu (the cry of the innocent reaches heavens)

We are invited today to consider: what has this person done to merit what I am about to do to him, what I am doing to him, what am I allowing people to do to him? Does he deserve it? Does he deserve the things I am saying against him? Does he deserve the treatment I am giving to him? What is my basis for treating him the way I do? Am I acting based on inherited hatred?  Am I acting a script giving to me by a wicked director? Am I punishing and fighting that person for no reason or because of fear of what he will become?

May God forgive us for the times we allowed bias and prejudice to make us arrest the good in others and stifle the blessing of God from shining in the people around us.

LET US PRAY

Oh God, we live with biases and with biased persons. Give us the grace to live above the judgments that are not divinely inspired. May we not be in the party of those who fight against the bearers of light. May we ever stand against evil plots no matter where they are coming from through Christ our Lord. Amen

God bless your Saturday (4th Week of Lent)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

Reflection on the Gospel of the Solemnity of St. Joseph by Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 

BEING A JUST MAN

(Matthew 1:16.18-21.24a)

We celebrate today the solemnity of St Joseph, the foster Father of Jesus Christ, the husband of Mary, the patron of the universal Church and indeed the just man. It is wonderful to celebrate him exceptionally this year dedicated to him by the Holy Father.

As we celebrate him, we thank God for the gift of such a holy man to our world. The word of God calls him the righteous man. Today's Gospel translation calls him the just man. Let us ponder on what it means to be a just man. What does it take to be just? What are the requirements and credentials of a person said to be just?

A just man like Joseph is one who will not do certain things because they are not pleasing to God.  He is one who considers the feelings of others. He is one who tries to see from the spectacles of God. He is one who desires to do the will of God. He does not allow emotions and sentiments or what people would say to make him go contrary to what God says about every situation. When he is confused, he hurries to God for direction. He is a man tempted like others, but he chooses not to disobey God.

A just man fulfils the roles given to him by God. He lives his life responsibly and accountably. Joseph did not fail in these regards. He took absolute care of the Holy Family keeping them free and safe from attacks.

A just man doesn't talk carelessly. Joseph never uttered a word. He is a silent achiever. He is a man who allows God to increase and chooses to reduce himself in God. He is meditative and reflective. These explain while he was able to hear the angel's voice most of the time. He is an exemplary personality whose actions speak louder than his voice. He is a good leader and protector, not attracting problems but ready to fight them with the spiritual weapons when the time comes. He is a man who relinquished his name for God's name to be heard louder and clearer. He gave up his fatherhood for God's Fatherhood to be manifested. From him we learn to give up our worth and pray God to give value to our little worth.

Let us aspire to live justly and impeccably before God. Let us endeavour like Joseph to give God chance to use us to manifest his glory. Let learn to be humble and chaste. Let us be inspired to take up the tasks given to us by God and to account well for all that Lord has given to us: our children, wife, husband, talents, opportunities etc. Let us not feel ashamed to be known with simplicity. Let us bear witness to God, not just with words but with lifestyles like Joseph. These will make us just before the Lord. Let us not worry about the honour and fame of the world but be much concerned with God's expectations on us and be ready to bow out when we have achieved it.

Joseph is a good model for the youth facing crises in relationship, in spiritual life, in economic matters etc. He won his title 'just man' as a young man. What title will you win today as a young boy or girl? He continued to live out his righteousness as a Father and husband. He played the Father role perfectly to Jesus that people never knew he was not the biological Father. He played the husband role respectfully and in a caring manner to Mary that even in difficult moments she experienced what true love meant.

Joseph is indeed an important figure for us all in the Church: The celibates, the married, the single, the searching, the troubled, the persecuted, the tempted, the insulted, the humiliated, the exiled, the terrified etc. But the message is that in all these he remained a man who pleased the Lord. We all can please the Lord, live righteously and die a happy holy death in the Lord even in all these circumstances of our existence and be numbered among the saints in heave.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, we thank You for the special gift of St. Joseph to us. Help us to emulate him in living a holy life. Give us the grace to carry out all the tasks you have entrusted to us. May we overcome the temptation of losing faith and entering into the trap of the evil one. Protect us and protect Your Church, guard and defend our families and friends through the powerful intercessions of St Joseph. These we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen

God bless your day.

Happy solemnity of St. Joseph.

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

Reflection on the Gospel of Thursday Week 4 of Lent by Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 

MAKE ROOM FOR GOD'S WORD IN YOUR HEART

Image from: VINE AND BRANCH WORLD MINISTRIES.COM | Church without walls taking the World one soul at a time

(John 5: 31-47)

Jesus berates the Jews for not accepting the clear testimonies about Him. He decries the fact that they failed to acknowledge his works, to listen to His Father's voice and to understand even the writings about Him. Thus, He observed that the word of God was not in them: And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness to me. His voice you never heard, his form you have never seen; and you do not have his word abiding in you.

It is unfortunate that Christians live without the word of God abiding in them. This is because, according to the word of God today, we do not have the love of God within us. Jesus would say, if you love me, keep my words. Do you really love God and His word?  Do you really take the testimonies in the scripture about God and His works through Christ seriously? Do you find out time to meditate and marvel at the wondrous doings of the Lord, the salvation through Christ and His desire to make you an abode for His dwelling?

This season of Lent is a good time provided by the Church for us to appreciate the word and work of God. When we hear and read the word of God, we allow it to influence the works we do, we bear testimony to the goodness of God to people around us.

To make room for the word of God in our hearts we must rid it of all forms of evil occupants: wickedness, greed, jealousy, bitterness, hate, sexual immorality, dishonesty, cheating etc.

 When we remove all these, God's word will find in us a befitting dwelling and will bear fruits of love, generosity, holiness, righteousness and all will glorify the God who lives in us.

LET US PRAY

Holy Spirit of God, open our hearts to hear the word of God and keep it. Help us to remove everything that doesn't give you glory in our lives. Grant that the Word may dwell in us, inspire us and help us to bear testimony through our actions now and for ever. Amen

God bless your Thursday (4th Week of Lent)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh