Tuesday of 28^th Week, Year II: reflection

Theme: You have been liberated by Christ; don’t subject yourself to the yoke of slavery again (Gal5:1)

Readings: Gal 5:1-6; Lk 11:37-41

In the first reading of today, St. Paul reminded his fellow Christians in Galatia of what Christ has done in their lives through His death and resurrection. He told them that Christ had liberated humanity from sin and slavery to the evil one through His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead, and that all Christians benefit from the liberation won by Christ through baptism and faith in Christ. Therefore, he warned them never to drag themselves back to the very yoke of slavery from which Christ had liberated them. 

Dear friends, through our baptism, we were buried with Christ, washed clean, and set free from the grip of the evil one; and through our participation in the sacrament of reconciliation, Christ continues to purify us from our daily imperfections. It is His will that our entire life should reflect the freedom he won for us and the purity he bestows on us through the sacraments.

Unlike the Pharisees, who rather paid attention to external purity and external observance of the religious laws and practices while leaving their internal lives rotten and dark, as was seen from the accusation Jesus made against them in today’s gospel, we are invited to pay attention to both our internal and external purity.

There is nothing wrong with being neat externally: bathing with good and expensive soaps, dressing well, using expensive perfumes, keeping our environment neat, etc. However, there is everything wrong with being neat externally and dirty internally. We should, therefore, pay as much attention to our internal life as to the external. By soiling our inner lives through sin, we return to the yoke of slavery from which Christ had liberated us. But when our internal and external selves are pure, we will exude the fragrance of Christ.

May your Tuesday be blessed, Amen

Fr Isaac Chima

 28^th SUNDAY, YEAR B: HOMILY BY FR. JUSTIN ADIELE

THEME: “HOW HARD AND EASY FOR THE RICH TO ENTER INTO HEAVEN”

INTRODUCTION

Horace Mann once said to his first graduating class at Antioch in the late 1850s, “Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity.” My dear friends in Christ, there are no greater ways to win victory for humanity more than through the gospel message; then through the wealth and riches of this world. Both tools can be used to bring/win physical and spiritual liberation/salvation for humanity. Jesus united the two today as means of inheriting eternal life. Sadly, not many possess the wisdom/art to utilize wealth/riches to win heaven for themselves.

 

THE FIRST READING (WIS. 7: 7 – 11)

In the first reading, we are meant to understand that one really needs the wisdom and understanding from above to live this life to a salvific end. And we must desire and seek this wisdom above everything else. Sceptres, thrones, gold, silver, health, beauty and wealth, all need the guidance of wisdom from God to lead man to a glorious eternity. And without this wisdom and direction from God every other thing no matter how precious they are, may not come out good for man. Without God’s wisdom, sceptres and thrones have been abused to the damnation of many kings and princes; gold and silver have been exchanged for human life; beauty, health, power and earthly riches have been used for devilish and oppressive ends, and to the mortgage of many human souls. Wisdom is profitable to direct the use every other treasure for man’s ultimate good.

 

THE SECOND READING (HEB. 4: 12 – 13)

In the second reading, the author extoled the Word of God as living and active; but then, is it really alive and active in the hearts of all men/women, or just some? Is the Word living and active in the rich and poor alike? This Word of God also stands as/for the wisdom of God that helps us to discern the thoughts and intentions of our hearts; to discern what we do with our sceptres, thrones, gold, silver, wealth/riches, etc., especially for the good of humanity.

 

THE GOSPEL READING (MK. 10: 17 – 30)

In the gospel reading, a wealthy young man came to Jesus to inquire what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus handed him the ten Words or Commandments of God as a guide. Thanks to the young man who initially showed determination to do more than the Ten Commandments, but failed at last. Thanks to him as well that today, we now know that eternal life requires more than just literarily keeping the Ten Commandments. You must win something for humanity (especially the poor and less privileged) with your riches, your powers, your position etc. We must learn how to serve God and humanity in true charity.

 

CONCLUSION:

Jesus said today; “How hard it will be for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” But in actual sense it could be rather easier for the rich/influential to make heaven, if only they would learn how to detach from their riches; and how to use their riches to help/build humanity rather than using their riches/influence to sponsor crimes, wars, terrorism, corruption, and to sponsor human, racial, political, religious or moral apartheid.

 

Happy Sunday!

Fr. Justin

28^th Sunday, Year B: Homily by Fr. Isaac Chima

Theme: Choosing Christ above every other thing

Readings: Wis. 7:7-11; Heb. 4:12-13; Mk 10:17-30

Dear friends in Christ, our world is full of beautiful things despite the difficulties it poses most times. But the church invites us through the readings of today to choose Christ above all the beautiful and sweet things of the world if we want to inherit eternal life because to have Him is to possess all other things and even more, but to lose Him is to lose both the beautiful and sweet things of the world and ourselves.

In the gospel of today, Jesus told the young man who wanted to inherit eternal life to go and sell everything he owned, give the money to the poor, and come and follow Him so that he will gain eternal life. What Jesus told him to do about his material possession was very difficult, and the young man departed in anger. But that was the only option Christ had for him and for all those who would wish to follow Him. And that was exactly what His disciples did. They left all their material inheritance and followed Jesus. After the death of Jesus, they didn’t return home to take back their possessions; rather, they went from place to place, preaching the gospel.

Priests and religious are also following this order from Christ; that is why they must leave their family and inheritance and focus their entire life and attention on building up the Church, the kingdom of God here on earth. Their attention is not on being materially rich; their material sustenance comes from the lay faithful.

But what should the lay faithful do? Does this command of Christ about material possession, as well as His warning that it will be difficult for those who are rich to enter the kingdom of God, also apply to them, since they need material possessions to sustain their families, govern the world, and support the church? The answer is ‘yes’. But should they abandon or sell off their material possessions in order to follow Christ the way priests and religious are required to do? The answer is ‘no’. Then, what should the lay people do to be faithful to the command of Christ about abandoning material possessions and following Him?

The answer is that the lay faithful should sell their possession, and follow Christ, not selling these possessions in the literal sense, but rather in the symbolic sense. This means the lay faithful who want to follow Christ and inherit the kingdom of God should keep their possessions but must do these two things.

First, they must put Jesus and His demands above their material possessions; they must give priority to Jesus over their material possessions. This means that whenever what it takes to be materially rich and the attention material possession demands come in conflict with what Jesus commanded us to do and the attention that should be given to Jesus, the lay faithful, as well as everyone, should give priority to Jesus and his commands. This is the teaching at the heart of the first reading.

This reading told us what Solomon did when he was faced with the option of choosing between wealth, power, and wisdom. Instead of choosing wealth and power over God, as many people are doing in our world nowadays, Solomon chose wisdom, the wisdom of God, which enables us to value heavenly riches above earthly gains. The author, therefore, advised his people and us to do the same, to choose God above all the choices that the material world offers.

Whenever someone chooses God above the beautiful things that the material world offers, many people often regard him as foolish and unreal, especially those who think that attending to their businesses or relaxing at home or in the bars is better than going to Church on Sundays, those who think that the teachings of Christ should not be applied when doing business and politics, and those who think that people who want to be rich and enjoy their life should push Christian faith aside and live their life the way they deem fit. These people do think that it is impossible for those who have given Christ priority in their lives to be rich and happy in this world. Indeed, it appears impossible in the eyes of men, but all things are possible with God, according to Jesus in today’s gospel.

The second thing the lay faithful should do to be faithful to the command of Jesus regarding material possessions is that they must be prepared to put their material and non-material possessions at the service of God, the church, and the poor. This means that whenever they are called to put their talents, possessions, and time at the service of the Church and the poor, they should do so willingly and generously.

We should remember that despite the fact that the young man that came to Jesus had observed all the commandments given by Moses, something was still lacking in him; he lacked good service to the poor. So, it is never enough to observe all the prohibitions listed in commandments; whoever wants to inherit the kingdom of God also needs to recognize Jesus in the poor and in the Church and offer Him good services by serving the poor and the Church.

Happy Sunday and peace be with you.

Fr Isaac C Chima.

 28^TH SUNDAY, YEAR B: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH

THEME: THE CHOICE BETWEEN LEAVING AND LIVING; LEAVING SAD OR LIVING GLAD

(Mark 10:17-30)

The gospel of today is a beautiful story about a person with a lovely beginning who is in the quest for an everlasting living. The beauty of the narrative is seen in the sincere manner at which the rich young man approached Jesus concerning what to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus gave him a list of some of the requirements. He acknowledged having kept all these from his youth. Wow, interesting. Jesus looked steadily on him and loved him. Jesus loved him because he wasn't mincing words. He actually kept all these commandments. Jesus is very happy at the efforts we make to be good. Our sincere struggle to be good gives him joy. But he wishes that we do not relax at the good we think we are doing till they become better as the day go by.

That was another reason why He loved this young man. Even as he was doing all these he still inquired into what else is needed for him to be better. If the above last reason was his motive Jesus was and should of course give him kudos for his quest. But if on the other hand his whole race towards Jesus, his kneeling at his feet and his asking that question was just to be given an immediate promotion into the kingdom of God, then he is going to be disappointed. How often do we want to be celebrated for our achievements? How often do you feel sad when you're required to do it right by your superiors and guardians?

When Jesus after loving this young man told him what was remaining for him to gain eternal life, his countenance changed, the smile on his face went on exile, the love he possessed for Jesus was aborted. He gave up the quest, he chose death instead of this type of life. He left sad. He queried: What is living without having? What is life without money? What is health without wealth? what is ability without necessary amenities?

He was blinded by his wealth. He came for enlightenment and left with darkness. He came happy and instead of leaving happier he left worse. We sing: "when I come into your presence am so happy..." This man came and saw happiness but chose sadness. May this never be your portion.

The Lord today is placing before you joy, goodness and Life. Choose life and live. What are the riches in your life stopping you from entering into life everlasting? Are you taking these haves as end in themselves? Are you not supposed to use them to buy yourself what wealth in the real sense cannot buy? Do you realise that the things that distract you from focusing on eternity are supposed to help you realise eternity? Why have you decided to be bought over by things you are expected by Christ to sell in order to have life? The Lord Jesus doesn't want you to drown in the ocean of ephemerals. He rather wishes you have life and have it in abundance.

BLESSINGS

As you make the great choice to live today may God help you to leave everything that hinders you from achieving life. May you not leave from today's Eucharistic celebration sad. May you be glad and glorify the Lord with the riches he has given you. And may heaven be your eternal reward. May your beautiful beginnings bring you to a beautiful end through Christ our Lord. Amen.

HAPPY SUNDAY TO YOU (28th Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr B)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 Friday of 27^th Week, Year II: reflection

Theme: Don’t demonize the good deeds of those who don’t agree with you

Reading: Lk 11:15-26

Dear friends in Christ, one of the lessons from today’s gospel reading is a warning to stop demonizing the good deeds of others, even if they don’t agree with us on certain aspects of life and faith. Jesus had just healed a man tormented by an evil spirit. Instead of acknowledging His good deed and perhaps rejoicing with the man who had regained his freedom, some Pharisees, out of jealousy, decided to change the narrative, spreading the malicious slander that He was collaborating with Beelzebul, head of the devils, to cast out smaller devils.

Some of the challenges that many families, towns, groups, and organizations face today are either the result of or are centered on the issue depicted in today's gospel. Some people are willing to do whatever it takes to discredit any good that comes from another source because they believe that good things should only come from them or from any group to which they belong. If they are unable to eliminate the person involved, they start a smear campaign against his good deeds, making sure they make all his good deeds look evil or worthy of contempt.

Dear friends, we are human beings with different perspectives on life and different choices, and we cannot all agree on everything. However, this does not mean we should regard those who disagree with us as devils or demonize their good deeds simply because they disagree with us or don’t belong to the same group with us. Our focus should be to do good always and to acknowledge this good wherever we see it. When we oppose the good deeds of others, we fight against the Summum Bonum.

May your Friday be blessed.

Fr. Isaac C. Chima

Wednesday of 27^th Week, Year II: reflection

Theme: Fidelity to the gospel in both words and deeds

Reading: Gal 2:1-2,7-14

According to today’s first reading, Paul rebuked Peter when they were at table in Antioch. The reason for Paul’s action and what he told Peter could help us in our mission to evangelize our brothers, sisters and friends.

At the heart of the trouble in the early Christian community of Antioch was the wrong teaching by some Jews that the Gentile converts must also observe all the laws of Moses, including circumcision, if they wanted to be true believers in Christ. However, when the apostles and St Paul weighed in, the Gentiles were told not to subject themselves to circumcision, since they were already adults. They were rather taught that faith in Christ was supreme, and that they should also refrain from practices that go contrary to the message of the gospel and God’s commandments as given by Moses. Although this stance was accepted by everyone, it probably didn’t go down well with some Jewish Christians.

While Peter was at table with the uncircumcised Gentiles of Antioch, some Jews entered the dining room and Peter stopped eating as soon as he saw them, possibly to avoid offending his fellow Jews who had not fully accepted the position of the apostles regarding the inclusion of gentiles into Christianity without having them circumcised. There and then, Paul rebuked him for such cowardly act saying: “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews.” (Gal 2:14). Paul meant that if Peter continued to live the same cowardly life as the Gentiles, he would be unable to win them over.

Dear friends, St Paul’s advice is deep and compelling. It challenges us to assess the image of Christianity our actions are presenting to those we have been sent to convert, as well as the impression we are making in them. If our actions do not reflect the message that we preach, we can’t convince them that Christianity is a true religion; in fact, we will be indirectly telling them that what we preach is not practicable. If we still soak ourselves in the same lifestyle that we want them to exit from, or even live worse than them, it will be difficult to convince them that Christianity offers a better lifestyle than theirs. Therefore, let us match all our words with good deeds everywhere we go.  

May God’s blessings and favours be yours this Wednesday, Amen.

Fr Isaac Chima.

 Monday of 27^th Week, Year II: reflection

Theme: Beware of those who preach a gospel contrary to Christ’s (Gal. 1:9)

Reading: Galatians 1:6-12

Since the early days of the church, her leaders have never failed to correct erroneous teachings, rebuke those who taught and spread them, and warn Christians to be on their guard so that they will not be deceived and misled. They do all these because of their conviction that God gave them the vocation/mandate to help their brothers and sisters who have accepted Jesus in saving their souls, and that God will judge them according to how well they performed this function.

It is good to note that the letters of St Paul and those of the apostles were written to address and correct problems and doctrinal errors that came up in the communities founded by them and their followers. So, when the leaders of the Church of our days raise their voices or write to correct errors in the Church and rebuke false preachers, we should know that they are performing their leadership role.

In today’s first reading, St Paul wrote to the Galatians in order to bring back to the true faith and practice Christians who were being misled by those who were preaching a false gospel, a gospel that was contrary to the one for which Christ died on the cross. Paul warned Galatian Christians to stay away from such people, for they were after their own benefits.

Preachers of false gospel (those who preach a message that makes their pockets bigger and advance their other personal interests) are still present in our own time; in fact, their number has increased. They often change their masks and tactics, but still with the same message. They preach what the people want to hear and smile home with big pockets. St Paul warns that we should beware of such people.

In today's gospel, a young man approached Jesus and asked Him a question about who his neighbour is, expecting Jesus to preach what he wanted to hear. Instead, Jesus gave him a message according to the mind of God, one that he never anticipated to hear.

True preachers don’t preach what the people would love to hear, but rather what God commanded them to preach, even if such preaching would hurt the feelings of the people. Unfortunately, many preachers today take advantage of people’s desire to hear what makes them happy by preaching to them a gospel that is not the gospel of Jesus Christ, especially the gospel of material prosperity, attacks from relatives and friends, and that of empty promises in the name of Jesus. Let us open our eyes and be on our guard.

May God bless and protect you this Week.

Fr Isaac Chima

 27^th Sunday Year B: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Theme: Recovering God’s plan for marriage union

Readings: Gen 2:18-24; Heb 2:9-11; Mk 10:2-16

Dear friends in Christ, today’s readings encourage us to rediscover the original plan of God for marriage as a beautiful union of love and life between a man and a woman for the sustenance of humanity.  Knowing God’s original design or will for marriage will help us to evaluate our current beliefs about marriage, to discover whether we have derailed or are still on track.

Marriage is among the sacraments of the Church that have faced hot attacks and turbulent waves from many people and organizations in our world, particularly in our own days. Let us touch only two of these many attacks.

One of the current waves or attacks against marriage is the project by governments of many nations, international organizations and unions, activists and social entertainers, medical practitioners and scientists to use everything within their power to redefine the term ‘marriage’. They no longer want it to be a union of love between a man and a woman (husband and wife). Rather, they want its definition to also include a union between people of the same sex as well as other queer unions. Regretfully, these people have successfully won over many nations and Christian denominations with their intense pressure. They are also pressing harder on the Catholic Church from many fronts to yield to their new definition of marriage.

Through today’s gospel, Christ invites all those who want to redefine this union instituted by God to return to God’s original design for it. He said in the beginning, God made them male and female (i.e., Adam and Eve), and not male and male or female and female. Hence, whoever supports gay unions or recognizes them as marriage is working against God’s plan for marriage and sustenance of humanity. Accepting gay unions as marriage or human right should be seen as man’s plan against God’s plan for human complementarity and sustenance of humanity.

Another serious issue that is shaking the pillars of marriage and cutting short God’s plan/will for it in our world is divorce and the many factors that lead to it. The question on whether it is right or wrong for a man to divorce his wife was at the centre of Christ’s discussion with the Pharisees in today’s gospel. Instead of giving a yes or no answer, Jesus invited the Pharisees to recall God’s original design for uniting a man and a woman, as seen in today’s first reading, so that they might answer their own question.

In today’s first reading, it was revealed that the creation of woman solved man’s first ever problems on earth, which were loneliness and a sense of incompleteness, for he did not find his match among all the creatures God created and presented before him to name. So, woman was the completion of creation, a creature whose presence in the life of man would make man complete and bring an end to his primordial problem. For this reason, a man would leave his parents and unite with his wife, and both of them will become one. So, God created woman and united her with a man in order to solve the first problem that ensued in the world and to sustain creation; a woman should be a solution and not a problem; she is a helpmate to man in finding solutions to problems.

Why did God choose a bone from a man’s rib cage to create woman rather than from his leg or head. He chose a rib, which is close to the heart, to symbolize how close these two creatures should be to themselves, loving and caring for each other, rather than a bone from the man's leg to avoid making man feel superior to the woman or a bone from the man's head to avoid making woman feel superior to man. If a woman is from a man’s rib cage, then, it means women should perform the function of the rib cage in men’s life, which is supporting them to stand straight and protecting their internal organs. A woman should help a man to stand firm and not to destroy him. Then, as a man’s hand covers the ribs, so a man should provide protection and shelter for this woman, and not to turn her into a servant or expose her to the wild world.

When a husband and wife understand God’s original design for bringing them together, they will allow mutual love and help, respect, tolerance, forgiveness, openness, sincerity and peace to lead them since these are the qualities that will help them to realize God’s dream for them. They will also realize that divorce and all the factors that contribute to it are not in their best interest. In fact they will understand that pushing themselves towards divorce means working against God’s plan for them, for it is not the will of God for any sacramental marriage to be broken. What God has joined together, no man should divide, Jesus warned.  

It is true that the actions of imperfect humans cannot really be perfect; yet, the challenges caused by imperfection in marriage can be overcome through God’s grace and Christian virtues. Problems in marriage could be resolved mutually and with godly intent to make amends.

Divorce might appear to be the right and quickest solution to marital problems, but this has proven not to be true in most cases. Divorce doesn’t often guarantee peace of mind; it doesn’t guarantee success in next marriage either. That explains why many divorced people have remarried and still divorced many times, and also why many divorced couples are yet to find their peace. Therefore, attention should be on identifying and fixing the factors that contribute to divorce. They would include inability to compromise; violence; lack of mercy, compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, peace, mutual respect and help; selfishness and greed; dishonesty; immaturity; and lack of value for God’s will. If we watch against these vices, we can save our marriages from divorce.

We sympathize with couples who are going through difficulties in their marriage, and pray for them in today’s Mass that God will grant them the grace, strength and wisdom to recover peace and love in their marital homes. Amen.

Peace be with you.

Fr Isaac Chima.

 

 27^TH SUNDAY, YEAR B: HOMILY BY FR JUSTIN ADIELE

THEME: “JOINED TO UNDERSTAND AND HELP EACH OTHER”

INTRODUCTION:

Today, the readings dwelt on the sacrament of matrimony which joins a man and a woman together as husband and wife; a union that should be fueled by love and characterized by understanding and mutual helpmate. Both spouses must continue to be useful, beneficial, relevant, and source of relief to each other. This sacrament or union is also being attributed to the union between Jesus and the Church; which is undying, enduring, inseparable and eternal.

 

THE FIRST READING (GEN. 2: 18 – 24)

The first reading proposed that it is not good that a man should be alone. The primordial background (reason) that led to the institution of marriage was to find a helper fit for man. Hence, God started creating other animals, but none was suitable as a helper fit for man. Then the woman was made to fill this gap; the gap of a helpmate. To perfectly live out the married life, couples must try to understand the word “HELPMATE”. The word “helpmate” connotes collaboration, companionship, partnership, and mutual support and assistance. Husband and wife must learn to work together as a team, or the marriage union will continue to shake and break. No party should enslave, abuse or over indulge the other. Little wonder the first reading concluded with these phrases that perfectly described how the marriage union should operate; “this at last is the bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh”; “the two become one flesh”. The simplest interpretation of these phrases is: treat your spouse as your own body, flesh, and bone. Treat her or him not even as a pet, but as you would treat yourself.

 

THE SECOND READING (HEB. 2: 9 – 11)

The second reading validated the claim that marriage is like the union between Jesus and the Church; he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified become one body and of one origin. To perfect our union with him, Jesus had to lower himself, lower than the angels up to our suffering human state; he was never ashamed to call us brethren, nor be like us. If you cannot lower yourself to your spouse level for better collaboration, then there is no need entering into marriage. A dictator, an egoist and a superiority/authority maniac will always make a mess of the marriage institution. (We all know how Jesus shared his authority and mission with his Apostles without any prejudice). Many marriages fail/crash today because some couples refuse to lower their egos/authority over their partner. Without prejudice to the head of the family, we must also cultivate and maintain the atmosphere of equality among couples.

 

THE GOSPEL READING (MK. 10: 2 – 16)

In the gospel reading, Jesus reiterates the indissolubility of marriage. This implies that couples should understand each other and learn how to make their marriage work out. Again the picture of little children pops up as a quality also required for marriage to endure. Having the child mentality, that is; the ability to lower our egos; the ability to relate freely and cheerfully; the inability to keep scores of wrongs; the inability to bear malice/evil, can really sustain the marriage union.

 

CONCLUSION

A couple returned from celebrating their fortieth wedding anniversary with their children and friends. In the night, the husband tried to play the chef and offered to make a late night snack for his wife. Both headed for the kitchen where the wife sat down to observe what her husband wanted to conjure. He collected ham, cheese, mustard and the last four slices of bread from the refrigerator. He carefully made two sandwiches and cut each in quarters, the way she liked them. He place one of the sandwiches on a plate and placed it in front of her. “How come you always give me the sandwich with the heel of the bread?” she said. “Forty years we have been married and you always give me the heel of the bread.” I know I have never complained before, but honey, I really hate the heel of the bread. Feeling a bit embarrassed, the husband retorted; “I always give you the heel of the bread because it’s my favorite piece.” She automatically changed from feeling offended to feeling honored. Your marriage needs communication, endurance, understanding, love, mutual service, and giving of your best to your spouse!

Happy Sunday!

Fr. Justin

https://chimaisaac.medium.com/27th-sunday-year-b-homily-by-fr-justin-adiele-d5d4b696ae3a

 27^th Sunday, Year B: Reflection by Fr Julian Ekeh

THEME: CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE IS A BLESSING: ENJOY IT!

(Mark 10:2-16)

The Church, in her wisdom, wants us to reflect on the holy union between the man and the woman. The readings of today open our eyes to the sanctity, dignity, and goodness of the Christian marriage.

In a world where people believe that 'alụjuo can go' (the couple can quit the marriage when they feel); In a society where many advisers on marriage are giving a lot of teachings to discourage people from going into it, at a time people advertise single parenting (Baby mama) and contract relationships, Jesus invites us to see the beauty of marriage.

In the midst of all the social media conferences, personal opinions, and institutionalized wrong beliefs, Jesus takes those who belong to Him aside to reveal to them the original plan of God for marriage. But before taking them aside, He was confronted with the problems facing marriage at the time.

What are the problems today that make people distrust Christian union of the man and woman?

 

MAN QUESTIONS GOD ON MARRIAGE

Many questions on Christian marriage continue to pour out from the heart of man. The Pharisees who came to Jesus today represent the many camps firing questions on the Church regarding marriage. At their own time, just as it is today, divorce was the central issue. They asked to know from Christ if it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife. They were ready to back up their claims with an authority: Moses. Jesus immediately asked them what Moses had to say on that matter. Their reply was that: Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to put her away.

At the tribunals of our various churches today, many couples are filing in papers for divorce, which is not a language of the Church. Society has made people normalize "dividing what God has joined together."

In our own African context, men will come to Jesus to ask: Is it lawful for a man to marry one wife? Is it fine for a man to keep a woman that gives him only female children? Is it okay for a man to live childless in marriage? What happens to my family name and lineage if I fail to have a son of my own?

Some other matters arising in marriage today revolve around having or not having money; can there be a happy marriage without money?

Today, some would dare to ask Jesus: Why can't we enjoy multiple sexual relationships while in marriage? Why can't you bless homosexual marriage for us? What is wrong in being married to my brother, sister, or even my dog?

The questions are numberless.

GOD'S REPLY TO MAN

Jesus Christ answered the questions on marriage by taking the people to the drawing board. Only an author can interpret his book better. Only a designer can explain his work best. Moses was not the institutor of marriage. God the creator Himself was.

Jesus, therefore, explained to them why Moses did what he did: "For your hardness of heart." Are there people still hardening their hearts to the teachings of Christ on marriage? Are there Christians forcing the powers of the Church to rewrite the injunctions on marriage? Are there people questioning why there should be a marriage course for stipulated months? Are people asking: Why must the Church discourage premarital sex? Why is it not advisable to cohabit before the marriage is blessed? Have such persons hardened their hearts persuading and pressing for their wills to be done and not the will of God as revealed in the Holy Scriptures? Are there some of them who have said: "To hell with the Church?"

The man Moses may have allowed you to have your way, but God in Christ frowns at it. Thus, He insists on what was there in the beginning.

In the beginning at Eden, God made the man and the woman one, not the man and man or woman and woman. God willed that they remained one till natural death. God willed that they enjoy the fruit of their union together. God willed that together, they may raise their children in the fear of God, to know and serve God. Over and above all, God willed that they love each other unconditionally and that this should be the basis of their union. Thus, whether good or bad, in poverty or riches, in good health and sickness, they must cling to one another, support each other, complement themselves and feel the pains and joys of the partner always.

 

BE ENCOURAGED IN YOUR MARRIAGE

Marriage is never easy when you live it alone. It is not good for the man to be alone, says the word of God. The man here could be understood generically to embrace man and woman. Thus, alone without God in marriage, there must be problems. Next, alone without the companionship of each other, there must equally be difficulties. When Eve tried staying alone without Adam, we saw what the devil did. When Adam started going out without Eve, we saw how it ended.

 

Couples, help each other. Remain best friends to yourselves. Forgive one another many times. Talk with one another. Don't allow a gap in communication. Do not be selfish. Pray together in order to always stay together. Manage with the little you have. Make your children love you equally.

Those yet to marry, pray, open your eyes, and find the man or woman that will understand you and you, understand him or her. Be disposed to get other characters when you start living together. Dispose yourself to be tolerant. Don't be scared to marry. The grace will follow you as you journey along with the Lord. Let love lead.

 

BENEDICTION

May the Lord bless and keep your unions.

May you live together happily to old age. May no one snatch your husband or wife away from you. May God give you the grace to face the challenges you encounter in your marriage. May we all encourage married people and give them the spiritual support they need to enjoy their marriage. May the youths desiring marriage find the husbands and wives of their dreams in accordance with the will of God. May the hardship and difficulties, together with the erroneous teachings in our world today, not destroy the joy and the institution of marriage through Christ our Lord. Amen

Happy Sunday (27th Week, Ordinary Time, Yr B)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

 Friday of 26^th Week, Year II: reflection

Theme: What we should do after receiving God’s blessings

Reading: Lk 10:13-16

Dear friends in Christ, our Lord Jesus speaks to our hearts through the gospel reading of today. He reminds us that there is a purpose for the miracles that we receive from God every day of our lives. He also reminds us that every word that comes from his mouth should be reciprocated with appropriate positive action from us. He went further to tell us that there is a prize to pay for any failure to respond positively to his miracles and calls.

The catechism of the church teaches us that God created us to know Him, to love Him, to worship Him in this world, and then be with Him in heaven. In the same way, the miracles from God are meant to bring us closer to God, to appreciate God, and to change our old and sinful ways of lives. They are meant to show us how much our God loves us and desires to draw us closer to Him. They are not meant to satisfy our quest for fantasy.

The Gospel reading of today tells us that Christ looked at the cities of Chorazìn, Bethsaida, and Capernaum where He performed most of His miracles, and when He saw their inability to respond positively to his mighty works among them, he was filled with anger. Possibly, these cities failed to understand that those miracles were meant to draw them closer to God. Instead of responding positively to the miracles of Christ, they rather continued living in their old sinful lives.

My dearest people, our God has done many miracles in our lives. That we are alive today is a miracle from God because we are not holier than the dead. Every new day is a miracle from God. That we recover any time we fell sick is a miracle from God. That we can see, walk, talk, and have other good features of our body are indications of the love of God for us. Are we really grateful to God for all these? Today’s gospel challenges us to return praises to God for all these miracles by living a holy life and helping the needy.

Secondly, the gospel reminds us that Christ expects His words to bear the fruit of repentance in our lives. In the passage we read, Christ expected His words preached to the three cities of Chorazìn, Bethsaida, and Capernaum to lead them out of their sins, but they stayed comfortable in their sins even after hearing the words that called them to repentance. My dearest people, Jesus looks at us every day to check if we are responding positively to His words. He moves around us every day to check if His words are bearing fruits of love, forgiveness, repentance, charity, and peace in us. Let us not remain comfortable in our old sinful ways of life. Let us not get used to sin as the cities in the gospel reading of today did.

Finally, Jesus reminds us that there is a prize for every failure to put His words into practice. There is a price to pay when we refuse to respond to His miracles in our lives with living a holy life. In the gospel, he proclaimed woes on the cities of Chorazìn, Bethsaida, and Capernaum; He condemned them for their hardness of heart, and for their insensitivity.

May God give us the grace to respond positively to the miracles and words of Christ. Amen

Fr Isaac Chima

 Thursday of 26^th Week, Year II: reflection

Theme: I know my Redeemer lives (Job 19:25)

Reading: Job 19:21-27

One of the things the devil does masterfully well is making people feel they have been dribbled by God whenever they are surrounded by difficulties.

Despite the extreme difficulty that Job faced and the pressures that continued to mount from his friends, he refused to succumb to the grand plan of the devil. Rather, in the passage we read in today’s Mass, he raised his voice and strongly affirmed his faith in God saying: "I know that my Redeemer lives."

Dear friends, can you raise your voice today and tell the difficulties, trials and tribulations that are pushing you to see faith in God as a scam that you know that your Redeemer lives and that he will never fail you. Tell them that as long as your Redeemer lives, you will never give up, that you will continue to keep hope alive.  

May God’s grace lead you this Thursday, Amen

Fr Isaac C. Chima.

 

 Wednesday of 26^th Week, Year II: reflection

Theme: Hardship in our lives doesn’t mean God has abandoned us

Reading: Job 9:1-12,14-16

Job's unwavering faith in God in his response to his friends in today's reading has an important lesson to teach us.

The chapter that preceded the one we read in today’s mass presented the speech of Bildad, one of Job’s friends. Bildad maintained the traditional position of Judaism that God cannot allow the just to suffer, even physical pain. He told Job that hardship only comes to those whom God has abandoned or those He is punishing for their evil deeds.  

The Jews had believed that suffering is only the portion of the wicked and evil men, that God rewards the wicked with all kinds of physical punishment for their wickedness, and that physical harm will never come to those who are just before God. They believed that God will not allow the righteous to suffer any harm because they believe in Him. By his speech, Bildad implied that Job’s physical suffering must have been the result of his wickedness and sins.

Many Christians of nowadays share the thoughts of Bildad. They believe that once someone believes in God, no hardship or physical harm can come to him. Many Christians still believe that suffering is not their portion since they believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Then, going beyond the thoughts of Bildad, these Christians believe that when a Christian experiences hardship, it is either a sign that he is not in the right church or his pastor is not a powerful man of God. To that effect, the solution they will proffer to such person is either to leave his church in search of ‘a powerful one’ or to search for powerful men of God to pray for him. For these Christians, those who believe in God and serve Him sincerely should never suffer.

But Job’s response teaches us that no one is just before God and no one has perfect knowledge of his operations because He is a mystery. Job made us to understand that suffering on earth is not a sign of God’s abandonment, failure, punishment in our lives, nor is it a sign of weak faith in Him; it is rather part and parcel of the world we live in.

May the fruits of your labour this Wednesday be abundant, Amen.

Fr. Isaac Chima.